MovieChat Forums > The Odd Couple (1968) Discussion > It Could Not Be Better

It Could Not Be Better

posted 21 years ago by kevincahill2002
40 replies | jump to latest

This is, without a doubt, one of my favourite films. It is perfect in every way.

The casting is supurb (although originally Lemmon and Matthau were to have played each others roles.....imagine that Lemmon as Oscar).

The script is immaculate. The timing of the lines is perfect.

The supporting cast are breathtakingly original and fresh.

Direction is invisible and the music just unforgettable.

[–] DAMAGER7750 21 years ago

I couldn't agree more, this is one of my favorites too. The chemistry of Lemmon and Matthou is perfect and the film itself is timeless.

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[–] sammysue 21 years ago

PERFECT.

[–] Culpepper11 20 years ago

Yes...PERFECT.

I love Spock

[–] gh-hagi 20 years ago

When you guys say "perfect", you actually refer to that movie where Matthau was a sportswriter and Lemon a neurotic? If so, dear friends, that means something's wrong with me. The only time I smiled was when the Pigeon sisters were invited over for dinner. Not even one good laugh during the whole movie. Looks like I have a twisted sense of humor, since I find this movie BORING, while everybody else finds it "perfect".

[–] EmAn1213 20 years ago

You don't think it's funny?! I think it's hilarious, but maybe in a more subtle way, like just some of the looks Oscar gives Felix when he's tidying up or something, or the way Felix seems constantly uncomfortable.

Even if you don't find a lot of humor in it, I think it still has a lot of value otherwise.

"What do you call that hairstyle you're wearing?" "Arthur."

[–] galltin 19 years ago

Perfect , side splittingly funny movie.

[–] beresfordjd 19 years ago

What are you -6?

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] misspaddylee 19 years ago

The poker game scene ( I got brown sandwiches and green sandwiches ) is perfectly executed and a joy to watch. I compare it to the chariot race in Ben Hur. If you are channel surfing and come across it you just have to watch.

You can lead a horse to water, but a pencil must be lead.

[–] BeatlesBabies 19 years ago

Fantastic movie.

[–] BreeInAZ 18 years ago

yeah, Paddy... that was perfectly directed, acted and especially, edited. I agree... that is a scene worth watching over and again, especially if you have any theater background... it felt like perfect theater. Wish I could have seen these two on Broadway... wow.

Ted in Gilbert, AZ

[–] YankeeDood 18 years ago

I admit most of the hunour is "dry", but i loved it too. Nobody could ever play Felix and Oscar the way these two did. Lemmon and Mathau are natural comedians.

-L31

[–] RT Firefly 19 years ago

I saw this last night and must agree. It is a flawless movie. The cast is perfect. Is there a bad actor anywhere in the film? Even the smallest part such as the hotel clerk in the opening scene eating a slice of pizza while he checks Felix in is excellent. Probably the best comedy screenplay ever. Nothing is as solid as the Odd Couple, line for line.

I am sure this has been brought up, but what a crime it is that this is not in the IBDB top 250. It's in my top 10!

[–] Wayner50 19 years ago

I agree wholeheartedly, and as for the posting for a remake, I say don't mess with success, remake a piece of junk and make it better instead of ruining a classic. The cast is pretty near perfect, even down to the walkons.

[–] ijones-9 19 years ago

This is one of the best film adaptations of a stage play ever made...this is a textbook on how to take a play to the big screen. Everything works here.

[–] perrymehta1 18 years ago

THE MOVIE IS PERFECT EXCEPT FOR ONE SMALL THING:

THE SCENE WHERE THERE PLAYING POKER:

MURRAY: HOW MANY CARDS U GOT 4?
SPEED: YES MURRAY WE ALL HAVE FOR CARDS IF U GAVE US ONE MORE WE'D ALL HAVE 5 IF U GAVE US 2 MORE WE'D ALL HAVE 6. U UNDERSTAND HOW IT WORKS NOW?

IT SHOULD'VE BEEN 7 NOT 6. THE MOVIE IS GOOD EXCEPT FOR THAT ONE MINOR THING!!!!!!!!!!!

CAN'T BELIEVE NO ONE NOTICED THAT!!!!!!!!!

[–] nb_nugget 18 years ago

What? If they had 4 cards and he gave them one more it would be 5. If they had 4 cards and he gave them two more it would be six. How is that wrong?

[–] perrymehta1 17 years ago

nb:

sorry. just got it.

[–] Kaspar_Hauser 19 years ago

At the risk of sounding unoriginal: this movie smokes! Everyone should see it.

[–] mr_velvetvoice 18 years ago

For as long as I can remeber, this has been one of my all time favorite comedies. Perfect script, perfect cast and good direction makes it unbeatable.

[–] lakerfan2077 18 years ago

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought this movie was superb...one of my favorites!

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] anneandwalt-1 18 years ago

I can't believe this movie only gets 7.6. It remains timeless and fresh. Perfect indeed.

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] deepman24 18 years ago

One of my favorites, there is no way movies like " Sideways" or " Midnight Run" could ever have been made if not for this one.

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Goddamnit, lady, you don't throw oranges on an escalator

[–] customX13 18 years ago

Simply a masterpiece.

[–] Vern_McIlhenney 18 years ago

Just like to add my own little 'this movie is a slice of comic genius' post.

Not every heel was in Germany and Japan.