Hannah Takes the Stairs

The label "Mumblecore" has been used to describe micro-budgeted, semi-improvised, twentysomething relationship-oriented films starring non-professional actors. Case in point: Joe Swanberg's third film Hannah Takes the Stairs, a shambling tale following the titular character (co-writer Greta Gerwig)—whose relationship with unemployed boyfriend Mike (Mark Duplass) is winding down, after which intern Hannah (she works at an undefined Chicago media production company) gets together with her passive boss Paul (Andrew Bujalski), and then later hooks up with the more grounded Matt (Kent Osborne), Paul's business partner. Hannah may spend much of the film with different men and in various states of undress, but she's not a woman of easy leisure or a hopelessly confused romantic—she's just trying to figure things out. Unfortunately, although the scenario is plausible and the acting is serviceable, it's hard to really care about any of these self-absorbed characters. Optional. [Note: DVD extras include an audio commentary (by director Swanberg, and costars Gerwig and Osborne), deleted scenes, outtakes, and Swanberg's short film “Thanks for the Add!” Bottom line: a decent extras package for a so-so film.] (K. Fennessy)