Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- dry
- melancholic
- awkward
- quiet night in
- indie film marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film’s misanthropic protagonist difficult but compelling through Ben Stiller’s nuanced performance and Noah Baumbach’s darkly funny, emotionally painful script.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Roger's anger, over-analysis, and inability to laugh at himself obstruct both his relationships and his reintegration into Los Angeles life.
Florence's caretaking disposition collides with Roger's instability, making their bond both tender and deeply uncertain.
Roger returns to Los Angeles after fifteen years and a stay in an asylum, confronting former friends, domestic responsibilities, and his own stalled identity.
Much of the film unfolds around house-sitting, dog care, parties, and conversations in a temporarily occupied Los Angeles home.
Films like Greenberg, and why
The Squid and the Whale
shared acerbic humor, emotionally damaged protagonists, and uncomfortable romantic dynamics
Frances Ha
shared neurotic characters, melancholic relationship drama, and sharply observed interpersonal conflict
The Worst Person in the World
shared alienated adults, dry comedy, and tentative connection amid emotional dysfunction
Movie Details
- Director
- Noah Baumbach
- Release Date
- 2010-03-26
- Runtime
- 107 min
- Rating
- 5.9 / 10 (643)
Cast
- Ben Stiller
- Greta Gerwig
- Rhys Ifans
- Jennifer Jason Leigh
- Mark Duplass
- Merritt Wever
- Chris Messina
- Brie Larson
- Juno Temple
- Susan Traylor
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Greenberg about?
- An abrasive New York carpenter’s return to Los Angeles destabilizes his old friendships and sparks an uneasy connection with the family assistant caring for him.
- What is Greenberg like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Greenberg as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Greenberg violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Greenberg.
- What did critics think of Greenberg?
- Critics broadly found the film’s misanthropic protagonist difficult but compelling through Ben Stiller’s nuanced performance and Noah Baumbach’s darkly funny, emotionally painful script.
- Which films are like Greenberg?
- Films with a similar feel include The Squid and the Whale, Frances Ha, and The Worst Person in the World.
- How long is Greenberg?
- Greenberg runs 107 minutes.
- Where can I watch Greenberg?
- In United States, Greenberg is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
