How a 1974 play became a $50 million modern romantic comedy
In short: When Screen Gems began developing a remake in 2011, the goal was simple: ground a classic story in a new reality. Moving the setting from Chicago to Los Angeles, the production transformed a gritty stage play into a vibrant, high-energy exploration of modern relationships.
The 2014 film About Last Night is a reimagining of David Mamet's 1974 play, Sexual Perversity in Chicago. While the 1986 film version shared the same title, the 2014 remake, directed by Steve Pink and written by Leslynye Headland, introduced significant shifts. Most notably, the film changed the ending from a breakup, as seen in the play, to a reconciliation between the central couple. This evolution from stage to screen also involved a shift in character depth. For instance, the writers updated the character of Joan to offer more complexity than her snarky predecessor.
The production moved the narrative from Chicago to Los Angeles, filming extensively within a ten-block radius of 6th and Main Streets in downtown LA. To manage the $13 million budget, the crew utilized local businesses like Casey's Irish Pub and the Pacific Electric Building, often trading lower rental fees for publicity. The cast, led by Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Regina Hall, and Joy Bryant, featured a predominantly Black cast, which Hart noted provided a more modern, different way of depicting relationship conflicts. The production team also drew from the success of the 2012 film Think Like a Man, which shared both a producer and several cast members. To achieve a more youthful appearance, Michael Ealy even lost 25 pounds for his role.
Critically, the film received generally positive reviews, with an aggregate Metacritic score of 62. Critics particularly praised the comedic chemistry between Hart and Hall. While some noted the film's adherence to conventional romantic tropes, others, like Tim Ryan of Rotten Tomatoes, found it a 'refreshingly honest' look at the complexities of love. At the box office, the film was a success, grossing approximately $50 million worldwide, supported by an aggressive marketing campaign.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: About Last Night (2014 film)
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