By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.5 cats
Director: Bruce Sweeney
Starring: Benjamin Ratner | Frida Betrani | Molly Parker | Tom Scholte | Vincent Gale
Country: canada
Year: 2003
Running time: 100
IMDB: http://us.imdb.com/Details?0256871
Michael says: “Once again, a smart, funny, well-made Canadian film misses out on U.S. theatrical distribution, and is released direct-to-video. Bruce Sweeney’s LAST WEDDING was quite the buzz-worthy film two years ago at the Toronto Film Festival. Fortunately, I was unable to see it there. Of course, my interest was piqued because of co-star Molly Parker.
This ensemble piece focuses on three men and the women they are involved with. Outwardly a relationship film, it may well be the worst possible date film, unless viewed as a cautionary tale, as it chronicles the breakdown of these relationships. What I found fascinating about this film was that the three couples bond lay in the men’s friendship, and the women barely know each other, and never become friends. In this type of movie, it’s usually centered the other way around. (Scot was very amusing when he remarked, ‘That’s not a STEEL MAGNOLIAS moment’ after an interaction between two of the women when both are dealing with a difficult situation.)
“Each of the couples interact at a certain point on a scale. Noah (Benjamin Ratner, AGENT CODY BANKS) and Zipporah (Friday Betrani, PROZAC NATION), the titular bride and groom, are the emotionally reactive couple. Everything comes out in bursts of emotion, whether that is anger, passion, depression. Shane (Vincent Gale, TRIXIE) and Sarah (Molly Parker, MARION BRIDGE) are the intellectual couple. Nothing is said in their relationship until it is carefully thought through to gain maximum effect, often to hurt the other. Peter (Tom Scholte, THE CORE) and Leslie (Nancy Sivak) fall somewhere in between. Each character is strongly identified with their profession. Peter is a college English professor, Leslie a librarian. Shane and Sarah are both architects, Sarah just receiving her degree as the film opens. Noah works with membrane technology, and Zipporah is a singer, in the country-rock style. Character’s define themselves by their jobs, and Zipporah seems to suffer self-worth issues when surrounded by the other professionals.
“All of these characters are flawed, and often unlikeable, which somehow makes them seem more real. And just because they often behave like jerks, doesn’t mean we can’t be sympathetic toward them (with the possible exception of Peter, who becomes tempted by one of his students, played by WAYDOWNTOWN’S Marya Delver. I was fascinated as my sympathies wove their way around and through most of the characters. And don’t think this is a bleak film… on the contrary, this is a comedy of the darker type. There are quietly hilarious moments a la WAYDOWNTOWN (must be the Western Canada syndrome) full of deadpan deliveries and slowly dawning wit.
“This film is a winner, in fact, I think I like it more and more as time passes. Just wish it had a theatrical release so it could be eligible. This one has Buried Treasure written all over it.” 4 1/2 cats