LADY BIRD (2017)

Written & Directed By: Greta Gerwig 
Cinematography By: Sam Levy 
Editor: Nick Houy 
Music: Jon Brion 

Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Tracy Letts, Laurie Metcalf, Lucas Hedges, Beanie Feldstein , Tinmothee Chalamet, Lois Smith, Jordan Rodrigues, Odeya Rush, Stephen Mckinley Henderson, Bob Stephenson, Daniel Zovatto, Danielle Macdonald 

The adventures of a young woman living in Northern California for a year. Who seeks to get out and attend college on the east coast. 


There are just certain films that you go to that feel like a religious experience. Not necessarily in a revelatory way. But in a calming way that brings you peace and understanding out of nowhere.

I realize that is high praise. It's just that the film brings an easiness and calm to the viewer which is quite rare. As most films have a sort of expectation attached to it.

This is like a mixed drink for some not to sweet and leaves you feeling good after with great memories. I won't say it's the best film I have see all year but easily true most laid back one.

The directorial debut of actress Greta Gerwig. Who also wrote the film.

If I had to use one word to describe this film. Charming is the word above all else. Even though the film is plenty of things. It's nothing you haven't seen before. You have but the way it is presented and put together. It feels different. It might be because everything is presented with such a gentle touch. None of it is heavy handed and seems to move along at it's own pace. It's a coming of age story that I can't exactly identify with but one knows the emotions and feelings.

When it comes to coming of age films they all have pretty much similar ways of presentation and events. Which we can all identify with in some way or another, but just as they are all similar they also have their own identity. When you watch them they all have their own Personality. Some of course are stronger than others, but they all have their paths and presentations. This is one that is just naturally it's own yet familiar. It is also one focusing more on a female perspective and characters. Which are growing in numbers but not seen as much without revolving more around a love story or just first love which takes over the narrative. Here while it is part of the story it is more a minor part of it.

The film feels lived in yet fresh. As it has the power of a revelation without having the pomp and circumstances behind it.

The film doesn't overuse it's soundtrack and music of the time to do the work for it. As there are a few recognizable songs. The film doesn't bathe itself in them. Instead relying on it's own score. As Though set in the past it feels like the film could be anytime. So it doesn't force necessarily a nostalgic feeling on you With it's music.

The film is earnest and makes you want to do better or be better. Which might be due to it's lack of cynicism. As it offers up plenty of hardships and hard earned lessons, but also doesn't overdo it to make it seem like more of a hipster film like JUNO. Nor does it try to be too harsh. It ends up being Perfect mix of so many things especially emotions. Even as it comes off as offbeat.

Which is what it feels like Greta Gerwig strives for in each of her performances. So that this film feels like a natural extension of her and her work which it is

Saoirse Ronan excels in her role. Though I must say this is the first time I have really seen her in. Stole playing a lead who is normal. She usually plays the film and is a star of the film and the character is treated as such. Here she more plays an average type character with a huge personality, but doesn't necessarily feel so much special or different from the other characters.

You can't help but fall in love with Beanie Feldstein as her best friend that tried and true one. Who no matter how selfish you might be or narrow minded on your own life will forgive you and still be by your side while you might neglect them when they need you, but is always vital.

I have always respected Laurie Metcalf ever since the sitcom ROSEANNE but her performance here is so understated yet powerful. As the backbone of the family who can't seem to verbalized her caring feelings to her daughter and family. Though you can tell she gives her all for them. This film cements Laurie Metcalf as one of my favorite character actresses working today. Here she is truly the abrasive heart of the film

Each member of the cast is wonderful and proves to be the right puzzle piece that fits to make his whole tapestry come together.

As the film deals with other characters and their fates. Which could have easily taken up the films running time on it's own for some and are the basis of other films. Here it is just one of the many problems the characters have to face or deal with. As this film also disarms many of those situations with humor. As none of the characters are hateful or totally evil. They might embody certain traits but most are shown to be multi-dimensional. As most of the favorable characters get a chance to shine. As you get a sense that their lives exist and go on even when the camera isn’t there to capture it,

The film might not be the deepest as there is barely any struggle throughout. It ends up more being episodic though not necessarily as random as that might sound.

Strangely I have to say the last film that made me feel this way was the film PALINDROMES and trust me that film is generally more disturbing to most then others, but it had a kind of spirit, energy not necessarily outlook that made it have a kind of rare purity to it. Not matter what else happened in it or whatever subjects it touched upon.

There is an emotional truth by the end. It's a crowd pleaser but doesn't seek to appeal it just exists.

Grade: B