Character and Scene Analysis for Melvin Udall in As Good As It Gets
             Melvin is the ever popular cranky, old man that is constantly seen in numerous movies, plays and books. With the superior attitude that wants no one to bother him, the audience notices as he nitpicks any flaw or even just a difference in every character he encounters. For instance, he feels the need to mention to Roger the art dealer that he's black and one immediately notes his bigotry unfold as he becomes increasingly more nervous just being around him; this is because he thinks Roger will rob him and beat him senseless. This is a ridiculous notion, since Roger is more extravagantly dressed than Melvin is. It is obvious through this action that he has had little contact with black people, so he must carry misconceptions about them, only learned from television and the news. He is so trapped in such a little bubble of ignorance and stubbornness, that he doesn't want to learn how people different from him, actually share common interests. He doesn't make an effort towards this enlightenment, because he is not open to making new friends, or even acquaintances. He actually has no positive relationships in life, besides the one with himself. But even that relationship is somewhat weak, as he can't trust himself to step on cracks or have civil conversations with a stranger.
             The truth is Melvin has no friends. Judging by his critical, detached attitude in his actions with diverse characters, one would connote that either he had few or no friends growing up or that he had strong relationships with women or friends that were broken and were hard to get over, thus making him reluctant give himself up to anyone else. He can't even take a sincere compliment when Simon's Hispanic maid tells Melvin "You're a wonderful person." for walking his dog. Melvin shrugs it off without accepting it, with a sarcastic "Ok, wha...