What if this is as good as it gets? (spoiler)

Rating: 8/10 (25 November 2004)

***Spoilers herein***
This movie is trademark Jack. Jack Nicholson stars as an utterly self-centered man diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder who has his world topsy turveyed by the abnormalities of the human condition. He noted this well in a stampeding visit to the psychiatrist's office: "How can you diagnose someone with an obsessive compulsive disorder, then act like I have some choice about barging in here?"
The script, written by James L. Brooks and Mark Andrus, is wonderfully littered with one-liners like this one. Of course, with Jack, who acts like an obnoxious pig that makes you want to punch his lights out, makes this movie all the better. It's something like a love/hate relationship - you hate the guy, but no one else could possibly do it any better. That's Jack, and that's why he fits the role of Melvin Udall so perfectly in this film.
To add to the fun of portraying our psychotic human condition, we have Mad About You star Helen Hunt who surprised me with her rendition of Carol Connelly, a middle-age mom who is totally flustered about things like not being able to get any - not really the most important thing in the world (especially with her ailing son), but nonetheless important to her. Plus, she's even more worried that the man who she's attracted to is the one that annoys every single person on the face of the earth. She's confused, and not willing to give in to such a blasted notion of having any romantic interest in Melvin. Carol yelps "Why can't I have a normal boyfriend?!? Why can't I have a normal boyfriend who doesn't go nuts on me?!?" I'm sure this situation speaks to many people in many types of different scenarios, and brings up a solid point: How open-minded are we to those we interact with on a daily basis?
In addition, normality is something lacking in this film - or is it?. In this film, you have the OC Melvin, the single parent, the gay neighbor, the dog who gets thrown in the trash bin, along with parents who don't support their gay son. This film is in many ways a real world depiction which makes the situations emotionally sound and genuine and quite realistic. Both Hunt and Nicholson show no cheap emotions; they're not normal, and they're not supposed to be (which is very difficult to pull off for the duration of an entire film). Yet, both show why they won Best Actor Oscars; they're believable and effective in their roles.
It carries the theme of stubbornness to change. Melvin doesn't like it. How often do we not like change? It carries the theme of truth. Melvin pushes the envelope, even though 'technically' there's nothing wrong with what he's doing - he's painful, but honest, and only someone like Jack Nicholson can succeed in testing that delicate balance. Of course, society backs against such a radical stance. How often does that happen to us? It carries the theme of love as well. Carol is the only waitress willing to open up to our self-centered Melvin, and how this transpires, you'll have to watch for yourself.
Life is beautifully depicted in this film. Next time you watch it, ponder Melvin's question: "What if this is as good as it gets?"