The Squid and the Whale

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The Squid and the Whale ★★★ 2005 (R)

Writer-director Baumbach's semiautobiographical tale of two adolescent brothers struggling to cope with their self-centered parents' divorce. Set in Brooklyn in 1986, Walt (Eisenberg) and Frank (Kline) are the progeny of pompous writer Bernard (Daniels), whose career is faltering, and unfaithful writer Joan (Linney), whose career is on the rise. The title refers to a popular exhibit at the Natural History Museum and its significance gradually becomes clear. Expert acting by all concerned; newcomer Kline is the son of actors Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates. 88m/C DVD . US Jeff Daniels, Laura Linney, Jesse Eisenberg, Owen Kline, Anna Paquin, William Baldwin, Halley Feiffer, David Benger; D: Noah Baumbach; W: Noah Baumbach; C: Robert Yeoman; M: Britta Phillips, Dean Wareham. L.A. Film Critics '05: Screenplay; Natl. Bd. of Review '05: Screenplay; N.Y. Film Critics '05: Screenplay; Natl. Soc. Film Critics '05: Screenplay.

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