Greenberg

Roger Greenberg just got out of a mental institution after having a nervous breakdown. He travels from New York to Los Angeles to house sit for his brother while he is away on vacation. Roger uses this time to reconnect with friends in the area, upon doing so, he realizes that his perception of friend is somewhat different than that of those around him. This leaves him to connect with Florence, his brothers’ personal assistant, who is herself another sort of lost soul.

I had heard such great things about this movie and Ben Stillers’ performance that despite my earlier protests at seeing this movie, I went. Hmmmm…. So yes, Stiller gives a very good performance, in that he perfectly creates a despicable, self centered, irritating, unredeemable character. I hated him. If that was the point, then bravo. This movie doesn’t have much of a story line or direction, just a glimpse at the random misguided lives of two people that find each other, and still are unhappy.

The performances are great; the awkward moments are sublimely developed in that the entire audience was squirming in their seats dreading the outcome of the moment. It was well made and the characters brilliantly crafted—but when it was all said and done, I still didn’t care and the story or lack there of doesn’t take you anywhere.

** Rentable

Rated R (for sex, drugs, and language)