As Good as It Gets

Good As It Gets is a staged by director James L. Brooks comedy film from 1997 starring Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt in the lead roles.

Action

The successful New York writer Melvin suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder. In restaurants, he always takes his own plastic cutlery with, for washing hands he used each time a new bar of soap and stepping on pavement joints is taboo. His fellow-men he behaves rude and insensitive. In addition, he is prone to condescending and insulting remarks, which makes him generally unpopular. Compared to its neighbors homosexual Simon and his black friend he expresses even homophobic and racist slogans.

The only person who can match him and gets along with him to some extent, is the waitress Carol, who served him in his favorite restaurant. She is a single mother of an asthmatic boy. Because of the health of her son Spencer Carol can one day no longer serve Melvins food. Then Melvin asks the man his publisher, Dr. bed, a renowned physician, Spencer treat. He also assumes the costs for it. Melvin is now beginning to change. He takes medication for his illness and brings his obsessive-compulsive disorder gradually under control. At the same time he cares about the dog of his neighbor Simon. This was beaten hospitalized by a gang in his home and is broke after a long hospitalization.

Melvin Simon finally goes to his parents, with whom Simon has not spoken for years in order to ask them for financial support. Melvin wants Carol accompanies it. As Melvin revealed to her that he was going to change because of her, she kisses him. However, she feels hurt when he tells her immediately that he hoped they could sleep with Simon, and thus help to overcome his homosexuality.

After returning Melvin takes his homeless neighbors now Simon to live with him. Melvin feels confused because of the events in the last days. Simon tells him that he was in love. He advises Melvin, Carol to visit immediately. Melvin still does so in the same night. He confesses his feelings Carol and reconciles with her.

Criticism

" James L. Brooks finely balanced fine line between comedy and drama shows that you can land better results with well placed verbal attacks than any high-tech Boomstick. In addition, he has designed with the writer Melvin a character that every Twister for Azores High degraded [ ... ] One suspects that Brooks is less interested in dramatic implications as to the gradual humanization of its main character. But this process goes as unobtrusive imagine that you hardly notice how masterly Brooks the threads of his story woven together and the audience catches it. Jack Nicholson is certainly wonderful. [ ... ] "

"Overall, a thoroughly endearing film, although a touch inconsequential, who teaches one, especially should look exactly where in your mind constantly the word impossible ' is lit. "

" A superbly staged mixture of satirical portrait of society and romantic comedy that stands out not only by the depth and wit of their dialogues, but also high quality actresses cinema offers. As primus inter pares plumbs the depths of his brilliant Jack Nicholson character from. "

Trivia

  • The couple, who hurl abuse at Melvin beginning in his favorite restaurant, it is Lisa Edelstein and Peter Jacobson. Both are known from the TV series House MD.
  • Melvin sings in the film, a line of "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life " from the Monty Python film Life of Brian. During the credits of an interpreted Art Garfunkel version of the title is played.
  • Quote:

" That's not true. Some of us have great stories ... pretty stories did take place at lakes with boats and friends and noodle salad. Just not anybody in this car. But lots of people - that's Their Story - good times and noodle salad. And that's what makes it hard. Not that you had it bad but being pissed did did so many had it good. "

" That's not true. Some of us have great stories ... pretty stories that take place on the lake, with boats and friends and noodle salad. Only none of us here in the car. But many people - that's their story - have a nice time and noodle salad. And that is what makes it so hard. Not because we feel bad, but that it so pisses us that so many others have it good. "

Awards

Oscar

  • Best Actor: Jack Nicholson
  • Best Actress: Helen Hunt
  • Nominated for the Best Feature Film
  • Nominated for Best Supporting Actor ( Greg Kinnear )
  • Nominated for the best music
  • Nominated for Best Original Screenplay
  • Nominated for Best Editing

Golden Globe

  • Best Picture - Musical or Comedy
  • Best Actor - Comedy or Musical: Jack Nicholson
  • Best Actress - Comedy or Musical: Helen Hunt
1997 in film Mark Andrus Film score John Bailey (cinematographer) Richard Marks Golden Globe Award Spanglish (Film)
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