Frances Ha Review- By Michael Carlisle

 Title: Frances Ha
Year: 2013
Director: Noah Baumbach
Country: US
Language: English

Of the many visual elements that distinguish Noah Baumbach's Frances Ha from any other modern picture is the elegant use of black-and-white cinematography. The Director chose to shoot it that way to 'boil it down to its barest bones' and create an immediate "history" and "a kind of instant nostalgia.' He was right, and though it owes a great debt to Woody Allen's Manhattan, Frances Ha magnificently captures the vibrant energy of modern youth in a remarkably honest way.

Frances (Greta Gerwig) lives in New York, but she doesn't really have an apartment. Frances is an apprentice for a dance company, but she's not really a dancer. Frances has a best friend named Sophie, but they aren't really speaking anymore. This is the story of a quirky woman and the pursuit of her dreams.

Frances Ha has the look and feel of a romantic comedy, but it's not, at least not in the traditional sense. It's about the love of one's self, but not in a narcissistic way. It feels like a natural film about real personal issues, but is also drenched in movie mythology. It is neither extremely engaging, nor a drag. I found Baumbach's film to be refreshing, re-vitalizing and optimistic. It feels like something out of the French New Wave, perhaps Baumbach aspires to be the new Godard. 

Many critics feel Frances Ha is "good, but not great", I entirely disagree. Though I have not seen Greta Gerwig in any other role, she embodies her character to a tee. I wish she could play this character for her entire career. Unlike Lena Dunham's character in Tiny Furniture, Frances is quite likeable and relatable. Currently this is the only movie that I watched through the credits, mainly because David Bowie's Modern Love fits so perfectly into the soundtrack.

In conclusion, Frances Ha is one of those rare honest pictures about youth and the many difficulties youth must face. Of course, it may not reflect everyone's youth and may not appeal to an older generation, but I felt absolutely glued to Baumbach's work of art. Though I do wonder why Frances would continue being friends with Sophie despite her being extremely mean throughout the film. Praise it! 4/5