Along with ICE STORM and SHOOT THE MOON, this is one my favorite depictions of an unhappy family. I think they get so many thing right. Especially how a narcissist can fall apart when his supremacy is threatened. Jeff Daniel is able to embrace the character's flaws. Laura Linney is always good. This is an early performance by Jesse E. before his tics became embedded for life. It looks and feels right.Kudos to Noah Bambach.
So many films about dysfunctional families. What is a good one about a happy family?
I agree about SQUID AND THE WHALE (though I don't care much for ICE STORM). It is very Park Slope (not surprisingly). Daniels has played these awful characters before, going back to the immature Flip in TERMS OF ENDEARMENT. I'd forgotten that Eisenberg played the son. The younger brother was the son of Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates.
Happy family? Hmm. Well, older films of course, but recent ones... I'll think.
CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN.
ReplyDeleteI agree about SQUID AND THE WHALE (though I don't care much for ICE STORM). It is very Park Slope (not surprisingly). Daniels has played these awful characters before, going back to the immature Flip in TERMS OF ENDEARMENT. I'd forgotten that Eisenberg played the son. The younger brother was the son of Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates.
ReplyDeleteHappy family? Hmm. Well, older films of course, but recent ones... I'll think.
I've never seen this one, Patti - thanks for the suggestion.
ReplyDeletePerhaps A CHRISTMAS STORY. But if you get into stories meant for kids there are a lot of happy families, I think.
ReplyDeleteJackie says dysfunctional is more interesting. Also, like THE SQUID AND THE WHALE, many are at least semi-autobiographical.
ReplyDeleteYou probably get tired of hearing me say things like, "Don't know this one." :)
ReplyDelete