{"id":10290,"date":"2019-09-16T13:58:37","date_gmt":"2019-09-16T20:58:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog-proxy.atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/?p=10290"},"modified":"2019-09-16T13:58:37","modified_gmt":"2019-09-16T20:58:37","slug":"tiff-marriage-story-review-three-reasons-to-see-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/marriage-story-review\/","title":{"rendered":"TIFF &#8216;Marriage Story&#8217; Review: Three Reasons To See It"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you\u2019re at all familiar with Noah Baumbach\u2019s work, you know that every film engages with complex elements of the human condition. Sometimes they\u2019re profoundly funny as we saw with\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Frances Ha<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Other times they\u2019re profoundly devastating as with\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Squid And The Whale<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. But they\u2019re always profoundly human.\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atomtickets.com\/movies\/marriage-story\/296423\"><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Marriage Story<\/span><\/i><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is no different, offering a deeply felt ode to the human condition during the disintegration of a marriage and the subsequent rebuilding of a life as something wholly new. Part\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Postcards From The Edge<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, part\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kramer vs. Kramer<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, Baumbach\u2019s created a film that\u2019s deeply witty, heartfelt, and genuine with a unique theatricality.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) and Charlie (Adam Driver) have been married for some time. They have a young son, Henry (Azhy\u00a0Robertson), and work together in Charlie\u2019s theatre company where Nicole is his lead in every production. They\u2019re getting a divorce, and it isn\u2019t going smoothly. Nicole and Charlie quickly discover just how painful and complicated the emotional impact of divorce can be on top of the pragmatic ramifications.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-y1HhAlAOTs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">But is it all pain and no joy? What sets this film apart, and why should you look forward to how much it will make you cry (trust me, it will make you cry)? We have three reasons you need to see\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Marriage Story<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0as soon as possible.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">1. Scarlett Johansson &amp; Adam Driver Doing Some Of Their Best Work<\/span><\/h2>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-10294\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-proxy.atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/fight-scene-1024x578.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"578\" srcset=\"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/fight-scene-1024x578.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/fight-scene-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/fight-scene-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/fight-scene-500x282.jpg 500w, https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/fight-scene-1080x610.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/fight-scene.jpg 1187w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/> <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It cannot be overstated that this is some of Driver\u2019s best work. Charlie is a complex character beautifully brought to life. In typical\u00a0Baumbachian\u00a0fashion, he\u2019s less than perfect. He can be cluelessly selfish, unintentionally manipulative, and can behave like a pedantic child when he doesn\u2019t get his way. But he\u2019s still human, which takes a very specific talent to bring to life. Driver\u2019s always been skilled at portraying complex, realistic characters, but Charlie is something special. The Academy would be crazy not to give him a nomination for Best Actor.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Then there\u2019s Scarlett Johansson. Despite being known for the MCU, a massive, populist franchise with devoted fans and equally devoted detractors, she\u2019s a versatile actress who seldom gets enough credit when it\u2019s due. As Nicole, she\u2019s given the opportunity to tap into something deeper than what her biggest movies have been able to afford her. Baumbach\u2019s written a complex female character that demands a level of strength and conviction while remaining soft and, at times, even a little broken. Johansson delivers beyond expectations, playing perfectly off of Driver\u2019s Charlie. The two have incredible chemistry that will stun audiences.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">2. One Of The Best Fight<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0Scenes In History &#8211; It&#8217;s Just Not Physical<\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_10292\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10292\" class=\"size-large wp-image-10292\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-proxy.atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/marriagestory.0-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) and Charlie (Adam Driver) with their son, Henry (Azhy Robertson) in 'Marriage Story'\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/marriagestory.0-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/marriagestory.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/marriagestory.0-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/marriagestory.0-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/marriagestory.0-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/marriagestory.0.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-10292\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) and Charlie (Adam Driver) with their son, Henry (Azhy Robertson) in &#8216;Marriage Story&#8217;<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When we think of momentous fight scenes, the best in cinema history, we often think of action movies. The hallway scene in\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Oldboy<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. The kitchen fight in\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Raid 2<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Hell, Rocky versus Apollo Creed! But we don\u2019t give enough attention to the great emotional fight scenes in cinema history. When someone does finally put themselves through the torture of making that list, this scene may top it.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It wouldn\u2019t be a film about divorce if we didn\u2019t watch the couple doing the uncoupling have at it. Without giving too much away, Nicole and Charlie are trying to deal with their conscious uncoupling in the most productive, least painful way. After unavoidably getting lawyers involved, the two try to hash out the details on their own. What results is, as I\u2019ve said, one of the greatest emotional fights in cinema history. The scene starts innocuously enough, two people unsure of how honest they can be in this current moment. Both want to avoid causing the other any pain while also trying to keep things from getting too uncomfortable. Naturally, it all falls apart, as the desire to protect each other disintegrates and all that\u2019s left is ruthless unrelenting honesty. Anyone who\u2019s been in a long-term relationship (the definition of long-term being wholly subjective) will recognize this fight, at least in parts if not as a whole. We\u2019ve all had it. And the performances of both Johansson and Driver, once they get to That Place, are heartbreaking and remarkable.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">3. The Most Beautiful Rendition Of \u201cBeing Alive\u201d<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-10293\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-proxy.atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/johanssen-driver-marriage-story.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"840\" height=\"560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/johanssen-driver-marriage-story.jpeg 840w, https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/johanssen-driver-marriage-story-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/johanssen-driver-marriage-story-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/johanssen-driver-marriage-story-500x333.jpeg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>(WARNING: Mild spoilers ahead.)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Musicality is a pretty subjective term. Cellist\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gregorybeaver.com\/turning-on-your-musicality-122884f24e1a\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Gregory Beaver defines musicality<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0as \u201cthe process by which deep associative emotions and memories bend the specific technical aspects of a musical performance.\u201d It\u2019s what makes us feel something beyond awe at a singer or musician\u2019s technical prowess. Bette Midler and Barbara Streisand are some of the best. It\u2019s the one thing you really can\u2019t teach, at least not easily. So why am I talking about musicality here? Because Adam Driver sings quite possibly the most beautiful and heartbreaking rendition of Sondheim&#8217;s \u201cBeing Alive\u201d I\u2019ve ever heard.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Near the end of the film, when all is said and done, Charlie\u2019s back in New York at karaoke night with his theatre company. One by one, they all head up to the piano to show their chops, and, my God, some of their chops! Then the piano starts to plink the tune of \u201cBeing Alive\u201d from Stephen Sondheim and George Furth\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Company<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Driver takes the stage, and the game\u2019s over. He performs the classic song with expert musicality even the best Broadway\u00a0stars would be envious of. If you don\u2019t tear up during his rendition, I don\u2019t know what to tell you.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>In summary, <em>Marriage Story<\/em> will break you in the best sort of way. It&#8217;s two master actors at the top of their game directed by a guy who knows how to get even more out of his cast. If you&#8217;re looking for early Best Actor and Best Actress nominees. look no further than this.<\/p>\n<p><em>Marriage Story<\/em> is in theaters on November 6th.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re at all familiar with Noah Baumbach\u2019s work, you know that every film engages with complex elements of the human condition. Sometimes they\u2019re profoundly funny as we saw with\u00a0Frances Ha. Other times they\u2019re profoundly devastating as with\u00a0The Squid And The Whale. But they\u2019re always profoundly human.\u00a0Marriage Story\u00a0is no different, offering a deeply felt ode [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":10295,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[52],"tags":[40,37],"class_list":["post-10290","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-review","tag-featuredpage","tag-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10290","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/26"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10290"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10290\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10296,"href":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10290\/revisions\/10296"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10295"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10290"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10290"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10290"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}