Directed by:
Elaine MayScreenplay:
Neil SimonCinematography:
Owen RoizmanComposer:
Garry ShermanCast:
Charles Grodin, Cybill Shepherd, Jeannie Berlin, Eddie Albert, Doris Roberts, Art Metrano, Audra Lindley, Neil Simon, William Prince, Augusta Dabney (more)Plots(1)
Three days into his Miami honeymoon, New York Jewish Lenny meets tall, blonde Kelly. This confirms him in his opinion that he has made a serious mistake and he decides he wants Kelly instead. (MUBI)
Reviews (2)
I really liked how the film had a dramatic undertone for a large part of its runtime, where it would take only a little for the comedy to turn into something more tragic. I was a bit disappointed that the finale was almost a happy ending. However, fortunately, it was only almost, because even what is presented here is ultimately ambiguous. The film is well directed and acted. The poor remake by the Farrelly brothers doesn’t even come close.
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A distant relative and imaginary follow-up to Mike Nichols' The Graduate, The Heartbreak Kid is a black comedy about the question "Now what? What's next?" It's all subtle, playful, mischievous, non-judgmental and funny in its own way – just how I like it. Plus, I have a soft spot for films where the (anti-)hero can talk their way out of any situation, or conversely get in anywhere. And Charles Grodin's character does it here quite masterfully. A forgotten gem.
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