Modern Romance (1981)

Albert Brooks directs himself as a successful film editor with far too many issues that affects the relationship between him and his remarkably patient girlfriend.

Director:

Albert Brooks

Writers:

Albert Brooks, Monica Mcgowan Johnson (as Monica Johnson)

Stars:

Albert Brooks, Kathryn Harrold, Tyann Means

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Albert Brooks	...	Robert Cole
Kathryn Harrold	...	Mary Harvard
Tyann Means	...	Waitress
Bruno Kirby	...	Jay
Jane Hallaren	...	Ellen
Karen Chandler	...	Neighbor
Dennis Kort	...	Health Food Salesman
Bob Einstein	...	Sporting Goods Salesman
Virginia Feingold	...	Bank Receptionist
Thelma Leeds	...	Albert Brooks' Mother (as Thelma Bernstein)
Candy Castillo	...	Drugstore Manager
James L. Brooks	...	David
George Kennedy	...	Himself and Zeron
Rick Beckner	...	Zeon
Jerry Belson	...	Jerry

Storyline

Robert Cole, a film editor, is constantly breaking up with and reconciling with long-suffering girl friend Mary Harvard, who works at a bank. He is irrationally jealous and self-centered, while Mary has been too willing to let him get away with his disruptive antics. Can they learn to live with each other? Can they learn to live without each other? The movie also provides insight into film editing as Robert and co-worker Jay work on their current project, a cheesy sci-fi movie.

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Plot Keywords:

film within a film | film editor | neurosis | fear of commitment | boyfriend girlfriend relationship | 

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Taglines:

He thought dating would be easy ...

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Certificate:

R

Details

Official Sites:

Sony Movie Channel [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 March 1981 (USA)

Also Known As:

Modern Romance - Muß denn Liebe Alptraum Sein?

Filming Locations:

Idyllwild, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$18,225, 15 March 1981

Gross USA:

$2,863,642

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

After the Foley session ends, you hear over the loudspeaker "we have Heaven's Gate (1980), the short version". The long version of Heaven's Gate (1980) was first released during the filming of this movie.

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Goofs

When Albert is high on Quaaludes, he puts on a record album and the disco hit "A Fifth of Beethoven" comes on. But watch the needle on the turntable - you can see the arm retracting and returning from the spindle while the music is playing.

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Quotes

Robert Cole: I don't think that we should go out any more. I mean, I just think it's over.
Mary Harvard: Okay. It's over again.
Robert Cole: No, not *again*. This is it. This is the last time. It's for real.
Mary Harvard: And you don't love me?
Robert Cole: I do love you. I mean, love has nothing to do with this. Yes, I love you. I mean, that makes it very confusing, but I just don't think... I mean... you've heard of a no-win situation, haven't you?
Mary Harvard: No.
Robert Cole: No? Really, no? You've never heard of one? Vietnam? This? I'm telling you they're around. I think we're in ...

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Connections

Featured in TCM Guest Programmer: Simon Helberg (2013)

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Soundtracks

SADO-OKESA
Traditional
Performed by Katsumasa Takasago
Courtesy of Nonesuch Records

User Reviews

laugh and hope this isn't you

This is Albert Brooks at his neurotic, psychotic, hilarious best. If you are an obsessive person, especially when it comes to relationships, and you or someone you love always kind of feared that you're a big freak - a little too scary and weird - check out Albert Brooks' Robert Cole. You'll find that you aren't nearly as bad off as this insecure little man. Or at least I hope you aren't. It also has some really funny behind the scenes comments on Hollywood, as the character is a film editor in Los Angeles. After Broadcast News this is my favorite Brooks performance.