Hats Off to Hollywood: When Harry Met Sally...
Duke: Well, well, well. Looks like Rex here has dragged me into another one of these so-called “classics.” This time, it’s When Harry Met Sally..., number six on AFI’s top 10 romantic comedies list. I thought I’d seen enough of this kind of mushy nonsense, but no, we’re diving right back into the deep end of the rom-com pool.
Rex: "Love makes the world go round." Duke, When Harry Met Sally... is a cinematic gem! It's a witty exploration of whether men and women can be friends without romance getting in the way. Released in 1989, it stars Billy Crystal as Harry and Meg Ryan as Sally, two people who meet in college, then keep bumping into each other over the years, eventually developing a deep friendship that—spoiler alert—blossoms into love.
Duke: “Friendship that blossoms into love”—you mean to tell me that two people can argue for years and somehow end up married? Back in my day, if you didn’t like someone, you just stayed away from ‘em. This whole business about talking it out and figuring out your feelings is just hogwash. But I will say, the movie's got some funny parts. Like that scene in the diner. You know the one. Even I had to chuckle.
Rex: "Laughter is the shortest distance between two people." Yes, Duke, the scene where Sally fakes an orgasm in Katz’s Delicatessen is iconic. It’s a clever commentary on the complexities of male-female relationships. The movie was written by Nora Ephron, who became known for her sharp wit and insightful observations on love and life. Director Rob Reiner captured the spirit of New York City, making it almost a character in itself, and the chemistry between Crystal and Ryan was palpable.
Duke: New York City a character? Now I’ve heard everything. You’d think a cowboy like me would have no patience for city slicker love stories, and you’d be right. But this one does have some charm to it. Even if it is filled with a bunch of yapping about emotions and soul-searching. I suppose there’s something to be said about finding someone who annoys you just the right amount.
Rex: "Every pot has its lid." When Harry Met Sally... is a perfect blend of humor, heart, and a little bit of chaos. It was a significant film in the history of romantic comedies, challenging the conventions of the genre with its realistic approach to relationships and its memorable dialogue. And who can forget the soundtrack? Harry Connick Jr.'s jazz standards added a timeless quality to the film.
Duke: You and your soundtracks, Rex. I’m here for the story, not the background noise. But fine, I’ll admit it: the music wasn’t half bad. The movie’s got a point or two about sticking it out with someone who knows you better than you know yourself. Just don’t expect me to go buying any jazz records anytime soon.
Rex: "It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see." The film’s historical perspective is fascinating, too. Released at the end of the '80s, it reflects a shift in the romantic landscape. People were starting to embrace more complex relationships, and the film's honest portrayal of friendship turning into love was refreshing for its time. It’s become a benchmark for romantic comedies ever since.
Duke: Yeah, yeah, historical perspective and all that jazz. I suppose if you’re into romantic comedies, When Harry Met Sally... is worth a watch. Even an old cowboy like me can see why folks like it. But if you ask me, it's still just a bunch of talking about feelings. I prefer a good ol' shootout over a showdown of emotions any day.
Rex: "Every rose has its thorn, but also its beauty." When Harry Met Sally... remains a beloved film, a masterclass in blending humor with heartfelt storytelling. It shows that love isn't always straightforward, but it's worth every twist and turn along the way.
Duke: Well, that’s it for now. If you want to see two folks bicker their way into each other's hearts, give it a shot. But don’t say I didn’t warn ya about all the talking.
Rex: Until next time, folks, keep your hats on and your remotes ready! See you at the movies!
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About the Authors
Rex, who speaks in maxims, loves every movie and TV show, making him the perfect counterbalance to Duke. Rex is also known for rescuing an armadillo and celebrating both Christmas and Chanukah.
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