As Good as It Gets

"As Good As It Gets"

In the movie "As Good As It Gets" there are three main characters with three different lives brought together out of need. Melvin, played by Jack Nicholson, is an obsessive compulsive who speaks what is on his mind. Carol, played by Helen Hunt, is a single mother trying to make it in a world that has not been kind to her. Simon, played by Greg Kinnear, is a gay artist who plays the role of the victim. The movie revolves around Melvin's life and the people he comes in contact with everyday. Melvin lives next door to Simon and goes to the diner everyday where Carol works. In the movie, the three main characters Melvin, Carol and Simon are influenced by perception which greatly limits their lives.

Stereotyping was very important to the development of the characters and the plot of this story. Melvin is obsessive compulsive which means he has to have everything in order in his life. The OCD stereotype would be that the world revolves around him, and no one really matters as long as everything is in order. All of the other characters in this story see Melvin in this light and are surprised every time he does something kind and selfless, but they are quickly brought back to reality when he makes selfish comments to justify his actions. One example was when he told the maid that he would walk the dog and a few other things for Simon while he was recovering, she complimented him by saying he was a nice man. Melvin then said, "...sell crazy somewhere else, we're all stocked up here." Carol is a single mother of a sick child who has to work for everything she gets. Her stereotype is that of a martyr. She has no time for anyone or anything else because she has so many responsibilities. Everything is about her child, his needs, and her work. The stereotype of the gay man is a victim. He is portrayed as very sensitive, stylish, misunderstood, and oppressed. His assumption is that people believe that he wants to impose his lifestyle on them. Melvin proves this point when he refuses to travel with Simon alone, because he thought Simon would try something with him. Melvin was always making comments that Simon wanted to kiss or hug him.

Interpretation was important to the development of the plot. When you are obsessive compulsive, everything that you do is interpreted as necessary for your peace of mind. When you are a single