Mistress America

source: Mistress America

A refreshing, if not entirely successful, change of pace for Noah Baumbach. Leaving behind the upper-crust east coast neurotics that pepper his other movies and make them sometimes intolerable, he focuses instead on the relationship between a young woman (Lola Kirke) and her soon-to-be sister-in-law (Greta Gerwig), a freewheeling spirit who the young girl takes on as a life mentor. "Mistress of America" feels very honest in its exploration of the thorniness that comes with admiration. Kirke looks to Gerwig as a kind of role model, but she also begins to realize that those we emulate are not infallible, and what we sometimes learn from them is how not to be. This lesson comes to Kirke at the expense of her relationship with Gerwig, and they have the predictable falling out, but the movie ends in a place that feels right. Just because we acknowledge that role models aren't perfect doesn't mean they can't still be role models. Baumbach shoots for a zany screwball tone in "Mistress America" that doesn't really fit his talents. The strain is most noticeable in an extended scene set in the vast home of one of Gerwig's friends. I wanted to think it was funny, but mostly it just felt forced. But I'll take Baumbach's attempts at comedy, even if uneven, over the unbearable whiners in, say, "Margot at the Wedding," any day. Grade: B+

Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig are at it again, "it" being what it means to be a 20- something in New York City. In "Mistress America," however, the lens and perspective shifts away from the character you'd expect a movie like to this to intimately follow (Gerwig's interesting, ambitious, never-boring Brooke) and instead observes her from an outsider's perspective (Tracy, played by Lola Kirke). Tracy is instead the main character, a Barnard freshman studying literature and writing, trying to make her way through that formidable (and familiar) landscape. Inspiration strikes, however, when she meets Brooke, her future step-sister. Brooke is around 30, and she's been through the grinder both personally and professionally. She is an innovator who always has big ideas, and Tracy uses her life as the basis of a short story that she hopes will get her into the school's prestigious lit magazine. Things get particularly interesting when Brooke finds herself locked out of her apartment one day and learns that her boyfriend has pulled all his financial support out of a restaurant they were just about to open together and she seeks a psychic for advice on where to turn next. Through this blossoming relationship between Tracy and Brooke we observe the typical indie film "portrait of a Millennial" in a way that both mythologizes it (evidenced by Tracy's story/perception of Brooke) and makes it hit home. Brooke is quirky and her life is a melodrama, but it also feels very real. Baumbach and Gerwig's previous collaboration, "Frances Ha," also struck this seemingly contradictory chord of authenticity and whimsy. When there is a dissonance, it's softened by the knowledge that there's such emotional truth at the core of what they're doing. Another way of putting it is that Baumbach and Gerwig aren't so interested in plot points and what happens. At less than 90 minutes, this movie about a relationship between a younger and older 20-something is not trying to show you something you've never seen before. What they do care about is the trajectory of the relationships between characters. It's hard not to see a piece of yourself in the characters, especially if you're of a similar age, and that holds our attention enough that "Mistress America" doesn't fall apart, even when it's not especially compelling. "Mistress America" also tends to be be philosophical and angsty. The level of intellectual conversation is to a degree that rarely happens in real life, let alone in these perfect scene-length snippets, but again, like other parts of the film that gravitate closer to being over-the-top, the creative choice to lean that way comes from a strong and earnest desire to explore very relevant themes and ideas. Frankly, Baumbach and Gerwig could tell a hundred different stories about coming of age in your 20s or 30s in a big city and I'd watch (especially at such a reasonable runtime). But even if you don't think you could, the effort they make to explore a unique "relationship" between two women in "Mistress America" and cast light on this familiar film from a new angle makes this particularly story worthwhile. ~Steven C Thanks for reading! Visit Movie Muse Reviews for more

I like Greta Gerwig. I didnt like her in this though. Her wife/husband partnership with the director Noah Baumbach the movies are a little hit and miss and this one was a miss. The endless relentless uninteresting dialogue just did my head in. The mansion scene seemed to go on for eternity. Generally most of the characters were unlikeable. Oh Lola character mom (Kathyrn Erbe) seemed nice. Kinda similar vein to Woody Allen movie without the star names. Greta is a better actress than what she had to work with in this movie. Anyway I wouldnt recommend this one. One plus is that it is short (84 minutes). Another plus point the use of a song I hadnt heard for a while, OMD Souvenoir.

The second collaboration between the director and Greta Gerwig. I just love their works, together they write awesome story and create a cinematic magic. Kind of rare filmmakers, only a very few from the past to compare these two to them. It was another quirky comedy, especially if you liked 'Frances Ha' you would like this as well. I hope they would come for the third time to complete 'An Untalented Girl from NYC' trilogy. It was not as good as the previous film, but nothing short of awesome entertainment. I am surprised a few of those who liked that movie did not favour it. I knew it would be a chick comedy, accordingly, I was not expecting beyond that. But like all the time when I decide to watch a movie, I wanted it to be a better entertainer than the one I saw in the earlier. That's what everyone do, it was like the sea tides, the rise and fall is inevitable. Some would like it and some won't, but to me it was a very good. Unlike 'Frances Ha', here there are two lead characters, both are young adult women, but the entire narration was from one person's perspective. That is, a college freshman Tracy. How her life follows, especially after meeting a girl who's soon-to-be her step-sister. As in a new place and socially inept, she finds her way to be joyous and adventurous, meets some new people and makes them friends. But how long this unplanned pleasure remains with her and what are all changes makes to her rest of the life is the remaining movie. "I am so impressed by you and so worried for you at the same time." It was a simple and soft narration, but engaging characters and well paced with a chain of fine comedies. Apart from writing and direction, the supporting cast was the best feature. It was a tiny twist at the end, but extremely essential to break the steady sequence to bring a diversion. Since that part, I have been wondering about the conclusion, but the makeover was really excellent, I think it was touching yet as I expected. This is Lola Kirke's major role I've seen. She was fantastic and I hope to see her in more films in the lead. It was one of the best on- screen chemistry between her and Greta. There were many beautiful lines spoken between these two, very memorable and quotable ones. With all these top quality, if one still don't like, then he must be bored of watching plenty of similar themes. But that should not be a reason to trash it, because that is his personal issue to deal who's dumping on this one is totally unfair. This movie was unique, fun, touching, heartbreaking, likable characters, filled with cheerful moments and overall one of the best recent films I have seen. It was more like a friendship movie on trust and commitment. The portrayal was at its best, an example of how a life can turn around in a matter of time. But how much more trustworthy is this sudden change and the best uses of it was the movie that told very nicely. I won't say it is a must see, but personally I feel that way. 8/10

Greetings again from the darkness. Writer/director Noah Baumbach has quite the track record of human nature commentary with his films: The Squid and the Whale (2005), Greenberg (2010), and Frances Ha (2012). The conversations he writes on the page are somehow at once both realistic and stagey when they reach the big screen. It's like his characters speak the way we think, rather than the way we actually talk outloud … and this makes for some awkward scenes. Awkward, but no less insightful. Mr. Baumbach's real life partner, co-writer and lead actress Greta Gerwig stars as Brooke, an eternally optimistic just-turned-30 New Yorker who is never without a new idea, but unfortunately lacks the follow-through gene. Prior to meeting Brooke, we are introduced to her soon-to-be step-sister Tracy (Lola Kirke, who was so memorable in Gone Girl). Tracy is a misfit college freshman who quickly latches on to the much more exciting life of Brooke, and sees her as a combination mentor and limitless source of material for her short stories. The first part of the film allows us to get a real feel for both Tracy and Brooke, but it's the change of pace that occurs when the setting hits a house in the wealthy area of Connecticut that is most startling. This portion is a modern day screwball comedy in the mold of Hawks and Sturges. The conversation cadence throughout the film is offbeat, but it's here that the rat-a-tat-tat dialogue pacing really pushes the viewer to keep up. Some of the funniest lines aren't the dominant ones in a scene, forcing us to juggle overlapping characters and sub-plots. It's really quite fun … and showcases some nice support work from Michael Chernus, Heather Lind, Matthew Shear and Jasmine Cephas Jones. Even the "slower" first segment has some stellar writing including an explanation of "X" in Algebra tutoring, and a college freshman coming to grips with what makes a writer (it's not the looks). Baumbach and Gerwig have a knack for creating whiny people who talk (incessantly) their way through the process of assembling pieces of the universe. Some might call this the painful process of maturity, but it seems to also include learning the difference between acting happy, real happiness, and acceptance of one's life.

This film tells the story of two young women who will become step sisters after their parents' marriage. They meet and bond quickly, and they go through life events in quick succession in the space of a few weeks. "Mistress America" is a simple film that is dependent on dialogue and interesting characters. The quick pace and rapid fire dialogues remind me of Woody Allen films, and I think in here the dialogues are really good as they give the main characters distinct personalities. Brooke is very creative, bubbly, quirky but likable. Even the supporting characters are special, such as the jealous girlfriend and the rich woman who steals Brooke's ideas. There is so much going on in the film, even in the first ten minutes I thought I have already watched for much longer because so much has happened. I really enjoyed this charming film.

'MISTRESS America': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five) Acclaimed indie filmmaker Noah Baumbach, reteams with actress Greta Gerwig (for the third time); to make this hilarious, but very sweet, quirky comedy flick! The film was directed by Baumbach, written by Baumbach and Gerwig, and it costars Gerwig and actress Lola Kirke (of 'MOZART IN THE JUNGLE' fame). The movie tells the story of a depressed college freshman, who finds new inspiration for life; when she meets her 'soon-to-be' stepsister. The film is classic Noah Baumbach; who's becoming one of my favorite filmmakers! Tracy Fishko (Kirke) just started her freshman year, at Barnard College; and she's having trouble fitting in. She develops a crush on another student, named Tony (Matthew Shear); but he begins dating another girl instead, named Nicolette (Jasmine Cephas Jones). Tracy's mother (Kathryn Erbe) is about to be married, and she advises Tracy to meet her fiancé's daughter, Brooke (Gerwig). Brooke is full-of-life, and she inspires Tracy, in ways she's never experienced before. So Tracy writes a fictional short story, influenced by Brooke, and she begins spending a lot more time, with her 'soon-to-be stepsister' (as well). The movie is brilliantly written, and beautifully directed! The characters are extremely likable, and quirky, and the dialogue is all very witty, and fun too (there's so many classic, quotable lines; all through the movie)! The film is also really inspiring, hilariously funny, and it has a great (nostalgic) 80s feel to it, as well. I absolutely love it, and Noah Baumbach! Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/CoUgbXLzKSQ

"Mistress America" (2015 release; 84 min.) brings the story of Brooke (played by Greta Gerwig) and Tracy (played by Lola Kirke), whose respective dad and mom are about to marry, making them 'sisters-to-be'. As the movie opens, we see Tracy starting college, and not adjusting very well. After some urging from here mom, Tracy finally connects with Brooke, a 30 yr. old single woman who seemingly has it all, or at least a whole lot. Her latest venture is to start a 'neighborhood restaurant' that combines eating, clothes-shopping and hanging out, but Brooke needs investors to put up the start-up funds. At this point we're not even 15 min. into the movie but to tell you more would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out. Couple of comments: a couple of years ago, Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig teamed up for a comedy-drama called "Frances Ha", which I thought was one of the very best movies of that year. Baumbach and Gerwig (also partners in real life) now come back with a new slice of life in New York. Baumbach and Gerwig co-wrote the film, with Baunbach also directing and of course Gerwig in the lead role. As you see some of the scenes, you cannot help but think back how this team reminds you of the Woody Allen-Diane Keaton screwball comedies from the 1970s. Same type of vibe, and so easy to watch and enjoy. But wait! there is so much more! Lola Kirke as the 18 yr. old Tracy is nothing short of a revelation, and she almost (but just not quite) steals the movie from Gerwig. (Tidbit of trivia: Lola Kirke is the daughter of Simon Kirke, the erstwhile drummer in Bad Company, and Free before that.) The interaction between Gerwig and Krike is what carries this movie into excellence (Tracy, commenting to Brooke: "I am so impressed, and so worried, by you.) The writing is crisp, and being at just under an hour and a half, the movie flies by in no time. Frankly, I was not ready to say goodbye to these characters! Please note that the music is top notch, both the musical score from Dean & Britta, as well as the song placements throughout the movie. The movie finally opened this past weekend, and I couldn't wait to check it out. The early evening screening where I saw this at was attended nicely, although I had expected an even larger crowd, to be honest. IF you liked "Frances Ha", you absolutely will love this one too. For those that didn't see "Frances Ha" and/or are on the fence about checking out "Mistress America", I would strongly encourage you to take a chance on this. I think that more likely than not, you will come away from this with a smile on your face. "Mistress America" is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Not many people have the hutzpah to release two films in one year, let alone two decent ones. Writer / director Baumbach, whose previous 2015 film While We're Young was a nice little comedy surprise, has done it with the release of Mistress America. Still very much focused on his obsession in aging, we are given an expansion of his fixation, encouraging aging somewhat cautiously but never terrified. Even MA's frazzled focus and hipster tendencies only help to propel the fantastically recognizable humor and assured tone that abounds. That comedy and spirit extend from a pair of soon-to-be step-sisters navigating college, career and friendship within the frantic walls of NYC. The movie's unique rhythm takes a minute to fall into, as the dialogue has one foot in funny naturalism and one in surreal absurdity. However, once you find its groove, the jokes are so shockingly consistent you end up holding back laughs in order to catch everything within its rapid-fire screwball discourse. Underneath its quick repartee, Baumbach manages to say so much with so little, showing a cracked phone screen or nonchalantly passing a couple holding hands to portray little character details. Those characters are wonderfully colorful, Gerwig and Kirke managing anxiety, authenticity, and charm in equal measures. The internal angst of humans is a recurring motif for Baumbach, a clear descendant of Woody Allen. These people and their speech are so literary it could maybe annoy, but it so worked on me I could've spent this entire review just writing down one-liners that I loved. If you're looking for dry yet warm character-and-dialogue-driven comedy, don't miss Mistress America.