Philistine: Someone who doesn’t read books or enjoy interesting films.
_Jeff Daniels in The Squid and the Whale

I first read Noah Baumbach’s name in the credits to Wes Anderson’s “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” which he co-wrote. In “The Squid and the Whale” he adds director to his credits. As a director Baumbach is solid, his camera work isn’t particularly interesting (certainly not in a league with Anderson), and the shaky cam can be a little annoying (though forgiveable given the tight budget) but the performances he pulls form his cast, especially Jeff Daniels as a self-absorbed intellectual, are fantastic. Add to that a particularly funny, touching and smart script and this is a great little film.