BBBB.5
(out of 5)
Nora Ephron’s excellent screenplay adds a wonderful touch of neurotic glee to the romantic comedy genre. The story centres around the relationship between two good friends (Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan) who meet in college and stay good friends while having unhealthy relationships with others. They consider having a romantic relationship with each other, but avoid it for fear of ruining their friendship until they finally take the plunge and encounter all the dangers that lie therein. The two performers bring all of Ephron’s casually eccentric dialogue to life with verve, particularly a deservedly famous scene where Ryan fakes an orgasm in a diner. Delightful romance, with even more interesting and colourful supporting characters.
Castle Rock Entertainment, Nelson Entertainment
USA, 1989
Directed by Rob Reiner
Screenplay by Nora Ephron
Cinematography by Barry Sonnenfeld
Produced by Rob Reiner, Andrew Scheinman
Music by Marc Shaiman, Harry Connick Jr.
Production Design by Jane Musky
Costume Design by Gloria Gresham
Film Editing by Robert Leighton
Academy Award Nomination
Best Writing (Screenplay Written Directly For the Screen) (Nora Ephron)
Golden Globe Award Nominations
Best Motion Picture-Comedy or Musical
Best Performance By An Actress in a Motion Picture-Comedy or Musical (Meg Ryan)
Best Performance By An Actor in a Motion Picture-Comedy or Musical (Billy Crystal)
Best Director (Rob Reiner)
Best Screenplay (Nora Ephron)
