Nora Ephron: The magic of her words

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 05 July 2012 10:49

For all of us who love movies, the films of Nora Ephron are forever delightful. This week, the Reel Dad remembers what will always make the work of the late writer and director so special on screen.

She wrote, from her heart, with a passion for relationships. No matter the settings or plots in her films, Nora Ephron turned every conversation into a meaningful look at how people relate to each other. With her death last week, Ephron leaves a legacy of marvelous writing in every medium, including some of our favorite films. Here are a few to watch again and cherish.

Silkwood. What could have been a tiresome treatise on the evils of corporate America becomes, in Ephron’s hands, a fascinating look at a woman trapped by events beyond her control. For every scene where Ephron reveals what Karen Silkwood tries to confront — as she reveals her employer’s secrets about nuclear waste — the writer balances with a sharp look at this woman’s life. We feel the sadness as Silkwood visits her estranged children, her confusion over her long-term partner, and the support she receives from friends. With Meryl Streep delivering an incandescent performance, Silkwood is the jewel of Ephron’s portraits.

Sleepless in Seattle. What could have been a predictable journey into a lonely man’s redemption becomes, in Ephron’s hands, a touching portrait of the deep love between a father and his son. That the son wants his widowed father to be happy touches us, the steps he takes to find dad a mate make us laugh, and how two people ultimately find each other warms our hearts. What makes the film fun, of course, are the many salutes to romantic films of the past, especially An Affair to Remember.

When Harry Met Sally. What could have been a familiar take on the challenges of romance becomes, in Ephron’s hands, a meaningful examination of what it takes for a relationship to thrive. Rather than recreate the plot progression of a sitcom, Ephron wisely lets these friends discover for themselves how they really feel about each other. Of course, the classic scene at the delicatessen is a comic movie classic.

Julie and Julia. What could have been a disjointed look at the celebrated chef and a woman who idolizes her becomes, in Ephron’s hands, a rich view of how the passion for food can connect people across boundaries and generations. Central to the film’s appeal is the loving relationship that Julia Child experiences with her husband, a union of balance, sharing and mutual support. Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci make us want to invite these wonderful people over for dinner, even if we have to do the cooking.

Heartburn. What could have been a whining recap of a doomed relationship becomes, in Ephron’s hands, an inspiring look at a woman’s determination to survive romantic disappointment. That Ephron based the novel and the screenplay on her failed marriage to journalist Carl Bernstein gives the film a certain gossip appeal. But it’s the wise observations of how partnerships can fail, clearly penned by a woman who has been there and back, that give this film an appealing honesty. The marvelous Meryl Streep delivers another delicious performance.

You’ve Got Mail. What could have been one more rendition of a familiar story — first told on film in the 1940s in The Shop Around the Corner — becomes, in Ephron’s hands, a lovely comedy about two people who dare to overlook each other’s flaws. Today the idea of people meeting online happens every day; only in the movies (especially in 1998) could it feel so unique. Ephron brings life to every moment, especially those showing Meg Ryan’s love for her quaint bookstore. 

Our hearts go out to Ephron’s family. All of us who cherish her view of the world savor the words that emerged from her heart. Thank goodness her many films, as well as her books and articles, preserve the passion she brought to our world.