A new classic

Rating: 9/10 (9 December 2019)

A deep, raw and absolutely realistic new project by Noah Baumbach at times makes you feel like you are watching a hidden camera show - that's how true and close to reality it is.
This film is nothing new, and this story has been told many times before ("The story of us", "Blue Valentine", "The Break up" etc), but i think love can be discussed endlessly and we still won't have a definite answer to what it is. Don't even get me started on marriage...
The performances of Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver are absolutely impeccable. They manage to let you inside the character's head and not only understand the actions, but even feel the way they feel for those 3 hours. Laura Dern was my personal favorite in this film, she was just such a badass, and the monologue about double standards almost had me applaud standing up in my living room.
What i think will make this film stand out for a very long time (as one of the reviews said - something like this only happens once in a lifetime) is that not for one minute did it feel forced in any way. I will specify that every argument, every line of every scene and every pause (even the fighting scene in Charlie's apartment that took 50 takes) was scripted. In movies like this directors and writers often allow the actors to improvise since they get into character so much. But not in this situation. Baumbach has thought every little thing through, every word, every touch and mimic has a meaning. He knew exactly what he wanted to deliver. Charlie's fall on the kitchen floor, the way Nicole talked walking away to the bathroom while first meeting her lawyer - all of these details are there for a reason. The obvious difference we are shown between Nicole - blowing her nose and looking a mess and Nora - strong, independent and flawless (that is what drove Nicole to her, because Nicole wanted to be a woman like that who was standing on her own feet and not living in the shadow of her brilliant husband). This project is very strong and holds its ground and that's the thought i was left with after the film ended.
I agree with some people - the ending left us in question. But some love stories are never over. And maybe those words that Charlie read about himself will change something, maybe their love will find its way back to them (there must have been a reason he finally moved to LA and she is successful on her own), or maybe they will just manage to stay friends and remain Henry's mom and dad forever. Nobody knows, it's for each of us to decide. But again, this is what sometimes we are left with in life - uncertainty, a little hope for a "someday".
I hope this film is appreciated and seen for what it is at all the awards and not overlooked because of political/racial/gender dominants that seem to only interest award shows these days.