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	...	Mother (as Thelma Bernstein)
Candy Castillo	...	Drugstore Manager
James L. Brooks	...	David
George Kennedy	...	George Kennedy / 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.

---

Plot Keywords:

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

---

Taglines:

If it's not love, what is it?

---

Genres:

Comedy | Romance

---

Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Albert Brooks' real life brother Bob Einstein (aka Super Dave Osborne) plays the sporting goods salesman.

---

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.

---

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 one of...

---

Connections

Referenced in At the Movies: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze/The Comfort of Strangers/Defending Your Life/Mister Johnson/La Femme Nikita (1991)

---

Soundtracks

GOD ONLY KNOWS
Written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher
Performed by The Beach Boys
Courtesy of Capitol Records

User Reviews

Great comedy

If you're an Albert Brooks fan already and you haven't seen this one yet, get set to become an even bigger fan once you do. This ranks with "Lost in America" as one of his two best, and in many ways this takes the prize. It's as funny and painful a view of a dysfunctional person as has ever been put on film in the name of comedy. In other words, it's better than all but the very best of Woody Allen. And that's saying a lot. In fact, Brooks's own persona is more likeable and more identifiable than Woody's--and Kathryn Harrold is unbelievably attractive in the female lead.

Details

Official Sites:

Sony Movie Channel [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 March 1981 (USA)

Also Known As:

Modern Romance

Filming Locations:

Idyllwild, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$18,225, 15 March 1981

Gross USA:

$2,863,642

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$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