While I frequently say that I want to be Greta Gerwig when I grow up, I certainly don’t aspire to be anything like the woman she portrays in Frances Ha – that is to say, a complete and utter mess. It’s a testament to Gerwig’s abilities and charm that such a character is not only tolerable but downright delightful.
Directed by Noah Baumbach, the film stars Gerwig as “Frances,” a woman who lives in New York (despite not really having an apartment) and is an apprentice at a dance company (despite not really being a dancer). We follow Frances as she searches for her own identity amidst a sea of troubles – many of which are self-inflicted.
The script, cowritten by Baumbach and Gerwig, is a millennial’s delight, packed with neurosis and self-reflection. Coupled with the movie’s beautiful black-and-white cinematography, it gives the whole thing a whimsically classical air, hinting at an Allen-esque tone without leaning into pastiche.
Gerwig is, of course, luminous, as is customary of all her performances. A less substantial actress might have turned Frances into a gratingly hapless dolt, but she keeps the character just grounded enough to feel relatable, though certainly still quite special.
Fans of Baumbach’s earlier fare – his directorial debut, Kicking and Screaming, in particular – will adore Frances Ha, though it may hit a little close to home for those facing a quarter-life crisis. Nevertheless, I highly recommend it.
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