It has been said that Charles Grodin is a comic genius. It is such because he has this rare ability to create the most awkward and embarrassing moments on the screen. Moments when you actually cringe, mutter OMG and and do a face palm. I believe Ben Stiller has that same ability too (hence the remake) but for me Grodin is in a class by himself. If you appreciate that skill you'll love this film, it is Grodin's magnum opus.
sharejcarpenter, I saw the remake, mainly out of curiousity. Whenever people told me how great it was, they loved it, etc. I always told them "see the original!"
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eddieschwartz, I want to reply, but I don't understand what you are saying. Are you saying jcarpenter is insulting the Grodin one or the remake? I think he's just complimenting Grodin's performance in the original one. Get back to me if I'm missing something.
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eddieschwartz, I definitely think he was just stating his opinion of what a great performance Grodin gave. A compliment in my my opinion. Grodin's performance made this film. For instance, in the scene when he comes back to the room, Lila in bed, telling how he'd been in an accident. Lila (by this time catching on to Lenny's lies...bout time) said "were you really in an accident?" and Lenny, going ballistic, saying "You don't believe me??!!" and pretends to be getting the cop on the phone and Lila "I'm sorry...." Lenny puts phone down, continues to undress, WATCH THE LOOK ON HIS FACE AS HE LOOKS AT LILA. He holds that look for several seconds. Such pain, such outrage at his disbelieving wife and he HAS lied to her. Priceless.
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Also, the scene where Lila tries to make him eat the candy bar...there is a quick scene (watch for it) where he curls his lip and bares his teeth. Also, he make a quick downward motion with his hand and you hear a light slap on his leg (it's out of the frame). He was MAD. Also, in many of his outbursts he clenches a fist, a bad sign. Of course was following director's directione, but I'll bet he added his own touches. I always really disliked Charles Grodin and I think it was because of this movie.
shareZach Galifianakis and Tommy Smothers also have that same ability, but Grodin is king.
shareWell put...agree, agree. Saw this film when it was released in '72 and have grown to treasure it all the more for it's willingness to shamelessly intrude upon cringeworthy characters.