When it comes
to “the anguish of my soul” Melvin Udall may be close to the top of the list. In the 1997 film, As Good As It Gets. Melvin (played by Jack Nicholson) is a
hermit-like novelist, so plagued by obsessive-compulsive behavior he cannot be
around anyone for two minutes without offending everyone within earshot.
Melvin’s obsessive-compulsive
habits are center-stage, as he repeatedly washes his hands, methodically locks
and re-locks the door, and avoids contact with other human beings. He carries rubber gloves so he won’t have to
touch the door handle on a taxi. His is
a life bound by rigid routines and feared superstitions. He won’t step on a sidewalk crack. At one point, in total frustration he
rhetorically pleads to the people waiting in his psychiatrist's office, What
if this is as good as it gets?
Helen Hunt
plays opposite Nicholson as Carol, the waitress. She works at the restaurant at which
Nicholson eats. She is the only waitress
who will serve him. An earthy sort, Hunt’s character possesses
a sunny, accepting disposition, even though life is hard. She lives with her mother and her
chronically-asthmatic son in a run-down NY apartment.
The events of
the story pit Carol’s engagement with life's mundane and sometimes harsh
reality, against Melvin’s detachment and self-absorption. Slowly, irretrievably Melvin falls in love
with Carol. He finds a doctor, and pays
for the treatment of Carol's son. He
does a favor for a despised homosexual neighbor. He even forgets to lock and re-lock the door.
In the end, an
amazed Carol requites Melvin’s love. She
has fallen for what she calls “a nutcase”, when all she wanted was a normal
boyfriend.
The final
scene shows Carol and Melvin walking the sidewalk together just before
daybreak. The lights come on at the
corner bakery, and they enter to check out the warm rolls. As Nicholson opens the door for Hunt, the former
self-absorbed, obsessive-compulsive nutcase notices he's been walking on the
sidewalk cracks. His attention has been
on someone rather than all his fears.
Melvin grins in wonder, breathes a small relaxed
sigh, and follows Carol inside; his life has been changed.
With all apologies due to psychiatrists,
modern medical achievements, and all the self-help gurus - there is nothing in
this world that can match the transforming power of being gripped by genuine
love.
While there is little in this
movie that could be called “religious” per se, it is still my all-time favorite
(even with its irreligious moments), because it presents a vivid picture of the
transforming power of love.
Seen in a proper context – a faith
commitment – this story is our story. The power of Jesus Christ to change lives is
the real “good as it gets”. His healing is the joy of release from sin's grip,
and the beginning of life, real life.
For You, Today…
If
you have given your life to Jesus Christ, transformation is a reality. He has placed joy within your reach, and it
is available. Only a return to the old
self can prevent His joy from transforming the way you feel and act today.
Which would describe as good as it gets for you?
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