Movie Review by Bill Rendall

Four Weddings and a Funeral

The British movie industry is more effective with human drama and relationships than with Hollywood style action and special effects. Four Weddings and a Funeral is an example of what the British are best at.

The movie stars Hugh Grant in his usual role as an awkward, bumbling, yet endearing Englishman. The movie title is a literal summary of what the movie is about. We go through these ceremonies following Grant, his circle of friends, and a newcomer from America (Andie MacDowell) who Grant becomes romantically involved with.

As the movie unfolds we gradually get to know the characters better. It is not until the funeral that it is confirmed that two of Grant's friends were in a gay relationship but there are subtle indications of the relationship along the way.

Four Weddings and a Funeral contains some of my favourite movie scenes. At the funeral the deceased's partner gives a touching eulogy in which the depth of feeling they had towards each other is revealed. The eulogy includes a wonderful poem by W.H. Auden.

In another scene Grant is trying to tell MacDowell that he loves her. She is about to marry someone else so it is imperative that he speaks now or forever holds his peace. He just can't say the words. Instead he lamely refers to the words uttered by David Cassidy of the Partridge Family in the song "I Think I Love You." Grant knows that he has blown his opportunity and you can't help feeling sorry for him

The scene where Grant is stuck on a table with his ex-girlfriends is hilarious. His discomfort is plain to see. Looking embarrassed and flustered is one thing Grant does really well.

The scene in the church at Grant's own wedding is both funny and touching. Grant is set to marry one of his earlier girlfriends but he still loves MacDowell. He has as much trouble saying "I don't love you" as "I love you" and he goes to the altar apparently willing to go through with the marriage even though he knows it is not right. It takes the intervention of Grant's brother to halt the ceremony. In a clever twist Grant finally utters the right words ("I do") but to the wrong question as far as his intended bride is concerned ("Do you love someone else?")

Four Weddings and a Funeral demonstrates the power of cross promotion of popular music and movies. The old Troggs song 'Love is all Around' features in the movie and went on to be an enormous hit for Wet Wet Wet.

The main flaw in Four Weddings and a Funeral is the unappealing nature of MacDowell's character. It is a mystery why Grant would fall in love with her. Fortunately the other characters in the movie are easier to warm to and they make the movie great fun to watch.

Director: Mike Newell

Screenplay: Richard Curtis

Music: Richard Rodney Bennett

Further viewing: 

Richard Curtis has attempted to reproduce the winning formula with Notting Hill. Grant reprises his role. Again he is supported by a wacky group of English friends and falls in love with an American, this time played by Julia Roberts.

Notting Hill takes a bit too long to reach its inevitable conclusion. However, it is still well worth watching. There is a wonderful scene of the seasons changing around Grant which is worth the price of admission by itself.

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