RUTHERFORD ON FILM: ‘Friends with Money’: Does a High Net Worth Free Couples from Problems? Absolutely Not!
By Tony RutherfordHuntington News Network Writer
Huntington, WV (HNN) -- “We got money; we do not have problems,” boasts a character somewhat cynically in the relationship comedy which opened the Sundance 2006 Festival, “Friends with Money.”
This ongoing conversation follows four women --- three of social means, one who has not found her stride -- in the rich 90210 zip code area of L.A. Essentially, writer/director Nicole Holofcener switches back and forth amongst the couples as they converse about each other, their friends, and themselves. Strong casting assists an otherwise talky script that anyone anticipating a “Break Up” or “Friends” will not enjoy.
The three couples --- Franny (Joan Cusack) & Matt (Greg Germann), Jane (Frances McDormand) & Aaron (Simon McBurney) , and Christine ( Catherine Keener) and David (Jason Isaacs) -- have varying degrees of wealth; however, their net happiness quotient varies. Olivia (Jennifer Aniston) had a teaching job at an upscale private school, but lost it due to dabbling with pot and a fixation on her ex. Now, she’s working as a maid.
Although the thirty-something (plus) women rule this film, their relationships with the men in their lives prove pivotal in how they manifest their own persona. Franny and her hubby have it made in the money department; neither can see beyond their noses to grasp how their millions impact upon their friends. Jane and Aaron are comfortable financially, but she’s a nervous wreck worrying about, among other subjects, Aaron’s penchant for male friends. Christine and David try to save their marriage by building a second story onto their house and writing a screenplay together; neither prove successful.
Anniston may not have “her life figured out yet,” but she’s easier on herself and status than several of her friends. The role does not call for quick witted one-liners. It’s more dry, cynical retorts and harsh dissection of her own frailties and failures. Her character may be easy prey emotionally by male pretenders, but her subtle expressions and movements gain ‘go girl’ thoughts.
Interestingly, Frances McDormand’s Jane walks within precious inches of a mental meltdown, which riches do not heal. Having not washed her hair in months, McDormand’s certifiably depressed with the fact that “she’s 43 and waiting to die.” Her best scene comes in an Old Navy store where the designer of hideously overpriced clothes gets into an argument with line jumpers half her age, then when escorted out, breaks her nose on the glass. By contrast, Joan Cusack has no concept of ‘making it’ without a fortune in the bank. Their charitable donations run in the tens of thousands without batting a checkbook, yet neither she nor her husband offer poor Anniston anything other than to pick up the tab for outfits and food at the benefit. Money aside, Anniston’s three friends have husbands, which makes her the odd woman out at social functions.
Now, the equalizing factor that surfaces for the ensemble -- despite their material wealth, they put their heads together when it comes to playing cupid. When their selection proves shaky, they collectively experience a “guilt” for the misfiring arrows of love. In fact, in lighter moments, the women mouth thoughts about what men like, which resemble gossipy high schoolers.
Actually, “Friends with Money” examines the impact of status on close friends, while the just opened “The Devil Wears Prada” centers more on the impact upon those not conforming to corporate and personal mores. Unlike “Prada,” “Money” stays frank and serious all the time. It does not stick with a “My Dinner with Andre” dinner table setting, but it mimics the drawn out dialogue sequences, even though it gains momentum by segueing between couples and characters.