Making Mr. Right

Making Mr. Right is a refreshing blend of comedy and sci-fi, offering a captivating exploration of themes related to romance, technology, and human identity. This 1987 classic stars celebrated actors John Malkovich and Ann Magnuson, brought to life under the direction of Susan Seidelman. Made in the golden age of 80s cinema, this movie combines humor and insightful commentary on romantic relationships seamlessly, utilizing the charm of its star-studded cast efficiently.

Both engrossing and whimsical, Making Mr. Right opens with its leading lady, Frankie Stone (Ann Magnuson), who is a shrewd and talented Public Relations (PR) expert. Frankie, a dynamic, contemporary woman known for her marketing prowess, lands herself an unusual client, Ulysses - a handsome android designed by the eccentric Dr. Jeff Peters, vividly portrayed by John Malkovich. Malkovich, in a double role, delivers an exceptional performance, convincingly embodying two entirely distinct personas.

As a promotional consultant, Frankie is hired to refine Ulysses for an upcoming space launch. The mission is to make Ulysses appear more human and less robotic so that he's viewed as a fitting stand-in for astronauts on long-duration space trips. On this strange yet intriguing journey, Frankie dabbles in reprogramming and adapting Ulysses, aiming to integrate him into society.

A significant part of Making Mr. Right's narrative focuses on the metamorphosis of Malkovich's character, Ulysses, from a simple, rule-guided android to a romantic lead who explores human emotion gradually. As Ulysses develops a more human-like demeanor under Frankie's instruction, he becomes enamored by her. Simultaneously, Frankie starts to appreciate Ulysses' good-hearted innocence, prompting her to reevaluate her romantic preferences that have previously caused her disappointment, thus, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative.

John Malkovich is thoroughly engaging as both the socially awkward Dr. Peters and the artificial yet increasingly human-like Ulysses. He plays the two roles with such effortless versatility that it's easy to forget they're portrayed by the same actor. Meanwhile, Magnuson, as the vibrant and savvy Frankie Stone, delivered a dynamic performance that gives depth and charm to her character.

The film also stars Glenne Headly, who offers a memorable performance as Trish, Frankie's well-meaning but slightly ditzy friend, anchoring the movie's softer, romantic side with her wistful charm. Trish’s character adds a complementary layer to Frankie’s more outwardly strong-minded, career-focused character, providing a nuanced portrayal of female friendships.

The cinematography captures the 80s vibe perfectly – the costumes, sets, and overall visual style throw viewers back into a nostalgic era while keeping us tethered to the futuristic premise at the heart of the film. The script incorporates snappy humor and emotional depth, delivering a thought-provoking narrative tinged with wit and warmth.

Making Mr. Right explores themes such as the intertwining of technology and human emotion, the complexities of romantic relationships, and the struggle of self-discovery. The film portrays a future where a mechanical being can possess human feelings, making viewers reflect on the definition of humanity itself.

In terms of genre, Making Mr. Right straddles science-fiction and romantic comedy. It takes the formula of a screwball comedy and infuses a dash of sci-fi drama, providing an engaging lens on themes related to love, identity, and the human capacity for sentiment and emotion.

From a perspective of romance, Ulysses and Frankie's bond adds a unique spin to the genre, challenging traditional notions of love by presenting a romance between a human and an android. Yet, it takes this theme a step further, exploring the notion of being seen and loved for one's authentic self.

Overall, Making Mr. Right brilliantly blends humor and poignancy, drawing viewers into a story of personal growth and technological advancements, all wrapped up in an unconventional romance. Engrossing performances by Malkovich and Magnuson, coupled with a smart and amusing screenplay, make the film an entertaining piece of cinema worth watching. The movie's delightful quirkiness seeped in 80s charm is very likely to capture viewers’ attention, making for an enjoyable and insightful watch.