As good as it gets
As good as it gets
Лучше не бывает /As Good As It Gets/
Лучше не бывает /As Good As It Gets/
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«Лу́чше не быва́ет» (англ. As Good as It Gets ) — кинокомедия Джеймса Брукса 1997 года о Мелвине Аделле (Джек Николсон), вспыльчивом писателе-гомофобе, страдающим обсессивно-компульсивным расстройством, который из-за своих патологических страхов и маний, замкнулся в мирке, ограниченном его домом и книгами, которые он пишет. Несмотря на свой характер, он в итоге становится другом своей постоянной официантки (Хелен Хант), матери-одиночки, и своего соседа-гея (Грег Киннер).
Содержание
Сюжет
Картина Джеймса Л. Брукса неслучайно снискала признание не только у кинокритиков, но и у простого зрителя. Это трогательная и добрая история стареющего писателя Мелвина Юдала (Джек Николсон), страдающего психическим заболеванием, выраженном в крайней степени педантизма. Из за своего эксцентричного и порою излишне вызывающего поведения главный герой часто оказывается в центре различных комических ситуаций. Он ведёт привычное для себя существование, изо дня в день совершая привычные для себя «ритуалы»: в ресторане он ест только при помощи принесённой с собой одноразовой посуды, на улицы он всегда перешагивает через различные трещины на асфальте, дома всегда выбрасывает в урну распечатанный кусок туалетного мыла едва помыв руки. Кроме того, его отношение к людям оставляет желать лучшего.
Казалось бы — этот порою излишне грубый, чёрствый и эгоистичный человек не способен полюбить никого, кроме себя. Но всё меняется, когда в его квартире по иронии судьбы появляется соседская собака по кличке Вердел. И именно благодаря этому существу открывается совсем другая сторона главного героя — запрятанная где-то глубоко в нём добрая и чувственная натура, которой свойственны сентиментальность, преданность и даже любовь… любовь к главной героине — официантке Кэрол Коннели (Хелен Хант), живущей с матерью и в одиночку воспитывающей своего сына.
Интересно также наблюдать меняющееся по ходу фильма отношение Мелвина Юдала к своему богемному соседу-художнику и по совместительству законному хозяину Вердела — гею Саймону Бишопу (Грег Киннер).
В ролях
Награды и номинации
В 1998 году картина была отмечена наградами Киноакадемии за лучшую мужскую роль (Джек Николсон) и лучшую женскую роль (Хелен Хант), и могла бы получить значительно больше, если бы не масштабное полотно Джеймса Камерона «Титаник» (11 премий Оскар) практически лишившее все остальные фильмы шансов серьёзно побороться в отчётном году за призы Киноакадемии.
Лучше не бывает/As Good as It Gets (1997)
Фильм с Джеком Николсоном «Лучше не бывает» — это наглядное пособие к курсу Ньюфелда «Тревожность». У главного героя, успешного писателя и «знатока женской души», масса неврозов, у него обсессивно-компульсивное расстройство.
Мелвин Юделл очень странно себя ведет с точки зрения обычного человека: ему сложно находить общий язык с людьми, и часто кажется, что он совсем не стремится это сделать. Он говорит обидные для людей вещи, даже если сам не хочет никого задеть — как будто не может предвидеть их эмоциональную реакцию. Он прогоняет соседей, ругает посетителей ресторана, насмехается, ерничает, не старается понравиться своим поклонницам. Люди для него — скорее, функции и роли, чем полноценные партнеры.
Каждый день он вынужден совершать ряд однотипных действий, которые помогают ему чувствовать себя менее тревожно. Закрывает и открывает дверные замки по нескольку раз, моет руки новым кусочком мыла, может обедать только в одном месте за определенным столиком, не может наступать на трещины в тротуаре. Все эти действия нужны ради ощущения контроля, стабильности и безопасности. Но почему, ведь он состоявшийся человек и живет обеспеченной удобной жизнью?
У Мелвина было тяжелое детство, с собственным отцом у него не было безопасных отношений, его не принимали таким, какой он есть, и не прощали ошибок. Свой человеческий потенциал он до конца не раскрыл, несмотря на профессиональный успех. Те тревожные ощущения от небезопасной связи с близкими людьми, с теми, кто должен был заботиться и защищать, повлияли на его дальнейшую жизнь.
Его мозг ищет решение проблемы, но он слеп к ее источнику и решает, что его тревожат микробы и уличная грязь. Если их избегать, то станет не так опасно. Поэтому главному герою помогают умывание кипятком, душ по часу, перчатки на руках, а также повторяющиеся рутинные события, знакомые места и ритуалы. Его мозг так защищает его, находя для тревожности другие объяснения.
Его сердце смягчается, когда он берет домой собаку. Чистота, которая была необходима для жизни этого человека, не имеет больше такого влияния на его самочувствие. Мелвин сам с удивлением обнаруживает, что улыбается детским играм с псом и радуется, когда собака лижет его и слушается, даже при том, что его квартира больше не стерильна.
Он становится чувствительнее, теперь может плакать и грустить. Он стал чем-то большим, чем он сам. Теперь Мелвин принял на себя ответственность за другое существо, он сблизился с псом и захотел заботиться о нем. И это требует от него мужества нарушать свои собственные правила. Он действует смело и только потом с удивлением замечает, что преодолел себя в чем-то ради собаки.
Потом у него появляется другая привязанность, и еще одна. И ради этих своих привязанностей он меняется незаметно для самого себя. Он перестает быть подвержен некоторым компульсиям, так как уровень тревоги снижается.
Его отношения, его связи с людьми наконец дают ему ощущение покоя и счастья. Он преображается. Сами собой находятся силы на ежедневные подвиги. Оказывается, есть силы и ресурсы участвовать в чужих жизнях, помогать людям, говорить комплименты и любить. Ему есть ради чего собирать свою волю и действовать, несмотря на свои ограничения. Видно, как он становится доволен жизнью, так как его связи держат его и придают жизни новый смысл. Нет больше той тревоги и фрустрации, которые накрывали его от чувства базовой небезопасности. И часть тревожных симптомов сходит на нет, а часть становится преодолимой, когда ему есть чем уравновесить свои импульсы.
Это очень хороший фильм для того, чтобы прочувствовать важность и необходимость глубоких связей в нашей жизни и понять, как работает система оповещения о тревоге, если человек не может увидеть источника своих проблем.
Валентина Ячичурова
Лучше не бывает
Актёры и команда
Видео
Получившая два «Оскара» американская романтическая комедия с участием Джека Николсона (Jack Nicholson), Хелен Хант (Helen Hunt) и Грега Киннира (Greg Kinnear). Режиссёр Джеймс Брукс (James L. Brooks) снял фильм по сценарию, написанному им совместно с Марком Андрусом (Mark Andrus). Фильм был номинирован на «Оскар» как лучший фильм года и получил награду за лучшие актёрские работы.
Мелвин Удалл (Джек Николсон) – мизантроп, расист, гомофоб и антисемит. Более того, он страдает от синдрома навязчивых состояний: если и выходит из дома, то только в перчатках, ходит по чётким линиям и дико раздражается, если кто-то занимает его столик в ресторане. Его соседи в доме на Манхэттене и все, с кем ему приходится общаться, испытывают на себе всю «прелесть» характера чудаковатого писателя. Как ни странно, книги, которые он пишет, сидя дома, становятся бестселлерами и позволяют ему жить безбедно. Каждое утро Мелвин завтракает в одном и том же ресторане, сидя за определённым столиком, используя пластиковые приборы, которые он приносит из дома. Он ходит в это место, потому что ему симпатична официантка Кэрол Коннели (Хелен Хант) – кажется, единственная, кто может терпеть его выходки.
Однажды на соседа Мелвина, художника-гомосексуалиста Саймона Бишопа (Грег Киннир), совершают нападение. Пока Саймон лежит в больнице, Мелвин вынужден присматривать за его собачкой по кличке Верделл. Вторжение животного в стерильную квартиру Мелвина становится катастрофой. Писатель ненавидит пса, но сменяет гнев на милость, когда тот вызывает повышенное внимание со стороны Кэрол. Девушка собирается переезжать в Бруклин, чтобы быть ближе к сыну-астматику Спенсеру (Джесси Джеймс / Jesse James). Мелвин предлагает официантке деньги на лекарства для мальчика. Кэрол после раздумий принимает помощь, но предупреждает писателя, что не будет спать с ним ради денег.
Вернувшись из больницы, Саймон обнаруживает, что муза покинула его, Верделл очарован Мелвином, медицинские счета превышают его бюджет, а из квартиры его выселяют за неуплату. Друзья уговаривают художника попросить помощи у родителей. Однако Саймон ещё не может вести машину, и ему нужен Мелвин, чтобы отвезти его в Балтимор. Мелвин соглашается и приглашает в поездку Кэрол, надеясь на развитие отношений между ними. Странная троица отправляется в путь, чтобы разобраться в себе и своих чувствах.
Роль Мелвина изначально предложили Джону Траволте (John Travolta), а роль Кэрол – Холли Хантер (Holly Hunter). На роль Саймона рассматривали кандидатуры Джона Кьюсака (John Cusack) и Пола Гросса (Paul Gross).
В роли Верделла снимались шесть собак породы брюссельский грифон: Таймер, Спрут, Дебби, Билли, Парфейт и Джилл. Джилл снялась в наибольшем количестве сцен.
Пару в ресторане, которую Мелвин выгоняет из-за своего стола, сыграли будущие звёзды сериала «Доктор Хаус» Лиза Эделестин (Lisa Edelstein) и Питер Якобсон (Peter Jacobson).
As Good As It Gets
There’s something about Jack Nicholson that makes you want to grin. Maybe it’s the anticipation that you’ll see him get away with something. He’s the guy who knows the angles. His screen persona was established for all time the moment he told the waitress to hold the chicken salad between her knees in «Five Easy Pieces.»
«As Good as It Gets» takes that attitude as far as it will go in the direction it was already headed: He plays an obsessive-compulsive curmudgeon whose communication with the world is mostly limited to insults—not funny ones, but comments intended to wound. It is some kind of twisted tribute to Nicholson that he’s able to use this dialogue in what is, after all, a comedy. He hurls racist, sexist, homophobic and physical insults at everyone he meets, and because it’s Nicholson, we let him; we know there has to be a payback somehow. If you see the movie, ask yourself how Nicholson’s tirades would sound coming from any other actor. They’d bring the film to an appalled halt.
Nicholson plays Melvin Udall, a man who crouches in the apartment where he has ground out 62 romance novels for women. Asked how he writes the female characters so convincingly, he replies, «I think of a man. And I take away reason and accountability.» He hates everyone in the building, and the movie opens with him hurling his neighbor’s little dog down the garbage chute. Then he marches out to take his habitual meal in a nearby restaurant, where he lays out his own plastic cutlery.
«Sometimes you must try other people’s clean silverware, as part of the fun of eating out,» advises Carol the waitress (Helen Hunt). She waits on him, but she doesn’t like him, and when he makes a disparaging remark about her asthmatic son, she makes him take it back, or she will never, ever serve him again. Since she’s the only waitress who will serve him, and since this is the only restaurant he will eat in, he backs down. (Later, when he’s finally thrown out of the restaurant, there’s applause from the regulars.)
We meet Melvin’s neighbor, the dog owner. He’s a gay artist named Simon (Greg Kinnear), who is beaten up one day by the friends of one of his models. During his recovery, his agent and dealer (Cuba Gooding Jr.) insists that Melvin take care of the little dog, which has been rescued from the garbage. Melvin doesn’t want to, but he does, and to his amazement (but not ours) he develops a grudging affection for the mutt.
«As Good as It Gets» was directed by James L. Brooks, whose films («Terms of Endearment,» «Broadcast News») show original characters in unexpected lights. This film, co-written with Mark Andrus, creates memorable people, but is not quite willing to follow them down unconventional paths. It’s almost painful, watching the screenplay stretch and contort these characters to fit them somehow into a conventional formula—they’re dragged toward the happy ending, screaming and kicking all the way.
If the movie had been either more or less ambitious, it might have been more successful. Less ambitious, and it would have been a sitcom crowd-pleaser, in which a grumpy Scrooge allows his heart to melt. More ambitious, and it would have touched on the underlying irony of this lonely man’s bitter life. But «As Good as It Gets» is a compromise, a film that forces a smile onto material that doesn’t wear one easily. Melvin is not a man ever destined to find lasting happiness, and the movie’s happy ending feels like a blackout, seconds before more unhappiness begins.
Yet there’s so much good here, in the dialogue, the performances and the observation, that the movie succeeds at many moments even while pursuing its doomed grand design. Consider Melvin’s decision to arrange for the medical treatment of Carol’s son. The little boy suffers agonizing asthma attacks, but through Melvin, Carol is able to find a dedicated doctor (Harold Ramis) who can do some good. The material here is right out of a silent weeper: Repentant Scrooge helps poor child to breathe again. But by casting the wonderfully droll Ramis as the doctor and skewing the dialogue just slightly, Brooks makes it new and screwy.
The main story line gets a similar treatment. It becomes clear that Melvin has been destined by the filmmakers to become a better man: First he accepts dogs, then children, then women, and finally even his gay neighbor. But Brooks and Andrus, having blocked out this conventional progression, then write against it, using rich irony so that individual scenes seem fresh even while the overall progress follows ancient custom. When Melvin goes back for a belated visit to his onetime therapist, for example, they give him a perfect line: «How can you diagnose someone as having obsessive-compulsive disorder and yet criticize him for not making an appointment?»
as good as it gets
1 as good as it gets
2 as good as it gets
3 As good as it gets
4 give as good as one gets
When the lads have a go at him he is giving as good as he gets — Когда на него нападают парни, он в долгу не остается
5 give back as good as one gets
6 give as good as one gets
I didn’t think he would have the courage to argue with the boss, but he certainly gave as good as he got.
7 give as good as one gets
It was the fashion in those days to abuse your opponents and Mil-ton gave as good as he got. (U. Sinclair, ‘Mammonart’, ch. XXXVII) — В те дни было принято не церемониться со своими противниками, и Мильтон платил им той же монетой.
8 give (back) as good as one gets
9 give as good as one gets
10 give back as good as one gets
11 give as good as one gets
12 get good gas mileage
13 get
He got a bicycle for his birthday. — На день рождения ему подарили велосипед.
She got nothing but trouble for her efforts. — За свои старания она нажила себе только одни проблемы.
He got this book at the library. — Эту книгу он взял в библиотеке.
Get me a pillow. — Принеси мне подушку.
Help me to get the washing in, it’s raining. — Помоги мне занести бельё в дом, а то идёт дождь.
Jim gets through a lot of beer while watching football on television every Saturday. — Джим выпивает изрядное количество пива, пока смотрит футбол по телевизору по субботам.
He got this information from the Internet. — Он нашёл эту информацию в интернете.
You can’t get water out of a stone. — Из камня нельзя получить воду.
I always get high marks in history. — Я всегда получаю хорошие оценки по истории.
I couldn’t get a day off because I had to write a report. — Мне не разрешили взять отгул, так как я должен был написать отчёт.
I finally got to work at home. — Наконец-то я смог поработать дома.
The snow was so deep that the climbers could not get through to the hut. — Снега было так много, что альпинисты не смогли пробраться к хижине.
I can’t get at the top branches, can you bring the ladder? — Я не достаю до верхних веток, принеси мне, пожалуйста, лестницу.
She got her plane two minutes before takeoff. — Она поднялась на борт самолёта всего за две минуты до вылета.
I tried to get you, but your phone was busy. — Я пытался связаться с тобой, но телефон был занят.
I got (through to) him on the telephone at last. — Наконец я дозвонился до него.
The teacher got chicken pox from the students. — Учитель заразился ветрянкой от учеников.
He got a severe concussion. — Он получил серьёзное (тяжёлое) сотрясение мозга.
He got six years in prison for tax fraud. — Он получил шесть лет за налоговые махинации.
You’ll get a spanking when your father comes home. — Когда отец вернётся, получишь взбучку.
He didn’t get the point of the joke. — Он не понял, в чём шутка.
It is always difficult to get at the truth. — Выяснять правду всегда нелегко.
I cannot get at the meaning. — Я не могу понять, что это значит.
The children didn’t quite get onto what the teacher was saying. — Дети не совсем поняли, что говорил учитель.
Did your speech get over / across to the crowd? — Твоя речь дошла до сознания толпы?
Though the message was clear, it took long to get it over to the minds of Americans. — Хотя идея была понятна, прошло много времени, пока американцы её восприняли.
I can’t get the total. — Я не могу сосчитать.
These days, scientists use computers to help them to get out the difficult calculations concerned with space travel. — Теперь учёные используют компьютеры для проведения сложных расчётов, связанных с полётами в космос.
Sorry, I didn’t get your name. — Простите, я не разобрал, как вас зовут.
I’ve got this poem off by heart already. — Я уже выучил это стихотворение наизусть.
How quickly can you get up this piece for the concert? — Как быстро ты сможешь выучить эту вещь, чтобы исполнить её на концерте?
I have to go and work, I must get out my next speech. — Мне нужно пойти поработать, надо подготовить моё следующее выступление.
The children are getting up a play for next week. — Дети готовят постановку к следующей неделе.
Mother is much better now, thank you, she’s able to get about a bit more. — Маме лучше, спасибо; она может уже немного ходить.
Using the new bridge to get across will save people a lot of time. — Люди будут пользоваться новым мостом, чтобы перебраться на другую сторону, это сохранит им массу времени.
This new car gets away faster than any of our former models. — Новая модель стартует быстрее всех остальных.
There’s enough room for the car to get by. — Автомобиль вполне может здесь проехать.
I’m sorry I’m late but the telephone rang just as I was about to leave, and I couldn’t get away. — Прошу прощения за опоздание, но я не мог уйти, так как прямо перед моим выходом зазвонил телефон.
On a clear day, you can see the ships far out to sea, until they get beyond the horizon. — В ясный день корабли видны далеко в море, до тех пор, пока они не скроются за горизонтом.
The cat climbed the tree, and then couldn’t get down. — Кошка забралась на дерево и не могла слезть.
Don’t be afraid of the horse, get on! — Не бойся лошади, садись.
How can we get over? The traffic’s so busy. — Как нам перейти (на другую сторону)? Тут такое сильное движение.
Put the fence deep into the earth so that the rabbits can’t get under. — Врой забор поглубже в землю, чтобы кролики не смогли под ним пролезть.
The hill was so steep that the old car had difficulty getting up. — Холм был такой крутой, что старая машина еле-еле взобралась на него.
The history lessons get up to the year 1642 and then stop. — На уроках истории доходят до 1642 года и на этом останавливаются.
to get smth. away — вытаскивать что-л. (наружу)
to get smb. beyond smth. — помогать кому-л. в развитии, продвижении дальше, чем что-л.
Please get the children in, their dinner’s ready. — Зови детей, обед готов.
It took him just ten minutes to get the car through the traffic. — Всего за десять минут он смог вырулить из сплошного потока машин.
The captain got his ship into the harbour safely in spite of rough sea. — Капитан благополучно привёл корабль в гавань, несмотря на бурное море.
Some additional lessons might get you up to the standard demanded by the examiners. — Несколько дополнительных занятий могут помочь тебе подняться до уровня, который требуют экзаменаторы.
Since I gained weight, I can’t get into my best suit. — Так как я располнел, я не могу влезть в свой лучший костюм.
Get into bed, and I’ll bring you a cup of tea. — Ложись, я принесу тебе чай в постель.
That grass is newly seeded, please get off! — Газон только что засеяли, пожалуйста, уйдите с него.
This case is too small, I cannot get all my clothes in. — Этот чемодан слишком маленький, я не могу засунуть туда всю мою одежду.
We shall have to get the tree up by its roots. — Придётся вытащить дерево с корнями.
I can’t get my head into this hat. — Эта шляпа мне мала.
The detective got the suspect as he left the restaurant. — Сыщик задержал подозреваемого, когда тот вышел из ресторана.
The goblins will get you if you don’t watch out. — Будь осторожен, иначе тебя поймают гоблины.
This music really gets me. — Мне так нравится эта музыка!
His sad story really got to me, and I was moved to help him. — Его печальная история тронула меня, и мне захотелось помочь ему.
It gets me why she suddenly decided to sell the house. — Странно, почему она вдруг решила продать дом.
What got me was his utter lack of initiative. — Его полная безынициативность достала меня.
His mother at last got across me, making rude remarks in my own home. — Его мать доконала-таки меня своими замечаниями в моем же доме.
This continuous wet weather is getting me down. — Эта постоянная плохая погода начинает мне надоедать.
She got him on the stomach. — Она ударила его в живот.
The bullet got him in the leg. — Пуля попала ему в ногу.
The hail got the rose bushes. — Град побил кусты роз.
The firemen got the fire under in only half an hour. — Пожарные потушили огонь всего за полчаса.
She yelled at the dog to get. — Чтобы прогнать собаку, она стала на неё кричать.
He puts all his energy into getting and spending. — Он тратит всю свою энергию на то, чтобы зарабатывать деньги и их тратить.
I’d like to get at repainting the house as soon as the weather is suitable. — Я хотел бы снова взяться за перекраску дома, когда погода станет приемлемой.
We finally got round to answering our correspondence. — Мы наконец выкроили время, чтобы ответить на письма.
I think I’ll be able to get round to this job only next month. — Думаю, до этой работы у меня дойдут руки только в следующем месяце.
We must get to work at once (on the new building plans). — Надо немедленно приниматься за дело.
I don’t know how poor people get through these cold winters. — Не знаю, как бедные переживают такие морозы.
Your suggestion has got by the first stage and will now be examined by the committee. — Ваше предложение было одобрено на первом этапе и теперь будет рассмотрено комитетом.
It always takes some time to get over the shock of someone’s death. — Когда кто-нибудь умирает, всегда нужно некоторое время, чтобы шок прошёл.
I can’t get over your news, I would never have thought it possible! — Никак не могу свыкнуться с тем, что ты мне сказал, я думал, что такое невозможно.
The committee will have to find means to get over the difficulty. — Комитет должен будет изыскать средства преодолеть эти трудности.
I think I can get round my father to lend us the car. — Я думаю, мне удастся уговорить отца дать нам автомобиль.
We’ll soon get him round (to our point of view). — Мы скоро его переубедим.
If you are clever, you can sometimes get round the tax laws. — Если ты достаточно хитёр, то иногда можно изловчиться и уклониться от налогов.
This book got a bit beyond me. — Эта книга оказалась для меня трудноватой.
It gets past me how he does it! — Мне совершенно непонятно, как он это делает.
The children tried to build a hut in the garden, but the work got past them and they had to ask their father to help. — Дети хотели построить в саду шалаш, но работа оказалась для них слишком тяжёлой, и они попросили отца помочь им.
Jim’s father got beyond running the business on his own. — Отцу Джима оказалось слишком трудным вести дело самому.
Let’s get onto the next scene now. — Теперь перейдем к следующей сцене.
How did we get onto this subject? It has no connection with what we were talking about. — Как мы перешли к этой теме? У неё же ничего общего с тем, о чём мы говорили?
My neighbour got onto the city council. — Моего соседа избрали в городской совет.
She’s been getting onto me for a year to buy her a new coat. — Она уже год выпрашивает у меня купить ей новое пальто.
I’ve got onto a good idea for improving production. — Мне тут пришла в голову неплохая идея на тему улучшения производства.
You’ll get into bad habits if you keep borrowing money. — Если ты и дальше будешь брать деньги в долг, это превратится в дурную привычку.
Try not to get into a temper. — Старайся не раздражаться.
Whatever has got into the children? They’re so excitable! — Что это стало с детьми? Они стали так легко возбудимы.
The devil has got into this class today. — Сегодня в учеников словно вселился дьявол.
He got into debts. — Его втянули в долги.
I must get into training soon; the cricket season starts next month. — Мне пора начать тренировки; крикетный сезон начинается в следующем месяце.
Michael got into radio when he was only fourteen. — Майкл заинтересовался радио, когда ему было всего четырнадцать.
He got his arm broken in the fight. — В этой драке ему сломали руку.
The new director will soon get the firm started. — Новый директор скоро заставит фирму заработать.
He got the children tired and cross. — Он утомил и разозлил детей.
to get going / moving — начать действовать, взяться за дело
I have to get working on this or I’ll miss my deadline. — Я должен начать работать над этим, иначе я не уложусь в сроки.
It was he who got the factory working. — Именно благодаря ему завод начал работать.
We’ve got plenty of cash. — У нас много наличности.
They got a nice house in town. — У них славный домик в городе.
I have got to leave early. — Мне надо уйти пораньше.
You’ve got to do the dishes. — Ты должен помыть посуду.
She got stung by a bee. — Её ужалила пчела.
The Opera Guild got the governor to serve as honorary chairman. — Гильдия оперных певцов убедила губернатора стать её почётным председателем.
Moscow gets awfully cold in winter. — В Москве зимой становится очень холодно.
as good as it gets — лучше не бывает; самое лучшее, что можно найти
to get up an appetite for smth.— почувствовать вкус к чему-л.
to get smth. into one’s head — вбить что-л. себе в голову
to get on one’s feet / legs — вставать, подниматься ( чтобы говорить публично)
to get smb.’s back up / blood up — разозлить кого-л., вывести из себя
to get one’s dander up, get one’s monkey up — разозлиться, выйти из себя
to have got smb. / smth. on one’s nerves — раздражаться из-за кого-л. / чего-л.
to get the mitten / the sack / walking orders / walking papers — быть уволенным
to get it in the neck — получить по шее, получить нагоняй
to get the bit between one’s teeth — закусить удила, не знать удержу
to get one’s hand in smth. — набить руку в чём-л., освоиться с чем-л.
to get one’s breath — перевести дыхание; прийти в себя
to get under way — сдвинуться с места; отправиться
to get a head — захмелеть, иметь тяжелую голову с похмелья
to get in wrong with smb. — попасть в немилость к кому-л.
to get one’s own way — добиться своего, настоять на своём, поступать по-своему
to get rid of smth. / smb — избавиться от чего-л. / кого-л.
to get back to the grindstone — разг. возвращаться к работе (без особого желания)
to get hold of smth. — суметь схватить что-л.; суметь достать, приобрести
to get hold of smb. — разг. застать, перехватить кого-л.
to get to close quarters — воен. сблизиться, подойти на близкую дистанцию; сцепиться ( в споре) ; столкнуться лицом к лицу
Get along with you! — Иди ты! Проваливай! Убирайся!; Так я тебе и поверил! Не болтай ерунды!
to get smth. under control — установить контроль над чем-л.
User Reviews
Several years ago, my wife watched «As Good As It Gets» and she told me she didn’t like the film. So, I avoided it for years. and now I wish I hadn’t listened to her. I loved the film—just don’t tell her I said so!
The film, to me, was perhaps a bit different experience than it would have been for the average viewer. As a former psychotherapist, I kept trying to analyze Jack Nicholson’s character in order to understand the story better. He appeared to either have a variety of personality disorders—including an avoidant personality (where he pretends to HATE everyone and pushes them away to avoid being hurt), an obsessive-compulsive personality (or perhaps an Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) and probably a nice dose of either Asperger’s or was just socially retarded. Regardless, this sort of person would NORMALLY live a very solitary and sad existence. However, the film manages to make it seem believable that a man like this could change. some. as well as find love. It’s all very improbable but also very charming and sweet. And, later in the film rather oddly romantic. Additionally, the film is, at times, rather funny. Overall, a quirky and well-written film with some terrific acting.
A lot of other stuff has been written about this multi-Oscar-winning film. so I’ll just end by saying my wife is 100% wrong. but I still think she’s terrific.
Melvin is a romantic novelist who is a selfish manic compulsive who is rude and insulting to all he meets. When Melvin’s gay neighbour is beaten up and robbed, Melvin agrees to look after his dog. The dog gives Melvin something to care about other than himself and his life is approaching normal until his regular waitress has to leave work to look after her asthmatic son and his neighbour wants his dog back. Melvin starts to realise that his life needs others for more than just selfish reasons.
The big Oscar winner for Jack is recent years is enjoyable if you come to it knowing what to expect. The film is very sentimental but in a good way. The film is gently comic and amusing and the characters (although exaggerated) are winning and involving. The telling is a little long winded at times and the film could have been shorter but it is still enjoyable. It does tip over into sickly sentimentality at times and can be a bit syrupy but it comes with the territory.
Nicholson is excellent and is the main reason it all works well. His un-PC Melvin is funny but also a character that you can hate and pity on several occasions. Kinnear is good because he is a solid understated character and not hammy or OTT like he can be. Hunt is good but is left with the majority of the syrup and sentiment where the other characters get more share of the laughs. Gooding Jr continues his trend of being good in over the top roles and is funny and happily avoids becoming a flaming gay stereotype.
Overall this is a sentimental romantic comedy that is typical for the genre. The story wanders to it’s point but the good cast, led by a great Nicholson, hold the whole thing together. A superior piece of sentimentality.
«You make me want to be a better man.»
I finally got around to watching this touching and funny film directed by James L. Brooks that stands out thanks to some wonderful performances and memorable characters. As Good As it Gets is proof that actions are louder than words because despite how cruel and mean Nicholson’s character is, he does incredible and kind things for others. In a way this film reminded me of David O. Russell’s Silver Linings Playbook as I found both films to be difficult to follow at first due to the lack of a likable character, but once we get to know who these people are we forgive their flaws and end up routing for them. Both Nicholson and Helen Hunt give excellent performances, and their Oscar wins were well deserved in my opinion. As Good As it Gets is the very definition of charm, and the screenplay written by Mark Andrus (Life As a House) shines thanks to some incredible performances. I really enjoyed this film and found myself laughing through most of the scenes. This is one more film I can eliminate from my shame list, and I’m glad I finally got to experience this romantic comedy which also has a lot to say about overcoming illness.
We are introduced to Melvin Udall (Jack Nicholson), a cranky but successful author who suffers from OCD. He lives on his own in a beautiful apartment where he spends most of his time writing. He always goes out on his daily breakfast ritual which consists of walking to a nearby cafe without touching anyone or stepping on any cracks. He always sits in the same place at the cafe and always demands to be served by the same waitress, whose name is Carol (Helen Hunt). Carol is actually the only one in the cafe who stands his constant outbursts and cruel comments. Melvin’s daily routine changes through two events that end up affecting his life. First, his homosexual artist neighbor named Simon (Greg Kinnear) suffers an accident and Melvin unwillingly accepts to take care of his dog in his absence. Second, Carol’s son, Spencer (Jesse James) gets ill and she quits her job. Not accepting the fact that Carol isn’t there to serve him, Melvin tries to find her in order to restore order back to his life. These series of events force Melvin to change his routine and at the same time he forms an unlikely friendship with Carol and Simon proving that he isn’t as bad as he seems to be.
The performances by each one of the talented actors are the heart and motor of this film. Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt share an incredible chemistry together. It’s funny how despite never being able to share his feelings towards her and always saying the wrong things, it becomes clear that she does inspire him to become a better person. The supporting cast is also incredible here, especially Greg Kinnear and Cuba Gooding Jr. who deliver several funny scenes. I was partial to Brooks’s work considering I had only seen How Do You Know which didn’t work for me and Spanglish which I did enjoy, but As Good As it Gets is without a doubt his best work thanks to an unbelievable cast. This is a smart and funny film, which also could be cruel at times, but it was well balanced. Despite the schmaltzy story it still worked thanks to the characters that carried this film. It’s hard not to leave this film with a smile on your face.
and this movie can be watched again, and again, and again (at least by me).
By now, most people who watch movies are aware that this one practically swept the Oscars for the year it was produced. It won Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt best Actor/Actress awards, came away with Best Picture and also Greg Kinnear won Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of Simon Bishop, a sensitive gay artist.
Seventeen years later the movie stands up well because of its timeless quality. «As Good as it Gets» is a very tight story and performance by all the actors and there is not one moment, scene or actor wasted. The story centers around people’s expressions more than most movies. One example is an elderly woman actress who has opened her apartment door to run an errand and her features contort in disgust when she happens upon Melvin Udall, the Jack Nicholson character who is about to do some mischief with his gay neighbor’s dog.
Another example is Skeet Ulrich, who plays a street tough who somehow winds up doing a modeling job for Simon (Greg Kinnear) the gay artist. When Simon explains to Vincent (Ulrich) what he is looking for in a pose, Vincent’s eyes widen and he murmurs «Wow.» Moments later he nonchalantly delivers the type of pose Simon is looking for. Unfortunately, Simon and Vincent’s association ends badly and creates a turning point for the movie.
There are also several layers of irony at play in the story. It is ironic that Melvin, a hardcore misanthropist mired in full-blown OCD can somehow deliver romance novels that women love and buy by the barrelful. Also ironic is that Melvin’s character transformation begins when he must take care of Simon’s dog, an adorable little Brussels Griffon.
It’s also ironic that Carol, Helen Hunt’s waitress character, works in a restaurant populated by actress-hopefuls who serve diners while striving for their big acting break. Some have stated that Hunt, a fetching but not-too-glamorous actress was too pretty for the role. However she was dressed down just enough for the role to make it work and her understated beauty comes into play in a big way later on in the story.
Finally there’s Jack Nicholson. His portrayal of Melvin Udall stands out as one of his great performances because of all the subtle nuances. The shot of him holding Verdell the dog and cooing to him is one of the signature shots not only from the movie but from his whole career. Near 60 when the movie was produced, he comes across more fit and polished than usual, definitely more so that his portrayal of the raucous astronaut in Terms of Endearment, another one of his great performances, which had occurred 13 years earlier.
If you’ve never seen it what on earth are you waiting for? And if, like me you’ve seen it over and over, hopefully this review gives some new insight as to why «As Good as it Gets» is so gloriously watchable, over and over again.
As Good As It Gets is one of those incredibly moving films that is also hugely entertaining. It’s not just a comedy, you can’t quite label it a drama piece, it just is what it is; simply great.
What works here so well are the actors and the script. Nicholson and Hunt both won Oscars and they’re simply great but Kinnear is no less effective as Nicholson gay neighbour. Plus that dog is amazing as well. This film really relies on great performances and there’s no shortage of that here.
As Good As It Gets is also remarkably well written. So well defined characters and completely involving, you quite simply grow to love them and sympathize with their plight. Nicholson’s remarks are terrific, each one very quotable (personal fav; I think of a man and I take away reason and accountability).
Direction is first rate, Brooks made Terms of Endearment so it’s well established that he’s quite capable of making great films. As Good As It Gets is very nearly as good it gets.
Really, how to make something original, fresh and odd out of absolutely nothing except a few characters? Using characters, only characters and nothing except characters. That’s the simple formula Brooks uses in all of his work, but, for me, he has never created so much charm, warmth and sensibility as he did in `As good as it gets’.
Everything is good and warm in this movie, everything is fresh and vivacious, understandable and well performed. Jack Nicholson brings one of the best performances of his career, that terrific Helen Hunt finally got a chance to show how skilfully an actor can connect naturalism with the laws of the camera performance, and Greg Kinnear shows the most convincing emotions coming from a gay character I’ve ever seen.
The relationships between the characters are created in the way that you can’t predict anything that’s going to happen, eventhough you know in advance what could come out of their mouth and what kind of attitude they’ll have in a certain situation.
You can simply feel the progressive collaboration that occurred between Brooks and the actors and the mutual understanding they developed, and it’s not often that you see that kind of artistic superstructure shining on the screen so much as it does here.
I find `As good as it gets’ complexed, vital, intelligent, emotionally deep and studied, fresh, original, amusing, cheerful, funny, and one of the best films of 1997.
Jack Nicholson is one of those actors who impresses me the second (and I’m not overstating in the least bit) he appears on screen. The moment I see Jack’s face on screen, I get this feeling that everything’s going to be all right. He could do a Pauly Shore film, and elevate its quality with his mere presence. And I didn’t even get to his acting.
Nicholson won a well-deserved Oscar for this movie. Then again, I feel like he deserves an Oscar for virtually everything he’s been in. Hell, you can even give him an Oscar nod for «Anger Management.» THAT’S how great he is! He’s one of those actors who can communicate even more emotion when he’s not saying anything than when he is. And of course, he has one of the coolest movie star voices ever, so it makes it a joy whenever he does speak. I still feel like «You can’t handle the truth!» wouldn’t be as priceless a line if Jack didn’t yell it. He can say almost any line of dialogue and turn it into gold. In this movie it was «You make me wanna be a better man.» Again, an otherwise forgettable line of dialogue made gold by Jack.
«As Good As It Gets» is a flawed film, with scenes that drag and an overlong running time, but it’s highly enjoyable and altogether pretty well-written. Aside from its many hilarious moments, it’s also quite touching. But I have to admit that it’s the comedy that sticks out most in my memory. There’s some priceless gags like when a Jewish couple is sitting at Jack’s usual table. He first intrudes into their conversation saying, «People who speak in metaphors oughtta shampoo my crotch.» He complains to Helen Hunt, his usual waitress, saying «I have Jews at my table!» He then intrudes in the couple’s conversation again, noticing the food on their table, saying «Obviously your appetites aren’t as big as your noses.» Now, I probably wouldn’t want to personally know a man like Melvin in my real life, but I still found those cracks to be hysterically funny. The same when he attacks Greg Kinnear’s gay character with constant homosexual slurs.
The performances are great all-around. Though Jack pretty much steals the show, Greg Kinnear gives a wonderfully endearing performance. He doesn’t play out the gay stereotypes, yet he’s sensitive and feminine enough to have me convinced that he is gay (unlike Eric McCormack on «Will and Grace» who acts like he’s gay for the sake of the show’s gimmick). It’s nice to see Kinnear rise from the host of «Talk Soup» and the thankless late night talk show «Later» to a fine actor. Previously, I wouldn’t have any notion that he could become what he is now. Helen Hunt also gives a compelling, emotionally packed performance. And Shirley Knight, as her mother, provides a little bit of comic relief. Cuba Gooding Jr. has a small but interesting role, and he makes the best of it.
The film does have its dull moments, but Jack’s one-of-a-kind performance makes it all worthwhile. There is nobody, and I mean NOBODY, who could’ve played Melvin better than him. I read in the trivia that John Travolta was originally offered the role. Now, I like Travolta, but in this type of role he wouldn’t hold a candle to Jack.
My score: 7 (out of 10)
Now I know what good acting means. You are absolutely surrounded with it in this movie. There is not a single actor or actress in this movie that didn’t exceed himself/herself. Helen Hunt is great (I don;t know why, but I find her quite attractive) and I won’t bore you about the performance given by Jack Nicholson. When I first saw this movie I thought it was really boring and overrated, but I saw it again the second day and immediately loved it. Maybe the ending is a little bogus, but it’s a romantic comedy, so it didn’t bother me that much. A fairly complicated plot presented with ease and simplicity works perfectly and there’s a nostalgic tone to the movie in whole. Maybe because it’s a rare occasion nowadays to come across a movie that isn’t stuffed with special effects. This is a movie that should be seen on a beautiful day, when you’re in a good mood.
Great fun that keeps getting better and better each time I see it. A strong 8/10.
At first, i didn’t know if I should put this film in my best of the year category, I liked it alot, but I wondered if Titanic would go over it. It didn’t, so I put this film in, and well deserved. The film is directed by Oscar winning director James L. Brooks (of Terms of Endearment and The Simpsons TV show fame) and stars Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt (Nicholson won his third Oscar for this and Hunt won her first).
The story follows a bitter old scrooge (Nicholson in his usual perfect self) who is also a romance novelist (his line «I think of a man, and I take a way reason and accountability» when describing writing women is classic), but through a series of events including a cute dog, a gay artist (Greg Kinnear is endearing in this role), and a waitress with some problems (Hunt), he becomes a little better. Conventional to be sure, but it is definately a winner in laughs and romance. That’s comic veteran Harold Ramis as a doctor. A+
Directed by Oscar nominee James L. Brooks, the story written by Mark Andrus brings up not only very interesting characters but also very interesting issues. I have the video and enjoy watching it. The CD is great with music of Nat King Cole, Shawn Colkin. Outstanding acting by Helen Hunt (Mad About You, Twister) who won an Oscar for this role where she plays Carol Connelly, a single mother, working as waitress in Manhattan, New York. A single parent trying to cope with her work and paying medical bills for son Spencer Connelly, played by Jesse James (Message in a Bottle, The Gingerbread Men, Gods and Monsters). Jack Nicholson (A Few Good Men, Easy Rider, Witches of Eastwick) is Melvin Udall who is an obsessive compulsive. Nicholson also won an Oscar for his part. His obsessive compulsiveness has taken over his life and he is not able to live a normal life. Melvin Udall has tons of soap all organized in his medicine cabinet. He uses a bar of soap once and then throws it out. He will not step on a crack on the side walk but skips to the next block of concrete. When he goes to the restaurant he brings his own plastic fork, knife and spoon in a plastic bag. Udall uses plastic gloves to hold the dog and has all his office supply stacked and all color coordinated in his home/office. He eats at the same restaurant, sits at the same table, if someone is seating at his table he insults them to make them leave so that he has his table back, wants the same waiter Carol to wait on him, and takes forever to take a shower. He closes his door several times and counts how many times he has done it. As a writer who works at home I do understand Mr. Udall really well. Writers think somewhat like this: we like to be alone with ourselves in order to think. We have to go inside ourselves to produce good work. It is a very isolated world. We do not like to be bothered unless we are bored, or tired, in which case we want to communicate with the outside world for a brief period of time, then after one hour or so we want to go back inside ourselves again and be left alone. This is somehow like Melvin thinks. People think that he has nothing to do and they keep knocking at his door and he gets really aggravated about that. He is my favorite character in this movie, not to diminish the other ones. He is just so full on nuances that make him very entertaining. Helen’s role is very, very, good and she did a really good job with it. Greg Kinnear (Sabrina) is Simon Bishop, the artist who is Udall’s next door neighbor who finally has Melvin turning into a little more normal human being and he is there to teach him many life lessons. The supporting actors are great, you have Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. (Jerry Maguire) playing Frank Sachs, Simon’s agent.
My favorite scenes: elementary school kids all in uniform screaming: «Wait! Melvin, wait»! Greg Kinnear imitating Melvin. Melvin and Caroll going to eat fresh rolls in the wee hours of the morning. When Melvin realizes that the dog is also skipping cracks on the sidewalk.
My favorite quote: «I am drowning here and you are describing the water.» This is a nice story telling movie. I recommend it!
And yet, Nicholson’s performance makes it not matter quite so much.
Jack Nicholson is simply phenomenal. Yes, I will give credit where it is due and congratulate Greg Kinnear, Helen Hunt, and Cuba Gooding, Jr, on their fine performances. They are talented. But I am mesmorized by Jack’s intricate facial expressions and inflection each time I see this movie.
Critics panned this movie for being totally unbelievable. I would have to agree-why would Carol fall for Melvin? Why does Melvin change his ways after so many years of acid-tongued insults? I don’t know. I know people who disliked the film because Melvin was such a you-know-what. Personally, I love the evil retorts he hurls at any innocent bystander. Maybe it’s a sick pleasure, but Nicholson’s delivery is perfect and I couldn’t help but laugh as he takes on everyone.
Melvin Udall (Jack Nicholson) is a romance novel writer who has problems. He bullies his gay neighbor Simon Bishop (Greg Kinnear). In fact, the first thing he does in the movie is to shove Simon’s dog down the garbage chute. He’s a petty angry horrible man suffering some OCD. He has to eat at the restaurant where Carol Connelly (Helen Hunt) works as his personal waitress. She’s a tough woman trying to get by with a sick child. When Simon is attacked in his home, Melvin is left to take care of the dog.
Of course he learns to accept other people. He falls Carol and she saves him from a bitter lonely life. That’s the basic storyline and director James L. Brooks adds the colors of a memorable performance by Jack Nicholson. Nicholson is definitely tapping into his sly mean-spirited self. Some of his action is funny, but a lot of it is too angry. I wish he had more vulnerability at the start to allow the audience to root for him.
Helen Hunt is obviously way too young for Jack Nicholson. But there is something about Jack that he can certainly get a woman that age in real life. It’s Helen Hunt that doesn’t really fit. She isn’t really the MPDG type. She seems to be too smart to get involved with that mess. Although it makes for a good movie.
I am amazed I kind of liked this modern-day soap opera-romance with the usual Liberal twists and sometimes-annoying characters. Yet, despite the annoyances, the story was very interesting, the acting was superb and Jack Nicholson combined both to his make character the most interesting of them all. He had some memorable lines. The story was involving, meaning it was tough to put down once you started. Also, for a film that featured the story a lot more than any scenery, it was well-filmed.
I did have a few complaints but they are fairly minor, such as too many OMGs and a little too worldliness at times, but nothing’s perfect. For today’s usual group of comedies which tend to be on a sleazy side, this was had some class to it.
The cast was phenomenally on point for the characters. Each and every character added flavor and depth to the storyline-Even the expressive dog.
So many small roles played by actors that are huge now.
This is one that will go in my time capsule.
«How do you write women so well?» asks a flattered young lady after reading one of the man’s sappy romantic paperback novels and recognizing his face on the street. He turns around, looks at her and says, «I think of a man, and I take away reason and accountability.»
The secret of «As Good As It Gets» is its unconventional, and often times irreverent, view of the entire romance scene. It is centered solely on two people, Melvin (Jack Nicholson) and Carol (Helen Hunt). Melvin writes those corny romance novels you always manage to find tucked in between the fiction and non-fiction area of your local bookstore. You know, the kind that little old ladies like to read through at an incredible speed in an ill-fated hope to re-live moments of their past.
Melvin is a bit like Paul Sheldon, from Rob Reiner’s «Misery,» although I’m sure if he had been found by a murderous fan he would have been killed early on—he’s incredibly blunt and annoying. He probably would have told Annie Wilkes what he thought of her from the get-go, not hesitating any more than he has to.
Melvin has obsessive-compulsive disorder, which basically means he goes through strange routines every time he does something, whether it means locking a door twice or not stepping on the cracks of a sidewalk (we all do that, sometimes). I recently read a new Steve Martin novella about a man with obsessive-compulsive disorder, and it reminded me very much of «As Good As It Gets» and the Melvin character. Melvin is such a wacko that he pushes his gay neighbor’s dog down the laundry chute after he finds it wandering around the hallway.
The gay man is played by Greg Kinnear. His name is Simon, and he has a small little dog he likes to call «precious.» Simon is an artist, but when a band of kids wreck his apartment and beat him up, he is left with the realization that he hasn’t enough money to keep his flat, and his boyfriend (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) may break up with him.
But the biggest worry of all is. what to do with his precious?
Frank, played by Gooding Jr., decides to give the dog to Melvin—who refuses at first but is left without any option but to obey. He soon achieves a certain subtle love for the beast, and when Simon has healed and comes back for the dog, it doesn’t even want to leave. It even starts to develop nasty habits—like avoiding cracks in the sidewalk.
Meanwhile, a troubled single mother and a part-time waitress, Carol is constantly nagged by Melvin. Only she can deliver him food. Only she can take his order. Only she can kick him out of the restaurant. Mistaking this for some sort of sexual craving, she tells Melvin flat-out that she will never sleep with him. He doesn’t seem to care. That had never even crossed his mind.
The fact is that Melvin is insufferably lonely. He likes to act as though he likes to be lonely, but the truth is that his loneliness is something he loathes. He would love to reach out and gain some friends—but he’s too proud to humble himself in such a way. We all know people like Melvin—he just takes himself to a new extreme.
Melvin is surely one of the great screen characters of all time, ranking up there with Raymond «Rain Man» Babbitt and Forrest Gump as some of the most unique and likable inventions to ever grace the big screen. Nicholson presents his character in an especially effective way—at first he seems gruff, then he seems strange, then his soft side is revealed, and he slowly becomes the likable mean guy who lives upstairs and likes to try and kill neighbors’ dogs.
Hunt won the Oscar for her work in «As Good As It Gets,» but it was truly Nicholson who deserved it.
Regardless of all this, «As Good As It Gets» still stands alone as one of the cleverest romantic comedies of all time, and certainly one that both sexes can agree on. The film features some of the most memorable lines ever written on paper, the majority of them all coming from the lips of Melvin Udall, perfectly spoken by a typical gruff Jack Nicholson. They all come off as utterly hilarious and convincing. (Nicholson: «How old are you? If I would guess by your eyes, I’d say you’re fifty.» Hunt: «If I went by your eyes I’d say you were kind.»)
This is the type of new-age romantic comedy that rivals the greatness of «When Harry Met Sally» or «Sleepless in Seattle.» It’s founded in its characters, their lives, their interaction, and how they learn to overcome their own personal obstacles and moral obligations. This film carries all the Autumn-time sweetness and cleverness of a Rob Reiner comedy, and all the lightness of a Frank Capra movie. It’s a delightful blend of comedy and romance, and the type of redefining genre motion picture that «When Harry Met Sally» was eight years prior.
| Лучше не бывает | ||
|---|---|---|
 | 139 минут | |
| Страна | Соединенные Штаты | |
| Язык | английский | |
| Бюджет | 50 миллионов долларов [1] | |
| Театральная касса | 314,1 млн. Долл. США [1] | |
Лучше не бывает американец 1997 года романтическая комедия фильм режиссера Джеймс Л. Брукс, который написал это в соавторстве с Марк Андрус. Звезды кино Джек Николсон как человеконенавистнический и обсессивно-компульсивное писатель Хелен Хант как мать-одиночка с хронически больным сыном, и Грег Киннер как художник-гей. Картины к фильму были созданы Нью-Йорк художник Билли Салливан. [2] Фильм был показан в кинотеатрах 23 декабря 1997 года и имел кассовые сборы 314,1 миллиона долларов при бюджете в 50 миллионов долларов.
Николсон и Хант выиграли Академическая награда за лучшую мужскую роль и лучшую женскую роль соответственно, Лучше не бывает самый последний фильм, получивший обе награды за главную роль, и первый с 1991 года Молчание ягнят. Он также был номинирован на лучший фильм, но в конечном итоге проиграл Титаник. Он занимает 140-е место в рейтинге Империя список журнала «500 величайших фильмов всех времен». [3]
Содержание
участок
Мелвин Удалл человеконенавистнический самый продаваемый романист в Нью-Йорк, чья обсессивно-компульсивное расстройство заставляет его избегать наступления на трещины на тротуаре во время прогулки по городу и каждый день завтракать за одним столом в одном и том же ресторане. Он проявляет интерес к своей официантке Кэрол Коннелли, единственной официантке в ресторане, которая может терпеть его грубое поведение.
Между тем, нападение Саймона и его реабилитация в сочетании с предпочтением Верделла Мелвину заставляют Саймона потерять свою творческую музу и впасть в депрессию. Не имея медицинской страховки, он приближается к банкротству из-за своих медицинских счетов. Фрэнк уговаривает его пойти в Балтимор просить денег у своих отчужденных родителей. Поскольку Фрэнк слишком занят, чтобы доставить раненого Саймона в Балтимор, Мелвин неохотно соглашается сделать это; Фрэнк дает Мелвину использовать свой Saab 900 кабриолет для поездки. Мелвин предлагает Кэрол сопровождать их в поездке, чтобы уменьшить неловкость. Она неохотно принимает приглашение, и отношения между ними развиваются.
Вернувшись в Нью-Йорк, Кэрол говорит Мелвину, что больше не хочет его видеть в своей жизни. Позже она сожалеет о своем заявлении и призывает извиниться. Отношения между Мелвином и Кэрол остаются сложными, пока Саймон (которому Мелвин позволил переехать к нему, так как ему пришлось продать свою квартиру) не убеждает Мелвина признаться в любви к ней. Мелвин идет к Кэрол, которая колеблется, но соглашается попытаться установить с ним отношения. Фильм заканчивается прогулкой Мелвина и Кэрол. Открывая для Кэрол дверь утренней кондитерской, он понимает, что наступил на трещину в тротуаре, но, похоже, не возражает.
Текст песни As Good as It Gets
Intro:
Make the sunrise wait each morning ’till you open up your eyes,
Take the brightest stars at night and write your name across the sky.
I wouldn’t stop until your world was just the way that it should be,
But first I’d make you fall in love with me.
Verse 1:
If I had a magic lamp to make my wishes true,
I wouldn’t have to think at all: I would make each one for you.
If I caught a falling star and it could make my dreams come true,
I’ve been dreaming all my life of everything I’d do.
Chorus:
I’d make the sunrise wait each morning ’till you opened up your eyes,
Take the brightest stars at night and write your name across the sky.
I wouldn’t stop until your world was just the way that it should be,
But first I’d make you fall in love with me.
Verse 2:
Love can make you wish for powers you cannot possess,
But all I’d ever use them for is to bring you happiness.
Girl, I’m so in love with you, there is nothing left to say,
Except that I’d do anything to make you feel this way.
Chorus:
I’d make the sunrise wait each morning ’till you opened up your eyes,
Take the brightest stars at night and write your name across the sky.
I wouldn’t stop until your world was just the way that it should be,
But first I’d make you fall in love with me,
But first I’d make you fall. Ooohhh
I’d make the sunrise wait each morning ’till you opened up your eyes,
Take the brightest stars at night and write your name across the sky.
I wouldn’t stop until your world was just the way that it should be,
But first I’d make you fall in love with me,
But first I’d make you fall in love with me,
But first I’d make you fall in love with me.
Перевод песни As Good as It Gets
Вступление:
Заставлю восход ждать каждое утро, пока ты не откроешь глаза,
Ночью возьму самые яркие звёзды и напишу твоё имя на небе.
Я бы не остановился до тех пор, пока твой мир не стал таким, каким должен быть,
Но для начала я бы влюбил тебя в себя.
1-ый куплет:
Если бы у меня была волшебная лампа, исполняющая желания,
Мне не пришлось бы думать ни минуты: все их я загадал бы для тебя.
Если бы я поймал падающую звезду, и она могла бы сделать мои мечты явью,
Всю свою жизнь я мечтаю о том, что бы я тогда сделал.
Припев:
Я бы заставил восход ждать каждое утро, пока ты не откроешь глаза,
Ночью взял бы самые яркие звёзды и написал твоё имя на небе.
Я бы не остановился до тех пор, пока твой мир не стал таким, каким должен быть,
Но для начала я бы влюбил тебя в себя.
2-ой куплет:
Любовь может заставить мечтать о полномочиях, которыми нельзя обладать,
Но я бы использовал их лишь для того, чтобы принести тебе счастье.
Дорогая, я так люблю тебя, и больше нечего сказать,
Кроме того, что я бы сделал всё, лишь бы ты почувствовала то же самое.
Припев:
Я бы заставил восход ждать каждое утро, пока ты не откроешь глаза,
Ночью взял бы самые яркие звёзды и написал твоё имя на небе.
Я бы не остановился до тех пор, пока твой мир не стал таким, каким должен быть,
Но для начала я бы влюбил тебя в себя,
Но для начала я бы влюбил тебя. Ооо
Я бы заставил восход ждать каждое утро, пока ты не откроешь глаза,
Ночью взял бы самые яркие звёзды и написал твоё имя на небе.
Я бы не остановился до тех пор, пока твой мир не стал таким, каким должен быть,
Но для начала я бы влюбил тебя в себя,
Но для начала я бы влюбил тебя в себя,
Но для начала я бы влюбил тебя в себя.
Перевод песни As good as it gets (Set It Off)
As good as it gets
Лучше не бывает
They tell me that I’m 10 feet tall
Then tell me why I feel so small
I’d break my neck to have it all (To have it all)
I’m back down on my knees again
I’m feelin’ like there’s nothin’ left
I’d break my neck to get ahead (To get ahead)
And I think it’s my fault that I’m hitting this wall
That I built for myself
‘Cause the minute
I get what I said that I wanted
It’s never enough
Is it as good as it’s ever gonna be, ever gonna be?
What if I peaked too soon?
Is it as good as it’s ever gonna be, ever gonna be?
What have I got to lose?
There’s gotta be more than this
There’s gotta be somethin’ I missed
As good as it’s ever gonna be, ever gonna be
Hell nah-na-na-na-na, this ain’t as good as it gets
Living like I’m on the run
But I don’t even know what from
I can’t go back until I won
And I think it’s my fault that I’m hitting this wall
That I built for myself
‘Cause the minute
I get what I said that I wanted
I want something else
Is it as good as it’s ever gonna be, ever gonna be?
What if I peaked too soon?
Is it as good as it’s ever gonna be, ever gonna be?
What have I got to lose?
There’s gotta be more than this
There’s gotta be somethin’ I missed
As good as it’s ever gonna be, ever gonna be
Hell nah-na-na-na-na, this ain’t as good as it gets
Is it as good as it’s ever gonna be, ever gonna be?
What if I peaked too soon?
Is it as good as it’s ever gonna be, ever gonna be?
What have I got to lose?
There’s gotta be more than this
There’s gotta be somethin’ I missed
As good as it’s ever gonna be, ever gonna be
Hell nah-na-na-na-na, this ain’t as good as it gets
There’s gotta be more than this
There’s gotta be somethin’ I missed
As good as it’s ever gonna be, ever gonna be
Hell nah-na-na-na-na, this ain’t as good as it gets
Мне говорят, что я десяти футов ростом.
Тогда скажите мне, почему я чувствую себя таким мелким?
Я сломал шею в погоне за всем. (В погоне за всем).
Я вновь на коленях
С чувством, что больше мне ничего не осталось.
Я сломал шею, чтоб вырваться вперёд. (Чтоб вырваться вперёд).
И думаю, в том моя вина, что бьюсь о стену,
Которую сам воздвиг для себя.
Потому что в ту минуту,
Когда получаю то, что, по моим словам, жаждал,
Оно становится недостаточным.
Действительно ли лучше не бывает, лучше не бывает?
Что, если я достиг этого слишком быстро?
Действительно ли лучше не бывает, лучше не бывает?
Что я упустил?
Должно быть что-то большее,
Должно быть что-то, что я упустил.
Лучше не бывает, лучше не бывает.
Чёрт, най-на-на-на-на, может быть и лучше.
Живу словно в бегах,
Но даже не в курсе от чего бегу.
Не могу вернуться, пока не добуду победы.
И думаю, в том моя вина, что бьюсь о стену,
Которую сам воздвиг для себя.
Потому что в ту минуту,
Ккогда получаю то, что, по моим словам, жаждал,
Оно становится недостаточным.
Действительно ли лучше не бывает, лучше не бывает?
Что, если я достиг этого слишком быстро?
Действительно ли лучше не бывает, лучше не бывает?
Что я упустил?
Должно быть что-то большее,
Должно быть что-то, что я упустил.
Лучше не бывает, лучше не бывает.
Чёрт, най-на-на-на-на, может быть и лучше.
Действительно ли лучше не бывает, лучше не бывает?
Что, если я достиг этого слишком быстро?
Действительно ли лучше не бывает, лучше не бывает?
Что я упустил?
Должно быть что-то большее,
Должно быть что-то, что я упустил.
Лучше не бывает, лучше не бывает.
Чёрт, най-на-на-на-на, может быть и лучше.
Должно быть что-то большее,
Должно быть что-то, что я упустил.
Лучше не бывает, лучше не бывает.
Чёрт, най-на-на-на-на, может быть и лучше.
User Reviews
Several years ago, my wife watched «As Good As It Gets» and she told me she didn’t like the film. So, I avoided it for years. and now I wish I hadn’t listened to her. I loved the film—just don’t tell her I said so!
The film, to me, was perhaps a bit different experience than it would have been for the average viewer. As a former psychotherapist, I kept trying to analyze Jack Nicholson’s character in order to understand the story better. He appeared to either have a variety of personality disorders—including an avoidant personality (where he pretends to HATE everyone and pushes them away to avoid being hurt), an obsessive-compulsive personality (or perhaps an Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) and probably a nice dose of either Asperger’s or was just socially retarded. Regardless, this sort of person would NORMALLY live a very solitary and sad existence. However, the film manages to make it seem believable that a man like this could change. some. as well as find love. It’s all very improbable but also very charming and sweet. And, later in the film rather oddly romantic. Additionally, the film is, at times, rather funny. Overall, a quirky and well-written film with some terrific acting.
A lot of other stuff has been written about this multi-Oscar-winning film. so I’ll just end by saying my wife is 100% wrong. but I still think she’s terrific.
Melvin is a romantic novelist who is a selfish manic compulsive who is rude and insulting to all he meets. When Melvin’s gay neighbour is beaten up and robbed, Melvin agrees to look after his dog. The dog gives Melvin something to care about other than himself and his life is approaching normal until his regular waitress has to leave work to look after her asthmatic son and his neighbour wants his dog back. Melvin starts to realise that his life needs others for more than just selfish reasons.
The big Oscar winner for Jack is recent years is enjoyable if you come to it knowing what to expect. The film is very sentimental but in a good way. The film is gently comic and amusing and the characters (although exaggerated) are winning and involving. The telling is a little long winded at times and the film could have been shorter but it is still enjoyable. It does tip over into sickly sentimentality at times and can be a bit syrupy but it comes with the territory.
Nicholson is excellent and is the main reason it all works well. His un-PC Melvin is funny but also a character that you can hate and pity on several occasions. Kinnear is good because he is a solid understated character and not hammy or OTT like he can be. Hunt is good but is left with the majority of the syrup and sentiment where the other characters get more share of the laughs. Gooding Jr continues his trend of being good in over the top roles and is funny and happily avoids becoming a flaming gay stereotype.
Overall this is a sentimental romantic comedy that is typical for the genre. The story wanders to it’s point but the good cast, led by a great Nicholson, hold the whole thing together. A superior piece of sentimentality.
«You make me want to be a better man.»
I finally got around to watching this touching and funny film directed by James L. Brooks that stands out thanks to some wonderful performances and memorable characters. As Good As it Gets is proof that actions are louder than words because despite how cruel and mean Nicholson’s character is, he does incredible and kind things for others. In a way this film reminded me of David O. Russell’s Silver Linings Playbook as I found both films to be difficult to follow at first due to the lack of a likable character, but once we get to know who these people are we forgive their flaws and end up routing for them. Both Nicholson and Helen Hunt give excellent performances, and their Oscar wins were well deserved in my opinion. As Good As it Gets is the very definition of charm, and the screenplay written by Mark Andrus (Life As a House) shines thanks to some incredible performances. I really enjoyed this film and found myself laughing through most of the scenes. This is one more film I can eliminate from my shame list, and I’m glad I finally got to experience this romantic comedy which also has a lot to say about overcoming illness.
We are introduced to Melvin Udall (Jack Nicholson), a cranky but successful author who suffers from OCD. He lives on his own in a beautiful apartment where he spends most of his time writing. He always goes out on his daily breakfast ritual which consists of walking to a nearby cafe without touching anyone or stepping on any cracks. He always sits in the same place at the cafe and always demands to be served by the same waitress, whose name is Carol (Helen Hunt). Carol is actually the only one in the cafe who stands his constant outbursts and cruel comments. Melvin’s daily routine changes through two events that end up affecting his life. First, his homosexual artist neighbor named Simon (Greg Kinnear) suffers an accident and Melvin unwillingly accepts to take care of his dog in his absence. Second, Carol’s son, Spencer (Jesse James) gets ill and she quits her job. Not accepting the fact that Carol isn’t there to serve him, Melvin tries to find her in order to restore order back to his life. These series of events force Melvin to change his routine and at the same time he forms an unlikely friendship with Carol and Simon proving that he isn’t as bad as he seems to be.
The performances by each one of the talented actors are the heart and motor of this film. Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt share an incredible chemistry together. It’s funny how despite never being able to share his feelings towards her and always saying the wrong things, it becomes clear that she does inspire him to become a better person. The supporting cast is also incredible here, especially Greg Kinnear and Cuba Gooding Jr. who deliver several funny scenes. I was partial to Brooks’s work considering I had only seen How Do You Know which didn’t work for me and Spanglish which I did enjoy, but As Good As it Gets is without a doubt his best work thanks to an unbelievable cast. This is a smart and funny film, which also could be cruel at times, but it was well balanced. Despite the schmaltzy story it still worked thanks to the characters that carried this film. It’s hard not to leave this film with a smile on your face.
and this movie can be watched again, and again, and again (at least by me).
By now, most people who watch movies are aware that this one practically swept the Oscars for the year it was produced. It won Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt best Actor/Actress awards, came away with Best Picture and also Greg Kinnear won Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of Simon Bishop, a sensitive gay artist.
Seventeen years later the movie stands up well because of its timeless quality. «As Good as it Gets» is a very tight story and performance by all the actors and there is not one moment, scene or actor wasted. The story centers around people’s expressions more than most movies. One example is an elderly woman actress who has opened her apartment door to run an errand and her features contort in disgust when she happens upon Melvin Udall, the Jack Nicholson character who is about to do some mischief with his gay neighbor’s dog.
Another example is Skeet Ulrich, who plays a street tough who somehow winds up doing a modeling job for Simon (Greg Kinnear) the gay artist. When Simon explains to Vincent (Ulrich) what he is looking for in a pose, Vincent’s eyes widen and he murmurs «Wow.» Moments later he nonchalantly delivers the type of pose Simon is looking for. Unfortunately, Simon and Vincent’s association ends badly and creates a turning point for the movie.
There are also several layers of irony at play in the story. It is ironic that Melvin, a hardcore misanthropist mired in full-blown OCD can somehow deliver romance novels that women love and buy by the barrelful. Also ironic is that Melvin’s character transformation begins when he must take care of Simon’s dog, an adorable little Brussels Griffon.
It’s also ironic that Carol, Helen Hunt’s waitress character, works in a restaurant populated by actress-hopefuls who serve diners while striving for their big acting break. Some have stated that Hunt, a fetching but not-too-glamorous actress was too pretty for the role. However she was dressed down just enough for the role to make it work and her understated beauty comes into play in a big way later on in the story.
Finally there’s Jack Nicholson. His portrayal of Melvin Udall stands out as one of his great performances because of all the subtle nuances. The shot of him holding Verdell the dog and cooing to him is one of the signature shots not only from the movie but from his whole career. Near 60 when the movie was produced, he comes across more fit and polished than usual, definitely more so that his portrayal of the raucous astronaut in Terms of Endearment, another one of his great performances, which had occurred 13 years earlier.
If you’ve never seen it what on earth are you waiting for? And if, like me you’ve seen it over and over, hopefully this review gives some new insight as to why «As Good as it Gets» is so gloriously watchable, over and over again.
As Good As It Gets is one of those incredibly moving films that is also hugely entertaining. It’s not just a comedy, you can’t quite label it a drama piece, it just is what it is; simply great.
What works here so well are the actors and the script. Nicholson and Hunt both won Oscars and they’re simply great but Kinnear is no less effective as Nicholson gay neighbour. Plus that dog is amazing as well. This film really relies on great performances and there’s no shortage of that here.
As Good As It Gets is also remarkably well written. So well defined characters and completely involving, you quite simply grow to love them and sympathize with their plight. Nicholson’s remarks are terrific, each one very quotable (personal fav; I think of a man and I take away reason and accountability).
Direction is first rate, Brooks made Terms of Endearment so it’s well established that he’s quite capable of making great films. As Good As It Gets is very nearly as good it gets.
Really, how to make something original, fresh and odd out of absolutely nothing except a few characters? Using characters, only characters and nothing except characters. That’s the simple formula Brooks uses in all of his work, but, for me, he has never created so much charm, warmth and sensibility as he did in `As good as it gets’.
Everything is good and warm in this movie, everything is fresh and vivacious, understandable and well performed. Jack Nicholson brings one of the best performances of his career, that terrific Helen Hunt finally got a chance to show how skilfully an actor can connect naturalism with the laws of the camera performance, and Greg Kinnear shows the most convincing emotions coming from a gay character I’ve ever seen.
The relationships between the characters are created in the way that you can’t predict anything that’s going to happen, eventhough you know in advance what could come out of their mouth and what kind of attitude they’ll have in a certain situation.
You can simply feel the progressive collaboration that occurred between Brooks and the actors and the mutual understanding they developed, and it’s not often that you see that kind of artistic superstructure shining on the screen so much as it does here.
I find `As good as it gets’ complexed, vital, intelligent, emotionally deep and studied, fresh, original, amusing, cheerful, funny, and one of the best films of 1997.
Jack Nicholson is one of those actors who impresses me the second (and I’m not overstating in the least bit) he appears on screen. The moment I see Jack’s face on screen, I get this feeling that everything’s going to be all right. He could do a Pauly Shore film, and elevate its quality with his mere presence. And I didn’t even get to his acting.
Nicholson won a well-deserved Oscar for this movie. Then again, I feel like he deserves an Oscar for virtually everything he’s been in. Hell, you can even give him an Oscar nod for «Anger Management.» THAT’S how great he is! He’s one of those actors who can communicate even more emotion when he’s not saying anything than when he is. And of course, he has one of the coolest movie star voices ever, so it makes it a joy whenever he does speak. I still feel like «You can’t handle the truth!» wouldn’t be as priceless a line if Jack didn’t yell it. He can say almost any line of dialogue and turn it into gold. In this movie it was «You make me wanna be a better man.» Again, an otherwise forgettable line of dialogue made gold by Jack.
«As Good As It Gets» is a flawed film, with scenes that drag and an overlong running time, but it’s highly enjoyable and altogether pretty well-written. Aside from its many hilarious moments, it’s also quite touching. But I have to admit that it’s the comedy that sticks out most in my memory. There’s some priceless gags like when a Jewish couple is sitting at Jack’s usual table. He first intrudes into their conversation saying, «People who speak in metaphors oughtta shampoo my crotch.» He complains to Helen Hunt, his usual waitress, saying «I have Jews at my table!» He then intrudes in the couple’s conversation again, noticing the food on their table, saying «Obviously your appetites aren’t as big as your noses.» Now, I probably wouldn’t want to personally know a man like Melvin in my real life, but I still found those cracks to be hysterically funny. The same when he attacks Greg Kinnear’s gay character with constant homosexual slurs.
The performances are great all-around. Though Jack pretty much steals the show, Greg Kinnear gives a wonderfully endearing performance. He doesn’t play out the gay stereotypes, yet he’s sensitive and feminine enough to have me convinced that he is gay (unlike Eric McCormack on «Will and Grace» who acts like he’s gay for the sake of the show’s gimmick). It’s nice to see Kinnear rise from the host of «Talk Soup» and the thankless late night talk show «Later» to a fine actor. Previously, I wouldn’t have any notion that he could become what he is now. Helen Hunt also gives a compelling, emotionally packed performance. And Shirley Knight, as her mother, provides a little bit of comic relief. Cuba Gooding Jr. has a small but interesting role, and he makes the best of it.
The film does have its dull moments, but Jack’s one-of-a-kind performance makes it all worthwhile. There is nobody, and I mean NOBODY, who could’ve played Melvin better than him. I read in the trivia that John Travolta was originally offered the role. Now, I like Travolta, but in this type of role he wouldn’t hold a candle to Jack.
My score: 7 (out of 10)
Now I know what good acting means. You are absolutely surrounded with it in this movie. There is not a single actor or actress in this movie that didn’t exceed himself/herself. Helen Hunt is great (I don;t know why, but I find her quite attractive) and I won’t bore you about the performance given by Jack Nicholson. When I first saw this movie I thought it was really boring and overrated, but I saw it again the second day and immediately loved it. Maybe the ending is a little bogus, but it’s a romantic comedy, so it didn’t bother me that much. A fairly complicated plot presented with ease and simplicity works perfectly and there’s a nostalgic tone to the movie in whole. Maybe because it’s a rare occasion nowadays to come across a movie that isn’t stuffed with special effects. This is a movie that should be seen on a beautiful day, when you’re in a good mood.
Great fun that keeps getting better and better each time I see it. A strong 8/10.
At first, i didn’t know if I should put this film in my best of the year category, I liked it alot, but I wondered if Titanic would go over it. It didn’t, so I put this film in, and well deserved. The film is directed by Oscar winning director James L. Brooks (of Terms of Endearment and The Simpsons TV show fame) and stars Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt (Nicholson won his third Oscar for this and Hunt won her first).
The story follows a bitter old scrooge (Nicholson in his usual perfect self) who is also a romance novelist (his line «I think of a man, and I take a way reason and accountability» when describing writing women is classic), but through a series of events including a cute dog, a gay artist (Greg Kinnear is endearing in this role), and a waitress with some problems (Hunt), he becomes a little better. Conventional to be sure, but it is definately a winner in laughs and romance. That’s comic veteran Harold Ramis as a doctor. A+
Directed by Oscar nominee James L. Brooks, the story written by Mark Andrus brings up not only very interesting characters but also very interesting issues. I have the video and enjoy watching it. The CD is great with music of Nat King Cole, Shawn Colkin. Outstanding acting by Helen Hunt (Mad About You, Twister) who won an Oscar for this role where she plays Carol Connelly, a single mother, working as waitress in Manhattan, New York. A single parent trying to cope with her work and paying medical bills for son Spencer Connelly, played by Jesse James (Message in a Bottle, The Gingerbread Men, Gods and Monsters). Jack Nicholson (A Few Good Men, Easy Rider, Witches of Eastwick) is Melvin Udall who is an obsessive compulsive. Nicholson also won an Oscar for his part. His obsessive compulsiveness has taken over his life and he is not able to live a normal life. Melvin Udall has tons of soap all organized in his medicine cabinet. He uses a bar of soap once and then throws it out. He will not step on a crack on the side walk but skips to the next block of concrete. When he goes to the restaurant he brings his own plastic fork, knife and spoon in a plastic bag. Udall uses plastic gloves to hold the dog and has all his office supply stacked and all color coordinated in his home/office. He eats at the same restaurant, sits at the same table, if someone is seating at his table he insults them to make them leave so that he has his table back, wants the same waiter Carol to wait on him, and takes forever to take a shower. He closes his door several times and counts how many times he has done it. As a writer who works at home I do understand Mr. Udall really well. Writers think somewhat like this: we like to be alone with ourselves in order to think. We have to go inside ourselves to produce good work. It is a very isolated world. We do not like to be bothered unless we are bored, or tired, in which case we want to communicate with the outside world for a brief period of time, then after one hour or so we want to go back inside ourselves again and be left alone. This is somehow like Melvin thinks. People think that he has nothing to do and they keep knocking at his door and he gets really aggravated about that. He is my favorite character in this movie, not to diminish the other ones. He is just so full on nuances that make him very entertaining. Helen’s role is very, very, good and she did a really good job with it. Greg Kinnear (Sabrina) is Simon Bishop, the artist who is Udall’s next door neighbor who finally has Melvin turning into a little more normal human being and he is there to teach him many life lessons. The supporting actors are great, you have Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. (Jerry Maguire) playing Frank Sachs, Simon’s agent.
My favorite scenes: elementary school kids all in uniform screaming: «Wait! Melvin, wait»! Greg Kinnear imitating Melvin. Melvin and Caroll going to eat fresh rolls in the wee hours of the morning. When Melvin realizes that the dog is also skipping cracks on the sidewalk.
My favorite quote: «I am drowning here and you are describing the water.» This is a nice story telling movie. I recommend it!
And yet, Nicholson’s performance makes it not matter quite so much.
Jack Nicholson is simply phenomenal. Yes, I will give credit where it is due and congratulate Greg Kinnear, Helen Hunt, and Cuba Gooding, Jr, on their fine performances. They are talented. But I am mesmorized by Jack’s intricate facial expressions and inflection each time I see this movie.
Critics panned this movie for being totally unbelievable. I would have to agree-why would Carol fall for Melvin? Why does Melvin change his ways after so many years of acid-tongued insults? I don’t know. I know people who disliked the film because Melvin was such a you-know-what. Personally, I love the evil retorts he hurls at any innocent bystander. Maybe it’s a sick pleasure, but Nicholson’s delivery is perfect and I couldn’t help but laugh as he takes on everyone.
Melvin Udall (Jack Nicholson) is a romance novel writer who has problems. He bullies his gay neighbor Simon Bishop (Greg Kinnear). In fact, the first thing he does in the movie is to shove Simon’s dog down the garbage chute. He’s a petty angry horrible man suffering some OCD. He has to eat at the restaurant where Carol Connelly (Helen Hunt) works as his personal waitress. She’s a tough woman trying to get by with a sick child. When Simon is attacked in his home, Melvin is left to take care of the dog.
Of course he learns to accept other people. He falls Carol and she saves him from a bitter lonely life. That’s the basic storyline and director James L. Brooks adds the colors of a memorable performance by Jack Nicholson. Nicholson is definitely tapping into his sly mean-spirited self. Some of his action is funny, but a lot of it is too angry. I wish he had more vulnerability at the start to allow the audience to root for him.
Helen Hunt is obviously way too young for Jack Nicholson. But there is something about Jack that he can certainly get a woman that age in real life. It’s Helen Hunt that doesn’t really fit. She isn’t really the MPDG type. She seems to be too smart to get involved with that mess. Although it makes for a good movie.
I am amazed I kind of liked this modern-day soap opera-romance with the usual Liberal twists and sometimes-annoying characters. Yet, despite the annoyances, the story was very interesting, the acting was superb and Jack Nicholson combined both to his make character the most interesting of them all. He had some memorable lines. The story was involving, meaning it was tough to put down once you started. Also, for a film that featured the story a lot more than any scenery, it was well-filmed.
I did have a few complaints but they are fairly minor, such as too many OMGs and a little too worldliness at times, but nothing’s perfect. For today’s usual group of comedies which tend to be on a sleazy side, this was had some class to it.
The cast was phenomenally on point for the characters. Each and every character added flavor and depth to the storyline-Even the expressive dog.
So many small roles played by actors that are huge now.
This is one that will go in my time capsule.
«How do you write women so well?» asks a flattered young lady after reading one of the man’s sappy romantic paperback novels and recognizing his face on the street. He turns around, looks at her and says, «I think of a man, and I take away reason and accountability.»
The secret of «As Good As It Gets» is its unconventional, and often times irreverent, view of the entire romance scene. It is centered solely on two people, Melvin (Jack Nicholson) and Carol (Helen Hunt). Melvin writes those corny romance novels you always manage to find tucked in between the fiction and non-fiction area of your local bookstore. You know, the kind that little old ladies like to read through at an incredible speed in an ill-fated hope to re-live moments of their past.
Melvin is a bit like Paul Sheldon, from Rob Reiner’s «Misery,» although I’m sure if he had been found by a murderous fan he would have been killed early on—he’s incredibly blunt and annoying. He probably would have told Annie Wilkes what he thought of her from the get-go, not hesitating any more than he has to.
Melvin has obsessive-compulsive disorder, which basically means he goes through strange routines every time he does something, whether it means locking a door twice or not stepping on the cracks of a sidewalk (we all do that, sometimes). I recently read a new Steve Martin novella about a man with obsessive-compulsive disorder, and it reminded me very much of «As Good As It Gets» and the Melvin character. Melvin is such a wacko that he pushes his gay neighbor’s dog down the laundry chute after he finds it wandering around the hallway.
The gay man is played by Greg Kinnear. His name is Simon, and he has a small little dog he likes to call «precious.» Simon is an artist, but when a band of kids wreck his apartment and beat him up, he is left with the realization that he hasn’t enough money to keep his flat, and his boyfriend (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) may break up with him.
But the biggest worry of all is. what to do with his precious?
Frank, played by Gooding Jr., decides to give the dog to Melvin—who refuses at first but is left without any option but to obey. He soon achieves a certain subtle love for the beast, and when Simon has healed and comes back for the dog, it doesn’t even want to leave. It even starts to develop nasty habits—like avoiding cracks in the sidewalk.
Meanwhile, a troubled single mother and a part-time waitress, Carol is constantly nagged by Melvin. Only she can deliver him food. Only she can take his order. Only she can kick him out of the restaurant. Mistaking this for some sort of sexual craving, she tells Melvin flat-out that she will never sleep with him. He doesn’t seem to care. That had never even crossed his mind.
The fact is that Melvin is insufferably lonely. He likes to act as though he likes to be lonely, but the truth is that his loneliness is something he loathes. He would love to reach out and gain some friends—but he’s too proud to humble himself in such a way. We all know people like Melvin—he just takes himself to a new extreme.
Melvin is surely one of the great screen characters of all time, ranking up there with Raymond «Rain Man» Babbitt and Forrest Gump as some of the most unique and likable inventions to ever grace the big screen. Nicholson presents his character in an especially effective way—at first he seems gruff, then he seems strange, then his soft side is revealed, and he slowly becomes the likable mean guy who lives upstairs and likes to try and kill neighbors’ dogs.
Hunt won the Oscar for her work in «As Good As It Gets,» but it was truly Nicholson who deserved it.
Regardless of all this, «As Good As It Gets» still stands alone as one of the cleverest romantic comedies of all time, and certainly one that both sexes can agree on. The film features some of the most memorable lines ever written on paper, the majority of them all coming from the lips of Melvin Udall, perfectly spoken by a typical gruff Jack Nicholson. They all come off as utterly hilarious and convincing. (Nicholson: «How old are you? If I would guess by your eyes, I’d say you’re fifty.» Hunt: «If I went by your eyes I’d say you were kind.»)
This is the type of new-age romantic comedy that rivals the greatness of «When Harry Met Sally» or «Sleepless in Seattle.» It’s founded in its characters, their lives, their interaction, and how they learn to overcome their own personal obstacles and moral obligations. This film carries all the Autumn-time sweetness and cleverness of a Rob Reiner comedy, and all the lightness of a Frank Capra movie. It’s a delightful blend of comedy and romance, and the type of redefining genre motion picture that «When Harry Met Sally» was eight years prior.
Источники информации:
- http://alpha-parenting.ru/2017/06/15/luchshe-ne-byivaet-as-good-as-it-gets-1997/
- http://www.vokrug.tv/product/show/as_good_as_it_gets/
- http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/as-good-as-it-gets-1997
- http://translate.academic.ru/as%20good%20as%20it%20gets/en/ru/
- http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119822/reviews
- http://wikidea.ru/wiki/As_Good_as_It_Gets
- http://lyricshunter.ru/us5/as-good-as-it-gets.html
- http://lyrsense.com/set_it_off/as_good_as_it_gets_sio
- http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119822/reviews?ref_=tt_urv