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'The Squid and the Whale': A family tragedy in miniature
by Eleanor Ringel Gillespie

Hilarious, harrowing and heartbreaking, "The Squid and the Whale" is one of the best movies of the year. Named after the diorama at the venerable Museum of Natural History in New York in which those mortal enemies of the sea are locked in eternal combat, writer-director Noah Baumbach's semi-autobiographical dissection of a family in meltdown is graced with whip-smart dialogue, dipped-in-acid observations and extraordinary performances — including a career-defining one by Jeff Daniels. Read the full review

TO SUM UP
When Bernard Berkman, an academic and author, and his restlest wife Joan, an up-and-coming writer, have given up on their marriage. When they divorce and begin new relationships, their sons, Walt (16) and Frank (12), are left to grapple with confusing and conflicted feelings.

FILM FACTS ...

Samuel Goldwyn Films

'The Squid and the Whale'

Director: Noah Baumbach
Starring: Jeff Daniels, Laura Linney, Jesse Eisenberg, Owen Kline, Anna Paquin
Run time: 88 minutes
Release date: Oct. 5, 2005
Rating: R for strong sexual content, graphic dialogue and language.
See showtimes

On the web
Official movie site
View the trailer
Trailers require Quicktime

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READ THE REVIEW

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: A
"One of the best movies of the year."

Read the full review

Austin American-Statesman: 4 of 5 stars
"The family ... might not be one anyone would want to join, but it's an easy one to get wrapped up in for an hour and a half."