Is it historically accurate ? Are the accents really that bad ?
I just re-watched Down With Love for the first time in several years and was surprised how much I enjoyed it. For the unfamiliar, Down With Love (2003, dir. Peyton Reed) is a parody (satire?) of 1960s sex comedies that received mixed reviews on release. For the most part, I find that it's aged extremely well, serving as both a send-up of a very specific genre and a lovingly-crafted, superbly acted comedy. Some highlights...
- Elaborate 60s mod-inspired production design that pervades the entire film - sets, costumes, dialogue, and even cinematography and editing choices.
- A whip-smart script by Eve Ahlert and Dennis Drake (can't find much about either of these writers). The dialogue is witty, quick, and often hilarious.
- Ewan McGregor and Renée Zellweger both at the top of their respective games. McGregor plays the roguish bachelor with so much charm, and special shoutout to Zellweger's 3rd-act monologue which is, honestly, award-worthy.
- Incredible work from David Hyde Pierce and Sarah Paulson in supporting roles. Frankly the chemistry in the entire cast is just off the charts.
- Everything held together by Peyton Reed's smart direction and narrative choices. He knows how to swerve between sexy/comedic, keeps the pace snappy, and includes a bunch of easter eggs and well-executed craft moments.
I do want to say that the film isn't perfect. It has its share of racially/culturally insensitive moments, and while it serves to subvert gender dynamics, it doesn't really do much to break down binaries or expectations (at least by contemporary standards). Additionally, if you're not a fan of screwball comedy or zingy dialogue, you'll be pretty overwhelmed here.
However, it's clear that the entire cast and creative team had a ball putting this film together. I don't know if there's anything quite like it, but Annie Hall and They Came Together are both at least in the same ballpark. I highly recommend that you don't watch the trailer, as my hunch is that the studio had no idea how to market it. There's my pitch. Hope you enjoy as much as I did!
