The Anniversary Party (2001)

60% of critics liked it
(111 reviews)
54% of users liked it
(6,244 ratings)

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… More 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. ~ Jason Clark, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 55 min.
Directed By: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Alan Cumming
Written By: Alan Cumming, Jennifer Jason Leigh
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Jun 8, 2001 Wide
On DVD: Jan 15, 2002
Studio: Fine Line Features

Critic Reviews

Andrew Sarris, New York Observer
Too formlessly turgid.
James Berardinelli, ReelViews
The acting is what makes this picture worth framing.
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
The best thing that one can say about The Anniversary Party is that it raises more questions about its central characters than it can possibly answer -- which may weaken it as a drama but not as a search for truth.
Stephen Hunter, Washington Post
The result is something like being stuck at an audition for someone else's play, which you haven't read, won't invest in, and don't care too much about.
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
If digital looks like this and makes it possible for such funny and intimate chamber pieces to come into existence, then bring on the digital movies.
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
This film is monumentally annoying.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
As first film, it suffers from problems of most movies directed by actors: Big emotional scenes and indulgent acting, but it has some moments of truth
Mark Bourne, DVDJournal.com
...because Cumming and Leigh avoid most (though not all) of the easy choices common to first-time writers and directors, the movie stays on the right side of entertaining.
Mark Bourne, DVDJournal.com
What makes this DVD extra appealing is the tutorial it gives to filmmakers or curious viewers who have an interest in digital video as more than a means to send the kid's birthday party to grandma in Des Moines.
Jeffrey Overstreet, Looking Closer
... it's fascinating to search for these characters' hearts under the layers of makeup, denial, disguise, excuses, fantasies, and ego.
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
Intenso e fascinante, o filme se apóia inteiramente no imenso talento de seu elenco e é recompensado com atuações absolutamente irretocáveis - e é claro que a dupla de diretores merece créditos por isto.
Enrique Buchichio, Uruguay Total
Lo que hicieron Leigh y Cumming fue reunir a un grupo de amigos actores, y disparar algunas acideces sobre comportamientos más bien frívolos que generalmente esconden costados más amargos del ser humano.
Brent Simon, Entertainment Today
A raw yet relaxed film buff's film... a wittier, recast version of one of your own dinner parties, with enough high drama to keep the guests talking for quite a while.
Chris Gore, Film Threat
Co-directors Jason Leigh and Cummings have delivered an uncharacteristically smart comedy with surprising dramatic turns and excellent performances across the board.

Read all 14 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Michael G

I really liked it the first time I saw it. Not so much the second time.
Joseph E

This is what happens when you let just anyone direct films...films like these.
Sunil J

There's something quite unusual about this movie. It's like the Big Chill for the new millenium.
Leo L

A favorite!