The film version of the popular book Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman by Jamie Reidy, has become Love and Other Drugs in the hands of director Edward Zwick. While purists of the book will note the addition of the Anne Hathaway character, the basic premises of the story remains intactthat of a journey to maturity of a drug salesman whos path coincides with the release of the wonder drug Viagra. Director Zwick, best known perhaps for his groundbreaking work on TVs Thirtysomething, but also for great film work including; Glory, The Last Samurai, Legends of the Fall, Defiance, and Blood Diamond, delivers a more intimate, relationship story here.
Jamie (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a traditional cad, sleeping around and enjoying the benefits of his career with limited likeable characteristics until he meets Maggie (Anne Hathaway), a patient with an unusual medical condition. The ups and downs of their relationship frame the film, which features nuanced performances from Gyllenhaal and Hathaway, along with supporting roles from George Segal and the late Jill Clayburgh as Jamies parents. Rounding out the solid cast is Hank Azaria as the sleazy doctor Stan Knight, and Oliver Platt as Jamies drug salesman pal.
While the film takes viewers along a dual path of pharmaceutical redemption and personal redemption, it is ultimately the power of love that triumphs in the end. A somewhat racy, mature script, with ample nudity, this movie is more than the usual date night film. With nuanced, restrained performances, in a story that could come off as maudlin, this piece is worth seeing for its great writing and performances.
