Heartburn (1986)
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A food writer and a political columnist navigate the complexities of marriage and infidelity in the high-stakes world of Washington, D.C.
The story
Manhattan food writer Rachel Samstat and Washington, D.C., political columnist Mark Forman meet at a mutual friend's wedding. Despite Mark's reputation as a serial womanizer, Rachel becomes involved with him. Following a whirlwind courtship, the two decide to marry in a New York City apartment. Although Rachel initially has reservations, she is eventually persuaded by friends and family to proceed with the ceremony. After moving into a dilapidated townhouse in Washington, she struggles to adapt to the demands of political high society while dealing with the stresses of home renovations and the complexities of their burgeoning life together.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
After marrying Mark and moving to Washington, Rachel becomes pregnant and gives birth to a daughter, Annie. During her second pregnancy, she discovers Mark is having an affair with a socialite named Thelma Rice. Rachel leaves him and moves back to New York with their daughter. Despite her claims of leaving him for good, she remains in contact with him. After a series of events, including a burglary and a period of reconciliation, she discovers he is still involved with Thelma. The tension culminates when she discovers he bought a luxury necklace for Thelma. During a dinner party, Rachel confronts Mark about his infidelity by shoving a key lime pie in his face and leaves him for good with both children.
- First release year
- 1986
- Runtime (minutes)
- 109
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Mike Nichols
- Writers
- Nora Ephron · screenplay
- Cast and characters
- Meryl Streep · Rachel Samstat; Jack Nicholson · Mark Forman
- Genres
- romantic comedy-drama
- Themes
- infidelity; marriage; motherhood
- Tone and mood
- bitter; somber
- Premise and plot tags
- romance; drama; biographical; journalism
- Source material / true-story basis
- Nora Ephron's 1983 novel
- Reception
- The film received mixed reviews, with critics praising the performances but criticizing the script's lack of focus and depth.
- Awards and nominations
- Grammy · album · nominated
- Production trivia
- Jack Nicholson replaced Mandy Patinkin after a day of shooting.; The film features music by Carly Simon, including the hit 'Coming Around Again'.; The film is based on a semi-autobiographical account of Nora Ephron's marriage.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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