Now, we all know Greta Gerwig as one of the most celebrated filmmakers. But before she tried her hand at directing, she was a highly sought-after actress and writer. She has often talked about how her career in front of the camera taught her a lot about what it’s like to be behind the camera.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in 2017, Greta said, “I think I always wanted to direct, but I didn’t go to film school. I was lucky enough to work in movies, and I think those became my film schools, in terms of acting and watching directors work and writing and co-writing and producing.”
While we talk about her best works to date apart from the widely acclaimed Barbie, let’s celebrate Greta on her birthday. So, without further ado, take a look at her 8 best projects that she has directed, co-written and acted in.
Hannah Takes the Stairs (2007)
Before proving herself as a capable director, Greta Gerwig was popular for mumblecore, which prioritizes improvising lines over plot. She co-wrote Hannah Takes the Stairs with director Joe Swanberg, and also played the lead role of Hannah in the film.
Northern Comfort (2010)
This improvisational comedy was co-written by Greta. She also appeared in the drama alongside Rob Weber. The actress played Cassandra, a woman who meets Horace (Rob) and gets along with him. However, they soon start clashing while traveling through the forests of the Great White North. The film was quite difficult to film as it had a budget of US$3000 and was shot in 3 days.
Little Women (2019)
Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of the popular 1868 novel Little Women was widely appreciated. This classic period film was her second full-length directorial venture and featured some of the best Hollywood actresses including Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Saoirse Ronan and others. Even though it is a 19th-century classic, Greta added a touch of modernity to this film. It definitely deserves a special mention in this list, even though it didn’t win any awards.
Nights and Weekends (2008)
Greta Gerwig co-wrote and co-directed the film with Joe Swanberg. They also played lead roles in the film. Greta played Mattie and Joe played James – a couple struggling to keep their relationship alive amid long distance. This is another mumblecore work that gives a loosely tied story to show the chaotic dynamics of the characters.
Francis Ha (2013)
Greta first collaborated with Noah Baumbach as a writer on Greenberg and then Frances Ha, followed by Mistress America. In Frances Ha, Greta plays the lead role of Frances, an unemployed dancer struggling to stay on the ground while her friends are becoming successful. The story will touch your heart.
Mistress America (2015)
After Frances Ha, Mistress America is Greta Gerwig’s second screenplay collaboration with her husband Noah Baumbach, and it deserves to be on the list. Greta plays Brooke, the older half-sister of Tracy (Lola Kirke). Gerwig’s character may seem directionless and neurotic, but she goes through many ups and downs in the story.
Lady Bird (2017)
Lady Bird is Greta Gerwig’s first solo directorial venture. Along with this, she also received a nomination for Best Director at the Oscars. Although the film did not win any awards out of the five nominations, this mother-daughter duo will always remain iconic. The film stars Saoirse Ronan as daughter Christine ‘Lady Bird’ and Laurie Metcalf as mother Marion.
In 2023, she came up with Barbie. Greta co-wrote and directed this film starring Margot Robbie. Although it made a lot of money in the box office collection, the director was left out of the Best Director list for the 2024 Oscars. She told Time in February 2024, “A friend’s mom said to me, ‘I can’t believe you didn’t get nominated.’ I said, ‘But I did. I got an Oscar nomination.’ She says, ‘Oh, that’s great for you!’ I say, ‘I know!’”
Well, what do you think about Greta Gerwig’s amazing work so far? We hope the filmmaker continues to do such great work. Happy birthday, Greta!
Also read: Cannes Film Festival 2024: Greta Gerwig’s emotional opening speech; says she is ‘excited’ to join the event as feature films jury president
