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The Object of My Affection

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The Object of My Affection
The Object of My Affection
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NameThe Object of My Affection
DirectorNicholas Hytner
ProducerLaurence Mark
WriterWendy Wasserstein
Based onThe Object of My Affection, Stephen McCauley
StarringJennifer Aniston, Paul Rudd, Alan Alda, Allison Janney, Tim Daly, John Pankow
MusicGeorge Fenton
CinematographyOliver Stapleton
EditingTariq Anwar
Studio20th Century Fox
Distributor20th Century Fox
Released1998, 04, 17
Runtime111 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$15 million
Gross$46.9 million

The Object of My Affection is a 1998 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by Nicholas Hytner and written by Wendy Wasserstein, adapted from the 1987 novel of the same name by Stephen McCauley. The film explores the complexities of an unconventional relationship set against the backdrop of New York City in the late 1990s. It features an ensemble cast led by Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd, navigating themes of friendship, family, and unrequited love.

Plot summary

The narrative centers on Nina Borowski, a pregnant social worker living in Brooklyn, who invites her new friend, a gay elementary school teacher named George Hanson, to move into her apartment after his relationship ends. As Nina's relationship with her boyfriend, a politically ambitious lawyer named Vince McBride, deteriorates, she and George form a deep, platonic bond. Nina begins to fantasize about raising her child with George as a family, creating tension when he starts a romantic relationship with a handsome actor named Paul James. The story culminates during a chaotic weekend in Southampton, New York, where Nina's sister Constance Miller and her husband Rodney Fraser host a family gathering, forcing all characters to confront their true desires and the boundaries of their relationships.

Cast

The film features a notable ensemble of actors from film, television, and theater. Jennifer Aniston stars as the lead, Nina Borowski, marking one of her first major film roles following her rise to fame on the television series Friends. Paul Rudd portrays the charming and conflicted George Hanson, bringing a nuanced performance that solidified his status as a leading man in romantic comedies. The supporting cast includes Alan Alda as Nina's stepfather, Sidney Miller, a professor; Allison Janney as Nina's acerbic sister, Constance Miller; and Tim Daly as Nina's boyfriend, Vince McBride. Additional key performances are delivered by John Pankow as Rodney Fraser, Steve Zahn as Frank Hanson, and Amelia Campbell as Molly Braverman.

Production

The project was developed by producer Laurence Mark and brought to screenwriter Wendy Wasserstein, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright known for works like The Heidi Chronicles. Director Nicholas Hytner, acclaimed for his work on The Madness of King George, was hired to helm the production. Principal photography took place entirely in New York City, utilizing locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan to authentically capture the late-1990s urban setting. The production design by Jane Musky and cinematography by Oliver Stapleton aimed to create a warm, intimate visual style that contrasted with the emotional complexities of the plot.

Release and reception

The Object of My Affection was released theatrically in the United States by 20th Century Fox on April 17, 1998. It opened against major studio competitors like City of Angels and The Big Hit. The film grossed approximately $46.9 million worldwide against a production budget of $15 million, achieving moderate commercial success. Critical reception was mixed; reviews in The New York Times and The Washington Post praised the performances of Aniston and Rudd but found the screenplay's tonal shifts between comedy and drama uneven. The film later found a broader audience through home video releases and cable broadcasts on networks like HBO.

Soundtrack

The film's musical score was composed by George Fenton, known for his work on films like Dangerous Liaisons and Groundhog Day. The soundtrack album, released by Milan Records, features a mix of original score pieces and popular songs that underscore key scenes. Notable tracks include "The Way You Look Tonight" performed by Tony Bennett, "My Romance" by Lena Horne, and "I'm Old Fashioned" by John Coltrane. The music supervisor was Karyn Rachtman, who had previously curated soundtracks for films such as Reality Bites and Romeo + Juliet.

Category:1998 films Category:American romantic comedy-drama films Category:Films directed by Nicholas Hytner