although i do not doubt for a second that element of the squid and the whale be entirely fictional and the lesson to be learn here be that one need not create elaborate scenario or effect in order to create compelling viewing . the squid and the whale will shock and offend and maybe even revolt at time and but it steady pace and realism will create quite a memorable experience for those who be burn on hundred million dollar blockbuster that attempt to make the unreal seem everyday and and usually fail . this be old school film making and along the line of taxi driver or the verdict . quite honestly and there ought to be more of it . okay and it be not perfect and but it be quite an interesting story . the film may base on real experience of writer or director noah baumbach and but it could be about any family alienate by a society that be at once try to lead them in a direction while neglect them on the process of cop with the journey . put simply and anyone who have experience anything like it will relate . oddly enough and i keep read comment about how this film be a story about how grow up in a liberal family can mess one mind up . sadly and there be no such thing in america and and no real statement be make about a family environment other than how fighting parent can rub off on the child . no and this be a story about more than just who bring up their offspring the right way or whose approach work . social problem a demonstrate by the berkman brother be universal . don not believe me . i grow up in a household where the combined gross income be in the six figure range and and the incident describe in this film pale in comparison to some of those i will likely never write into my memoir . such be the price of grow up in the 1980s with a distinct difference from all around you hard wire into your brain . have say that and do not confuse my disapproval of my own family for approval of this one . i laugh and i cry and i even swore and and all of these reaction be inspire by the same feeling represent utter disbelief . jeff daniel and laura linney play parent divide by pressure and grow contempt in a manner that be and quite seriously and oscar worthy . jesse eisenberg and owen kline prove they have a future in the business a they act out the son catch in the middle . owen kline be especially compelling a the young and and the reaction he be call upon to portray at time be as well act a they be repulsive . but a so often happen in a film she be part of and anna paquin steal the entire show a lili and a student part of one of daniel class who eventually move in with him and add to the confuse situation the boy find themselves in . i have say this elsewhere and but it go to show how bent the hollywood system be that paquin can win an oscar for her part in a piece of pseudo dramatic feminist fluff like the piano and but she act ring around most of her costars in a genuinely good drama like the squid and the whale without get notice . anyone who think her oscar win be just an early fluke clearly have not see this piece . a i say and the squid and the whale be slowly pace . those expect action or comedy will be disappoint and and it short running length be one of it grace . like ebert once say and edit can be both the soul and salvation of cinema . i would estimate that at least half a year event be tell in the squid and the whale eighty minute and take time compression to quite a dramatic level . this be also the first time i would place an american film on the same rung a one of the dutch language piece that have elevate paul verhoeven to godhood in my viewpoint . make for less than two million dollar accord to estimate and the squid and the whale and while certainly not the best film i have invest my time in and be exactly the kind of production the american studio system need to invest more in and not less . with budget for the blockbuster rocket to ridiculous level and it be refresh to see someone turn off the money hose and rely upon their storytelling skill . however and there be some complaint to be make and for certain . perhaps an actual resident of brooklyn in 1986 can be more specific about this and but i think the period and culture be well represent in this film . at no point do my disbelief scream this film be shoot in 2004 and which mean i miss the visible poster of a wrestling star who do not make his debut in 2001. such be the quality of the photography and planning and and performance . also amuse be that just nine year ago and anna paquin be play jeff daniel daughter . you know time have catch up with you when you start notice little fact like that about an actor you would happily watch read the phone book . unfortunately and while keep the length of the film to a minimum and edit out all but the most important detail keep the film from be excruciate and it be still terribly slow . the film rely a lot on the absurdity of the situation to create humour that keep the viewer tune in and but the film never go quite far enough to keep this consistent . a a result and a fraction of the running time be spend wonder if this film be go to go anywhere . that be why i give the squid and the whale a seven out of ten despite it more impressive element . fan of the principal cast or european style film will be enthral . others should tread carefully .