The 25 Best Movies of the Century: No. 5 - 'Lady Bird’

Key Takeaways

"Lady Bird" is selected as one of the 25 best movies of the 21st century and a defining millennial coming-of-age film.
Greta Gerwig's directorial debut, "Lady Bird," explores complex mother-daughter dynamics and socioeconomic themes.
The film is seen as a millennial update to John Hughes films, resonating with its specific 2002 setting and pop culture references.
The podcast compares "Lady Bird" with other prominent films, including Gerwig's "Little Women" and "Frances Ha."

Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins introduce "Lady Bird" as part of their ongoing "25 Best Movies of the 21st Century" project.
The film is Greta Gerwig's directorial debut and is their most traditional coming-of-age selection.
Gerwig's background as an actress in the mumblecore scene is noted before her emergence as a significant filmmaker.
"Lady Bird" was A24's biggest hit at its release, grossing $70 million, and is the only A24 film on the list.

The discussion highlights how "Lady Bird" realistically depicts class distinctions and adolescent desires for possessions and social standing.
Visuals, such as real estate, cramped homes, and aspirational spaces, are used to illustrate financial struggles.
Characters' thrift store shopping habits are explicitly referenced as a marker of their economic status.
The film's approach to class feels distinct due to its independent film roots blended with Hollywood sensibility, unlike "Say Anything" or "Pretty in Pink."

Sacramento is identified as a key element of "Lady Bird," reflecting Greta Gerwig's personal connection to the city.
Gerwig's directorial style is noted for opening the film with a Joan Didion quote about Sacramento.
Her ability to portray generational desires is discussed, contrasting with her current large-scale projects like "Barbie" and "Narnia."
The hosts express a desire to see Gerwig return to smaller, character-driven stories.

The film primarily focuses on the complex and resonant mother-daughter relationship, portrayed by Laurie Metcalf.
Metcalf's character is presented as a complex individual navigating personal disappointments and parenting challenges, not a one-dimensional archetype.
Lady Bird is depicted as an "echo" of her mother, often treating close relationships harshly.
The father's role as a gentle mediator contrasts with the strong personalities of Lady Bird and her mother.

"Lady Bird" is considered a quintessential "first-time directorial debut" for its generation, compared to seminal works like Nas's 'Illmatic.'
The film highlights Gerwig's recurring themes of money, class, independence, and artistic anxiety.
Transitional and adolescent themes are present in "Lady Bird," "Little Women," and "Barbie."
Saoirse Ronan's performance as Lady Bird, filmed when Ronan was 21 or 22, reflects Greta Gerwig's unique speaking cadence.

The film's ending threads the thematic needle between the concepts of home and escape.
It depicts a poignant sadness in the mother character's inability to fully reconcile with her daughter.
This non-traditional, realistic ending contrasts with typical Hollywood narratives.
One host relates to the film's theme of aspiration and escaping one's origins, recalling a personal 'peak' moment from college.

The film's music includes a mix of personal favorites, popular songs, and lesser-known tracks, reflecting Gerwig's specific choices.
Greta Gerwig's outreach to artists like Dave Matthews Band and Alanis Morissette for the soundtrack is discussed.
Specific musical choices, such as an Ani DiFranco song and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's 'The Crossroads,' are highlighted.
The inclusion of Dave Matthews Band's 'Crash,' which sold 10 million albums, is considered a pivotal detail in the narrative.

"Lady Bird" received five Academy Award nominations but did not secure any wins.
The film lost Best Original Screenplay to "Get Out" and Supporting Actress to Allison Janney.
Frances McDormand won Best Actress, while "The Shape of Water" won Best Director and Best Picture.
A.O. Scott of The New York Times provided critical praise for the film.

The hosts debate whether "Little Women" or "Frances Ha" should have been included on the list instead of "Lady Bird."
One host expresses a preference for "Frances Ha," citing its introduction of Greta Gerwig's work and relatable character portrayal.
"Little Women" is described as a propulsive, modern, and warm adaptation, with Florence Pugh and Meryl Streep's performances highlighted.
Despite its critical and commercial success, "Little Women" faced a highly competitive 2019 field, including "Parasite."