I had to see this movie a few times to really get what it's about

Rating: Null/10 (20 February 2006)

James Brooks' humor and narrative is never simple.
This movie is about the male vs. female psyche. It's not just a story about an obsessive compulsive guy with a gay, destitute neighbor who falls in love with a NY waitress.
It's about the battle men have with themselves as their organized, logical minds are forced to function in a world of feelings and human female interaction. I can't help but think of the episode of Star Trek where Kirk is separated into a "Nice" Kirk and an "Evil" Kirk.
Men are for the most part- logical, straightforward, goal oriented beings. The Jack Nicholson character represents the male mind in it's most raw and blunt form. It's this very same form that is forced to re-mold itself as something less straightforward in order to obtain what its ultimate goal is... namely, the love of a good woman.
To me, the title "As Good As it Gets" refers to the idea that compromises need to be made from our default manner of thinking if we're ever going to find the love we so desperately seem to need. There's no such thing as a perfect relationship... it takes work and sacrifice. It's as good as it gets- yet absolutely worth going after.
As for the production characteristics- the movie is a gem. Helen Hunt & Jack Nicholson are sublime in the way they make their characters rich and real to an unprecedented extent in movie history. There's a scene between the two at dinner where Nicholson compliments Hunt at her request that is pure gold. The writing, performances and directing throughout the film is of the highest caliber to be found anywhere.
I wasn't a big fan when I saw it years ago. Now I realize why there was a big deal made of it at the time. You need to read between the lines in this one- to see how beautiful of a walk through humankind it is.