Blank Check with Griffin & David When Harry Met Sally... with Dana Stevens
Jun 7, 2020
Dana Stevens, a film critic and Slate podcaster known for her insight on pop culture, joins the discussion on the iconic When Harry Met Sally. They explore how the film shaped rom-coms and Ephron's career. What makes Billy Crystal so charming? They dive into the chemistry between Crystal and Meg Ryan, the film's low-concept brilliance, and the unforgettable New Year’s monologue. Plus, they examine the film's nostalgic New York setting, iconic food scenes, and the larger question: can men and women truly be friends?
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A Script That Defined Modern Rom‑Coms
- When Harry Met Sally's script is deceptively influential: it's been endlessly copied but rarely matched.
- Griffin and David argue its dialogue-driven structure set the rom-com mold for decades.
Ephron's Literary Path To Hollywood
- Nora Ephron's career transitioned from celebrated journalist and novelist into a Hollywood screenwriter through personal, high‑profile work.
- Her novel Heartburn and work with Mike Nichols launched her film career despite mixed early reviews.
Low Concept, High Return
- When Harry Met Sally functions as a low‑concept movie that succeeds through character and dialogue, not plot gimmicks.
- That low‑concept focus gives space for sustained two‑hander chemistry between the leads.
