Falsehood

As you have probably realised Melvin Udall is not my real name. It is, in fact, the name of a Jack Nicholson character in the 1997 film; As Good as it Gets. If you haven't seen it I would suggest, if you are a Nicholson fan, that you watch it as soon as you can. It contains some of his best lines and put downs.

It is the story of a single mother/waitress (Helen Hunt), a misanthropic author (Nicholson) and a gay artist (Craig Kinnear) who all form a very unlikely friendship. Melvin Udall is a cranky, bigoted, obsessive-compulsive who finds his life in turmoil when his gay neighbour is hospitalised and Verdell, his dog, is entrusted to him. This and a difficult relationship with the single mother/waitress all add up to a journey of discovery allowing the three to find the true meaning of "the sunny side of life".

So, why did I base my blog on this character?

Firstly, for obvious reasons, I didn't want to use my real name but more importantly I can identify with Nicholson's character. He is non-conformist and comes out with some of the best lines I have ever seen in a movie. Not that I would come out with such memorable lines, it's just that... well we can all aspire can't we?

Melvin Udall: Never, never, interrupt me, okay? Not if there's a fire, not even if you hear the sound of a thud from my home and one week later there's a smell coming from there that can only be a decaying human body and you have to hold a hanky to your face because the stench is so thick that you think you're going to faint. Even then, don't come knocking. Or, if it's election night, and you're excited and you wanna celebrate because some fudgepacker that you date has been elected the first queer president of the United States and he's going to have you down to Camp David, and you want someone to share the moment with. Even then, don't knock. Not on this door. Not for ANY reason. Do you get me, sweetheart?
Simon Bishop: [clears his throat] Uhm, yes. It's not a... subtle point that you're making.
Melvin Udall: Okay then.
[Shuts door in Simon's face]

Melvin Udall: People who talk in metaphors oughta shampoo my crotch.

Melvin Udall: How can you diagnose someone with an obsessive compulsive disorder, then act like I have some choice about barging in here?

Melvin Udall: I'm drowning here, and you're describing the water!

Receptionist: How do you write women so well?
Melvin Udall: I think of a man, and I take away reason and accountability.

Melvin Udall: You're a disgrace to depression.

[dumping Verdell down the garbage chute]
Melvin Udall: This is New York, pal. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere!