Greenberg, the titular character in Noah Baumbach's film, is socially inept. During most conversations, he becomes helpless and awkward as he struggles to connect with those around him. And when he does manage to engage in conversation, he explodes in bouts of bitter anger. Through "Greenberg," Baumbach and actor Ben Stiller manage to make the audience sympathize with a character that should be utterly unsympathetic.
The film follows Roger Greenberg, recently released from a mental hospital, as he stays at his vacationing brother's house in Los Angeles. While staying there, he tries to get back together with his ex (Jennifer Jason Leigh), reconnects with his best friend from college (Rhys Ifans), and meets Florence (Greta Gerwig), his brother's personal assistant.
Through these three relationships, the audience is introduced to Greenberg's social awkwardness. While having lunch with his ex, he brings up good memories from their past in hopes of wooing her back. She smiles and listens to Greenberg, but has no interest in getting into such a volatile relationship. Meanwhile, Greenberg's college buddie, Ivan, is having marital troubles. When Ivan seeks advice, Greenberg offers none, instead focusing on his own problems. And, finally, when he hits it off with Florence, he ruins their potential relationship by getting angry at her for petty reasons
But, Florence refuses to give up. After suffering through two superficial relationships, she wants something more. She notices Greenberg's vulnerability and wants to help him, but whenever she tries to, he pushes her away with his hostile behavior. Yet, Florence still sees Greenberg's pain. She realizes that people act hateful and angry for a reason.
As she wisely remarks late in the film, "Hurt people hurt people."
The film illustrates this point with delicate sincerity. It never judges Greenberg for his actions. It simply observes. Thankfully, the film ends on a positive note as Greenberg makes an attempt to reverse his selfish attitudes. Unfortunately, the film also ends too abruptly, not giving the audience enough insight to the final state of Greenberg and Florence's relationship.
Otherwise, "Greenberg" is a sharp character study that takes it time in detailing the fragile mind of its surly subject
B