There are
very few films in life that I, quite literally,
watch every chance I get. "Four Weddings and a
Funeral" is such a film.
Starring Andie MacDowell and Hugh Grant, the
film is about an English bachelor who keeps
running into an American woman at weddings he
attends. The two move from flirtation to lust to
love throughout the film, and the finale is
heartwarming, gentle and wonderful.
"Four Weddings and a Funeral" captured a Best
Picture Oscar nomination in 1994 as sort of the
"small, indie flick that proves we're cool" from
the Academy. Many times, I would argue with the
Academy about their selection, however, I
wholeheartedly endorse this one.
The film is a simple film, with little razzle
dazzle, no special effects and truly nothing of
a unique nature. It is a character driven, story
focused romantic comedy with touches of drama.
The script by Richard Curtis is gentle and
easygoing, and Mike Newell directs the film with
a comfortable pace of comedy, drama, touch of
slapstick and back again.
The film is seen often on late night television,
and every time I flip on the television and see
it there I find myself dropping everything I am
doing to watch. I know the story and I can quote
nearly every line, but I just can't help but
watch the gentle romantic dance between
MacDowell and Grant. It is a beautiful matching
of minds and hearts. Likewise, the supporting
performances of Kristin Scott Thomas, Simon
Callow and Rowan Atkinson are perfectly blended
into the scenery.
"Four Weddings and a Funeral" is a comfortable
film. It doesn't require much energy or thought
or preparation to view. It's sort of like
sitting down to watch a video of old friends and
the stories of their lives. It doesn't matter
how many times you see it, you're always going
to smile.
©
Written by Richard
Propes
TC Candler's Comment
I love
watching this film every time it comes on.
It is a definitive example of the romantic
comedy genre and boasts a charming cast of
quirky and lovable characters.
Jacob
Hall's Comment
n/a
