10 (1979)

**10 (1979)** Blake Edwards' 1979 romantic comedy *10* delves into the anxieties of aging and the allure of youthful fantasy through its protagonist, George Webber (Dudley Moore). The film tells the story of a Hollywood songwriter who, on the brink of his 42nd birthday, goes through a profound mid-life crisis. His life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes instantly infatuated with a stunning, sexy blonde newlywed, Jenny Hanley (Bo Derek), whom he spots through his car window. Convinced she is a perfect "10," George abandons his comfortable relationship with his longtime girlfriend, Samantha (Julie Andrews), and embarks on an obsessive pursuit of Jenny, from Beverly Hills to Mexico, hoping to recapture a sense of youth and excitement he fears he's lost. Beyond its engaging plot, *10* earns its place on a list of Best Blake Edwards Movies by exemplifying many of the director's signature strengths. Edwards masterfully blends sophisticated physical comedy, often revolving around George's hapless attempts at seduction and his escalating neuroses, with sharp, witty dialogue that gives the film a surprising emotional depth. It showcases his knack for exploring mature themes – such as the pitfalls of idealization, the pressures of aging, and the often-unrealistic pursuit of happiness – within a commercially accessible framework. The film also became a cultural phenomenon, largely thanks to Bo Derek's iconic beach scene, and demonstrated Edwards' ability to launch careers and craft enduringly popular, yet critically thoughtful, comedies.