Peter's Friends

Kenneth Branagh, UK, 1992, 102 minutes

Branagh's third film sees him remake Lawrence Kasdan's American classic, The Big Chill, in a thoroughly British settmg. Having inherited his father's country estate, Peter (Stephen Fry) invites his old chums for a tenth anniversary party, to celebrate the shambolic final performance of their university cabaret troupe.

The group appear never to have spoken in the ensuing decade, but have still managed to develop simultaneously dysfunctional personalities. Thus Branagh himself arrives in a limo with brash American TV star wife. Full of self-loathing, his own talents overshadowed by her own (rather shallow) achievements. Not good company for the neurotic couple fearing the imminent death of their baby, the nymphomaniac, or the hermit-like Emma Thompson.

The character contrasts and personal problems make for highly entertaining viewing, induding hilarious set pieces such as Rita Rudner's 'see-food diet'. However Branagh is less successful in relating these people to the experiences of '80s society in general, than Kasdan's original. Fry and Laurie give the best performances, though Peter's closing revelation is poorly scripted. With a great '80s soundtrack, Peter's Friends is funny, attractively shot and thoroughly undemanding.

Review by Matthew White
Taken from EUFS Programme 1993-94