The
Anniversary Party
(Fine Line Features) Rated R
Release Date - June 8, 2001
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Directed
by Jennifer Jason Leigh and Alan Cumming.
Starring: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Alan Cumming, Jane Adams,
Mina Badie and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Produced by Jennifer Jason Leigh,
Alan Cumming and JoAnne Sellar.
Written by Jennifer Jason Leigh and Alan Cumming.
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This is
an insightful, powerful film that feels as real and unreal
as life. It is a sensational
debut for Leigh and Cumming, as both writers and directors. There was only one scene in the entire movie
that I felt was overshot or distracting from the storytelling,
which is quite unusual for first timers.
Of course, the question of recreating this effect when
the two aren’t working in a relaxed atmosphere with real-life
friends is real. But,
dear God, let them try. Almost
more importantly, this film is, for me, the second best DV
feature film - The Celebration is #1 - ever made and
probably the most accessible.
Cumming, Leigh and Bailey do what others have started
to do with digital effects ... they use the tool instead of
letting the tool use them.
Bravo and brava.

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