The Squid And the Whale(2005)
The Squid And the Whale(2005) 8/10
Some films are good because the director is good. Some films are good because of the action. The Squid and The Whale is good because it has the best acting ensemble of 2005 bar none.
It tells of a simple, even predictable premise of a marriage that is breaking down. And how this seperation affects everyone involed, especially the kids. While this would sound like the premise of some cliched Ch 8 fare , Noam Baumbach’s The Squid And The Whale is startling in how realistic, funny, poignant and mesmerizing the experience is. It makes full use of its 82 minutes screening time- every scene builds upon the previous scene. There isn’t a superfluous scene, or an Oscar bait scene or even a scene that wallows in melodrama, as such films are wont to be.
Actingwise, simply amazing. Yes, Philip Seymour Hoffman may be the Best Actor of 2005, but the cast of The Squid And The Whale deserves best ensemble cast without a doubt. Everyone pulls their weight, even the two kids. The acting is so uniformly good that i can’t find any place to nitpick on their acting. And yes, Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney should both have gotten Oscar acting nominations, but obviously the Academy is rather blind.
In all, The Squid and the Whale is that kind of family drama that simply engages with its simple tale. Every element falls into play perfectly into a witty, funny and touching tale. One of the best of 05.
