As Good as It Gets (1997)

Last updated:
October 4, 2025

As Good as It Gets (1997) is a romantic dramedy directed by James L. Brooks, blending sharp humor with heartfelt emotion. The film explores loneliness, love, and redemption through three deeply flawed but relatable characters. It’s a movie that proves sometimes, being human really is “as good as it gets.”

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

The World of Melvin Udall

Melvin Udall (Jack Nicholson) is a successful novelist living in New York City. He suffers from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), leading him to follow rigid daily routines. He’s brilliant but insufferably rude, racist, and misogynistic—essentially the worst neighbor imaginable. Melvin’s only regular human interaction is with Carol Connelly (Helen Hunt), a waitress at his favorite Manhattan café, who is the only one willing to tolerate his quirks.

The Neighbor and the Dog

Melvin’s life takes an unexpected turn when his gay artist neighbor, Simon Bishop (Greg Kinnear), is brutally attacked during a robbery. Simon’s agent, Frank (Cuba Gooding Jr.), forces Melvin to take care of Simon’s dog, Verdell, while Simon recovers. Surprisingly, Melvin develops a bond with Verdell, revealing a more tender, hidden side of his personality.

Carol’s Struggles

Meanwhile, Carol is struggling to care for her chronically ill son. Her life is consumed by hospital visits and financial problems. Melvin’s growing attachment to her—and his desire to control everything—leads him to use his money and connections to help her son get proper medical treatment. For the first time, Carol begins to see that there’s something redeemable beneath Melvin’s rough exterior.

The Road Trip

When Simon needs to visit his estranged parents to ask for money, Melvin reluctantly agrees to drive him, and Carol is convinced to join the trip. What follows is an emotionally charged road journey where all three characters confront their vulnerabilities. Carol begins to fall for Melvin but is torn by his unpredictable behavior. Simon, meanwhile, begins to rediscover his artistic passion and self-worth.

Movie Ending

In the film’s heartfelt finale, Melvin, realizing he’s about to lose Carol for good, races to her apartment late at night. He confesses his feelings in the most awkward, brutally honest way possible, saying he wants to “be a better man” because of her—a line that has since become one of the most iconic in romantic film history.

Carol initially pushes him away, frustrated by his inability to express emotion without hurting others, but ultimately softens when she realizes he truly means it. The two go for a walk together in the quiet streets of New York City. As they reach a bakery that’s just opened for the morning, Melvin does something completely out of character: he steps on a crack in the sidewalk—symbolizing that he’s finally letting go of his obsessive control and embracing change.

They share a tender kiss in the early morning light, with a hopeful sense that, while imperfect, they’ve both found something worth holding onto. The movie ends on that quietly beautiful note of emotional growth and redemption.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, As Good as It Gets does not have any post-credits scenes. The story ends cleanly and thematically with Melvin and Carol’s kiss—no teasers, no extra footage, just a satisfying conclusion.

Type of Movie

This film is a romantic comedy-drama, often classified as a character-driven dramedy. It blends biting humor with genuine emotional moments, focusing on personal transformation and unconventional love.

Cast

Jack Nicholson as Melvin Udall
Helen Hunt as Carol Connelly
Greg Kinnear as Simon Bishop
Cuba Gooding Jr. as Frank Sachs
Skeet Ulrich as Vincent
Shirley Knight as Beverly Connelly

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Hans Zimmer, offering a soft, jazzy tone that perfectly fits the New York atmosphere. The soundtrack includes songs by artists like Nat King Cole and Van Morrison, contributing to the film’s warm yet sophisticated mood.

Filming Locations

New York City, New York, USA – Most of the film was shot on location in Manhattan, particularly in the West Village, adding authenticity to Melvin’s urban isolation.
Baltimore, Maryland – Some interior scenes, including Carol’s apartment, were filmed here for logistical reasons.

The city setting plays a crucial role—it reflects both the loneliness and connection that exist within urban life. New York itself feels like a character in the movie.

Awards and Nominations

As Good as It Gets received widespread acclaim and several prestigious awards, including:

Academy Award for Best Actor – Jack Nicholson
Academy Award for Best Actress – Helen Hunt
Academy Award Nomination for Best Picture
Academy Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actor – Greg Kinnear
Golden Globe Awards – Wins for Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy), Best Actor, and Best Actress

Behind the Scenes Insights

Jack Nicholson reportedly modeled parts of Melvin’s behavior on people he met who had OCD, wanting to portray the condition authentically.
Helen Hunt and James L. Brooks worked closely to make Carol’s character more than a “love interest”—they wanted her to be strong, grounded, and real.
Greg Kinnear’s role was one of his first major dramatic performances, earning him an Oscar nomination.
The dog playing Verdell (actually six identical Brussels Griffons) had its own trailer and was trained for months to respond to Nicholson’s cues.
Nicholson’s delivery of the line “You make me want to be a better man” was improvised slightly differently in every take.

Inspirations and References

The movie isn’t based on a single book but is an original screenplay by James L. Brooks and Mark Andrus. Its themes of redemption and human connection echo Brooks’ earlier work, especially Terms of Endearment. The character-driven humor and complex emotional beats are reminiscent of classic screwball comedies from the 1940s.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

A deleted scene featured a longer, more emotional conversation between Simon and Melvin near the end, further exploring their friendship.
Another cut scene had Carol visiting Melvin’s apartment before the final sequence, which was removed to heighten the impact of Melvin’s late-night confession.
The theatrical ending—Melvin and Carol walking and kissing—was always the planned conclusion, emphasizing quiet transformation over dramatic closure.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Melvin tossing Verdell down the garbage chute (before later growing to love the dog).
Carol exploding at Melvin in the restaurant after he insults her.
The road trip where Melvin awkwardly compliments Carol, leading to the line “You make me want to be a better man.”
Simon’s heartfelt monologue about feeling invisible after his attack.
The final kiss between Melvin and Carol under the morning light.

Iconic Quotes

“You make me want to be a better man.” – Melvin
“I’m drowning here, and you’re describing the water!” – Carol
“Sell crazy someplace else, we’re all stocked up here.” – Melvin
“Some of us have great stories, pretty stories that take place at lakes, with boats and friends and noodle salad.” – Melvin

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Melvin’s typewriter is an IBM Selectric II, the same model Jack Nicholson used in The Shining—a subtle nod for film buffs.
Verdell’s leash color changes slightly throughout the film, symbolizing Melvin’s growing emotional openness.
The restaurant where Carol works is based on a real Manhattan café that Nicholson often visited during production.

Trivia

Both Nicholson and Hunt won Oscars for this film—the first time since It Happened One Night (1934) that both Best Actor and Best Actress came from the same movie.
Nicholson learned to use OCD rituals accurately from real patients, including repetitive handwashing and locking patterns.
The movie was released the same year as Titanic and was one of the few films to compete strongly against it at the Oscars.

Why Watch?

Because As Good as It Gets offers something rare: a story about broken people trying—imperfectly—to fix themselves through love, humor, and sheer persistence. It’s witty, emotionally rich, and features one of the best character arcs ever written for a romantic lead.

Director’s Other Movies

Terms of Endearment (1983)
Broadcast News (1987)
Spanglish (2004)
How Do You Know (2010)

As Good as It Gets (1997)