AS GOOD AS IT GETS (1997)

Cast

Plot

Nicholson deservedly bagged the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of novelist Melvin Udall, a guy who manages to embody pretty much every loathesome charactistic known to man. Melvin seems to hate everybody, but most of all he hates himself. Plagued by manic depression and compulsive behaviour disorders, Melvin rarely leaves his apartment except to visit his favourite eaterie, where he insults all who cross his path. Only his long-suffering favourite waitress seems to be the only person in the world to suspect that behind the sexist, racist, homophobic facade lurks something resembling a human being. When the gay guy across the hall is cruelly hospitalised and Melvin is bulldozed into looking after his dog, it's the catalyst which sparks a tentative re-emergence into the world at large. Outstandingly acted and superbly scripted, with dozens of truly classic one liners, this is an absolute joy which never descends into cheesy sentimentality. Brilliant.