The Anniversary Party

2001 Comedy Drama

In this Dogma 95-inspired first feature for acclaimed performers Jennifer Jason Leigh and Alan Cumming, the two star as Joe and Sally Therrian, a couple who have recently reconciled after a yearlong separation, and who decide to throw a sixth anniversary party in their honor. They invite a bevy of Hollywood types, including Skye Davidson (Gwyneth Paltrow), a young, beautiful, Ecstasy-pushing actress appointed to play a character based on Sally in the new feature film based on Joe's successful novel. Also featured are Cal and Sophia Gold (played by real-life marrieds Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates), the former a co-star of Sally's and the latter her best friend who has given up the business to raise a family; Mac (John C. Reilly), the director of the new film and his actress wife Clair (Jane Adams), who has continued working after the recent birth of their child; Judy and Jerry Adams (Parker Posey and John Benjamin Hickey), the Therrians' managers; and Gina (Jennifer Beals), Joe's ex-girlfriend, who is often regarded as his first big love. Things are complicated when their contentious neighbors (Mina Badie and Denis O'Hare) make an appearance, and a mystery gift causes the event to unravel over the course of one long evening. The film was also written by Cumming and Leigh, another first for both actors. more..

Director: Jennifer Jason Leigh

Starring: Alan Cumming, Jennifer Jason Leigh,Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Kline, Phoebe Cates

Reviews

  • A caustic comedy of Hollywood manners.

    Mick LaSalle - The San Francisco Chronicle

    27 April 2013

  • What makes The Anniversary Party intriguing is how close it cuts to the bone of reality--how we're teased to draw parallels between some of the characters and the actors who play them.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    27 April 2013

  • They turn what could have been an acting stunt into an intimate and compelling study of bruised emotions.

    Peter Travers - Rolling Stone

    27 April 2013

  • Isn't what you'd call a probing film, but it's a slick and savvy one.

    Jay Carr - The Boston Globe

    27 April 2013

  • Energetic, often very funny comedy filled with sharp, vivid performances by a terrific ensemble cast.

    Jonathan Foreman - New York Post

    27 April 2013

Awards

  • Best Supporting Actress

    Chlotrudis Awards (2002)

     
  • Best First Feature

    Independent Spirit Awards (2002)

     
  • National Board of Review (2001)