150 Word Reviews: 'Frances Ha' (2012)
Little women
Frances Ha is the story of a self-absorbed theatre kid co-written and starring Greta Gerwig. It's a time capsule: 2012 was a 100 years ago.
Directed by co-writer Noah Baumbach, Frances Ha is a subdued black-and-white comedy about an aspiring dancer who can't afford to live in New York without a job and a roommate.
Gerwig is the title character, and she's vulnerable as our hero, a twentysomething nebbish with boundary issues. Frances is unlucky in love and friendship, but at least she's obnoxious and lacks an internal censor. She's uncouth but relateable—let those who haven't felt insecure at a dinner party and nervously blabbered cast the first stone.
A pre-Star Wars Adam Driver shows up handsomely, and Mickey Sumner is appropriately insufferable as Frances' best friend/life love. Gerwig is a gifted comedic actor. It's too bad she couldn't continue this work while also directing experimental Hollywood blockbusters.
I gave LOLA VERSUS 9/10 on IMDb 13 years ago and have been afraid to rewatch it even after buying a cheap Blu-ray because I can’t imagine laughing and caring as much again.
This is such a wonderful slice of life film. Greta is amazing.