“The Anniversary Party” is a 2001 film about a Hollywood couple celebrating their sixth anniversary. They invite friends and colleagues to their sprawling estate for a night of revelry, but tensions quickly arise as secrets are revealed and relationships are put to the test. The film is like a ticking time bomb of drama, with explosive revelations and nuanced performances from an all-star cast. Ultimately, “The Anniversary Party” is a study in the complexities of human connection and the sometimes-difficult work of maintaining relationships amidst life’s ups and downs.
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Review
Have you ever attended a party that changed your life forever? Well, that’s precisely what happens in the movie “The Anniversary Party.” This movie is a celebration of life, love, and relationships, and it will leave you with so many emotions.
The plot of the story revolves around a couple, Joe and Sally Therrian (played by Alan Cumming and Jennifer Jason Leigh), who are celebrating their sixth anniversary. They invite a handful of their closest friends over to their Hollywood Hills home to celebrate the occasion. But as the night wears on, secrets are revealed, tensions rise, and the fragile fabric of relationships is tested.
“The Anniversary Party” is written and directed by Alan Cumming and Jennifer Jason Leigh. It was released in 2001 to critical acclaim. What makes this movie unique is that it was filmed entirely on digital video, which was unusual back then. This approach gave the filmmakers more freedom to experiment with different shots and camera angles.
The cast of “The Anniversary Party” is an all-star ensemble. Alongside Cumming and Leigh are Kevin Kline, Phoebe Cates, Gwyneth Paltrow, John C. Reilly, Parker Posey, Denis O’Hare, Mina Badie, Michael Panes, and Jane Adams. The chemistry between all these actors is electrifying; you can see it in every scene they’re in together.
One standout moment from “The Anniversary Party” comes when Sally Therrian confronts her husband about his infidelity. She delivers one of my favorite quotes from the movie: “You’re always trying to fix things before I even know they’re broken.” This line captures the essence of their relationship: Joe tries too hard to please Sally without really understanding what she needs from him.
Another brilliant aspect of “The Anniversary Party” is its score. The music was composed by Laura Karpman (with additional music by Mark Orton), and it perfectly captures the mood and tone of every scene. The score is a mix of jazzy, soulful tunes that set the film’s celebratory mood.
Despite being a celebration of life and relationships, “The Anniversary Party” also tackles darker themes like infidelity, drug addiction, and betrayal. One scene that particularly stands out is when Sophia Gold (played by Phoebe Cates) reveals to Joe Therrian (Alan Cumming) that she’s slept with his wife Sally (Jennifer Jason Leigh). This revelation sends shockwaves through the party and exposes the cracks in their marriage.
“The Anniversary Party” was not only well-received by critics; it was also a hit with audiences. Its box office earnings were modest, but its impact on independent cinema cannot be overstated. It was an early example of how digital video could be used to tell unique stories without the restrictions of traditional filmmaking.
The cinematography in “The Anniversary Party” is another highlight of the film. Cinematographer John Bailey captures each character’s emotions in every shot beautifully. The use of natural lighting and a handheld camera gives the film a sense of intimacy that makes you feel like you’re at the party with them.
It’s easy to see why “The Anniversary Party” received so much critical acclaim. It’s a masterclass in indie filmmaking, with an all-star cast delivering standout performances, witty dialogue, and emotionally charged scenes.
Despite its strengths, “The Anniversary Party” isn’t without its flaws. Some critics felt that the movie meandered too much, losing focus on its central plotline. Others felt that some characters were underdeveloped or didn’t have enough screen time.
Overall, though, “The Anniversary Party” is a must-watch for anyone who loves independent cinema or wants to experience a unique take on relationships and human connection. It’s a movie that will leave you feeling both celebratory and contemplative, and that’s no easy feat.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 115
- Release : 2001-06-09
- Genre : Comedy, Drama
- Cast : Alan Cumming as Joe Therrian, Jennifer Jason Leigh as Sally Nash Therrian, John Benjamin Hickey as Jerry Adams, Parker Posey as Judy Adams, Phoebe Cates as Sophia Gold
- Crew : John Bailey as Director of Photography, JoAnne Sellar as Producer, Carol Littleton as Editor, Jennifer Jason Leigh as Director, Jennifer Jason Leigh as Producer
- Popularity 7.068
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Ghoulardi Film Company, Fine Line Features, Pas de Quoi
- Summary : While celebrating their reconciliation and six years of marriage, the American actress Sally Nash and the British novelist Joe Therrian receive their close friends, some colleagues and their next door neighbors in a party. Under the effect of Ecstasy, revelations are disclosed and relationships deteriorate among the group.
- Tagline : It’s not a party until something gets broken.
