Review of Modern Romance (1981) by Stefano C — 01 Jul 2018

This film is a product of its time, and seems rather dated today. In 1981, spurred by the popularity of Woody Allen, the viewing public was probably more willing to accept a male character that was unabashedly co-dependent and neurotic, without having much to redeem his character.

They also may have been more willing to accept a woman character that (inexplicably) didn't have the sense to leave him and move on. Though Albert Brooks' rhythm is sharp and witty, to a current-day audience, these characters, and their situation, no longer seem as relevant.

On the other hand, the film has some brilliant wry humor: the sports-shop scene is great (it is the cleverest scene in the whole film), and the sub-plot about the main character's film-editing job on a pinhead sci-fi flick, with James L.

Brooks as its simpleton director, is very, very entertaining. In fact, one wonders if a whole film could have been made out of that situation alone.