The Breakup (2006)
Aniston stars in yet another comedy. I liked the artistic font animation in the beginning.
Vaughn
plays a selfish man’s man, aka stereotypical frat boy, Gary, who is unwilling to do even the smallest
things for his girlfriend, Brooke, played by Aniston — apparently, on principle. Later, it’s apparent that Gary has the litany of typical straight male (or maybe just male) issues — inability to commit, inability to show vulnerability, insensitivity, poor communication etc. It reaches a breaking point when Gary fails to get enough lemons for a centerpiece for a family dinner party. Brooke initiates the breakup but hopes Gary will come around — she confides to her sister that she just wants to be appreciated more.
For straight guys, there is a sort of nude scene, but it’s shot from behind Aniston.
There is a scene in the film which demonstrates how very little can really
be communicated even though mouths are moving and faces are smiling. It’s actors playing ‘acting’ and is a pretty amusing scene.
Overall, the acting is well done, and the story holds together well, as is at least a little thought provoking. And if there’s comedy there is a certain dark edge to it.
The New York Observer had an interesting review.
