My love for movies has never wavered. Just like music and television shows, they give me inspiration, joy, and comfort. In the end, isn’t that what it is all about?
Psychological thrillers and Romantic Comedies with that touch of Drama are among my favorite genres. When it comes to the latter, Nancy Meyers remains supreme in my heart of hearts—and I did not know until I knew.
She Brings Out My Inner Child
The first Nancy Meyers movie I ever saw was the reboot of the 1961 film titled The Parent Trap, starring Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson, and young Lindsay Lohan.
I knew the 411, the handshake, the importance of October 11—I even tried eating Oreos with Peanut Butter, which to my surprise, was a good combination.
To this day, I never tire of watching the film. From start to finish, it is in a word charming. That is always the word that comes to mind when I think of Nancy Meyers’ movies: they are charming.
Her Versions of Women Rule
My propensity to go down the rabbit hole when something interests me always works to my advantage.
It’s a habit that grew further into my teens. One instance is when I watched the 2003 movie Something’s Gotta Give, another Nancy Meyers masterpiece which I did not know until I looked it up.
The movie takes you on a ride to Jack Nicholson’s character’s journey and perspective on women—and his habit of dating the younger breed—but Diane Keaton’s character stands out effortlessly. She is smart, she is talented, and as Harry (Nicholson) said, Erica (Keaton) is a “tower of strength.”
The same can be said of both Iris and Amanda, characters played by Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz in The Holiday (2006), Jules played Anne Hathaway in The Intern (2015), and Jane played by Meryl Streep in It’s Complicated (2009).
These are characters that have different stories to tell, different relationship statuses, and have different professions. They all have one thing in common though—they’re celebrated, and they always come out triumphant.
The Nancy Meyers Formula
That is one of the things I noticed about her movies, and it’s good. She conveys women’s empowerment in very subtle ways.
From the perfect beach house in Something’s Gotta Give; the beautiful New York house in The Intern, to Amanda’s California home with all the trimmings you’ll need in The Holiday—Nancy shows to her audience that her women are capable and independent.
More than the picturesque setting, each character bears strength, and a certain poise matched with grace that shines through. No matter how old they are or what situation they’re in, there is always room for growth and happiness along with the vulnerability.
When I watched The Holiday, I felt this instant sense of familiarity. It reminded me so much of Nicholson’s and Keaton’s movie. After a quick look online, my gut was right—it was directed by Nancy Meyers. After thoroughly checking out her work (including the movies she has produced and written), I knew then she was a favorite of mine as most of what she is involved in instantly become my favorites. I loved the work before I knew of the maker.
There it was on the screen: the beautiful setting (which is a character in itself), to the strong force of women—it was a signature Nancy Meyers creation.
Always and Forever
To this day, when I need comfort, joy, and inspiration, I turn to works like hers. I will always be a huge fan of Nancy Meyers (I know I am not alone), and I am always on the lookout for what she is going to do next.
I will just be waiting here for the next best thing.