Cross-Posted from Giraffe Versus Unicorn.
Rachel Getting Married takes a family wedding and turns it on it's head with the arrival of Kym, the titular character's younger sibling, who comes equipped with a luggage-load of problems.
Oscar nominated Anne Hathaway revels in the role of Kym, who begins the movie by ending a nine month stint in rehab for drug addiction, an addiction which has left her with a traumatic secret. During the beginning act of the film, she comes across as a vaguely unpleasant character, one who is quick to throw out quips and one-liners, at times to disguise her true feelings. If Juno were less pregnant and more of an asshole, this could possibly be the result.
However, it speaks volumes of Hathaway's acting ability that she takes this seemingly unlikeable, narcissistic and attention-seeking character and begs and pleads the audience for every last scrap of sympathy. And it works. As more of Kym's backstory comes to light, set in scenes around the wedding's buildup, we see the reasons for why she acts the way she does, and although it doesn't allow us to feel forgivness for her harrowing secret, we can still feel sympathetic.
The movie carries a very 'indy' feel throughout, with 'live music' (being played around the family home by the wedding musicians) providing the score for certain scenes. Although, if I'm nitpicking, the final act of the wedding goes a little too overboard with its attempt at musical and cultural eclecticism as mishmashes are thrown at us for what seems like an age.
Brilliant Altman-esque camerawork throughout the movie's familial clashes and togetherness really captures the smallest looks and moments of emotion, which when added with Demme's refusal to resort to clichés and standards, really makes for a great film.
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