Review #1491: When Harry Met Sally...Cast:
Billy Crystal (Harry Burns), Meg Ryan (Sally Albright), Carrie Fisher (Marie Fisher), Bruno Kirby (Jess Fisher), Steven Ford (Joe), Lisa Jane Persky (Alice), Michelle Nicastro (Amanda Reese), Kevin Rooney (Ira Stone), Harley Kozak (Helen Hillson), and Estelle Reiner (Female Customer) Directed by Rob Reiner (#108 - This Is Spinal Tap, #180 - Stand by Me, #232 - The Princess Bride, #363 - North, and #640 - The Bucket List)
Review:
"I try to write parts for women that are as complicated and interesting as women actually are."
"I'd never ask an actor to do something I couldn't do - not that I'm the best actor in the world - but if I can do it, then I know that anyone I hire can do these things."
How many people know about this film? Or, more specifically know the film more than that one great line about having what she's having? It is a testament to director Rob Reiner and writer Nora Ephron in how they managed to generate a classic for the age. Reiner came from a distinct background of comedy like no other, the son of singer/actor Estelle Reiner (whose one line in this film being perfect deadpan) and comedian/director Carl Reiner. A graduate of UCLA Film School, he started in show business through appearances on television beginning in 1966 while also doing some writing for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour the following year. In 1971, he jumped into national prominence with his starring role as Michael Stivic in All in the Family, which he appeared in for over eight years. He moved onto directing with This Is Spinal Tap (1984). Ephron had her own distinct background as well, the child of playwrights that originally aimed for a career of journalism. Ephron had her own distinct background as well, the child of playwrights that originally aimed for a career of journalism. She worked at various news outlets such as The New York Post and Esquire while also writing essays and novels, and she shifted onto screenplays as well with the TV film Perfect Gentlemen (1978) and Silkwood (1983, co-written with Alice Arlen). The genesis for this film came from Reiner's experiences while single and divorced, for which Ephron would interview him and producer Andy Scheinman to make a script out of; the title characters were based in some part on Reiner and Ephron.
If Crystal and Ryan had to be remembered for any film they were ever part of, I would say this is definitely the best one for each of them to have taken part of. You don't need me to tell you this is a classic, you can tell pretty quickly that it is a bona fide romantic comedy because of how smart it is about what makes people tick at times when it comes to passion and not-quite passion with each other. Its tale of friendly neuroses make for plenty of quirky enjoyment that builds interest without being consumed by clichés or impatience, both being enjoyably high maintenance with each other. Crystal is quite amusing, capable of juggling funny lines alongside moments of interplay with Ryan that border from combative to friendly, while also being interesting in the perspective of someone by themselves with expressiveness that doesn't grate on you. Ryan provides warmth and plenty of smart timing as well, being quite convincing in grace and charm that account for plenty of interesting moments, whether involving faking an orgasm in a diner, or just having a moment in conversation that makes us feel close with them. Not lost in the shuffle is Kirby and Fisher, who both are pretty amusing when paired with the respective other in casual conversation but also make for an interesting pair together. The film is well-paced at 96 minutes with just enough balance and humor from both actors and direction/writing to make a funny film with a good deal of honesty and warmth to serve as an example of making a romantic film without too many contrivances or fuzzy things to get in the way of a good story.
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
No comments:
Post a Comment