The Anniversary Party (2001)

User Rating:

6.2/10   

Directors:

Alan Cumming
Jennifer Jason Leigh

Writers:

Jennifer Jason Leigh (written by) &
Alan Cumming (written by)

Release Date:

24 June 2001 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Comedy

Tagline:

It's not a party until something gets broken.

Plot:

Love is complex and relationships deteriorate.

Plot Keywords:

Party | Ecstasy | Toast | Ballet | Nudity

Awards:

1 win & 4 nominations

Cast

Alan Cumming	...	Joe Therrian
Jennifer Jason Leigh	...	Sally Therrian
Otis	...	Himself (as Otis the Dog)
Steven Freedman	...	Yoga Instructor
Norizzela Monterroso	...	America
Clara Demedrano	...	Rosa
John Benjamin Hickey	...	Jerry Adams
Parker Posey	...	Judy Adams
Phoebe Cates	...	Sophia Gold
Kevin Kline	...	Cal Gold
Owen Kline	...	Jack Gold
Greta Kline	...	Evie Gold
Denis O'Hare	...	Ryan Rose
Mina Badie	...	Monica Rose
Jane Adams	...	Clair Forsyth

MPAA:

Rated R for language, drug use and nudity.

Runtime:

115 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Portugal:M/16 | South Korea:18 | Canada:14A (Canadian Home Video rating) | Australia:MA | France:U | Germany:12 | Netherlands:12 | Spain:13 | Switzerland:14 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:14 (canton of Vaud) | UK:18 | USA:R (No. 37899) | Iceland:12

Filming Locations:

Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Fine Line Features

Trivia:

The part of Otis, Joe and Sally's dog was played by Jennifer Jason Leigh's own pet dog.

Goofs:

Continuity: After Judy throws the diving sticks into the pool, several guests jump in, including a shirtless Joe. In the next shot, Joe is on the grass, wearing his shirt and dry.

Quotes:

Joe Therrian: Would you like a lolly? You're never too old for a lolly.

Movie Connections:

References Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

Soundtrack:

It's A Motherf#&!@r

Flawed, but brilliant moments make it unforgettable

A wonderful ensemble piece starring many fine actors, The Anniversary Party delves deep into the ties that bind us together. But the second act is an unflinching look at how we tear ourselves apart. While it has some flaws, I found it hit its marks more often than not. The Altmanesque flow of the movie was almost pitch perfect and never got in the way of the story. There is tension between almost all of the principles and it is often the cover-your-eyes-but-look-through-your-fingers type. I found most of the relationships to be as flawed and messy as the real ones (mine at least). Sure, there's an extraneous scene or two (the near drowning scene comes immediately to mind) and they don't set up the ending that well, but I was happy to forgive the warts to get a close look at compelling relationships.