Written by Linda
December 02, 2008
If I were clever and knew how to make a movie, or even act, for that matter, I could make a movie like The Anniversary Party with all of my clever and witty friends pretty much playing themselves. Except we probably wouldn't be as interesting because we aren't as dysfunctional or good-looking as Hollywood folks.
Jennifer Jason Leigh and Alan Cumming pretty much took that concept, changed their friends' names, threw a party (using the basic frame of a 6th anniversary party), and (it appears) let their actor-friends loose. The result is a highly watchable, if a bit voyeuristic look into the lives of people whose existence depends mainly on the public's acceptance of their work.
Of course Jennifer and Alan's marriage is a sham, and of course the party reminisces about their coupledom and pretends that all is fine, and of course when they all take Ecstasy together, true selves are revealed. But the cast is having such a great time, teasing the audience's perception of the real actors' lives vs. their characters', that you can't help but wonder how much is fictional. Surprises in the cast include the spastic Jane Adams who is a hoot (give her more roles! she's great!) and Phoebe Cates, who emerges as the calm soul of the group.
