MovieChat Forums > My Best Friend's Wedding (1997) Discussion > Just what did Julianne or Kimberly see i...

Just what did Julianne or Kimberly see in Michael?


Michael, as played by Dermot Mulroney, seemed a rather dull guy, so slow on the uptake that he didn't know Julianne loved him or pick up that she was trying to undermine his wedding plans. His job was rather dull and required too much travelling for settling down. The billionaire Wallace family would have had a social world that would be awfully challenging for him. Of course his character wasn't developed in a way for us to see his better qualities, but as much as we did see, he doesn't seem to have many.

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He was really handsome and had a deep voice. Other than that I agree. Dim and dull esp compared to Rupert. Probably that is the point; if only Rupert were straight he would be strong enough for Julia.

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I have to agree. I found nothing interesting about Michael. He seemed to have nothing to add to any relationship - at least per face value. He was selfish, childish and near overbearing. As everyone points out in other threads, he wanted his fiance to throw away her career dreams in order for him to follow his own. And when her true feelings are brought up, he whines and complains like a child not getting his way. Mulroney (in this) is a non-alpha male trying to play an alpha male - it doesn't work. (He was more convincing as an alpha in The Wedding Date, though even then, not so much).

I can only assume he has some redeeming qualities in his back story that we don't know about. Maybe he's good in bed? Who knows.

I will say, the character Julianne doesn't come off as a peach in this movie either. Truthfully, I don't think she's a nice friend to anyone - let alone a "best friend". But again, we have no real idea of her back story either - other than she critiques all of her relationships like she does food and found Michael the least distasteful. (haha)

However- As with all rom-coms this isn't supposed to be important. We are only to get caught up in the fun and "love" of it all.
"Good times, noodle salad"

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I agree. He was a boring dick.

I don't feel enough for you to cry.

Oh well.

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Yes exactly. He was boring and selfish

Yes Michael was good looking but not good husband material at all!!
Kimmy was expected to quite school prior to getting her degree which would have made her an architect so she could have her own career. She was made to have no honey moon cos Michael was going to drag her to Texas!! He took jules to Florence years ago so why not treat his wife the same. I thought his behaviour was disgusting. Singing to jules in the restaurant at how Shen looks beautiful, And his fiancé is bloody sitting right there. Laughing & joking with jules, ordering for each other in the karaoke bar and completely ignoring his wife to be!! If I were Kim, I'd have said "u know, what, I don't need this *beep* I'm meant to be number one in your life & im nobody's second choice!!

What a selfish *beep*

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Michael has some things going for him, he's definitely an "American man", his flaws could be seen as charming. He's looking to better himself, is a little lost, oblivious in a sense, and somewhat dapper. Those are seen as attractive qualities, even if they don't scream "good character".

A person hates you because they either wanna be you, see you as a threat, or hate themself

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He was handsome and charming.

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Maybe they had him confused with Dylan McDermott. 🤷‍♂️

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Given Kimmie's ultra wealthy family you have to wonder if she would even be allowed anywhere near Michael let alone be engaged in to him. Her family seem the type that would want her to marry into another ultra wealthy family. I also doubt her family would just let her quit studying.

Michael is also too stupid to realize he is the one who is marrying up.

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