The Anniversary Party (2001)

I like two of the actresses very much so I might be biased. Jennifer Jason Leigh and Parker Posey are two of my favorites. Plus Parker had some topless moments. So that aside I will say this movie is worth watching if you don't mind an over done LA type of drama. It was well acted but the story line is very much been there done that type of theme. And I think there are times when the movies drags and doesn't flow as well as it could. If you are not too bored with this LA type of drama then it might be worth watching. If you like Parker Posey and Jennifer Jason Leigh as much as I do then it is a must see.

Fmovies: In our household, we use a pretty basic definition for "art". If it (dance, painting, sculpture, performance) causes you, the audience, to feel the emotion that the artist wants you to feel, then it's art.

By that definition, this movie is art - though I can't say that it's what the writer/director/producer team was trying for.

Okay - I've been a Jennifer Jason Leigh fan for a couple of decades now. That she was one of the forces behind this film made my decision to rent it easy. As always, her performance as actress here is relentlessly professional - she knows her job, and does it well.

The script is - well, questionable. Written by the central characters for themselves and their friends, filmed by (apparently) a circle of friends, about lives in the movie industry. As Heinlein said, "There's no shame in writing, but do it in private and wash your hands afterward". This is either masturbatory or self-revelatory, and it's not easy for this audience to know which. That's okay - it was an interesting evening's viewing, and it'll find its way into my personal collection sometime soon.

The acting is flawless - no clunkers, no false notes, and some points of excellence. JJL was, in particular, good at showing a side I'd have thought she'd be afraid to face - the aging has-been. Many of the company I'd not seen before - but everyone, down to America, the maid, shows their characters beautifully.

I don't really know if this movie was supposed to show the insiders' view of life in the movie industry, or a parody of that life - but it's an engaging story. It could have used a bit more sparkle, and perhaps a bit less pathos in one evening - but it did ring true throughout.

Folks either like this or loathe it - I suggest that you watch it yourself and see what camp you land in. My daughter was a tad surprised to find how much she enjoyed it.

(Daughter, 14, sez: Very odd. It shows movie stars, writers, and important people - being just like normal human beings are.)

Cloying at times but very compelling and all-but-unpredictable, 'Anniversary' surprises with its power and brutal candor, especially when one tries to discern the autobiographical truths. Saw it last at Disney company screening in NYC when I had no idea what I was about to see or who had created it. Amazed at end to discover in credits that co-stars Cumming and Leigh had written and directed the film.

Was especially struck by the performances of Jennifer Beals--whom I did not recognize--and Phoebe Cates, whose brilliance in one climactic scene w/ Leigh is startling. Impressed at heavyweights in cast like Kline, Paltrow and Cumming. Delighted to see John C. Reilly again (but where was buddy Philip Seymour Hoffman?) Newcomer Mina Badie was the most striking "rookie" in cast (but one whose name, phonetically, rivals that of "Snidely Whiplash.")

The technical miracle here came when I realized--only after screening and upon reading production notes--that the "film" was actually shot on digital video. I defy any non-pro viewer to recognize the difference. The success of the remarkably soft film-like cinematography here by veteran John Bailey may accelerate Hollywood's embrace of much cheaper, quicker video production. It's unintrusive effect is dazzling here.

Biggest flaw here is lack of substantial "story" and reliance on lengthy Ecstacy scene and theme. The politically incorrect happy-drug message here will hurt the movie with mainstream critics. This despite fact that plot does eventually include a moralistic, anti-drug hard-drug lesson in its somewhat predictable conclusion.

The Anniversary Party fmovies. This film pulls back the curtain to reveal a glimpse of what `celebrity' means when the cameras aren't rolling and the stage is dark. What begins as a celebration of sorts becomes a character study that examines the lifestyle of the self-absorbed and those driven by ego, and we get to see the people behind the `fame.' And while on one hand `The Anniversary Party,' written and directed by Alan Cumming and Jennifer Jason Leigh, appears at first to be the kind of party you could find at anyone's house at any time in any place, subtle differences begin to surface that separates it from what could be considered the `norm.' Because beyond certain corporate similarities, the entertainment industry is quite unlike any other, and that goes especially for the people who inhabit it. Sure, actors, writers, directors, etc. are people, just like anyone else, but their particular perceptions and priorities necessarily shift them into a unique position within the landscape of the human condition, wherein they exist amongst their own and for the most part play the game by their own rules. This is a generalization, of course; not every actor or artist lives in the style depicted in this film, but many do. In the final analysis, Hollywood is not called `La-La Land' for no reason, and Cumming and Leigh know it. Welcome to a world in which anything is acceptable, anything goes, and usually does.

Writer/director Joe Therrian (Cumming) and actress Sally Nash (Leigh) have prepared a party to celebrate their six years together; not that they have actually been `together' the entire time, but according to the actor/artist math, it's close enough. Close friends and associates have been invited to share whatever this is with them, as well as a couple of neighbors, Monica and Ryan Rose (Mina Badie, Denis O'Hare), who have certain `issues' with Joe and Sally. And, much to the chagrin of the `aging' Sally, whose career seems to be on the wane, Joe has invited the hot young up-and-comer in town, Skye Davidson (Gwyneth Paltrow) to the party. As the evening wears on into the early morning hours, true feelings are gradually revealed amid a game of charades (rather, a `production' of charades; these people are forever `on'), as well as the sharing of a certain `product' given as a present to Joe and Sally by Skye. And so, what began as a celebration, in the cold, hard light of morning just may be remembered as something entirely different. Welcome to the wonderful world of show biz.

The daughter of actor Vic Morrow, Jennifer Jason Leigh was born into the business, so to speak; Alan Cumming, on the other hand will have to come up with his own excuse. But they have collaborated (perhaps `conspired' would be more accurate) to bring to the screen an interesting, thought provoking story that for all intents and purposes seems, at least, as if it could be a composite of actual experiences and people they have known. Which means they've succeeded in delivering a film that has the decided flavor of reality about it, and for the most part it's extremely engaging, and often riveting drama. it may be a film that many will have trouble connecting with, though, if only because it is bound to fall outside the realm of personal experience for them. Most of the issues in this story are simply unfamiliar territory to the greater part of the world's population, with the exception of those dealing with the more universal themes, like the appreciation of a child's song, or the

Definitely not what I was expecting from reading the box at the video store. Forget any reviews or anything you hear about this movie. Walking into it with expectations would have ruined it for me.

The movie is well directed and cast (despite the fact that many of the actors are related - this is a happy surprise when the credits roll). The premise is that a separated "celebrity" couple gets back together for their sixth wedding anniversary, much to the happiness of (most of) their friends and colleagues, and begin to plan a family and a move to England from Hollywood.

Jennifer Jason Leigh and Alan Cumming make a credible couple on the verge of stardom or has-been-dom, depending on what takes place in the coming year; relocating to England to have a baby or having "Sally" act the part in "Joe's" new movie. It becomes clear near the end that the desires of each aren't what was expected in the beginning of the film.

The only disappointment was Kevin Kline's character. This role was the least interesting of the group; he efforts a semi-believable, cynical hollywood type who holds genuine affection for his children. I just didn't feel anything for him, although Kline shines as would be expected. Small quibble.

Phoebe Cates plays the most believable character, Sally's best (female) friend, and makes you wonder where she's been lately. She comes terribly close to stealing the show by nailing her role with Oscar-quality acting and frightening emotion. We all have, or deserve, a friend like "Sophia."

The other surprise star is Mina Badie, who evolves from the apprehensive and abrasive neighbor to untethered, libertine by the conclusion. I'm not sure why she doesn't want more acting roles.

There was a tad too much nudity in the pool scene (although it is explainable), but aside from that, I would recommend this to anyone whose pre-child relationship is not currently on the rocks.

A wonderful ensemble piece starring many fine actors, The Anniversary Party delves deep into the ties that bind us together. But the second act is an unflinching look at how we tear ourselves apart. While it has some flaws, I found it hit its marks more often than not. The Altmanesque flow of the movie was almost pitch perfect and never got in the way of the story. There is tension between almost all of the principles and it is often the cover-your-eyes-but-look-through-your-fingers type. I found most of the relationships to be as flawed and messy as the real ones (mine at least). Sure, there's an extraneous scene or two (the near drowning scene comes immediately to mind) and they don't set up the ending that well, but I was happy to forgive the warts to get a close look at compelling relationships.