The Squid and the Whale
Directed by Noah Baumbach, this American film was created independently in 2005. Independent films conventionally contain controversial subject matter, which this film does, as it mediates around the effects of divorce on children, its realism driving the film's success. This sense of social realism is illustrated throughout the film and trailer, as the camera is entirely being used in a handheld format, suggesting that the audience is connected to the film's narrative. Furthermore, this technique shows that the film is free to be experimental with artistic control, whereas blockbusters typically remain safe and less artistic with their auteurship, as mass audiences typically prefer to watch a film with ease and leisure in multiplex entertainment environments.
Budget: The minimal production cost of $1.5 million proves its Independence as a film as these typically cost between $5 to $10 million, and that the special effects and overall film quality is "poorer" in comparison to large Hollywood American blockbusters. This shows the two polar opposites of American films, where audiences can prefer either depending on their personal tastes. However, niche audiences typically prefer films within the Indie genre, and would prefer to attend an Arthouse cinema than a multiplex.
Stars: Although Jesse Eisenberg has bloomed since this time period, starring in the Oscar award-winning The Social Network alongside Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake, at the time he was an unknown face and small television star. This reflects the underground nature of Independent films as they can't afford to use bankable stars and so rely on the sheer aesthetic of cinema within their work to be successful.
Genre: Comedy/Drama. Although comic, beneath this humour lies a dark reflection of our own world and the true emotions that divorce conjures, making this often described as a "tragicomic" film. This contrast, therefore, represents the deep matter that Indie films focus upon (i.e Juno and teen pregnancy).
Box Office: This film has the worldwide gross of $11,098,131.
Production Company: Sony Pictures Entertainment. Although this is an Independent film, Sony also produces American blockbusters, such as The Amazing Spider-man 2 and Insidious 2. Often, Indie films alike to this one are discovered by renowned studios or distributors, explaining why the film received a good reception and profit. Its success can be shown by the prestigious awards that this film was nominated for, for example Baumbach nearly grabbed an Oscar for Best writing and Original Screenplay.
Release date: April 7th 2006
Reception: 93% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Stars: Although Jesse Eisenberg has bloomed since this time period, starring in the Oscar award-winning The Social Network alongside Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake, at the time he was an unknown face and small television star. This reflects the underground nature of Independent films as they can't afford to use bankable stars and so rely on the sheer aesthetic of cinema within their work to be successful.
Genre: Comedy/Drama. Although comic, beneath this humour lies a dark reflection of our own world and the true emotions that divorce conjures, making this often described as a "tragicomic" film. This contrast, therefore, represents the deep matter that Indie films focus upon (i.e Juno and teen pregnancy).
Box Office: This film has the worldwide gross of $11,098,131.
Production Company: Sony Pictures Entertainment. Although this is an Independent film, Sony also produces American blockbusters, such as The Amazing Spider-man 2 and Insidious 2. Often, Indie films alike to this one are discovered by renowned studios or distributors, explaining why the film received a good reception and profit. Its success can be shown by the prestigious awards that this film was nominated for, for example Baumbach nearly grabbed an Oscar for Best writing and Original Screenplay.
Release date: April 7th 2006
Reception: 93% on Rotten Tomatoes.
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