i saw this film back in 1980/81 when it be first release and like it a lot then . now have see it again recently and and it still hold up . there be a certain joy of life depict in this film that be in some way also bittersweet ( and yet refresh ) . what be sad in some regard now be the realization upon see it again that the era of life portray here be now go from the collective american psyche to some extent . that isn not to say the film be date per se . it just that melvin isn not cynical at all and he doesn not seem to have a hateful bone in his body . he neither a wimp nor a man of intellect but someone whose basic humanity emanate . what help the film and too and be the pairing of actor paul lemat a melvin and and mary steenburgen a melvin wife and linda they be an endearing couple . i attribute the film memorable tone and spirit to not only the actor ( include jason robards and some of the support cast ) i like to believe that director and jonathan demme and put his stamp on this and too . now in retrospect be learn that the writer ( bo goldman ) probably deserve some kudos .