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Modern Romance is a 1981 American comedy-drama film directed by and starring Albert Brooks. The movie serves as a commentary on the complications of modern relationships and the difficulty of finding true love. The story revolves around Robert Cole, a film editor working in the cut-throat world of the movie industry in Los Angeles. When the movie begins, Robert has just broken up with his long-time girlfriend, Mary, and is trying to move on with his life. Despite his best efforts, Robert finds himself unable to get over Mary, and he begins to obsessively pursue her once again. Along the way, he enters into a series of failed relationships, each one more complicated than the last.

The film explores themes of insecurity, communication breakdowns, and self-sabotage. Robert's inability to express his emotions in a straightforward manner leads to a series of misunderstandings with the women he dates, and his obsessive tendencies make him appear emotionally unstable. At times, the film veers into darkly comic territory as Robert's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and desperate.

Brooks' performance as Robert is one of the highlights of the movie. He perfectly captures the character's neuroses, making him both sympathetic and frustrating to watch. His chemistry with actress Kathryn Harrold, who plays Mary, is palpable, and their scenes together are some of the film's most poignant.

The movie is also notable for its insightful depiction of Hollywood culture. Robert's job as a film editor provides a backdrop for commentary on the movie industry, as well as a source of humor as Robert struggles to perfect a scene involving a violent car chase.

Throughout the film, Brooks employs a unique brand of observational humor that will be familiar to fans of his other work. His deadpan delivery and ability to find humor in the mundane combine to create a story that is both relatable and absurd.

Despite being over 30 years old, Modern Romance's themes of love, insecurity, and communication breakdowns still resonate with audiences today. Its commentary on the difficulty of navigating modern relationships is as relevant now as it was in the 1980s.

In conclusion, Modern Romance is a smart and funny comedy-drama that explores the intricacies of modern relationships. Albert Brooks delivers a standout performance as the emotionally stunted Robert, and his commentary on Hollywood culture adds another layer to the film. With its blend of humor and insight, Modern Romance is a must-see for anyone interested in the complexities of love and relationships.