The Squid and the Whale (Special Edition)

Buy This Item The Squid and the Whale (Special Edition) by Sony Pictures  Available from Amazon  $12.99  on 11-16-2008     Sony Pictures The Squid And The Whale (Widescreen, Special Edition) Based on the true childhood experiences of director Noah Baumbach, "The Squid And The Whale" tells the story of a patriarch (Jeff Daniels, "Dumb & Dumber," "Speed") of an eccentric Brooklyn family who once had been a great novelist, but has settled into a teaching job. When his wife (Laura Linney, "Exorcism Of Emily Rose," "Kinsey") discovers a writing talent of her own, jealousy divides the family, leaving two teenage sons to forge new relationships with their parents. Linney's characterbegins dating her younger son's tennis coach (William Baldwin, "Backdraft," "Flatliners"). Meanwhile, Daniels' character has an affair with the student (Anna Paquin, "X-Men," "Almost Famous") his older son is pursuing. Reader Reviews Simply wonderful. For those who have grown up with exceptionally educated parents, be prepared for moments of cringing and wincing when viewing this movie. Most of all, The Squid and the Whale is for those who step back and are able to appreciate and have fun with the idiosyncrasies and annoyances of our own families. Baumbach's insight into the dysfunctional family is uncanny and, in turn, tells us how dysfunctional all of our families are. On the technical level, along with Wes Anderson and a few others, Noah Baumbach is at the forefront of what I believe to be a New American and Independent Cinema, where the actors, their words, expressions and actions are as powerful and real as the viewer meeting these people on the streets. Baumbach is a brilliant story teller of everyday life. Like Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation, this movie does not follow the prescription of most movies as it is rarely eventful. For this it is real, and something we can all relate to. Yes, I agree with other reviewers, Jeff Daniels performance is terrific. Like Murray in Lost in Translation, his acting career seems to only have begun. I have also yet to see a movie in which Laura Linney was not spot on. As for the boys, I think we have two engaging independent movie stars for us to follow for the years to come. On a note about the title of the film, for New Yorkers, how great was it to mention the Museum of Natural History and in particular, the squid and the whale which used to be in that under lighted corner of the marine exhibit. Scared many of us as children, didn't it? Lastly, we have Brooklyn. Baumbach's hometown is depicted as it should be, a beautiful and equal borough to Manhattan in most respects.

The Squid and the Whale (Special Edition) Available from Amazon Price: $12.99 Updated on 11-16-2008.

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