Adequate performances in an inadequate storyline. The character is like a male going through midlife. She regrets motherhood. Her children are placed in dangerous situations due to her wallowing in self-pity(her son is almost killed climbing out of his car seat and out the car window). The article she is composing, which is not due till midnight, is more important than her child's birthday (which is the catalyst for most of the catastrophic chain of events in here). She asks her husband, an editor by trade, to proof her story. When he does and tells her it was unclear and weak (a critique which is proved to be spot on at the end) all she can do is leave him, the kids, and call him saying she wants a divorce. She is more attentive to the neighbor than her own children. She totally disrespects the confidentiality of her best friend for the sake of her own BLOG site. There are very few redeeming qualities to her character. For the record my wife is in complete agreement here.
27 Reviews
not worth the rent unless you hate children and or motherhood!!!
nstanisci29 January 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Parody and Reality maybe
jrneptune26 October 2018
The way it started I thought it was an amusing parody on the modern PC culture. It was a bit a awkward initially but I was focusing on the parody side. Later into the movie it wavered more on being pointless. It might have been meant to be a character study showing how motherhood and womanhood has changed and evolved for the last few generations.
The most meaningful scene I felt was delivered by an older actress who in her statement also described what the intent of the movie might have been all about.
The movie is apparently based off a book written by the director and I have not read it. I cannot say I have been inspired to read it either.
The movie is apparently based off a book written by the director and I have not read it. I cannot say I have been inspired to read it either.
Frazzled Mom--but why?
marysz27 November 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Motherhood is about a Greenwich Village mom Eliza, who is so busy taking care of her kids, her elderly next-door neighbor and feeling inadequate about the fact that she hasn't "made it" professionally that she lives a chaotic life and takes terrible care of herself and of course, for all her devotion to her kids, neglects them also. She can't take care of her kids' needs if she's not looking after her own. This is how many women live their lives, but the filmmaker did the film a disservice by setting it in the Village--it's such a wealthy neighborhood that it's hard to feel sympathy for this mom. And as for the scene where she actually invites a strange deliveryman up into her family's apartment on the day of her daughter's birthday party, no less, and dances with him is completely unbelievable for a film set in New York. Even a ditzy person like her would completely distrust strangers. As some of the other reviewers here have noted, Eliza is an immensely privileged woman who lives in one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the world. Her privilege undercuts the important message of the film, which should be about the under-appreciated and mostly invisible but enormously time-consuming job it is to raise children. If this film was made with a truly working-class setting, it would have been more believable. And even though it's supposed to be a comedy, it actually isn't particularly funny.
Motherhood. It took just £88 over its opening weekend and I was one of the Fools who went
stephengraley30 March 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Yes, £88 in the opening Weekend and i got dragged along by the wife !!!
So shall i start with the positives, its less than 90 minutes long and there we have it. Now lets start with the negatives, lousy story, poor lead character, No Humour, no point to the story, no direction and not entertaining. If it was not for Minnie Drivers Character (as brief as it is) this movie would score a massive Zero.
I really could not relate to this film, my wife and I are about to have our first child but if this is what motherhood/parenthood is like its extremely depressing. Uma Thurmans character has no character, I don't know if this was down to the writing or the acting
All i can say is 11 people in the UK watched this on opening weekend, 11. I can see why it is going to be a major flop.
So shall i start with the positives, its less than 90 minutes long and there we have it. Now lets start with the negatives, lousy story, poor lead character, No Humour, no point to the story, no direction and not entertaining. If it was not for Minnie Drivers Character (as brief as it is) this movie would score a massive Zero.
I really could not relate to this film, my wife and I are about to have our first child but if this is what motherhood/parenthood is like its extremely depressing. Uma Thurmans character has no character, I don't know if this was down to the writing or the acting
All i can say is 11 people in the UK watched this on opening weekend, 11. I can see why it is going to be a major flop.
A lot of ado about nothing
peterkowalski24 February 2010
Warning: Spoilers
It's not terribly hard to sell water to people in the desert. It's also not very hard to make a movie reflecting on hard lives of mothers and gain respect of mother who watch it. The trick is to make such movie and sell it to people who aren't mothers. This movie failed on that line. Failed miserably.
Motherhood is a long (it seems) movie about a mother that has to do it all. She tries to be a great mother, she tries to run errands, she tries to revive a dying career, she tries to take care of her elderly neighbor, and most of all, she tries to find peace of mind and justice in the world seemingly unsuited for mothers like her. If it doesn't sound original to you at this point, it's probably because it's not. And it doesn't get any better.
The problem I personally had with the movie is that I can't seem to categorize it. It's not a comedy, it's not a drama, it's not a love story, and it's definitely not a family movie. The only thing that comes to my mind is that it's perhaps a movie made for mothers who probably won't find to watch it, but if they do, it will make them feel better for a day or two.
As far as the personality goes, there really isn't any. Thurman's acting is surprisingly flat and annoying; she takes on more than she can chew just to bitch about it in her Carrie Bradshaw-like narrative bits she submits on her blog. She constantly asks the world, why can't a mother be still a person, why must she undergo a partial lobotomy and dedicate her entire life to make another happen. Well, I don't know. And if you think you'll watch the movie and find out, don't bother; no question is answered. There is no motto, no meaningful ending other than 'Gee, I really overreacted at that store today. I'm going to get up in the morning and be a better mother to my children'. I believe the answer could be, don't be mad, but...Nobody forced you to have a kid. Or two, for that matter.
Motherhood is extremely disappointing as a movie, especially if you weren't born with an uterus; instead of trying to diminish the fact that some mothers are indeed a little psycho, it creates even a bigger gap between the men and the women, between the fathers and the mothers.
Motherhood is a long (it seems) movie about a mother that has to do it all. She tries to be a great mother, she tries to run errands, she tries to revive a dying career, she tries to take care of her elderly neighbor, and most of all, she tries to find peace of mind and justice in the world seemingly unsuited for mothers like her. If it doesn't sound original to you at this point, it's probably because it's not. And it doesn't get any better.
The problem I personally had with the movie is that I can't seem to categorize it. It's not a comedy, it's not a drama, it's not a love story, and it's definitely not a family movie. The only thing that comes to my mind is that it's perhaps a movie made for mothers who probably won't find to watch it, but if they do, it will make them feel better for a day or two.
As far as the personality goes, there really isn't any. Thurman's acting is surprisingly flat and annoying; she takes on more than she can chew just to bitch about it in her Carrie Bradshaw-like narrative bits she submits on her blog. She constantly asks the world, why can't a mother be still a person, why must she undergo a partial lobotomy and dedicate her entire life to make another happen. Well, I don't know. And if you think you'll watch the movie and find out, don't bother; no question is answered. There is no motto, no meaningful ending other than 'Gee, I really overreacted at that store today. I'm going to get up in the morning and be a better mother to my children'. I believe the answer could be, don't be mad, but...Nobody forced you to have a kid. Or two, for that matter.
Motherhood is extremely disappointing as a movie, especially if you weren't born with an uterus; instead of trying to diminish the fact that some mothers are indeed a little psycho, it creates even a bigger gap between the men and the women, between the fathers and the mothers.
Motherhood redefines the word 'Insipid' *SPOILER*
Elfenluna21 June 2010
Warning: Spoilers
The character of Eliza is as thin and see-through as the dress she wears through-out. I am disappointed not only by the poor characters and holey plot but by the portray of mothers in general. Every mother outside of the main characters circle seems to be pretentious and annoying. Scratch that all the mothers in the film are annoying along with our lead who is also sallow and whiny. Eliza complains that mothers are not regarded as people, well if that's the message the writer set out to shatter during the film all she succeeded in doing was enhancing it.
The film does have some positive moments which are quite amusing. But these are drowned in Eliza's petty cry of 'It's so hard being a mummy!'. Eliza's sheer pathetic nature ruins any chance of a creditable message shining through. If the main character had been portrayed realistically it may have been partly salvaged. But Eliza comes off as having at the maturity of a school girl facing 'challenges' which have been blown out of proportion.
What challenges does this women face? A time schedule, a flight of stairs, walking a dog and losing her car. Oh dear poor darling she's had a hard day. Her reaction of trying to run away towards the end of the film is ridiculous. 'My child has the flimsy plastic plates and hastily obtained gifts she asked for she doesn't need me!' Her husband gives her a poor review, if she had previously been a professional author she surely had received worse than that.
I also found it remarkable that with her 'busy' schedule she managed to get take-away coffee, invite a strange man into her home and dance with him and go to a sale. Eliza demands through-out to be an individual not to be seen as just a 'mother'. This is perfectly justifiable but Eliza seems to merely be motivated by selfishness. The cold hard truth that the film hastily puts across is that she cannot be both. The moral I wanted to tell Eliza was that sometimes life is difficult and that when you have children they must come first like it or not. I also wanted to inform her how lucky she is. Her children are healthy, her husband doesn't use her as a football, she has a home and an income.
All in all Eliza needs to grow up.
The film doesn't not show the plight of mothers just the petty cries of well-off white women who have no idea what hardship truly is. I say she is rich because she can afford to feed her children and clothe them, buy things for herself and have a car. Some mothers believe it or not don't have that. I wonder how Eliza would cope handling their lives.
The film does have some positive moments which are quite amusing. But these are drowned in Eliza's petty cry of 'It's so hard being a mummy!'. Eliza's sheer pathetic nature ruins any chance of a creditable message shining through. If the main character had been portrayed realistically it may have been partly salvaged. But Eliza comes off as having at the maturity of a school girl facing 'challenges' which have been blown out of proportion.
What challenges does this women face? A time schedule, a flight of stairs, walking a dog and losing her car. Oh dear poor darling she's had a hard day. Her reaction of trying to run away towards the end of the film is ridiculous. 'My child has the flimsy plastic plates and hastily obtained gifts she asked for she doesn't need me!' Her husband gives her a poor review, if she had previously been a professional author she surely had received worse than that.
I also found it remarkable that with her 'busy' schedule she managed to get take-away coffee, invite a strange man into her home and dance with him and go to a sale. Eliza demands through-out to be an individual not to be seen as just a 'mother'. This is perfectly justifiable but Eliza seems to merely be motivated by selfishness. The cold hard truth that the film hastily puts across is that she cannot be both. The moral I wanted to tell Eliza was that sometimes life is difficult and that when you have children they must come first like it or not. I also wanted to inform her how lucky she is. Her children are healthy, her husband doesn't use her as a football, she has a home and an income.
All in all Eliza needs to grow up.
The film doesn't not show the plight of mothers just the petty cries of well-off white women who have no idea what hardship truly is. I say she is rich because she can afford to feed her children and clothe them, buy things for herself and have a car. Some mothers believe it or not don't have that. I wonder how Eliza would cope handling their lives.
A truthful reflection of everyday life for many people
Gordon-1128 January 2010
This film is about a mother's hectic day, trying to fit everything she has to do in just 24 hours.
"Motherhood" details what a mother of two has to do in a day, from housework, organising her daughter's birthday party, shopping and writing. The events seem ordinary, but it successfully highlights the stress of being a mother and a housewife. It's a job that has no off office hours, no breaks and no days off. Their demands and difficulties of their roles are often underestimated and unappreciated. It reminds us that people need encouragement and acknowledgment to survive the mundane routine. It reminds us not to take love for granted.
"Motherhood" details what a mother of two has to do in a day, from housework, organising her daughter's birthday party, shopping and writing. The events seem ordinary, but it successfully highlights the stress of being a mother and a housewife. It's a job that has no off office hours, no breaks and no days off. Their demands and difficulties of their roles are often underestimated and unappreciated. It reminds us that people need encouragement and acknowledgment to survive the mundane routine. It reminds us not to take love for granted.
slight but sometimes perceptive look at harried motherhood
Buddy-518 April 2012
Eliza Welsh is what one of the characters in "Motherhood" refers to derisively as an "urban mom." That is to say a young woman who lives in an upscale part of town (in this case, Greenwich Village), has a hoard of New Age-y mom friends who obsess over the ins-and-outs of successful childrearing, and herself hosts a blog dedicated to - what else? - how to survive the rigors of young motherhood without sacrificing one's identity as a woman, as a wife and as an individual. It's a battle that Eliza seems to be losing at the moment, but at least she's giving it the old college try.
Written and directed by Katherine Dieckmann, this seriocomic tale takes place on the day before Eliza's oldest child is to turn six. Filled with mixed emotions at the event and saddled with a husband (Anthony Edwards) who seems more focused on his own needs than those of his wife, Eliza struggles with arranging a birthday party, dodging parking tickets, coping with a studio-shoot on her street, looking out for her elderly neighbor, and raising a toddler - all while trying to carve out a little time for herself to write and to do all the things adults (those without children, at least) normally do in the course of their days.
Dieckmann's screenplay is filled with both poignancy and humor as it deftly explores the life of this harried mother. Uma Thurman, in a tour-de-force performance, captures both the manic energy and utter exhaustion of the nonstop merry-go-round that her character finds herself riding on; and she is fully supported by Edwards as her husband, Minnie Driver as her closest girlfriend, and Arjun Fupta ("Nurse Jackie") as a sexy delivery boy who, for a brief moment at least, allows Eliza to let her hair down a bit and to see the heart of the vibrant, sexy, carefree woman that still beats beneath all the motherly obsessions and concerns.
Although it's ultimately a bit too slight in the drama department for it to rise much above the level of a bemusing curiosity, "Motherhood" still has some valid insights to make about its subject.
Written and directed by Katherine Dieckmann, this seriocomic tale takes place on the day before Eliza's oldest child is to turn six. Filled with mixed emotions at the event and saddled with a husband (Anthony Edwards) who seems more focused on his own needs than those of his wife, Eliza struggles with arranging a birthday party, dodging parking tickets, coping with a studio-shoot on her street, looking out for her elderly neighbor, and raising a toddler - all while trying to carve out a little time for herself to write and to do all the things adults (those without children, at least) normally do in the course of their days.
Dieckmann's screenplay is filled with both poignancy and humor as it deftly explores the life of this harried mother. Uma Thurman, in a tour-de-force performance, captures both the manic energy and utter exhaustion of the nonstop merry-go-round that her character finds herself riding on; and she is fully supported by Edwards as her husband, Minnie Driver as her closest girlfriend, and Arjun Fupta ("Nurse Jackie") as a sexy delivery boy who, for a brief moment at least, allows Eliza to let her hair down a bit and to see the heart of the vibrant, sexy, carefree woman that still beats beneath all the motherly obsessions and concerns.
Although it's ultimately a bit too slight in the drama department for it to rise much above the level of a bemusing curiosity, "Motherhood" still has some valid insights to make about its subject.
A Whiny Movie Of Little Substance
sddavis639 June 2012
If you make the mistake of reading this movie's own description, you go into it thinking that you're going to find a light-hearted, funny account of a mother trying to pull off the ultimate birthday party. The early parts of the movie seem to reinforce this, especially the encounter with the snooty neighbour and daughter who go on and on about the fabulous birthday party they had pulled off. So, you think this is going to turn into a competition to make a better birthday party. But from that point on, any sense of fun in this movie just absolutely disappears, and never reappears. This becomes a sombre movie, that really focuses more on Eliza's disillusionment with her life, her husband, the sacrifices she had to make, etc., etc. Boo hoo. You had to sacrifice something for the sake of your children and things didn't turn out exactly the way you had hoped and dreamed they would. Well, Eliza, welcome to real life. Sometimes we sacrifice and change direction for the sake of our kids. It's called parenthood - or in Eliza's case, "Motherhood."
OK. I didn't like the overall whiny tone of the movie or of Eliza's character. Setting that distaste aside, I have two fundamental problems with this: (a) it wasn't funny or even just humorous, and (b) it wasn't really interesting. There was nothing that made this story seem like a movie should be made out of it. Eliza's car got towed. Wow. Her friend got mad at her because she broke a confidence. Gee. She lost her parking spot. Tell me it ain't so! Gripping stuff. The only thing I felt compelled to watch closely was when Eliza brought the messenger in for a drink of water. You're thinking that "something" is going to happen between the two of them. I liked the way that turned out. Beyond that, the movie's really devoid of substance.
It benefits from having basically likable leads. Uma Thurman and Anthony Edwards are fine. Not a lot of chemistry between them, and the one extended kissing scene between them in the whole movie seemed quite forced and artificial. But they're likable enough. They make it watchable; they don't make it good, though. (3/10)
OK. I didn't like the overall whiny tone of the movie or of Eliza's character. Setting that distaste aside, I have two fundamental problems with this: (a) it wasn't funny or even just humorous, and (b) it wasn't really interesting. There was nothing that made this story seem like a movie should be made out of it. Eliza's car got towed. Wow. Her friend got mad at her because she broke a confidence. Gee. She lost her parking spot. Tell me it ain't so! Gripping stuff. The only thing I felt compelled to watch closely was when Eliza brought the messenger in for a drink of water. You're thinking that "something" is going to happen between the two of them. I liked the way that turned out. Beyond that, the movie's really devoid of substance.
It benefits from having basically likable leads. Uma Thurman and Anthony Edwards are fine. Not a lot of chemistry between them, and the one extended kissing scene between them in the whole movie seemed quite forced and artificial. But they're likable enough. They make it watchable; they don't make it good, though. (3/10)
Give this movie a chance
aprilynnek7 July 2010
I can relate to this film because being a mom is the hardest job I've ever tackled. This is the story of a difficult day in the life of a stay at home mom who is desperately trying to regain some piece of her identity apart from motherhood. To answer the question raised in one of the other reviews, "Is this motherhood" - Yes, it can be like that, relentless, thankless and exhausting. Personally, I found it refreshing that it was much more realistic than those spotless homes of movie families where nothing is out of place and the husband shares equally in everything family related so that everyone seems to live a perfect existence. I'm sure there are families out there where everyone cooperates and things run smoothly. There are just as many out there that have their serious flaws and unbalanced work loads and people who live right on the border of losing it when the things that go wrong seem to mount up and conspire against you to prevent you from getting even the simple things accomplished.
Maybe the reason some people have a problem with this movie is that it shows more reality than fantasy. Whatever the case, I say, judge for yourself, and see the flaws in humanity as they are. We don't always make the right decisions, sometimes we let each other down, and sometimes we can forgive each other and make things right again.
Maybe the reason some people have a problem with this movie is that it shows more reality than fantasy. Whatever the case, I say, judge for yourself, and see the flaws in humanity as they are. We don't always make the right decisions, sometimes we let each other down, and sometimes we can forgive each other and make things right again.
Idiotic and annoying. So THIS is motherhood? Come on!
hitman_198024 March 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I really disliked this movie, as it portrays an extreme situation, with people who are clearly irresponsible and aren't up to the task of properly raising a child. The husband was obviously retarded and gained a little fortune only by pure chance, which was really pathetic and didn't redeem his character at all in the end, although that was clearly what the directors intended. The entire movie is a confusing and annoying piece of trash. I'm sure such situations do exist, probably even worse, but trying to globalize this as being the usual motherhood is disgusting and discouraging to any future mother to be. I refuse to believe that the characteristics of a modern day mother is being hysterical, bitching, screaming, always dead-tired and frustrated, not to mention the father being a retarded being, showing absolutely no interest in raising a child or helping around the house. Instead, he is collecting old books, based on the idiotic hope of accidentally gaining a fortune someday which, bummer, actually happens in the end. Money clearly wasn't the main problem in this family, it was the lack of communication and team work, which remains unsolved even after the credits roll.
Avoid, if you're willing to waste your time, waste it on a bad movie that can be perceived as entertaining, which is clearly not the case here.
Avoid, if you're willing to waste your time, waste it on a bad movie that can be perceived as entertaining, which is clearly not the case here.
follow up
cj729 September 2010
I enjoyed the movie..If you aren't a parent then it will not make any sense to you. After watching the movie I sat and thought how hard my wife works, so I took her out to dinner that night.
Kudos to you hard working mothers that get it. I prefer not to dissect a movie, it may have been all over the board, in regards to a plot, but I live in California and thought, wow is parking that bad where they live?
I may not be a professional movie critic and sit on my butt all day long, but I'm a hard 60+ hour working dude that enjoys a couch, remote and a TV and I'm saying that I like the movie.
Kudos to you hard working mothers that get it. I prefer not to dissect a movie, it may have been all over the board, in regards to a plot, but I live in California and thought, wow is parking that bad where they live?
I may not be a professional movie critic and sit on my butt all day long, but I'm a hard 60+ hour working dude that enjoys a couch, remote and a TV and I'm saying that I like the movie.
Be Sympathetic
tbaskett19 November 2010
Warning: Spoilers
My wife and I enjoyed this stark picture of one mother's struggles to be the "contemporary" mom. Many will/do not like this movie, maybe because it hurts to admit that the lead couple in fact mirrors (in a Picasso-ish way) a lot of us parents these days. Despite the title, Motherhood is not trying to be a "universal portrait," but rather a particularized snapshot that might show broad themes. The characters are essentially caring, "liberal," broad-minded people trying to squeeze all of their ideals into what is necessarily an extremely limiting and oftentimes frustrating enterprise for most human beings -- parenthood. If you live in a big, popular, cosmopolitan city -- for the sake of the culture, diversity and tight-knit neighborliness -- then parking will be a problem. If you submit to your child's wish to have a "theme" birthday -- then you might be harried with providing that, in said city, particularly if you have sneaking suspicion that it's overkill anyway . If you want to be writers, pursuing a life of the mind -- well, that may not neatly coincide with making the kids' breakfast every morning and consistently attending their school functions. The movie simply presents this conundrum -- a picture of the humanity-loving folks among us who turn out to act quite frazzled and nasty when mugged by Reality -- all without judging. Yes, the characters have "bitten off more than they can chew," but haven't so many of us done the same, at least sometimes in some areas of life? It may be dispiriting to watch, but it's real.
The message of the movie seems to be that parenthood (particular motherhood) demands sacrifices that some of us make less easily than others -- but that everyone is indeed trying their best. I found Anthony Edwards' husband character quite relatable -- a wee bit unaware, but absolutely loving and supportive in the ways he does understand. This couple (again, like many others) seem almost too similar to one another, thus lacking the balance necessary to make those "ideal" families flow so swimmingly. The living room dance-scene with the stranger almost broke my heart. How many parents have pined over the loss of what they thought was their individuality -- but then also felt guilty and selfish for even thinking that? I could go on...
Suffice it to say that Motherhood's rambling unrealism (a kind of Impressionism) calls up some uncomfortable realities of our post-feminist life; it gets under the skin, and cuts a bit close to the bone -- apparently too close for some folks' comfort.
The message of the movie seems to be that parenthood (particular motherhood) demands sacrifices that some of us make less easily than others -- but that everyone is indeed trying their best. I found Anthony Edwards' husband character quite relatable -- a wee bit unaware, but absolutely loving and supportive in the ways he does understand. This couple (again, like many others) seem almost too similar to one another, thus lacking the balance necessary to make those "ideal" families flow so swimmingly. The living room dance-scene with the stranger almost broke my heart. How many parents have pined over the loss of what they thought was their individuality -- but then also felt guilty and selfish for even thinking that? I could go on...
Suffice it to say that Motherhood's rambling unrealism (a kind of Impressionism) calls up some uncomfortable realities of our post-feminist life; it gets under the skin, and cuts a bit close to the bone -- apparently too close for some folks' comfort.
How many movies about being a parent do we need?
craigman-herring25 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
My wife and I rented this the other night from the movie machine at Publix. I really had no interest in seeing it, but decided to give it the benefit of the doubt. I like Uma Thurman, and always found her sexy, sagging boobs and all. She seems like a competent enough actress, but she definitely has had the lions share of bombs, going back to Even Cowgirls Get The Blues, Gattaca, etc.
In this movie, like billions before, it is set in Manhattan, which I am really quite sick of. The first few minutes of the film, in which we see Uma shambling around a shabby apartment, seemed kind of creepy, like a PSA for depression. The film is very uneven and can't be called a comedy, and really didn't seem like a drama or love story. If anything, it shows the average New Yorker as quite annoying and unlikable. Uma's character whines about not having time to do anything, even though she does not have a job and creates extra work for herself, like giving her elderly neighbor orange juice. She writes meaningless Blogs, Carrie Bradshaw- style, in the "little slices of free time" she has. She runs around like a crazy person, trying to prepare for her daughter's birthday, obsessing bizarrely over the fact that the day is the "last day my daughter will be 5". WTF was that all about? Also, why does she wait until the last minute to prepare for the party? She seems to want to be a victim, to be able to complain incessantly about the "hardships of being a mother". Like other posters said, having children is a choice (usually). Nobody forced her to have two kids, and a dog she doesn't clean up after!
I am sick of so many unoriginal movies about parenthood. Why doesn't Hollywood do something original (fat chance) and actually portray a couple that cannot have kids? The fact that this movie flopped so badly is a good indication that people are sick of this type of movie. I will give this movie a little bit of credit for having the couple not be rich and I liked the Pylon song Uma and the delivery guy danced to.
In this movie, like billions before, it is set in Manhattan, which I am really quite sick of. The first few minutes of the film, in which we see Uma shambling around a shabby apartment, seemed kind of creepy, like a PSA for depression. The film is very uneven and can't be called a comedy, and really didn't seem like a drama or love story. If anything, it shows the average New Yorker as quite annoying and unlikable. Uma's character whines about not having time to do anything, even though she does not have a job and creates extra work for herself, like giving her elderly neighbor orange juice. She writes meaningless Blogs, Carrie Bradshaw- style, in the "little slices of free time" she has. She runs around like a crazy person, trying to prepare for her daughter's birthday, obsessing bizarrely over the fact that the day is the "last day my daughter will be 5". WTF was that all about? Also, why does she wait until the last minute to prepare for the party? She seems to want to be a victim, to be able to complain incessantly about the "hardships of being a mother". Like other posters said, having children is a choice (usually). Nobody forced her to have two kids, and a dog she doesn't clean up after!
I am sick of so many unoriginal movies about parenthood. Why doesn't Hollywood do something original (fat chance) and actually portray a couple that cannot have kids? The fact that this movie flopped so badly is a good indication that people are sick of this type of movie. I will give this movie a little bit of credit for having the couple not be rich and I liked the Pylon song Uma and the delivery guy danced to.
Not the best movie
mattyg12327 March 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This movie depicted the difficulties that a mother goes through when looking after 2 young children with a lack a help from her husband and the everyday stresses of city life.
What i found most annoying about this movie was that the character, well at least it seemed, created most of her 'Problems' unnecessarily. For example she took a bicycle shopping, and struggled with all the shopping bags. Why not take the bus?
The music in the movie did nothing to enhance the feeling the director was trying to portray. Instead the music hindered this. I feel a better album of music could have been chosen for emotive effect.
I do no recommend this movie and feel somewhat let down by the leading actress. She was much better in kill bill one and two.
What i found most annoying about this movie was that the character, well at least it seemed, created most of her 'Problems' unnecessarily. For example she took a bicycle shopping, and struggled with all the shopping bags. Why not take the bus?
The music in the movie did nothing to enhance the feeling the director was trying to portray. Instead the music hindered this. I feel a better album of music could have been chosen for emotive effect.
I do no recommend this movie and feel somewhat let down by the leading actress. She was much better in kill bill one and two.
A comedy without humour
MSusimetsa5 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I started watching this movie with more or less open mind, except for the fact that the genre was said to be "comedy". Therefore, I expected a humorous description of the life of a mother. Unfortunately, Motherhood failed completely for me. There was no humour at all, unless you count a couple of forced unfunny jokes. But there wasn't enough drama to call this a drama either. It seems to me that the director/writers did not actually know what they were making and someone in marketing decided to call it humour.
Now to the spoilers: For the first hour or so, the movie showed Uma Thurman running errands and blogging and encountering various sorts of people. Running errands may be part of motherhood, but it certainly is only a small part of it. Then, for the last half an hour, the movie focused on light drama as the blogging mother finally finds a way to describe what motherhood means to her (while the father is having fun with the kids and spending time with them). Unfortunately, none of what she ends up describing was ever shown on screen - she never showed that side of motherhood to the viewers and thus her description feels empty and tagged on. A lie, in short.
I must further add that I'm a father of a two-year-old and my wife is naturally a mother. Neither of us saw anything in this movie relating to our life. Except that we are always busy, but we didn't really need to be told that. ;)
Now to the spoilers: For the first hour or so, the movie showed Uma Thurman running errands and blogging and encountering various sorts of people. Running errands may be part of motherhood, but it certainly is only a small part of it. Then, for the last half an hour, the movie focused on light drama as the blogging mother finally finds a way to describe what motherhood means to her (while the father is having fun with the kids and spending time with them). Unfortunately, none of what she ends up describing was ever shown on screen - she never showed that side of motherhood to the viewers and thus her description feels empty and tagged on. A lie, in short.
I must further add that I'm a father of a two-year-old and my wife is naturally a mother. Neither of us saw anything in this movie relating to our life. Except that we are always busy, but we didn't really need to be told that. ;)
Potential crushed by too many positives
StevePulaski28 June 2011
Motherhood has a great premise and a great lead actress, but its problem stems from the fact that it picks the wrong setting and character for a movie like this. I have been waiting for a film about a mother, of maybe two, living in a bad neighborhood on Welfare with no husband struggling to make end's meet. I don't wish that on anybody, but I feel if someone with great talent, maybe John Singleton, worked on the project it'd be a worth seeing film with a great message and great performances.
I don't see why we should have sympathy for Uma Thurman when her character is clearly just having a bad day, or a bad week. She lives in a sizable apartment in West Village, New York, has another for that matter, a good, consistent blog, and a nice family. She's doing way better than I am, yet she wants sympathy because she's been running around for one day trying to organize a birthday party for her kid.
Yes, Uma Thurman plays Eliza, a mother who is trying to give her daughter the best sixth birthday party ever. Her absent minded husband Avery (Edwards) is a classic book collector who means well, but sort of clueless. So she is left to try and construct this party by herself with numerous things going wrong.
I'm in no way saying motherhood is an easy thing. It's probably grueling some days, but enlightening on others. Eliza is simply having a bad day. When mother's have young kids, they want to give them the world on their birthdays. They want them to be happy. Planning a party for a six year old is harder than planning one for a thirteen year old. When you're six, you get what's best. When you're thirteen, you want this, that, this, that, and don't forget that.
I have minor sympathy for this slump Eliza is in, but she lives in West Village of all places. For those unfamiliar, it's a very nice and expensive Village in New York. Obviously, you're not living in a slum and are doing pretty well for yourself. Again, not to sound like I'm jealous, but if you have enough money to afford West Village, you obviously have enough money to work something out for your daughter's party.
Despite comments online, I went into Motherhood with my head held high. I thought it might surpass some of the extreme hate it's getting on some sites. Then when I saw character development is weak, the realism among Eliza's friends is slim, and Uma Thurman's appearance in almost every shot of this movie when she isn't playing that great of a character, I lost interest fast.
Starring: Uma Thurman and Anthony Edwards. Directed by: Katherine Dieckmann.
I don't see why we should have sympathy for Uma Thurman when her character is clearly just having a bad day, or a bad week. She lives in a sizable apartment in West Village, New York, has another for that matter, a good, consistent blog, and a nice family. She's doing way better than I am, yet she wants sympathy because she's been running around for one day trying to organize a birthday party for her kid.
Yes, Uma Thurman plays Eliza, a mother who is trying to give her daughter the best sixth birthday party ever. Her absent minded husband Avery (Edwards) is a classic book collector who means well, but sort of clueless. So she is left to try and construct this party by herself with numerous things going wrong.
I'm in no way saying motherhood is an easy thing. It's probably grueling some days, but enlightening on others. Eliza is simply having a bad day. When mother's have young kids, they want to give them the world on their birthdays. They want them to be happy. Planning a party for a six year old is harder than planning one for a thirteen year old. When you're six, you get what's best. When you're thirteen, you want this, that, this, that, and don't forget that.
I have minor sympathy for this slump Eliza is in, but she lives in West Village of all places. For those unfamiliar, it's a very nice and expensive Village in New York. Obviously, you're not living in a slum and are doing pretty well for yourself. Again, not to sound like I'm jealous, but if you have enough money to afford West Village, you obviously have enough money to work something out for your daughter's party.
Despite comments online, I went into Motherhood with my head held high. I thought it might surpass some of the extreme hate it's getting on some sites. Then when I saw character development is weak, the realism among Eliza's friends is slim, and Uma Thurman's appearance in almost every shot of this movie when she isn't playing that great of a character, I lost interest fast.
Starring: Uma Thurman and Anthony Edwards. Directed by: Katherine Dieckmann.
something completely different
gekkelex17 May 2012
Warning: Spoilers
i personally liked it and i watch loads of movies, it might not be a movie to watch in the cinema but it's more than okay to watch on DVD, i like movies that appear to be situated in cities and show a lot of the city, i don't know new york personally but liked the way it was portrayed in this movie, i also thought it was fun to watch, at least it's different than most movies
i thought it was believable that moms have those kinds of days and experience things like she did, driven to frustration by the complete situation, and feelings of being taken for granted trying to cope with being not just a mom but also a woman, must not be taken lightly i guess, it sure broadened my respect for some moms, but that's just me or is it?
i thought it was believable that moms have those kinds of days and experience things like she did, driven to frustration by the complete situation, and feelings of being taken for granted trying to cope with being not just a mom but also a woman, must not be taken lightly i guess, it sure broadened my respect for some moms, but that's just me or is it?
An Exaggerated Take On The Day To Day Struggles Of A Mom In The City
Chrysanthepop3 January 2012
Katherine Dieckmann's 'Motherhood' looks at the day in the life of city-dwelling mother Eliza Welch. Mothers could easily relate to Eliza's day-to-day struggles in being there for her family, in trying to find passion in life and in attempting to just make it through the day (although the film really does exaggerate these situations). Perhaps non-mothers, especially husbands and children who take their hardworking mothers for granted, could appreciate more of the effort and sacrifices mothers make. Many tend to see Thurman's Eliza as whiny and bitter but which mother hasn't had one of those days? Much of her frustration is also to do with the fact that she has just realized how fast her daughter is growing up and is trying to hold on to her childhood.
I did find the characterization of the Eliza's husband halfbaked. At first he appears to be this slacker jerk who doesn't do anything while the poor wife is working hard to make ends meet, then in the second half, the writer tries to make him this kind loving husband who cares about his wife and attempts to redeem him by the end twist (with the envelope). So what would have happened had he not received it? Would he have remained the frustrated jerk? It just felt forced as if the writer wanted to quickly round things up.
Uma Thurman does a decent job. She is supported well by the rest of the cast, especially Minnie Driver.
'Motherhood' does tend to be far-fetched at times. An example is the scene where Eliza tries to drive away. However, overall, it's not all that bad of a movie.
I did find the characterization of the Eliza's husband halfbaked. At first he appears to be this slacker jerk who doesn't do anything while the poor wife is working hard to make ends meet, then in the second half, the writer tries to make him this kind loving husband who cares about his wife and attempts to redeem him by the end twist (with the envelope). So what would have happened had he not received it? Would he have remained the frustrated jerk? It just felt forced as if the writer wanted to quickly round things up.
Uma Thurman does a decent job. She is supported well by the rest of the cast, especially Minnie Driver.
'Motherhood' does tend to be far-fetched at times. An example is the scene where Eliza tries to drive away. However, overall, it's not all that bad of a movie.
Stay away, nothing to see here
aa900013 August 2018
This film is just awful. How did they get all this actors to get involved is beyond me. Uma Thurman is a fine actress, but there was no way she could save this. Awful script, lousy directing and uninteresting characters.
A mother in the verge of a nervous breakdown.
luigideangeliss17 February 2010
Warning: Spoilers
A sad fact is that few – or none – movies have shown the reality of being a contemporary mother. Maybe the lack of interest about this kind of stories subsists because mothers are an excluded demographic group and their chores are still unrewarded in social and economical terms. The indie film "Motherhood", from the director Katherine Dieckmann, has the merit of being the only recent movie that has shown the perils of motherhood in a sincere and interesting way.
"Motherhood" describes one day in the life of Eliza Welsh – a geeky, bohemian and messy mommy who lives in the verge of a nervous breakdown – but it's not a regular one, it's a pretty chaotic 24 hour marathon in which several significant events converge, being the most important of them the celebration of her lovely daughter's sixth birthday. Eliza should beat many urban obstacles in order to bring into line her different roles: woman, wife, mother and writer. At some points Eliza seems conceived by her creator as a contemporary version of Mrs. Dalloway with a post-9.11 mommy turn, and it appealed me.
Uma Thurman in the main role looks exactly like a Greenwich Village's jumbled mother and the way in which she assumes the unstoppable urgencies of her character is wonderful. In the supporting roles, Anthony Edwards is excellent portraying the extremely unfocused husband, Minnie Driver looks smart and sparkling in the role of the best friend and Daisy Tahan portrays the part of Clara (Eliza's daughter) with a surprising and overwhelming naturalism.
I like the fact that Kaherine Dieckmann approaches the topic of motherhood in a candid way that rings true and feels personal. I guess that the main problem of "Motherhood" is the tone (sometimes it's uneven) but in general terms I think that the story has many truthful moments and the script delivers some wise and funny lines. The climatic moment of the movie is the terrific scene wherein Eliza explains her husband that she feels that those concrete and specific chores that mothers do – like cleaning, doing the dishes, etc. – blow away passion and the most wonderful thing of this little and entertaining movie resides in the message of the cited scene it's not about a woman regretting motherhood, actually it's about a person who desperately wants to recuperate passion.
"Motherhood" describes one day in the life of Eliza Welsh – a geeky, bohemian and messy mommy who lives in the verge of a nervous breakdown – but it's not a regular one, it's a pretty chaotic 24 hour marathon in which several significant events converge, being the most important of them the celebration of her lovely daughter's sixth birthday. Eliza should beat many urban obstacles in order to bring into line her different roles: woman, wife, mother and writer. At some points Eliza seems conceived by her creator as a contemporary version of Mrs. Dalloway with a post-9.11 mommy turn, and it appealed me.
Uma Thurman in the main role looks exactly like a Greenwich Village's jumbled mother and the way in which she assumes the unstoppable urgencies of her character is wonderful. In the supporting roles, Anthony Edwards is excellent portraying the extremely unfocused husband, Minnie Driver looks smart and sparkling in the role of the best friend and Daisy Tahan portrays the part of Clara (Eliza's daughter) with a surprising and overwhelming naturalism.
I like the fact that Kaherine Dieckmann approaches the topic of motherhood in a candid way that rings true and feels personal. I guess that the main problem of "Motherhood" is the tone (sometimes it's uneven) but in general terms I think that the story has many truthful moments and the script delivers some wise and funny lines. The climatic moment of the movie is the terrific scene wherein Eliza explains her husband that she feels that those concrete and specific chores that mothers do – like cleaning, doing the dishes, etc. – blow away passion and the most wonderful thing of this little and entertaining movie resides in the message of the cited scene it's not about a woman regretting motherhood, actually it's about a person who desperately wants to recuperate passion.
New York Mom
kosmasp15 September 2010
I don't always like the "german" titles American (or other "foreign") movies get in Germany. But in this instance, I think the title (which I wrote as my summary line) fits better than the original title. It also might get some people off the case/movie, who seem to genuinely hate the movie. I don't think, the filmmakers went out there, to show us the "ultimate" truth about parenthood (or motherhood for that matter), but just a slice of life.
Of course that doesn't mean, that the movie has no deficits. It seems a bit unbalanced and one sided at times. But it still has quite a few moments. And depending on your likings, you might nod your head in agreement or shake it in disagreement/disgust. It's definitely a movie that was made for a specific audience. Hate it or love it for it
Of course that doesn't mean, that the movie has no deficits. It seems a bit unbalanced and one sided at times. But it still has quite a few moments. And depending on your likings, you might nod your head in agreement or shake it in disagreement/disgust. It's definitely a movie that was made for a specific audience. Hate it or love it for it
A nice close up of the comings and goings of an urban mom
sammyl20021 March 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Before I saw it, I was just interested in how Ms Thurman handled this specific role of a tired "urban mom". But the film turned out to be a bit more than just about acting. Being a father of two kids of similar ages to those shown in this movie, I got pretty quickly involved into the action on the screen. While it didn't strike me as a comedy, it does contain some very typical situations you can laugh about, when looking at them as a stranger. What did strike me is cinematography, which seemed odd at first, because I didn't expect anything of the kind. Almost every shot feels sort of cramped and closed. It was literally painful to watch at certain moments. It made me experience this claustrophobic feeling, when you can't stop doing what you're doing, when you can't find a way out of this routine you feel your life has become. And I think this is brilliant. Regarding Ms Thurman acting I can only say that it fits perfectly with the pace and feel of the film. The ending seemed a bit soapy. And still, this is a movie worth watching.
A Nutshell Review: Motherhood
DICK STEEL10 January 2010
Warning: Spoilers
The Bride now becomes the Mom and that somehow didn't translate quite well for local audiences, given the limited release which so far hasn't gained much traction if going by the looks of the session I attended. Hopefully this should still find a niche market amongst the mothers here for the issues raised that would strike a chord, which is about just what Motherhood means, unless of course like Uma Thurman's Eliza, the real moms out there are too bogged down by their tasks to find time to take in a movie.
Written and directed by Katherine Dieckmann and set in Manhattan, New York, there might be a few topics and incidents raised that are location specific, but these offer a kind of slice of life peek into urban living in the big apple, and the challenges faced with raising kids in the city. For instance, I cannot fathom how parking could be that much of an issue and hassle, despite experiencing parking woes here as well in a different capacity. And being a film in NY, it has its rudimentary quirks pointing back at film that we rarely take into consideration, such as the inconveniences posed by film crews to the residents when doing location shoots, or hilarious put, the "mama"-razzis who naturally point and shoot with their cameras when a celebrity mom pass their way (look out for Jodie Foster's cameo!)
But those aside, Motherhood unfolds over a single day, following Eliza as she packs in a hectic schedule from the time she wakes up, until the time she goes to bed. It's the same for all moms I suppose, with the natural maternal instincts kicking in and their family obligations and responsibility go into overdrive to take care of, and provide. Through a single day, the story examines what Motherhood essentially means, and the multi-facets involved that just demands excellent multi-tasking skills, with each assignment for the day requiring extreme focus, from grocery shopping to picking up the kids, and worse for Eliza, having to organize a birthday party for her 6 year old Clara (Daisy Tahan).
Which is surprising that she still finds the time to blog, but that serves as therapy, and a plot device to tell all that she still can't get the writer out of her, and through an advertised contest, has taken upon herself to submit a piece on Motherhood in order to secure a regular writing column that pays well. After all, their household requires additional income to augment that of her husband's (Anthony Edwards) who seem to disappear and not lend a hand around the house – the opening montage would make some feel quite guilty – and one wonders just how much patience mothers actually have in tolerating non-assistance, or when they will actually cry out for help should they snap.
One often forget that parenting is a full time job, full of repetitive, and often menial tasks that calls for plenty of endurance, skill, and Love, a key essential ingredient without which everything else would seem quite impossible. Besides exalting the virtues of Motherhood, the film also reminds that it doesn't mean one has to give up one's dreams to take care of the family, though sacrifices are called for from time to time in parenting. Uma Thurman plays the frenzied Eliza perfectly, looking quite geeky with her spectacles, and her messy hairdo, and with that level of edginess that threatens to explode at any unsuspecting victim who unwittingly crosses her path.
But what took the cake is the hypocrisy that Eliza sometimes lapses into, which makes her all the more human and believable, and I wonder just how many of us are guilty as charged where we tend to take care of our own by expecting values out of others, yet be able to turn around and violate the same without much thought. Live and let live goes the mantra.
While not perfect and with scenes that curiously stick out, such as the extended episode with the delivery guy (Arjun Gupta) that seemed to want to suggest something of a subplot that needed to head a certain direction, then backed out, this film still has pretty much what it takes to talk about its main theme, but perhaps something more fun will be to learn about or trade stories and experiences with real moms. And save on the ticket cost, unless you're a fan of Uma Thurman of course.
Written and directed by Katherine Dieckmann and set in Manhattan, New York, there might be a few topics and incidents raised that are location specific, but these offer a kind of slice of life peek into urban living in the big apple, and the challenges faced with raising kids in the city. For instance, I cannot fathom how parking could be that much of an issue and hassle, despite experiencing parking woes here as well in a different capacity. And being a film in NY, it has its rudimentary quirks pointing back at film that we rarely take into consideration, such as the inconveniences posed by film crews to the residents when doing location shoots, or hilarious put, the "mama"-razzis who naturally point and shoot with their cameras when a celebrity mom pass their way (look out for Jodie Foster's cameo!)
But those aside, Motherhood unfolds over a single day, following Eliza as she packs in a hectic schedule from the time she wakes up, until the time she goes to bed. It's the same for all moms I suppose, with the natural maternal instincts kicking in and their family obligations and responsibility go into overdrive to take care of, and provide. Through a single day, the story examines what Motherhood essentially means, and the multi-facets involved that just demands excellent multi-tasking skills, with each assignment for the day requiring extreme focus, from grocery shopping to picking up the kids, and worse for Eliza, having to organize a birthday party for her 6 year old Clara (Daisy Tahan).
Which is surprising that she still finds the time to blog, but that serves as therapy, and a plot device to tell all that she still can't get the writer out of her, and through an advertised contest, has taken upon herself to submit a piece on Motherhood in order to secure a regular writing column that pays well. After all, their household requires additional income to augment that of her husband's (Anthony Edwards) who seem to disappear and not lend a hand around the house – the opening montage would make some feel quite guilty – and one wonders just how much patience mothers actually have in tolerating non-assistance, or when they will actually cry out for help should they snap.
One often forget that parenting is a full time job, full of repetitive, and often menial tasks that calls for plenty of endurance, skill, and Love, a key essential ingredient without which everything else would seem quite impossible. Besides exalting the virtues of Motherhood, the film also reminds that it doesn't mean one has to give up one's dreams to take care of the family, though sacrifices are called for from time to time in parenting. Uma Thurman plays the frenzied Eliza perfectly, looking quite geeky with her spectacles, and her messy hairdo, and with that level of edginess that threatens to explode at any unsuspecting victim who unwittingly crosses her path.
But what took the cake is the hypocrisy that Eliza sometimes lapses into, which makes her all the more human and believable, and I wonder just how many of us are guilty as charged where we tend to take care of our own by expecting values out of others, yet be able to turn around and violate the same without much thought. Live and let live goes the mantra.
While not perfect and with scenes that curiously stick out, such as the extended episode with the delivery guy (Arjun Gupta) that seemed to want to suggest something of a subplot that needed to head a certain direction, then backed out, this film still has pretty much what it takes to talk about its main theme, but perhaps something more fun will be to learn about or trade stories and experiences with real moms. And save on the ticket cost, unless you're a fan of Uma Thurman of course.
Horrible waste of film
sarahsmithson-060964 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This is nothing like New York. This is a stupid shallow trite boring LA girl pretending to live on New York and the stupid cow is miserable over trite petty noyhongs. All her terrible difficulties are overcome by her husband finding a book wort $24000 and the stupid trite self involved cow can suddenly write something meaningful because in a waste of film like this people always find things worth tens of thousands of dollars in the garbage and a stupid petty shallw cow is really a genius so long as her husband has money. Oh yeah the poverty struck cow gas TWO apartments in the wst village. What a total piece of crap. Everyone involved should be deeply ashamed but they probably are too shallow and stupid to have a deep emtional reaction.
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