The Squid and the Whale

French New Wave undeniably opened the doors for a new generation of filmmakers to do whatever they wanted, and however they wanted to do it. Much like punk, the movement broke the rules in a way that truly changed everything. Fifty years later, it's effects are still being felt: but that's not always a good thing.
Last night I finally finished 'The Squid And The Whale', a film I'd been hearing was brilliant for years. Sadly, watching it was like listening to Modest Mouse - where it seemed that both everyone was wrong and I was missing something. The film has that matter-of-fact emotional flatness and deadpan delivery that makes Wes Anderson's (the film's co-producer) films so hit and miss. It's put together in a way that is reminiscent of the anything-goes freedom of French New Wave, but just comes off like it was edited to satisfy time constraints. Also, I didn't understand the use of the theme from 'Risky Business' as Frank is acting out in his parents' absence. Is it supposed to be the music he's hearing in his head from the ulitmate movie about exploring your dangerous side while mom and dad are gone? Without clarifying this (perhaps a scene where he's watching the movie), it just seems as if the filmmakers are hoping the audience hasn't seen 'Risky Business'.
All that being said, I do appreciate how this film is the antithesis of something from Cameron Crowe, Kevin Smith, or Ron Howard; who make what you're supposed to be feeling so obvious it's insulting. It does take you right into the homes and streets of mid-80's Brooklyn. It does deal with the awkward uncertainty of your first girlfriend and the 'fuck this' feeling of watching your family fall apart. And again, maybe I just didn't get it