The Squid and the Whale Reviews and Ratings


  • magnolia12883
    November 20, 2009
    magnolia12883
    Noah Baumbach's bitter, dry, sardonically witty dramedy is a remarkably observant portrait of a family on the brink of self-implosion. In Brooklyn in 1986, Bernard Berkman (Jeff Daniels), once a somewhat successful published author now teaching literary classes to college student...( read more)s, is becoming attracted to his racy protege (Anna Paquin). Meanwhile, his wife Joan (Laura Linney), who has had multiple sexual affairs ("nothing serious"), is carrying on with the family tennis pro (William Baldwin) and attempting to become a published author herself. These two pseudo-intellectuals' marriage is on a collision course with an apocalypse of their own creation; so where does that leave their two children? They respond in different ways. The youngest is Frank (Owen Kline, son of Kevin) who is unprepared for the revelation that his parents' marriage has fallen apart and that he will be going back and forth between them "for a while;" he tends to favor his mother, and soon is swearing up a storm, drinking beer, and masturbating and spreading his semen all over school. Meanwhile, the oldest son, Walt (Jesse Eisenberg of "Roger Dodger"), is a high school student and would-be intellectual monster in the making, skewing toward his father's side of things: he asks his opinion about class-assigned books to decide whether or not to "waste his time" on them (turns out "A Tale of Two Cities" is "minor Dickens"); he tries to impress his sweet potential first girlfriend Sophie (Halley Feiffer) by regurgitating his dad's opinions on Kafka's "Metamorphosis" and when it turns out she's actually read it, he responds: "It's very Kafkaesque," to which she quickly fires back, "Well...it's by Franz Kafka. It has to be;" he lets his father dictate that he, Walt and Sophie should skip "Short Circuit" and see something else ("I hear 'Blue Velvet' is supposed to be quite interesting"); and even claims he wrote "Hey You" by Pink Floyd - only to be caught after winning the school talent competition. The film was written and directed by Noah Baumbach, the maker of "Kicking & Screaming" (1995; not the Will Farrell kids soccer one), a tale of literary college graduates who become slackers, and the co-writer of Wes Anderson's "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" (2004). In the locations, art direction, cinematography, right down to the choice of music, Baumbach shows a sure hand at evoking a specific time, place and style of people while also paying astonishingly minute attention to the details of what divorce does to children and their parents; as a child of divorce, I could completely empathize and understand. The story, it may not shock you to discover then, is heavily autobiographical; Baumbach came from writing stock - his father was novelist Jonathan Baumbach and his mother was film critic Georgia Brown. The performances too are dead-on in their portrayal of the anger, sadness and confusion that must go on when a child is almost forced to favor one parent over another, yet must be ferried back and forth between them. This is a tough, honest, bitter and bruisingly funny look at a powder keg of a situation, and its explosion is often funny, insightful and memorable. One of the year's best films.



    NOTE: At the Toronto Film Festival, the film premiered with an 88 minute running time, but was seemingly cut for theatrical and DVD release. The film was (deservedly) a 2005 Oscar nominee for Best Original Screenplay. Baumbach, meanwhile, has since gone on to write and direct "Margot at the Wedding" (2007) with Nicole Kidman as a similarly cold would-be intellectual writer.
  • ythelastman89
    November 16, 2009
    ythelastman89
    What I think I love about this so much, is that the characters are so ruthless and dead on. Finally a movie where people aren't so nice all the time. Not one character is perfect, they're all screwed up in their own way. It makes it easier to like a character when they aren't bui...( read more)lt up to be this perfect incarnation of a human being. Everyone acts based on their own wants/needs in this movie, not the most honorable or likable actions.
  • dusthansen
    November 9, 2009
    dusthansen
    A little bit up its own ass (Wes Anderson style) but the movie is actually about a guy who is completely up his own ass so it's great that way. Cast is awesome. William Baldwin.
  • mmfz
    November 8, 2009
    mmfz
    a very honest movie O.o i'm impressed. It felt like a confession.
  • ZlatkoGR
    November 7, 2009
    ZlatkoGR
    A family dramedy that never quite hit the spot but has a very nice cast (Jeff Daniels never stops to amaze me) and did not overstate its meaning and purpose. Also, it is interesting that the parents were behaving like kids and the opposite. All in all, a well drawn movie with a f...( read more)inely written script.
  • rajiv23gooners
    November 1, 2009
    rajiv23gooners
    great movie, this is the movie which i believe has a quite complicated depth, this is the type of movie that is not enough to be seen once, i believe im not get the whole idea of this movie yet..
  • kunam88
    October 31, 2009
    kunam88
    just like, the quieter version of American Beauty.,witty and great performance from all the cast !
  • phillip316
    October 28, 2009
    phillip316
    One of Jeff Danieals best performance.
  • arthurnhk
    October 14, 2009
    arthurnhk
    a family is just not staying at the same room
  • SirPant
    September 29, 2009
    SirPant
    I hate the expression 'Coming of Age' but I guess this is what this film is but it?s not just 'Coming of age' for the young characters, everyone has growing up to do in this very sweet and honest film!
  • mimzymal1
    September 21, 2009
    mimzymal1
    this movie is soooo dumb lol
  • Suz129
    September 19, 2009
    Suz129
    Great movie...a bit painful to watch.
  • RThornhill
    September 15, 2009
    RThornhill
    Daniels and Linney are terrific. Recommended.
  • jjb3332003
    September 9, 2009
    jjb3332003
    Very good coming-of-age film with genuine acting.
  • wetzelman
    September 5, 2009
    wetzelman
    Something different for a change. Not your Hollywood blockbuster. Real people wih problems, fears and difficulties that are down to earth. A conflict within a family. Impossible to choose side because you understand them both. Only the end is quite sudden.
  • awkoppenberg
    August 31, 2009
    awkoppenberg
    This is a masterwork. Brilliantly conceieved; grainy and realistic, harsh unflinching.
    The performance given by Jeff Daniels is ...i would nearly say, the best in his long list of brilliant performances.

    Laura linney is in top form, and the two young actors (Jesse Eisenberg,...( read more) and Owen Kline...) play their parts to perfection.

    Billy baldwin, an Anna Paquin's minor roles are delightful.

    Beautifully shot in super sixteen, "squid" is a poigant and insightful film, for true movie goers.
  • hossein13
    August 17, 2009
    hossein13
    One of the very few of such comedies that I have liked. The dysfunctional family is portrayed very well and the dialogues are very real.
  • jscottcorley
    August 16, 2009
    jscottcorley
    A painfully realistic look at divorce where neither side is the bad guy. Daniels gives a standout performance.
  • brocksssssnyder
    August 11, 2009
    brocksssssnyder
    hilarious/depressing. movies that showcase the downfall of families really fuck me up. in a bad way. but cum on the lockers and bookshelves, that's what i like to see.
  • LatvianAngel
    July 24, 2009
    LatvianAngel
    Honest, awkward, sad, and funny. I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
  • treacob
    July 17, 2009
    treacob
    Not a standout for me. Disliked most of the characters. Or was that the point?
  • dbarehand
    July 4, 2009
    dbarehand
    Very good, I started to respect, Josh H. after seeing this.
  • markymarkslunggnome
    June 28, 2009
    markymarkslunggnome
    Well done movie. awkward. Had hard time enjoying it fully but I suppose it's cause I used to smear semen all over the place myself when I was younger
  • svet4
    June 23, 2009
    svet4
    Quite nice. Laura gives a good performance.
  • JeT0425
    June 13, 2009
    JeT0425
    One of the best movies of 2005. Very underrated and not known by most people. Should have won the Original Screenplay award at the Oscars, too. Noah Baumbach created an amazing film, here. Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney should also have been nominated for Oscars. This movie just b...( read more)lows me away... it's just amazing!
  • mylor007
    June 9, 2009
    mylor007
    i know its rated r, but then ive seen a lot of r rated movies, it was really good, showed (besides the sex) one of the most important things burdening the american family- divorce and all the problems that can come out of it
  • lizethlara78
    May 26, 2009
    lizethlara78
    Buena aunque un poco "cruda"!
  • jerrynation
    May 19, 2009
    jerrynation
    How real a movie can be? This express the american family. It was a great and very original screenplay.
  • Surfer567Rosa
    May 14, 2009
    Surfer567Rosa
    this is not the movie to watch if you're feeling a little unhappy and ill-humored.
  • asami1107
    April 23, 2009
    asami1107
    Everyone in the family is Holden.
  • TheresaFrench26
    April 9, 2009
    TheresaFrench26
    awesome movie the family portrayed was a little messed up but the actors were fantastic I loved it.
  • adhitr
    March 23, 2009
    adhitr
    A movie about a dysfunctional family
  • MARVELZOMBIE
    March 23, 2009
    MARVELZOMBIE
    This was a pleasant surprise. I thought it was going to be a drama and I was waaay off. It's definitely... unique.
  • ahhh1989
    March 21, 2009
    ahhh1989
    This film was simply beautiful.
  • sikamikanico
    March 12, 2009
    sikamikanico
    I make it no secret that Wes Anderson is one of my favourite directors. Every single one of his films is blisteringly unique in its storytelling and provides a fresh feel to a film that certain big blockbusters can't seem to achieve even with their luxurious budget. So his involv...( read more)ement in this film (...(read more) as the producer) is what originally attracted me to it.

    The film follows the story of two boys dealing with the divorce of their parents and the effect it has on their relationship as a family. It's the semi-autobiographical tale of writer and director, Noah Baumbach, who is also known as the co-writer of The Life Aquatic with one Wes Anderson.

    The first thing noticeable about the film is that Wes Anderson is somehow involved. However, it comes off more as a failed attempt at a parody of Wes Anderson. There are so many signature Anderson tricks in the film, from the use of obscure music to camera angles to the cinematography to the way subtle one liners are written into the scene. But none of it feels genuine and most importantly, none of it fits the feel of the film. Most of the scenes are shot hand held causing the occasional light shaky cam and unusual camera angles, and while they may come off as artistic and creative, they really didn't add anything to the film. The way it's written didn't call for that type of cinematography and it screams wanting to do it just because it looked good in another film. I've seen many indie films that were made to look like an indie film for no good reason and it's a cheap way of trying to create a style for a film.

    I was surprised a lot by how the films story was told. A lot of the time a scene happens, but nothing comes of it in terms of emotional build. Dramatic things happen in scenes, although you feel like you've just been told what happens and don't have to have an opinion on it, so it's not really a story being told, more so just stating what is happening without explaining the effects of it happening. There are many very short scenes, no longer than 15-20 seconds that are used to establish a character and how their actions influence the other 3 members of the family, but the way they're placed into the film, often cut into quickly after very intense scenes, it comes off as quite awkward and gives no time to really let anything sink in. I would say that was the films biggest problem; a lack of emotional connection. There are a few times in the film where something happens with a character that has been built up through the film, such as Frank's masturbating, yet nothing is ever accomplished out of it so there's no payoff, which leaves you feeling empty and unmoved. There are several things that are quite far fetched and not explained enough to really believe, like Frank drinking alcohol, being left alone for 3 days and not worrying and even his masturbating in school. I also felt that Joan wasn't written very well nor established enough from Bernard. It appears Baumbach focused more on Bernard's relationship with the kids than Joan's and it gave an uneven portrayal of the story.

    The film doesn't hold back on its portrayal of childish parenting though. There are nany powerful scene and this has a lot to do with the fantastic all round effort by the actors. Everyone was great in their role and added a lot to the characters as some were written quite one-dimensional. I was especially impressed with Jeff Daniels as Bernard and his relationship with Walt, I thought that was the glue of the film that held it together and was always progressing and adding to the film. Walt being so engrossed and impressed with his fathers career as a writer without even reading his books and taking every opinion he has as gospel so he never has to form his own, it's played out in the film very well and how it comes back to hurt Walt in his social life. There were many character relationship progressions I liked, but some changed so quickly without any explanation, like Frank and Joan, it was hard to keep up with how they felt and how this made you feel.

    There's certainly a lot to like about The Squid And The Whale, but I don't think it was as original or poignant as it tries to be. Those two factors rely on simplicity and subtlety to be effective and this film lacks both those qualities. Many people here would enjoy it though, but I believe there are far more creative indie films out there that hit harder and certainly provide bigger laughs.
  • 339z
    March 12, 2009
    339z
    well umn just seen this movie 4 the 1st time n think that this is a good movie 2 watch..its got a great cast of actors/actressess throughout this movie...i think that the director of this Drama, Art House & International movie had done a good job of directing this movie because y...( read more)ou never know what 2 expect throughout this movie..its a enjoyable movie 2 watch its really good n its got a great cast throughout this movie
  • lardboy69
    March 9, 2009
    lardboy69
    Good good good good! like like it!
  • her69eyes
    March 4, 2009
    her69eyes
    I first saw "The Squid and the Whale" a few years ago, and although I liked it I wasn't left with much of an impression. Now, revisiting it, i'm stunned that I didn't react more positively. The film, as a family drama, is never manipulative, nor are the characters simplified into...( read more) archetypes. They're real, flawed people. And as much as it works as a drama, it works tenfold as a comedy. Some of the biggest laughs that I can remember in quite some time are all within the mere 80 minutes of the film. And for every laugh there's a moment of clarity, or one of those little touches that make you smile because the screenwriter just "gets it". "The Squid and the Whale" is a very minor glimpse into the stereotypical dysfunctional family, but it's perhaps one of the most refreshing and memorable films in it's genre to come out in the past few years.

    "The Squid and the Whale", Noah Baumbach's third film, takes place in 1986 Brooklyn. Bernard Berkman (Jeff Daniels) and Joan Berkman (Laura Linney) are undergoing a divorce, and their two sons, Walt (Jesse Eisenberg) and Frank (Owen Kline), are left to pick sides. From the brilliant opening sequence of a tennis match, the battle lines are clear - Walt admires his self-obsessed father, whereas Frank is more comfortable with his mother.

    Much of the film is spent following the 16-year-old Walt, who underplays his own brilliance by repeating everything his father says. He writes one of the best papers on "The Great Gatsby" in class, however it's unclear that he ever read the book for himself. Walt knows it's a great book because his father said it's Fitzgerald's masterpiece. "A Tale of Two Cities", on the other hand, is simply minor Dickens. My favorite line was when he referred to "The Metamorphosis" as Kafkaesque.

    But the star of "The Squid and the Whale" is undoubtedly Jeff Daniels' portrayal of Bernard. Everyone will see a little bit of their father in him - from the competitive drive to the incessant swearing at any mild inconvenience. And, as a characterization of a complete fine arts snobs, he's utterly convincing. The film's major laughs all revolve around that: for instance, when Walt invites his father to see "Short Circuit" with him and his girlfriend, Bernard says that it's a better idea to see "Blue Velvet". However, although Bernard's character is larger-than-life, there's little moments that make him a realized human being. One of the favorite scenes is Frank's displeasure with his father's new house - as brilliant as Bernard is when discussing the fine arts, he doesn't have the sense to buy his son a right hand desk rather than a left.

    "The Squid and the Whale" is a small treasure that works wonderfully as both a comedy and as a family drama. It's definitely worth a watch - or, in my case, several. I found much more to it on the second viewing.
  • AmantedaLuz
    February 21, 2009
    AmantedaLuz
    AFI movie of the year selection 2005
  • baberman123
    February 18, 2009
    baberman123
    I enjoyed this quirky little flick...great casting.
  • Rikki89
    February 17, 2009
    Rikki89
    This is sometimes very difficult viewing but very good portrayal of a family with many issues
  • PillowPantss
    January 27, 2009
    PillowPantss
    you're tellin me the kids weren't weird before the divorce? pretty weird family. that kid is a future sex offender.
  • EvanAlmighty10
    January 26, 2009
    EvanAlmighty10
    I always find independent films to have so much more heart and meaning to them. I really loved this movie. It didn't over dramatize anything. It presented real life issues like divorce and the effect it has upon the children. It was a really great movie.
  • ralch
    January 25, 2009
    ralch
    Película íntima y conmovedora, pero que parece contar su historia con prisa, como huyendo de su propia propuesta. / Intimate and moving, but seems to rush its storytelling as if running away from itself.
  • shawnmiller2
    January 16, 2009
    shawnmiller2
    Was a decent movie, plot and acting...but way too depressing to get much enjoyment out of it...

Summary

The Squid and the Whale Summary