Set in Brooklyn in 1986, The Squid and the Whale captures with extraordinary immediacy the inner workings of the Berkman family. Bernard (Jeff Daniels), a once successful novelist, and his wife Joan (Laura Linney), an up-and-coming writer, have given up on their marriage. Their two sons Walt (Jesse Eisenberg), 16, and Frank (Owen Kline), 12, are left to grapple with their confusing and conflicted feelings.
The experience is a tender, funny, and ultimately moving coming-of-age for Walt and a tortuously premature one for Frank. The emotional tensions and strains that emerge during this difficult period for the Berkmans are given a remarkably subtle and nuanced portrayal. This is a film that deftly presents the realties of a family in transition learning to redefine itself.
In the acclaimed Newmarket Shooting Script format, this book includes the film's award-winning screenplay, an introduction by writer/director Noah Baumbach, Q&A, scene notes, movie stills, and complete cast and crew credits. 28 color photos.
About the Author
Noah Baumbach was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He wrote and directed the films Kicking and Screaming(1995) and Mr. Jealousy (1997). He also co-wrote The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou (2004) and the upcoming The Fantastic Mr. Fox from a novel by Roald Dahl with Wes Anderson. He is a contributor to The New Yorker's "Shouts and Murmurs" department.
