The Anniversary Party (2001)

Love is complex and relationships deteriorate.

Directors:

Alan Cumming, Jennifer Jason Leigh

Writers:

Jennifer Jason Leigh, Alan Cumming

Stars:

Alan Cumming, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Phoebe Cates

1 win & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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

Storyline

Celebrity couple Joe and Sally Therrian are going through yet another rough stage in their six-year marriage: while Joe's novels have been climbing higher and higher on the best-seller lists, Sally's film career has been steadily sinking into oblivion. Joe's been given the rights to cast and direct the screenplay of his latest book, but rather than resurrect Sally's career by casting her in the lead role, he's given it to Sally's rival, Skye Davidson. Even worse, he's invited Skye to their anniversary bash. Will the marriage, or anything else for that matter, survive the party?

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Plot Keywords:

party | ecstasy | housemaid | toast | annoyed neighbor | 

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Taglines:

It's not a party until something gets broken.

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Genres:

Drama | Comedy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, drug use and nudity

Details

Official Sites:

Fine Line Features

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 June 2001 (USA)

Also Known As:

Aniversário de Casamento

Filming Locations:

Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$158,533 (USA) (8 June 2001)

Gross:

$4,013,506 (USA) (17 August 2001)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fine Line Features, Pas de Quoi, Ghoulardi Film Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

115 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The actors all wrote their own speeches for the toast scene, with the exception of Gwyneth Paltrow's, which was scripted. (according to the featurette on the DVD).

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Goofs

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.

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Quotes

Cal: I've got gravitas out the wazoo.

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Connections

Referenced in Searching for Debra Winger (2002)

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Soundtracks

"Sonata No. 1 (Adagio)"
Written by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Michael Panes

User Reviews

Begins with simple fun, ends with a Viet Nam of emotion.

Definitely not what I was expecting from reading the box at the video store. Forget any reviews or anything you hear about this movie. Walking into it with expectations would have ruined it for me.

The movie is well directed and cast (despite the fact that many of the actors are related - this is a happy surprise when the credits roll). The premise is that a separated "celebrity" couple gets back together for their sixth wedding anniversary, much to the happiness of (most of) their friends and colleagues, and begin to plan a family and a move to England from Hollywood.

Jennifer Jason Leigh and Alan Cumming make a credible couple on the verge of stardom or has-been-dom, depending on what takes place in the coming year; relocating to England to have a baby or having "Sally" act the part in "Joe's" new movie. It becomes clear near the end that the desires of each aren't what was expected in the beginning of the film.

The only disappointment was Kevin Kline's character. This role was the least interesting of the group; he efforts a semi-believable, cynical hollywood type who holds genuine affection for his children. I just didn't feel anything for him, although Kline shines as would be expected. Small quibble.

Phoebe Cates plays the most believable character, Sally's best (female) friend, and makes you wonder where she's been lately. She comes terribly close to stealing the show by nailing her role with Oscar-quality acting and frightening emotion. We all have, or deserve, a friend like "Sophia."

The other surprise star is Mina Badie, who evolves from the apprehensive and abrasive neighbor to untethered, libertine by the conclusion. I'm not sure why she doesn't want more acting roles.

There was a tad too much nudity in the pool scene (although it is explainable), but aside from that, I would recommend this to anyone whose pre-child relationship is not currently on the rocks.