Some filmmakers simply draw you into their universe, but the truly exceptional ones, the directors I cherish most, possess both masterful cinematic storytelling skills and the ability to profoundly reshape your perspective. While these transformative artists are rare, there exists a remarkable second tier of cinematic storytellers, individuals whose mastery captivates even if their work doesn’t delve into the deepest levels of human experience. James L. Brooks stands firmly in this esteemed category. He is a true master, and even his less successful ventures, like his 1994 film, remain compellingly interesting.
This particular film, while not a box office hit in the US, holds a unique appeal. Perhaps it wasn’t quite zany enough, concise enough, or sufficiently detached from reality to resonate with audiences typically drawn to this genre. If judged purely as light entertainment, it might fall short. However, I found it beautifully fulfilled the foundational tenets of its genre: skillfully alternating between celebrating the inherent charm of humanity and humorously observing our shared foibles. This delicate dance of engagement and detachment through humor is arguably the oldest storytelling technique, second only to the power of omission, and Brooks wields it with a refined, albeit classic, touch.
Within the film industry, Brooks is highly regarded for his ability to infuse his work with these dual qualities: humor and genuine warmth. Yet, he often finds himself constrained by the market’s demand for brevity, frequently crafting scenes that barely exceed a few minutes. He earns a substantial living lending his talents to projects like “The Simpsons,” contributing perhaps two jokes per episode, and working as an uncredited script doctor, scene by scene. Brooks has openly expressed his frustration with this fragmented approach. When he secures the opportunity to embark on a long-form project, he approaches it with an intensity that suggests his very soul is at stake.
Brooks’ creative process doesn’t typically begin with meticulously developed characters or a pre-defined narrative arc. Instead, he focuses on situations and the nuanced ways individuals react as they strive to regain control within those circumstances. In this film, our central characters, seemingly destined for love, are not so much battling against life’s inherent challenges as they are grappling with the inadequacy of their established coping mechanisms. The tools they wield in shaping new, desired realities are words – and the dialogue in this film is so exquisitely crafted, so perfectly attuned to each moment, that its brilliance feels almost undeserved for the price of a movie ticket.
While Brooks is undeniably a writer of exceptional caliber, it’s evident that every line of dialogue is conceived within a distinct cinematic vision. Many shots in this film are strikingly unconventional, the composition and rhythm of the sequences are deeply personal, and the cadence of the words harmonizes with, or deliberately contrasts against, that visual rhythm. Consider the camera movements and the dialogue during Lisa’s initial visit to George’s apartment. This scene is powerfully effective and unmistakably Brooks’ signature. For me, this film resonates because it embraces the art of deferred gratification, a technique Brooks masterfully employs and genuinely commits to pushing to its limits.
Even in subtle details, this approach shines. Witherspoon’s portrayal deliberately downplays conventional sex appeal, instead presenting her as a resilient, athletic figure. The genre conventions strongly dictate – almost demand – that the male lead declare his love in a grand, public gesture at the film’s climax, symbolically representing our collective romantic expectations. We anticipate George will profess his love at Lisa’s birthday party, fulfilling this trope. Yet, Brooks subverts this expectation. He inserts a remarkably clever and unconventional scene just prior, which, when juxtaposed with the events following the party, observed only by us and Nicholson’s character, creates a profound impact. In this scene – perhaps the genesis of the entire film – the two destined lovers are shown filming an awkward, mock proposal, followed by a genuine, tender re-enactment within the privacy of their intimate engagement. It satisfies the formula of romantic resolution while brilliantly sidestepping its predictable execution.
The film is replete with such intricate layers and deviations, each meticulously structured and profoundly effective, demonstrating Brooks’ masterful command of cinematic storytelling and answering the question: How Do You Know a truly great filmmaker? You see it in their ability to surprise, to subvert expectations, and to make you feel something deeply, even in the seemingly simple moments.
Ted’s Evaluation — 3 of 3: Worth watching.
