men should watch this so they understand why women think they're dumb...

100

"Sometimes I'll start a sentence, and I don't even know where it's going. I just hope I find it along the way. Like an improv conversation. An improversation."

- Michael Scott/the general mood of Charles Grodin in this sharp, cutting masterwork. Elaine May's best, easily a top five 70s picture, why aren't you watching this right now?

There is a perpetual myth in our lives that happiness is out there if we let go of what we have. Brilliant. My only issues with it are that isn't as brash or bold as May's other features (apparently Simon made her jump through hoops to make any changes to the script), but she has a way of framing that sparks laughter/terror. Going through the library last week, shocking how over half the books on female directors fail to even mention Elaine May. WTF academia?

Shepherd is wonderful in what could have been a thankless, symbolic part. Kelly is guilelessly diabolical, allowing her mere presence to goad Lenny into becoming his worst self. The film’s highlight is a scene in which Lenny and Kelly are out for dinner with her parents, so that Lenny can “lay my cards on the table” with her father (a hilariously indignant Eddie Albert). Watch Kelly’s face, which May cleverly frames between the two men in the background. She’s bored at first, then increasingly amused as Lenny flails and her father fumes. When her father finally responds (and I wouldn’t dare spoil his response here), it’s all she can do to suppress a smile. (Full review here.)

This would make a great double bill with 'The Graduate' which is interesting because Elaine May and Mike Nichols were married. You can tell what type of movies interest them.

The tension in this film in certain scenes are almost unbearable to watch. The genius of Elaine May in this film is her ability to direct a scene that would typically be a passing moment in a film to be used for comedy, yet instead May creates incredible tension and almost cringe worthy moments out of the mundane. The script could have easily been turned into a very goofy and typical comedy but Elaine May will have you on the edge of your seat or behind a pillow.

A comedy that will leave you with a lot to think about, with the movie stuck in your brain days after watching it.

I haven’t watched this an adult adult. I loved it so much, such a fantastic movie. 

Jeannie Berlin is the true star of the film.

I was hoping to like this, but I never expected to be so blown away by it. Working with Neil Simon really allows you to see what May’s voice looks like—it would be so easy to play this script as broad and goofy, but she pushes it towards this low-key naturalism that feels more like a Cassavetes movie than any conventional comedy. It’s a subtle and complex movie that’s often kind of eerie and leaves you with a LOT to think about, and it’s a tragedy that the remake has eaten up so much of the cultural oxygen around the title.

"There's no insincerity in those potatoes. There's no deceit in the cauliflower. This is a totally honest meal."

I've seen people draw comparisons to The Graduate, which is a film I love, so that made me more interested in this one. After watching The Heartbreak Kid I can definitely understand the comparisons between the two films. This one is pretty enjoyable, with some scenes that really stood out. Charles Grodin is good in the lead role and gets strong support from Jeannie Berlin, Eddie Albert, and Cybill Shepherd.

7/10

Grodin plays Lenny so perfectly male. So assured in every decision he’s making, because it can’t be the wrong decision or he wouldn’t make it. Yet every time he has to pivot he’s just as sure of himself. The supporting women (Shepherd and Berlin) really make this movie play though. So thoroughly three-demential even as they are being churned through the wake of Lenny’s destructive nature.

that ending hit hard. also the whole undercurrent of trying to figure out jewish identity within the context of love was super interesting.

and elaine may really did that!

Looking for a less smarmy Steve Martin? Charles Grodin is your man.

This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.

Might've missed a few things because I spent most of the film covering my eyes like it's a horror movie--just savage and uncomfortable. May's brilliant long-take wide shots don't give us anywhere to escape. Grodin deserved an Oscar.

(psssst it's on YouTube)