1. AS GOOD AS IT GETS
COMPREHENSION CHECK
Task 1. Watch the movie and make notes on what you learn about the following
characters:
Melvin Udall
– his occupation
– the number of books he has written
– the name of the disorder he suffered from
– examples of his strange behaviour (his habits)
– the first habit that he changed
– the person he requested to help Carol’s son
– the reason he took Simon to Baltimore
– the reason he didn’t take pills
Carol Connelly
– her occupation and place of work
– her son’s illness
– her arguments against accepting Melvin’s help
– the reason she had to write a “thank you” note
– the reason she had to wait for Melvin at the restaurant in Baltimore
Simon
– his occupation
– his style of painting
– the kind of people who posed for him
– the reason he didn’t keep up any kind of relationship with his parents
– the reason he had to stay at Melvin’s apartment
Frank
– the role he played in Simon’s life
– the reason he couldn’t take Simon to Baltimore

2. AS GOOD AS IT GETS
ABOUT MELVIN UDALL
Task 1. Study the following statements, which were said about Melvin by different
people. Try to remember under what circumstances and by whom they were used.
1. “You don’t love anybody Mr. Udall...”
2. “...and I grew my beard back but you are not interested in changes in me...”
3. “What you did changed my life...”
4. “... if there is somewhere a mental health foundation that raises money for people like
you, please, be sure you let me know...”
5. “... all this makes you the most important, surprising, generous person I have ever
met. You will be in our prayers, our daily prayers for ever...”