Vintage

And for much of my life, as per the unwritten code of being a child, I’ve protested against being overprotected, over- comforted, over-nurtured, etc. That’s why I find it ironic that the very characteristics I’ve become familiar rebelling against, I consciously seek when sitting or laying down to watch a film.
I want to feel protected. I want to feel comforted. I want to feel nurtured. Yada, yada, yada…

In James L. Brooks’ award winning film, As Good As It Gets, those earlier alluded feelings are brilliantly presented and create a “home sweet home” ambiance that, in clever disguise, warm our cool.

The simplest example is the location of the film; set in New York City, it is known as much for its tough, jungle-like features than its nostalgic, romantic character. Scene by scene, we tour the latter “Big Apple,” witnessing the frequently under-looked neighborhood setting, familiar restaurants and vibrant “good place to live” culture.

Above all else, however, the film magically captures character study. From Oscar winning stars like Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt to underrated secondary roles played wonderfully by Greg Kinnear and Cuba Gooding Jr., as an audience, we feel immersed in the sentiment, love, bitterness and hostility they portray.

It’s a rarity that viewers can be swayed to appreciate, understand and root for such bipolar energies thrown their way. The norm is to root for the underdog and against the bad guy. In As Good As It Gets, we end up rooting for people.

Our hero (at the start of the film, that assertion is debatable), Melvin Udall (Jack Nicholson), battles through his obsessive compulsive behaviors, blunt harshness and inconsiderate demeanor in an attempt to ultimately support and court the film’s leading lady, Carol (Helen Hunt). It is then we are skillfully coerced into seeing ourselves at our worst; moody, miserable, misunderstood.

However, as our enemy-turned-pal Melvin, through little effort of his own, but rather through the pursuit of love, changes his ways, we begin to explore our individual, unique goodness.

When the film concludes, there’s a temptation to feel surprised at the aforementioned “viewer manipulation.” But after looking at the DVD cover and seeing “A film by James L. Brooks,” suddenly you realize that, indeed, one and one make two, i.e. duh! Just look at his work: Terms of Endearment, Broadcast News, Spanglish, Jerry Maguire.

Aside from genius and quality, the other commonality is the condemnation and celebration, we as an audience convey toward the film’s performers.

From beginning to end and top to bottom, the film is not just a gem, but more so a gem without dispute. If you like acting, this film’s for you. If you like story, this film’s for you. If you like movies, for (insert someone’s sake here), this film’s for you.

Don’t always judge a book by its cover, but do, indeed judge a DVD by its cover when James L. Brooks and Jack Nicolson’s names are on the cover, for it will surely turn out to be As Good As It Gets.

Sergei J. Feldman is a writer living in Pittsburgh.