Mary Allen
Introduction: The Movie "As Good as it Gets"
"As Good as it Gets" is a 1997 romantic comedy-drama film that starred Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, and Greg Kinnear. The movie is about a misanthropic and obsessive-compulsive novelist named Melvin Udall, who develops an unlikely friendship with a gay artist named Simon Bishop and a single mother named Carol Connelly. One of the notable characters in the movie is Verdell, the beloved dog that Simon owns. Verdell’s role in the movie is crucial in showing the softer side of Melvin.
Identifying Verdell: The Beloved Dog
Verdell is a small white dog that has a fluffy coat and a cute face. He is a well-behaved and well-groomed dog that Simon treats like a family member. Verdell is often seen sitting on Simon’s lap or following him around wherever he goes. He is also shown to be affectionate towards Melvin, despite the latter’s initial disdain towards him.
The Appearance of Verdell
Verdell’s appearance in the movie suggests that he is a small breed of dog. He has a white fluffy coat that looks soft and silky, and his ears are slightly droopy. Verdell’s body is compact and well-proportioned, which makes him look cute and cuddly. His breed is never explicitly mentioned in the movie, but his physical features give us some clues as to what type of dog he might be.
The Temperament of Verdell
Verdell’s temperament is gentle, loyal, and affectionate. He is well-trained, and he follows Simon’s commands without hesitation. Verdell is also shown to be calm and patient, even when Melvin initially mistreats him. He is a loving dog that bonds easily with his owners and is always eager to please them.
The Role of Verdell in the Movie
Verdell’s role in the movie is significant in showing the softer side of Melvin. Melvin, who is initially portrayed as a misanthrope, develops an unlikely bond with Verdell, who becomes his source of comfort and companionship. Verdell’s presence in the movie also helps to humanize Simon, who is struggling with a serious illness, and Carol, who is dealing with the challenges of being a single mother.
The Importance of Breed for Verdell’s Character
The breed of dog that Verdell is in the movie is significant in shaping his character. Different breeds have different temperaments, and the filmmakers likely chose a breed that would fit the personality they wanted for Verdell. The breed also influences how the audience perceives Verdell’s appearance and behavior in the movie.
Guessing Verdell’s Breed
Based on Verdell’s physical features, he appears to be a Bichon Frise or a Maltese. Both breeds are small, white, and fluffy, and they have droopy ears. They are also known for being affectionate, loyal, and well-behaved dogs, which matches Verdell’s temperament in the movie.
The Characteristics of Verdell’s Breed
Bichon Frises and Malteses are both small breeds that are known for their fluffy, white coats. They are intelligent, affectionate, and playful dogs that make great companions. Bichon Frises are known for their cheerful and friendly demeanor, while Malteses are known for their sweet and gentle nature.
The Popularity of Verdell’s Breed
Both Bichon Frises and Malteses are popular breeds that are commonly used in movies and television shows. They are known for their cute and cuddly appearance, and their gentle temperament makes them great family pets. Their popularity as movie dogs can be attributed to their charming personalities and their photogenic looks.
The Challenges of Owning Verdell’s Breed
Bichon Frises and Malteses require regular grooming to maintain their fluffy coats. They also need daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. These breeds are also prone to certain health issues, such as dental problems, skin allergies, and eye diseases, which may require regular visits to the vet.
Conclusion: Verdell’s Breed and the Movie Industry
Verdell’s breed may seem like a minor detail in the movie, but it plays a significant role in shaping his character and the audience’s perception of him. Bichon Frises and Malteses are popular breeds in the movie industry because of their cute and cuddly appearance and their gentle temperament. However, owning these breeds comes with its challenges, and potential owners should be aware of these before making a decision. Overall, Verdell’s breed is an essential element in making him one of the most memorable movie dogs of all time.
References: Sources for Verdell’s Breed
- "As Good as it Gets" (1997). Directed by James L. Brooks. Starring Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, and Greg Kinnear. Tristar Pictures.
- American Kennel Club. "Bichon Frise." Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bichon-frise/
- American Kennel Club. "Maltese." Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/maltese/