Two directors in a family might seem like a recipe for misunderstanding, but for this couple, it's quite the opposite: they inspire each other's creativity. They've collaborated on most of their projects, taking on various roles from producer to actor. Let's delve into their story and how they met.
Noah Baumbach
American director and screenwriter Noah Baumbach was born in New York on September 3, 1969, to a writer father and a journalist mother at Village Voice. This artistic environment influenced his future. He became deeply interested in cinema, graduated from a high school in Brooklyn, and attended Vassar College before joining The New Yorker.Baumbach made his feature film debut in 1995 at age 26 with "Kicking and Screaming," where he was both director and screenwriter. The film, about a group of friends living the life of young students, received positive reviews and was shown at several notable festivals. This success encouraged Baumbach to continue his career. His collaboration with Wes Anderson on "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" (2004) and the animated film "Fantastic Mr. Fox" (2009) marked a significant step in his career, showcasing his talent as a screenwriter.
Greta Gerwig
Born in California on August 4, 1983, Greta Gerwig's mother was a nurse, and her father a bank clerk. She also has a sister and an older brother. Gerwig attended a Catholic school and a private college in Manhattan.
Gerwig started in low-budget indie films known as "mumblecore," where she first met Noah Baumbach during "Greenberg." Her true studio film debut was in "No Strings Attached." She also directed "Nights and Weekends" before this.
A notable role in Woody Allen's "To Rome with Love" showcased Gerwig's talent. Then came "Frances Ha," a project that nearly married our main characters. Gerwig co-wrote the screenplay with Baumbach and played the lead role. Their collaborative work brought them closer, continuing their relationship to this day, with Baumbach often producing Gerwig's solo projects.
After "Frances Ha," Gerwig realized her potential in directing. In 2017, she released "Lady Bird," about a high school girl, Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson, seeking her place in the world. The film received critical acclaim and five Oscar nominations, though it won none, unlike its success at the Golden Globes.
Both films earned multiple Oscar nominations, uniquely putting both spouses in the Best Director category. This rarity inspired me to write this article.
The couple has several major projects ahead. They'll work together again, starting with Baumbach's "White Noise," starring Gerwig, to be shown at the upcoming Venice Film Festival. Gerwig's "Barbie" is set for next summer, with a screenplay co-written with her husband.
Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig prove that a marriage between two artists can thrive in the film world, creating movies together. Their story is a paramount example of how true love can coexist with creative collaboration.
