Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- sardonic
- witty
- confrontational
- date night
- adult comedy night
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a darkly funny, confrontational romantic comedy rich in sharp observations about human behavior.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Robert repeatedly breaks up with and reconciles with Mary while displaying irrational jealousy and self-centered behavior.
Robert's work as a film editor and his collaboration with Jay on a cheesy science-fiction movie provide an industry-centered comic thread.
The film builds its comedy around pithy observations, disruptive romantic behavior, and the couple's inability to settle into a stable pattern.
Robert's jealousy and disruptive antics continually undermine his relationship with Mary despite his desire to remain connected to her.
Films like Modern Romance, and why
Annie Hall
neurotic romantic conflict, sardonic humor, and candid observation of self-sabotaging relationships
Broadcast News
wry relationship comedy centered on insecurity, obsession, and emotionally complicated reconciliation
Husbands and Wives
sharp adult romantic comedy with anxious protagonists and confrontational examinations of intimacy
Movie Details
- Director
- Albert Brooks
- Release Date
- 1981-03-13
- Runtime
- 93 min
- Rating
- 6.8 / 10 (101)
Cast
- Albert Brooks
- Kathryn Harrold
- Bruno Kirby
- James L. Brooks
- Bob Einstein
- Jane Hallaren
- Albert Henderson
- Meadowlark Lemon
- George Kennedy
- Tyann Means
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Modern Romance about?
- A film editor’s jealous, stop-start romance becomes a sharply funny study of insecurity, control, and the difficulty of living with another person.
- What is Modern Romance like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Modern Romance as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Modern Romance violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Modern Romance.
- What did critics think of Modern Romance?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a darkly funny, confrontational romantic comedy rich in sharp observations about human behavior.
- Which films are like Modern Romance?
- Films with a similar feel include Annie Hall, Broadcast News, and Husbands and Wives.
- How long is Modern Romance?
- Modern Romance runs 93 minutes.
- Where can I watch Modern Romance?
- In United States, Modern Romance streams on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
