Writer-director Albert Brooks nearly single-handedly invented the genre of "cringe comedy", paving the way for Ricky Gervais and Larry David. In his best romantic comedy (co-written by frequent collaborator Monica Johnson), Brooks casts himself as a film editor who works for American International Pictures. His obsessive-compulsiveness makes him great at his job, but a royal pain-in-the-a$$ to his devoted girlfriend (Kathryn Harrold), who is becoming exasperated with his penchant for impulsively breaking up with her one day, then begging her to take him back the next. There are many inspired scenes, particularly a protracted sequence where a depressed Brooks takes Quaaludes and precedes to "drunk dial" every woman he's ever dated (like Bob Newhart, Brooks is an absolute master of "the phone bit"). Another great scene features Brooks and his assistant editor (Bruno Kirby) laying down some low budget Foley tracks for a sequence in the cheesy sci-fi movie they're working on. Brooks' brother, Bob Einstein (a regular on Curb Your Enthusiasm) has a funny scene as a sportswear store clerk. Also with George Kennedy (as himself) and real-life director James L. Brooks (no relation) as Brooks' boss.
February 15, 2008 |  | George Kennedy tells Albert Brooks: "You know nothing!" |  |
Lo and behold, this great Albert Brooks movie is FINALLY on DVD. If you haven't seen this movie, you are really missing something. This is probably the greatest relationship comedy next to Woody Allen's ANNIE HALL. Simple yet profound, and funny in ways that those who have been in and out of love will recognize immediately, MODERN ROMANCE is a gem. Watch for a wonderful scene that's set in a film editing room with Brooks, his assistant editor (the late Bruno Kirby - wish he was still with us), and the director (played by BROADCAST NEWS writer/director James Brooks). Kathryn Harrold is lovely and you wish that she had been in more films when you see this movie.
Nearly everyone ends up with a favorite line from this movie. For me, it's a toss-up between actor George Kennedy when he says "You know nothing!" (interesting comment on the film's protagonist, Robert Cole) and when Brooks (as Cole) says to Bruno Kirby's character "C'mon, we're men, can't we have a bond?!"
Only complaint about this DVD (and NOT about the movie): There are no supplementary materials at all. On the DVD of Brooks' first feature film REAL LIFE, there's a small interview with Brooks about making the movie. It would be nice if someone would invest some money in a DVD release of this movie with some commentary from Brooks (and maybe some outtakes?).
Otherwise, a wonderful film that also features some of Brooks' best acting to date.
September 1, 2007| | | "The Ludes Kicked in...Right?" | |
I've been a fan of comedian, Albert Brooks since the mid 1970's, when his odd little, comical, short films were included on very early episodes of NBC's 'Saturday Night Live'. Since then he has branched off (both on and off screen) in a motion picture career in a series of hilarious film comedies, that feature his character persona of a self-obsessed (and somewhat spoiled) individual, who wallows & obsesses over his neuroses and insecurites. In otherwords everything is about "Me" with a capitol 'M'! Out of all of these films, my personal favorite is the 1981 relationship-comedy, "Modern Romance". I think I like it so much, because it is the Brooks character at his most neurotic. The film's opening scene is in an L.A. restaurant, where Robert Cole (Brooks), a successful Hollywood film editor, breaks up with his girlfriend, Mary (an excellent Kathryn Harrold). Mary instantly agrees and says "maby this is a good time". This seems to enrage Robert, who acuses her of infidelity and we get the first indications, that this guy dosn't take rejection all to well and he just might 'have a screw loose'. We spend the rest of the film following Robert throughout L.A. as he neurotically tortures himself for breaking up with this woman. He seems to go back and forth, alternately telling himself it's both the "best" and the "worst" thing he's ever done. When Robert eventually talks Mary into getting back together, he then precedes to start driving her crazy with his insecurities and paranoia. Every time he is confronted with evidence of this, he retorts with the mantra, "I do it, because I love you!" I guess what Brooks is saying is that this thing called love, can make us really nutty. So who needs it? Both Brooks and Harrold are excellent in the lead roles. This is really Brook's film, but Harrold makes an excellent straight man, who's character seems to show endless patience in dealing with Brook's craziness. The perfect example of this is a scene, where Robert interrupts Mary's business dinner in a fancy restaurant with a group of Japanese clients and demands she come home with him so they can "mend their relationship". In this wonderfully comic scene, she takes Robert aside and speaks to him like a cross mother, lecturing a badly mannered child. The film goes on and on like this, until it ends with one of the funniest postscripts I have ever seen in a movie. You have to see it to believe it. Also, look for good comic turns from character actor, Bruno Kirby as Brook's steadfast, editing assistant. All the scenes showing Brooks and Kirby at work, editing films are like these perfect little satires of how Hollywood works in creating it's product. Finally, there is an absolutely hilarious cameo from comedian (and Brook's real-life brother) Super Dave Osborne as an over-the-top, passive-agressive, sporting goods salesman. This is a wonderful, small, satiric film about relationships, that will leave you laughing! Highly recommended!
November 4, 2006| | | Every line, every scene, BRILLIANT! | |
Albert Brooks is, for some, an acquired taste. His diehard fans love virtually everything he has done, and then there are those who simply don't "get" him. Whichever camp you fall into, this film appeals to everyone. Brooks embodies the typical guy caught in one of those relationships that simply doesn't work but cannot be walked away from. This movie is an insightful comedic tribute to the fact that being obsessed with someone is NOT a healthy basis for a loving relationship.
Spectacular performaces from Mr. Brooks, Kathryn Harold, Bruno Kirby, and terrific cameos from James L. Brooks (no relation), Bob "Super Dave Osborne" Einstein (who IS Brooks' brother....Yes, Albert Brooks real name is....Albert Einstein!), George Kennedy and, believe it or not, Harlem Globetrotter Meadowlark Lemon. If for no other reason, see this movie for "the movie within the movie" that Brooks' and Kirby's characters are editing. "You're acting like little WEASELS!"
Enjoy...very highly recommended!
May 29, 2006| | | ALBERT BROOKS AT HIS BEST | |
If you're at all familiar with Albert Brooks's work, you know exactly what you're getting into here. Another study of neuroses and how they impact (negatively) on relationships between the sexes.
Brooks, as usual, plays the usual and same character, himself. with Kathryn Harrold as the love of his life. Brooks is up to his usual insecurities here wondering whether Harrold is cheating on him, obsessing over every little detail. One of the best scenes in the film is when he's depressed over one of the many breakups and is given Quaaludes to relax him. When they start to kick in he starts a rant on how great his belongings are. Loving everything he owns including his record collection, his bird "Petey", and deciding to go through his rolodex and calling old girlfriends.* (*When doing Quaaludes stay away from the phone.)
Modern Romance has its best moments when it has nothing to do with the Brooks-Harrold story, but rather when Bruno Kirby as Brooks's best friend is on screen. Another highlight is the film that Brooks and Kirby are editing, an absurd, cheesy sci-fi romp starring George Kennedy. It's got nothing whatsoever to do with the main storyline, but is the most memorable part of the movie which makes the repetition and relative tameness of the primary plot seem all the more obvious. If you like Albert Brooks you'll like this movie. If you don't know his work, picture George Costanza in his own show.
May 7, 2006More reviews at Amazon.com ...
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