There is a lot of buzz (and memes) right now about the movie A Marriage Story. Written, directed and produced by Noah Baumbach, the film centers around a couple beginning the process of getting a divorce. Baumbach has written many other critically acclaimed scripts, including The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, The Squid and the Whale, Margot at the Wedding, The Fantastic Mr. Fox and Frances Ha.
Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver co-star as the couple whose marriage is falling apart. The film opens in a very loving way, with each of them voicing over what they admire about the other person. While one reads, the camera shows you those positive character traits and behaviors. You find yourself smiling and then wondering, "Wait, isn't this a movie about divorce?"
After that eight-minute intro, we begin to see the fractures in the relationship. Nicole (played by Johansson) wants to move back to Los Angeles where she grew up and where she's been offered the lead role in a TV pilot. Charlie (played by Driver) wants to remain in New York City where he leads a theater company. In the center of it all? Their son, Henry, played by Azhy Robertson.
I have never been a Scarlett Johansson fan (I know, unpopular opinion) and she's particularly annoying in this part. She initiates the divorce. She's the first to hire an attorney. She insists the family's home base be in LA and doesn't care at all if that destroys the career her husband has been building for his entire adult life.
Adam Driver is brilliant in this part and deserves every award nomination. He is blindsided by the aggressive way Nicole is pursuing the divorce. He is out of sorts in every conversation because he appears to be in total denial this is even happening. He wants to resolve things amicably and without lawyers.
There are two scenes that really stick out to me and that will likely be the scenes that clinch all the trophies for Driver. First, in an attempt to skip the part of the divorce where an evaluator comes to visit both of their homes, Nicole knocks on Charlie's door and attempts to have a civil conversation. What transpires is a screaming match where Charlies winds up sobbing on the floor, unable to stand or catch his breath. After watching it, I thought to myself, "I wonder how many takes they did of that scene? I cannot imagine being that emotionally destroyed over and over and over again." Driver is raw and real and it's hard to watch (in the best way).
Second, towards the end of the movie, Charlie is back in New York and blowing off steam with his theater company when he takes the stage at a piano bar and sings Stephen Sondheim's "Being Alive" from the show Company. I didn't know that Adam Driver could sing. He delivers that song with such authentic emotion. It reminded me of seeing Adele in concert when she sang "Someone Like You" and almost couldn't keep herself from crying.
In addition to the incredible performance by Driver, the movie's supporting cast is also amazing. Laura Dern plays Nicole's very LA divorce lawyer. In her first scene, she's wearing a floral jacket, a ruffled tank top, skin tight jeans and red high heels when she greets Nicole by saying, "Sorry I look so schleppy, I just came from my kid's school." I actually laughed out loud.
Alan Alda plays Charlie's first lawyer, a paternal figure trying to spare him for the pain of this process. Ray Liotta plays the next attorney he hires, someone fierce to go toe-to-toe in court. Nicole's sister is played by Merritt Wever. Charlie's theater company includes a stage veteran played by Wallace Shawn. As each new person appears on screen, you'll find yourself shouting at the TV, "I love her!" or "I love him!"
There is no way around it, this movie is heavy. It's over two hours long and most of it is Charlie and Nicole sparring. That said, you should make the time to watch it for Adam Driver's performance alone. It is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
I am so curious, have you seen A Marriage Story? What did you think?
*Images courtesy of One News Page, GQ and IMDB.
Comments
Mohammad Taha
Sat, 05/30/2020 - 08:34
I’m going to read this. I’ll be sure to come back. thanks for sharing. and also This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. this is very nice one and gives indepth information. thanks for this nice article... Breguet
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 04:10
I high appreciate this post. It’s hard to find the good from the bad sometimes, but I think you’ve nailed it! would you mind updating your blog with more information? kerja sambilan
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 04:12
Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. HCR Wealth Advisors story
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 04:12
i read a lot of stuff and i found that the way of writing to clearifing that exactly want to say was very good so i am impressed and ilike to come again in future.. GLD Partners
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 04:16
Hello, I have browsed most of your posts. This post is probably where I got the most useful information for my research. Thanks for posting, maybe we can see more on this. Are you aware of any other websites on this subject. angel.co James River Capital
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 04:16
thank you for your interesting infomation. HCR Wealth Advisors clients
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 04:19
Admiring the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information you offer!.. Daniel Gordon GLD Partners
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 04:20
Very good points you wrote here..Great stuff...I think you've made some truly interesting points.Keep up the good work. reviews of Gulf Coast Western
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 04:21
I can set up my new idea from this post. It gives in depth information. Thanks for this valuable information for all,.. clarity formula HCR Wealth Advisors
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 04:22
Please continue this great work and I look forward to more of your awesome blog posts. Daniel Gordon GLD Profile
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 04:23
I am happy to find your distinguished way of writing the post. Now you make it easy for me to understand and implement the concept. Thank you for the post. Instagram yanni
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 05:11
Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. Daniel Gordon yahoo
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 05:12
Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find so many useful info here in the post, we need work out more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. contact HCR Wealth Advisors
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 05:13
You have a good point here!I totally agree with what you have said!!Thanks for sharing your views...hope more people will read this article!!! London curtain shop
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 05:14
I found your this post while searching for information about blog-related research ... It's a good post .. keep posting and updating information. skip hire company
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 05:15
I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post. garage door repair san diego ca
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 05:50
I wish more authors of this type of content would take the time you did to research and write so well. I am very impressed with your vision and insight. san diego urgent care
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 05:51
Super-Duper site! I am Loving it!! Will come back again, Im taking your feed also, Thanks. how to fix lag
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 05:51
This is a good post. This post gives truly quality information. I’m definitely going to look into it. Really very useful tips are provided here. Thank you so much. Keep up the good works. WordPress developer London
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 05:52
It was a very good post indeed. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it in my lunch time. Will surely come and visit this blog more often. Thanks for sharing. thermiva venice
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 05:58
i am always looking for some free stuffs over the internet. there are also some companies which gives free samples. Windsor
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 05:59
If you set out to make me think today; mission accomplished! I really like your writing style and how you express your ideas. Thank you. alcohol withdrawal rapid heart rate
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 05:59
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or advice. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I desire to read even more things about it! puppy training woodlands
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 06:00
Best work you have done, this online website is really cool with great facts. quartz worktop colours
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 06:06
I am glad you take pride in what you write. This makes you stand way out from many other writers that push poorly written content. Marriage therapy columbus ohio 43240
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 06:06
nice post, keep up with this interesting work. It really is good to know that this topic is being covered also on this web site so cheers for taking time to discuss this! best facial plastic surgeon
Brittany M. Lemay
Sat, 06/20/2020 - 05:56
thanks for this usefull article, waiting for this article like this again. nonton movie
Brittany M. Lemay
Sat, 06/20/2020 - 05:56
Free Design Setup - Converting an art file (a logo image) to an embroidery file called embroidery digitizing. We do not charge to digitize a logo for embroidered patches. The actual value for this service is around USD $30 for the small logos and USD $150 for jacket back logos, but we do it for free! Custom Iron On Patches
Brittany M. Lemay
Tue, 06/23/2020 - 06:36
Great things you’ve always shared with us. Just keep writing this kind of posts.The time which was wasted in traveling for tuition now it can be used for studies.Thanks comida húmeda para perros
Brittany M. Lemay
Tue, 07/07/2020 - 04:15
These are some great tools that i definitely use for SEO work. This is a great list to use in the future.. Custom Velcro Patches
Brittany M. Lemay
Tue, 07/07/2020 - 04:18
Thank you for the update, very nice site.. karambit knife
Brittany M. Lemay
Fri, 07/10/2020 - 03:38
You have a real ability for writing unique content. I like how you think and the way you represent your views in this article. I agree with your way of thinking. Thank you for sharing. Commercial law firm in Lagos
Brittany M. Lemay
Fri, 07/10/2020 - 03:41
it was a wonderful chance to visit this kind of site and I am happy to know. thank you so much for giving us a chance to have this opportunity.. Testogen Amazon
Brittany M. Lemay
Mon, 07/13/2020 - 04:04
I read that Post and got it fine and informative. budapest apartments
Brittany M. Lemay
Mon, 07/13/2020 - 04:04
I was surfing net and fortunately came across this site and found very interesting stuff here. Its really fun to read. I enjoyed a lot. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information. thang long home hung phu
Jodi W. Brown
Mon, 07/20/2020 - 06:00
I love this blog!! The flash up the top is awesome!! La Vida Residences
Jodi W. Brown
Mon, 07/20/2020 - 06:01
This is just the information I am finding everywhere. Thanks for your blog, I just subscribe your blog. This is a nice blog.. Best Magnifying glass to buy in 2020
Jodi W. Brown
Tue, 07/21/2020 - 03:55
I wish more authors of this type of content would take the time you did to research and write so well. I am very impressed with your vision and insight. Games Online
AliRazaKhatri
Sun, 07/26/2020 - 03:35
This is my first time visit to your blog and I am very interested in the articles that you serve. Provide enough knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful and don't forget, keep sharing useful info: cupom de desconto amazon
AliRazaKhatri
Mon, 07/27/2020 - 03:09
Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. 123movie
AliRazaKhatri
Mon, 07/27/2020 - 05:32
Thanks for your post. I’ve been thinking about writing a very comparable post over the last couple of weeks, I’ll probably keep it short and sweet and link to this instead if thats cool. Thanks. youtube to mp3
AliRazaKhatri
Mon, 07/27/2020 - 07:57
Best work you have done, this online website is cool with great facts and looks. I have stopped at this blog after viewing the excellent content. I will be back for more qualitative work. 123movies that works
AliRazaKhatri
Tue, 07/28/2020 - 04:02
Yes i am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article.I will make sure to be reading your blog more. You made a good point but I can't help but wonder, what about the other side? !!!!!!THANKS!!!!!! 123movie
AliRazaKhatri
Wed, 07/29/2020 - 07:41
It is included in my habit that I often visit blogs in my free time, so after landing on your blog. I have thoroughly impressed with it and decided to take out some precious time to visit it again and again. Thanks. Zhurma E Bardhë
Jodi W. Brown
Thu, 07/30/2020 - 03:46
This blog website is pretty cool! How was it made ! Feu De Cheminée
Jodi W. Brown
Thu, 07/30/2020 - 03:49
Wow what a Great Information about World Day its very nice informative post. thanks for the post. Christmas baubles with logo
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 08/05/2020 - 04:56
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often. java programming course
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 08/05/2020 - 04:56
i was just browsing along and came upon your blog. just wanted to say good blog and this article really helped me. http://hblelectronics.com/Power-Utilities-app.html
Jodi W. Brown
Sat, 08/08/2020 - 06:26
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well.. agen nova88
Brittany M. Lemay
Thu, 09/17/2020 - 03:40
I really appreciate this wonderful post that you have provided for us. I assure this would be beneficial for most of the people. read entire books online free