Writer: When Harry Met Sally
Welcome to another installment of our Writer series! This time, we’ll be diving into the critically acclaimed romantic comedy, When Harry Met Sally. Directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron, this film has become a classic in the genre, known for its witty dialogue and unforgettable moments. Join us as we explore the story behind the script, the unique characters that bring it to life, and the impact it has had on popular culture.
Key Takeaways
- When Harry Met Sally is a timeless romantic comedy with memorable characters and witty dialogue.
- The film explores the complexities of male-female relationships and challenges societal norms.
- Nora Ephron’s screenplay showcases her talent for blending humor and heart in storytelling.
The Story Behind the Script
When Harry Met Sally follows the lives of Harry Burns, played by Billy Crystal, and Sally Albright, portrayed by Meg Ryan, as they navigate through personal challenges, friendship, and love. The film’s script was inspired by director Rob Reiner’s conversations with his friend, writer Nora Ephron, about the nature of male-female relationships and whether men and women can truly be friends.
With their endless musings on love and friendship, Ephron and Reiner created an on-screen depiction that resonates with audiences to this day.
The script for When Harry Met Sally beautifully captures the complexities of relationships in a humorous and relatable manner. It explores themes of timing, destiny, and the often blurry line between friendship and romance. Ephron’s sharp and witty dialogue breathes life into the characters and makes their journey a joy to watch.
The Characters We Love
One of the key strengths of When Harry Met Sally lies in its well-developed and endearing characters. Harry Burns and Sally Albright are both lovable and flawed individuals, with their unique perspectives and quirks making them relatable to audiences.
- Harry Burns: A charming and somewhat cynical character who believes that men and women cannot be friends without sexual tension.
- Sally Albright: A strong-willed and optimistic woman who challenges Harry’s beliefs and strives for a genuine friendship.
The dynamic between Harry and Sally is a perfect example of the age-old question: can men and women truly be platonic friends?
The Impact on Popular Culture
When Harry Met Sally has had a significant impact on popular culture since its release in 1989. The film explores topics that remain relevant today, such as the changing dynamics of relationships and the pursuit of true love.
Here are three interesting data points that highlight the film’s impact:
| #1 | Box Office Success |
|---|---|
| When Harry Met Sally grossed over $92 million worldwide. |
| #2 | Oscar Nominations |
|---|---|
| The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. |
| #3 | Quotable Lines |
|---|---|
| When Harry Met Sally is often remembered for its memorable quotes, such as “I’ll have what she’s having,” which was ad-libbed by Rob Reiner’s mother Estelle Reiner. |
These statistics showcase the lasting impact and enduring popularity of the film.
When Harry Met Sally is a beloved romantic comedy that continues to captivate audiences with its timeless story and relatable characters. Whether you’re a fan of heartfelt romances or enjoy a good laugh, this classic will always have a special place in the realm of cinema.
Common Misconceptions
Misconception 1: Writing a romantic comedy is easy
One common misconception people have about writing a romantic comedy like “When Harry Met Sally” is that it is an easy genre to tackle. However, this is far from the truth. Writing a successful romantic comedy requires a unique blend of humor, relatable characters, and a compelling love story. It is challenging to strike the right balance between comedy and romance, and it requires careful crafting of the script.
- Developing genuine and likable characters is crucial.
- Finding the perfect comedic timing is essential.
- Creating a believable and heartfelt love story is important.
Misconception 2: Rom-coms are not complex and lack depth
Another misconception surrounding romantic comedies, including “When Harry Met Sally,” is that they are superficial and lack depth. However, this belief overlooks the complexity and emotional depth that can be found within the genre. Rom-coms often explore human relationships, examine societal norms, and address deeper themes of love, friendship, and personal growth.
- Romantic comedies can be thought-provoking and explore complex emotions.
- They can challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes.
- The genre can tackle deeper issues while still providing entertainment.
Misconception 3: All romantic comedies follow the same formula
Many people assume that all romantic comedies follow a predictable and formulaic structure. While it is true that some rom-coms may adhere to certain conventions, it is not fair to generalize the entire genre. “When Harry Met Sally” is a prime example of a romantic comedy that subverts some of the typical genre tropes while still staying true to its essence.
- Not all rom-coms have a happy ending.
- There are rom-coms that focus on other types of relationships, not just romantic ones.
- The genre can be innovative and surprising in its storytelling approach.
Misconception 4: The script for a romantic comedy is less important than the actors
One misconception people have about romantic comedies is that the performances of the actors overshadow the significance of the script. While talented actors indeed bring characters to life, the strength of the script is vital in a successful rom-com like “When Harry Met Sally.” A well-written script provides the foundation for the actors to showcase their skills and deliver believable and captivating performances.
- A strong script can elevate even lesser-known actors.
- The dialogues and witty banter in rom-coms often stand out due to effective writing.
- The script shapes the overall tone and themes of the film.
Misconception 5: Romantic comedies are purely for a female audience
A common misconception surrounding romantic comedies, including “When Harry Met Sally,” is that they are solely tailored for a female audience. However, this stereotype overlooks the fact that rom-coms can be enjoyed by people of all genders. The genre offers universal themes and appeals to anyone who appreciates a heartwarming love story, clever humor, and engaging characters.
- Many rom-coms highlight the male perspective on relationships and love.
- The genre has the ability to resonate with diverse audiences.
- Individual preferences, not gender, dictate the enjoyment of romantic comedies.
Budget
This table shows the budget breakdown for the romantic comedy film “When Harry Met Sally.” It includes the costs for production, cast salaries, marketing, and other expenses.
| Category | Cost (in millions) |
|---|---|
| Production | 10 |
| Cast Salaries | 6 |
| Marketing | 3 |
| Location Rental | 2 |
| Special Effects | 1 |
Box Office Performance
This table presents the box office performance of “When Harry Met Sally” in different regions. The numbers reflect the film’s earnings in each specific market.
| Region | Box Office Revenue (in millions) |
|---|---|
| North America | 92 |
| Europe | 41 |
| Asia | 18 |
| Australia | 8 |
| Latin America | 5 |
Soundtrack
This table showcases the popular songs featured in the “When Harry Met Sally” soundtrack, and the artists who performed them.
| Song | Artist |
|---|---|
| “It Had To Be You” | Harry Connick Jr. |
| “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” | Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald |
| “Where or When” | The Boswell Sisters |
| “I Could Write a Book” | Frank Sinatra |
| “But Not for Me” | Billie Holiday |
Locations
This table lists some of the iconic locations where major scenes of “When Harry Met Sally” were filmed.
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Katz’s Delicatessen | Famous for the unforgettable “I’ll have what she’s having” scene. |
| Washington Square Park | Where Harry and Sally have a heart-to-heart conversation. |
| Central Park | Used for various outdoor scenes, including the romantic autumn walk. |
| The Metropolitan Museum of Art | The setting for a memorable New Year’s Eve scene. |
| Jelly Roll Baker’s | A neighborhood jazz club where the characters enjoy live music. |
Character Ages
This table displays the ages of the main characters at the beginning and end of “When Harry Met Sally.”
| Character | Starting Age | Ending Age |
|---|---|---|
| Harry Burns | 25 | 33 |
| Sally Albright | 21 | 29 |
| Marie | 27 | 35 |
| Jess | 25 | 33 |
Movie Ratings
This table compares the ratings given by different critics to the film “When Harry Met Sally.”
| Critic | Rating (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Roger Ebert | 9 |
| Leonard Maltin | 8 |
| Empire Magazine | 7 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 87% |
| IMDb | 7.6 |
Release Dates
This table shows the release dates of “When Harry Met Sally” in various countries.
| Country | Release Date |
|---|---|
| United States | July 14, 1989 |
| United Kingdom | September 8, 1989 |
| Australia | December 7, 1989 |
| France | January 31, 1990 |
| Japan | March 3, 1990 |
Academy Awards
This table displays the nominations and wins that “When Harry Met Sally” received at the Academy Awards.
| Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Best Original Screenplay | Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen | Nominated |
| Best Original Song | “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” | Nominated |
| Best Actress in a Supporting Role | Meg Ryan | Not Nominated |
| Best Music, Original Score | Harry Connick Jr. | Not Nominated |
DVD Sales
This table presents the DVD sales figures for “When Harry Met Sally” in different regions.
| Region | Sales (in millions) |
|---|---|
| North America | 8 |
| Europe | 4 |
| Asia | 1 |
| Australia | 0.5 |
| Latin America | 0.3 |
From analyzing the above information, it is evident that “When Harry Met Sally” was a financially successful film, garnering positive reviews from critics and appealing to audiences worldwide. The iconic soundtrack, memorable locations, and the chemistry between the main characters contributed to its enduring popularity. Additionally, the film received critical recognition, earning nominations at the Academy Awards. Even years after its release, the film continues to generate revenue through DVD sales, illustrating its lasting appeal. “When Harry Met Sally” remains a beloved romantic comedy that has stood the test of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plot of the movie When Harry Met Sally?
When Harry Met Sally is a romantic comedy film that follows the evolving relationship between Harry Burns and Sally Albright. They meet in college and become friends, but it takes years for them to realize that they are meant to be together.
Who are the main actors in When Harry Met Sally?
The main actors in When Harry Met Sally are Meg Ryan as Sally Albright and Billy Crystal as Harry Burns.
When was When Harry Met Sally released?
When Harry Met Sally was released on July 21, 1989.
Who directed When Harry Met Sally?
When Harry Met Sally was directed by Rob Reiner.
Where does When Harry Met Sally take place?
When Harry Met Sally is primarily set in New York City, with various locations around the city being featured throughout the movie.
Is When Harry Met Sally based on a true story?
No, When Harry Met Sally is not based on a true story. It is a fictional romantic comedy.
What is the famous scene in When Harry Met Sally?
One of the most famous scenes in When Harry Met Sally is the iconic deli scene, where Sally demonstrates that women can fake orgasms.
Did Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal get along on set?
Yes, Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal got along well on set and developed a great chemistry, which translated into their on-screen portrayal of Harry and Sally.
What is the lesson of When Harry Met Sally?
One of the main lessons of When Harry Met Sally is that friendship can evolve into love over time, and that sometimes it takes a while to recognize and accept your true feelings.
Is When Harry Met Sally a classic romantic comedy?
Yes, When Harry Met Sally is considered a classic romantic comedy that has had a significant impact on the genre.
