MEL Gibson stars as a man who doesn't quite know what to make of his newfound powers in the romantic comedy What Women Want.

Mel's character, the charming hotshot advertising executive Nick Marshall, reckons he's already God's gift to women.

But when he gains a new gift - hearing the innermost thoughts of every woman he meets - Nick is stunned to discover every woman in his life thinks he's a jerk.

Slowly, Nick realises he can use his special powers to his advantage, and targets Darcy McGuire, his beautiful, talented and unsuspecting boss, played by Helen Hunt.

Sparks soon fly between the pair, as they battle between the urges of their careers and those of their hearts.

"What Women Want reminds me of the romantic comedies of the 1930s and 1940s," says Gibson.

"It's like the classic ones from Lubitsch, Capra and Wilder, filled with charm and witty dialogue in an updated way.

It accentuates the differences between men and women, which is the essence of all great romantic comedies."

Best known for his action roles in films like the Lethal Weapon and Mad Max films, Gibson was keen to take a stab at romantic comedy.

"Mel pokes fun at his manly, testosterone-driven image," explains director Nancy Meyers.

"He's an incredibly confident and relaxed actor, open to suggestions and direction, and the hardest working actor I've ever seen."

But before Gibson could showcase his untapped comedic talents, he first had to capture his character's humanity.

"The idea is to get the human experience right, whether it's in comedy, drama or action," says Gibson.

"It doesn't matter so long as there is truth to it.

The story has to be compelling whether it's a battle picture or a living room weeper.

That said, I think it is much more difficult to do romantic comedy.

You can't be false or too over the top because it's immediately, obviously not funny.

As Nancy often quotes, 'Dying is easy, comedy is hard'.

And if you're not funny, believe me, you die up there."

Helen Hunt brings an elegance and openness to her character, Darcy, as she constantly struggles to balance the pressures of her new job with the potential pitfalls of an office romance.

Director Meyers says: "Helen is an original.

A role model for what women can be - strong, sure of herself and sensitive.

It's because of Helen's innate strength and intelligence that I wanted her for the part of Darcy.

I thought it would be fun and challenging to get inside her head."

Hunt adds: "The great thing about Nancy was that she is absolutely in love with the Tracy/Hepburn movies, so there was a classic feel to our movie.

That meant it was smart and well thought out.

And the relationships between every character in the movie are funny and real, too."

Of her co-star Gibson, Hunt says: "All you have to be is smart and willing in a romantic comedy, and Mel so completely embodies those qualities.

He is incredibly sharp, has a great sense of humour and is willing to take risks.

You have to be ready to look silly, to go almost too far, but you also need the brains to keep it grounded in reality so that people care while they're laughing.

Mel was great at all of those things."