To start this review, I’m going to quote a line from one of favorite movies, “Jacob’s Ladder.” Louis, the main character’s chiropractor and calming voice, quotes the German theologian Eckhart von Hochheim. Louis says, “You know what he said? The only thing that burns in Hell is the part of you that won’t let go of your life, your memories, your attachments. They burn them all away. But they’re not punishing you, he said, they’re freeing your soul.” That quote has stuck with me since I first watched that movie, and relates very well to “Rachel Getting Married.” The difference is that the main character isn’t in Hell; she is part of a wonderful eclectic family and her Hell exists within herself. She won’t let go of her tragic memories and her family won’t let her. Unfortunately, dealing with the memories or attachments is the only way to heal and a very important part of freeing your soul. This film invites the viewer to watch a small moment in time of one family’s healing process.
Kym, played by Anne Hathaway in an Oscar nominated role, is returning to her family’s home for her her older sister Rachel's wedding. All we really know is that Kym has been in rehab and is allowed to go home for the weekend event. Once there she will have to confront her past and deal with the events that caused her to enter rehab. The house is full of activity and sound as Kym becomes acclimated to her home again. The wedding is being held at the house, so it is full of family and friends making plans, band rehearsal and setting up everything that goes with a wedding. We experience the interactions between Kym and her family (new and old) first hand. We are made a part of her fathers worry, a part of the sibling rivalry, a part of her mothers disconnect and of the awkwardness of strange people in your house. For the duration of this film, you do feel like you are there. You are at the rehearsal dinner and attending the ceremony and reception. You are witnessing the all too familiar verbal exchanges and sudden arguments. If you have experienced anything close to what this family has, then you will most likely become part of the process as well.
The feeling of “being there” is created by the use of a digital camera, which at times is handheld. Those of you who are bothered by the directing of Paul Greengrass (Bloody Sunday, United 93 and the last two of the Bourne Trilogy) might be bothered slightly by the camerawork in this film as well. However, this isn’t an action movie so there are plenty of steady shots and director Jonathan Demme puts the technique to fantastic use here. In many of the scenes there are some family members, who are shooting on their own handhelds and the camera angle switches back and forth using those perspectives as well, which only adds to the feel of authenticity.
“Rachel Getting Married” is the kind of movie that, unfortunately, does not come around often enough. It is unflinchingly real and honest both in the performances and the manor it was crafted. I think among all of the Hollywood blockbusters and special effects, people forget how difficult it is to make a movie this raw and still have it be relatable and unpretentious. Although Anne Hathaway was the one chosen for an Oscar nomination, which I believe is deserved, I would have no problem with a number of the supporting cast being recognized as well. Add to that the outstanding debut screenplay of Jenny Lumet, which is full of life and sincerity, and you get a final result that is completely refreshing. This is a story about a family, like yours or mine, that welcomes you to the table and asks you if you want a drink. The film is full of humor, sadness, anger and tranquility. Sometimes it seems a little intense and that’s because it is, as life can be sometimes.
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