Greta Gerwig Should Act (Again). Please

I know she's busy. But, a man can dream.

One of my favorite Letterboxd reviews¹ is the following from özzy on 20th Century Women: “Greta didn’t write this so I wasn’t sure if I was going to get the full Gerwig experience but as soon as she said she was going to be late on rent I knew I was in the clear.”

20th Century Women, one of my favorite movies over the last 10 years, may not be a Gerwig directorial/written effort, but it understands her canon and oeuvre in such a strong, singular way that it seemlessly fits in with her other work that she helped build from the ground up, such as Frances Ha and Mistress America.

Gerwig is now famous for her directing, with two masterpieces in Lady Bird and Little Women and the very fun Barbie, but I wanted to take a second to remind everyone that she’s equally as dynamic an actress, even if we don’t get to see that much of it anymore.

Earlier this month, I received a press credential for the New York Film Festival², which featured a seat at the much-anticipated (and packed) press screening for Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly, starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler.

Greta Gerwig, Baumbach’s wife and frequent collaborator, also plays a small role in the movie. And even in her limited time on-screen, she is somehow able to play competent parent and exasperated wife to Sandler with both pathos and perfect comedic timing. It’s a godsend for the movie, and (in the highest of compliments) I wish we had so much more.

Over the last eight years, Gerwig has acted in three movies: Two Baumbachs (Jay Kelly & the underrated White Noise) and a voice role in Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs. And I miss her.

I understand that she’s rapidly becoming one of the biggest directors in the world, especially with the upcoming Netflix The Chronicles of Narnia behemoth³ on the way, but I don’t want us all to forget just how special she is as a screen presence. There’s the aforementioned 20th Century Women and Frances Ha, which you should watch right now. But also stellar parts in Jackie, The House of the Devil, No Strings Attached, plus mumblecore roles like Hannah Takes the Stairs and Nights and Weekends.

When I picture Gerwig, I see her in Frances Ha sprinting down the New York streets, smirking knowingly and even dancing a bit, despite definitely being late to wherever she’s heading. She’s all id, and she’s somehow able to play that selfishness/youth with some mischievousness. It’s then replicated in 20th Century Women when she plays a slightly older but similar archetype, who’s in a more reflective period of her life. She’s obviously critical in both movies. And it’s kind of a shame that she’s almost too good a director to keep honing her craft as one of the best actors we have.

It almost feels unfair that one of the most interesting acting “chess pieces” we have has been taken off the board, due to her pursuing other interests. I would feel equally distraught if she were never to have tried out directing, but I just can never be happy. I’m sure that’s a normal, very chill mentality. Definitely something Gerwig would say in her earlier performances.

Gerwig, in Frances Ha, specifically, almost feels too real, a lovable self-saboteur who’s running her life on vibes and anxiety. In lesser hands, it would come off as a crude sketch of a person, and yet Gerwig turns Frances Halladay into your best friend who probably needs to get their shit together. Doesn’t it feel wrong that we can’t get more Gerwig starring roles in which she tries out slightly older versions of this archetype? Or even making a full 180 and trying her hand at a prestige picture or playing in the sandbox with other talented directors?

At least we have Saoirse Ronan’s Lady Bird and Jo March, plus Margot Robbie’s Barbie, which all feel like amalgamations of Gerwig’s acting/writing with her directing running the show. It’s not the same, but we’ll take what we can get.

Hopefully, one day Gerwig will get back in front of the camera and show everyone again what she can do, during one of the few moments when she’s not breaking boundaries (and hearts) behind it.

1. what a sad way to start any piece of writing

2. just the best birthday present

3. it’s already getting pole IMAX positioning