Life and Art from FT Weekend

Comfort watch: Something’s Gotta Give (2003)

Jan 12, 2024

In this podcast, the hosts discuss the classic rom-com 'Something's Gotta Give', exploring its themes of loneliness, relationships, and the evolving portrayal of older women in film. They also touch on the correlation between screenplays and divorce rates, online dating for older people, and the cultural impact of underrated filmmakers. Additionally, they express a desire for more comedy in culture and discuss their disappointment with the Peloton exercise craze.

28:12

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Quick takeaways

Something's Gotta Give challenges traditional notions of romance by depicting a love affair between a woman in her 50s and a man in his 60s, highlighting the exploration of vulnerability, self-discovery, and the desire for companionship.

The film celebrates Nancy Meyers' ability to bring relatable characters and heartfelt stories to the screen, emphasizing the importance of supporting filmmakers who prioritize storytelling, character development, and challenge stereotypes.

Deep dives

Love, Aging, and Rom-Coms

This podcast episode delves into the 2003 rom-com film Something's Got to Give, directed by Nancy Meyers. The panelists discuss the representation of love, aging, and gender roles in the film. They explore how it challenges traditional notions of romance by depicting a love affair between a woman in her 50s and a man in his 60s. The film's exploration of vulnerability, self-discovery, and the desire for companionship is highlighted, along with the impact of societal expectations on men and women as they age.

Introduction

2min

Exploring the Themes and Characters of 'Something's Gotta Give'

15min

Correlation Between Screenplays and Divorce Rates, Changing Depiction of Old People in Movies

2min

Online Dating, Aging, and the Changing Perceptions of Love and Relationships

4min

The Cultural Impact of an Underrated Filmmaker and a Call for More Adventurous Fashion

3min

Longing for More Comedy and a New Exercise Fad

3min

This week, as we enter the depths of January, we return to an old comfort classic: the 2003 Nancy Meyers romcom Something’s Gotta Give, starring Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson. In it, two middle-aged people fall in love, but only after one heart attack, two younger lovers, some unexpected midnight pancakes and ample bickering. Does the movie still work today? How has the way we depict aging in film changed? And do we miss Nancy Meyers movies? Joining Lilah is comedian Negin Farsad, host of the podcast Fake the Nation, and FT senior corporate finance correspondent Eric Platt. This is one of his favourite movies.

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We love hearing from you. Lilah is on Instagram @lilahrap. You can email the show at lifeandart@ft.com.

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Links (all FT links get you past the paywall):

– Something’s Gotta Give (2003) is available to rent on streaming services

– You can find Negin’s podcast Fake the Nation wherever you listen, or here: https://headgum.com/fake-the-nation

– Here’s a recent piece she wrote about a magic mushroom retreat in Jamaica: https://www.afar.com/magazine/what-a-mycomeditations-magic-mushroom-retreat-is-really-like

– Eric writes about corporate finance for the FT. You can find his most recent piece here: https://on.ft.com/4220z12

– Negin is on X at @NeginFarsad.

– You might also like our conversation with the author Curtis Sittenfeld about romcoms and her novel Romantic Comedy: https://on.ft.com/48RggtW

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Special FT subscription offers for Life and Art podcast listeners, from 50% off a digital subscription to a $1/£1/€1 trial, are here: http://ft.com/lifeandart

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Original music by Metaphor Music. Mixing and sound design by Breen Turner and Sam.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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