Cast
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Jack Nicholson
as Melvin Udall
Helen Hunt
as Carol Connelly
Greg Kinnear
as Simon Bishop
Cuba Gooding Jr.
as Frank Sachs
Shirley Knight
as Beverly Connelly
Jesse James
as Spencer Connelly
Yeardley Smith
as Jackie Simpson
Lupe Ontiveros
as Nora Manning
Skeet Ulrich
as Vincent Lopiano
Harold Ramis
as Dr. Bettes
Lawrence Kasdan
as Dr. Green
Bibi Osterwald
as Neighbor Woman
Ross Bleckner
as Carl
Bernadette Balagtas
as Caterer
Jaffe Cohen
as Partygoer
Crew
Director
- James L. Brooks
Producer
- Bridget Johnson
- Kristi Zea
- James L. Brooks
Reviews
Andre Gonzales
When I first saw this movie I thought it was going to be a funny movie. It's actually a serious drama movie. I still liked it but he's a prick in this movie.
Apr 18, 2023
Rob
This movie will hit you hard, force you to think about your biases and make you pretty damn uncomfortable. But don't fret, you'll feel better by the end. And Nicholson is so natural as a misanthrope.
May 19, 2023
CinemaSerf
Greg Kinnear ("Simon") finds himself in hospital after a brutal bit of gay-bashing, and that means that his small, yappie, dog ("Jill") has to be entrusted to his rather curmudgeonly, author neighbour "Melvin" (Jack Nicholson) - not exactly the most loving and obvious of choices. Now this latter guy isn't exactly flavour of the month - indeed it's really only waitress "Carol" (Helen Hunt) who will put up with his selfish and churlish behaviour. When her young son becomes ill, she has to take time off and "Melvin" finds himself truly alone - with no breakfast! The solution, well all three of them take a trip and, well, you can imagine that with Nicholson and Hunt on super form here, Kinnear clearly thriving as their foil, and a screenplay from James L. Brooks at his best, we get an highly entertaining and earthy hybrid of comedy and the most unlikely semblance of romance as the three realise that there is so much more to life than any realised was possible. It's a wee bit long, but the characterisations are rich and engaging and there is a genuine chemistry on screen between all three - and the dog! It's a feel good film that has some serious undercurrents but those are dealt with in a fashion that is potent but not preachy and provides us with food-for-thought wrapped in a smile. Definitely worth watching.
May 28, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, As Good as It Gets examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director James L. Brooks brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1997, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of As Good as It Gets took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $50.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 139 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 171 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While As Good as It Gets shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Fireheart, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, As Good as It Gets subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Circle and My Fair Son explore similar territory, As Good as It Gets stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 19, 1997
- Runtime: 2h 19m
- Budget: $50,000,000
- Revenue: $314,178,011
