End a TV gig with a paycheck of one million an episode? Check. Subsequently crank out a string of humdrum romantic comedies? Check. Experience a devastatingly public break-up? Check. Things sure have not been on the up and up for Jennifer Aniston these past few years. It seems that at any moment she could take a nosedive into the depths of has-been land.
Yet somehow Aniston is a survivor. Constantly remaining poised and confident, the actress has kept her head high throughout countless setbacks. But what exactly has been keeping the former "Friends" star from being completely written off?
Four years back it was her role in "The Good Girl" that got critical buzz circulating for Aniston — indie cred is always a career solidifier. But instead of embracing it and skyrocketing her career, she decided to take every possible opportunity to squander that potential. (Case in point: her next role was as Jim Carrey's love interest in "Bruce Almighty.")
Fortunately, her new flick is a step back in the right direction. "Friends With Money," which was the opener for this year's Sundance Film Festival, once again allows the actress to stretch her artistic wings.
In the film, she stars as Olivia — a woman whose luck with love is only trumped by her problems in the financial department. Moreover, her three best friends are not only all married but also, as the title implies, well to do. But not everything is as it seems. As Olivia assumes the role of seventh wheel, the audience is exposed to not only her frustrations, but also what is below the surface as well — the friction that is about to boil over in her friends' lives.
Franny (Joan Cusack, "Ice Princess") and her husband quibble over the spending of her inherited wealth. Christine (Catherine Keener, "Capote") constantly struggles to communicate effectively with her hubby. And Jane (Frances McDormand, "?on Flux") is edging toward a complete meltdown, possibly due to her husband's potential homosexuality. Living day to day in Los Angeles, the girls lean on each other as they tackle one obstacle at a time — like a less campy, less soap opera-like "Desperate Housewives."
Aniston is finally back to where she was with "The Good Girl." Almost exactly, except instead of the delightful Jake Gyllenhaal opposite her, audiences have to tolerate a slightly sub par Scott Caan ("Into the Blue"). The deadliest weapon in Aniston's artillery is her girl next-door quality, which she is able to tap into while still exploring her character more deeply. Whether it is Olivia's boredom, desperateness or discomfort, Aniston is able to portray things subtly, yet convincingly.
Despite Aniston's performance, it is the interplay between the characters that is most mesmerizing. The true genius of "Friends With Money" is that the cast could not be better.
McDormand can do it all, but what she excels at is adding a twist of quirkiness. She manages to make Jane an aloof, middle-aged woman who may be on the brink of insanity, but loveable nonetheless. Similarly entertaining is Cusack, adding another punch of eccentricity to "Friends With Money." Franny's cleverness is a nice change of pace from Cusack's usual dimwitted sidekick role. But it is all about balance. Aniston and Keener complete the circle of friends nicely by complimenting the other two character's more absurd personalities.
But it is not just the interaction between the gals that succeeds. The married couples are just as entertaining. Greg Germann ("Self-Medicated") is perfect opposite Cusack, in a role that seems an extension of his character on "Ally McBeal." Likewise, Simon McBurney ("Torte Bluma") is devilish at portraying a quasi-homosexual without ever resorting to inane stereotypes. The actors are able to make that awkward non-chemistry that their characters require seem natural.
Holding everything together is the film's expert use of subtlety. A staple in indie films of this sort, the drama is never allowed to slap the audience in the face. However, "Friends With Money" sets itself apart with its understated use of humor. Nothing is ever all-out guffaw inducing, rather every scene produces punctuated moments that are slight, but chuckle-worthy. Whether it is the way that McDormand frigidly delivers a line or how Cusack produces a peculiar facial expression, viewers cannot help but laugh time after time.
"Friends With Money" will divide the Aniston fan base. If you lauded her in "The Good Girl," then her newest will be a treat. However, if you are looking for something more Rachel Green-like from her, it would probably be best to steer clear and keep praying for that "Along Came Polly" sequel.
Rating: 5 out of 5
