It’s been a while since a film really blew me away. Seven Pounds was good but does not come close. Slumdog was good but I’d say “Rachel Getting Married“ is in my top 5 for the past year. I wish there was 10 more hours of this film for me to watch. The best line: —–”Did I sacrifice every bit of love I’m going to have in this life?”. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to be now”. Do you know that feeling that you’ve already screwed up enough- why not screw up more? Do you know the feeling that comes when all you really need is a huge hug and love yet you don’t know how to ask for it?
Anne Hathaway is brilliant in this movie and it’s no wonder she was nominated for an Oscar. She embodies addiction in such a strong way that you’d think she was really an addict in her own personal life. She doesn’t over act..she is simply PERFECT in this film. She’s fragile..and an attention seeker- annoying sometimes..sorry…dynamic and depressed.
Her sister, Rachel, played by Rosemarie Dewitt is amazingly cast…and wonderful to watch. The dynamic between the sisters was sticky like it should be. Warm when it was needed. There is a sweet scene with her and her sister that is truly depicting the rivalry and the forgiveness that only sisters can share. I can’t wait to see Rosemarie in more films.
Don’t underestimate Debra Winger who plays their mother. She’s oddly distant yet caring. She somehow pulls off this strangeness that can pierce through her daughter’s hearts. You know she cares but has some issues of her own. Their father played by Bill Irwin is just this light hearted- happy go lucky, amazing man. He’s almost too happy. It’s a great contrast to the actual underlying plot going on. When you see Bill become emotional…it’s truly heartbreaking.
Take a look at these clips:
RACHEL GETTING MARRIED CLIPS
Clips and Interview With Anne
There are not many movies I can compare this one too…maybe a little Six Degrees Of Separation mixed with When A Man Loves A Woman…mixed with Parenthood.
The basic premise of the film is that (Anne) Kim arrives home from rehab for her sister Rachel’s wedding- which is taking place at the family home. The parents are divorced and married to other people. Its Rachel’s big day…and the rehearsals and cozy dinners all occur at the family house. Demme’s view and documentary detail, as if he was seeing a national geographic wedding take place, is superb.
Kim has a past and we learn through the film that her past is bitter…and terrible… and its such a stark contrast to the beautiful day being built up around her. Its inevatible that issues arise. The emotions from these actors is what makes this film so good. Not only do they sound like they are truly in these characters but their emotions are by far the best I have seen in a film in a while.
Anyone who has faced addiction or an issue in their past that keeps haunting them….go see this film. Go see this film for the sheer beauty of the acting. Go see this film to see what a wedding should really be about..and what it should embody. You feel incredibly normal after watching this movie because the drama of it was so real…we can relate to it…and therefore this film is a great representation of LIFE.
By the way an ex-American Idol Tamyra Gray is also in this film…see if you can spot her!
