Noah Baumbach has a unique fascination with telling stories of high-strung eccentric chatterboxes who aren’t always the most likable people to be around. Some are airy and naive. Others are astringent and self-absorbed. But despite each of their quirks, annoyances, or repellent personalities, I’ve always found myself fascinated with Baumbach’s strange and often self-destructive creations.
Enter “Mistress America”, an unusual amalgamation of all of the above. It features most of the normal Baumbach signatures – neurotic and/or insecure people, a ton of hip rapid-fire dialogue, and a bustling New York City backdrop. As with every other film of his, a big part of your reaction will be influenced by your opinions of the characters and your tolerance levels for them.
Baumbach’s favorite muse and girlfriend Greta Gerwig co-wrote the story and gets top billing, but the film is really about a girl named Tracy struggling to find her niche during her freshman year at college. She’s played by Lola Kirke who was very good in last year’s “Gone Girl”. Tracy feels like an outcast and can’t fit in with any of the typical college groups. Even the nerdy intellectuals pay her no attention except for a fellow writer named Tony (Matthew Shear). But even that relationship isn’t without its complexities.
Sensing her daughter’s melancholy, Tracy’s mom (Kathryn Erbe) encourages her to call up and connect with her soon-to-be stepsister Brooke (Gerwig). Tracy is instantly smitten with Brooke’s panache and lively New York City lifestyle (stating in one scene “I can’t imagine the city without you”). Brooke talks a good game and seems to have her toe dipped in many of the city’s coolest waters. But as with many of these characters, there is reason for us to wonder if her life is truly all sunshine and roses.
For the most part “Mistress America” succeeds on the exact same level as most of Baumbach’s pictures. The characters are interesting even in their peculiar states and the story could be called a simple platform for their idiosyncratic philosophizing, witty banter, and self reflections. Dialogue is always a focus and most of it works as quirky intellectual comedy and drama. But this also feeds into a couple of the film’s issues. There are moments where the back-and-forths between characters feel too scripted. Other exchanges work noticeably hard to be intellectually cool. I’m also not sold on some of the comedy angles we get later in the film.
Embracing Noah Baumbach means dealing with certain blemishes and minor frustrations. At the same time his unique characters, rich dialogue, and sharp wit is more than enough to make up for them. This particular dive into the fashionable problems of big city millennials may not measure up with Baumbach’s best. Yet it still manages to capture what I enjoy about his films and the uniqueness of his formula is always satisfying.
VERDICT – 3.5 STARS
keithandthemovies.com 
For me, this is one of Baumbach’s best work in terms of the way he studies young people dealing with new surroundings and growing up. Especially in the idea of idolizing someone only to realize that not everything is great.
Completely with you on those elements. The guy knows how to convey his ideas within his signature framework. Some people just can’t get onboard with that framework. It has always worked for me though.
I feel pretty much the same way as you – enjoyable but some of the later stuff (i.e. the ramping up of the screwball stuff in the house) didn’t really do it for me. It’s not the popular point of view among Baumbach fans but I preferred his other film from last year, While We’re Young, marginally…even though that also has its faults! Still, I thought Gerwig and Kirke were fun to watch, and it didn’t outstay it’s welcome.
I don’t remember off hand what I rated While We’re Young (i’m thinking three stars). Another example of Baumbach doing a great job dealing with specific things within his own quirky framework. But at the same time I really didn’t like the ending of that one. And then the occasional, out of the ordinary, poor choices for humor (specifically the running vomit gag) felt out of place to me. Still a good movie though.
I know, all the honour-and-truth-in-documentaries stuff was just really weird. Just didn’t seem right despite the plot partly being about two documentary filmmakers. Still, I don’t want to sound too down on Baumbach – he’s a director with something to say and I like his work.
Completely agree.
Boy for some reason I’ve got a huge blindspot when it comes to Noah Baumbach. I’m not sure about this one but I know he’s done quite a few good movies.
P.S. Hope to see you participate in this month’s FFTF Keith! One of the questions is about The Coens & Hail, Caesar 😉
Ooooh interesting! They are among my very favorite filmmakers so I will definitely be by. Really hoping this movie delivers!
Oh I thought you’ve seen Hail Caesar already from your tweet. I suppose it’s too early in the day eh, the theater probably isn’t open yet ahah. I’m curious about your answer on question #1 as well.
Oh no. I was heading to the theater. I’m there now. First showing is at 10:20. Bring it own.
You say 3,5 stars, but the rating shows 4,5…. If it’s really 3,5 that’s exactly the same rating I gave it. I’ve seen it some time ago but must admit I have forgotten most of it already, so it was an enjoyable watch but not one that was very memorable.
Wow! That’s a goof up on my part. It is 3.5 for me. A little rocky in places but lots of fun.
Thanks for pointing out the error.