Films: Something Blue

Something Blue

USA, 2009, 94 Minute Running Time
Genre/Subjects: Comedy, Drama, Family Issues, Romance
Programs: Contemporary World Cinema, New Directors Showcase
Language: English

DIRECTOR: Sean Gannon
Producer: Sean Gannon, Pat Boddy
Editor: Sean Gannon
Screenwriter: Sean Gannon
Cinematographer: Hubert K. Frotz
Principal Cast: Kate Mortimer, Mike Kreissi, Bridget Flanery, Etta Berkowitz, Laureen Joseph, Michael Cornelison

Michael and Jackie are a happily betrothed twosome – as the raw footage attests. Their initial meeting at a party was captured on videotape; Michael has arranged for his marriage proposal to be taped; and there will also, of course, be a video of their wedding. Why not frame such pivotal moments within a complete chronicle of the wedding planning process, they wonder? 
So the couple enlists the help of a friend to follow them around and catch all the precious moments on camera: choosing bridesmaids’ dresses, addressing invitations, hosting family dinners. But when tensions begin to rise, their videographer finds himself tracking more drama than scenes of bliss. While Jackie tries valiantly to manage the turmoil, the charming but hapless Michael finds himself caught between his relatives and his bride-to-be. And as the carefree spirit in which they undertook their documentary project dissipates, a happy ending looks through the viewfinder to be increasingly uncertain.
Something Blue initially evokes a cheery reality show. With just a hint of Christopher Guest in his deadpan approach, director Sean Gannon tells the story behind the story, wherein ordinary, true-to-life encounters reflect deeper issues of human connection, showing just what two people in love are up against when they decide to make it permanent. Gannon, the winner of a student Emmy, filmed the movie in 11 days in Polk County, Iowa, where he grew up along with much of the cast and crew.

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