The Object of My Affection (1998)

Of all the 'Friends' cast it is Jennifer Aniston who has gone on to have the most successful film career, not least helped by the fact that she has found her niche making romantic comedies like this one.That doesn't mean to say that they've all been good. While better than 'Picture Perfect' I didn't find much to enjoy in this film that tries to be both serious and funny at times, and doesn't do either well.Aniston and Rudd have good chemistry but yet are upstaged every time Allison Janney appears on camera.It's a passable enough film, but not one I'd rush to see again.

Adapted from the book of the same name by Stephen McCauley, 'The Object of My Affection' rests on a great, novel idea, but somehow it falters, in its execution. Its certainly a decent film with good performances, but the idea deserved more.'The Object of My Affection' Synopsis: A pregnant New York social worker begins to develop romantic feelings for her gay best friend, and decides she'd rather raise her child with him, much to the dismay of her overbearing boyfriend.'The Object of My Affection' is about finding comfort in a partner, despite their sexuality. The protagonist here, pregnant & rather lonely, finds comfort & commitment in a gay man, to whom, she offers to father her child. Now, that's a different way of looking at things, but its a great concept. The clichés of the hero & heroine are done away here & what is served here is a tale of love, despite both the sexes ever indulging sexually. However, 'The Object of My Affection' is hurdled by an erratic Screenplay. The Late/Great Wendy Wasserstein's Adapted Screenplay stagnates after a point. Of course, the lighthearted tone is wonderfully maintained & the film begins very well, but you wish the Writer had opted for a little more. The final 30-minutes, in particular, aren't impressive enough. I wanted more of the interaction between the unlikely couple, rather than newer characters & their importance. Nicholas Hytner's Direction is fine. Cinematography is excellent. Editing is alright. Art & Costume Design are perfect. George Fenton's Score is passable.Performance-Wise: Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd are in complete form. Aniston is natural to the core & makes you feel for her love towards a man who isn't attracted to her, while Rudd is magic as her companion, who also loves her, but just not the way she expects. Their on-screen chemistry, also, is easy. John Pankow is first-rate. Veterans Allison Janney & Alan Alda are adequate. Steve Zahn has a very small role, but he's effective, as always.On the whole, 'The Object of My Affection' isn't as brave as it should've been, nonetheless, its a breezy watch.

Thought the story is light, it delivers entertainment and a good time. The casting is very spontaneous, the actors weren't that known back there but were good enough to act decently. The story is quite original, I have never seen other movie where the girl falls in love with a gay man. The plot would be better if these kind of people really existed; we know that in real life people are prejudiced, intolerant and fight for anything (specially we, men). In this film, people accept things very easily, men don't dispute women, parents have no problem in the daughter living with a homossexual and biological father has no problem with the "new dad". Those things create lots of fray in real life.So that's it; an original comedy not much funny, but satisfying enough to don't disappoint the viewer.

Probably tells much about this film, when I say I have only seen a couple of better romantic comedies. The characters are portrayed excellently, the plot is great, everything works. The one thing that didn't work for me was the ending.As said earlier, the characters are great, and every one of the actors do a good job portraying their own; Jennifer Aniston pulls out one of her best performances, if not even the best. When ever I have seen Paul Rudd, he has pulled out a good effort, as is now. The side characters are interesting, yet aren't shown too much. This, along the fact that it makes you laugh at least a few times, has a couple of magnificent scenes, and so on, make it very worth a while experience, a memorable two hours or so to spend on a movie. I'd encourage everyone, everyone to give it a shot.8.1/10