Self-Help to Rom-Com
June 30th 2008 18:03
Yet another Hollywood development I cannot understand – how does a self-help book, inspired by a scene in a television series, wind up being developed into a romantic film? Has Hollywood run out of sequels to plan? Classics to remake? Comic strips, TV shows and singers’ biographies to adapt? Heaven forbid.
So then, how does it come to pass that Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo’s 2004 self-improvement guide He’s Just Not That Into You, is currently being made into movie produced by Drew Barrymore’s Flower Films?
He’s Just Not That Into You was inspired by an episode in the sixth season of Sex and the City, a show Tuccillo wrote for. The book, which comically detailed how to avoid mixed messages when dating, became an instant hit after being featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show. All very lovely, but it still begs the question of how such a text could form the basis of a film – and basis is the word being bandied about, not stimulus, or suggestion, but basis.
The film stars Ben Affleck, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Connelly, Scarlett Johansson and Justin Long. Who knows, it might be fantastic – I just hope a hit doesn’t mean Hollywood makes a habit of this. I dread to see the big screen version of How to Win Friends and Influence People.
Michaelie Clark
Jennifer Aniston - Image courtesy of nymag.com
He’s Just Not That Into You was inspired by an episode in the sixth season of Sex and the City, a show Tuccillo wrote for. The book, which comically detailed how to avoid mixed messages when dating, became an instant hit after being featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show. All very lovely, but it still begs the question of how such a text could form the basis of a film – and basis is the word being bandied about, not stimulus, or suggestion, but basis.
Scarlett Johansson - Image courtesy of baltimoresun.com
Michaelie Clark
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Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
With that amiable, safe actor list and Queen Oprah having touched it, how can it not be?
Aaahhh....
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I just don't get how they pull a story from a self-help book, even if it is one written by comedians?
We'll see.
Thanks!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
It's basically a book outlining all the excuses women make for why a guy isn't into them, telling women that they are reading too much into men's actions and getting themselves all confused.
I haven't read the whole thing, but some bits ring very true, and are quite funny, while other bits I can't help feeling a bit offended by!
It was inspired by an episode of Sex and the City in which both authors were involved. In the episode, Carrie's new boyfriend sat listening to Carrie and her friends rationalise why a man Miranda had gone out with hadn't wanted to take things further. He simplified the situation from a man's point of view, eliminating the 'mixed messages', leaving Miranda feeling liberated and the other ladies lost.
The whole book is pretty much showing different situations where women make excuses for and project unrealistic situations upon men, and showing what the man really thinks.
From what I can gather, the movie will feature a series of people whose love lives are continuously impacted by differences in perception and a lack of understanding between the sexes.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I am so cynical sometimes I shock myself...
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
You're still a sweet lass, Trace.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Oprah will undoubtedly interview them on her smelly couch.
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by Aimzster
Reality TV
The Jeepney Stop
First Time Mum
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Comment by Anonymous
Here I was thinking I was the only person in the whole wide world who can't stand Oprah or the very dweeby Dr Phil.
I now think there may actually be enough of us to form a club?
Love your work
Pamela
Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
Food Slate
Yes, like u...I was shocked they made a movie from that book!
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I think so, and this can be our virtual headquarters! But, if I had something to promote, and Oprah had a mind to stickybeak, I would be jumping on her couch before you could say 'hypocritical opportunist'.
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
We'll see what they can wrangle from it.
Michaelie
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Thanks Kylie!
Michaelie