Film Review: Greenberg

When one thinks of Ben Stiller the films that spring to mind are Dodgeball, Night at the Museum, Zoolander - generally outrageous comedies with Stiller playing the often obnoxious main role.

Greenberg is not your typical Ben Stiller affair. Following the nervous breakdown of New Yorker Roger Greenberg, he arrives in LA to look after his well-to-do brother's house. His path crosses with his brother's house nanny, Florence, and an awkward relationship between the two ensues.

Florence is an awkwardly pretty young girl, scatty, but very warm of heart. Roger Greenberg, perhaps retaining some of Stiller's typecast roles, is a middle-aged neurotic oddball absorbed in his own little world. The two quickly come together when Greenberg, who cannot drive, becomes dependent on Florence to do his groceries and get him around town. Claiming to purposely be doing nothing with his life, Greenberg seeks to reignite old friendships with some former band members, who fifteen-years ago he ruined a record deal for. Alienated, dwelling on the past and unable to comprehend reality very well, Greenberg lashes out at those he needs in the world most. Florence aptly puts it, "hurt people hurt people".

If this were a true romantic comedy the two would fall in love and live happily ever after. This is not that film. Looking haggard and like a man weighed down by the world, Stiller displays an acting talent rarely seen as we're so used to his OTT antics. His contemptuous treatment of Florence and their clumsy sexual encounters make for cringe worthy viewing. However, we, like her, see something worth saving in this contemptible little man.

Greenberg can make for difficult viewing; it is goodhearted, funny but often painful. It's not exactly a happy movie, but it is an interesting one which explores the complexities of human relationships, highlighted by two fantastically played central characters.