movie review: Greenberg

A couple weeks ago at a bike club barbecue a girl was talking about the movie Greenberg, and how it was good, though a little depressing. Without having seen the movie, I akined it to The Weatherman, believing from previews I had seen that it would be very modern, realistic and without a fairytale ending. I first saw a trailer online and was immediately intrigued. It looked like one of those newer "indie" films like Sideways or (500) Day Of Summer that you can tell will be amazing before you watch it. When I learned that James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem had been asked to compose the score, I seriously set a plan in my mind to catch this movie at any theater I could find it. A hectic spring kept me from splurging on a ten dollar ticket at the Main Art in Royal Oak, but this reminder just happened to coincide with a screening at the Magic Bag's "Brew & View". Last night one of my roommates and I grabbed a couple handfuls of quarters and walked downtown. On the way we happened to run into the girl from the barbecue and told her where we were headed. She told us that the movie would be sad, and that we would fall in love with the female lead.

The two guys at the door to the Magic Bag always get on my nerve because they set up right inside so that you have to stand in the threshold with the door propped on your back as they simultaneously ask for your ID and the cover charge. I was amused at the disgruntled look they gave us as we paid in change.

What struck me most about Greenberg was the sincerity of the various character's reactions to very serious and emotional situations. Most movies I watch looking for traits I can relate to, but it was interesting that while I did feel many connections, they didn't come consistently from one character. The male and female lead were both dynamic while being resistant to change in very believable and honest ways. I felt parts of myself and friends in both of them, which kept either from being just like anyone I know. After the film I was left with a sense of confidence that what I saw was a true snapshot of these character's lives. While the film's open ending doesn't give you a sense of "this is where the characters are going" you know that, just like everyone, they will continue to face hardships and opportunities for growth. Not everything will work out, but life will.