| Director | Noah Baumbach |
|---|---|
| Budget | $1.5 million |
| Box office | $11.2 million |
In 1986, Bernard Berkman -- an arrogant, twice-divorced, failing novelist -- lives in Park Slope, Brooklyn with his third wife, Joan, and their two sons, sixteen-year-old Walt, and twelve-year-old Frank. Bernard's career is in jeopardy due to declining sales, and he is struggling to find a new agent. Meanwhile, Joan has begun publishing her own work to widespread acclaim, creating tension between them.
One day, Bernard and Joan reveal to Walt and Frank that they are separating and he is moving out. The parents initially agree upon a joint custody arrangement that allows them to evenly spend time with their children, but following the separation, their relationship becomes more combative than before.
Joan begins dating Frank's tennis instructor, Ivan, while Bernard begins an inappropriate relationship with one of his students, Lili, even going as far as to allow her to move in with him. The conflict between the parents soon leads to the brothers disputing as well; Frank sides with Joan, while Walt, who idolizes Bernard, blames her for the deterioration of their family, especially after she admits to having a series of affairs.
Both boys covertly struggle to cope with the stress of the divorce. Frank begins to compulsively masturbate at school, drink beer, and emulate Ivan's mannerisms. Walt, who is developing an attraction to Lili, admonishes and effectively breaks up with his girlfriend for wanting a committed relationship with him.
Walt performs "Hey You" by Pink Floyd at his school's talent show, claiming it as an original song, and wins first prize. However, upon discovering that he plagiarized the song, school administration arranges a meeting with his parents, where all parties agree he should begin seeing a therapist.
At Walt's first therapy session, he is asked to share a positive memory. Walt recalls that when he was a child, his mother would take him to the American Museum of Natural History. The young Walt was scared of the giant squid and sperm whale diorama, and would hide his eyes behind his hands when they passed it. At home, his mother would describe the diorama to him; hearing her speak about it made him feel less afraid. While talking, Walt gradually realizes that his mother has always been present for him, while his father has not.
After a heated argument between Bernard and Joan, Bernard rushes outside in pursuit of the family cat who escaped, then collapses on the street. Paramedics are called, and Walt accompanies him in the ambulance. While at the hospital, Bernard continues to demand the majority of Walt's attention and implores he stay with him for the rest of the day. Walt instead rushes to the museum and finds the squid and whale diorama, now able to look at it. at the American Museum of Natural History.]]