avatarStephenie Magister ✨

Summary

The website content discusses the iconic diner scene from the film "When Harry Met Sally," highlighting Meg Ryan's performance and the behind-the-scenes story of director Rob Reiner's demonstration for the scene, along with the impact of the scene on popular culture.

Abstract

The article delves into the memorable "I'll have what she's having" scene from the romantic comedy "When Harry Met Sally," emphasizing the authenticity of Meg Ryan's portrayal of a woman faking an orgasm. It reveals that director Rob Reiner physically acted out the scene to convey his vision, which involved such an intense performance that it surprised the cast, including Billy Crystal. The piece also references the lasting influence of the scene, as evidenced by reenactments and discussions in various media, and includes altered images from the film using FaceApp for a humorous effect. The article concludes with a link to additional writings by the author on Medium.

Opinions

  • The author suggests that Meg Ryan's tingly feelings in the scene were not merely acting but were based on genuine physical reactions, implying the scene's authenticity.
  • Rob Reiner's dedication to getting the scene right is evident from his willingness to demonstrate the orgasm scene himself, which is described as euphoric and farcical.
  • The article implies a sense of admiration for Rob Reiner's directing style, as well as the performances of Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal in executing the scene.
  • The use of FaceApp to alter images from the film adds a playful and contemporary twist to the classic movie moments being discussed.
  • The author seems to appreciate the cultural significance of the scene, as indicated by its reenactments and discussions in various media, including a sketch by Drew Barrymore.
  • The inclusion of a link to the author's other works suggests a desire to engage readers further with their writing on Medium.

When Harry Met Harry

I’ll have what he’s having

Harry element from When Harry Met Sally poster (Columbia Pictures) and background photo by Balázs Mader on Unsplash

It turns out Meg Ryan’s tingly feelings weren’t fake. And they were far more powerful than she let on.

Drinking the coffee of transition isn’t just tingly. It’s euphoric.

If it’s been a while since you’ve seen the scene, let’s review!

WHEN HARRY MET HARRY

Screenshot from When Harry Met Sally (Columbia Pictures)
Screenshot from When Harry Met Sally (Columbia Pictures), altered with FaceApp
Screenshot from When Harry Met Sally (Columbia Pictures), altered with FaceApp
Screenshot from When Harry Met Sally (Columbia Pictures), altered with FaceApp
Screenshot from When Harry Met Sally (Columbia Pictures), altered with FaceApp
Screenshot from When Harry Met Sally (Columbia Pictures), altered with FaceApp
Screenshot from When Harry Met Sally (Columbia Pictures), altered with FaceApp
Screenshot from When Harry Met Sally (Columbia Pictures), altered with FaceApp
Screenshot from When Harry Met Sally (Columbia Pictures), altered with FaceApp

BONUS TRIVIA

I’m guessing Rob Reiner’s performance (offsite link) wasn’t anywhere near as good as Meg Ryan’s (ILU Rob), but boy would I love to see his idea of what a woman does when pretending to have an orgasm.

On the day of filming the iconic scene, Rob stepped in after Meg Ryan’s first take to show her what he wanted.

Rob: “Meg let me just show you what I want.’”

Crystal: “So Rob proceeds to have an orgasm. He’s pounding and pounding on the table. Those little spice balls on pickles — they’re flying everywhere. I’m thinking, ‘I pity the woman who has to go through this.’”

Ryan: “It was a hard act to follow.”

Crystal: “I was getting a little excited actually. So Rob takes me aside and goes, “Buddy, I shouldn’t have done that. I just had an orgasm in front of my mother.”

Quotes from Rob Reiner’s Chaplin Gala 2014

See also: Drew Barrymore Reenacts When Harry Met Sally Diner Orgasm Scene in New Sketch (offsite link to People)

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