Are our actions as adults influenced by the way our parents treated us as children? Does the way we are treated by childhood friends affect the way we act as adults? P.J. Hogan's offbeat film Muriel's Wedding would argue yes. The title character, as played in a studied yet carefree performance by Toni Collette, is a target of ridicule, and has been stepped on by everyone she knows throughout her whole life. Why wouldn't she start to believe the harsh words said to her? Why shouldn't she believe she is an unimportant, ugly person who will never amount to anything? This chilling reality forms the basis of the film's main conflict, and, thanks to a starkly unpredictable second half, remains in serious question right up until the picture's abrupt conclusion.
Muriel is from the town of Porpoise Spit, and is regularly berated by her father (Bill Hunter) and a clique of high school acquaintances who would probably treat topsoil with more respect. One day, Muriel crosses paths with the exuberant Rhonda (Rachel Griffiths), and decides to live her life "as good as an ABBA song" -- maybe even better. Muriel's biggest goal, though, is one that is universal for so many girls; she wants to have a grand wedding. It's interesting to note that, even when she manages to become involved with a couple of different men, her goal is never to actually live a married life. Her goal is to participate in the actual ceremony itself as a bride. To this end, she poses as an engaged woman and hits every bridal shop in Sydney, Australia, trying on wedding gowns.
Somehow, despite the bombardment of harsh characteristics Hogan throws at the viewer, Muriel remains a sympathetic character -- despite her more egregious moral flaws. There are a lot of laughs in Muriel's Wedding, including a great karaoke attempt which the two best friends share, and a wedding ceremony that has to be seen to be believed. The darker moments sometimes work well, other times they are out of place. A key character develops cancer, Muriel's mother (Jeanie Drynan) is tragically depicted to the point of heartache, and Muriel's siblings are so lazy and disturbing, they rarely come across as humourous.
Finally, a cinematic use for ABBA music! It is almost as if the songs used throughout the film were chosen, then Hogan wrote the screenplay with these molds in place. They are as appropriate as the tacky look and feel of the movie.
The performances in Muriel's Wedding are fine, but the impact of the subject matter struck me differently the second time I watched it. There are lots of high and low points in the film, which makes at the very least for a passable rainy afternoon viewing.
