Synopsis
Arlen Faber (Jeff Daniels), world-famous author of the best-seller spiritual book Me And God, is also a cranky recluse. He’s coaxed out of his shell by new-age bookstore owner Kris (Lou Taylor Pucci) and single-mother chiropractor Elizabeth (Lauren Graham).
Hmmm. The only way I can swallow The Squid And The Whale whole is to consider it a black comedy — squid-ink black. If the thought of a young kid swearing, drinking beer, and masturbating in a library strikes your funny bone, this film is for you.
The film expertly skewers a particular character type: Bernard Berkman (Jeff Daniels), is an intellectual writer — smart, well-read, contemplative — but a total asshole.