Director Noah Baumbach  most known for Squid and the Whale and the Fanstastic Mr. Fox – this time brings us a small b/w film with a big colorful message…not to mention a title that means little until the last moment of the film.   Frances (Greta Gerwig) has a BFF named Sophie (Mickey Sumner).  They move in. They’re inseparable.  Sophie is an edtor at Random House, Frances is an artist in Manhattan though the only people who can afford to be an artist in NYC are rich. But Frances isn’t rich. As a matter of fact she manages to cut back on rent by apartment-sitting or sofa-cruising from one loft to the next until one day she wakes up, is 27 years old and wonders why.  Especially since her friends are all married or have homes now. 

At a certain point we tire of her sabotaging way, unable to stand up and move forward in the world of dance where she wants to tour with a troupe.  And then one day it changes. And alas, we find out why she’s simply “France Ha.” 

Gerwig is as adorable as she was in Greenburg opposite Ben Stiller or as the love interest to Russell Brand in the remake of Arthur.

Baumbach has a history of charming and delightful films.  This one feels like HBO’S Girls only softer.  But word to the director:  One flaw is the fact that when she visits Paris Noah should have considered there are no elevators in the 6th(St germain des pres.) 

♕ ♚ ♛