“Frances Ha” is a movie that will either drive you insane or put you under its spell. It’s a movie filled with quirky conversations and some slightly eccentric characters each with their own set of problems. On the surface that may not sound like everyone’s cup of tea. But it really works because it revolves around a fascinating main character named Frances. She’s played by Greta Gerwig, an actress I really appreciate, and her central performance is what drives the film.
It could be said that nothing really happens in “Frances Ha”. The modest story follows Frances who at first shares a New York City apartment with her best friend Sophie (Mickey Sumner). Frances is a hapless struggling dancer who finds her circumstances more difficult after Sophie moves out. We watch her try to find an affordable place to stay. We watch her try to land a stable job. We watch her try and make new friends. But Frances could be called insecure and socially awkward. This leads her to try too hard to make impressions. This results in uncomfortable and often times embarrassing situations for her.
There is a big comedy element to this film so much of that is often played for laughs. But there is a subtle and sympathetic undercurrent that flows throughout the film. At times I genuinely felt for Frances as she stumbled over her words or didn’t know when to stop talking. One part of me was laughing while the other part felt guilty for doing so. Gerwig gets a ton of credit for that. She co-wrote the script alongside director Noah Baumbach and she has a real strength for playing this type of character. Sure, some may find her gawkiness annoying but not me. I truly found myself caring about this character.
Baumbach does a great job contributing to the solid script but he also deserves credit for his direction. He chose to film in black-and-white and it really suits the picture. There are also numerous tips of the hat and homages ranging from Woody Allen to French New Wave cinema. For example, the black-and-white combined with the numerous New York City locales is an unmistakable tip of the hat to “Manhattan”. The film is also unique due to its rapid fire editing. It jumps from scene to scene, never staying in one place too long. But surprisingly it really works in this film and Baumbach is artful in his use.
“Frances Ha” certainly isn’t breaking new ground and some may not find its peculiarity all that entertaining. It does spin its wheels in spots and it may not blow you away with its ambition. But sometimes a movie doesn’t need to do those things to be successful. That’s the case with this film. “Frances Ha” works because of its intriguing central character, a great performance from Greta Gerwig, and a really interesting technical approach from Noah Baumbach. That was more than enough to make me really appreciate “Frances Ha”.
keithandthemovies.com 
I’ve been hearing tons of good things about this one but now I’m even more curious to see it as YOU love it too! We have similar taste (and POV) on films so I definitely will give this a rent. Great review Keith!
Thanks Ruth! Definitely give it a look. I’m a big fan of Gerwig although I do question her overall range. But this movie is right in her wheelhouse and it is a lot of fun. It could be said it doesn’t really go anywhere but I disagree. I think the ending is a perfect summarization of what it’s all about.
I’ve never seen anything she’s done, don’t even know what she looks like. Not familiar w/ Baumbach as well so this shall be the first work of both I’ll be seeing.
Last year she was in Damsels in Distress, one of my favorite movies of last year. It didn’t quite make my top 10 but I so wanted to put it in there. I like it better than this one but they’re both still good.
One of those rare movies that makes you happy to live the life you live now, and the life you have right ahead of you. Never thought I’d get that feeling from watching a Noah Baumbach movie, but hey, the world’s full of surprises. Good review Keith.
Thanks a lot. I’m with you. There is a lot of feeling in this movie even though it doesn’t necessarily do a lot. Skillfully made and very well acted.
Excellent review bro. I really fancy this one. I’ve enjoyed Baumbach’s previous films “The Squid and the Whale”, Margot at the wedding” and “Greenberg”. Gerwig is a very underrated actress too. I’m hoping to catch this soon.
I love Gerwig. This is right up her alley and she nails it. It’s hard not to be attached to her character. Hope you get to see it soon.
Excellent review. I agree completely.
My only real issue was this is its lack of ambition, something you cite. I just don’t ultimately see a meaningful theme.
Darn fine character study though.
I think the ending does give it a little more meaning. But it’s a good argument. There really isn’t a lot that takes place other than her life unfolding. I just found that fascinating though.
Don’t get me wrong. I did, too. For it’s roughly 1.5 hour run time, I was fascinated. Completely fascinated. Then it ended, and I wasn’t certain what it was about, which certainly doesn’t ruin the flick, but does limit its power to some extent.
That’s completely fair. I can see a number of people leaving that film with the same question in mind. Absolutely legitimate.
Awesome review, Keith!
Thanks so much. I appreciate it.
Been meaning to watch this and soon! Nice review, Keith.
Thanks Cindy. Give it a watch if you get a chance.
Nice review. I’ve been meaning to see this for a while and was disappointed to miss it in theaters. I liked Noah Baumbach’s other work, so I hope to enjoy this.
It’s an interesting approach all around but it really works. There’s an underlying happiness and sadness that you sense throughout the film and they beautifully coexist. I was fascinated.
Hearing a lot of good things about this. I’m not sure whether it’ll annoy me or not, I’m turned off if a film tries to be too quirky
It really doesn’t try to be too much of anything. It has its own idea, its own pace, and its own structure. It’s a very unique movie.
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Nice review mate. Heard some really good things about this and definitely fancy checking it out.
Thanks man. Really good little movie. Give it a look!
Nice review Keith – I’m keen to catch this one too.
Thanks! Hopefully you’ll get a chance to check it out. It’s well worth a watch.
I was kind of in the middle on this. I did not really enjoy it, but there were things I appreciated. In general it was not the type of movie I can say I enjoyed.
Bummer. I can see where people would have that reaction. Personally I was fascinated by the characters and especially Francis. But it’s definitely a unique movie that may not work for everyone.
Great review here, Keith. I quite enjoyed this one as well. It kind of reminded me of a more intelligent take of HBO’s show, Girls.
Great review! I’m finally seeing it tonight, I hope I’ll like it.
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