I loved the movie, but I found the whole romance btwn those two a bit far fetched. How could she go from that guy she dated in the begining of the movie to this old guy? He looked like he could be her father, or even grandfather. I think they should have made him up to look younger, or her to look older, because it just seemed wierd. Agree?
shareShirley Knight who played her mother is actually 1 year older than Jack Nicholson in real life
shareAny guy roughly her age is most likely not going to be interested in a woman who already has a kid, especially a sick kid. That's not being anymore mean or cruel than a woman rejecting a man because he is too old for her.
I think this movie is all about necessary compromises. Melvin even on meds is hardly an ideal roommate for a gay guy, but it was the only solution for the gay neighbor who had simply run out of luck. Melvin even on meds was lucky to have any woman, even one with a sick kid. The waitress with a very sick kid was lucky to meet a guy with money who cared about her and by extension, her child. The dog was lucky to have someone willing to feed it and look after it after it's owner was put in the hospital.
Everyone had their shortcomings, yet they seemed to form a type of family. All of this seemed to be really in line with the title of the movie. It's not a matter of everything being great for any one person, but rather looking at your situation warts and all, and figuring out what's the best you can do.
Their relationship if memory serves was more platonic than red-hot passion. They were adults after all, not teenagers overflowing with hormones.
He was a wealthy writer and she was a single mom struggling. He became her White Knight and saved her. At that point I don't think she cared about the age difference.
Come visit my theblackrosecastle.com
He is old enough to be her father, 26 years, it's gross.
shareFor me, the age difference didn't bother me. They're both consenting adults and can date who they want. It's not "gross", it's life. People need to get used to the fact that other people will do things they won't necessarily like. Their age difference didn't take anything away from the movie for me - I still thought it was a great film and that Helen and Jack had great romantic/sexual chemistry.
"Billy, for Chrissakes, you must be committed."
SHE: was probably mid to late 30s in the movie (34 in real life)(looked good in a wet T shirt) with a kid who was chronically ill, living with her mother because she couldn't afford better, waited tables, no sign of alimony or child support
HE:60 (60) In the movie successful writer of pulp novels, 62 of them. Quirky (so many issues they call them volumes)He's in serious like with her because she speaks to him as if he was just another person and doesn't take ANY of his crap.(remember early in the movie he makes a crack about her kid dying and she shuts him down to the point he apologizes) He's not used to people treating him like that.
He sends HIS doctor to look at the kid and picks up the tab
The mom puts it to the daughter best "This guys a keeper>" and he's never made a move on her
he starts changing, takes care of the dog, starts dealing with the Homo.
Then the trip to Baltimore
This is where it all comes together
OH, Yeah----The age difference----If they can stand to be around each other, who cares. These types of relationships have been going on for ever---Young girls--- old guys. Young guys --- Old broads
You don't have to stand tall, but you do have to stand up!
Yes it actually made me a little uncomfortable too.
shareBecause May/December romances between older men and younger woman are far more common than old woman with young guys. So it's hardly far fetched, especially if the guy has money (gold diggers galore).
Besides, Hunt may be technically young, but her face sure doesn't look it. She's aging poorly, so she doesn't look that ridiculous next to Jack.
These pc-obsessed times are getting old.
He paid her medical bills. Nothing makes a younger broad more interested in you than when you flash the cash
Right. As much as people say this film is unrealistic, it's not like Melvin is some brilliant but broke working class drunk with mental issues in some fantasy. Despite his OCD, Melvin is a financially successful writer living in a chic neighborhood who is able to afford to give Carol's son top-notch health care.
share