Film Review: Greta Gerwig Lights Up the Life of ‘Frances Ha’

Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 24, 2013 - 8:48pm

CHICAGO – Greta Gerwig is a gift to the type of film acting that dominates the screen. This beautiful, versatile actor gives poignant energy to her latest title character, “Frances Ha,” a collaboration with indie director Noah Baumbach (“Greenberg”).

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Frances is a lovable live wire as an artist, lover and loyal friend. She is somewhat a victim of that liveliness, but has a tenacity that keeps her adventure going. Gerwig creates a character that is always vulnerable, but asserts that on-the-sleeve emotionalism as a strength. The film is a black-and-white tribute to the late 1970s/early ‘80s period of maestro Woody Allen, but maintains its own identity with modern takes on post millennial relationships and friends. “Frances Ha” is a celebration, whether you relate to her life in the moment or have an enjoyable revelation of ‘remember when.’

Frances (Gerwig) is a modern dance apprentice in a medium size company, barely scraping by in the hot environs of New York City, in the borough of Brooklyn. Her boyfriend proposes living together, and she responds by breaking up with him. It’s up to her best friend Sophie (Mickey Sumner) to help her find sanity and share an apartment. But life has a way of changing its mind.

Sophie surprises her by moving to Manhattan, which she cannot afford. Suddenly without a roommate or prospects, she hooks up with Lev and Benji (Adam Driver and Michael Zegen), two trust fund babies who are rooming together and gives her shelter. She loses a major dance gig in the company, and must spend the Christmas holidays with her parents back in Sacramento, California. Facing New York City again will require a major transition, but Frances will get by, if only to connect to Sophie again.

“Frances Ha” continues its limited release in Chicago on May 24th. See local listings for theaters and show times. Featuring Greta Gerwig, Mickey Sumner, Adam Driver, Michael Zegen and Michael Esper. Screenplay by Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig. Directed by Noah Baumbach. Rated “R”