Greenberg (2010) - Rating: 4/5

A challenging watch.

One of the descriptions used in the movie of the protagonist is ‘morally reprehensible’ - and I quite agree. We’re not really made to feel for Ben Stiller’s character too much. Reading up on the premise of the film made me feel like I could potentially identify a lot with it. And that I did.

An expressionistic movie, in my view, with a rather disarming and unsuspecting wealth of depth that would merit multiple viewings. The experience sort of reminded me of how I felt watching ‘There Will Be Blood’. It’s not an exciting movie, or a movie that commands your attention - but neither are the main characters that are caught up in this seeming vortex of existentialist self-absorption. It’s not a mass-pleasing audience-friendly depiction of unfortunate individuals who find redemption (in say ‘Little Miss Sunshine’), but rather a slow, silent, unspoken tragedy, that capriciously veers towards the inevitable: temporary resolve for what will always be a perpetual problem. And I liked it for that. An unsung originality which I think won’t be given the credit it deserves.

One of the trailers preceding the feature had the look, feel and atmosphere for a movie ‘Schizo’. Only it was actually part of an awareness campaign attempting to address discrimination of the mentally ill. No doubt that set the tone for the movie, for there are elements of that - a dialogue of sorts played out throughout the course of the feature.

Stiller somehow retains a sense of that comic over-the-top-ness idiosyncratic of his stock work to date, despite venturing for more serious fare (a la Jim Carrey in Truman Show, or Eternal Sunshine). As a consequence, it’s not quite Oscar worthy, but probably the closest he would ever be to qualify (for nomination). He’s utterly convincing as someone you dislike, who is wholly dislikable.

When he says he wants to go to Medical school, we half-believe he’s capable. Certainly the publication of his letter in The Times is a subtle nod towards his capabilities.