-Meg Ryan vehicle that is widely regarded as one of the greatest romantic comedies of all time.
"I was completely swept up in their on-screen chemistry. It made me feel like I wanted to experience a romantic comedy meet-cute for myself," says Kaplan.
(1989).
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This publication came out last year.
We aimed to have her films and directorial work be the main focus of the book," says Kaplan, who currently resides in Brooklyn, New York. "We organized her films by theme, and examined the themes that appeared throughout her work.
The book is more than a thorough account of Ephron's life and career. It is also an openly affectionate tribute to the writer - to her character and imagination, and the subtle sense of hope that characterized her work - even though her own life was marked by unfulfilled love. It is written in a friendly, informal style - and with a very clear fondness for the subject.
Nora was her words," Kaplan writes. "Copy was her currency, whether read on paper or on a screen. Every sharp, witty line is delivered with the brutal honesty of a close friend. It's what made her writing so relatable, so human. Even if you didn't know Nora, she felt like she knew you.
These films are part of a series of movies where Witherspoon plays a character who is struggling with relationships.
A significant portion of her drive and enthusiasm, as well as her capacity to observe life, stems from growing up with two parents who were screenwriters. Her childhood was marked by a chaotic environment, with her parents struggling with addiction and her home often filled with people. As a result, from a young age, she developed a keen eye for observing the glamorous lifestyle that often surrounds Hollywood.
The movie - and its subsequent film of the same name - is semi-autobiographical. It is based on Ephron's failed marriage to acclaimed journalist Carl Bernstein and her discovery of his infidelity when she was pregnant with their second child.
The main character, Rachel Samstat (portrayed by Meryl Streep in the 1986 film), finds herself starting anew as a single mother in New York, exemplifying classic Ephron elements such as perseverance and the capacity to create a second chapter in life.
She discovered the importance of realizing that even if one's romantic life doesn't unfold as expected, it's still possible to have a captivating narrative, and achieve success in both professional and personal domains.
".
One of the aspects that hadn't been examined in such a detailed manner was her influence as a cultural icon. It was essential to discuss her enduring legacy in terms of style, cultural significance, fashion, and cuisine. She was undoubtedly one of the most exceptional food writers of all time. These are all the reasons she remains an integral part of our collective heritage.
In her own unique style, Ephron was regarded as quite the fashion icon: certainly, it is possible to identify a distinct Ephron-like aesthetic in her films.
Cardigans, for sure. Boxed blazers, definitely. Nora's films have played a significant part in nostalgic fashion by both keeping and reviving trends from past eras," Kaplan writes. "And every year, the fashion legacy that Nora established through her work is commemorated with tributes to her characters' style in opinion pieces and Halloween costumes. The emotional connection we all have with clothing is valuable, and Nora understood that - it's why we still get nostalgic about Meg Ryan in a chunky sweater from 1998.
In researching the book, Kaplan found some unexpected findings: including an unproduced Nora Ephron screenplay that has yet to be produced. Additionally, Ephron is said to have written a highly personal cookbook, which she only shared with a select group of individuals.
Although Kaplan may never be able to locate either the script or the cookbook, she finds solace in the fact that she will always have Ephron's movies.
I have a special fondness for romantic comedies, especially during the fall and winter seasons - they've become my unofficial holiday movies. I tend to seek them out when the weather is chilly or I need a comforting, familiar escape.
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