Rachel Getting Married

When my friend Delaney invited me to Rachel Getting Married, I went through a series of assumptions regarding what the movie might be like. It was playing at a VERY independent theatre in Portland. That is not to say "second run" where they show old movies for cheap, the Hollywood consists of independent films and live theatre. I doubt a blockbuster has ever played there.

Earlier, I saw a photo advertising the film and it showed a woman that appeared East Indian in traditional clothing. So, my first assumption was that it was a documentary about a young woman in a traditional arranged wedding ceremony. That was thrown out when, at dinner before the movie, Delaney told me Anne Hathaway was the main character. Anne Hathaway is no Indian! So, my next assumption came when I combined Anne Hathaway with the title Rachel Getting Married and in my head I might as well be going to see The Princess Diaries.

The actual movie is a bit like attending an awkward social function. Unwelcome moments are constantly highlighted and "felt" in this film and dare I say it is like real life. I didn't love the story nor was I particularly entertained, but I appreciate the creativity and I walked away with this message: conflict has two sides and lack of empathy and compassion can make both parties wrong, regardless the actual issue.

This brings me to my point: movies are very subjective and enjoyment is made when expectation and quality collide. I appreciated Rachel Getting Married because it was not a "chick flick" about a fairy tale wedding. Saying that, I would have preferred a social documentary about an Indian marriage.


My favorite movie of all times is Station Agent and I think it's because I went to a pre-showing and didn't have the slightest idea what was about. Expectations ruin experience.