Dedication (2007)

The romantic comedy follows a misogynistic children's book author who is forced to work closely with a female illustrator instead of his long-time collaborator and only friend.

Director:

Justin Theroux

Writer:

David Bromberg

Stars:

Tom Wilkinson, Billy Crudup, Christine Taylor

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tom Wilkinson	...	Rudy Holt
Billy Crudup	...	Henry Roth
Christine Taylor	...	Allison
Bob Balaban	...	Arthur Planck
Catherine Lloyd Burns	...	Mother in Bookstore
Amy Sedaris	...	Cassidy's Mom
Cassidy Hinkle	...	Cassidy
Mandy Moore	...	Lucy Reilly
Jeremy Shamos	...	Matthew
Christopher Fitzgerald	...	Robin (as Chris Fitzgerald)
Dianne Wiest	...	Carol
Jicky Schnee	...	Mandy the Waitress
John Ellison Conlee	...	Man at Lucy's
Martin Freeman	...	Jeremy
Christopher Grey Misa	...	Abused Kid (as Chris Misa)

Storyline

Henry Roth: obsessive-compulsive, somewhat misanthropic, a writer of children's books. His illustrator and only friend, Rudy, dies after a fabulously successful collaboration on "Marty, the Beaver." Henry is under contract to produce another Marty book for Christmas sales. His publisher, Arthur Planck, assigns penniless, lovelorn illustrator Lucy Reilly to work with Henry. She's sought by her ex-boyfriend Jeremy, who dumped her two years ago but shows up apologetic, having dedicated his new book to her. She and Henry go to a house on the shore to work. Will love bloom amid the rocks, or is Henry a bump on Lucy's road to Jeremy? Rudy's voice, from the grave, gives Henry counsel.

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Plot Keywords:

book | illustrator | children's book | friend | love | 

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Taglines:

With each moment we write our story

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and some sexual content

Details

Official Sites:

The Weinstein Company [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 October 2008 (Mexico)

Also Known As:

Afosiosi

Filming Locations:

Flushing Meadows Park, Queens, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$23,832 (USA) (24 August 2007)

Gross:

$91,169 (USA) (5 October 2007)

Company Credits

Production Co:

First Look International, Hart-Lunsford Pictures, Plum Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Justin Theroux:  The lawyer on the phone.

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Quotes

Henry: I can't.
Lucy: Yes, you can.
Henry: We have to work.
Lucy: Right now?
Henry: Lucy, come on please. It's going to get very complicated. Ahh, it's going to get so complicated.
Lucy: Do you just genuinely dislike me, Henry?
Henry: A week ago, I didn't give a rat's ass about nebulas and now I can't get enough of them. Ok?
Lucy: Nebulae.
Henry: What?
Lucy: It's nebulae... not nebulas.
[...]

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Crazy Credits

"No corporations were harmed in the making of this movie"

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Connections

Features Daikaijû Gamera (1965)

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Soundtracks

"Our Angel's Ululu"
Written by John Dieterich, Satomi Matsuzaki, and Greg Saunier
Performed by Deerhoof
Courtesy of Kill Rock Stars

User Reviews

One of the more endearing films around

I just watched this film and have to say it is one of the most endearing films I've seen in a long time. Think of it as "Mozart and the Whale" but more painful and more true life problems and neuroses, but also more heartwarming. Billy Crudup does a great job as the self-hating and world-hating pessimist in this movie. His wonderful portrayal of such an awful, yet complicated character, makes it all the more enjoyable to see him come around and finally warm up to someone. I've seen Mandy Moore in films before and thought shes always been a better actress then people give her credit for, and this film goes to show that. This is Justin Thoreaux's directorial debut and a wonderful one at that. The writing is superb and the directing and acting only lend to the wonderful script. Tom Wilkinson gives another wonderful performance as he always does. If you want to see a film that'll make you laugh despite hating the characters at times, but some how still miraculously fall in love with them and root for them, then this is definitely the movie for you. It isn't your usual romantic comedy, and putting it that genre is a stretch in itself, but it is one of the smartest and most warm hearted movies you'll see this year.