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In the
picture
Rachel Getting Married****
*ing: Anne Hathaway, Rosemarie Dewitt, Bill Irwin and
Debra Winger
Directed by Jonathan Demme
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Jonathan
Demme's Rachel Getting Married is cyclonic. It is as maddening and
messy as life itself. A-list director Jonathan Demme (Silence of the
Lambs) lets loose and dives into the wilderness of dysfunctional family
ties and he does it intimately. With the help of documentary-style
wobbly camerawork, the film takes you inside the weekend when Rachel
(Rosemarie Dewitt) is getting married. The true genius, however, lies
in the fact that it doesn't feel like we're watching a film. It feels
like being an in-house spectator or perhaps a distant relative present
at the occasion.
At the heart of the narrative is Kym (Anne Hathaway), a recovering
drug addict, out of rehab for the first time for this very important
family reunion. Kym is the bad seed in the family. She is always in
crisis mode, oscillating between extreme emotions. She is as self-centered
as she is self-destructive. Burdened with uncertainty, paranoia and
a heavy dose of guilt, Kym comes back home. The family looks forgiving.
Paul, the father of the bride (Bill Irwin) is welcoming, only he is
too welcoming. His concern for Kym is genuine but it is also smothering.
On a weekend which is about Rachel, watching Paul sway allegiance
from one daughter to another is harrowing. Peace is of little use
because as the wedding starts to unravel, so does family history with
forced emotions covering bitter resentment and deep wounds.
It isn't just the story but its execution and a series of beautiful
performances that makes Rachel Getting Married such an interesting
film to watch. The film progresses in a natural manner. The toasts
at the rehearsal dinners are not slashed into montages. They go on,
much like how weddings go down, hilarious and saddening in a bizarre
manner.
Going for a full-fledged rough, rocky and mournful sound, Jonathan
Demme brought in musicians - Zafer Tawil and Donald Harrison Jr -
who are seen throughout the film as musicians in the background, moving
at the same speed as the story. It's the little details that shine
out in this flick. And music is one of them. In between the dances,
music and the celebrating, there are a series of blow-ups and it is
here where this diverse cast comes together so perfectly.
Rosemarie Dewitt is fantastic as Rachel. Playing the older sister
who struggles to hold herself back when the spotlight falls back on
Kym like always, Dewitt is crafty and brutal. She is a fabulous actor
to watch in this film. |
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Bill Irwin as the torn father is exceptional. His protective streak
towards Kym and lack thereof for Rachel puts him in a difficult
spot and his struggles come off as incredibly honest.
Three-time Academy Award nominee, Debra Winger may have a small
appearance in the film but it is explosive. The emotional showdown
between Debra - who plays the mother of the bride - and Kym is horrid
and piercing. In what is the only scene where she goes head to head
with her daughter - after a freezing demeanour throughout - it is
this scene which gives the film such a ragged edge.
The film, however, belongs to Anne Hathaway. Known for somewhat
glamorous, light and fluffy roles (The Devil Wears Prada, Princess
Diaries films), Anne Hathaway doesn't hold back as an actor. She
looks the part of a recovering junkie completely and brings credibility
to the role. It seems natural to feel compassion for her as she
sways between self-loathing and desperate need for love and forgiveness.
When provoked, her demons lash out and Anne is just a wonder to
watch. It is a moving performance.
Anne's nomination for Best Actress at the Oscars was bang on target.
Kate Winslet won fair and square but had it not been for her, Anne
could've given Angelina Jolie a run for her money.
In a nutshell, Rachel Getting Married is messy and brutally honest.
For its powerful, emotional turbulence and piercing performances,
it should be seen.
-- Maheen Sabeeh
*YUCK
**WHATEVER
***GOOD
****SUPER
*****AWESOME
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