Greenberg (2010–107 mins)  Ben Stiller , Gretta Gerwig

It seems that many actors/actresses get to a few points in their careers where they want to branch from the norm. Whether it’s to say “hey I am more then just a comedian” or if they are just trying something new or unusual. This is the only way I can describe this character piece starring Stiller. We all know Ben can be funny in both the main role or some supporting roles. Here he plays more of a dramatic role with some quirks. Sure it has some “humor” in it but it’s more due to the way his character acts then true humor.

   Stiller plays Roger Greenberg, a man recovering from a nervous breakdown he has had previously. Greenberg is trying to get himself back on track by coming back to his hometown to house sit for his vacationing brother. Once he is in town he meets and gets involved with his brother’s assistant Florence (Gerwig). What Stiller shows us from here out is how flawed or broken Roger truly is. He appears to just be a weird grumpy guy at first but as we see and learn more about the character it seems he is just damaged a bit from his past and might just have some mental issues as well. Gerwig does an excellent job as Florence. See she is not just the perfect assistant who is the nice girl. Florence has her own problems in the past with relationships. We are only briefly introduced to the details but they are not really needed. She’s not the typical abused or druggie tho. She simply is an unnoticed normal girl who has this deep seeded need for some happiness in whatever way she can get it. Whether it’s thru selflessly helping Greenberg’s brother or finding easy sex, she just wants to get some simple happiness even for a short time.

   The real plot inside of the movie is how we are following the evolution of Greenberg’s problem. Every time we see him coming around and getting more in touch with his normal side he seems to lose his grip a bit and succombs to outbursts or outcries. He simply cannot handle the strife of relationships with friends,family or potential lovers. Stiller has this way that he can bring us in to feel for him and then make us feel completely uncomfortable in the same breath.

   While this character piece has 2 decent performances that doesn’t mean the movie is great. There is just this certain slow pacing and incomplete plot points that just leaves me half empty. I like that it is a bit different but I don’t think it’s a movie that will or is widely liked or appreciated. I just can’t fully get behind it for the mainstream watcher.

Verdict—> I have to think that this is a movie for either the huge Stiller fan who wants to see him in anything, or if you are just an indie lover. There is just too many decent movies out there to say this is anything much more then a movie that you would get if you are home alone and just want to watch SOMETHING. You could do worse but you could do much better as well. Rent only if you are curious.

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