MIKE NICHOLS
Bil’s rating (out of 5): BBBBB.
USA, 1988. Twentieth Century Fox. Screenplay by Kevin Wade. Cinematography by Michael Ballhaus. Produced by Douglas Wick. Music by Rob Mounsey. Production Design by Patrizia von Brandenstein. Costume Design by Ann Roth. Film Editing by Sam O’Steen.
One of the most polished and satisfying comedies of the eighties is this marvelous Cinderella romance starring a fantastic Melanie Griffith. She plays a hardworking Wall Street clerk who wants badly to move up in the world of finance but can’t get above the glass ceiling imposed by her gender, class and really big hair. When she gets a job working for a cutthroat account manager (Sigourney Weaver), she sees herself as finally getting somewhere until Weaver double-crosses her on a business idea and tries to take sole credit for the deal. Griffith retaliates by taking advantage of her boss’s medical leave and puts the deal through herself, posing as her boss and getting cozy with high-powered businessman Harrison Ford. The character interaction is highlighted by the delightful dialogue (‘I’ve got a head for business and a bod for sin’) and the unforgettable performances. Griffith shows incredible strength underneath her sweet voice and gentle demeanor, Ford does more than just his usual trademark mug, and Weaver has never been more terrifying or heartless. Added to that is the gemlike performance by Joan Cusack as Griffith’s New Jersey best friend. Carly Simon contributes a beautiful music score that includes her Oscar-winning theme song ‘Let The River Run’. If you blink you’ll miss David Duchovny‘s film debut as a guest at a party.
Academy Award: Best Original Song (“Let The River Run”)
Nominations: Best Picture; Best Actress (Melanie Griffith); Best Supporting Actress (Joan Cusack); Best Supporting Actress (Sigourney Weaver); Best Director (Mike Nichols)
Golden Globe Awards: Best Picture-Musical/Comedy; Best Actress-Musical/Comedy (Melanie Griffith); Best Supporting Actress (Sigourney Weaver); Best Original Song (“Let the River Run”) (tie)
Nominations: Best Director (Mike Nichols); Best Screenplay
