Walking and Talking (1996)

86% of critics liked it
(22 reviews)
65% of users liked it
(2,590 ratings)

A Manhattan woman struggles with loneliness in the face of her best friend's imminent marriage in this well-received independent comedy from first-time writer-director Nicole Holofcener. Amelia (Catherine Keener) feels isolated because her friend Laura (Anne Heche) has been devoting all her time to… More A Manhattan woman struggles with loneliness in the face of her best friend's imminent marriage in this well-received independent comedy from first-time writer-director Nicole Holofcener. Amelia (Catherine Keener) feels isolated because her friend Laura (Anne Heche) has been devoting all her time to preparing for her upcoming wedding. Desperate, she resorts to the unthinkable: dating the nerdy, Fangoria-obsessed clerk at her local video store (Kevin Corrigan). This discouraging encounter, along with some awkward conversations with her former boyfriend, leave her even more depressed and jealous of Laura's good fortune. However, Laura soon reveals that she is having her own doubts about her future. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 23 min.
Directed By: Nicole Holofcener
Genres: Drama, Romance, Comedy

In Theaters: Jul 17, 1996 Wide
On DVD: May 21, 2002
Studio: Miramax

Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
A romantic comedy about NY yuppies, who are always on the telephone, set in the West Village, idealized by Holofcener as a cozy neighborhood with no violence, drugs, or harrassment.
Matt Bailey, Not Coming to a Theater Near You
If any of Nicole Holofcener's films were to appeal to a male audience (or at least provide the fewest squirm-inducing moments to it), it would be Walking and Talking.
Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall
Superbly well made; great performances.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...the main emphisis appears to be on making the characters sound "clever" and "witty."
Clint Morris, Moviehole
An intriguing insight into the big R
Brandon Judell, Critics Inc./America Online
a totally charming, though lightweight, look at a childhood friendship
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A funny and fetching drama about friendships between women.

Read all 7 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Cynthia S

I thought this movie was sweet. I don't get the title, however. I like Catherine Keener quite alot...not sure that I have ever seen a movie with her in it that I didn't like.
Michael G

I don't recall being so filled with hatred when watching a movie. This proves the indie movement wasn't all good.
Daniel P

"Oh my god, this sponge that I'm washing the dishes with is unbelievable... oh my god it smells like a hotdog! It's disgusting... and I can't stop smelling it!" Ok, out of context that line probably isn't very funny, but when I was watching this film… More
"Oh my god, this sponge that I'm washing the dishes with is unbelievable... oh my god it smells like a hotdog! It's disgusting... and I can't stop smelling it!" Ok, out of context that line probably isn't very funny, but when I was watching this film it made me burst out loud with laugher. This film concentrates on the relationship between two best friends, played by Catherine Keener and Anne Heche, and like writer/director Nicole Holofcener's other films, <i>Friends With Money</i> and <i>Lovely & Amazing</i>, the writing and the acting is very sharp. This is probably the strongest of the three films (and it's also the earliest) because unlike the other two we get something of a resolution between the characters, and an actual ending. This is a very witty, heartfelt and realistic film with some surreal lines that just seem perfect to me. Oh, and the cat is adorable.