Review of Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) by Dave H — 14 May 2009
Lightning in a bottle. Perhaps the best English film of all time, certainly one of the best comedies of all time, and undoubtedly the best wedding pic of all time. Hugh-baby's entire career is due to his bumbling, hesitant perfectly naturalistic perf here, talk about role-playing himself into a corner.
He's equalled by the brilliant, supporting turns, utterly convincing as disparate best buds - the only weak link is McDowell, as stilted as ever - but overshadowed by the perfection of the entire piece.
Curtis has turned in some genius work since, but like Grant, he's never topped this - my favourite dialogue-driven script after "When Harry Met Sally". Wonderful concept, structure and direction too, the best part of which is the spot on mise-en-scene of the weddings, and the overriding philosophy that love - and friendship - are much more key to happiness than marriage.
And - obviously - my soft spot for this film is driven by the fact that for so long, my life has been just like Charles: "Why am I always at weddings, and never actually getting married?".
This review of Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) was written by Dave H on 14 May 2009.
Four Weddings and a Funeral has generally received positive reviews.
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