PAGE 38 • February 2020
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Streaming Flicks by MILLER byBRIAN DEBRA MERRYWEATHER
Marriage Story There have been countless cinematic representations of crumbling marriages over the years, yet it is rare that you find one that is as impactful as Noah Baumbach’s MARRIAGE STORY. Nominated for six Academy Awards (Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Picture, and Best Score) the emotionally charged drama rises above the typical tropes and melodramas associated with depictions of divorce. MARRIAGE STORY begins with narration from Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) and Charlie (Adam Driver.) They delve into delightful detail as to what made them fall in love with one another, highlighting the quirks and eccentricities that made them unique. It is touching, heartfelt, and relatable. Each audience member will draw immediate parallels between themselves and the couple, thereby forging a bond with each character in a matter of minutes. Though we know that the remaining run time will be dedicated to the dissolution of their union, for that moment, you can’t imagine how anything could possibly go wrong. Moments later, however, we learn that all is not right in their world. Charlie’s play is about to make its transition to Broadway, while Nicole will be starring in a television pilot in California. Their marriage is ending, and yet, they are attempting to remain civil. Things do not seem to be acrimonious in the beginning, and they agree to work things
out on their own, without the use of lawyers. The main source of contention, is that Charlie insists that they are a New York family, and does not want to be away from their young son, Henry (Azhy Robertson.) With each week that passes, the situation grows increasingly complicated. Despite their initial agreement, Nicole enlists the help of powerful divorce lawyer Nora Fanshaw (Laura Dern). In rebuttal, Charlie consults with a savage attorney named Jay Moratta (Ray Liotta) who bluntly lays out how difficult and ruthless the entire process is about to become. Hesitant to take the proceedings down such a tumultuous (and bank busting) path, Charlie hires the wise and sympathetic Bert Spitz (Alan Alda). Together, the duo
Nicole and Charlie with Henry (Azhy Robertson) between them, reading him to sleep
