“I’m not trying to be wonderful.”
synopsis
Paula McFadden, a single mother in New York, is abruptly abandoned by her actor boyfriend, leaving her scrambling to make rent. When struggling performer Elliot Garfield arrives to sublet the apartment—unaware Paula is still living there—the two are forced into an uneasy cohabitation. Elliot’s theatrical eccentricity clashes with Paula’s hard-earned pragmatism, but friction gradually softens into affection as both confront vulnerability and pride.
pairs well with ...
mini-review
Written by Neil Simon and directed by Herbert Ross, this is romance grounded in adult compromise rather than fantasy. Richard Dreyfuss brings manic theatrical energy (earning an Oscar), while Marsha Mason anchors the film with weary realism. Unlike glossy fairy tales, this relationship grows from inconvenience, irritation, and economic necessity. It’s messy, human, and surprisingly tender.
A small apartment, takeout containers, and cautious hope.
Absurdist's Corner
New York housing law somehow allowing this accidental roommate arrangement to unfold with minimal legal chaos feels generous.
fun facts
Richard Dreyfuss became one of the youngest Best Actor Oscar winners at the time.
Neil Simon based elements of the story loosely on his own life.
The film marked a tonal shift toward more grounded romantic comedies of the late ’70s.