Say Anything

This was written and directed by Cameron Crowe, the writer for Rolling Stone, whose own early life is portrayed in the more recent autobiographical film, Almost Famous. Mr Crowe must be a nice guy. Say Anything is about telling the truth and about being true to yourself. The three central characters are honest and decent, true to themselves and each other. John Cusack plays Lloyd Dobler, who is in love with Diane (Ione Skye). Diane’s father, played by John Mahoney, is not too keen on this young man who seems to have no concrete plans for the future. Mahoney is one of the great unsung heroes of the acting profession. He played Frasier Crane’s dad for eleven years and in Say Anything his is the most interesting and complex character. The movie ends on an aeroplane with a lovely touch.