Love and Other Drugs

Almost every interview that Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway have given to promote their new movie, Love and Other Drugs, has revolved around a single question: “So, how was filming the nude scenes?” And while the sex scenes are certainly abundant, they are also useful—they obscure its overused plot devices and saccharine scenes that we’ve come to expect from romcoms.

The story is based on Jamie Reidy’s book Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman, which chronicles Reidy’s years working for Pfizer during the rise (pun definitely intended) of the male enhancement drug. In the movie, Reidy is present as Jamie Randall (Gyllenhaal), a lovable sleazeball who uses his charisma and bravado to hawk pharmaceuticals. He then meets Maggie Murdoch (Hathaway), a free-spirited artist who is in stage one of Parkinson’s disease. Their initial relationship is based on short, commitment-free trysts, but this is soon replaced by a deeper romantic connection. Trouble comes, however, when Maggie’s disease proves to take a heavier toll on their relationship than expected.

The film falls short in all the typical places, including its recycled characters: Jamie’s charm proves fruitless on Maggie, as she sees the insecure boy beneath his confident exterior. Of course, she will help him realize his potential while simultaneously dropping her own guard. There is the dramatic chase and the ending scene that will tap-dance on your heartstrings.

Despite such a trite plot, the movie is still enjoyable, with brilliant performances by both Gyllenhaal and Hathaway. The many, many sex scenes play out like the actual chemistry between two incredibly good-looking people, not between two actors. Hathaway, in particular, gives an authentic, unlikely face to Parkinson’s and drives most of the movie.

Overall, Love and Other Drugs relies too heavily on the talent of its actors, but it’s satisfying enough for the genre. The focus on Parkinson’s is especially refreshing, as opposed to a farcical premise that plagues most contemporary romantic comedies. If, however, you want to see a story line worthy of these two co-stars, rent Brokeback Mountain, in which, if you recall, they also get naked.