The Best Man's Guide To Being A Legend

The Best Man is a 1999 comedy-drama film written and directed by Malcolm D. Lee. The story centres on Harper Stewart, an up-and-coming writer who is about to publish his debut novel, and is the best man at his friend Lance's wedding. The film explores the relationships between a group of career-oriented black friends, tackling themes of commitment, fidelity, gender roles, and honesty. It received positive reviews from critics, praising the strong cast and well-defined characters, and is considered an impressive debut for Lee.

The Best Man is a romantic comedy-drama film

The film centres on Harper, who is about to publish his debut novel, "Unfinished Business", and is facing pressure from his girlfriend, Robin (Sanaa Lathan), who desires more commitment. Harper travels to New York early to spend time with his friends before the wedding of his friend Lance Sullivan (Morris Chestnut), a professional athlete, and Mia Morgan (Monica Calhoun). Harper is the best man at the wedding, and his friends, including Jordan, have received advance copies of his book, which is based on his life and the lives of his friends.

As the friends gather for the wedding, tensions rise as they realise that Harper's book contains long-buried secrets that could threaten their friendships. Jordan, in particular, wants to try again with Harper, and Harper fears that Lance will discover that his bride-to-be, Mia, slept with Harper in the past to avenge Lance's infidelities. The film explores themes of commitment, fidelity, gender roles, and honesty within a group of upwardly mobile, career-oriented black friends.

The Best Man received mostly positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for Terrence Howard's performance as Quentin, a guitar-playing womanizer. The film was well-received for its well-defined characters and for Lee's deft script, which offered dramatic twists and comic turns to keep the story entertaining and less predictable. The film also performed well at the box office, grossing over $34 million against a $9 million budget.

It's about a writer whose book is based on his friend's bride's past

The best man is typically expected to deliver a speech that is both entertaining and heartfelt. It is a chance to celebrate the groom and his new bride and to offer a unique perspective on their relationship. One creative take on this tradition could be a story about how the writer's book is based on the bride's past.

The writer, let's call him John, stands up to give his best man speech. He begins by thanking the groom, his old friend, for the honor of being the best man and for the opportunity to share a story that inspired his latest book. John then turns to the bride, a charming and accomplished woman, and reveals that his bestselling novel is based on her life. He explains that he first heard snippets of her fascinating past from the groom, who proudly shared stories of her bravery and resilience.

John elaborates on how the bride, an adventurous soul, had embarked on a solo trip around the world after college. During her travels, she encountered challenges that shaped her character and made her the perfect partner for his friend. He recounts tales of her facing her fears, such as bungee jumping in New Zealand or swimming with sharks in Australia. These experiences, though daunting, prepared her for the biggest adventure of all—falling in love and committing to a lifelong partnership.

The writer continues, explaining how the groom, a loyal and loving partner, supported and encouraged the bride to pursue her dreams. He shares anecdotes of their early dates, where the groom would eagerly listen to her travel stories and ask questions, fascinated by her courage and independence. John might add a touch of humor here, perhaps mentioning how the groom's initial attempts at recreating exotic dishes from her travels fell flat but were always appreciated.

The writer is also the best man at the wedding

The role of the best man is a crucial one, and it can be both an honour and a challenge. The best man is usually the groom's closest friend or relative and is expected to be by the groom's side throughout the wedding planning process and on the big day itself. In the case of the writer who is also the best man, we can expect that he will have a unique perspective on the wedding and will likely incorporate it into his writing.

As the best man, the writer will have a number of responsibilities, including organising the groom's bachelor party, delivering a speech at the wedding reception, and being the groom's main point of support. The writer may also be in charge of the groomsmen, ensuring they are dressed appropriately and know their roles for the ceremony. In the days leading up to the wedding, the writer may be called upon to help with last-minute tasks and offer emotional support to the groom.

The writer's duties as the best man will likely inspire new ideas for his writing. He may find himself observing the wedding guests and imagining their stories, or perhaps he will be inspired by the setting and the atmosphere. The writer may even use his best man speech as an opportunity to test out new material, incorporating humour or poignant anecdotes that reflect his unique perspective on the wedding.

Being the best man can also provide the writer with a wealth of material for his work. The dynamics between the wedding party, the interactions between guests, and the various traditions and rituals of the wedding can all serve as inspiration. The writer may choose to incorporate these elements into his writing, creating a narrative that explores the complexities of relationships, family dynamics, and the significance of life milestones.

Overall, the role of the best man is both a privilege and a responsibility. For a writer, it can also be a source of creative inspiration and a unique opportunity to observe and participate in the celebration of love and commitment. The experience is sure to leave a lasting impression and may even find its way into the writer's future work.

The book causes conflict between the characters

The book, *Unfinished Business*, in the film *The Best Man* is a debut novel by Harper Stewart, an up-and-coming author. The novel is based on Harper's friends, and a copy is passed around their inner circle. The book causes conflict between the characters as it reveals a one-night stand between Harper and Mia, who is now set to marry Harper's friend, Lance. The book also portrays Quentin in a negative light, and he is angered by his depiction.

The film explores themes of commitment, fidelity, and double standards

Harper Stewart (Taye Diggs) is a successful, up-and-coming writer in Chicago. His debut novel, 'Unfinished Business', is about to be published, and he is in a relationship with Robin (Sanaa Lathan), who desires more commitment from him. Just before his friend's wedding, Harper's life is turned upside down when his best friend, Lance Sullivan (Morris Chestnut), a professional athlete, guesses that his new book is based on his bride's past infidelity.

Harper travels to New York early to spend time with Lance and other friends before the wedding. One of these friends, Jordan Armstrong (Nia Long), is a former almost-lover of Harper's, and she has an advance copy of his book. Jordan wants to rekindle their romance, at least for one night. Harper fears that if Lance reads the book, he will discover that his bride-to-be, Mia Morgan (Monica Calhoun), had a one-night stand with Harper in college to avenge Lance's infidelities.

The double standard between men and women is evident in the film, as the men discuss women without facing their own hypocrisy. For example, Lance is a womanizer, but he will not tolerate the idea that Mia has been with another man. The film also explores the dynamic between Harper and Jordan, as they navigate their attraction and the impact of Harper's novel on their friendship.

The Best Man is a romantic comedy that delves into the complexities of relationships, commitment, and fidelity. It offers a unique perspective on the African-American male experience, observing rather than judging. The film received positive reviews for its strong cast, well-defined characters, and exploration of relevant themes.

Frequently asked questions