“Happy Thank You More Please”

After waiting nine months to see the film, the day finally arrived. I heard that it was playing when I turned on my radio right in the middle of an interview with the writer, director, producer and star (one of them anyway) of the film, Josh Radnor.

When last we met in September, Josh had just finished a one night fund raising screening of his movie and was on his way to promote the film at a festival in San Sebastian (Spain) while we were off to Venice, where yet another prestigious film festival was underway as well.

Suffice it to say, it was well worth the wait. The movie was everything I expected and more. There are so many memorable bits of dialogue it's hard to quote them all. Th e music, casting, cinematography, and just about everything was done expertly, and Josh and the crew definitely deserved the audience award at Sundance (Film Festival).

The movie reminded me a little of other generational films like “Singles” and “Reality Bites,” 'but less self-absorbed' my husband said. Both of those were about people in their 20's struggling to define themselves and make their way in the world. They were to the 90's what this movie is to whatever they're calling this decade.

During the Q & A session following the film I had a chance to ask Josh the following question, “What movies and filmmakers influenced and inspired you?” He replied that, as unusual as it might seem, he's not much of a movie buff and instead prefers to read. The reason being, he explained, is because “movies are such a commitment (of time), and often don't pay off in the end, whereas with a book you can just set it down and walk away.” Thinking about it, he said some of his favorite films were by Richard Linkletter like “Dazed and Confused,” or “Before Sunset” and “Before Sunrise.” “For some strange reason I could just watch both of those on a continuous loop” he said. He said “Tootsie” was the main reason for liking NYC and dressing like a woman (just kidding about that last part he said). He also mentioned “Broadcast News” and “Network” as films he's enjoyed as well.