Nora Ephron was responsible for helping the romantic comedy genre reach its potential in the world of film. It was just a shame that they all couldn’t be written by her.
Sure, Nora wrote much more than Rom-Coms for the screen–what most guys refer to as chick flicks–though that may be what most people remember her for. As a guy who loves film and isn’t afraid to watch anything and everything within that realm, I can boldly state: She wrote romantic comedy siren songs that boasted a luring quality to any and every viewer, woman or man. If Nora wrote it, it wasn’t ever just a chick flick…it was a heartfelt romance.
She remains an iconic female in a male dominated industry. She had a way of hammering out witty dialog that seemed it was springing forth from an unending well. And when she flowed in prose or novel form, there was so much wisdom in her words that it was good to read with a pen and pad so you could snag a few quotes for recycling in conversation.
Nora Ephron died yesterday at the age of 71 after battling Leukemia. Had the disease not interrupted her flow, I have little doubt that she would be working right now…on something. She was slated to direct two screenplays that she also penned over the next two years. Two projects that will be optioned, and no doubt, handled with extreme care and honor.
For those of you who have made it this far and have no clue who Nora Ephron is…she was a novelist, essayist, screenwriter, director, mother and just all-around stellar human being. She was responsible for cultural phenoms such as When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle and recently, the Oscar nominated Julie & Julia.
She was a personal favorite, and will be greatly missed! Many thanks for her shared talent, and many condolences to her closest.
