The Squid and the Whale (2005) on Netflix
Bernard Berkman teaches English in Brooklyn while his wife Joan's writing draws praise. Their sons, Walt and Frank, hear the marriage is ending and that Bernard is moving out.
- Netflix3.4/5
- IMDb7.3/1095,093 votes
- Rotten Tomatoes92%
Trailer
Plot summary
Bernard Berkman is a novelist whose sales are falling, and he is searching for a new agent. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife Joan and their two sons, Walt and Frank, and teaches English. Joan started writing after their marriage, and her work now draws praise from many readers, which strains the couple. Bernard and Joan tell the boys they are separating, and Bernard takes an apartment a few subway stops away. The two agree to share custody of the children equally.
In these lists: Leaving Netflix in the US: What Goes Next
Cast
- David Bengeras Carl
- Molly Bartonas Graduate Student
- Bo Berkmanas Graduate Student
- Matthew Kaplanas Graduate Student
- Simon Kaplanas Graduate Student
Did you know?!Facts and trivia about The Squid and the Whale (2005)
Can contain spoilers, watch the movie first.
- Bill Murray, a frequent collaborator of producer Wes Anderson, was considered for the role of Bernard Berkman, the failing novelist; John Turturro was also considered for the part.
- Noah Baumbach wanted The Who's "Behind Blue Eyes" for the film but could not secure the rights, so Pink Floyd's "Hey You" is heard several times instead, in the original version and in performances by Jesse Eisenberg and Owen Kline.
- The English indie folk band Noah and the Whale took its name from a combination of the director's name, Noah Baumbach, and the film's title.
- Noah Baumbach became one of the few screenwriters to sweep the four major critics' awards for the film: the Los Angeles Film Critics' Association, the National Board of Review, the National Society of Film Critics and the New York Film Critics' Circle.
- Baumbach shot the film on Super 16 rather than digital video to give it an authentic 1980s feel, handholding the camera steadily so that only a hint of movement shows.
- The film takes its name from the real giant squid and sperm whale diorama housed at the American Museum of Natural History, which is seen in the film.
