The Squid and the Whale -- What Makes This Movie Great? (Episode 71)

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Writer-director Noah Baumbach's quasi-autobiographical movie is one of the better scripts, and better executions of a complex script, in the last twenty years.
Featuring great performances by Jeff Daniels, Laura Linney, and Jesse Eisenberg, "The Squid and the Whale" remains memorable as a divorce-movie that combines dark comedy and heartfelt drama.
This video reviews "The Squid and the Whale." It also analyzes the movie's symbols, including the final shot of the actual squid-and-whale of the title.
All reasonable comments welcome, including reasoned disagreements. You will be banned for foolish talk, harassment, and hate speech on sight; it's a tremendous waste of life.
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[@noahman27]

Not an easy to watch. Painful. Poignant. You'll squirm. You'll laugh, You'll feel uncomfortable. Brilliant and Honest script! Masterful acting! See it for the masterpiece that it is.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@aarongottfried5595]

A film shouldnt be

[@kevzsabz8253]

This film is a piercingly honest, acidly witty look at divorce and its impact on a family. This is Noah Baumbach's best film he made in my opinion. I give this a 9.0/10 rating. Overall one of the best movies of the 2000s era. Thanks Dr. Josh for your review on this film i really appreciate it very much. 😊😊👍👍

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Thank you.

[@mimicrybypravesh]

Jeff Daniels should have been nomimated for an Oscar. He's character is very memorable.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

yes, he was not even nominated. Philip Seymour Hoffman won for Capote, which is fair, but Daniels could easily have been in the top 3 actors list that year.

[@aarongottfried5595]

Oh fuckbplease it was also effortless. Dont speak on this clueless

[@hehehehe9737]

This is one of my favorite films ever. Noah always does a great job writing characters that relatable in some way. And the type of grain he uses on his films always makes it look very personal. Great review!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you!

[@cesarrodriguez8893]

You know, I recently saw this movie and really enjoyed it. I remember thinking that it was a better version of "Marriage story".

[@LearningaboutMovies]

which I have not seen, but probably it's another quasi-Bombach memoirish movie.

[@cesarrodriguez8893]

@@LearningaboutMovies Yea, it's got all of his Tropes. Underappreciated artists, father/son dynamics, eccentric parents.

[@jamesbroady1280]

Love this film. Extremely smart and original. Whomever seen this film (and appreciates it), is definitely the kind of cinephile I can relate to. The acting is exceptional, the writing is as original as it gets, the dry humor and straight-forwardness of the parents is hilarious, the cast is impeccable and the setting is as original as the film itself. This film has caused me to use the term "Philistine" in my everyday vocabulary to this day.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

totally agree, thank you.

[@hejskipejski5751]

Saw it after watching this video - incredible recommendation! Was thinking about the dad, he seemed like the villain, but at the same time I felt great sympathy for his struggles and hardship. As always great reviews!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you, glad you liked it!

[@mretrain2338]

I’m glad to know that someone else loves this movie as much and finds it as enduringly rich as I do. I sort of felt the review came apart at the end, though, in the Freudian analysis of the actual squid and whale. I don’t read that much into it; to me they just symbolize Walt’s fears and insecurities, which drive him to idolize and emulate his father, and ride on the coattails of his father’s accomplishments rather than developing as a true individual. It’s much easier to parrot your father’s opinions of Dickens or Kafka rather than read them and form your own opinions (as Walt’s mom unsuccessfully encourages him to do), or to claim Roger Waters’ work as your own rather than writing your own song. The part about Walt’s hand drawing away from his father’s is spot-on. After talking to the therapist, Walt realized how important a presence his mom had been in his life, while his dad was barely present at all. He starts to see Bernard’s selfishness and co-dependence and insecurities for what they are, and realizes he is heading down the same path. That’s why he breaks away and runs to confront the squid and the whale display; he’s not just turning away from his father, but turning toward his mother and is drawing on her strength to confront his fears. But by the same token that strength is allowing him to turn away from both of them and walk his own individual path, which is all she wanted for him anyway. I don’t think the squid is supposed to be Walt and the whale Bernard or anything like that, but I kind of like the idea of the squid and the whale symbolizing his parents’ conflict, and Walt is seeing it, and them, with clear eyes for the first time, without fear.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thanks. Don't recall ever giving a Freudian analysis about anything, though.

[@nickdorenkamp959]

Something that I like about this movie having just now watched this for the first time a few hours ago is that like Marriage story it tells a perspective about the subject of divorce that feels genuine and not forced. In the case of the squid and the whale it tells how the parents divorce has psychologically affected the kids especially the teenage son. Infact personally I thought the way how the younger boy was spreading his seamen on both the library books and the locker was kinda of almost like his way of venting out his anger about his parents divorce. Of course some might be wondering how is that considered him venting out his anger? Well Vandalism as we know is action involving deliberate destruction of or damage to public or private property. As to what could be use to damage the property could be anything solid or to some extent a liquid type. Vandalism can at times be used as a means for someone to take out his or her anger about another thing and take it out on something else. In the case of the squid and the whale Frank rubs his seamen on both the library books and a locker at school. Both of those are on the school grounds which makes them private property thus when he rubbed his seamen on them he committed Vandalism which led to the janitor to tell the principle who suspected that things were not well at home. It stuff like that with the clever use of the topic of sex how this movie beautifully presents how a parents divorce can have some sort of psychological effect on they're kids lives and it does by telling the story from the perspective of the kids. Infact both this and Marriage Story took probably one of the best while also probably the most overlooked when telling about divorce is telling it through a psychological standpoint where one shows it through the perspective of a child while the other shows it through the perspective of an adult while both using two different ways it effects someone psychologically; With the squid and the whale it tackles how the parents divorce affects the kids thoughts about sex and relationships while with Marriage story it affects how the parents try to co parent they're son while one of they both struggle with they're respective inner demons especially the dad. This is the one thing about movies like these two I like because despite one or two exaggerations it gives people an insight of what divorce is like and how it can psychologically affect a person. I know this because I come from a divorce family and personally I've seen some of the psychological effects its had plus the fact how brutal it can be. Infact there is one scene in this movie (the squid and the whale) where Walt goes to live with they're father and it reminded me of when my older brother went to go live with our dad in 2008/2009 up until 2012 when he decided to comeback and live with me and our mom. Infact there is another piece of symbolism in this movie that shows the difference between the relationship between the brothers and the parents which is at the start of the movie where Walt is playing the guitar and if you look at how the brothers are positioned as opposed to the parents they're positioned a lot closer together where as the parents are on opposite sides of the couch representing and foreshadowing they're decision to get a divorce. Its little stuff like that makes stories like this so engaging. Infact every high school or college psychology class should have this movie be an assignment.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

excellent comment. thank you.

[@Ryan-mw9pm]

This was a really well done video and review thank you

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@hdgaiqnwknz6032]

I don’t know what this genre is but I adore movies like these...the miserable unhappy movies that don’t end in pleasurable way that makes sense. kinda like Donnie Darko, The Basket ball diaries, Revolutionary Road, Marvin’s Room, This Boy’s Life...and what not I just realized those are all except one Leonardo dicaprio movies.

[@splash2849]

The father is sociopathic as hell lmao

[@LearningaboutMovies]

you meet so many people who act like this in academia, it seems normal.

[@sky-magnet]

This has been in my top 5 favorite movies since the day I saw it.

[@berserk322]

One of my all time favorite films. Great analysis

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@mitchellphillips4691]

I really enjoyed it. It was one of those few movies I wanted to watch almost immediately after I finished. I do agree with a lot of interpretations that you stated and the title represents many of the relationships. Also this film inspired me to make my own movie about social anxiety with social media and things alike. I’m currently writing it

[@LearningaboutMovies]

excellent. keep writing!

[@greghuffman3061]

i saw this movie back when id rent like 5 movies for $5 at Food City in 2007

[@JacSteiner]

It's implicit in your analysis of the title, but still probably worth saying, one interpretation is that the squid and whale are specifically the mother and father. Entangled in a conflict that Walt isn't ready to look at and assess through his own eyes, until the end of the film. Only at the end does Walt realize, he must face the reality of their struggle, and interpret who they are and what they do, for himself. He must overcome his fear of seeing the reality because he can't trust his parents to tell the story uncolored by their own shortcomings.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

yes, that's right. thank you.

[@Jess-nm6mz]

I watched this film last night and I enjoyed it. Sir, I really think you would like some of Kenneth Lonergan's fillms. You Can Count On Me, Margareth (directors cut) and Manchester By The Sea are all excellent. This film actually kind of reminded me of those works. Really, I can recommend those films to anyone reading this. Marriage Story by Noah Baumbach is fantastic as well. Great stuff

[@LearningaboutMovies]

good recommendations. Longeran is good, even very good, and this channel will cover Manchester eventually.

[@Jess-nm6mz]

@@LearningaboutMovies I'll keep an eye out! Let you know what I think, I promise

[@IndoorHydroponix]

Great analysis

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@RhinocerosProductions]

Great review but why only mention the father's problematic behavior...the mother's oversharing was the main cause of Frankie's madness

[@RhinocerosProductions]

And her rampant promiscuity...she was no better than. Bernie...the parents both have a monstrous effect on their childrens lives and yet they are both human beings...Noah Baumbach is the master of nuance and emotional realism

[@LearningaboutMovies]

as with all criticism, not everything important can be said. my view of the movie, upon the last watch, was that the father was more troubling. But you are likely right, and we should watch the movie with the mother's flaws in mind. For sure, the squid vs. whale could be the mother vs. father.

[@dilbyjones]

Masterpiece

[@ArealSimpsonizer]

you should watch The Double with Jesse Eisenberg. it's another magnificent rich film. I'd love to hear your thoughts on that

[@LearningaboutMovies]

excellent! I have not seen it but will check it out.

[@fascinatinglist9654]

I watch this movie at least once a year because its simply unmatched. I don't know why he made Marriage Story when The Squad And the Whale was a far superior movie. I hope it doesn't overshadow this masterpiece

[@LearningaboutMovies]

excellent, thank you

[@forthethrill4697]

awesome review man , my score would be 7.7/10 go watch on netflix

[@LearningaboutMovies]

it's on Netflix now? thank you.

[@lutello3012]

Thanks, Breaking Bad, I have to laugh every time I hear the term Kafkaesque.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

hmm, I miss the reference and don't remember what it has to do with the video.

[@lutello3012]

@@LearningaboutMovies You used that word in the video, otherwise I'm completely off topic!

[@Smason432]

Best movie I’ve seen since withnail and I, wake in fright, and some 1980 art house documentary about nuclear weapons and ancient memories of meteor comet ice age destruction of the Clovis culture

[@LearningaboutMovies]

I think we all need to know the name of that last movie.

[@ArealSimpsonizer]

I thought it was magnificent. one of the best movies i have ever watched. it was able to make me feel uncomfortable and interested at the same time. very rich indeed. your analysis is also wonderful and exactly what i had in mind as i watched it. i also noticed a bit of sexual tension between the youngest and his mom which was again, very uncomfortable. not too sure what it could represent but I believe it's the same idea of the big age gap theme that's occuring throughout. thanks for the review and analysis. you've gaine a sub! 🌷🌹

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you. Sounds Freudian -- I missed that but maybe it's Oedipal given the oldest kid's rivalry with his father over other women.

[@Ihavetoreturnsomevideotapes]

Do dead poet society or fight club

[@LearningaboutMovies]

I have not seen the former since high school. However, rather easily, a video on Peter Weir and another on David Fincher is possible in the coming year. thank you for the suggestion.

[@rajmadheshiya819]

I watched it and love it but the end is without any answer to me for about all corrector.

[@tomislavcehajic9642]

But stupid things in this movie is Pink floyd song that nobody havent heard this song on The Wall Album

[@LearningaboutMovies]

?

[@tomislavcehajic9642]

@@LearningaboutMovies I am not English i learn english by watching sports and films, what i mean about Floyd song Hey You this song everybody knows not only rock fans

[@LearningaboutMovies]

I see. I should interview younger people and see if they even have heard of "Pink Floyd" at all. My guess is: many have not.

[@tomislavcehajic9642]

@@LearningaboutMovies I am 38 years old

[@vvvnnnddd]

Some of the characters have heard it and pretend not to have, for their own reasons, and we find that out later on. The parents probably don't know it, because they're so detached from pop culture. We learn something about characters from the way they handle seeing through Walt's lies - Ivan and Lili for example.

[@C4GeneralF]

This film hits a bit close to home, and I don't mean Brooklyn

[@LearningaboutMovies]

heh.

[@tomislavcehajic9642]

I think this movie had little better screenplay than Marriage story but i also think that Marriage story is little better directed movie and little better acting, he is not nominated

[@LearningaboutMovies]

sure, thank you.

[@tomislavcehajic9642]

@@LearningaboutMovies About what?

[@LearningaboutMovies]

your comment.

[@tomislavcehajic9642]

@@LearningaboutMovies I am very angry that peoples ho didn't have, mother father fight, family fight, drug adict Heroin, Cocain and drink sad that this movie is fiction, this is not fucking fiction and this is why this song is so stupid in masterpice screenplay, masterpice screenplay, i am lost my mother when i was kid and my brother was little baby, you Americans are different not in bad way but we in Europe have different colture and way of living, and i was that human ho love sports, movies, series, music, art and drugs and drink and smoking, but i am clean 13 years of heroin, cocain 3 years, drink 0%

[@calvinnigh5489]

I really didn’t like this one. Maybe your review will switch me around

[@LearningaboutMovies]

maybe!

[@tomislavcehajic9642]

Yes, this is his best movie only maybe Marriage story is little better but this 2 movies are masteripices

[@LearningaboutMovies]

yes, I would put those two at the top, probably. or be most likely to recommend them to most people.

[@aarongottfried5595]

Speaking of writing find another word besides rich

[@aarongottfried5595]

Isnitbpossible the literatis are so lame they dontbknow any modern music? Maybe