The Meyerowitz Stories (2017)

An estranged family gathers together in New York City for an event celebrating the artistic work of their father.

Director:

Noah Baumbach

Writer:

Noah Baumbach

Stars:

Adam Sandler, Grace Van Patten, Dustin Hoffman

4 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Adam Sandler	...	Danny
Grace Van Patten	...	Eliza
Dustin Hoffman	...	Harold
Elizabeth Marvel	...	Jean
Emma Thompson	...	Maureen
Danny Flaherty	...	Marcus
Adam David Thompson	...	Brian
Ronald Peet	...	James (as Ronald Alexander Peet)
Hannah Mitchell	...	MOMA Employee
Judd Hirsch	...	L.J. Shapiro
Rebecca Miller	...	Loretta
Sigourney Weaver	...	Sigourney Weaver
David Cromer	...	Glenn Twitchell
James Hamilton	...	MOMA Guest
Josh Hamilton	...	Loretta's Friend

Storyline

An estranged family gathers together in New York City for an event celebrating the artistic work of their father.

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Plot Keywords:

new york city | written by director | female editor | netflix | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

TV-MA

Did You Know?

Trivia

This movie and Okja (2017) generated some controversy after being selected for the competition line-up of the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, due to the fact that, as Netflix productions, they wouldn't receive a theatrical release in France after the festival. Netflix did try to make a deal with French distributors and cinema chains for a limited release prior to the streaming premiere, but this was hindered by strict French laws which prevent any movie that's released in cinemas from being available on a streaming service prior to thirty-six months after the original theatrical release date. Although both movies were retained in the competition line-up, the festival did respond to the controversy by amending its rules, specifying that, starting with the 2018 edition, all filmmakers and producers submitting their work for consideration for the competition must be committed to obtaining regular theatrical distribution in France.

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Goofs

While Danny is on the phone with Eliza (who is at Bard College), he states, "I might go stay at Jean's in Rochester for a while. I'll be closer to you...". The distance between Rochester and Bard College is actually significantly greater than New York City to Bard.

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Quotes

Harold: It's called flirting when you're young. I'm not sure what it's called when you're over 70.

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Connections

References Bananas (1971)

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Soundtracks

Head to Toe
Written by Curtis Bedeau, Gerald Charles, Hugh Clarke, B-Fine (as Brian P. George), Bowlegged Lou, Paul A. George
Performed by Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam (as Lisa Lisa & The Cult Jam)

User Reviews

Witty, Realistic and Warm

This new Netflix entry that debut at Cannes is simply charming and outstanding. The Meyrowitz Stories utilises Adam Sandler in what is likely his best defined work along with the magnificent cast of Dustin Hoffman, Ben Stiller and Elizabeth Marvel. What The Meyrowitz stories does so well is to portray such a realistic yet witty dysfunctional family with a deeper discussion on sibling rivalry and the need to be wanted/needed. All wrapped up in a cozy package that is the Meyrowitz Stories.

Watching the Meyrowitz Stories certain feel this way, it is a slow unraveling of these different story lines that tie in into a beautiful bundle. While certain cut-offs of scenes may feel disruptive to some I found it well chosen and deliberate.

The performances given in this film were so relatable, familiar and hence warm and enjoyable. This viewing experience really feels like peering into someone's life and the emotions were so realistic and relatable. Once again thanks to the amazing performances, particularly the relationship/chemistry between Adam Sandler and Ben Stiller. Something that we certainly don't often get from Sandler, in fact he often has so little chemistry he is unable to create chemistry between himself and himself in his infamous work 'Jack and Jill'. So, kudos to this film, Sandler and Stiller.

I very much enjoyed the unravelling of the dysfunctional relationship caused mainly by the central patriarch of the film portrayed by Dustin Hoffman. But, then even more enjoyable is seeing the progressing of the film and the slow amending of the relationship between the characters.

I will say that one particular scene did throw me off as too edgy and unnecessary brining be out of the film and stopping the momentum that it has built up. A specific scene regarding the character of Eliza Meyrowitz(Grace Van Patten) showing Danny Meyrowitz(Adam Sandler) her film school project. On the one hand I understand that the Meyrowitz Stories is shooting on the film community but that particular scene to me just felt completely out of place and unfortunately distasteful.

Nonetheless, the film is a heartwarming and enjoyable good time.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 October 2017 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)

Filming Locations:

Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Netflix, IAC Films, Gilded Halfwing

Technical Specs

Runtime:

112 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1