Day 32: Bridesmaids

Annie (Kristen Wiig) is having a rough time of it; her business went under, her boyfriend left her when that happened, her fuck-buddy is an asshole, and she is living with odd strangers. But her best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph) is getting married and she’s trying to keep it together so she can be there for her. Not helped by Helen (Rose Byrne), Lillian’s new friend, who tries to take over everything and upstage Annie at every opportunity. The film follows Annie hitting bottom and it causing problems for her friendship with Lillian.

Judging from my description there you’d think this was a sad film but it manages to remain funny throughout. Probably the funniest moment being when they are dress shopping. I remember seeing the film in the cinema and everyone was just laughing so loud, it was great. The line delivery of all the cast is perfect, couldn’t have got a better cast for it.

Helen makes me sad. She’s clearly very lonely despite being popular. Her husband isn’t interested in her, her step-kids hate her, she finds it difficult to make friends. She’s so desperate for a best friend that she sabotages the relationship between Annie and Lillian. And while that’s obviously wrong, it’s difficult to hate her for it when it’s so clear she’s lonely. Saying that though, she did put a real butterfly in the invitation. Who actually does that? A psychopath, that’s who.

Actually all of the bridesmaids are interesting. Megan (Melissa McCarthy) is my favourite though. She’s so unapologetic for who she is and she’s clearly got it all worked out. I love when she goes ‘round to see Annie and she tells her what she needs to hear to get her back on track. “You’re your problem, Annie. And you’re also your solution.” Nothing is going to fix itself unless you take charge and fix it for yourself.

Since it’s a film including weddings, I guess it’s only right if I talk about how I’d like my wedding to be. Not that I spend a lot of time thinking about it, marriage seems like an odd concept to me. But sometimes when you’re daydreaming you get to thinking about things. I’ve always pictured it taking place at night, outside. There’s snow falling but it’s not too cold. And there are candles and fairy lights everywhere, and maybe a fire in the background. Not too many people, either. Big weddings just lose the intimacy that I think it should have. And there would be the minimum amount of stress. Why do people stress themselves out so much about one day? Focus your stress on the fact you’re going to have to stay interested in one person for the rest of your life. That is so much more stressful.

8/10