The Groomsmen Dec16 '06

I recently watched The Groomsmen (2006), and it was all that I would expect (and more) from an Edward Burns film. I have been following Burns' trail for quite some time now, basking in the glow of such movies as Ash Wednesday, The Brothers McMullen, Fifteen Minutes, and Confidence - movies he either acted in, or acted and directed. The Groomsmen is clearly a "lighter step back" from some of those gritty dramas - but none-the-less, Burn's unique directing (and acting) style is present.

Burns as an actor

As an actor, Burns is not one to smile too frequently. He always seems to have an "edge," casting himself as complicated, larger-than-life figures, who seemingly have a lot of burden on their shoulders. But at the same time, he is smart and sensible - not one to do the wrong thing.

At times, he also comes across as being a role model - either for his younger brother (Elijah Wood's character) in Ash Wednesday, or for his "often confused" group of thirty-something friends, in The Groomsmen.

In many of his films, I think the surrounding characters, intentionally or not, are cast to look up to Burns' character. Burns is always one of them - able to fit in appropriately, but still able to stand completely on his own, if the situation becomes grave enough.

Burns' characters have a certain mental toughness and strength, that allow them to see beyond the current noise and obstacles that life presents.

Burns as a director

You won't see much excitement, or action, from an Edward Burns film. But what you will see is a real glimpse of the crudeness and unmistakeable beauty that is reality.

As a director, Edward Burns has a knack for getting down to the thinnest of details - exploring them with all that gravity can sustain, and then letting them fly off onto their own.

His films are slow-paced and thick. Each character is clearly defined - their roles prominent to the landscape of the entire plot. You will get to know every character in plush detail - perhaps more than you ever wanted to know. You will see their joys, but most importantly - their pains. The pains that make them stronger.

Let's not get too dramatic here, though. Burns includes a healthy combination of reality, and humor - to make the story truly come alive.

The Groomsmen

Burns' latest film is no doubt a masterpiece. If you can fully understand Ed Burns, as a director, you will not fail to appreciate this short story about a man about to get married - for all the (right?) reasons, and the mixed-up group of lifelong friends, who each have their own understandings to settle.

Note: the wedding isn't shown. I hope I didn't ruin it for anyone, but it's important to understand that the movie is not about some crazy friends at a wedding - but rather, the week of events that lead up to that day. Many times we think the wedding is not going to happen - disputes and misunderstandings arise, and the clashing of emotions leaves us breathless.

Acting, as typical of a Burns film, is at the forefront. The acting is magnificent. Each character is woven into the story with incredible patience and ease. At times, we explore sides of each character - both painful and humiliating. We also see them at their best - carefree, and without worries. Each character eventually comes to terms with their inner demons.

Jay Mohr really shocked me. Initially, I thought he'd be the loud drunk of the group - but he turned out to be a very caring and sensitive individual, which we don't fully start to see until the movie takes wing.

John Leguizamo also shocked me. I didn't expect much depth to his character, but he completely proved me wrong. His character was perhaps the most complicated of all.

Donal Logue (playing Burns' older brother) has an equally complicated role - being supportive for the marriage of his younger brother (which he didn't initially approve), and dealing with his own crumbling marriage, and alcohol problems.

Matthew Lillard (Hackers - 1995) provides the most stable support for the soon-to-be-wed Burns. Lillard's character already has a wife and two sons of his own, but still finds time to spend with his friends before the wedding (and to be that wacky person he always is - this guy would be great to hang out with in real life).

Brittany Murphy is not seen much at all - but when she is, you know she's on screen. She is captivating in the way she presents her love for life, her soon-to-be husband, and their baby in her womb. Her patience, endurance, and... there's no better way to put this - sparkle are what make her and Burns a very good combination. If you're expecting Brittany Murphy from Just Married - you won't get that.

And, of course, Edward Burns in the starring role, and although he's sometimes gets too caught up in the drama, he always finds his way back.

The Groomsmen, overall, is a simple story of love, loss, forgiveness, and most importantly - the power of friendship.

Not bad for such a small budget.

Categories: Movies

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