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SUNDANCE 2007
Forgiving the Franklins
"Friends With Money" by Zack Roddy
Written and directed by Nicole Holofcener, Friends With Money stars
Jennifer Aniston, Catherine Keener, Frances McDormand, and Joan Cusack.
The film centers on the lives of four women, Olivia (Aniston), a maid,
Jane (McDormand), a fashion designer, Christine (Keener), a
screenwriter, and Franny (Cusack) a stay at home mom with a rich husband.
Although the latter three are modestly successful, with tons
of money to spare, they are constantly worried for Olivia, who cleans
houses for a minimal amount of money, smokes pot on a regular basis,
and is still in love with a man who is already married. And apart from
caring for Olivia, the three women also have to care for their
families: Jane, whose husband Aaron (Simon McBurney) is perceived by
her friends as gay while she is oblivious, Christine, whose husband and
co-screenwriting partner Patrick (Jason Isaacs) is becoming
increasingly disconnected, and Franny, who has no problems with perfect
husband Matt (Greg Gemann). Olivia falls between these couples, and
conflict and hilarity ensues.
Friends With Money, while hilarious, is also a very touching film. The
dialogue and lifestyles are very realistic, showing Holofcener's talent
for writing. The four lead actresses give excellent performances,
Frances McDormand standing out the most. Her portrayal of Jane, who is
tired of all the unfairness in the world, is a spiteful, harsh woman,
who you still love anyway, and it's good to see Jennifer Aniston's
talent used to it's full effect. The film has been picked up by Sony
Pictures Classics and is slated for an April 7, 2006 release.
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