Noah Baumbach is a great writer. He illustrated his skills in "The Squid and the Whale", "Margot at the Wedding" and "Greenberg". All of those films are demonstrations of a writer whom is in total control. One reoccurring theme of his previous work is neurosis. In his latest feature Frances Ha he drops the shackles of neurosis and depression and offers hope. Co-written and starring the show stopping and dazzling Greta Gerwig. Together they have offered a unique and artistic perspective for a 27year old woman in New York. Gerwig is vulnerable, unsure of herself, hilarious, gritty, pure, and witty. Three scenes stand out I won't spoil them. The dinner scene with the friends family, her running pirouettes, and the look between her and Sumner that she eloquently lays out earlier in the film. Baumbach has outdone himself. The collaboration with Gerwig for the second time is by far the finest motion picture he has created thus far. Some critics are upset that he chose for the movie to have no sex. I can say that the innocence is part off what makes the film a breath of fresh air. Frances will be a studied and forever cool character for years to come.
France Ha is a film that pays tribute to the golden age of French New Wave cinema. Truffaut's
"Small Change" and Goddard's "Breathless" are referenced. Baumbach is also influenced by the great Woody Allen's "Manhattan". The use of black and white is wonderful. My favorite aspect of the film is the look of New York. The perspective of the city feels fresh as channeled through Frances. The writing captures a late unestablished artist who is 27 in New York perfectly.
The film may pay homage to the classics, but like Frances it is totally unique!
No comments:
Post a Comment