The Squid and the Whale

To say Noah Baumbach is a one depressed and quriky writer/director may be off the mark but THE SQUID AND THE WHALE, his autobiographical take on divorce sure as hell is. Despite some comedic attemtps on the subject divorce is usually a fucking nightmare and this flick sure nails this on the head, especially the elements affecting a child who is trying to deal with the pains of simply growing up as well as this emotional turmoil. While THE SQUID AND THE WHALE works it will not be to the liking of all. Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney turn in fine performances but the bulk of the work rest on the shoulders of Owen Kline (Kevin's boy!) and Jesse Eisenberg who are both great here. Anna Paquin has some fine moments and even William Badwin brings his A game for a change. Not the most uplifting piece of work but certainly a poignant and authentic character study.