Frances Ha

Frances Ha
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Name	Frances Ha
Director	Noah Baumbach
Producer	Noah Baumbach, Scott Rudin, Lila Yacoub, Rodrigo Teixeira
Writer	Noah Baumbach, Greta Gerwig
Starring	Greta Gerwig, Mickey Sumner, Michael Esper, Adam Driver, Michael Zegen
Music	Samuel Barber, Jean Sibelius, Chopin
Cinematography	Sam Levy
Editing	Jennifer Lame
Production company	RT Features, Pine District Pictures, Scott Rudin Productions
Distributed	IFC Films
Released	May 17, 2012 at Cannes Film Festival
Runtime	86 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$600,000

Frances Ha is a 2012 American black-and-white comedy-drama film directed by Noah Baumbach and written by Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig. The film stars Greta Gerwig as the title character, a young woman navigating her post-college life in New York City, alongside Mickey Sumner, Michael Esper, Adam Driver, and Michael Zegen. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was later released in the United States by IFC Films. The film's script was influenced by the works of Woody Allen, Eric Rohmer, and François Truffaut.

Plot

The film follows Frances Halliday, a young woman who lives with her best friend and roommate, Sophie Levinsky, in Brooklyn. After her boyfriend, Dan, breaks up with her, Frances Halliday moves in with her friends Lev and Benji, and later with her former college roommate, Rachel, in Washington Heights. Throughout the film, Frances Halliday navigates her relationships with her friends and acquaintances, including Adam Driver's character, Lev, and Michael Zegen's character, Benji. The film also explores Frances Halliday's career aspirations, as she works as an apprentice at a dance company and later as a waitress at a restaurant in Greenwich Village. The film's narrative is influenced by the works of Jean-Luc Godard, Martin Scorsese, and Spike Lee.

Production

The film was produced by Noah Baumbach, Scott Rudin, Lila Yacoub, and Rodrigo Teixeira, and was shot on location in New York City, including in Brooklyn Heights, Greenwich Village, and Washington Heights. The film's cinematography was handled by Sam Levy, who used a black-and-white aesthetic to capture the city's landscape. The film's score features music by Samuel Barber, Jean Sibelius, and Chopin, and was edited by Jennifer Lame. The film's production company, RT Features, also produced other notable films, including The Witch and The Lighthouse. The film's cast, including Greta Gerwig and Adam Driver, have also appeared in other notable films, such as Lady Bird and Marriage Story.

Release

The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2012, and was later released in the United States by IFC Films on May 17, 2013. The film was also screened at the Toronto International Film Festival and the New York Film Festival. The film's release was accompanied by a marketing campaign that featured Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach in interviews and promotional materials. The film's distributor, IFC Films, has also released other notable films, including Boyhood and The Lobster. The film's release was influenced by the works of Harold Lloyd, Buster Keaton, and Charlie Chaplin.

Reception

The film received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising Greta Gerwig's performance and Noah Baumbach's direction. The film holds a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on reviews from critics such as A.O. Scott of The New York Times and Peter Travers of Rolling Stone. The film was also praised by critics such as Roger Ebert and Richard Roeper, who compared it to the works of Woody Allen and Eric Rohmer. The film's success can be attributed to its nuanced portrayal of millennials, as well as its exploration of themes such as identity, class, and relationships. The film's reception was influenced by the works of Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsese, and Quentin Tarantino.

Themes

The film explores several themes, including identity, class, and relationships. The film's portrayal of millennials and their struggles with adulthood has been praised for its nuance and accuracy. The film also explores the theme of female friendship, particularly in the relationship between Frances Halliday and Sophie Levinsky. The film's use of black-and-white cinematography has also been seen as a commentary on the aesthetics of New York City. The film's themes are influenced by the works of Federico Fellini, Ingmar Bergman, and Akira Kurosawa. The film's exploration of class and privilege is also reminiscent of the works of Jane Austen and Edith Wharton.

Accolades

The film received several awards and nominations, including a National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Film and a Gotham Independent Film Award for Best Ensemble Cast. Greta Gerwig also received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress for her performance in the film. The film was also selected as one of the National Board of Review's Top 10 Films of 2013. The film's success can be attributed to its critical acclaim, as well as its influence on the independent film movement. The film's accolades are a testament to the talent of its cast and crew, including Noah Baumbach, Greta Gerwig, and Adam Driver. The film's influence can be seen in the works of other filmmakers, such as Sofia Coppola and Alex Ross Perry.

Category:2012 films