The Object of My Affection (1998)

User Rating:

5.8/10   

Director:

Nicholas Hytner

Writers (WGA):

Stephen McCauley (novel)
Wendy Wasserstein (screenplay)

Release Date:

17 April 1998 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Tagline:

A love story that could only happen between best friends.

Plot:

Jennifer Aniston plays a girl who falls in love with a gay guy (Paul Rudd).

Plot Keywords:

Love | Teacher | Rooftop | Friendship | Homosexuality

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

US TV Schedule:

Thur. July 16	8:00 PM	E
Fri. July 17	3:00 PM	E

Cast

Paul Rudd	...	George Hanson
Kali Rocha	...	Melissa Marx
Jennifer Aniston	...	Nina Borowski
Lena Cardwell	...	Girl at Community Center
Natalie B. Kikkenborg	...	Girl at Community Center
Lauren Pratt	...	Sally Miller
Hayden Panettiere	...	Mermaid
Lauren Chen	...	Violin Player
Liam Aiken	...	Nathan
Alan Alda	...	Sidney Miller
Allison Janney	...	Constance Miller
Tim Daly	...	Dr. Robert Joley
Janet Zarish	...	Dinner Guest
Ellen Tobie	...	Dinner Guest
Virl Andrick	...	Dinner Guest

MPAA:

Rated R for strong language and some sexuality.

Runtime:

111 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Iceland:L | Australia:PG (TV rating) | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Brazil:14 | Chile:14 | Finland:K-12 | France:U | Germany:6 (w) | Mexico:B | Norway:7 | Portugal:M/12 | Singapore:M18 (re-rating) | Spain:7 | Sweden:Btl | Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Central Park Zoo, Central Park, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation

Trivia:

Winona Ryder turned down the role of Nina.

Goofs:

Continuity: When George and Nina are kissing on the bed, Nina unbuttons his shirt, then when he answers the phone his shirt is fastened again. He then gets up and walks away, shirt open.

Quotes:

Nina: Freud didn't know DICK about women.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Will & Grace: Object of My Rejection (#1.22)" (1999)

Soundtrack:

Everything's OK

It took some time, but it was worth it.

I didn't actually know what to make of this film when I first saw it. I couldn't decide whether it was entertaining or dull. I'm a huge fan of both Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd, so I figured even if it was abysmal I could still enjoy their performances. But it just confused me. Part of me decided that it was an engaging, sweet film with a real story to tell and some brilliant characters. The other part thought it was a boring, patronising attempt at a comedy drama. I didn't want to judge it straight away; I thought that it must just have been an acquired taste. Well, thankfully, I gave it the chance. After watching it a few more times over, The Object Of My Affection completely won me over. Yes, there may have been some rather questionable moments during the proceedings, but, as a whole, it was a pretty damn good film.

Nina Borowski is a social worker, George Hanson a school teacher. After a chance encounter at a casual dinner party thrown by Nina's step-sister Constance, they become fast friends. Seeing as George's boyfriend Dr. Joley finishes their relationship, George moves in with Nina and they seemingly become the perfect couple. But since George is gay, that's out of the question, and they are simply the best of friends. When Nina becomes pregnant by her boyfriend Vince, she realises that Vince isn't the one for her. She asks George if he will raise the baby with her, and become their own special "family". Despite his initial reservations, George decides to accept her offer, but things slowly begin to take a bad turn when Nina realises her real feelings for George. George finds love with Paul, a young budding actor, and his friendship with Nina comes under threat.

I won't deny it, if Aniston and Rudd hadn't appeared in this film I probably wouldn't have thought twice about it. But they do bring their irresistible charm to the piece. Aniston plays Nina perfectly; her character was everything that I expected. She will obviously always be remembered for her role as Rachel in Friends, but she knows how to deliver a first-rate performance. Rudd was fine as George, if a little unrealistic, but since this is Hollywood, I wasn't expecting a true portrayal of gay life. The supporting cast were great, and a very nice surprise indeed. Nigel Hawthorne turns up rather unexpectedly as Rodney, but is always a treat to watch. John Pankow is fairly good as overbearing Vince, whilst Alan Alda and Allison Janney are excellent as snobbish couple Sydney and Constance. There are also some memorable turns from Tim Daly and Amo Gulinello. The Object Of My Affection was definitely a unique film; I didn't imagine it would take so long for a film to capture me. Still, that time was well spent. I'll carry on revisiting it from time to time, as that special something in it has yet to fade on me. An interesting, yet worthy film.