All day I've had this melancholy feeling. I learned last night that Nora Ephron (writer, director, journalist) had died and the significance of this event for me took a few hours to sink in.
The movies of Nora's that I've seen (today I've learned there are many I haven't seen, something that will change soon) have been my favorites for years. So, I've spent a lot of today remembering them, and as a result remembering Nora: a woman I never met (would have never had a reason to), but whom I still feel I know in some way.
Thinking about my favorite Nora Ephron movies brings up a lot of things. So many that to include all of them in one blog post would be cruel to any reader who stumbles upon it. So, instead I've managed to pull my favorite scenes and favorite lines from each.
WHEN HARRY MET SALLY
Favorite Scene: "Waiter, there is too much pepper on my paprikash."
When people talk about this movie the restaurant scene usually gets the limelight. I'm not saying that limelight is not deserved, but for me the scene above is my favorite. Just say the words "pepper" or "pecan pie" to me and I'll quote the whole thing. Seriously, don't tempt me.
Favorite line: Sally responds to Harry's sweet confession of love. "You see? That is just like you, Harry. You say things like that, and you make it impossible for me to hate you. And I hate you Harry. I really hate you."
Awww see when Sally says "hate" she really means love.
SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE
Favorite Scene: Annie peels an apple
It's rare that I remember the first time I saw a movie. It seems, though, not so rare for Nora Ephron movies. With Sleepless in Seattle I always think of this scene. For starters, it was the first time I had ever heard the song In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning so, clearly, my life was forever changed. Secondly, I remember watching Annie peel her apple and was impressed and wished I could do it too (I've tried. I can't.). My other favorite part is of course when Sam says that her apple peeling skills was one of the things he loved about his late wife. They were so MFEO.
Favorite Line: Sam talking about grieving his late wife. "Well, I'm gonna get out of bed every morning... breathe in and out all
day long. Then, after a while I won't have to remind myself to get out
of bed every morning and breathe in and out... and, then after a while, I
won't have to think about how I had it great and perfect for a while."
YOU'VE GOT MAIL
Favorite Scene: Sick Kathleen
Many movie lovers have a film I refer to as their "sick movie". That movie they watch when they're feeling ill. You've Got Mail is mine because of this scene. Tell me, has Meg Ryan ever been more adorable? And I agree, daisies are the friendliest flower.
Favorite Line: Kathleen writing to NY152. "Sometimes I wonder about my life. I lead a small life - well, valuable,
but small - and sometimes I wonder, do I do it because I like it, or
because I haven't been brave? So much of what I see reminds me of
something I read in a book, when shouldn't it be the other way around?"
I wonder the same about my life often, except instead of books I am reminded of movies. Thanks, Nora, for putting the concept so eloquently into words.
Fantastic write-up, honoring Nora's work! I'll have to watch Julie & Julia tonight. She truly had complex, burdened characters, writing both men and women with ease.
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