MovieChat Forums > The Anniversary Party (2001) Discussion > i felt like i was watching elevator surv...

i felt like i was watching elevator surveillance videos.

posted 17 years ago by spikeschilde
11 replies | jump to latest

SPOILERS

It was a whole lotta nothin'.
too much chatting. (ie: "how are you?" "im fine" "are you really?" "yeah i am...")
The only semi-important thing that happened was when the guy went under in the pool, and even that ended up being anti-climactic.
Even joe's sister was disappointing. They didn't do any character development (they didn't even show her except for pictures) so i didn't feel anything when she died.

Tres blah.

"Well, my days of taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle." ~Mal, Firefly

[–] 17 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Media_Cult 16 years ago

Very true, that perfectly shows the message of him forgetting about her troubles because of his own "oh-so-important" life as a novelist. He is one of the main protagonists, he's made to be the important parts that we follow; he's the one being portraied as negleting his sister, and possibly most people around him who need him; why should we get to know his sister then? That would be a completely different movie again.

[–] 16 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Media_Cult 16 years ago

You didn't feel the tension? That there was something under the surface with almost everyone, which they tried to hide as the behaved adults they were? And then when the drug kicked in, well, then the rage, inner child, truth, etc. was visible. It was subtle.

[–] SeeBear 16 years ago

All I can say is, you cannot be idle minded to enjoy a film like this.

I've watched it numerous times and, like Gosford Park and the Age of Innocence, I see something different each time. This is an art film, not your typical escapist fare.

[–] kskloco 15 years ago

I just saw the movie again... her sister calls at the start of the movie, when they are doing Yoga or something.. she says she's going and he says "where?" but he never picks up the phone.
Whatever that means.

[–] dancetildawn 15 years ago

Even joe's sister was disappointing. They didn't do any character development (they didn't even show her except for pictures) so i didn't feel anything when she died.

That is probably my only criticism of the movie was the sister part, cause it just really didn't feel fleshed out enough to become such a big part at the end. I still loved the movie though. I think it's a very realistic and rare look at the lifestyle of actors in Hollywood (the reputable ones). Another great movie, that has the same realistic feel but with musicians is Laurel Canyon.

[–] garridogal 15 years ago

I agree with SeeBear and would like to add that I think that the reason that the sister's part isn't developed is because it's a reflections of Joe's attitude toward her. He keeps her in the background and although he knows that she's troubled he'd preferred not to really be bothered by her (I find this to be very common in families.) as he's too wrapped up in his own life.

Her death brings her reality home to him as well as to the viewers in a shocking moment of reality. She's alluded to in the beginning. Sally brings up - as well as his avoidance of her situation - during their fight. And finally, her death brings home the fact that now there's nothing he can do.

Interestingly, he still puts his own feelings ahead of her by opting not to fly to London immediately.

[–] SeeBear 15 years ago

The sister's character is pulled into the film numorous times. So much, in fact, you feel as if she's there even though she's absent.

Gina mentions her when she see greets Joe. She tells him she's in good condition but still has her ups and down. Sophia mentions her drug addition during her confrontation with Sally when she says such afflictions are hereditary.

If you pay attention more carefully, you'll find the sister's character is developed from conversations that occur throughout the film.

By the end, there isn't much of a surprise when it all comes together. When you re-watch the film it all makes sense.

When you view it a second time and hear her voice on the answering machine telling Joe, "She's going on a trip somewhere." You instantly realize what she's preparing to do.

Again, if you want a film that spells everything out for you, this ain't the one.

[–] ratatatcat29 15 years ago

The OP says there was a lack of character development of Joe's sister, therefore they did not feel anything when she died. You're not supposed to feel for the dead sister, but for Joe.

Hey, did you ever try dunking a potato chip in champagne? It's real crazy!

[–] Marionecarroll 11 years ago

Hey Zach, you guys are busted!! Party on!