Kissing Jessica Stein (2001)

A woman searching for the perfect man instead discovers the perfect woman.

Director:

Charles Herman-Wurmfeld

Writers:

Heather Juergensen, Jennifer Westfeldt

Stars:

Jennifer Westfeldt, Heather Juergensen, Tovah Feldshuh

8 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jennifer Westfeldt	...	Jessica Stein
Tovah Feldshuh	...	Judy Stein
Esther Wurmfeld	...	Grandma Esther
Hillel Friedman	...	Rabbi
Ben Feldman	...	Himself
Robert Ari	...	Sidney Stein
David Aaron Baker	...	Dan Stein
Jennifer Carta	...	Rachel - Dan's Fiancée
Ben Weber	...	Larry
Brian Stepanek	...	Peter
Nick Corley	...	Howard
Jackie Hoffman	...	Joan
John Cariani	...	Chuck
Scott Cohen	...	Josh Meyers
Christopher Berger	...	Malaprops Guy

Storyline

Jessica Stein is a single, straight, successful, journalist, part of a bonded Jewish family living in New York City, who finds herself not as straight as she thought when Jessica meets and begins an intense friendship with career woman Helen Cooper which ultimately leads to romance.

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Plot Keywords:

journalist | friendship | friend | new york city | personal ad | 

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Taglines:

When it comes to love, sometimes she just can't think straight.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexual content and language

Details

Official Sites:

Foxsearchlight [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 April 2002 (USA)

Also Known As:

Seeking Same

Filming Locations:

Guilford, Connecticut, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$346,999 (USA) (15 March 2002)

Gross:

$7,022,940 (USA) (5 July 2002)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fox Searchlight Pictures, Brad Zions Films, Eden Wurmfeld Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The role of the mother was written especially for Tovah Feldshuh.

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Goofs

When Jessica and Helen are outside on the street and they're eating ice cream and talking about the panhandlers, Jessica's purse disappears between shots.

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Quotes

Helen: What does your therapist say about all of this?
Jessica: Oh, I could never tell my therapist.
Helen: Why not?
Jessica: Because it's private.

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Crazy Credits

For our parents.

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Connections

References Gimme Shelter (1970)

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Soundtracks

When the Special Girlfriend
Written by Marcellus Schiffer & Mischa Spoliansky (as Michael Spoliansky)
Performed by Ute Lemper
Courtesy of BMG Songs, Inc. (ASCAP) and London Records
Through arrangement with Universal Film & TV Licensing

User Reviews

Brilliant Acting, Sharp Writing, Funny and Touching

This film had something for everyone: a loving view into a Jewish family, including religious practices we rarely get to see on screen; a relationship between two women who are trying to find the right someone who "gets" them; and having the courage to go after the things you want the most. Scott Cohen is gorgeous and appealing as Josh Meyer, Jessica Stein's boss, ex-boyfriend and friend of her brother. He convincingly moves from bitter and judgmental through his own emotional journey when he sees Jessica summon the courage to be happy and seek her dreams. He sings beautifully in Hebrew, too!

Tovah Feldshuh was brilliant and touching as the Jewish mother with a true understanding of her daughter. No caricature here: she has one of the most touching scenes in the entire film. Jackie Hoffman was fun and funny as Jessica's best friend and coworker Joan, who lives vicariously through Jessica and Helen's adventures.

Jennifer Westfeldt (Jessica Stein) and Heather Juergensen (Helen Cooper) wrote, produced and starred in this wonderful, touching, funny view of single life in New York today. In fact, New York itself was a character in this film, providing both opportunities and barriers to the relationships among the characters. I highly recommend it!