MOVIE: Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
CAST: Hugh Grant, Andie McDowell
DIRECTOR: Mike Newell
WRITER: Richard Kutis
Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge is the movie which comes in my mind whenever I talk of this British classic. Though the story line and characters are entirely different, there are uncanny similarities in the two classics. DDLJ is India's longest running and top grossing movie and Four Weddings.... is the UK top grosser of all time(recently replaced by some other). Both these classics released around the same time(DDLJ released in 1995). With DDLJ, Shah Rukh Khan became a house hold commodity and eternal lover boy. Same was the case with Hugh Grant after Four Weddings......Also, Dulhaniya in hindi means the bride and it has got something to do with "weddings"!
The thing I love about British movies, be it Notting Hill or be it Love Actually, is that they reflect the Britain blood through the movies. Even though highly romantic, these movies are somewhere patriotic as well. Well patriotism for the British seems to be passing some sarcastic remarks on the development of Americans. The shades of that can be seen here too. Our female protagonist, Carrie, played by Andie McDowell is an American. And as I told you, America has been shown in poor light as her character is somewhat like a "playgirl".
In the first wedding ofcourse where our male lead, Charles played by Grant, meets Carrie and it is something like a love at first sight situation. Carrie gives him positive vibes and they end up sleeping with each other the first night they met.
What is to be loved about this movie is the cinematography. The portrayal of England is so delightful. The four wedding scenes and the funeral scene are shot with utmost sincerity and the intelligent and apt dialogues make things very very realistic.
In the second wedding, Charles is overwhelmed to see Carrie. But all his excitement fizzes out when she introduces him to her fiance. She was engaged! The movie henceforth takes brilliant turns and is pretty entertaining to watch. Four Weddings and a Funeral apart from being a top grosser, has two oscar nominations along with 23 other wins and 14 nominations in its kitty. Its a nice little film which because of its simplicity of grandeur made its way into the people's hearts.
Talking about performances, Hugh Grant is one of my favourites. He has given classics like Notting Hill, Love Actually and ofcourse the recent blockbuster Music and Lyrics. He is the binding factor of this movie and his presence on the screen is nothing but pure charm. To be honest I did not like the casting of the female lead, Andie McDowell. I do not thing she was apt for the role of a seductress or a charmer rather. I think someone who possesed a more feminine face should have been chosen for the role.
Kristin Scott Thomas, who played Charles' best friend, Fiona was the one who impressed me by both acting and looks. Everybody else gave fine performances to make the movie really intriguing. The climax obviously is that Charles gets Carrie. But I believe that the direction failed to create a public sentiment for Carrie(may be it did for the British public). She was always portrayed as a "slut" and you never feel that Charles should go for her. Sentiments rather create a desire that he should go for Fiona. That I beleive is a major shortcoming of the movie.
In good Bollywood movies(like DDLJ), this anticipation is marvellously crafted. The drama which is built up gets unbelievable at times but nevertheless keeps a person at the edge of the seat and a great public desire is created so that Raj gets Simran! Four Weddings..... missed out on that. Otherwise if you are free on a saturday evening looking for a classic to watch this one should be a good enough choice.
Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge is the movie which comes in my mind whenever I talk of this British classic. Though the story line and characters are entirely different, there are uncanny similarities in the two classics. DDLJ is India's longest running and top grossing movie and Four Weddings.... is the UK top grosser of all time(recently replaced by some other). Both these classics released around the same time(DDLJ released in 1995). With DDLJ, Shah Rukh Khan became a house hold commodity and eternal lover boy. Same was the case with Hugh Grant after Four Weddings......Also, Dulhaniya in hindi means the bride and it has got something to do with "weddings"!
The thing I love about British movies, be it Notting Hill or be it Love Actually, is that they reflect the Britain blood through the movies. Even though highly romantic, these movies are somewhere patriotic as well. Well patriotism for the British seems to be passing some sarcastic remarks on the development of Americans. The shades of that can be seen here too. Our female protagonist, Carrie, played by Andie McDowell is an American. And as I told you, America has been shown in poor light as her character is somewhat like a "playgirl".
In the first wedding ofcourse where our male lead, Charles played by Grant, meets Carrie and it is something like a love at first sight situation. Carrie gives him positive vibes and they end up sleeping with each other the first night they met.
What is to be loved about this movie is the cinematography. The portrayal of England is so delightful. The four wedding scenes and the funeral scene are shot with utmost sincerity and the intelligent and apt dialogues make things very very realistic.
In the second wedding, Charles is overwhelmed to see Carrie. But all his excitement fizzes out when she introduces him to her fiance. She was engaged! The movie henceforth takes brilliant turns and is pretty entertaining to watch. Four Weddings and a Funeral apart from being a top grosser, has two oscar nominations along with 23 other wins and 14 nominations in its kitty. Its a nice little film which because of its simplicity of grandeur made its way into the people's hearts.
Talking about performances, Hugh Grant is one of my favourites. He has given classics like Notting Hill, Love Actually and ofcourse the recent blockbuster Music and Lyrics. He is the binding factor of this movie and his presence on the screen is nothing but pure charm. To be honest I did not like the casting of the female lead, Andie McDowell. I do not thing she was apt for the role of a seductress or a charmer rather. I think someone who possesed a more feminine face should have been chosen for the role.
Kristin Scott Thomas, who played Charles' best friend, Fiona was the one who impressed me by both acting and looks. Everybody else gave fine performances to make the movie really intriguing. The climax obviously is that Charles gets Carrie. But I believe that the direction failed to create a public sentiment for Carrie(may be it did for the British public). She was always portrayed as a "slut" and you never feel that Charles should go for her. Sentiments rather create a desire that he should go for Fiona. That I beleive is a major shortcoming of the movie.In good Bollywood movies(like DDLJ), this anticipation is marvellously crafted. The drama which is built up gets unbelievable at times but nevertheless keeps a person at the edge of the seat and a great public desire is created so that Raj gets Simran! Four Weddings..... missed out on that. Otherwise if you are free on a saturday evening looking for a classic to watch this one should be a good enough choice.
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