I can't understand it! This film has everything that I normally love: a deeply buried family secret; a tormented main character, who gradually unravels; a vaguely indie feel to the film; shaky but arty cinematography; great performances - what went wrong? Why didn't I enjoy Rachel Getting Married?
The film has a simple storyline. Kym is a girl with a hidden, but obviously traumatic past. This past, although not immediately apparent to the audience, has driven her into a serious addiction problem - and it has torn her family apart. Kym's sister Rachel is getting married, and Kym is allowed out of rehab for a couple of days to confront her demons, make her peace with her family and witness the joyous marriage ceremony. As the preparations for the ceremony take place, the complex relationship between the various family members is revealed. The happiness that the sisters share when they are reunited quickly breaks down, their father's loving calmness is peeled back to show the anxiety and damage that recent events have caused. Gradually the happy family scene unravels to reveal the raw emotion and distress that lies beneath.
Anne Hathaway plays Kym - looking extraordinarily beautiful, with the vulnerability of a young Audrey Hepburn. I was absolutely amazed to see this actress, who I had previously designated as lightweight, playing the role with such intensity. Instantly capturing the audiences' sympathy as she emerges from ten years in rehab, she then proceeds to show us the self-centred and exhibitionist reality that her family have to deal with. Despite this, Hathaway still manages to retain audience affection - cringeworthy scenes where Kym tries to steal the limelight from her sister somehow still don't turn the audience against her.
Debra Winger puts in the other notable performance as Kym and Rachel's mother - and of course (because it's always the mother's fault!) one of the causes of their dysfunctionality.
Rosemarie DeWitt gives a fine performance as Rachel, and Bill Irwin is convincing as the loving father of the bride.
I did not enjoy this film, but it is difficult to find a concrete reason. It could be the cinematography - documentary in style, the shaky, hand-held camera shots had none of the tension of The Blair Witch Project - and in fact, why should it? Blair Witch wanted to give the audience a sense of something hiding round the corner, just out of sight - not necessary in Rachel Getting Married! The cinematography just served to annoy me - people talking over other people, blocking shots of the bride - all unnecessary!
As well as the camerawork, the screenplay itself was extremely annoying. Scenes such as the pre-wedding party contained moments as cringeworthy as Four Weddings and a Funeral. One person after another stood up to sing a song of joy to the couple, give a moving little speech about their beauty, play some music to honour them. I found myself fast-forwarding several times through pure embarrassment.
At the end of the day I think it just comes down to pace and dialogue. This could have been a great film that had me sobbing throughout - but instead... I just yawned.