As Good as it Gets had several interpersonal relationships that evolved around the main character played by Jack Nicholson. For this presentation I have chosen to elaborate on three of them: the relationship between Melvin Udall (the main character) and his homosexual neighbor, Simon Bishop, and Melvin and his neighbor's friend Frank Sachs, an antique dealer, and the most exceptional and powerful relationship, Melvin and the dog.
Throughout the movie Melvin uses heterosexual language while continually harassing his neighbor, Simon, because of the neighbor's sexual preference, homosexuality. Homophobic language perpetuates cruel images of inadequacy and marginality, which rob all sexual conformists of human dignity. Moreover, employing homophobic language "erases" gay and lesbian people by presuming, contrary to fact, that nearly everyone is heterosexual. In this situation, Melvin chooses to say several derogatory remarks regarding the neighbor's sexuality, even condemning him to a life of purgatory in hell. .
The heterosexual language and self-talk Melvin is using toward Simon is intimidates Simon and makes him feel inadequate while bringing down his morale. Melvin continually tells Simon that his lifestyle is wrong and Melvin's is right. This form of self-talk and criticism is inappropriate and excessive and leads to disconfirmation toward Simon.
Toward the end of the movie Simon has discovered that he is financially broke and has nowhere to live. Simon must face the option of calling his parents for financial assistance, but Simon and his parents are on non-speaking terms. At this point, Simon has a large amount of communication-apprehension towards his parents, and the financial strain and grim future outlook, leads Simon's interpersonal communication with Melvin to change.
Simon has become verbally aggressive toward Melvin and has stopped acting so timid. This is the point of change for the relationship between them.
