Cynematik • Cyndi Greening

(PARK CITY, UTAH - 28 Jan 2005)
We went to the 9:15 a.m. screening of Noah Baumbach’s THE SQUID AND THE WHALE and were both quite impressed with it. We both gave it a 5!! Jesse Eisenberg gave an incredibly nuanced performance as a teen caught up in the backwash of his parents’ divorce. Laura Linney and Jeff Daniels were also amazing (which is to be expected given their indie-cred). Young Owen Kline was terrific.

The performances were great and served the story well. The subject matter of the film and scenes could have easily devolved into a maudline, melodramatic slice of teen angst and Anglo-
American navel gazing BUT THIS FILM DIDN’T. It managed to plunge the unintentional cruelty parents inflict on their children as their own dreams and commitments collapse. Linney’s character maintained more dignity during the break-up (although the backstory indicates she may have been a bit messier prior to the point where we joined the story).

THE SQUID AND THE WHALE is a richly detailed drama with powerful performances that will resonate with a wide audience.