Love & Other Drugs
To everyone searching the commercials for new, exciting films, you’re searching in all the wrong places. The true treasures of film are always the old ones, little treasures buried in the backyards of the past. “Love & Other Drugs,” directed by Edward Zwick, is a 2010 romantic comedy film I’ve dug up for you, and it’s quite the find, I must say.
The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Jamie Randall and Anne Hathaway as Maggie Murdock, the original dynamic duo from the 2005 epic romantic drama “Brokeback Mountain.” Their love story is based on the non-fiction book “Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman” by Jamie Reidy.
Randall is a player, always has been, always will be, until he meets Murdock. Before then, we see Randall as the fun guy with quick smarts who can sweet-talk his way through just about anything: the characteristics of a great businessman, specifically a pharmaceutical sales representative. Having lost his job at the Pittsburgh electronics store because of his player ways, Randall takes on the pharmaceutical world with an unchanged mentality.
Upon learning that women want doctors, Randall’s attention is immediately grabbed. Smooth talking his way into a fake internship with Dr. Knight (portrayed by Hank Azaria), Randall stumbles upon a check-up with an unrobing Murdock, a young woman suffering from an early onset of Parkinson’s disease. After this scene, both having left the hospital and entered the parking lot, Murdock approaches Randall and wacks him across the head with her heavy, brown purse, taking Randall by surprise, as her actions were definitely not the usual reaction of ladies to Randall. This comedic scene is the onset of their romance. It sets them apart from all the mini events that precede and creates a plotline for an equally powerful love from both sides.
As the movie progresses, we see the two main characters’ deepest struggles as they try to maintain a “hook up” only relationship. Murdock is afraid of getting close to anyone, thinking that her disease would weigh down any love someone had for her. Randall has never loved, never said “I love you,” not even to his mother. Together, they overcome these fears through a love that binds them and knocks down the walls put up on both sides, and this strength and power is perhaps the most touching aspect of their story.
For a while, the couple is “happily ever after,” but soon, Murdock’s condition worsens and her savings dwindle. Meanwhile, Randall is ascending the ladder of the pharmaceutical sales world rungs at a time. To everyone, it seems that he has a future, and she not as much. After attending a Parkinson’s disease convention together, the two leave with very differing perspectives. Murdock is reenergized and happier than ever with her man by her side—all she needs—but Randall is scared. Her condition will worsen and strip her of her emotions and thoughts. The long road ahead would be a difficult one with twists and turns. Despite the close following of a traditional plotline, Randall and Murdock’s love story engages the viewer and engages the difficult experiences surrounding the idea of a perfect couple being torn apart by something as uncontrollable as disease.
Hathaway especially portrays the disease realistically with the shaking of the hands and cries of frustration. Gyllenhaal also dynamically plays his part as the dangerous lover, whose player ways are overlooked by the viewers because of his good looks and pure and cute crumbling of composure in light of falling for Murdock (Hathaway).
This film, even knowing the plot line, is worth the watch. To the romantics out there, this film will definitely tickle your heart, then rip it out, thrust it back in, and pump it for you by hand. It’s that intense. To the less romantic, give it a watch, and maybe you’ll learn a trick or two; you’ll need it. With excellent acting, a great plotline, and many little details that wrench at the heart, “Love & Other Drugs” successfully transmits a love that we’re all looking for, a love that fights. You’re welcome for the treasure. Happy watching and loving!