The Anniversary Party Review
by Shannon Patrick Sullivan (shannon AT morgan DOT ucs DOT mun DOT ca)November 16th, 2001
THE ANNIVERSARY PARTY (2001) / *** 1/2
Directed by Alan Cumming and Jennifer Jason Leigh, from their screenplay. Starring Cumming, Leigh, Gwyneth Paltrow. Running time: 115 minutes. Rated AA for offensive language by the MFCB. Reviewed on November 16th, 2001.
By SHANNON PATRICK SULLIVAN
Synopsis: Newly-reunited couple Joe (Cumming) and Sally (Leigh) host a party to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary. He's a novelist and first-time director; she's an actress just past her prime. In attendance are friends and colleagues, including Sally's married co-star (Kevin Kline) and best friend (Phoebe Cates); the up-and-coming actress (Paltrow) whom Joe has cast in a role inspired by Sally; and the next-door neighbours (Denis O'Hare and Minda Badie) with whom they are feuding. As the night wears on, hostilities rise, passions flare, and secrets are laid bare.
Review: "The Anniversary Party" is a movie for acting fans, in more ways than one. An obvious attraction is the appearance of many luminaries of both mainstream and arthouse pictures. But "The Anniversary Party" also provides a window into the private lives of the Hollywood elite, to the fears and foibles, indulgences and indiscretions which demonstrate that the stars of the silver screen are so very human. Given the partly improvisational nature of the picture, many of the actors clearly draw on both their true background -- real-life married couple Kline and Cates even bring along their kids -- and the public's (not necessarily justified) perception of them. As such, watching "The Anniversary Party" feels a little like peering through the peephole at something we're not supposed to see. Casting a lot of well-respected actors in one movie is often a recipe for disaster, but here it works. None of the performers disappoint; standouts include Leigh's troubled actress/wife and Badie as her uncomfortable neighbour. Those looking for a tightly-plotted drama may feel unfulfilled: "The Anniversary Party" is entirely character-fuelled, and many of the conflicts which are set up go unresolved. But as a glimpse of the turmoil which underlies life in the entertainment industry and life in general, it makes for fascinating viewing.
Copyright © 2001 Shannon Patrick Sullivan.
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