Rachel Getting Married (Jonathan Demme, 2008): USA

Reviewed by Kevin Tran. Viewed at the Paseo Nuevo Cinema, Santa Barbara, CA.

As we get closer to awards season, there is only one film that I’ve seen that really stands out among the “best picture” category, and that film is Jonathan Demme’s Rachel Getting Married . It’s a small-scale film with a subtle script by Jenny Lumet, but it boasts outstanding performances from its terrific cast. From a director of such a high caliber (Silence of the Lambs, Philadelphia), it achieves a more honest look and feel that I think Hollywood films lack and need.

From its first wobbly, handheld shot, an audience would either love or hate the style in which Demme shoots this home drama. The film focuses primarily on Kym (Anne Hathaway), who is coming back to her wealthy Connecticut home after a long stay in rehab to attend her sister’s wedding. Instantly, Kym feels like an outcast. Her chain-smoking habit, dark sense of humor, and cynical personality doesn’t match her family’s warm, squeaky-clean image. As the weekend progresses until the day of Rachel’s wedding, Kym and her family unearth painful memories from their dark past.

At times, Rachel Getting Married feels like a documentary. The camerawork, and also some themes, are reminiscent of the Dogma 95 film, The Celebration, from Denmark. It also uses music in the same way, strictly diegetic. What both films flawlessly achieve is a rawness and intensity that is so full of emotions that it will surely jolt and move you. Although, the film does rely on this intense drama, I should add that it’s not overbearing. Some scenes stretch on for a while, but for the most part, the film kept my interest. Demme balances all the wonderful (and horrible) moments in Kym’s experience, feelings and emotions we have all felt before.

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Published:
11.21.08 / 1am
Category:
Films