I think at this point of time everyone is aware who Greta Gerwig is thanks to the Barbie movie. She has created history with her recent release as the Barbie is now the highest grossing film of 2023, the biggest opener for a film directed by a woman, highest grossing female led and helmed film and so much more. No one thought that a live action Barbie will be the biggest release of this year. While audiences might recognize Gerwig now, I have been an admirer of her work for sometime now. Her partner Noah Baumbach is a fellow filmmaker who has made a masterpieces like Marriage Story. Gerwig has starred in his films and one has to admit she is also a wonderful actor no one should take lightly. That aside, she is a terrific writer and has written over 8 feature films so far. So, this is a list that has the top 6 best films that Greta Gerwig’s a part of.
6. Barbie
I have to admit Gerwig’s latest release is her worst. As mentioned I’m a huge admirer of Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach’s previous works but they have failed their legacy through this film. I don’t know what happened to their subtlety. When did their filmmaking became so loud and lazy. If anyone else would’ve made Barbie I wouldn’t be so disappointed but I didn’t expect such a mess from Gerwig, who I believed to be one of the few strong female voices from the west. I also want to point out the hypocrisy of western critics who are praising the film solely for its politics. If you want to know my thoughts in detail then check out the full review here.
5. Nights and Weekends
This is Greta Gerwig’s first co-directorial and co-written venture. Gerwig’s core was always about exploring human relationships and this one does it more than the others. The film is about A man (Joe Swanton) and woman (Greta Gerwig) deal with the tension that develops between them during their long-distance relationship. This is certainly not Gerwig’s best but one can watch this and see the filmmaking potential that she has always had. Definitely check this out and then see her other films. It will show you how much she has refined her craft.
4. Miss America
This is film is another collaboration between Baumbach and Gerwig. Baumbach has directed the film while Gerwig co-wrote the film with him. Much like most of their films, Miss America is a comedy-drama that focuses on Tracy Fishko, a naive college freshman, who finds her life turning upside down when she starts living with her mischievous future stepsister. It’s a good sweet movie to watch. It has sufficient length, not unnecessary lengthy. Lola Kirke and Greta Gerwig have wonderful chemistry between them. Supporting cast is good. Overall a nice movie.
3. Frances Ha
Frances Ha is co-written by Gerwig and Baumbach and it is one of the best films in their filmography. Greta Gerwig is an absolute charm in the film and the way her character is written who is just a little behind (in terms of emotional maturity) compared to all the people in her age is heartbreaking. She gets attached to places and can’t move on from them. The film is divided into all the places where Frances stays. The last scene in the film is amazing as we finally understand why the film is called what it is. The artsy treatment shouldn’t stop anyone from watching the film assuming that it will be boring.
2. Little Women
Little Women is based on the Louisa May Alcott’s classic book. The films follows the March sisters who enter the threshold of womanhood and go through many ups and downs in life and endeavor to make important decisions that can affect their future. With this movie Greta Gerwig has created art that is independently great from its original source material. One can say that this where Gerwig truly grew into the director’s chair. To handle a production of $40 million, work with an A-list cast and churn out a film as good as this one is truly amazing.
1. Lady Bird
While writing this list I brainstormed the position of each film, except for one – Lady Bird. It is hard to believe this her solo directorial debut. I mean how is she ever going to top this? I, personally, adore this film with all my heart. The character of Christine is so complex, yet so simple. Her relationship with her mother is beautifully portrayed. The subplots shown in the film, mean so much. I love the short lived relationship between Danny and Christine. This is the best coming of age I have ever seen. The cinematography doesn’t promise a spectacle but presents a story full of heart in the most beautiful manner. Some shots are truly awestriking, one wide shot in particular where Christine and her mother are dress shopping. This is also Saoirse Ronan’s best on-screen performance.
Barbie is playing in theatres near you.
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