As Good As It Gets

Rating: 10/10 (15 March 2010)

'As Good As It Gets' is about a man, Mr. Udall played by Jack Nicholson, with a social disorder that offends almost every person he comes in contact with. He makes rude and offensive comments and has no control over himself. He meets a waitress, Carol Connelly played by Helen Hunt, who is able to tolerate most of his behavior. She is not afraid to put him in his place when he steps over bounds with her. Mr. Udall comes to her restaurant where only she can serve him. He is rude to other customers if they are sitting in his spot. He finds that he is very dependent on her service and goes to her home when she stops coming to work. At first this is scary to her. Mr. Udall finds that Carol is home with her sick child and sends a much needed doctor over to tend to her child. She accepts reluctantly but only because her son's condition is pretty bad. Mr. Udall asks for a favor in return and this puts the two of them on a road trip. They go through some ups and downs and discover more and more about each other.
The theme is centered on Mr. Udall and the emotional effect he has on people. He is such an abrasive person that it is unbelievable. He says outrageously offensive things to just about everyone he comes in contact with and he shows little to no remorse. Mr. Udall is lucky that he finds someone who is able to tolerate most of his behavior. Jack Nicholson plays the part of Mr. Udall perfectly.
Mr. Udall's gay neighbor, Simon played by Greg Kinnear, brings out some of the good in Mr. Udall. It starts with Simon's dog, Verdell, who starts favoring Mr. Udall over Simon. This sounds impossible in theory but it happens. This is when the story starts to show a good side to Mr. Udall.
This movie is like the movie "Citizen Kane". Both have a plot based on memorable characters. Charley Kane and Mr. Udall are both characters that made quite an impression on many. They are not individuals who are like everyone else. Both stand out in many different ways.
The close up angles are used with great tasted. One example is when there is a close up on Verdell and Mr. Udall and it gives a lasting impression. The sound effects are great and add to the emotional effects of the story. The director, producer, and editors have done a wonderful job.