The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie primarily takes place in New York City, a bustling metropolis known for its diverse culture and arts. Bard College, a notable liberal arts college with emphasis on the arts and humanities, is also a key location. The contrast between New York and Los Angeles highlights different lifestyles, particularly the financial success in the music industry that some characters have achieved.

• new york city
• bard college
• setting
• locations
• los angeles

The film is set in a contemporary, present-day setting. The story unfolds in modern times, with dialogues reflecting on modern art and the pressures of societal success, making it relatable to current family dynamics and artistic conversations.

• contemporary
• modern
• time period
• present day

Art and legacy is a central theme. The characters grapple with the legacy of their father Harold's artistic pursuits versus material success, reflecting the broader conflict between personal passion and financial security. This tension between artistic integrity and worldly achievement drives much of the family's dysfunction.

• art
• legacy
• theme
• artistic legacy
• success

The film explores complex family relationships marked by rivalry, resentment, and moments of connection. Danny, Matthew, and Jean each navigate their identities within the family's legacy while encountering unresolved childhood trauma and personal struggles. The story highlights the challenges of adulthood and the enduring power of family ties.

• family dynamics
• relationships
• sibling rivalry
• resentment

Themes of forgiveness are woven throughout the narrative as the characters confront their familial hurts and misunderstandings. Danny's journey toward reconciling with his father and brother exemplifies the difficult path toward healing within family relationships, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding.

• forgiveness
• reconciliation
• healing
• family healing

Harold is a retired artist, played by Dustin Hoffman, grappling with his fading relevance in the art world and his complex relationship with his children. He embodies both the pride of an accomplished artist and the vulnerability of a man facing life's twilight, struggling with health and family bonds while dealing with regret and aspiration.

• harold meyerowitz
• dustin hoffman
• father
• artist
• retired

Danny, played by Adam Sandler, is an unemployed art enthusiast struggling with feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. He has a volatile relationship with his father and brother, underscoring his struggles with familial expectations and personal aspirations. Throughout the story, he confronts his dependence on artistic validation.

• danny meyerowitz
• adam sandler
• son
• artist
• unemployed

Matthew is the successful younger brother, caught between his father's artistic legacy and the practicalities of financial success. He represents the modern struggle of balancing creative passion with economic stability, leading to underlying tensions with his father and siblings throughout the narrative.

• matthew meyerowitz
• adam david thompson
• brother
• success
• financial

Eliza is Danny's daughter, played by Grace Van Patten, and is a budding film student exploring her own artistic voice. Her provocative film project acts as a catalyst for family discussions about art, sexuality, and acceptance. Through her journey, she seeks validation both as an artist and as a member of her complex family.

• eliza
• grace van patten
• granddaughter
• film student
• artist

The film is a drama with comedic elements, creating a bittersweet tone. The narrative balances characters' palpable frustrations and disappointments with moments of genuine connection and potential forgiveness. It presents serious family dysfunction and personal failure through a comedic lens that prevents it from feeling overwhelmingly heavy.

• drama
• comedy
• tone
• genre
• bittersweet

The title refers to Harold's exhibition at Bard College, which is framed as a retrospective of his work. The 'New and Selected' element reflects how the family gathers to celebrate and reassess his artistic legacy, while also confronting their own stories within that legacy.

• title
• bard college
• exhibition
• retrospective
• meaning

MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) in New York City highlights the intersection of art and personal relationships in the film. The location underscores how the art world serves as both a backdrop and a catalyst for family discussions about artistic merit, legacy, and personal achievement.

• moma
• museum of modern art
• new york
• art scene