The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) - A Quirky Family Saga With Adam Sandler!
Remember that feeling when you stumbled upon a hidden gem at a dusty bookstore, tucked away between bestsellers? “The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)”, directed by Noah Baumbach and released in 2017, evokes precisely that sentiment. This poignant yet comedic film delves into the lives of the dysfunctional Meyerowitz family, each member grappling with their own insecurities and desires while navigating complex relationships.
At the heart of this familial labyrinth stands Harold Meyerowitz (Dustin Hoffman), a retired sculptor whose legacy overshadows his children. His three offspring – Danny (Adam Sandler), Matthew (Ben Stiller), and Jean (Elizabeth Marvel) – are each unique in their own right, shaped by Harold’s demanding personality and artistic pursuits.
Danny, the eldest and a struggling musician, longs for his father’s approval but grapples with feelings of inadequacy. Matthew, the successful, seemingly “perfect” son, harbors hidden anxieties stemming from years of competition with his siblings. Jean, the quieter and more introspective daughter, observes her brothers’ struggles with empathy while dealing with her own personal challenges.
The film unfolds through a series of vignettes – snapshots of the Meyerowitz family’s past and present. We witness awkward childhood memories, heated arguments over artistic merit, and moments of unexpected tenderness.
Baumbach masterfully weaves humor into the fabric of the story without trivializing the family’s complexities. Sandler’s performance as Danny is a revelation, showcasing his dramatic range with remarkable nuance. The comedian sheds his usual comedic persona to portray a man struggling with feelings of inadequacy, longing for validation and connection.
Diving Deeper into the Dynamics:
| Character | Key Trait | Relationship with Harold |
|---|---|---|
| Danny (Adam Sandler) | Struggling musician seeking approval | Longs for affirmation but feels overshadowed by his father’s legacy |
| Matthew (Ben Stiller) | Successful but anxious | Seeks perfection, competitive with his siblings, hides anxieties beneath a veneer of success |
| Jean (Elizabeth Marvel) | Observant and introspective | Acts as a mediator between her brothers, grapples with personal challenges |
The Power of Family:
“The Meyerowitz Stories” transcends the typical dysfunctional family trope. It delves deeper into the complexities of familial bonds, exploring themes of:
- Legacy: The weight of parental expectations and the desire to carve one’s own path
- Acceptance: The struggle for validation and the yearning for unconditional love
- Reconciliation: The messy, often painful process of mending broken relationships
Ultimately, “The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)” is a deeply human film. It celebrates the messiness and contradictions inherent in family life while offering moments of poignant humor and profound empathy. This is a movie that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on your own familial connections and the indelible mark they leave on our lives.