Jul 02 2015.
views 790Oh it's time for that longing to age back to your early twenties, be free and wait? Are you having a midlife crisis?
That feeling we all, ultimately, eventually get once we get on with our lives, past our thirties and forties where sometimes it feels like we just got lost along the way, and sometimes you find a little guidance, some assistance of sorts, that just says HEY! Remember who you are, remember all those things you wanted to do? Find and reignite your fire, see that experience can come through almost anything and everything, and that’s what “While We’re Young” tackles on one level. But how does it hold up? Let’s find out.
When middle aged couple Josh (Ben Stiller) and Cornelia (Naomi Watts) meet the young couple Jamie (Adam Driver) and Darby (Amanda Seyfried), their marriage falls into question, particularly the quality of it. And the process of what each other wanted from it and now do, and how different it all is. Josh is a struggling filmmaker living in the shadow of his father in law while Cornelia is a successful film producer. Jamie? He’s a massive fan of Josh’s previous work and making successful films which irritates Josh.
Written and directed by Noah Baumbach, well known for his previous movies, “Frances Ha” (2012), “Greenberg” (2010), “Margot at the Wedding” (2007) and “The Squid and the Whale” (2005), the movie feels very true. It rings in a very specific setting but keeps the idea and tone very universal, which is ultimately a triumph and that’s something to honest praise.
The music seems very along the lines, neither standing out nor paddling down. The setting, design and locations seem splendid and utterly relevant, which pushes forward the film's idea and keeps it grounded while elevating a sense of depth.
The performances, especially by Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts are commendable. With another fresh look at Stiller which is appreciated. MAKE MORE INDIES BEN! Stiller’s character reminds me of Walter, from “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (2013) which is a movie I quite liked despite the many negative reviews. And that’s what movies are about, reaching out to a person in some form and making it relevant and relatable.
So for those of you who are fans of movies in general, or Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts, or indie cinema, or all of this together, this is a must see.
Reviewed by Aasif Faiz
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