Something's Gotta Give: A
BY PATRICIA DRAZNIN
I RESISTED SEEING THIS MOVIE for months. The previews seemed silly, the title
lame. And honestly, I’m lukewarm about Diane Keaton, Keanu Reeves,
and Jack Nicholson.
And now I get to tell you that this was one of the best acted, written,
and directed comedies of all time. Maybe it has to do with age—my
being . . . uhhh, over 30. But I know good writing when I hear it. And
I just heard it. I feel happy, entertained, and deeply satisfied. Kudos
to screenwriting and direction maestro Nancy Meyers, a wise and seasoned
woman. And to Diane Keaton, who scooped the Oscar and a Golden Globe for
being funny, unabashed, and downright spectacular.
Since I’m the last person in Southeast Iowa to see this flick,
you don’t need me to tell you the plot. But I have to; it’s
my job. Harry (Nicholson) is a 63-year-old record label mogul still
dating 30-year-olds, except when he can find them younger. Marin (drop-dead
gorgeous Amanda Peet), his girlfriend of the week, brings Harry to her
mom’s beach home. And when he meets Erica (Keaton)—a divorcee,
an accomplished playwright, and a sharp, independent, and forthright
woman—it’s hate at first sight. Erica is bugged by Harry,
who dates young women for sport. Harry is bugged by Erica because she’s
older and intelligent and irritated by him, and he’s used to women
being charmed. But they put up with each other because, hey, it’s
just for the weekend. Or maybe not.
The rest of the story involves a heart attack that puts Harry in
the hospital and then into recuperation at Erica’s, where
the two gradually let their guards down and get to know each other
for real. And then there’s the young, charming, and sincere
Dr. Mercer (Reeves), Harry’s attending physician and a fan
of Erica, who is twenty years his senior. Recognizing a quality
woman, he falls madly in love and pursues her with gusto.
Brilliant, poignant, hilarious, and oh so natural, this story slides
like a finely oiled machine through all those wonderful clichés
like relationships, risk, heartbreak, personal values, preconceived
ideas, and the mighty force of love. And most of all it milks the grand
wisdom of middle age that shines like a beacon through the whole script.
This bold film goes for the jugular on a red-hot issue for American
women: that men favor smooth young skin over experience and savvy. This
story gives us hope that there is, in fact, a God, or at least a Goddess
who ensures that women of age receive their due appreciation. Praise
the Good Goddess for VHS and DVD. Do not miss this film.
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites         
 |
Articles 
Subscribe to this comment's feed