"The Squid and the Whale" is one of the most perfect movie titles ever. In the Natural History museum in New York, there is a model of a squid and whale fighting. This display is a perfect allegory for the divorce that this film centers on. The ugliness and brutality of divorced parents is shown through a brilliant acidic wit and charm, disarming the viewer, and then sucker-punching them.
The divorce is generally shown through the eyes of the two kids, and each see it differently. Walter, the older of the two, finds the separation leading to doubts of his own when it comes to relationships, and he tends to side with his father much more than his mother. Frank, the younger brother, sides with his mother, Joan, and feels confused and daring; Frank constantly drinks alcohol (he is 12 mind you), masturbates at school and is prone to swear like his father, Bernard. What makes the kids so interesting is how although they each clearly have favorites, how the other is so influential. Frank discusses with his mother how he believed he had his mother's facial features, but in fact he takes after his father. Walt remembers how his mother and him used to be so close, and how she was always there for him as opposed to his father. Both Joan and Bernard have P.H.D.'s in Literature, and their opposition does partially come from success. Bernard is less successful than compared to how he used to be. while Joan is actually getting her first novel published.
The actors here are phenomenal as well. Jeff Daniels, Laura Linney, Owen Kline, and Jesse Eisenberg make up the core of the cast. Daniels gives the film performance of his career here and Eisenberg shows audiences the acting chops he really has pre-"Zombieland" and "The Social Network". These actors draw you into their characters and make you care for them in ways I never thought a movie could. It wasn't a "cry for their pain" connection, but rather a complex feeling as though these were real people. Its heart wrenching to watch this family split apart. But the strength in the acting is that they still make us laugh amid the pain and suffering.
The film benefits from some incredibly well written dialogue, coming off more realistic than normal. It felt like these were real family members, because their conversations had such nuance and depth, and the trademarks of a deep relationship. A film about divorce is usually bound for cliché territory, but the script subverts our expectations, ripping into new ground for divorce and exposing it raw and fresh. For example: the moment when Bernard practically begs Joan for a second chance and proposes that they eat dinner as a family, Joan bursts out laughing and crying at Bernard's pathetic attempt to show his love. I never knew what to expect in scenes, as they would surprise consistently. What balances this horrible pain is the humor. The film is extremely funny and clever in many places, and has the ability to both be funny and tear-jerking. That is what truly makes it so memorable is its brash and bold comedy in the face of a terrible event.
Divorce is something that has affected many people, and discussed frequently in the context of Christianity. Marriage is a sacred vow before God, that is not meant to be broken. If it were, it wouldn't be so hard on so many people. Now I am not getting into whether divorce is right or wrong, I am simply stating that it is not what is meant to happen between two people. We see in this film the rippling effects this separation has. Everybody involved is searching for answers; answers to what this means in their own future. The confusion and divided household does nothing good for the family, and brings pain and misery into their lives.
As I said in the beginning, the title "The Squid and the Whale" is the most perfect film title ever. The display at the museum makes us want to cover our eyes, but something about it makes us watch as two titans battle, frozen for eternity in their struggle. Much like how this battle rages unnoticed beneath the waves, the divorce rages unnoticed under a seemingly happy family. The film is a brilliant piece of work that is funny, heart-breaking, and charming all at the same time.
Rated R for strong sexual content, graphic dialogue and language
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