Lady Bird – This is Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut based on her semi-autobiographical story, which she wrote about life growing up in Sacramento, California on the verge of adulthood and independence. First
, full disclosure: I’m a HUGE fan of Greta Gerwig’s acting work beginning with her mumblecore film collaboration with low-budget independent filmmaker, Joe Swanberg and her later work with Noah Baumbach and Todd Solondz. She was featured in a number of my favorite films including this short list, Hannah Takes the Stairs, Greenberg, Frances Ha, Mistress America, Maggie’s Plan, and Wiener-Dog. As other critics have noted this is a coming-of-age story, yet her observational writing, emotional intelligence and insight into each of the characters moves beyond the cliched stereotypes often associated with this genre. It captures the tension, love, letting go, and leave-taking required of a young woman as she defines and asserts her identity, as family, friends and young lovers, respond as they populate her orbit. It’s easy to see Gerwig’s fingerprints all over the lead character, especially in the casting of Christine “Lady Bird” MacPherson, played perfectly by Saoirse Ronan. Her parents, performed by Laurie Metcalf and Tracy Letts, first crush, played by Lucas Hedges (of last year’s Manchester by the Sea), and rebound boyfriend played by Timothée Chalamet of Call Me by Your Name, plus Lady Bird’s BFF, performed by Beanie Feldstein all inhabit characters both Lady Bird and the audience can relate to and empathize with. There are no real villains in this poignant tale of the turbulent and exciting passage from teen years to adulthood and independence, only flawed human beings. It’s a bumpy ride with revelations around corners. This is a story about home, family, and “becoming.” Watching this film, I have a better appreciation for Greta Gerwig the artist. I look forward to her next project as an actor, director, and storyteller.
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Featured photo by Gordon Vasquez of RealTVfilms