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As Good as It Gets
1997 139 min United States of America PG-13 18+
★8.3
Drama, Comedy, Romance
Director: James L. Brooks
Trailers
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Description
A misanthropic author, a single mother and waitress, and a gay artist form an unlikely friendship after the artist is assaulted in a robbery.
Budget:
$50M
US Gross:
$148.48M
Worldwide:
$314.18M
Starring
Jack Nicholson
Actor
Helen Hunt
Actor
Greg Kinnear
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 1998
— Best Actor
Golden Globe 1998
— Best Picture (Comedy or Musical)
Screen Actors Guild Awards 1998
— Best Actress
Screen Actors Guild Awards 1998
— Best Actor
Academy Awards 1998
— Best Actress
Academy Awards 1998
— Best Film Editing
Academy Awards 1998
— Best Screenplay
Golden Globe 1998
— Best Director
Academy Awards 1998
— Best Supporting Actor
Golden Globe 1998
— Best Screenplay
Academy Awards 1998
— Best Score for a Comedy or Musical
Academy Awards 1998
— Best Picture
Golden Globe 1998
— Best Actor (Comedy or Musical)
Golden Globe 1998
— Best Actress (Comedy or Musical)
Screen Actors Guild Awards 1998
— Best Supporting Actor
MTV Movie & TV Awards 1998
— Best Actress
Golden Globe 1998
— Best Supporting Actor
Key opinion
As Good as It Gets is widely celebrated for Jack Nicholson's masterful performance and the genuine chemistry he shares with Helen Hunt. While some viewers feel the tonal shifts between comedy and drama are inconsistent, most audiences find the film a touching and deeply human exploration of personal growth and redemption.
| Acting | Jack Nicholson delivers a career-defining, multifaceted performance that perfectly anchors the film's shift from misanthropy to vulnerability. | |
| Acting | Helen Hunt provides a strong, indomitable presence that acts as a vital emotional catalyst for the protagonist. | |
| Theme | The film successfully explores profound themes of loneliness and the potential for positive personal change through unexpected connection. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is highly praised for its sharp, character-defining dialogue, particularly the poignant lines regarding love and personal growth. | |
| Pacing | The pacing and genre classification are subject to debate; some viewers find the deliberate, unconventional tempo and blend of comedy and drama to be a sophisticated strength, while others find the execution inconsistent or lacking in dramatic tension. | |
| Ending | The speed of the protagonist's transformation is polarizing, with some finding it a rewarding, heartfelt arc and others viewing the rapid change as unconvincing or abrupt. |