The Squid and the Whale (2005)

[DaBargainHunta]

Originally Posted by StingingVelvet

Nope, the one right above mine that actually uses that term. I just think it's a funny term.

My apologies for the misunderstanding.

I do think the film is "Criterion-worthy" - to use that poster's term - but I'm personally okay sticking with the "good enough" non-Criterion release. I feel the same way about Moonrise Kingdom too.

[StingingVelvet]

Originally Posted by DaBargainHunta

My apologies for the misunderstanding.

I do think the film is "Criterion-worthy" - to use that poster's term - but I'm personally okay sticking with the "good enough" non-Criterion release. I feel the same way about Moonrise Kingdom too.

Yah, nothing wrong with that at all. I took it more as Criteiron being an elite thing or whatever, which is a concept I always find funny. Maybe he meant the same thing as you though. Either way I just laughed at the term, not really the posts.

[DeyoreW]

I watched this Criterion over the weekend along with Frances Ha as a double feature. Preferred Frances much more.

The Whale ...It paints NYC as a tough place to raise children even if you have an education. This family is miserable and their outlook doesn't look very promising! I hate to think some families are this dysfunctional. It almost felt the culprit was the original success of the father which felt like it was the foundation of everything. Jeff Daniels nailed this character. A character that truly brings nothing to this world and is clearly the root of all the dysfunctionality.

I left the film feeling sorry for the director, Noah who tried to bring as much of his childhood into it as he could.

So... interesting to watch but certainly not something I could identify with.

Frances Ha on the other hand, paints NYC a little easier to digest and its comedy and drama moments seemed easier to connect with. I personally think the female writing behind it (Greta) helped bring Noah's perspective of the world feel more human and softer than Squid.