The Rewind Movie Podcast

Modern Romance (1981) - Episode 146

The Rewind Movie Podcast · Jul 2, 2026 · 1h 26m

The movie

Modern Romance
The main topic of this episode

Show notes

“One, two, three! And I don't even miss her, two, three! One, two, three! And I don't even miss her, two, three...!” 1970s comedians’ comedian Albert Brooks co-writes and directs his acerbic 1981 relationship comedy-drama sophomore feature Modern Romance . Self-sabotaging film editor Robert (Brooks) arranges a hasty breakup, seemingly the latest of many, from frustrated girlfriend Mary (Kathryn Harrold), before embarking on a sputtering quest to recover from his self-inflicted heartbreak with self-improvement, vitamins, and jogging, and throwing himself into work on a low-budget space adventure for a neurotic director (James L. Brooks). Robert and Mary’s inevitable reconciliation comes with inevitable complications. Subjected to poor audience test card scores, who perhaps expected a whimsical romantic comedy, and a mixed critical reaction, the film initially limped to a box office take that covered only half of its budget. But a cult following soon emerged, including no less an authority than Stanley Kubrick, who praised its insightful depiction of jealousy. Confirmed cult follower Devlin brings Gali on board for a first-time watch, as they talk romantic tropes, genre subversion, and the efficacy of apology by way of talking doll. Get a poster print of this artwork from Devlin’s Teemill store, Dead Penpal . Rewind Movie Podcast merchandise, and shirt designs from some of our favourite films, are available here . If you have a film you’d like the gang to tackle, send us an email at rewindmoviepodcast@gmail.com . For introductions, essays, playlists, and the full back catalogue of episodes and specials, find us at rewindmoviecast.com . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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