Summary of "The 25 Best Movies of the Century: No. 23, ‘Something’s Gotta Give’" – The Big Picture Podcast

Episode Title: The 25 Best Movies of the Century: No. 23, ‘Something’s Gotta Give’
Release Date: April 9, 2025
Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins
Podcast: The Big Picture by The Ringer

Introduction to the List

In this special episode of The Big Picture, Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins delve into their curated list of the 25 best movies of the century. They begin by unveiling their #23 pick, Nancy Meyers' beloved romantic comedy, "Something’s Gotta Give." Amanda introduces the selection with enthusiasm:

Amanda Dobbins [02:02]: "Amanda Something's gotta give."

Sean acknowledges the significance of this choice, highlighting it as an essential inclusion in their list:

Sean Fennessey [03:19]: "This is the Nancy Meyers movie. This, to me, is the only Nancy Myers movie that would be eligible for the list."

Deep Dive into "Something’s Gotta Give"

Performances and Character Dynamics

Sean and Amanda commend the stellar performances by Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson, emphasizing the depth and chemistry between the leads. Sean expresses his admiration for Nicholson:

Sean Fennessey [03:02]: "I personally have a very strong affection for the Intern. I know you like it, but don't love it in the same way that I do. I think this is ultimately better."

Amanda concurs, noting the iconic status of the actors and their ability to embody nuanced characters:

Amanda Dobbins [05:20]: "And just two lights out performances. You have Hollywood icons in their later stages of life just really getting to be those people."

The discussion highlights how "Something’s Gotta Give" effectively portrays life after 50, particularly for women, balancing career, personal life, and romantic pursuits.

Thematic Exploration

The hosts delve into the central theme of the film—"Can women have it all?" They explore how the movie presents a sophisticated narrative about women over 50 navigating love, career, and personal fulfillment.

Sean Fennessey [04:23]: "So this movie, like Baby Boom, like the Intern, does circle this idea that we make a lot of hay of on the show, which is, can women have it all?"

Amanda adds that the film's nuanced approach sets it apart from typical romantic comedies:

Amanda Dobbins [05:01]: "And love and life experience? Can they be over 50 years old?"

Production Design and Auteur Influence

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Nancy Meyers' distinctive production design, which has influenced brands like Crate and Barrel and established the "Coastal Grandma Chic" aesthetic.

Amanda Dobbins [12:33]: "The language of the kitchens and the overstuffed couches and the hydrangeas that are usually blue and the like Expensive prepared food stores and everything that we now do."

Sean connects this to the auteur theory, praising Meyers for her consistent visual and thematic storytelling:

Sean Fennessey [13:30]: "I completely agree. I mean it is visually thematically recurring. That is a key part of the auteur theory..."

Legacy and Influence

Sean and Amanda discuss the film's enduring legacy, asserting that it remains one of the last great studio romantic comedies. They lament the decline in quality of similar films, attributing it to budget cuts and the inability of imitators to capture Meyers' unique vision.

Sean Fennessey [18:15]: "I feel like this is a movie that could only happen in this specific period of time."

Amanda elaborates on how subsequent films attempting to emulate Meyers' style fall short:

Amanda Dobbins [32:35]: "And so you get the lesser versions, and they’re lesser in quality, they’re lesser in writing."

Comparisons to Other Films and Filmmakers

The hosts draw parallels between "Something’s Gotta Give" and classic screwball comedies, noting its homage to films like The Philadelphia Story and His Girl Friday. They also compare it to other Nancy Meyers works, such as "It's Complicated," highlighting the evolution of romantic comedies centered on older women.

Amanda Dobbins [43:44]: "I've thought about Philadelphia Story for the same reason of the three and the. And a nice house, you know."

Sean mentions Jack Nicholson's character arc, relating it to his broader filmography and persona:

Sean Fennessey [36:00]: "This is one of the very last Jack Nicholson performances after this film a few years go by and he makes The Departed in 2006."

Key Themes and Social Commentary

The conversation touches on the film's approach to sexuality and aging, noting its more open and humorous treatment of menopause and physical relationships compared to contemporary standards.

Sean Fennessey [20:04]: "The movie has just a great relationship to sex. Like it's very. I've seen the movie get derided as sitcom y at times, but I feel like sitcoms are not."

Amanda reflects on the lack of medical research and support for women’s health issues portrayed in the film:

Amanda Dobbins [22:43]: "You know, it seems like with everything that happens to women, there's not enough, you know, medical research and support directed that way."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sean and Amanda conclude by reiterating the film's excellence in storytelling, performance, and production design. They emphasize that "Something’s Gotta Give" stands as a benchmark for romantic comedies, highlighting its unique blend of humor, emotional depth, and visual elegance.

Sean Fennessey [37:17]: "This is a beautiful movie. I really wish that there were more movies like this."

Amanda agrees, affirming the film’s place in their top 25 list and its lasting impact on the genre:

Amanda Dobbins [34:50]: "This is excellence."

Notable Quotes:

• Amanda Dobbins [02:02]: "Amanda Something's gotta give."
• Sean Fennessey [03:19]: "This is the Nancy Meyers movie. This, to me, is the only Nancy Myers movie that would be eligible for the list."
• Sean Fennessey [13:30]: "I completely agree. I mean it is visually thematically recurring. That is a key part of the auteur theory..."

Key Takeaways:

• "Something’s Gotta Give" is celebrated for its outstanding performances by Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson.
• Nancy Meyers' auteur influence is evident in the film’s distinct production design and thematic consistency.
• The movie effectively explores complex themes of aging, love, and personal fulfillment for women over 50.
• Its legacy as one of the last great studio romantic comedies underscores the decline in quality within the genre.
• The film serves as a benchmark for excellence in romantic storytelling, blending humor with emotional depth.

This episode of The Big Picture offers an insightful analysis of "Something’s Gotta Give," highlighting its significance in modern cinema and its enduring legacy within the romantic comedy genre.