Under the lens takes a deep look at films and TV by focusing in on one or two particular areas of the picture or episode that helped to define it for better or for worse. Spoilers will be included in this review.
Destination Wedding (2018) is a comedy-drama picture directed by Victor Levin (Perhaps best known as a writer and producer of the TV sitcom Mad About You) and stars Keanu Reeves and Winona Rider. The narrative follows two miserable and rather unpleasant wedding guests, who unwillingly develop a mutual affection for each other despite themselves and the environment they find themselves in. This picture was very small and came and went with barely a whisper and was only released theatrically overseas and even then only earned $1.5 million. I am somewhat bemused that this picture did not get a domestic release seeing as its two stars are experiencing somewhat of a rebirth with the John Wick and Stranger Things franchises being massively popular. The picture is odd as 99% of the focus is on the conversations between Reeves and Rider, there are many other characters but they are kept out of focus in the background of each scene. This is the films strongest element and one that sets it apart from other “Wedding Comedies”
Under The Lens: Dialogue and Cinematography
Dialogue: The picture is rather odd and will likely not be to everyone’s liking, the comedy, and drama is 100% focused on the dialogue of the script. It is sharp, witty, and relentless, the picture almost feels more like a stage play than a film in many ways. For dialogue to be good it has to be well written and the actors must deliver it in a convincing manner, Levin is known for his banter from his days on Mad About you. This skill is on full display here as the characters spar and verbally duel from scene to scene and it’s delicious and so satisfying.
Pacing: As stated above this picture feels very much like a stage play, its brisk and moves along fast, with each scene is encapsulated by a topic or environmental location. Each scene and its dialogue is designed to move the two characters to the next setting, over the course of a long weekend. With a dialogue focused picture, there is a risk of over exposition, however, this is not the case as the film is brisk and keeps you laughing from scene to scene.
Highlights
The biting, sarcastic, mean, tender, and always funny dialogue is a true treat to watch coming from Reeves and Rider.
Near the pictures, the half-way mark is a hilarious sex scene with Reeves and Rider, totally none graphic, the accompanying dialogue is at one awkward yet funny as all get out. While I dislike and find most sex scenes unneeded in films, this one was perfectly filmed and scripted and added to the plot.
The cinematography is simple yet effective, it’s bare and stripped down in the best way to focus 100% on its twin cast.
Something to think about
Do you prefer your comedies to be slapstick funny or more on the witty side?
Conclusion
In a market crowded with “Wedding” films, Destination Wedding manages to set itself apart from all others. Its stage play style and charming cast make it a not to be missed picture, so much could have gone wrong, yet in the capable hands of Levin its script and setting make this a charming and heartwarming picture. Streaming on Amazon Prime, its one you should definitly check out.
