Part of what made this film-watching experience so enjoyable for me was watching Steve Martin take such an active role in producing his own creative vision. Knowing ahead of time that the film was an adaptation of Martin’s own novella, I was almost more interested in how Martin envisioned and enacted his own role in making this film than his actual dramatic performance. Steve Martin was a childhood favorite in our house, and I think this film showcases a very different and much more mature side of this actor than I was expecting to find. Martin creating his own voice through his portrayal of Ray Porter and as narrator of the film were just a lot of fun for me to see.

Danes and Schwarzman were also a lot of fun—the metamorphosis of their relationship from exceedingly awkward to refined and eloquent was brilliantly executed! Really, really just a pleasure to watch.