In the film, described above, there is a tremendous scene where the three
main characters are drawn together.
Carol, the waitress agrees to have the painter, Simon, do a portrait of her, partially nude. Melvin, the writer, finds out about this afterwards.
The two men, who are competing for her attention in different ways, share the intensity of artists and the desire to create life in one dimensional places. Carol, who has a life that is too much for any one person, seeks grace and beauty (and cannot believe she has both inside herself).
For one moment, this all comes together. Carol is painted, and feels beautiful. Simon, who thought he had lost his gift, rediscovers it. Melvin, who avoids people and can only see himself, observes how people who have nothing in common can connect in a powerful way, and is touched.
It is a small scene of immense power, and not to be missed.