As Good as it Gets is a 1997 romantic comedy-drama film directed by James L Brooks. The film follows the story of Melvin Udall, an obsessive-compulsive writer living in Manhattan. Melvin is portrayed as socially awkward, rude and often difficult to get along with, yet the viewer can’t help but sympathize with his circumstances. Throughout the film, we get to see him interacting with his gay neighbor, a waitress he falls in love with and her son.
As Good as it Gets is a classic example of a romantic comedy, as it is full of inventive and witty dialogue, comedic situations and a touching love story. Though the plot is not particularly innovative, it remains one of the most popular romantic comedies of all time. Its message of understanding, acceptance and forgiveness resonates with many audiences. While it is a lighthearted romantic comedy, it also deals with serious themes such as mental health and homophobia.
Given the movie’s content and message, there are many interesting essay topics to explore related to it. Here are five of the best:
1. The Representation of Mental Health Disorders in As Good as it Gets: This essay topic could explore the theme of mental health in the film, looking at how it’s depicted, whether it’s presented in a positive or negative light, and how it’s used in the plot.
2. An Analysis of Melvin Udall’s Character: This essay topic could focus specifically on the protagonist of the story, exploring his character arc and his relationships with the other characters.
3. The Importance of Love in As Good as it Gets: This topic could discuss how love and relationships are portrayed in the film, how they affect the plot, and whether they’re presented as a panacea for all problems.
4. The Message of Acceptance in As Good as it Gets: This essay topic could explore the theme of acceptance in the film, looking at how it’s portrayed in a variety of relationships, such as between Melvin and his neighbor, or between Melvin and his waitress.
5. As Good as it Gets as a Reflection of 90s Pop Culture: This topic could discuss how the film reflects the pop culture trends of the 90s, such as the advent of the internet, the rise of the anti-hero, and the changing definitions of romance.
Whether you wish to explore the romantic themes, the mental health element, or the cultural significance of the film, there are plenty of interesting and relevant essay topics to choose from. The above five suggestions are all thought-provoking and could lead to some fascinating conclusions.