Just Tell Me What You Want

Watch Just Tell Me What You Want

"Anything - and everything - can be a weapon in the war between the sexes."
  • R
  • 1980
  • 1 hr 53 min
  • 5.4  (741)

Just Tell Me What You Want is a romantic comedy film from 1980 directed by Sidney Lumet. The movie tells the story of Max Herschel (Alan King), a successful and wealthy business executive who has everything he wants in life, except for one thing: a beautiful, younger mistress. When he spots Vicki Grant (Ali MacGraw), a talented and ambitious young woman, he sees in her the perfect fit for his lifestyle.

Vicki is a young woman working as a producer for a TV network. She is intelligent, driven and determined to make it in the business world. When she meets Max, she is at first put off by his aggressive attentions, but she quickly realizes that he can help her achieve her professional dreams. Soon, Vicki becomes Max's newest mistress, but their relationship isn't all happiness and roses.

While Max is enamored with Vicki, he is also frustrated by her ambition and drive. He wants her to be there for him whenever he needs her, but she is constantly working, taking calls and meetings, and otherwise pursuing her own goals. As their relationship progresses, Vicki begins to feel suffocated by Max's neediness, while Max becomes increasingly jealous of her professional success.

Things come to a head when Max decides to produce a new TV show starring Vicki, but when he interferes with her creative process, she stands up to him and asserts her own vision for the show. This drives a wedge between them, and soon they are no longer the happy couple they once were.

The movie also features a strong supporting cast, including the legendary Myrna Loy as Max's wise and witty secretary and Dina Merrill as Max's loyal and loving wife. The film explores themes of power, ambition, success, and love, and is a funny, witty and engaging portrayal of life in the fast lane.

One of the key strengths of the film is its excellent performances from its leads, particularly Ali MacGraw, who shines in the role of Vicki. She deftly balances her character's tough, driven exterior with her softer, more vulnerable side, making her a character that audiences can root for and identify with.

Similarly, Alan King is superb as Max Herschel, skillfully portraying all of his character's flaws and contradictions while still making him a likable and interesting figure. He is at once charming and domineering, romantic and selfish, and King navigates these extremes with ease, making Max a complex and fascinating character to watch.

Overall, Just Tell Me What You Want is a smart and enjoyable movie that combines a sharp script with great performances to create a memorable and entertaining film. Its exploration of themes such as power, love, and ambition is both thought-provoking and amusing, and the film remains a must-see for fans of romantic comedies and character-driven dramas alike.

Just Tell Me What You Want is a 1980 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.

Just Tell Me What You Want
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Where to Watch Just Tell Me What You Want
Just Tell Me What You Want is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Just Tell Me What You Want for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1980
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 53 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.4  (741)
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