The Truth About Cats & Dogs
| The Truth About Cats & Dogs | |
|---|---|
 The movie poster. |
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| Directed by | Michael Lehmann |
| Produced by | Cari-Esta Albert |
| Written by | Audrey Wells |
| Starring | Janeane Garofalo Uma Thurman Ben Chaplin Jamie Foxx |
| Music by | Howard Shore |
| Cinematography | Robert Brinkmann |
| Editing by | Stephen Semel |
| Distributed by | 20th Century Fox |
| Release date(s) | April 26, 1996 |
| Running time | 97 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | Unknown |
| Box office | $34,073,143 (USA) |
The Truth About Cats & Dogs is a 1996 American romantic comedy film, starring Janeane Garofalo, Uma Thurman, Ben Chaplin, and Jamie Foxx. It was directed by Michael Lehmann and written by Audrey Wells. The original music score was composed by Howard Shore.
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[edit] Plot summary
Abby Barnes (Garofalo) is a veterinarian, who hosts a Los Angeles radio show called "The Truth About Cats and Dogs." The use of this as the title of the film also suggests the combative nature of male-female romantic relationships. Abby strikes up an unexpected friendship with her neighbor Noelle Sluslarsky (Thurman), a traditionally attractive model who is sweet, but not very sharp. When Abby makes a blind date with a caller to her show, Brian (Chaplin), her insecurity with her own appearance leads her to persuade Noelle to pretend to be Abby when meeting the date. Unfortunately, both women develop feelings for the man, leading to a comedic series of misunderstandings, as the unintended consequences of their deception grow deeper.
Eventually, all three meet in Abby's place but not before Brian discovers a flyer with Abby's name and picture on it. A guessing game between him and the ladies ensues, and finally Brian discovers that Noelle is 'dumb and beautiful' while Abby is 'smart and...' He doesn't finish the sentence but both ladies get the drift. Disgusted, Brian walks out and does not return, despite Abby calling out to him.
Abby meets up with Brian in a bar and tries to explain, and admits why she wasn't honest about herself to him. Brian agrees, and Abby leaves. Months later, Brian decides to give Abby a chance and sends his dog to fetch her from her radio show, which stuns her. She cuts her program short, and allows the dog to guide her to a park, where Brian is waiting for her. They chat, and Brian and Abby reconcile and decide to give it one more shot.
[edit] Notes
Although the film was a decent commercial success, Garofalo was very unhappy about the film, calling it "anti-feminist," and virtually disowning it.[citation needed]
Coincidentally, several years later, Garofalo would become a radio talk show host for real (something she'd maintained for years in interviews that she wanted to do), as she co-hosted The Majority Report on Air America Radio.
[edit] Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Janeane Garofalo | Abby Barnes |
| Uma Thurman | Noelle Slusarsky |
| Ben Chaplin | Brian |
| Jamie Foxx | Ed |
| James McCaffrey | Roy |
| Richard Coca | Eric |
| Stanley DeSantis | Mario |
| Antoinette Valente | Susan |
| Mitch Rouse | Bee Man |
| David Cross | Male Radio Caller (voice) Bookstore Man |
| Mary Lynn Rajskub | Female Radio Caller (voice) |
| Bob Odenkirk | Bookstore Man |
[edit] Reception
The film has a 83% 'fresh' rating at Rotten Tomatoes.[1]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- "The 'Truth' About Stardom", a 1996 Entertainment Weekly article about Garofalo, Thurman, and the making of The Truth About Cats & Dogs.
- The Truth About Cats & Dogs at the Internet Movie Database
- The Truth About Cats & Dogs at AllRovi
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