Best Friend (film)

Best Friend is a 1981 American romantic comedy film directed by Noel Black and starring Jill Clayburgh and Michael Murphy.

The film follows Erica (Jill Clayburgh), a successful Hollywood screenwriter known for her independent and feminist-leaning works, and Larry (Michael Murphy), her close platonic male friend who is a film director. They decide to get married, believing that their deep friendship and professional compatibility will translate into a successful romantic partnership.

However, their marriage quickly faces challenges. The film explores the difficulties of transitioning from a platonic relationship to a romantic one, highlighting the differences in expectations, communication styles, and the impact of societal pressures. Erica and Larry struggle to navigate the complexities of marriage and discover whether their friendship can survive the strain of romantic involvement.

The film features a supporting cast including Ann Wedgeworth, Marian Mercer, and Richard Whiting. While Best Friend explores common themes of love, marriage, and relationships, it received mixed reviews upon its release and is not considered a major work within the romantic comedy genre.