forgotten 06 movie: "Friends With Money"

[Auggie27]

Posted: 12/12/06 at 8:57am

Since PRADA is turning up on many lists, and its worthiness being debated due to its light comedy status, I'm disappointed that FRIENDS WITH MONEY has been almost totally forgotten. It's one of the most tonally perfect small-canvas films in recent years, with all the women -- and men -- delivering wonderful performances, particularly McDormand. It covers much ground in 90 minutes, and captures the era we live in with wicked wit and empathy. It's honest but not unduly cynical. And Jennifer Anniston even works perfectly in her role. FRIENDS and HALF NELSON were my favorites this year so far. Honest to God adult movies that dared to come out in the summer, too.

[Kringas]

Posted: 12/12/06 at 9:15am

I thought the movie had some terrific performances in it, but I was left a little cold by it. It may have been one of those cases where I was expecting too much, as I had been hearing raves about it and didn't wind up seeing it until it had come out on dvd.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 12/12/06 at 10:32am

I still keep forgetting to rent it.

I loved, loved, loved that filmmaker's last film, the aptly-titled LOVELY AND AMAZING.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 12/12/06 at 1:34pm

Nicole Holofcener is the best writer/director currently working IMO. All 3 of her films "Walking and Talking", "Lovely & Amazing" and "Friends With Money" have the best dialogue and most painfully realistic human interaction I have seen in years. "Friends With Money" was overlooked. I think the Aniston factor might have hurt it's credibility. Although Jennifer delivers a heartbreaking and cynical turn that I was quite surprised by. Her work in the last scene of the film is gorgeously heartbreaking.

Many people found "Friends With Money" unsatisfying due to it's non-linear feel, off the cuff dialogue and abrupt ending. I however, think it is a work of art.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 12/12/06 at 1:37pm

Why would Aniston hurt it's credibility? It wasn't a problem for The Good Girl.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 12/12/06 at 1:38pm

I loved FRIENDS WITH MONEY.

Thanks for mentioning THE GOOD GIRL, Rath. I adore that film, and I think that Aniston is actually brilliant in it. It proves that she CAN act.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 12/12/06 at 1:40pm

Friends proved that she can act.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 12/12/06 at 1:46pm

Aniston at the time FWM came out was in the midst of her divorce. I think Jennifer is a pop culture icon and paparazzi favorite. I think all of those things impact the press for a film. I don't think many film critics feel Aniston is a strong actress, based on the reviews for FWM, many of which cite her as the weakest part of the ensemble and making inferences that the film would have been better had her part been cast with a more capable actress. Also, from all of the press I had seen when the film came out (some of which is included on the DVD) it is clear that Aniston is consciously taking a backseat to the more seasoned character actresses. I am not saying that "for sure" she hurt the film, but I think it is hard for a good actress like Aniston to rise above her public persona and for critics and audiences to embrace that.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 12/12/06 at 1:46pm

Yes, but THE GOOD GIRL came before FRIENDS, which is why I said THE GOOD GIRL.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 12/12/06 at 1:48pm

The Good Girl was exceptional. I hope Jen lays low and the press gets bored with her so she can focus solely on creation. I love her authenticity on film.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 12/12/06 at 1:48pm

I meant the TV show.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 12/12/06 at 1:51pm

Oh, hahahaha.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 12/12/06 at 1:52pm