Review of Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) by Filipeneto — 24 Apr 2022

I believe that we cannot underestimate or forget the importance of this film for British cinema, for its international projection and for its reputation. From its release until today, it has been one of Britain's most beloved and respected films, as well as being a box office hit, critical acclaim and award-winning. Nominated for two Oscars (Best Film and Best Original Screenplay), it won three BAFTA (Best Film, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress) and was the first English film to win the prestigious Cesar Award, from the French Academy. It is a considerable record for a film with a low budget, and which had a good dose of improvisation and creativity.

Even so, I cannot say that I am satisfied with the film. Maybe it's my mistake and my expectations were too high, but I feel it's more serious and less funny than I expected. I know British humor is quite peculiar, but I kind of like that kind of humor, and I find it lacking in this movie, where the marriages follow one after the other. The script focuses its attention on the romantic dynamics between characters, and we see them getting to know each other and relating, with the film showing the result of this in the next marriage, without focusing on anyone in particular except for the main character, a bachelor. The idea is original but tiresome and, for a lot of people, the movie will be nothing more than a succession of pompous weddings. I also didn't really like the story between Charles and Carrie: they don't know each other, they're not really friends, but they have sex after two of the marriages in the movie, and that happens before they even really have romantic feelings... that is, before love comes sex, and that's something I really don't approve of, call me a moralist if you want because I don't give a damn. I think the script should have foreseen that, creating a common past for these characters, like old boyfriends or schoolmates...

Hugh Grant is the star of this film, and here he uses all the British bachelor charm that has earned him success in other romantic comedies: a pretty face, a shy smile, a voice that stutters nervously before settling in and saying the lines in the script, eyes that don't seem to want to fix on anyone in particular. I can understand why the actor has become so popular, particularly among women with a penchant for shy and heavily accented guys. And I must admit that the actor did very well with what was asked of him and gave the character the right tone. Andie McDowell, on the other hand, doesn't seem so genuine in her character and seems old for the role, besides that her chemistry with Grant doesn't work (I preferred the intensity and spontaneity of David Haig and Sophie Thompson, they seem two rabbits in heat, but they also seem passionate and involved enough). The film also has good appearances from Simon Callow, John Hannah, Kristin Scott Thomas and Rowan Atkinson. There are many other well-known British actors here, but in roles that are reasonably less remarkable. The entire cast, in general, excels in restrained interpretations and the dialogues often have something philosophical, in the ramblings of the characters about love and marriage. There's something dreamy about it, but the film doesn't delve into the theme.

Technically, the film has many interesting points to consider, starting with a good cinematography, which makes good use of weather variations and English rain. The locations where the recordings were made were very well-chosen, although the pomp of the weddings, with dozens of flowers, hats, dresses, frock coats and top hats, makes the public wonder if really all those people are rich or aristocrats, or simply decided to go bankrupt to pay all that. The film also has a discreet but effective soundtrack, where some best-known songs end up deserving the spotlight.