Review
Drug abuse is something that continues with the entire world around us telling us it’s wrong. It’s a serious reality and Rachel Getting Married takes a look at how it affects families and the people themselves.
Anna Hathaway is brilliant as the drug addict undergoing rehabilitation. We are used to seeing her in coming of age roles but this gritty look at reality shows she can really act. The other actors and actresses are fine but this movie is really Hathaway’s show. Jenny Lumet takes the writers chair for the first time as the plot follows Kym (Anne Hathaway) returning home from rehab for her sister, Rachel’s (Rosemarie Dewitt), wedding. Among all the celebrations, friends and music Kym brings a history of crisis and tragedy.
The film carries shaky camera work and extremely irritating music which, I hope, is intentional on the part of the crew. By adding that irritating undercurrent you become uncomfortable from the opening credits, helping you to connect with what the characters are experiencing at the time.
The movie is depressing, real and at times heart wrenching. This movie is definitely one for passionate movie goers but for a main stream audience this movie smacks you over the head with reality. Most people go to the movies to escape reality but this rollercoaster emotional ride is far from relaxing. In fact it can unnerve you for the day.
This movie may get a nod for being bold, different and telling a story but it won’t do much at the box office. When people see Hathaway like this they won’t be impressed with what she looks like or how she behaves. People don’t want to see their favourite actresses as ugly, smoking, swearing drug addicts and the box office numbers will prove it.
8/10
