IMDb RATING
6.9/10
6.8K
YOUR RATING
A neurotic, twice-divorced sci-fi writer moves back in with his mother to solve his personal problems.A neurotic, twice-divorced sci-fi writer moves back in with his mother to solve his personal problems.A neurotic, twice-divorced sci-fi writer moves back in with his mother to solve his personal problems.
- Awards
- 3 wins & 5 nominations
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaSince she had received no alimony from ex-husband Paul Simon, Albert Brooks asked good friend (and daughter of the movie's star Debbie Reynolds), Carrie Fisher, if she would ask her ex to give Brooks the right to use an adapted version of his famous song "Mrs. Robinson", which had originally been used in the film The Graduate (1967). Both Simon and his equally famous partner Art Garfunkel had previously refused to allow anyone to use their iconic song. For instance, in the early eighties, the duo were offered a lot of money to rework the song for a "Mr. Coffee" commercial. They refused that and all other offers. However, because of his relationship with Fisher, Simon agreed, and the song was rewritten using the name "Mrs. Henderson" instead.
- GoofsThe "original" baseball card that Jeff tells John is worth $50,000 clearly has the words "Reprint Series" visible on the back, which means it wouldn't be worth more than one dollar in 1996.
- Quotes
Beatrice Henderson: I love you.
John Henderson: I know you think you do, Mother.
- SoundtracksMrs. Robinson
by Paul Simon
Special lyrics by Albert Brooks & Monica Mcgowan Johnson (as Monica Johnson)
Performed by Steve Lively & Jess Harnell
Produced by Marc Shaiman
Featured review
A genius on top form
Sometimes, from the endless stream of average movies, comes a gem, this is one such film.
Albert Brooks is impossible to beat if you're looking for character driven comedy, and "Mother" comes second only to another Brooks film, "Modern Romance".
Here we have the story of a science-fiction writer, blocked and fresh from his second divorce. It's the break up with this woman that prompts John Henderson (Brooks) to move back in with his mother, in the hope that solving his life-long problems with her will lead to the solution of his myriad of other problems.
The comedy is brilliant throughout. The scene in his mother's kitchen (food talk) is a contender for the finest comedy scene ever written. And the small things, that other writers neglect, are what make this film a standout: One example is the scene when Brooks' character is attempting to make a start on his next novel; it's truly hilarious, and any telling of its humour hear wouldn't convey the true laugh-out-loud quality of the moment, so just watch the movie.
Albert Brooks and Debbie Reynolds both give perfect performances as the lost and insecure son, and the unsure and uninterested mother, and their chemistry is unique.
An absolute comedy gem, and my second favourite film of all time; second only to "Modern Romance"
Albert Brooks is impossible to beat if you're looking for character driven comedy, and "Mother" comes second only to another Brooks film, "Modern Romance".
Here we have the story of a science-fiction writer, blocked and fresh from his second divorce. It's the break up with this woman that prompts John Henderson (Brooks) to move back in with his mother, in the hope that solving his life-long problems with her will lead to the solution of his myriad of other problems.
The comedy is brilliant throughout. The scene in his mother's kitchen (food talk) is a contender for the finest comedy scene ever written. And the small things, that other writers neglect, are what make this film a standout: One example is the scene when Brooks' character is attempting to make a start on his next novel; it's truly hilarious, and any telling of its humour hear wouldn't convey the true laugh-out-loud quality of the moment, so just watch the movie.
Albert Brooks and Debbie Reynolds both give perfect performances as the lost and insecure son, and the unsure and uninterested mother, and their chemistry is unique.
An absolute comedy gem, and my second favourite film of all time; second only to "Modern Romance"
helpful•282
- kristian3
- Mar 8, 2000
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Details
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $19,145,198
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $137,701
- Dec 29, 1996
- Gross worldwide
- $19,145,198
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