Release Date: 3/21/2006 Original Release: 2005 Format: DVD Length: 81 minutes Rating:R (MPAA) Rating Reason: strong sexual content, graphic dialogue and language UPC: 043396134942 Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Dramas, Infidelity, Divorce, Theatrical Release, Family (General), 1980s
Squid and the Whale Special Edition DVD Description
Noah Baumbach's THE SQUID AND THE WHALE is an excruciatingly humane, often hilarious portrait of a disintegrating family in mid-1980s Brooklyn. Set in the stately yet off-kilter neighborhood of Park Slope, the film tells the story of the Berkmans, a quintessentially New York family struggling to keep things together. Family patriarch Bernard (Jeff Daniels) is a published author and writing teacher whose insecurity over his own lack of recognition continues to plague him. Meanwhile, his wife, Joan (Laura Linney), is grappling with her own sense of unsettlement. Their sons, who are caught in the crossfire, express their confusion in different ways: 16-year-old Walt (Jesse Eisenberg) tries to pass off Pink Floyd's "Hey You" as his own hit in the school talent show, while his 12-year-old brother Frank (Owen Kline) begins to explore his burgeoning sexuality and alcoholism. When Bernard and Joan finally decide to separate, the family must confront their unraveling situation head on.
Rarely has family dysfunction been captured so frankly and honestly as in THE SQUID AND THE WHALE. Baumbach claims his film is only semi-autobiographical, but, from the pitch-perfect writing and nostalgic tone, it feels as if we're watching home videos of the writer-director's past. Featuring an outstanding pop-music soundtrack (Bert Jansch, the Feelies, Lou Reed), the film also boasts performances that seem certain to earn end-of-the-year accolades.
DVD Features
Region 1 Keep Case Special Edition Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85 Full Frame - 1.33 Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 - English Dolby Digital Surround - French Subtitles - English - Close Captioned Subtitles - French - Optional Additional Release Material: Behind the Scenes: Featurette Interviews: Noah Baumbach - Director Audio Commentary: Noah Baumbach - Director
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