Four Weddings and a Funeral

Mike Newell, UK, 1994, 117 minutes

The British success story of last year, this has achieved fame for two reasons. Firstly, for becoming the most profitable British film ever, trouncing previous holder A Fish Called Wanda, and secondly. for propelling Hugh Grant to stardom. Unfortunately, the absentminded yet charming Englishman whom he seems to play in every role (Bitter Moon, Sirens, Nine Weeks) has worn a bit thin by now, and he hasn't helped himself by his "lewd behaviour", and then going round zillions of American chat shows talking about it. He is pretty good in this, though.

This is good because it's funny. The script by Richard Curtis is brilliant, and there are some great moments; the reception after the second wedding being my favourite. There's also a nice contrast between the weddings and the funeral, which is genuinely moving, and which prompted mass sales of the Auden poem recited. All the acting. apart from Andie MacDowell, who's amazingly wooden, is excellent with Kristen Scott-Thomas being especially good.

The great thing about this film is that it shows that Britain can produce successful films which aren't either Merchant Ivory or Shakespeare. While it doesn't have a deep message. it's well made, and enjoyable to watch. Perfect, really!

Review by Katherine Edge
Taken from EUFS Programme 1995-96