User reviews

This film pulls back the curtain to reveal a glimpse of what `celebrity' means when the cameras aren't rolling and the stage is dark. What begins as a celebration of sorts becomes a character study that examines the lifestyle of the self-absorbed and those driven by ego, and we get to see the people behind the `fame.' And while on one hand `The Anniversary Party,' written and directed by Alan Cumming and Jennifer Jason Leigh, appears at first to be the kind of party you could find at anyone's house at any time in any place, subtle differences begin to surface that separates it from what could be considered the `norm.' Because beyond certain corporate similarities, the entertainment industry is quite unlike any other, and that goes especially for the people who inhabit it. Sure, actors, writers, directors, etc. are people, just like anyone else, but their particular perceptions and priorities necessarily shift them into a unique position within the landscape of the human condition, wherein they exist amongst their own and for the most part play the game by their own rules. This is a generalization, of course; not every actor or artist lives in the style depicted in this film, but many do. In the final analysis, Hollywood is not called `La-La Land' for no reason, and Cumming and Leigh know it. Welcome to a world in which anything is acceptable, anything goes, and usually does.

Writer/director Joe Therrian (Cumming) and actress Sally Nash (Leigh) have prepared a party to celebrate their six years together; not that they have actually been `together' the entire time, but according to the actor/artist math, it's close enough. Close friends and associates have been invited to share whatever this is with them, as well as a couple of neighbors, Monica and Ryan Rose (Mina Badie, Denis O'Hare), who have certain `issues' with Joe and Sally. And, much to the chagrin of the `aging' Sally, whose career seems to be on the wane, Joe has invited the hot young up-and-comer in town, Skye Davidson (Gwyneth Paltrow) to the party. As the evening wears on into the early morning hours, true feelings are gradually revealed amid a game of charades (rather, a `production' of charades; these people are forever `on'), as well as the sharing of a certain `product' given as a present to Joe and Sally by Skye. And so, what began as a celebration, in the cold, hard light of morning just may be remembered as something entirely different. Welcome to the wonderful world of show biz.

The daughter of actor Vic Morrow, Jennifer Jason Leigh was born into the business, so to speak; Alan Cumming, on the other hand will have to come up with his own excuse. But they have collaborated (perhaps `conspired' would be more accurate) to bring to the screen an interesting, thought provoking story that for all intents and purposes seems, at least, as if it could be a composite of actual experiences and people they have known. Which means they've succeeded in delivering a film that has the decided flavor of reality about it, and for the most part it's extremely engaging, and often riveting drama. it may be a film that many will have trouble connecting with, though, if only because it is bound to fall outside the realm of personal experience for them. Most of the issues in this story are simply unfamiliar territory to the greater part of the world's population, with the exception of those dealing with the more universal themes, like the appreciation of a child's song, or the irritation of the perpetual barking of a neighbor's dog.

What really sells the project, though, and maintains interest, is the excellent ensemble cast the filmmakers have assembled here, portraying an inordinate number of characters driven by look-at-me! egos, yet each presented within their own unique perspectives and contexts. At the center of the fray, of course, is Cumming and Leigh, each of whom do a solid job of anchoring the myriad situations and scenarios generated through, by and around them. Leigh successfully conveys a sense of insecurity consistent with Sally's current status, and Cumming does a good job of making Joe quite unlikable, affecting as he does the look, attitude and personality born of an overblown and bloated ego. it's a portrayal that effectively points up the absolute boorishness that can be found within this community.

Paltrow, meanwhile, perfectly captures the essence of the shallow and relatively clueless ingenue, the vast majority of whom become a flavor of the week before disappearing into the obscurity of Hollywood's human `outbox.' While Phoebe Cates, as former actress Sophia Gold, represents the opposite end of the spectrum, a young woman perfectly content with her current role of wife and mother. And Kevin Kline is convincing as her husband, actor Cal Gold, who though successful is still visited with insecurities and doubt; and his performance is one of the highlights of the film.

Also turning in performances that stand out from the rest are Mina Badie (Leigh's real life half-sister) as the neighbor who comes to the party offering conciliatory overtures toward a more `neighborly' relationship; John C. Reilly, as Mac Forsyth, a veteran director struggling with his latest project (the star of which just happens to be Sally Nash); and Peter Sellers look alike Michael Panes, as Sally's talented friend, Levi.

Rounding out the exceptional cast are Jane Adams (Clair), John Benjamin Hickey (Jerry), Parker Posey (Judy), Jennifer Beals (Gina), Matt Malloy (Sanford) and Owen Kline and Greta Kline (Kevin and Phoebe's real life children, as Jack and Evie Gold). A film that is more interesting than entertaining, `The Anniversary Party' nevertheless offers the viewer a chance to vicariously explore and experience Tinsel Town from the dark side of the curtain; some will find it exciting, while others will deem it decidedly unglamorous. Either way, Cumming and Leigh are to be commended for making it `real.' It's the magic of the movies. 7/10.

Cloying at times but very compelling and all-but-unpredictable, 'Anniversary' surprises with its power and brutal candor, especially when one tries to discern the autobiographical truths. Saw it last at Disney company screening in NYC when I had no idea what I was about to see or who had created it. Amazed at end to discover in credits that co-stars Cumming and Leigh had written and directed the film.

Was especially struck by the performances of Jennifer Beals--whom I did not recognize--and Phoebe Cates, whose brilliance in one climactic scene w/ Leigh is startling. Impressed at heavyweights in cast like Kline, Paltrow and Cumming. Delighted to see John C. Reilly again (but where was buddy Philip Seymour Hoffman?) Newcomer Mina Badie was the most striking "rookie" in cast (but one whose name, phonetically, rivals that of "Snidely Whiplash.")

The technical miracle here came when I realized--only after screening and upon reading production notes--that the "film" was actually shot on digital video. I defy any non-pro viewer to recognize the difference. The success of the remarkably soft film-like cinematography here by veteran John Bailey may accelerate Hollywood's embrace of much cheaper, quicker video production. It's unintrusive effect is dazzling here.

Biggest flaw here is lack of substantial "story" and reliance on lengthy Ecstacy scene and theme. The politically incorrect happy-drug message here will hurt the movie with mainstream critics. This despite fact that plot does eventually include a moralistic, anti-drug hard-drug lesson in its somewhat predictable conclusion.

If you like Robert Altman films, you should take a look at this film. It's much like an Altman film, with its use of naturalistic dialogue, subtle humor, and a wide spectrum of characters which feel like real people, in simple, believable situations. But it's tidier than an Altman film. It still could use a little trimming, I think, but in general it doesn't have as many rough edges as a film like "A Wedding".

Here's an excerpt from Roger Ebert's review, which could very well be a comment about an Altman movie: "The appeal of the film is largely voyeuristic. We learn nothing we don't already more or less know, but the material is covered with such authenticity and unforced natural conviction that it plays like a privileged glimpse into the sad lives of the rich and famous. We're like the neighbors who are invited. Leigh and Cumming co-wrote and co-directed, and are confident professionals who don't indulge their material or themselves. This isn't a confessional home movie, but a cool and intelligent look at a lifestyle where smart people are required to lead their lives according to dumb rules."

I like two of the actresses very much so I might be biased. Jennifer Jason Leigh and Parker Posey are two of my favorites. Plus Parker had some topless moments. So that aside I will say this movie is worth watching if you don't mind an over done LA type of drama. It was well acted but the story line is very much been there done that type of theme. And I think there are times when the movies drags and doesn't flow as well as it could. If you are not too bored with this LA type of drama then it might be worth watching. If you like Parker Posey and Jennifer Jason Leigh as much as I do then it is a must see.

I guess that every once in a while, there has to be a movie about people's relationships about to blow up in everyone's faces - especially if it's about Hollywood. "The Anniversary Party" is one such movie. It has Joe Therrian (Alan Cummings) and Sally Nash (Jennifer Jason Leigh) throwing a party in their Hollywood Hills house and inviting various friends. As the party continues, it begins more and more to look like everything is about to collapse.

This was an okay, if routine, flick. The aspect that really stands out (for me at least) is that real-life couple Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates co-star with their real-life son and daughter. Other cast members include John C. Reilly, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Parker Posey. Nothing significant in cinema history, but acceptable.

Hollywood couple Sally (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and Joe Therrian (Alan Cumming) invite their friends and others to their home for their sixth year anniversary party. His novel is being adapted but she's not being cast as the lead. Young starlet Skye Davidson (Gwyneth Paltrow) who got the role is invited. They are disputing with their neighbors about their dog's barking and somehow got into the party. The party starts lightly but with underlining tension. However the party deteriorates.

There are so many characters and so many relationships to keep track of. The large compelling cast of actors is both its appeal and its handicap. There are no throw away characters which is great but it also means there are no throw away characters. There are some fun moments but it feels a little random. Phoebe Cates does return from retirement with her real husband Kevin Kline and their kids. The movie has the feel of watching a real party. JJL and Cumming just need to refine their script to sharpen the humor.

I am not sure I can conjure the words to describe how abhorrently bad this film was.

I feel like filing a civil case against the producers for pain and suffering. Even though I was it months ago, I cannot rest until I get this out of my system. I can never look at Alan Cummings (a great actor) the same way again...

The only reason I can see that people would rate it highly is that (1) they live in the same LA/NY industry crowd and/or (2) they know someone affiliated with the production.

I don't mind that there was really no plot and a great deal of ad hoc; many good films today explore alternate styles and succeed. But this was essentially a professionally edited LA home movie. Sitting through the entire thing was akin to your uncle holding you captive to his Paris vacation video.

You develop no sympathy for any of the self-absorbed film industry characters, except maybe the otherwise normal neighbors who complain about the dog. If, as many people comment, this was a true insight and satiric look at the LA crowd, then I am ashamed to be a part of the same nation as they. A culture of people whose lives revolve around how many names they can drop, how many awards they win, how much money they make, how cleverly they can backstab everyone around them, and how many pictures of themselves they have in their richly decorated homes. Ugh.

The precious speeches given at the party (with deeply meaningful gifts) were the worst torture. You come to despise the main characters and then need to sit through a celebration of their love for each other? I kept thinking...this has to end soon, and then like a bad business seminar where you pray for a coffee break, another awful speech would ensue.

And don't get me started on the mid-film tragedy that unfolds. Dear God, why did we need that on top of everything else. A vehicle for the actors to show how great they are by displaying the full range of their talents? Pass the Prozac.

Anything redeeming? Yes 2 things. (1) the actors truly must be talented to evoke such a strong reaction, I will give you that, and (2) if you see this and it reminds you of your life and your friends, use it as a barometer to indicate the desperate need for immediate changes.

"The Anniversary Party" provides you with the perfect opportunity to watch the kind of party you'd want to be invited to, but not necessarily attend.

This was a great film with numerous funny, dramatic, awkward, and stressful moments. It embraced many universal points of conflict in relationships--be it with a spouse, a neighbor, a boss, a co-worker--and allowed you, as a viewer, to watch all of the varying (and often hilarious) perspectives. And then it showed you all of those same perspectives on ecstasy.

The film maintains a large cast of talented people and uses them well. I found myself doubled over in laughter for at least half of the movie--Alan "Uppin" Cumming, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jane Adams, Parker Posey, John Benjamin Hickey, John C. Reilly, Michael Panes, and the entire Cates-Kline family gave a lot of comedy to their characters, complimenting the difficult and trying moments that were weaved throughout the film.

It was shocking to see the number of negative reviews in this index. I think if you are between the ages of 25-49, it would be hard not to relate to the social satire that is portrayed brilliantly in this film. It is thoroughly enjoyable.****

A joint directing and writing project from superb actors Alan Cumming and Jennifer Jason Leigh. The film has a seemingly improvised, verite feel to it. As it's about a party, it works almost as if it's a home movie and given the feeling of friends in a labor of love project, shaky camerawork and cropped heads at the top of many frames it probably was intended as such. Cumming and Leigh play an estranged show couple attempting to reconcile and celebrate their sixth anniversary. They invite their friends and neighbors (each of whom they judge and are in turn judged by them) and as the evening progresses, devastating secrets are revealed. There's quite a bit of Edward Albee's influence at work--the script seems designed to portray everyone in the most despicable manner possible. But Cumming and Leigh don't spend enough time on background information so that when empathy is called for it's impossible for you to deliver. Still, there's a suitably uncomfortable feeling that permeates the proceedings and the filmmakers and performers are delighted to be in the process of creating something with emotion. It has its moments.

I'd have to agree with the AP entertainment news which called this

indulgent and only interesting if you're an actor. It's basically a

bunch of actors at a party, preening and bitching, not content with

their beautiful lives and Neutra house and special Mexican cooks and

maids. They take ecstasy, and have some dramatic revelations. The

central relationship is a woman who has married a gay man, proving how

smart she is and making it hard to care about the bed she (or her maid)

has made and is now lying in. Gwenneth Paltrow appears in this film as a

beguiling young famous actress who, when on drugs, does a very odd dance

by the pool, at which point I thought that I was the one on drugs. She

is lovely to look at, but I still wonder if anybody is upstairs if you

know what I mean. Jennifer Jason Leigh is good as always, as is Kevin

Kline, but everyone else suffers under the weight of the mediocre

script. This is no "Big Chill", or even "Little Chill"- it's just room

temperature.

I can understand how many will find THE ANNIVERSARY PARTY an indulgent, sneering little movie lacking in focus and ultimate catharsis; but I enjoyed it, quite a bit actually, if only to see some of Hollywood's finest talent freeing themselves from the studios for the intimacy of a digital shoot. I admired Party for being bold, clever, funny, cutting and occasionally brilliant. The ending felt a bit forced at first (the off screen family death as catalyst for conclusion was used to better effect in TWO GIRLS AND A GUY - another actor-driven digital indie), but ultimately it fit for Sally and Joe to end where they began, Narcissist and Echo.

Other comments have provided good synopses; I won't elaborate save for one obvious theme so far missed, that of chasing lost youth. It's quite depressing really, for at this party, Generation X officially goes over the hill. All my life I've been vaguely annoyed at self-obsessed Baby Boomer flicks like The Big Chill and The Ice Storm that seemed to congratulate an entire generation for being so damn dysfunctional. Well (*sigh*), now such movies will be made about my generation, here defined as neither willing nor ready to grow up. Gwyneth as "Skye @#*%ing Davidson" has the one thing all else at the party have lost, and the little pills she brings offers a last, desperate attempt to participate in her "youth culture" (ages 8-29 need only apply). Klein's presence (an obvious reference to the Big C) suggests that some Boomers are still chasing that lost youth. Meanwhile, Gen-X is just getting started.

"So much for Ecstasy."

but despite wonderful performances by the entire ensemble cast, this is Jennifer Jason Leigh's movie and she makes of the most of it. She plays a former star actress hitting her 40s and has to come to grips with that and what everyone assumes is her very late pregnancy at her anniversary party. Her husband Cumming is a now famous British author with a best seller on his hands and a married couple living next door who can't stand his dog.

The story is predictable but notable for the very fine performances by all and the fact that this was shot on digital video but none but the very trained eye could point that out. Special kudos to Cates and Beals who definitely need to be seen more often and add another hurrah for Leigh and Cumming's writing abilities. Well worth watching.

"The Anniversary Party" is exactly that. A celebratory get-together of sundry Hollywood film industry types at the humble digs in the Hollywood Hills of a writer (Cumming) and actress (Jason Leigh). The film sports a solid cast and is a good shoot. However, we the audience, sit with less than rapt attention as we watch the players play Charades, cavort about the pool, indulge in Ecstasy, etc. all the while blabbing incessantly about their sundry personal issues. "The Anniversary Party" is a good flick in need of a story with an audience in need of a reason beyond sheer voyeurism to watch it.

In our household, we use a pretty basic definition for "art". If it (dance, painting, sculpture, performance) causes you, the audience, to feel the emotion that the artist wants you to feel, then it's art.

By that definition, this movie is art - though I can't say that it's what the writer/director/producer team was trying for.

Okay - I've been a Jennifer Jason Leigh fan for a couple of decades now. That she was one of the forces behind this film made my decision to rent it easy. As always, her performance as actress here is relentlessly professional - she knows her job, and does it well.

The script is - well, questionable. Written by the central characters for themselves and their friends, filmed by (apparently) a circle of friends, about lives in the movie industry. As Heinlein said, "There's no shame in writing, but do it in private and wash your hands afterward". This is either masturbatory or self-revelatory, and it's not easy for this audience to know which. That's okay - it was an interesting evening's viewing, and it'll find its way into my personal collection sometime soon.

The acting is flawless - no clunkers, no false notes, and some points of excellence. JJL was, in particular, good at showing a side I'd have thought she'd be afraid to face - the aging has-been. Many of the company I'd not seen before - but everyone, down to America, the maid, shows their characters beautifully.

I don't really know if this movie was supposed to show the insiders' view of life in the movie industry, or a parody of that life - but it's an engaging story. It could have used a bit more sparkle, and perhaps a bit less pathos in one evening - but it did ring true throughout.

Folks either like this or loathe it - I suggest that you watch it yourself and see what camp you land in. My daughter was a tad surprised to find how much she enjoyed it.

(Daughter, 14, sez: Very odd. It shows movie stars, writers, and important people - being just like normal human beings are.)

I had heard all of the great reviews and some quirky ads for this independent movie as some sort of modern "Big Chill". This movie even had Big Chill alumnus Kevin Kline and his wife the best part about "Fast Times at Ridgemont High", Phoebe Cates. Yes, I agree that there are a good group of actors in this movie, but the more I watched it, the more depressed I became over the hedonistic behavior of these characters. The Big Chill was a hit because the characters overcame their problems with each other and drew closer in the end. In this rather horrifying movie the characters grew apart more and more as the plot dragged on, and you pitied these characters rather than felt any empathy for them. And how can you actually believe that Alan Cumming has any heterosexual tendencies? Not that there is anything wrong with that, but he is totally unbelievable.

If you like a slow, carefully developed, beautifully acted, funny and articulate piece of parlor theater, complete with a heart-wrenching scene or three demonstrating alienation between neighbors and genuine intimacy among friends, this is for you. If not, not. With its two deaths or near-deaths, this is more than talk, but still if pure conversation strikes you as self-indulgent or tedious, rather than (in this singular case) genius, why not pass?

"The Anniversary Party" is a terrific comedy. Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jane Adams and Parker Posey are fantastic and whole cast works extremely well together. This is one comedy that shouldn't be missed. One of the best comedies I have seen in a long time.

This movie is extraordinarily pretentious. First of all, all of the characters in this film are unlikable and annoying. If such people exist, you certainly would not want to spend any time with them--not even for two hours--at a distance. This seems to be an instance where a group of Hollywood stars got together to make a movie, created a cast of characters almost no ordinary person could possibly relate to in any way, and then expects an audience to indulge in their pitiful neuroses with them. I'm not at all anti-Hollywood or one of those deeply idiotic right-wing morons who complain that celebrities are so out of touch with mechanics and Midwest elementary school teachers, but these characters are truly vapid, self-indulgent and just plain annoying. You might be tempted to rent this movie because of it's excellent cast--don't. Yes, there are some very good actors, but I assure you they are all entirely wasted in this masturbatory exercise in film-making. Jennifer Jason Leigh is a fine and quite underrated actress, but apparently that talent evaporates when she moves behind the camera. As for Alan Cumming, I suppose he's good in a strictly Joel Grey-Cabaret sort of way, but rather limited as an actor. For instance, in the movie he plays Jennifer Jason Leigh's husband--despite the fact that he is undeniably, screamingly homosexual. The movie even points this out, but it still expects us to believe in this relationship, which is sort of what the movie centers on--that and a group of very superficial entertainment people getting together, doing drugs, embarking on a voyage of self-discovery--blah friggin' blah. Stay away from this movie; it bites.

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.

While enjoyable, and entertaining, I feel this movie relied too much on breadth so that one wonders what is happening in the movie because so much is. The narrative thread is the relationship of the lead couple. The work of Alan Cumming and JJ Leigh is interesting to watch. However it is a bit scattered. A bit too much true to life, ala my best friend Phoebe Cates, and the lines delivered - are they scripted or ad lib and does it matter? Yes, because the audience wants to know where you are taking us with this. Too many beautiful people with their poor, poor problems. They are nervous, lose their dogs, etc. All in all, it lacked something and I'm not sure what it is. But it's worth a look.

I looked at this DVD for the first time in at least 5 or 6 years. I am a fan of the genre, but had forgotten about the film.

Looking back at it after all this time, I now understand what made this flick so forgettable.

Do not get me wrong, a couple of these type of ensemble movies are among my all-time favorites, including "The Big Chill" and "It's My Party." This movie, however, is nearly unwatchable in parts.

Sorry, but the casting of the entire Kline family to play....The Klines...was cringe-inducing. Similarly, the central characters are not believable from the get-go. The entire movie plays out as an actors exercise, with dollops of insider references sprinkled throughout to give everyone a sense of what Hollywood is allegedly all about.

I am not sure how many times the term 'self-indulgement' popped up in my mind while watching this, but it was my primary thought through the entire first half-hour. With a set-up this superficial, any of the developing drama was bound to fall flat. Who was there to empathize with?

The main reason I didn't rate this film worse is probably the performances of Posey, Hickey and Badie. Additionally, there were occasionally searing glimpses of narcissistic truth thrown in.

Honestly, though. I love a new age-type party, but watching the allegedly spontaneous performances at the celebratory portion of the evening, where the guests speak to the hosts was....how can I put this gracefully....making me glad I had not eaten before viewing it.

Considering my expectations for this sort of film, and the casting, it may be as disappointing a movie as I have seen.