Lack of originality is one of biggest problems of modern Hollywood, but at times it isn't big problem at all. With enough enthusiasm and talent even the often-travelled roads can provide enjoyable trips. At least this is the impression given by As Good As It Gets, 1997 romantic comedy by James L. Brooks.
This film, nowadays best known for snatching two "Oscars" out of Titanic, was originally released at Christmas 1997 and had its plot inspired by one of most overused Christmas story - Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Scriptwriter Mark Andrus, however, had plot stripped of all recognisable Christmas element and introduced Scrooge character in the form of Melvin Udall (played by Jack Nicholson), widely successful romance novel writer living in modern New York. Udall's commercial success, however, didn't affect his character - the man lives alone in apartment building and suffers from variety of neurotic disorders and compulsive-obsessive behaviour. His most annoying character trait is misanthropy which, combined with literary talent, results in innovative insults being thrown at homosexuals, blacks, Latinos, women and all other human beings that don't match Udall's physical description. The only person who can stand Udall is Carol Connelly (played by Helent Hunt), single mother forced to wait tables in the only restaurant Udall ever frequents. Udall's life changes after the incident involving his most despised neighbour - gay artist Simon Bishop (played by Greg Kinnear). Bishop's friend Frank Sachs (played by Cuba Gooding Jr.) coerces Udall into taking care of Bishop's dog and Udall gradually learns to appreciate or at least tolerates all the things he had previously hated.
The uplifting story about misanthropic old man who gradually rediscovers human qualities could have resulted in series in cliches. As Good As It Gets doesn't shy away from them, including the predictable ending, but in experienced hands of director James L. Brooks even the familiar scenes and situations look refreshing and interesting. The film, owes most of its success to acting talent. Jack Nicholson deserved another of his "Oscars" with incredibly effective portrayal of the complicated and quite dislikeable character who only gradually wins audience's sympathies. Nicholson not only ate this role for breakfast, but also gave impression of liking his job. Helen Hunt, who earned another "Oscar", handles her role of poor single mother more than well, avoiding most of sentimental cliches. Greg Kinnear is also good in the thankless role of gay artist and gives quite convincing and interesting portrayal of homosexual character as someone resembling "normal" human being. The pro-tolerance and humanistic message of the film corresponds with Brooks' way in which he shows how gradual the change in Udall's character is.
However, As Good As It Gets isn't as good as it could have been, mostly due to Brooks being too much in love with his film; in the editing room he simply didn't have enough heart to make some necessary cuts. As a result, film is more than two hours long and at the end it represents something of a test for audience's patience. Yet, there is enough of humour in Mark Andrus' script and more than enough talent among actors to make As Good As It Gets into one of the best romantic comedies to come from Hollywood in past decade.
RATING: 7/10 (+++)
(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.films.reviews on January 8th 2004)
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