1 of 8

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

but they are willing to accept her as part of the family, just as any parents would do for their own children. However, it is quite clear that some people, especially Rachel, are finding it very difficult coming to terms with Kym being part of their lives.

Kym is without a doubt completely self-obsessed, possibly best exhibited in the way that she smokes in the faces of others without a second thought for how they might feel about it. Hathaway seems to have mastered the nonchalant, oblivious look in Rachel Getting Married that I haven't ever seen from her previously. There are many points at where her self obsession is incredibly apparent but perhaps none more so than during an argument between the sisters at the family home.

Rachel and Kym are set deep into an argument, during which Rachel announces that she is pregnant. As the family celebrate, all Kym's only words are But that's not fair,' as a situation comes to the forefront which doesn't revolve around her. Kym is more interested in getting back to the argument than celebrating the good news. In fact, Kym attempts to turn everything about the wedding into her own problem whether it be the fact that she wants to be maid of honour, the seating plans, the wedding speeches and or even the dresses. She admits that she has a disease but there quite simply isn't a cure.

The camera brilliant captures the Kym's face in a way which looks like she is ready to completely self-destruct with a rain of pills and vodka at any given second. For some part, you can almost see her point at the somewhat mawkish wedding with an overuse of cheesy music and Neil Young. Hathaway's large bruised brown eyes and damaged hair give away so much about how she is feeling and what she has been through. It is quite clear that she is very hurt inside but unfortunately this comes out in a parade of self-obsessed remarks and actions. With every close up, you become more familiar with someone that is helpless to escape from their past actions.

The script takes its time in revealing the reason for the breakdown that landed Kym in rehab. Early on, there are one or two clues but it's not until the second half that the full picture takes shape. Enlightenment comes with the film's most corrosive scene - a climactic showdown between Kym and her cool and elusive mother. It's been some time since we've seen Winger on the big screen. When young, she was so often cast as a firebrand that it comes as a shock to see her here, armoured with such a cold and unyielding elegance.

Bill Irwin should not go without a mention here as the peacekeeper dad, trying to hold everything together whilst controlling his own anguish at the loss of his young son. This is plain to see during a playful dishwasher scene that ends in tears as memories of his son are recalled. His plays contrasts superbly against that of Debra Winger, a mother who has done all in her power to complete divorce herself from family commitments. Both play excellent support roles in the movie.

Hathaway deserves her Oscar nomination for this movie and hopefully there are similar roles to come. She obviously has much more to her game than her earlier efforts and Rachel Getting Married is a huge step up in her career.

Learn more about this author, Marc Steel.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Movie reviews: Rachel Getting Married?
We want to hear your view. Write now!