The Squid and the Whale

This movie was really, really great. I'm always a big fan of ensemble pieces, especially if they're family-oriented. Not family-friendly, mind you - In the Bedroom and Junebug are definitely not for the kids. The Squid and the Whale is the story of an incredibly intelligent family going through a divorce in New York in the mid-'80s. One of the things I really liked about this movie was that it was obvious that it was set in the '80s, but not in a ridiculous way, like parts of Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion. It's exciting to me that the '80s can be used as a historical time period now. Anyway, the acting was superb - Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney were fabulous, and the kids were just wonderful, heartbreaking and hilarious all at the same time. In fact, I'd say that pretty much sums up the whole movie - heartbreaking and hilarious. It has a Wes Anderson flair (he was one of the producers and the writer/director of this movie co-wrote The Life Aquatic), the music is superb, and the dialogue is completely believable. Watch for the scene where Jeff Daniels' voice breaks a little - that's going to be his Oscar clip.

I think TSATW is the pinnacle of Billy Baldwin's career, that's for sure.

The Squid and the Whale - A