When Harry Met Sally - Breaking Genre Conventions

Listen to our podcast episode on When Harry Met Sally: apple.co/38ETLtq
When Harry Met Sally takes the conventions of a classic from-hate-to-love story and flips them on their head, creating a unique and charming film.
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When Harry Met Sally
Screenplay by Nora Ephron
Directed by Rob Reiner
Starring Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher
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[@xingcat]

I think people misinterpret the message of this film all the time. They think the question is, "Can men and women be friends? No, the sex gets in the way." But what Ephron shows is that the sex part isn't what brings Harry & Sally together. If that were the case, they would have gotten together once during their road trip in college and never again. That real relationships are built upon friendship first.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

I agree. For me, I think it shows how you have to mature and figure things out about yourself before you're capable of really loving someone and being a partner. And it just happens to take them twelve years.

[@hansnevaloses1741]

That does seem to be what most people take away from that movie. That is can men and women be just friends if one wants something more. It's a question that i've asked myself quite a bit. Now I have female friends, but none that i've ever been interested in. On the contrary i've dated girls before who had guy friends that were obviously in love with her but were friend zoned. When presenting this fact to the girls they all seemed to know about the guy's affection, but didn't care. They would always reassure me that I had nothing to worry about, but it was still irretating knowing that another male would hang out with your girlfriend knowing that he wanted her so badly. Needless to say the relationships didn't work out. And I strongly believe that the male friends had something to do with it. Even though me being removed from the situation didn't help there causes to my knowledge. But I do believe that some of the best relationships start with strong friendships

[@AS-pg5zl]

Fun fact, Nora Ephron has said in interviews that the movie isn't about if men and women can be friends, but simply what are the differences between men and women. That's the central question of the film, and why there is so much snappy comparison!

[@loran1212]

From personal experience, it can. One of my best friends is a person I was madly in love with, without it being returned. that love eventually evolved to being the same kind of love I feel for all my friends, which I imagine is what the girls in your stories hoped would happen.

[@edwardroneill]

Yeah, I find that trope disgusting. It's a shallow person's idea of a deep insight.

[@jeniko2841]

A relationship built on friendship will be a relationship that lasts.

[@madameversiera]

What's amazing about this movie is that it shows how real relationships grow in real life. There is this imaginary world of love at first sight which actually never happens in reality...The fact that people are not attracted to someone instantly but need to spend time with that person is often ignored.

[@trueslimness]

Love at first sight does happen. I fell in love immediately with a man in the 90's we immediately went into a relationship, spending as much time weekly together as we could, we moved in together and had a child. We did separate after 8 years but remained friends. That was love at first sight - very powerful. People are together for a reason, a season or a lifetime and sometimes we know immediately when we are meant to be together :)

[@adinugraha1276]

People are attracted instantly to just someone looks, but they are attracted to someone as a person when they know them well by spending time with them.

[@hannahrobbins1017]

Right, but without the physical attraction aspect friends is all you should ever be right?

[@zelwynelouisecabatingan2491]

@@trueslimnessLuck played on your behalf, I suppose. You fell in love with that person because their physical appearance perfectly matched your standards, not because you immediately loved and adored him fully as a person, including his personality, behaviors, and ideals. What made you say that you fell in love at first sight, and supplemented it with the lasting love you have in the present, is because you were extremely lucky that the person you immediately found attractive, or the perfect looking man for you, was compatible with you. But on most cases, love at first sight never happens. Long-lasting relationships are fostered initially with a strong foundation of friendship, trust, and mutual respect for each other’s flaws. I believe that the movie perfectly and flawlessly demonstrates and depicts this reality of love.

[@Jennifer-wr9si]

@@trueslimness same. maybe it wasn't technically 'love' at first sight, but I knew, when I met her, something big/important was going to happen (a feeling I had never had with anyone else before).

[@justthinking526]

Love how Meg Ryan's character has a shell of self satisfied superiority and how that annoying quirk becomes part of her charm that we all fall in love with. And that does, indeed , take time.

[@MightyAvengingLeo]

To paraphrase Joseph Campbell, we respect people for their perfections, but we love them for their imperfections. It's what makes them unique.

[@chance_ondriezek99]

"I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible". Man, I love this movie. One of my favorite comedies, and possibly one of my favorite movies, period.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

I agree, Chance! So good!

[@Wawagirl17]

Best part is that Billy Crystal came up with that line.

[@WaterShowsProd]

I was working in a movie theatre the year that When Harry Met Sally was released. I cannot explain what an unexpected phenomenon that film was. We had just concluded a summer that was filled with anticipated blockbuster films: Ghost Busters II, Start Trek V, Indiana Jones III, and I think there was one other... I probably don't have to remind you what disappointments Ghostbusters II and Star Trek V were. However, it had been a long, busy summer and we were looking forward to the autumn lull before the Christmas movies. I asked the manager what was coming the following week. "Some romantic comedy, When Harry Met Sally." Nobody anticipated much about it. The show drew huge audiences for weeks, and out-performed the blockbuster films we'd spent so much time preparing for. It shook Hollywood and sparked the independent movement, smaller films with more focus on story and little special effects. Today it is hard to relate to because cinemas and filmgoing have changed so much, but that film left a huge imprint. Ironically this is the first time in all these years that I've ever heard anyone breakdown and analyse the screenplay. Thank you for this. BTW you may or may not be aware that the woman who said the line, "I'll have what she's having," was Rob Reiner's mother.

[@samarth.rangavittal]

Stephen Thomas what a great story! Thanks for sharing

[@annacarrie269]

I heard that Rob Reiner's mom ad-libbed that

[@terrygilliam7024]

Thanks so much for sharing this, I grew up in the 80's & it made me feel nostalgic, in a good way...

[@warrenny]

Stephen, similar experience here. I was a teen working at the theater when this come out. I do not recall if there was any real buzz from the public about this movie, but I do remember quite a few fellow employees ( I'm sure you remember that back in those days mostly kids worked at theaters....and most of us took the job because we were movie buffs as well ) were talking about how Rob Reiner was a movie directing god....and they were anticipating this to be THE movie of the season.

[@shreya446]

amazing!

[@amyspeers8012]

When this movie came out I had just broken up with a jerk and my family was thrilled. A friend from university came into town to cheer me up and my sister recommended this movie. That friend and I just celebrated our 27th wedding anniversary. Needless to say, this movie is very special to us!

[@ritasomlyay32]

Such a nice story!!

[@babu357]

Aw. That's like one of the couples stories at the end.

[@Yosi-Berman]

I've seen this movie plenty of times growing up. I enjoyed it a lot, especially Harry. But after some years I revisited it in my mid 20s. And man is it waay better than I remembered, especially Sally. I guess seeing a clear and well made representation of how adults who seem to have their shit together are still single and miserable about just gets me.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

I too saw it when I was younger, and then again when I was older, and it's really only gotten better for me.

[@vallynicole2427]

Exactly !

[@Rainsofchange]

I love a good story that ages, too. I loved it when I was younger, but it's taken on more weight and gotten better as I've grown older. I, too, have found myself yearning for more typical problems. It's a bit boring to see the same absolute trainwreck/extreme circumstance things. Love seeing two ordinary but dynamic people in an ordinary but dynamic story. =]

[@cowboxe]

I used to HATE this movie when I was a kid. It was my mom's favorite movie (along with Sleepless in Seattle) and I was forced to watch it sooooo many times. I usually just tuned out because I thought it was boring. Now that I am older, I can really appreciate not only the subject matter but the artistry behind the actual making of the film - particularly its dialogue. This is, by far, the most "real" romantic comedy I can think of and one that must be remembered. I hope they never remake/reboot this movie and instead study it to learn what makes it so great and go on to make more original, deep, and emotionally engaging stories/movies. I'm not really into romance movies but this movie captures what it means to be human and how overcoming yourself can allow for incredibly powerful and beautiful things to enter into your life... even if those things have always been there with you.

[@brendamargareth3994]

totally agree. i hate romantic movies but always find when harry met sally very charming and have its own unique perspectives in romance and friendship

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Word. :)

[@ChickenGeorgeClooney]

When Harry Met Sally is one of my favorite films of all time. It is a shame that many people may pass over it just because it's a romantic comedy or a chickflick.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Agreed!

[@MayraRebeccaZamora]

I have yet to see the comment of how our dearly departed Carrie Fisher was the screenplay doctor for this script. She was amazing in the film and fixed some script problems too? That is why she will always be a legend.

[@hjaltetagmose]

now Im gonna watch this movie just so I can watch this video

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Awesome! Let me know what you think!

[@hjaltetagmose]

Great video as always! I really liked how you talked about avoiding cliches but still meeting expectations, since that's something I've been struggling with. And good thing you made a video on this, because otherwise I would've forever avoided it as if it were common romance movie :)

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

:)

[@paulkoulikov]

Just finished watching it and it's the most endearing film that I've seen ever. Made me question things and put my mind in a right state. Thanks for a prompt!

[@robert3333]

Hjalte Tagmose Did exactly that just now.

[@raystaar]

'When Harry Met Sally' is among my top 10 favorite movies. Over the years, I've watched in countless times and I've never gotten bored, not once. Thanks for explaining why that is.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Happy Valentine's Day! I thought it would be appropriate to do a romantic comedy, and When Harry Met Sally is one of my favorites. What's your favorite romantic comedy or love story? What other screenplays should I do in the future? Let me know in the comments!

[@Questcequiladit]

Lessons from the Screenplay What software do you use for your animations? I love your videos, and one of the things I like most is that the form matches the content

[@kipras14]

Great stuff as always! Groundhog Day and Amélie would probably be my favourites in this genre.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Hey Charles!-all the animation is done using Adobe After Effects.

[@Questcequiladit]

Lessons from the Screenplay Thanks for your swift response! I admire the time you put into reading the comments and conversing with your audience; this is rare on KZbin

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

I try to as much as possible-it's one of the best things about KZbin, getting to hear from the audience!

[@Zumcho]

It's nice watching the layers of love really build. I do think Harry starts to fall for her (pecan pie scene,) but doesn't follow through with it at that point. Their friendship is such a solid foundation for their relationship, that they're married only a few months later.

[@atiqahdiyana5665]

definitely gonna watch it now. I love romance but absolutely can't stand how uncreative stories are nowadays when it comes to rom coms. your channel is among my favorites and it always makes my day to see you've uploaded something new.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

It is unfortunate that it seems like most romantic comedies these days are too formulaic and trying to remake some previous film. I have to say, I did really enjoy Trainwreck by Amy Schumer. It wasn't super original in structure, but it felt like it had a unique voice.

[@atiqahdiyana5665]

I liked train wreck too. I thought it felt a lot more sincere then a lot of rom coms I'd been seeing lately.

[@atiqahdiyana5665]

***** I agree. I was never trying to put the entire genre in a bad light. But I'm sorry if it came across that way I LOVE rom coms when done right with good story telling and unique plots and I'm not shy to admit I have a few guilty pleasures as well. 13 going on 30 50 first dates 10 things I hate about you 500 days of summer Princess bride And soo many more All romantic comedies and all phenomenal movies. I suppose what I was trying to say is that I hate mediocrity in general. No matter what the genre. Action, romance, horror, you name it I LOVE movies but mediocrity is a poison I hope is getting treated soon.

[@atiqahdiyana5665]

I'm not sure. Rom coms have a very up and down scale when it comes to quality. They had a period of time in the 80s where you had some pretty good quality stuff. John Hughes, woody Allen. It sort of went down a bit in the 90s but there were still a lot of good rom com movies around that time too. As I've mentioned above. So it wasn't really an exception. But I think around the late 90s is when the quality really went bad. We got a lot of repetitive stuff. Meg Ryan herself could attest to that. Then in the 20s it just got worse but I think it peaked a few years back with movies like 'the ugly truth' and 'bounty hunter' and that scale of quality has been sort of rising slowly from there with movies like train wreck and 500 days of summer. But the its not yet a steady climb of quality and is still sort of a rocky terrain. Is that what you were trying to say?

[@laumay7364]

Atiqah Diyana I can watch Sabrina with Harrison Ford and the one with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, I think it's called The Glass House, repeatedly. Something New is also very watchable.

[@jowilson5581]

as someone getting married to her best friend after a long relationship, I couldn't agree more. great video!

[@officeaddict33]

Are you still married?

[@MrFlambouyantzz]

Probably the best rom com I've seen to date.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

I agree!

[@PREDATOORRFYM]

Romantic comedy's are like a guilty pleasure I'm proud of.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Wear it loud and proud!

[@abhinayamarykoshy1264]

Only the good kind. The 90s kind.

[@samguy7654]

I find the Romance genre to often be repetitive that's why there's very few Romcom's i REALLY LOVE, the "Before Sunset" movies and "Like Crazy" are good exemples, now i gotta watch this one.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

I haven't seen "Like Crazy," but "Before Sunset" is fantastic. I want to do a video about that film at some point.

[@samguy7654]

Lessons from the Screenplay Yeah that film is amazing, first time watching it was an incredible experience as i wasn't expecting to connect with it as much as i did. can't wait for your video on it! you're awsome!

[@coliemaurie5526]

Harry and Sally show us how love can change your mind, even if you were sure you were right. For me, this film was love at first sight, I remember exactly the first time I saw it and I do not know how much I watched it over and over again: the lines, the actors, the music, the seasons, the different couples so funny and charming ... I love this movie as much as princess bride, another masterpiece of Rob Reiner full of surprises

[@eleiraeel]

I'm so happy you dissect stories and the nature of storytelling. I feel like good writing is somewhat underrated in the industry and so you analyzing every aspect and avenue of it just brings a whole new appreciation for it! Thanks man!

[@cattusahoy]

I just saw this movie for the first time today, and I was absolutely blown away by the writing! With every discussion they had I was hanging on every word, wondering what I would learn about Harry and Sally next, keeping their younger selves in mind and how much they had changed. The way the dialogue is written is just phenomenal! Thanks for spotlighting it so well, I totally agreed with everything you said ^_^ This movie is amazing!

[@kingofwakanda6899]

Damn, I still gotta watch this movie.

[@philbox3productions]

King of Wakanda didn't see you in the tv talk comments you're starting to slack king

[@kingofwakanda6899]

Gianni lol I was there. It's just that I commented early so it went to the bottom.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

I figured a lot of people haven't seen it, and am hoping that a lot of people will now, because it's great. And what better day to watch it :P

[@samhogg8233]

My mother's name is Sally so I saw it because of her repeatedly as a child.

[@samguy7654]

Lessons from the Screenplay Haha, hey do you think i can watch this video even though i haven't watched the movie yet? i mean without it ruining my future experience watching it.

[@saltycrunch]

Your videos are fantastic. And you have a very soothing voice.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thank you :P

[@GinMichelangelo]

Hey man, you are fast becoming my favorite youtuber. Can you maybe do a series on bad movies, maybe? Or hyped up movies that went bad?

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thanks! Yeah, I do want to do a video on a bad movie for sure.

[@mikan1998ful]

PandaFromM@rs This is actually awesome. It would be a nice contrast from the usual "what you should do" to create a more indepth lesson on writing screenplay.

[@WanderKrew]

Do "the Room" that'd be a great start

[@squeekytoy123]

This is one of my favourite movies, and I've never really understood why till now (thanks!). Besides Ephron's writing and the delightful side characters, it's the comparison between Harry and Sally as people. When you think Sally has been holding it together so well and then breaks down when her ex gets married, it's a real turnaround moment. (Plus, the line "I, I am the dog?!" Meg Ryan at her finest).

[@kalashnikov1997]

Are you planning to do TV series? There are plenty of good writing like Fargo or Black Mirror.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

I am, for sure!

[@libbybollinger5901]

Lessons from the Screenplay you _need_ to analyse community

[@chadfarrell5457]

Lessons from the Screenplay try out inside no 9, dark British anthology show, but a lot funnier and smarter than black mirror (and less preachy...)

[@sita1993m]

Chad Farrell Do you know what preachy means?

[@cianap.281]

I would LOVE a review/breakdown of Fargo!

[@plsbekind]

i only watched it bc of this video and honestly...... it rlly was charming, i haven't seen a romantic film this refreshing in a long time

[@GundelSince2011]

You keep showing me why I love some movies so much, even though I cannot explain it as rationally or as eloquently as you do, why I love them and watch them over and over again. Thank you so much, your content is so educational and entertaining, such quality. You're the first youtuber I am ever going to support on patreon. You make me feel as if I am not constantly wasting my time on KZbin.

[@kristin4840]

I saw this movie in the theater when it first came out and it was always be in my top 10 favorite of all time. It’s not a typical rom com. Its characters have depth and charm and I love the message that friendship matters.

[@nuclear432]

can you do Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind or Her(2013)?

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

I really want to at some point!

[@rushnanjaleel3386]

Yes or anything by Charlie Kaufman at all?

[@bobbyhessler9287]

Oh please do Her for the love of all that is holy

[@Crystalbomb321]

Jonathan Ackerman I absolutely adored Her. It's def in my top three films and I loved how thought provoking, poignant, relatable and beautifully it was shot.

[@Zeppolino100]

Now THOSE are VERY good movies and FAR more realistic than this saccharine piece of crap!

[@manofhealing]

I watched this movie because of this video, and its amazing. I met my (soon to be wife) once, parted ways forever, met up by chance again, kept in light touch, parted ways forever again, barely kept in touch at all for years, by chance met up once more, after a strong break up and consequently doing a lot of emotional maturing, stayed in each others lives this time, became best friends, we weren't looking for a relationship at the time but fell in love anyway, and now we're gonna get married, so this might be the first time I can actually relate to a movie in this way. I am a firm believer that real healthy relationships are built on strong friendship, and I love that this movie spends more time with them just being friends than it does with them being lovers. Thanks for the great video and great recommendation!

[@smtucker0419]

congratulations. sometimes maturity brings unto a new perspective,

[@yuningwang4120]

The most amazing interpretation of the most amazing romance film I've ever seen!

[@geling101]

Can you do Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind? It would be amazing to see how you deconstruct its screenplay.

[@randomasian8]

This is my mom and my favorite movie!! Thanks Michael :)

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Awesome! It's so good :)

[@redeemedmedia2462]

Thank you....my absolute favorite romantic movie

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Me too!

[@michaelbeleut6480]

Late reply... Same here! This movie changed my perspective on romance/comedies and everything else closely related to it (When Harry met Sally). By far my favorite genre of movie, and now my all-time favorite movie till my lights go out.

[@MasterAppels]

I commented on your The Social Network video that it's "Probably top 5, easily top 10," but When Harry Met Sally is top 3 for me, easily. It was one of the movies that I knew after I watched it that it's great.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Nice! Yeah, it's really fantastic. I could (and have) watched it over and over again.

[@TheDemonicPenguin]

We must have similar taste. They're both in my top 10 too.

[@marcakerblom4935]

Michael Tucker is absolutely the best analyzer on KZbin. Trust me, I’ve been watching them all.

[@Yaboiwild]

Great videos m8. Have you considered any studio ghibli movies?

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thanks! I actually haven't seen many of them. I need to work on that because I hear they're great.

[@phelanii4444]

yes, please, i'd love to see you disect spirited away, or princess mononoke, maybe howl's moving castle? ok, i'm gonna stop now, cause else i'm gonna list em all :D

[@jasonblalock4429]

Just to concur, Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke are both great introductions to Ghibli and Miyazaki. I'd also recommend Nausicaa. It's interesting to compare\contrast with Mononoke because they have similar themes, and even though it was Miyazaki's first independent movie, I think it's still one of his best.

[@alexandraprytkova387]

Jason Blalock, Nausicaa is indeed the better version of the two, in my opinion too. I do find the more childish Miyazaki movies, to have more to offer though... Kiki's Delivery Service, for one, has a very simple plot and nothing "big" happening, and still it is incredibly touching. I find it to be one of the least whimsical Miyazaki stories, and still it holds the hearts of so many of his fans... which for me, is amazing.

[@KayleLang]

Ghibli would be a weird one to do for this channel. I don't think Miyazaki writes a screenplay at any point of production. He mostly does storyboards and starts animating screens with no clue how to end the movie.

[@barbarapatino5458]

THIS IS LITERALLY THE BEST GIFT I HAVE EVER RECEIVED ON VALENTINE'S DAY. Thank you.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

YOU'RE WELCOME! :)

[@NikkiHarrisFilms]

You sir are ridiculously talented in conveying your message. Excellent work. If you have the time "In A World" would be an awesome movie to review.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thanks Nikki! :) I haven't seen "In A World," but I'll try to check it out.

[@PatrickWDunne]

Who would've ever thought to do an analysis of When Harry Met Sally? This is why I love this channel

[@bencarlson4300]

This movie is also extremely well acted and directed. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan have some of the best chemistry you’ll ever see, and both display genuine dramatic and physical acting chops. And Rob Reiner was in the zone, the cinematography, editing, pacing, sound, soundtrack, are all excellent. I did not expect much from When Harry Met Sally, but it’s honestly pretty flawless.

[@highdough2712]

This is one of my favourite movies of all time and was nominated for best screenplay. I was thrilled to see it getting some love.

[@kiyo113]

Arrival? Just came out on DVD today. Definitely my favorite film of 2016. Or any of the Oscar best screenplay (adapted or original) nominees

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Yessssss. You just reminded me to go order the blu-ray!

[@alexandraprytkova387]

Arrival was really unexpectedly good. I really haven't seen many movies with such a perception of aliens, outside of the "N-amount of years in the future, when humans roam the galaxy" genre. Usually, aliens are perceived in a totally different light, and it was refreshing to see something new for once.

[@The8tan]

Try watching it in a cinema theatre, really worth it!

[@deps76]

Have you done Arrival yet? I guess I should peruse your videos :P I was skeptical at first, but really liked this one. Thanks for it!

[@EmilioHarrison]

I'm always blown away be the level of analysis in each of these episodes. I feel like every episode is someone's college dissertation. A lot of KZbin channels seem to pursue style over substance, but that's not the case in this channel. Thank you.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

I really appreciate that, Emilio! Thanks!

[@whipchick90]

It's right up there with my favorite films.

[@88freys]

When Harry Met Sally is me and my finances favorite movie, and not only is it valentines day but also our anniversary so this video couldn't have came at a better time! you explained perfectly why I love this movie so much, great job as always!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Awesome! Happy Valentine's Day AND anniversary!

[@user-gi5cn3os4b]

Your channel gives me faith in humanity, Michael. Honestly. The channel's fast rising popularity is proof that smart people do exist. So wonderful to be greeted with a new upload from you after another abhorrent day at college.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Likewise, people's comments and support of the channel inspires me in a similar way. That people care and want to learn more is really amazing.

[@deltsovshot]

Just watched it... I'm blown away by the movie, even had a tear... Excellent writing and filmmaking

[@chuncheung9932]

Please please please make one for "Lock, stock and two smoking barrels", the story is just pure genius.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

I haven't seen it! But I will check it out, I've only heard good things.

[@chuncheung9932]

Thank you! Looking forward to your next video!

[@awhorable]

I love all of your video essays but I think this might be the best one. You've really got a good eye and I admire your ability to make unique, original, and profound analysis on films like this.

[@user-gi5cn3os4b]

I fucking love the fucking fuck out of this channel. Be my Valentine Michael!!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

haha.

[@CeliaTyree]

I would gladly watch adverts before your videos, the amount of work you put into them is worth it.

[@eleanor1149]

Would you ever consider analyzing the screenplay for a TV show? I know it is difficult because there are so many episodes to choose from. However, I have a suggestion. It would be EXCEEDINGLY interesting to look at the parallels of the Season 4 finale of House M.D. and the Season 4 finale of Sherlock. As they are both inspired by/based on Sherlock Holmes, I think it is very interesting to examine them, and I think that these episodes are particularly suitable for comparison (They are also both quite heartbreaking). It is important to watch not just the finale episode of House Season 4, but the episode before it, as it is two parts.

[@maryloubelli6807]

Michael, I am a director, educator, and author. I have shared a lesson you did about Edgar Wright for years..but I never knew who to credit with the amazing insights....then while studying for a seminar I'm taking with the great Alan Arkush, I came across this video...and I recognized your voice. So this is long in coming: I owe you a huge thanks, I just subscribed, and I think you are brilliant!

[@facepalmvideos1]

Two reasons why I tend to avoid romantic comedies are liar revealed and misunderstanding cliches. Every goddamn time otherwise enjoyable movie drops freaking dead for 10-20 min and it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. When this two terrible tropes just die?

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Liar revelaed is particularly annoying for me.

[@AmbitiousSnowflake]

Carol, it's a terrific screenplay that's rarely talked about.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

I loved Carol!

[@mrgrork]

MrGrork: First. Exit Scene Left

[@PleasestopcallingmeDoctorImath]

mrgrork except i was first :(

[@Ayluy]

[pursued by bear]

[@mrgrork]

Mrgrork: Ahh the agony! Here I am, to die by a bear. As I bleed out I remember those memories most fond to me, such as my marriage with the woman I love, Emma, and that time I was first alongside Robotnik. Oh the humanit.... [Dies]

[@arianna8069]

mrgrork a

[@alexp.4270]

I've been telling people for years that this is one of the greatest Romantic Comedies of all time, and this video highlights those reasons perfectly. Thank you for making this. Cannot wait to see what else you do in the future.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Awesome! Glad I could support your arguments :)

[@MrGusty101]

PLEASE DO LOST IN TRANSLATION!!!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

I WANT TO!!!!

[@runxiaoluo7559]

That's an awesome film by Sofia Coppola.

[@theroadtoria]

That movie makes me cry everytime I watch it

[@Ixamontreal]

I have been binge watching your videos for the past two days now and stopping half way simply because your in-depth analysis of the films's screenwritings makes me want to experience the movie first and get a feel for it. So many great movies and great work from your part, conveyed through well structured and well edited bite-sized videos. Absolute fan, keep on keeping on!!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

That’s awesome! Thanks so much!

[@arthurcastellano_dp]

I would love to hear what you think about the writing on before sunrise, before sunset, and before midnight. I REALLY liked the writing on it.

[@natethegreat7821]

I just finished watching this film for the first time 30 minutes ago and it is now in my top 9 films of all time! If you know me personally, you’d know how insane it is that a ROM-COM is one of my favorite films of all time!!!! I’m still blown away. This was a charming film and wonderful story!!!

[@laynereeves406]

The whole idea of a great relationship being built on friendship is sort of like Jim and Pam from the office

[@unstoppablefalse]

You have just the right vocal quality for a program like this. Born to do voiceover.

[@superdupercorp]

Could you do The Last Five Years vs. La La Land? I really enjoy your videos 😊

[@mythserene]

I love that you love this. It’s always been one of my favorites because, as you discovered, it’s just all-the-way good.

[@danhorne1513]

This whole analysis could apply to Annie Hall, right down to "It Had to be You" as the musical thread. I

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

It's true! Very much in the same family.

[@grantmalone]

Not just the same family I'd say - a great deal of When Harry Met Sally seems to be taken directly from Annie Hall. I prefer the later film for various reasons but the influence is huge.

[@bluecollarlit]

greyztone very much Woody Allen influence! And the beautiful NYC settings 😃

[@sophiacadiz8016]

Thank you for breaking down the screenplay cause now I understand better why I absolutely love this film. I've watched a lot of romcom from the late 90s to early 2000s (lots of julia roberts, meg ryan, tom hanks, renee, etc) but this one is my absolute favorite - i love the script and the chemistry between the actors. ❤

[@totoado]

would really love to see you analyzing one of Linklater's work maybe the trilogy

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Absolutely. I feel like this film is somewhat in the same family as those. It's lots of people walking around talking. But I love the trilogy, almost did it for this video. Will definitely do it at some point.

[@totoado]

+Lessons from the Screenplay thanks a lot man, I really love your videos I think "up in the air" would really be great to see you analyzing it

[@thebasket71]

watched the movie just to watch this video- you gave me a reason to watch a film i've been wanting to see for years

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Awesome! That was secretly my goal...to get people that haven't seen this awesome film to go watch it :)

[@MrTheManav]

my mom was like what the hell in that sensual screaming part.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

haha, sorry about that.

[@MrTheManav]

Lessons from the Screenplay great essay btw!!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

thanks!

[@craigjtan]

I love you for doing this movie! It's my favorite RomCom (actually now that I think about it, it's the only RomCom I love) because of the amazing story and dialogue. It doesn't treat the audience as if we're stupid by dictating to us how we should feel during each scene. And even when it did the cliché "realizing that you love the person and then running to him/her to profess your love" scene, it did so in such a clever and grounded way. For years, people have been asking why that cliché even exists but "When Harry Met Sally" actually confronted that very question, making the scene realistic instead of cheesy. Please please do the Before Trilogy by Richard Linklater. The three movies have absolutely amazing writing

[@Kakemonster1898]

Can you do "Closer" starring Natalie Portman and Julia Roberts?

[@joelwilcox5424]

Some of the best dialogue ever put to screen

[@GorillaSammiches]

Any chance fight club is on your to-do list?

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

One of the most requested films, absolutely on my list.

[@Bubblegumslushie]

To say this movie exceeded my expectations is an understatement. 13 going on 30 has always been my favorite romcom and I was opposed to giving this one a chance just cause I felt like it wouldn’t resonate with it being released in the late 80’s. And I was WRONG. I have never watched such charming characters that were so believable that you forget it’s a movie. The chemistry between the two was so natural it’s hard to believe they weren’t together in real life. And the humor genuinely had me laughing out loud and then the next minute, bawling my eyes out. And to my surprise, took the #1 spot of my favorite romcom of all time.

[@shreya446]

there was something just so very poignant and beautiful about romcoms back then, whereas most of them now are just pretentious and painfully self-aware...

[@michellemaloney2059]

I’m so glad you did this movie. This was the first movie my husband and I saw together (kind of) when we were 19 and now we are 50 and still love it.

[@beybladedude12345678]

Can you do blade runner? just watched it the other day for the first time, I thought it was amazing

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Yes! I plan on doing it before the new one comes out.

[@beybladedude12345678]

Lessons from the Screenplay hell yeah! can't wait

[@brenomatos6917]

Man, you're just the best. It's easy to see that you're so passionate about movies, and that's what makes these videos so incredible. Everything about your videos is great. While they're very educational, they are also very entertaining and fun to watch. Congrats

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thanks Breno, I appreciate that! :)

[@zencartii]

Do a LFTS on The Danish Girl!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

I should see that!

[@zencartii]

It's a great movie. I watched it last night, but sadly fell asleep before I got to the end (Long Day). I think a event like this that is based on a true story would make an amazing LFTS.

[@periwatson2089]

I was so happy when I saw this come up in my notifications - Nora Ephron is one of my favourite writers, and When Harry Met Sally is possibly my favourite movie. So glad you did a video on this wonderful film!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Awesome! Yeah, she was a very clever writer.

[@evanryan2873]

I would love to see a video on Shawshank Redemption. Of course I expect this comment to be easily swept away but I hope someone will possibly see this.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

That's a very popular request, definitely on my list! Sorry it took awhile to respond :)

[@evanryan2873]

No need to apologize, also I've noticed you are very receptive to your audience's feedback and show you truly care about what they say. I just wanted to say that since you have clearly took the time to go over just about all of the comments and it's a nice connection between the content creator and the audience I don't see enough of elsewhere.

[@KaHeSk]

Thank you so much for all your videos! I'm a career writer, but have only lately gotten into fiction/screenplays. Your videos are accessible and entertaining. So hard to come by these days.

[@ravenfonsecajensen9986]

what if you looked at the parallels between boyhood and moonlight.

[@smtucker0419]

Haven't seen Moonlight yet, but from what I know of it, that could be very interesting on a couple of levels.

[@TheSiddharthaShow]

You have no idea how much this series and few more from KZbin have inspired me to be a filmmaker

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Awesome

[@grim.hustle]

The convention is not flipped on his head at all! The convention goes like this: meeting, not liking each other, becoming friends, falling in love. The VERY SAME THING happens here, and emotionally and dramaturgically it makes NO difference, if years pass in between.

[@strawberrybunny.2983]

Urban Alchemists lol then how is the conventions flipped over ? Are there any movies or shows that do this ? (( since stuff do feel formulaic romance is something i rarely really like

[@slinnkys5405]

More than any of your videos (although they are fantastic), your viewer interaction is probably best I've ever seen from a youtuber, and it really makes the comments section feel like more of a conversation.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thanks! I try :P I basically reserve most of release day to respond to as many comments as I can. I wish KZbin had a better system for showing when people reply to your comments, though. I think I miss a lot of people's follow-up comments.

[@SergioOsvaldoVA]

Well, you can argue the third act is kind of cliché. However, the entire movie is so good that it can afford it. Still, this is my favorite romantic comedy of all time.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

It's true, by the end it goes where you'd it expect it to. But still good!

[@maitri5265]

It's absolutely heart-breaking for me at the end. Sally said, after the furniture scene, she doesn't do "making love" just for sake of revenge (or filling the emptiness), like Harry. And then, she was still sure and happy before and after making love with Harry; although he was so respectful with her to not leave right away, but he was just scared and wanted to get out ("how long do I have to lie here and hold her before I get up and go home? - Is 30 seconds enough?). And then he just walked away and she was heart-broken after all this time she waited and he was being "pitied". Good thing he finally come with some senses, not because it was New Year and lonely.

[@ItsMichaelReid]

A shame that Meg Ryan did all that plastic surgery

[@haleyannis9009]

I swear, I fall in love with your channel more and more each time I watch it. I wish that you would do a Q&A so we could learn more about the guy behind the video too!

[@Clepston]

When I heard the final words of the main part of the video I actually just shouted "No! Don't be over!" This video is amazing, keep the quality up!

[@SuperKidsCostumes]

Just commenting to say what everyone here is saying in much more eloquent and interesting vernacular, that this is series is truly something special. I just can't get enough. Thank you.

[@matheusazevedoC]

Now I see so many requests of films, and I imagine how you need to analyze, gather all fonts and quotations and much more, and you must have a really great Baggage of knowledge (that you have) to put this all together, aaaaaand editing and more. This should be really hard. And I can see that you want to do a lot more, you're thrilled. Have you ever considered to expand to a team? Hire an Editor and a support for research? I really want you to grow the channel up. It's one of the (if it's not the one) best channels I ever found. Well. Thank you for all. No wonder there are 7 thousands likes against only 27 (they missclicked, obviously)

[@kopotty]

I could easily have watched a half an hour in depth breakdown about script writing on this film. So good. Many thanks for the insights.