In Appreciation: Estelle “I’ll Have What She’s Having” Reiner
By Roberta Rosenberg on Oct 30, 2008 in In Appreciation
As copywriters, we’re all about the words. All craft and nuance, what we can’t do is control the delivery. We can’t arch an eyebrow or suggest a smile or drip with sarcasm as we deliver the message.
Oftentimes I wish we could. Imagine how much more effective we’d be if we could actually read our pieces directly to our customers. Consider the passion we’d bring. The excitement we’d generate.
When I did stand-up comedy so much of the funny-factor of my material was how I delivered it. My facial expressions, how I used my hands, even how I dressed (think young, sexy librarian) all mattered to the success or failure of my 20-minute set.
Even mediocre material can be made to sound great in the hands of a master, or in this case, matron.
I learned today that Estelle Reiner, Carl Reiner’s wife and Rob Reiner’s mother, passed away yesterday. Even if you don’t know her name, you’ll know this spectacularly famous clip from Rob Reiner’s classic film, When Harry Met Sally.
No one has delivered a single movie line better. Ever.
Estelle Reiner was an interesting woman in her own right, not just in relation to her husband and son. Check out the link and you’ll discover another show-biz tidbit I bet you didn’t know.
Graham Strong | Oct 31, 2008 | Reply
That’s sad to hear Roberta. Still one of my all-time favourite films — I used to be able to recite the whole script from memory. (Okay, a bit of an exaggeration, but not much…) But then I think many writers probably appreciate the great dialogue in the movie…
Although that was a key scene, and definitely one of the most memorable ones in film history (yes, the “I’ll have what she’s having” definitely helped make it that), I always felt that the scene was a little out of place in the movie. The buttoned-down, kind-of-shy Sally wouldn’t likely make a scene in a busy restaurant like that, especially a scene of a sexual nature.
Perhaps she was feeling confident that day, perhaps the scene was meant to show that she was growing out of her shyness — she certainly seems more confident in herself as the movie progresses. But still, despite how great the scene is in its own right, it is just a little jarring in terms of storyline.
IMHO,
~Graham
Graham Strong’s last blog post..The Art of Perception (Part III): Are Customers Getting The Right Perception of Your Business?
Roberta Rosenberg | Nov 1, 2008 | Reply
I have a college semi-boyfriend who thinks When Harry Met Sally is about us so you can see why I’m a little sweet on the film. As far as thinking the scene is a little out of place, my sense is that Harry’s arrogance needed a little shaking up. Even a shy girl can, well, give it all she has.