Blog # 7

The movie I have seen most recently is Jonathan Demme's Rachel Getting Married.
I really enjoyed the film and felt really moved by it. It was extremely realistic, even too real at times. I think every person could relate to this film on some level - whether it be family conflict, feeling like an outsider in your own family, getting married, etc. The film is shot in a very minimalistic way - the camera work seems almost as if it were done on a video camera to emphasize the realistic effect. The acting is very strong and very moving. All of the actors genuinely cry, laugh, love, and hate each other at one point. In terms of gender and race, I felt like the film is pretty advanced. It is showing an updated view of marriage. The main character Kym, played by Anne Hathaway, comes back home from rehab to her sister Rachel's wedding weekend. Rachel is getting married to Sidney, a successful and handsome black man. This reflecting our changing social landscape. Both sets of families are extremely supportive to welcome each other as their new, larger family. In reference to gender, the character of Kym is rarely judged or ostrasized for being a single woman. Most of her flaws come from within and are not social injustices. As for Rachel, she even seems to be an older bride - around her early 30s or so. Throughout the course of the film, she also finds out that she is expecting a child. The family is ecstatic, Kym is just pissed off. I feel like everyone should see this film. It's intimate and heartbreaking, as well as beyond relatable. All in all, very good.