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Down With Love
2003
Part tribute to the Doris Day/Rock Hudson romantic comedies of the 1950s and 1960s, and part commentary on the changing sexual mores of a bygone era, DOWN WITH LOVE is a bright, funny, technicolor treat that sets out to prove that opposites attract. Set in early-60s New York, the film follows the exploits of hot new feminist .. Read more
| Starring | Renee Zellweger, Ewan McGregor, David Hyde Pierce, Sarah Paulson |
|---|---|
| Director | Peyton Reed |
| Genres | Comedy, Romance |
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Down With Love
Part tribute to the Doris Day/Rock Hudson romantic comedies of the 1950s and 1960s, and part commentary on the changing sexual mores of a bygone era, DOWN WITH LOVE is a bright, funny, technicolor treat that sets out to prove that opposites attract. Set in early-60s New York, the film follows the exploits of hot new feminist author Barbara Novak (Renee Zellweger), whose best-selling book "Down With Love" teaches women to focus on their careers, and never fall in love. This viewpoint is in direct contrast with Catcher (Catch) Block (Ewan McGregor), the simmering, smooth journalist and man-about-town. Catch and Barbara soon become arch enemies. But as the book sales soar, Catch hatches a devious plan, disguising himself in an attempt to seduce the divine Ms. Novak, thereby debunking the myths of her book, and simultaneously winning the journalistic scoop of the year.
Director Peyton Reed has successfully emulated the comedies of yesteryear with this hammy, heady mix of endless double entendres, split-screen techniques, and a healthy dose of sexual politics. Zellweger and McGregor clearly delight in their retro roles, deliciously exaggerating their characters, with ample support provided by David Hyde Pierce and Sarah Paulson. DOWN WITH LOVE is a comedy that uses characters from the past to deliver a message that resonates in the present, and provides across-the-board appeal for audiences of all ages.
| Starring | Renee Zellweger, Ewan McGregor, David Hyde Pierce, Sarah Paulson, Tony Randall |
|---|---|
| Director | Peyton Reed |
| Studio | 20TH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 37 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Comedy, Romance |
| Language | English |
| Released | DVD: 02 Feb 2004 Production year: 2003 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (3)
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Displaying similar nostalgic gimmickry to Far from Heaven, yet far more accessible and fun, this frothy confection satirises/celebrates the sex comedies of the late 1950s and 60s. Renée Zellweger and Ewan McGregor aren't the most obvious stand-ins for Doris Day and Rock Hudson, but both hit the mark amusingly with the sprightliest performances of their careers. Zellweger plays the new writing sensation who has produced a bestseller claiming that women can consign love and romance to the garbage heap, while McGregor's cocky, man-about-town journalist plots to publicly disprove her theories. Shot in faux Technicolor with sublimely kitsch decor and a soundtrack choreographed to every accentuated footstep, this may be the most camp mainstream movie since Moulin Rouge. Performed with a nudge, a wink and a smile by all concerned (Frasier's David Hyde Pierce also puts in an energetic turn), this is real air-freshener cinema — fragrant, invigorating, yet likely to disappear from the memory within hours.
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A throwback to the kind of innocent romantic movies that teamed Rock Hudson and Doris Day; this comes out as a pale carbon copy.
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Most helpful member's review
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17 out of 22 people found this review helpful
Up With Down With Love!
For some reason this film flopped in the States and seems to have been similarly overlooked over here. I found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable romantic comedy, taking its inspiration from the Doris Day/Rock Hudson rom-coms of the 60's. It manages to score highly both on comedy and romance. McGregor and Zelwegger both excel in their roles and lead a very strong cast. Visually stunning with fantastic sets, costumes and an amusing score. Very good extras, including a "blooper reel" that had me in stitches. Highly recommended!
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Most recent members' review
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
This was presumably an attempt to revive the 1960s Doris Day romantic comedies, in which she co-starred with Rock Hudson, James Garner, and once with Cary Grant! Rene Zellweger gives a very odd and artificial performance, complete with a very weird walk, and Ewan McGregor is miscast. Some fun is to be had watching the excellent David Hyde Pierce (Niles in Frasier) playing the part usually given to Tony Randall in the Doris Day films. The 'in' joke is Randall's cameo appearance in this film. Slick but unsatisfying, too self consciously parodying, and at times unintentionally embarrassing! Perhaps like a lot of underated actors Doris Day was actually much better in those comedies than people give her credit for. Verdict -Mostly harmless.
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News and features
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Yes Man
- 22 Dec 2008
There is nothing remotely Christmassy about the new Jim Carrey movie – released in cinemas on Boxing Day – but it is a film of great good cheer. It’s been a while since Carrey did an out and out comedy – unless you count Fun With Dick and Jane, which we don’t. Yes Man isn’t going to figure in any top ten lists or Oscar prognostications, but it takes a simple idea and runs with it, reminding us how Carrey became such a big star in the first place. Carl Allen... Read more
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Down With Love
Part tribute to the Doris Day/Rock Hudson romantic comedies of the 1950s and 1960s, and part commentary on the changing sexual mores of a bygone era, DOWN WITH LOVE is a bright, funny, technicolor treat that sets out to prove that opposites attract. Set in early-60s New York, the film follows the ...
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