Streaming Gems: Frances Ha (2012)
Photo from IMDb
From Shane Conto
How aware are you of the acting career of Greta Gerwig? Well before the likes of Ladybird, Little Women, and Barbie, Gerwig was acting in films instead of getting behind the camera and directing. Her supporting work in 20th Century Women is certainly a highlight but her leading role in Frances Ha is the biggest contribution she has made to film as an actor. This film focuses on the life of a young woman trying to make things work in New York City as a dancer. This cosmopolitan tale fits the voice of one specific filmmaker so well…Noah Baumbach. Partners for years, Gerwig and Baumbach made their presence known with this moving and impactful collaboration on the big screen.
What is the anchor that keeps this lean quirky comedy/drama grounded? Gerwig. Her performance is full of personality and depth. Frances could easily be an insufferable character due to her immaturity and rash behavior. Gerwig is able to instill genuine empathy in Frances and we can see this all as a coming-of-age story of growth that she must navigate. Over the course of 85-minutes, Gerwig shows off her physicality through dance as well as her acting choices in the more dramatic moments. The sense of humor that Frances has is irreverent and relatable and Gerwig nails that balance of laughs and emotions perfectly. She can be awkward with men and overbearing with her friends but thanks to Gerwig’s charisma (and Baumbach’s direction), we find the meaning and true intentions which are more authentic than the surface level immaturity.
How does Baumbach leave his stamp of filmmaking talent on this brisk metropolitan comedy? You can tell that Woody Allen is a major influence on Baumbach for sure. Few directors have such a well versed handle of the New Yorker style and metropolitan sensibilities. Baumbach is finding his own footing in his first few films and Frances Ha feels like the film that really brings those elements together into a strong and impactful voice. One of the choices that Baumbach made for Frances Ha is to tell it in crisp, beautiful black-in-white. This gives off a classic filmmaking feel and allows New York to exist in a nostalgic gaze. Sam Levy’s cinematography is gorgeous and moving to watch as Frances navigates all the roadblocks in her journey of growth. Sharp, clever, and charming, Frances Ha is brought to life well by the writing collaboration between this powerful artistic couple.
There are some more highlights in the film as well, right? The way Frances is forced to check her privilege and artistic sensibilities and comes to grips with some mature and important struggles of her friends makes for some impactful and moving drama. There are other performers besides Gerwig who make an impact. Adam Driver has had a long time relationship with Baumbach as he has appeared in multiple of his films. Driver makes a lasting impact here in his supporting role as a charming intellectual who Frances has a connection with. Mickey Sumner is fabulous as Frances’ best friend who is the other half of the film’s best dramatic elements. This friendship is the heart of the film in many ways and leaves a lasting impression. Michael Zegen and Grace Gummer are just a couple of other talented performers who make an impact on Frances’ journey.
Are you a fan of this hipster style filmmaking of Baumbach and Gerwig? Then Frances Ha is essential viewing. This might be the film that boasts the biggest homages and odes to the filmmakers that formed Baumbach (Allen for sure). Gerwig is a revelation as Frances and few actor/character pairings feel so genuine and authentic. You can feel the Gerwig in Frances and there is most certainly plenty of Frances in Gerwig.
Frances Ha is now streaming on Netflix.
