The Anniversary Party is by any definition, a tremendous accomplishment. The sheer triumph of making a film with numerous "name" Hollywood actors for less than $4 million is jaw-dropping in today's environment. The fact that this film was filmed solely on digital video, and that this is relatively transparent to the viewer, is another technical accomplishment that bodes well for future independent filmmakers. But perhaps the highest achievement of The Anniversary Party is that it is not only thus far the best film of the year (not tough with the competition), but one of the best films I've seen in a few years.

Don't get me wrong -- there are people out there, perhaps many of them, who will not like this film. There is a copious amount of drug use in the film, and it's not laced with the usual political correctness and Nancy Reagan-esque messaging that most films seem compelled to intertwine with any such scenes. As a testament to the film's independent spirit, the ending is not tied up in big studio bows, and this also will irk some viewers. (Sorry - I've been trying to figure out a way to use the word "irk" for awhile now, and it just seemed like a good opportunity.)

But, I've gotten ahead of myself. A little background is in order here.

Jennifer Jason Leigh and Alan Cummings wrote, starred in and directed this film, which is plausibly about several Hollywood actors, directors and hangers-on, during one day of their lives. That day is the sixth anniversary between actress Sally Nash (Leigh) and writer cum director Joe Therrian (Alan Cummings) -- the couple has recently gotten back together after a very public separation. Joe ended up in London where he admittedly had some affairs -- potentially with both men and women -- but he states emphatically in one of the opening scenes that he is back for good.

The veracity behind his statement is left in doubt for the viewer, as well as for Sally. In fact, when she finds out that in addition to their closest friends, Joe has also invited Skye Richardson (Gwyneth Paltrow) to their anniversary party, she is outraged. Not only does it feel suspicious, but Sally is jealous of Skye -- not only is she a hot young actress, in contrast to Sally's fading fame, but Joe has cast Skye in his film -- an adaptation of a novel he wrote based on Sally.

Other guests include Sophia Gold (Phoebe Cates) and her husband Jack (Kevin Kline). Jack is a Hollywood legend, just coming off an Oscar, while Sophia was a famous actress who retired from film to raise their children. (This, by the way, is exactly what Cates did in real life, after marrying Kline in real life -- but it does not appear that either of them is merely playing themselves. More on this later.) Jack and Sally are starring together in a new film, directed by Mac Forsyth (John C. Reilly), whose wife Clair (Jane Adams) is also a famous actress, just learning to deal with her new child who she is incredibly protective of. Judy Adams (Parker Posey) is there with her husband Jerry (John Hickey) who is Sally and Joe's tax attorney.

Both Sally and Joe's respective best friends also play vital roles in the film -- Sally's best friend is Levi Panes (Michael Panes), a noted violinist. Joe's best friend is Gina Taylor (Jennifer Beals), an accomplished photographer with a friendship so deep with Joe as to make Sally and others noticeably uncomfortable.

Finally, the neighbors are there -- invited by tax attorney Jerry as a peace offering. Apparently, Sally and Joe's dog has consistently woken Ryan and Monica Rose (Denis O'Hare and Mina Badie) up on a regular basis, and they have had a tumultuous relationship, to put it mildly. This provides some of the more comic and uncomfortable scenes in the film, and is very well crafted.

If you're still with me, relax -- the filmmakers do a far better job of introducing these characters in a logical manner, and also do so subtly -- we come to understand the fame of each character slowly, and this is partly the role the neighbors play. They are somewhat awestruck by several characters, and it is only this that we understand that we are dealing with true celebrities.

The film really takes place in three parts -- one, the prelude to the party, in which we get to learn about the characters above. The second part is the first half of the party, which moves from a typical cocktail gathering to a seemingly very Hollywood moment where each guest stands up and makes a toast or a performance to Sally and Joe. The third is when most of the guests choose to indulge in Skye's present to the couple, 16 hits of Ecstasy. Throughout the entire film, various plot lines are explored, and in a manner that lets us know that not only are these characters laced with the same insecurities and domestic problems as "normal" folks, but presents this information in a refreshing, humorous and non-condescending manner.

The script is really wonderful -- although it's clearly possible that some of this is wonderful improvisation -- and the dialogue feels as "real" as in any film I've seen recently. Whether it's the drug-laced conversations late in the film, the arguments between couples or the hilarious rants by several manic characters, it's so vivid and realistic that it's easy to forget that it is of course pretense. Whatever the process was for getting this script together, it should be repeated over and over, and taught as a primer to anyone who otherwise thinks they're putting together a realistic dialogue. The one downside to the script and story is that, as in any ensemble piece, it's hard to get a complete handle on all the characters. While the film does a remarkable job in shedding insight into both Sally and Joe, other supporting roles range from excellent to window dressing. In particular, Parker Posey's Judy Adams feels woefully unexplored, and with Posey's talent, this is a shame. Other character actors get a real chance to shine -- in particular, John Hickey, Jane Adams and Phoebe Cates all have several scene stealing moments. (Cates' Ecstasy induced rant about the problems that having children causes in one's life is perhaps the standout of the entire film.) Mina Badie (Jason Leigh's half-sister) makes a nice impression as the female neighbor who has a huge impact on the party and in her own life. She will hopefully play this role into considerable more work.

There's not a bad performance in the film, and it's also worth noting that Jennifer Beals truly shines -- she has a complicated role, and as an aside is simply stunning. (Yes, even without the legwarmers and welders' helmet.) Jason Leigh and Cummings have the lead roles, and are equally brilliant -- neither plays a particularly likeable character, though Cummings' Joe is eminently more distasteful -- yet they light the screen up each time. What's impressive is that none of the actors seem to be playing themselves, or taking an insiders sneer at Hollywood. This is not a self-indulgent or esoteric film in any sense, and it makes it all the more enjoyable. Although I've alluded to it before, it's worth repeating that this is also one of the funniest films I've seen in a long time -- I can't remember the last time I was in a theater and heard so much laughter, and I saw Shrek about three days ago.

The story itself lacks clear resolution, and if that's what you crave, this ain't your bag, baby. It also, as mentioned, has a decent amount of drug use that although not specifically chided does show some negative consequences. In glancing at some of the reviews here, the Ecstasy use is problematic for some folks -- again, choose your path wisely. (It's worth noting that the drug scenes are just as realistic as the rest of the film, which is both impressive and interesting. Enough said.) At times, I also felt as if there were just a few too many characters. For instance, a side plot involving Panes and Richardson was interesting (especially for folks aching to see geeky guys hit it off with starlets), but left me wondering what was happening with the characters played by Kevin Kline, John C. Reilly and Parker Posey. Still, this is nitpicking with a film like this.

From a technical standpoint, this film was made on the cheap, using digital cameras exclusively - in most cases, this is not noticeable onscreen. About the only times it's clear something is up is on long pans across a room, it is a bit blurry -- but if such is the sacrifice for a film to be made this quickly and cheaply, I can live with that. It also sets a nice stage for future independents using this format. (As an aside, apparently the vast majority of the budget was for the house that is the primary location -- it's gorgeous, and worth every penny.)

I saw The Anniversary Party last week, and I keep thinking about it, incessantly mentioning it to folks at work to see if I can get others to share in the experience. That's about the best thing I can say about it -- it's a brilliant piece of work, and clearly one of the best films to come around in a long time.


Recommended:
Yes