Review of Rachel Getting Married (2008) by Katrine N — 24 Apr 2010

It surprises me how few people comment on the Robert Altman'ishness of this film. Save for a very few protagonists, spearheaded by Anne Hathaway's strong lead, this is basically an ensemble drama of not particularly imporant family members and wedding guests, of which we actually only get to 'meet' a few, but still observe and notice them all.

Notice Anna Deavere Smith in an important minor role as the father's second wife, superbly understated by both director and actress. Sharing its theme and way of telling the story also with Thomas Vinterberg's "Festen"/"The celebration", the depiction of a (dynfunctional) family gathering is spot on - leaving the story of drug-addicted Hathaway merely as a catalyst for the introduction to the various family members.