Dancing With Auntie

Author(s): T.D.
Location: TX

"Dancing with Auntie"

Directed by Jason Reitman
Produced by Lianne Halfon, Mason Novick, & Russell Smith
Written by David Magee
Distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures
Art Direction by Dianne Wager
Set Decoration by Jay Hart
Cinematography by John Lindley
Editing by Dana E. Glauberman
Costumes by Rita Ryack
Music by Mychael Danna

Main Cast
Ryan Gosling as Barry Metcalfe
Ellen Page as Susan Pearson
Hugh Laurie as Norman Metcalfe
Elizabeth Perkins as Beryl Metcalfe
Sharon Stone as Dot Metcalfe
Brittany Snow as Marlene Tonks
Jesse Eisenberg as Jed Tonks

Tagline: "On Christmas day, a dark secret will be a gift that the Metcalfes will never forget"

Synopsis: The Boxing Day ‘do’ at Barry’s parents’ house was always the same, year after year, until 1967. Up to then, the get-together had consisted of a visit by Auntie Dot, cousin Marlene, and Jed, Marlene’s boorish husband; present giving, mountains of food, too much drink, and dancing. Every year, to Barry’s excruciating embarrassment, Dot would say to Barry, “Come on Barry, dance with your auntie!”, and Marlene, Dot’s daughter; also called ‘auntie’ by Barry, would ‘inadvertently’ find some way of making him cringe.
When Christmas 1967 arrives though, Barry, now in his late teens, and having outgrown the childish pleasures of Christmas, invites his new girlfriend, Susan, along to meet Beryl, his mom, Norman his dad, and his other close relatives. Her inclusion in the festivities however, has a catalytic effect on the entire family’s relationships; changes that somewhat alter the Christmas-time party atmosphere. Susan is a very modern, uninhibited ‘sixties’ girl, and quickly comes into conflict with Beryl, a strictly conventional woman, who desperately tries to reinforce her rose-tinted view of family life.
With tensions raised, Marlene’s pregnancy is clumsily announced and despite more ham-fisted attempts at humor from Jed, Norman is forced to keep the peace between the women as deeply hidden anxieties rise to the surface like molten lava, scorching each and all in its path. The source of the turmoil is uncovered when Beryl’s fragile emotions explode and she reveals the family’s dark secret - that Norman made a girl pregnant while he was in the army. The baby’s mother died at birth, and so the child (Marlene) was brought up as her own by Norman ’s sister, Dot. Marlene and Jed are unaware of this, as is Barry, who now has a new step-sister. With everyone coming to terms with this dramatic news, it all ends with just Barry and Marlene in the living room, as she touchingly says to him, “Come on Barry, dance with your … auntie?”.

What the Press would say:
From director Jason Reitman (Juno) comes a hilarious yet smart comedy that will make you wish to cherish your family life. “Dancing with Auntie” is a story about a teen, his modernistic girlfriend, and a family with a dark secret, and David Magee cleverly brings this out through his wonderful script. The black comedy involves several funny situations, as well as heartwrenching scenes that will undoubtedly be considered some of the best you’ve seen in years. With wonderful performances by the female cast members, you could say that his film is definitely a woman’s show. Even in this clever ensemble, you can tell that Ellen Page and Brittany Snow are the leads. They both deliver hilarious performances, with Page’s modern values and Snow’s heartbreaking scenes, you will instantly fall in love with them. The supporting ladies also give amazing performances as well. Elizabeth Perkins really lets her inner bitch out in this film as Barry’s mother, and she almost stole the entire movie. Sharon Stone hasn’t been in any good films lately, but this is by far her best work yet! Her role as Dot is glamorous and funny, and this role could definitely put her back at the Oscars. But the women weren’t the only stars of the film, but so were Ryan Gosling and Jesse Eisenberg, who both equally deliver great performances. Believe it or not, “Dancing with Auntie” is a well-written piece of work that will go down as one of the best comedies of all time.

For Your Consideration
Best Picture
Best Actor in a Leading Role – Ryan Gosling
Best Actress in a Leading Role – Ellen Page
Best Actress in a Leading Role – Brittany Snow
Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Elizabeth Perkins
Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Sharon Stone
Best Adapted Screenplay – David Magee
Best Art Direction-Set Decoration
Best Costume Design