As Good As It Gets in one's fancy....

Title: As Good As It Gets (A-)
Release Year: 1997
Actors: Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, Cuba Gooding Jr., Skett Ulrich, Shirley Knight
Director: James Brooks
Story and Screenplay: Mark Andrus / Andrus and Brooks
Editor / Music: Richard Marks / Hans Zimmer
Design / Photography: Bill Brzeski / John Bailey
Producer: Bridget Johnson et al.
Studio: Columbia Tristar

“You look at someone long enough you discover their humanity”

This may generally be true but in some cases it’s the complete opposite. Try to look at Madame Auring more than a minute and you’ll realize how much of a fiend she is. Kidding aside, a word of warning to you, this is a perceptibly bias review. I’m sorry, it’s difficult to critique this movie cuz I love it so much but I am doing it anyways... here it goes…

Nicholson plays the Academy Award® winning role of Melvin, the ultimate chauvinist from hell. Nasty and cruel will be an understatement for this man who also happens to be an obsessive-compulsive romance novelist who lives in the same building as a homo (Greg Kinnear). Melvin, as obvious with his weight, loves to eat, and finds only one place to his approval and one waitress to stir up his appetite (Carol). One fateful event, leads to unwanted changes for Melvin that may or may not just be good for everybody.

The movie was engaging from the very first frame. Even I, could not believe how terribly entranced I was by Jack Nicholson, whom I never liked before because of his “DOM” image. But pushing that persona aside, this is the role of his career. Nobody and I mean nobody, could have played this character as effective as he did. This was made for him. From that alone, the movie established a great deal of support for their not so tight script.

I know you’re thinking about it, so let’s just throw it out there. The story was way too farfetched. Yes, I agree. As good as things may, it can’t possibly get as good as this. People just don’t change overnight, especially if someone is that ill for a very long time. People don’t open up that easily (especially Americans), it takes a lot of time to find some comfort to confide to someone. These facts were terribly ignored which leaves me nothing else to do but ignore it as well. Yup, somehow, because the movie worked so well, that you don’t think it’s in any way necessary anymore to criticize it. It’s a longshot but it was effective.

My only gripe is that Greg Kinnear’s character wasn’t as much as a focus. Yes, it’s only a supporting character but he was essential and I kinda felt that they overlooked him reaching to the conclusion. As far as nasty lines are concerned, I got more than I bargained for. And I mean, a lot more.

James L. Brooks’ brand of comedy is not something that most people will agree to but in this one he made it work. Still some skeptics, but they cannot deny the fact that they felt extremely displeased because the movie was awfully successful even if it’s the opposite of what they believe in. Great characterization. Some dragging points but presumably because they were a lot of highlights, that the normal scenes felt boring.

The musical score of this movie is terrific. Thumbs up to the always-great Hans Zimmer. The editing was good as well, but other than those two everything else were ordinary. It’s a character-driven movie so it doesn’t matter as much. But maybe, a few better shots may have given a better feedback.

Jack was not the only one on the top of his game in this movie. Helen Hunt gave a powerful, well-restrained performance. Although, I must say, the sitcom feel of her acting kinda steps in from time to time. Greg Kinnear, for me, gave the best performance in this movie. This is his best and possibly the one he should have won the Oscar for. Other actors can play this role, but they will not be as hard-hitting and believable as Greg. I’m not a fan of his, but he just turned me into one. Cuba Gooding Jr. was also funny, but everytime I saw him, I kept thinking about the snow dogs he usually hang out with.

Far from reality, but as every bit engaging as a true-to-life story. It’ll make you laugh, make you cry, at “best”, even make you curse. Sarcastic movies rarely make it in the world of cynicism but this one made it through with flying colors and two acting Oscars in its belt. Best seen with friends and an equally crazy lover. And if you’re having too much reality for a Friday night, get a dose of Melvin and you’ll hunger back for more actuality, even double of what you usually settle for. It doesn't get as good as that.

Grading Sheet:
Story – 18%
Screenplay – 18%
Direction / Execution – 18%
Acting – 20%
Technical Aspect – 15%
Total: 89% = A-