Rewind: As Good as It Gets (1997) – The Medium

Starting out bitter and then becoming sweet, the romantic comedy is a tired genre, but directorJames L. Brooksrefuses to let it derail his film. Instead, he exposes the genres vulnerabilities, taking us on a journey of self-discovery.As Good as It Getsis about fighting for love and acceptance from even the harshest of big-screen characters.

Bigoted, ill-tempered, and homophobic, Melvin Udall (Jack Nicholson) is an obsessive-compulsive novelist devoted to writing romance novels, a feeling he ironically doesnt subscribe to nor believe in. Asked by a fawning fan how he writes his female characters so convincingly, Melvin replies, I think of a man. And I take away reason and accountability.

This pavement-crevice-avoidingcurmudgeon despises everyone in his apartment, and the movie opens with him slam-dunking his neighbours dogdown the trash chute, bellowing, This is New York. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.

The first half-hour of the film is both hilarious and hard to watch, as Melvin spews venom at all unsuspecting New Yorkers in his path, including the kind-hearted waitress Carol (Helen Hunt), who serves him daily, just the way he wants. Carola single mother bound by her own stressful circumstancegood-heartedly tolerates Melvins diatribes. But she draws the line when Melvin mocks her childs severe asthma attacks, demanding he apologizes. Albeit small, its Melvins first sign of vulnerability, which is monumental for a character as cynical as he.

Later on, Melvins neighbour, Simon(Greg Kinnear), is hospitalized after a botched robbery. This leaves Simon unable to care for his dog, Verdell, and leads Frank, his agent and love interest (Cuba Gooding Jr.), to convince dog-hating Melvin to take care of him. After unwillingly agreeing, Melvin, to his amazement (but not ours), develops a grudging affection for the ugly but endearing pooch that wags its way into his corroded heart.

Now, Melvin is a sinner on the road to redemption, kicking and screaming along the way. His reluctant good deedscovering Carols sons medical bills and caring for his neighbours dogreveal a different, more hospitable side of him.

Eventually, the three main characters converge on a road trip to Simons estranged parents house. Along the way, Melvin forms an unlikely friendship with his neighbour and falls in love with the caring waitress. Amid the troubled waters that they all seem to share, they begin to mend their scattered selves, sparking the films iconic, tear-inducing line: You make me want to be a better man.

This politically incorrectmovie depicts a love thats transformative, exploring traditional romantic elements and a fresh-spin on thechanged mantrope. Meanwhile, the music parallels Melvins progression, from abrupt violin squealsin the opening to softer instrumentals by the end credits. Change is imminent for everyone willing to pursue it.

As Good as It Getsreveals our need for companionship. While Melvin flirts with abandonment, the other characters, those he insults most, help divulge his dormant humanityall done in a believable fashion.

As one of only seven films in history to earn Oscars for both Best Actor and Best Actress,As Good as It Getsenraptures us through its leading roles. Both Nicholson and Hunt embody complex characters as we rummage through this refreshingly raw storyline. Under the influence of love, Melvin becomes a man who, while still brash, finds warmth and optimism in life. Its a testament to whyAs Good as It Getsremains a superior piece of sentimentality. One thats uncompromisingly human and true.

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Rewind: As Good as It Gets (1997) - The Medium