As Good as It Gets (1997)

A single mother/waitress, a misanthropic author, and a gay artist form an unlikely friendship after the artist is in an accident.

Director:

James L. Brooks

Writers:

Mark Andrus (story), Mark Andrus (screenplay),

Stars:

Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear

Won 2 Oscars. Another 31 wins & 30 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jack Nicholson	...	Melvin Udall
Helen Hunt	...	Carol Connelly
Greg Kinnear	...	Simon Bishop
Cuba Gooding Jr.	...	Frank Sachs
Skeet Ulrich	...	Vincent
Shirley Knight	...	Beverly
Yeardley Smith	...	Jackie
Lupe Ontiveros	...	Nora
Jill the Dog	...	Verdell (as Jill)
Timer the Dog	...	Supporting Dog (as Timer)
Billy the Dog	...	Supporting Dog (as Billy)
Bibi Osterwald	...	Neighbor Woman
Ross Bleckner	...	Carl
Bernadette Balagtas	...	Caterer
Jaffe Cohen	...	Partygoer

Storyline

New York City. Melvin Udall, a cranky, bigoted, obsessive-compulsive writer, finds his life turned upside down when neighboring gay artist Simon is hospitalized and his dog is entrusted to Melvin. In addition, Carol, the only waitress who will tolerate him, must leave work to care for her sick son, making it impossible for Melvin to eat breakfast.

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Plot Keywords:

artist | dog | waitress | neighbor | writer | 

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Taglines:

Brace yourself for Melvin.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 on appeal for strong language, thematic elements, nudity and a beating

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 December 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Old Friends

Filming Locations:

West 10th Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$50,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£909,459 (UK) (13 March 1998)

Gross:

$147,637,474 (USA) (19 June 1998)

Company Credits

Production Co:

TriStar Pictures, Gracie Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

139 min

Sound Mix:

SDDS Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Melanie Griffith was offered the role of Carol Connelly and wanted to take the role but was pregnant with Stella Banderas at the time.

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Goofs

Melvin removes his glasses twice while looking out of the window before seeing his publisher.

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Quotes

Melvin Udall: Did you have sex with her?
[Carol comes out of the bathroom]
Melvin Udall: Oh, sorry. I didn't know she was here. Did you have sex with her?

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Crazy Credits

Just after the disclaimer of the American Humane Association (The animals used in this film were in no way mistreated...) there is a second disclaimer stating "The actors used in this film were in no way mistreated."

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Connections

Referenced in The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Episode #20.160 (2012)

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Soundtracks

"HAND ON MY HEART"
Written & Performed by Judith Owen
Courtesy of Dram Records

User Reviews

Way to go, Jack!

Jack Nicholson is simply phenomenal. Yes, I will give credit where it is due and congratulate Greg Kinnear, Helen Hunt, and Cuba Gooding, Jr, on their fine performances. They are talented. But I am mesmorized by Jack's intricate facial expressions and inflection each time I see this movie.

Critics panned this movie for being totally unbelievable. I would have to agree-why would Carol fall for Melvin? Why does Melvin change his ways after so many years of acid-tongued insults? I don't know. I know people who disliked the film because Melvin was such a you-know-what. Personally, I love the evil retorts he hurls at any innocent bystander. Maybe it's a sick pleasure, but Nicholson's delivery is perfect and I couldn't help but laugh as he takes on everyone.