The Lonely Guy (1984)

"The Lonely Guy" is a 1984 romantic comedy film directed by Arthur Hiller, based on the book of the same name by Bruce Jay Friedman. This lighthearted and humorous film explores the comedic side of loneliness and the ups and downs of the single life in New York City.

The story centers around Larry Hubbard (played by Steve Martin), a writer who finds himself suddenly single after his girlfriend unceremoniously dumps him. Larry is left feeling like the ultimate "lonely guy" in the bustling metropolis of New York. In his quest to cope with his newfound solitude, Larry stumbles upon a self-help group for lonely individuals, where he meets other quirky and eccentric people who are also seeking companionship.

One of the group's members is Warren (Charles Grodin), who becomes Larry's best friend. The two embark on a series of humorous and often absurd misadventures as they navigate the world of dating and relationships, trying to find love and overcome their loneliness. Larry also meets and becomes infatuated with a beautiful woman named Iris (Judith Ivey), leading to more humorous and unpredictable situations.

"The Lonely Guy" is known for its clever and witty humor, as well as Steve Martin's signature comedic style. The film blends slapstick and wordplay to create a lighthearted and entertaining look at the struggles and absurdities of single life in the big city. Charles Grodin's deadpan delivery adds to the film's humor, making it a delightful and charming comedy.

At its core, "The Lonely Guy" is a comedy that explores the universality of loneliness and the often humorous and relatable ways people cope with it. The film offers a heartwarming message about the importance of friendship and human connection, reminding viewers that, even in the loneliest of times, there's always room for laughter and the possibility of finding love and companionship.