By Joseph L. Romano
In the rarest of occasions, a first-time director and writer can produce a script and film that is truly great. On even rarer occasions, an unceasingly extolled film, by critics and audiences alike, can so far exceed the expectations of even the most anticipated viewer. This is the case for the cinematic masterpiece titled Lady Bird, whose splendidly simplistic message can reach every viewer in one way or another.
The aforementioned “first-time” director is Greta Gerwig, who was born in Sacramento, California, the setting of Lady Bird. Her effort and passion for this story truly is depicted throughout the film. There is not one character, scene, or shot that is wasted. Everything that occurs is for the purpose of moving the plot along and enhances its message. As, Sister Joan, a nun at Lady Bird’s Catholic high school, says when speaking of the college admissions essay, sometimes love and attention can be the same thing. This can indeed be seen in the film, as Gerwig’s attention to detail to Sacramento and the story as a whole can be explained through this film’s importance to her. It is obvious that she loves the city because it is one of the most important aspects to the film.
When a movie is well written, the setting can almost become a character unto itself. In Lady Bird, the setting matters because it is such an intrinsic part of all of the characters’ lives. They would not be the same people if they had lived somewhere else. The beautiful simplicity of this film, prevalent in the camera work and the writing, mirrors that of Sacramento.
Lady Bird allows the viewer to be enthralled from the onset and unwaveringly remain heavily invested until the conclusion. The astonishing part about this is that this could be accomplished without any signature plot points that the audience anticipates throughout the whole movie, akin to a climax in narrative terms. In every scene the audience remains invested, as relationships between people are explored. The film is realistic, in a way that is rarely if ever the case in present day Hollywood. The film can evoke feelings from all audience members, regardless of age or gender, which is quite an accomplishment.
As has been established, the strenuous work of the entire film crew is obvious, as it lacks the simple mistakes many movies in the modern age are plagued by. The cast also all gave phenomenal performances, truly transforming into their characters. Saorise Ronan’s and Laurie Metcalf’s are sure to generate some consideration from the Academy, deservedly so. Also, Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges, and Timothée Chalamet proved to be a great supporting cast.
Another aspect of this film that stands out is the multitude of Catholic iconography. This is especially the case for anyone who attended any level of Catholic school, especially the scenes in the church. It is present Communion to Ash Wednesday and even the scene where Lady Bird eats the unconsecrated communion hosts. The Catholic imagery persists throughout the film and can be included in the fabric of Sacramento. This is part of the city and affects the characters throughout the film.
Comedy also has a large role in this film, which is well incorporated and does not interfere with the story as a whole. The jokes do not distract the viewer from the characters, but rather enhance the understanding of them. The comedy is very witty and fitting for the characters. Overall, all the parts fit in perfectly to tell this story and the emphasis on detail, both within the movie and in its production, make for a different experience than most common movies will provide.
Lady Bird espouses many themes, which are pertinent to many in the real world. They include social class and its effects on identity as well as the similarities and differences between parents and children and how they affect each other. The unceasingly honest story is brought to life by the nearly perfect performances of the entire cast and the exquisite direction. Therefore, making a film that is more true and honest than most.
When a movie, such as Lady Bird, resonates with each viewer in a way, where he or she continues to ponder the film after its conclusion, then it had succeeded in its goal. The creator wants the story to matter to the viewer and Gerwig unquestionably succeeds in this. It is very uncommon for a movie to be so precisely balanced and artfully made, yet so intriguing and relatable to its viewers. The modern day cinema can learn from Lady Bird to correct their priorities and simplify their approach. A creator must be able to optimize every aspect of the film and focus on every detail if he or she truly wants to create something special.
Rating: A
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