Rachel Getting Married

***** Jonathan Demme’s Rachel Getting Married is the finest film I’ve seen this year. Anne Hathaway, in a clear break out performance, plays Kym, a chronic drug addict leaving rehab to attend her sister’s wedding. Hathaway bears little resemblance to the beauty queens she has portrayed in other films, and captures the inner conflict in her character with touching honesty. There are times you will hate her jealousy, pettiness and selfishness. An ugly toast scene at the family rehearsal dinner stands out. The film slowly unravels the pain in this family that, though many years have passed since the trauma, is still just under the surface. Demme is somehow able to maneuver this family emotional meltdown into a truly joyous wedding. All the actors are impressive, especially Rosemarie DeWitt as the sister Rachel and Bill Irwin as their father. Debra Winger has a more minor role, but makes a definite impression when she is onscreen. She seems to be channeling Mary Tyler Moore from another great family drama, Ordinary People. Prediction: Oscar noms for acting, screenplay and direction. This will be a great year for actresses!!