Well, not actually into paralysis, but I did walk out of the theater truly impressed with Stiller’s performance in Noah Bambach‘s latest film, Greenberg. I’ve never been a fan of Stiller’s tamer roles; I prefer his…dare I say “zany” characters? I’ll take Derek Zoolander, Tony Perkis, and White Goodman over Gaylord Focker any day of the week. That’s why I was apprehensive to see Greenberg, but it’s a Baumbach joint so I couldn’t resist when my local theater got it.

Stiller plays 40-year-old carpenter Roger Greenberg. Fresh out of a voluntary stay in a mental hospital, Greenberg travels from NYC to LA to house-sit for his highly successful brother. His goal is to “do nothing” for a while and decompress. He essentially hates the world, lives in the past, and hates himself. He spends his time sipping whiskey and writing complaint letters to Starbucks and American Airlines. Then he meets Florence (Greta Gerwig – the blonde from House of the Devil!!!), his brother’s personal assistant and swiftly his goal of a peaceful reflection is impeded. What could be a great relationship from the start is obstructed by both Greenberg and Florence’s demons.

I apologize for glazing over the standard movie review nooks and crannies here, but I wanted to speak on how deeply I related to this movie. Other than Stiller’s amazing hair and some cocaine, it was scary how much I saw myself in the character of Greenberg. To be more specific, how I used to be in my relationships with women. I’ve since grown to love the world and love myself, but I used to be in some serious doldrums which made it impossible to maintain any kind of relationship – romantic or otherwise. When you’re a giant ball of self-loathing, paranoia takes over and it’s impossible to think that anything good could come your way.

So yeah, Greenberg hit close to home. Stiller fans will be overjoyed by his dramatic turn here and Stiller-haters may have to put their foot in their mouth after viewing. I did.

Also, I’d like to thank my therapist…

- Oh Mars