‘Lady Bird’ is a comedy drama about family
relationships. As we all come from a family in one way or another, films
like these should easily resonate as the topics are usually the same with the
high and low points challenging. Dealing with these issues can bring out
the best and worst in people as ‘Lady Bird’ shows. Written and Directed
with stylish flair by Greta Gerwig, ‘Lady Bird’ is an arresting essay in the
trials and tribulations of growing up and familial life.
Christine (Saoirse Ronan) attends a Catholic high
school. Preferring to go by her nickname ‘Lady Bird’, she grapples with
what life throws at her. Dealing with her over-bearing mother Marion
(Laurie Metcalf) and friends, she has a lot on her plate. Christine’s
daily hassles nearly take their toll on her tough exterior with a crisis always
around the corner.
There’s nothing more exciting than watching the debut
feature of a new talent. Gerwig is someone to watch as she puts a lot of
herself into ‘Lady Bird’. It almost plays like a documentary as the
camera eavesdrops into Christine’s emotional dilemmas. Based on
situations in her own life, Gerwig directs with keen authenticity without
resorting to melodramatics. The characters and emotions are very real
with the humour and drama blended perfectly. Little feels forced in what
Christine and her friends face as they attempt to find their place in the
world.
Ronan, Metcalf and their co-stars also make ‘Lady Bird’
compelling viewing. They highlight the best parts of Gerwig’s astutely
written script due to their realistic performances. Whilst the
interaction between Christine and her mother are occasionally uncomfortable,
that’s the whole point of ‘Lady Bird’ as it meditates on the problems of
teenage and parental life. The cinematography deftly captures their
arguments in extreme close-up that forces viewers to join in the melee.
The subversive look at the catholic school system is interesting as well with
the typical clichés in other coming of age school movies absent.
‘Lady Bird’ isn’t the usual type of family film seen.
‘The Brady Bunch’ it isn’t and it’s the better for it. With a solid cast
and strong script it rarely falters as it discards false sentimentality in
favour of authentic freshness making for an unusual but captivating outing.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 8
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
Agree with Patrick's Movie Review? Then please use the
comment box.
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie
releases in Australia.
TRAILER
SOUNDTRACK
No comments:
Post a Comment