Confetti

Confetti is a 2006 British romantic comedy film that cleverly utilizes a mockumentary style to tell its story. It was directed by Debbie Isitt and stars Martin Freeman, Jessica Hynes, and Stephen Mangan among an ensemble cast of other talented British actors.

The movie is built around the premise of a bridal magazine, named Confetti, which decides to run a competition to find the 'Most Original Wedding of the Year'. The resulting events are hilariously conflicting, touching, and completely unpredictable. The viewer is introduced to three different couples, each from different backgrounds, each with different circumstances, but all are united in their desire to win the competition and create a wedding ceremony that will stand out from the crowd.

First, there is the affable vivacious duo of Matt (Martin Freeman) and Sam (Jessica Hynes), who strive to pull together a musical-themed wedding. They are big fans of Broadway and envision their wedding as a large production number - complete with rehearsals, choreographed dances, and show tunes.

Competing against them are Josef (Stephen Mangan) and Isabelle (Meredith MacNeill), a couple whose shared love for tennis becomes the basis for their tournament-themed wedding setup. The tennis-mad pair plans a ceremony that aims to encapsulate their passion for the sport, with guests seated in stadium-style bleachers and all the trimmings of a grand slam match.

Finally, there is Michael (Robert Webb) and Joanna (Olivia Colman), naturists who are committed to having a nude wedding, aiming to make their ceremony as minimalist as possible by removing not just the frills and fancies, but everything else!

The movie is a delightful exploration of these eccentricities that comes about when these couples prepare for their ‘Most Original Wedding’. These preparations are overseen by the magazine's editors - the pompous and perfectionist Confetti magazine editor Antoni (Vincent Franklin) and his overworked and stressed assistant, Vivienne (Felicity Montagu).

The film pushes the boundaries of traditional romantic comedies by having each couple prepare for their wedding in their own unique way. The distinct personalities of the three couples and their dedicated attempts to hold the ‘Most Original Wedding’ as per their own distinctive themes create several humorous yet touching moments throughout the film.

Running throughout Confetti is a keen sense of British humor that is alternately dry and bawdy, hilarious, and cringeworthy. The film also subtly explores the pressure that couples often feel to make their wedding day perfect, and how this stress can put a strain on relationships, even as it highlights the joy of marriage and the commitment couples make to each other.

What makes Confetti truly stand out is its improvised dialogue, a feature of Debbie Isitt's directorial style. The semi-improvised script gives established British comedians free rein to flex their comedic muscles, adding a fresh and spontaneous feel to the humor that sets it apart from many scripted comedies.

In a similar vein, the mockumentary filmmaking style further enhances the comedic impact by providing an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the weddings. The camera work in Confetti is handheld and naturalistic, adding scope for incidental humor, sight gags, and subtle character moments. This documentary-like approach provides an intimate look at the planning and execution of each wedding idea, from the inspired to the outrageous.

The movie features a host of memorable moments and big laughs, following the various couples as they attempt to outdo each other in creativity, uniqueness, and quirkiness. Despite the outrageous comedy, the characters are depicted with warmth and affection, adding a heartwarming element to the film.

In conclusion, Confetti is a captivating, imagination-rich rom com that cleverly weaves comedy with a feel-good narrative. It’s an original take on the wedding genre, laced with heart and humor, that showcases the varied and often humorous ways people express their love, commitment, and personal style on their big day. Far from your typical romantic comedy, Confetti is a delightful frolic for anyone seeking a light, comedic diversion.