Give Adam Driver his gold.

I’m continually impressed with his craft. He can bend and adapt almost like a young Daniel Day with an extra nudge of  je ne sais quoi? Even the supporting actors were fantastic—Laura Dern been killing, so I wasn’t surprised.

My new goal: watch all of Noah Baumbach’s films, starting with “Frances Ha.” I admire his storytelling, especially a work like this that’s adapted from his life. Life imitating art that isn’t specifically documentary feeds my soul.

Wasn’t mad at the Scar Jo co-starring role alongside Driver, BUT if I’m honest, I wasn’t entirely impressed with her performance here. I kept thinking “she acting, she’s acting.” With Driver, I felt wasted and exhausted afterwards, like I didn’t quite know what to do with all that damn emotion. This film would’ve been stronger if say they’d casted Michele Williams as co-lead. Imagine that argument scene between Williams and Driver—crazy, bruh.

The argument scene was given my undivided attention. While I thought the acting was a bit lopsided with Driver giving the stronger performance, I thought Baumbach directed an interestingly choreographed moment.  It was emotionally violent and intense. The cinematography FIT the choreography of the argument’s high points seamlessly. For example, when she compared him to his father and he appeared from the back room in a rage, I was breathless… this argument was familiar. Masterfully done, from top to bottom.

It’s easy to compare this film to “Kramer vs. Kramer” (1979), but it’s not close. I mean, sure the obvious comparisons: a young couple navigating a rough divorce while caring for a young son, lawyers, yada yada. But I’d lean more to the 1970 indie classic “Love Story” starring Ali McGraw and Ryan O’Neal, or even the 2010 indie “Blue Valentine” starring Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling before I’d compare to “Kramer…” There are moments of intensity in each of these films that are captivating and make you think you’re secretly spying on a “real” couple as they navigate tender and complicated moments. The emotions are raw, the actors are dedicated to the product, and you can feel it through the four walls of the camera.

I’d recommend the gander and the re-watch. I think Driver and Dern’s performances were solid and they deserve accolades for their roles. Screenplay is top notch too.