Another favorite movie of mine, though not one that I would watch a second time, is called Rachel Getting Married. It is a little independent flick starring Anne Hathaway as "Kym," the sister of "Rachel," who, as the title suggests, is getting married.
Anne Hathaway is brilliant as a recovering drug addict struggling with coming to terms with a past family tragedy. I cannot divulge the tragedy as it is one of the finer moments in the movie - when the audience is finally let in on the dark and tragic family secret. It is fascinating to watch how the various family members have learned to cope (or not) with the shame and the guilt and the loss. Debra Winger, who plays the mother, is particularly sinister, though hides behind an austere of concern, as I imagine many mothers do. What to say and think about a child, now grown, that you don't like? And what is the audience to feel about a mother that is unlikable? It is a wonderfully different vantage point of mothers and daughters - one that is not often explored in film. But the hard stuff is not thrown in your face in this movie - like it is done in so many others. It is slowly and artfully revealed to allow the audience time to digest how an event from so long ago still profoundly affects each family member.
I also love the music in the movie. The score was written by a Palestinian musician, which gives it a refreshing Arab vibe. Tunde Adebimpe, who plays Rachel's betrothed and is also a real life musician, sings a beautiful rendition of Neil Young's "Unknown Legend" as part of the wedding vows. I think I cried throughout the entire song. It is so moving to see his love for Rachel and reminds us how love really can save a person from living a life otherwise stuck in tragedy. Rachel has given herself permission to love and be loved despite all the family secrets swirling around her. And that love is intoxicating to be a part of. Here is a link to that scene:
I also like how the camera pans the room to provide a glimpse into the guests' reaction to the song. My favorite glimpse is a side view of Anne Hathaway, with her eyes looking glazed over, and choking back tears. You are left to wonder if she is happy for her sister, as you hope her to be, or feeling sorry for herself, as she most likely is. Again the flaws of the characters are subtly though powerfully revealed. Kym is selfish. Even at her own sister's wedding she is thinking primarily of herself - what her life lacks is abundantly made clear. And we feel sorry for Kym because she cannot let go of the tragedy. She is stuck. And maybe always will be. And we hope for her to find peace.
So, it is tragic, uplifting, haunting, and in the end, a very human film. Happy watching. Until next time, SAHM.
