Do not let this title misguide you, I wholeheartedly adore this movie and all the iconic scenes that it depicts. With that being said, beyond the catchy tunes and memorable scenes, the movie serves up a classic situationship, complete with questionable decisions and tangled emotions. Let's break down why both Julia Roberts’ character (Julianne) and Dermot Mulroney’s character (Michael) were in the wrong and why this film epitomizes the messiest “situationship" in cinema.
The Premise: A Classic Situationship
Julianne and Michael's relationship is the quintessential situationship: best friends with a romantic history and unresolved feelings. They have an unspoken pact that if they’re both single by 28, they’ll marry each other. But when Michael calls Julianne to announce his engagement to Kimmy (Cameron Diaz), all bets are off. Julianne’s mission to sabotage the wedding sets the stage for a whirlwind of emotions and moral missteps.
Julianne’s Fatal Flaws
1. Jealous Sabotage
Julianne's jealousy leads her to some pretty underhanded tactics. From trying to make Michael jealous with her fake fiancé to manipulating Kimmy into a disastrous karaoke performance, Julianne's actions are driven by selfishness and fear of losing Michael. Her behavior isn't just unethical; it’s downright hurtful.
2. Dishonesty and Manipulation
Throughout the film, Julianne deceives everyone around her. She lies to Michael, pretends to support Kimmy, and even involves a completely innocent George (Rupert Everett) in her schemes. Her dishonesty creates a web of confusion and mistrust, making her actions unforgivable.
Michael’s Missteps
1. Emotional Unavailability
Michael’s emotional unavailability towards Kimmy is a major red flag. He spends most of the movie reminiscing with Julianne about their past, oblivious to the fact that his behavior is sending mixed signals. His inability to set boundaries with Julianne is a significant part of the problem. Also to note, the iconic scene where Julianne gets Kimmy's wedding ring stuck and Michael removes it for her (that is one million bodies).
2. Blindness to Julianne’s Intentions
Michael’s failure to recognize Julianne's true intentions and feelings is baffling. His naivety and willingness to entertain Julianne’s antics show a lack of awareness and respect for his fiancée. This obliviousness is not just frustrating; it’s unfair to Kimmy, who deserves better.
The Situationship Dynamics
1. The Unresolved Past
Julianne and Michael’s history is fraught with unresolved feelings and unspoken words. Their pact to marry if still single by 28 adds an extra layer of complexity to their friendship. This unresolved past is the bedrock of their situationship, blurring the lines between friendship and romance.
2. The Confession Scene
Julianne’s confession to Michael that she’s been sabotaging the wedding is a pivotal moment. It’s a raw, emotional scene that encapsulates the messy, complicated nature of their relationship. Her admission is both a moment of vulnerability and a final, desperate attempt to win him over.
3. The Iconic Chase
The scene where Julianne chases after Michael, only to have George remind her that she’s the one who’s chasing him, is iconic. It’s the ultimate representation of a situationship—one person always running after the other, with feelings and timing never quite aligning.
Lessons from the Ultimate Situationship
"My Best Friend’s Wedding" doesn’t just entertain; it offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of letting a situationship go unresolved. Both Julianne and Michael are in the wrong—Julianne for her manipulative tactics and Michael for his emotional unavailability. Their story is a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the messy, tangled web of feelings that often accompany close friendships with a romantic history.
Ultimately, the film teaches us that honesty, clear boundaries, and respect are crucial in any relationship. Situationships may be filled with chemistry and excitement, but without these core values, they can lead to heartbreak and confusion. So, next time you find yourself in a Julianne-Michael dynamic, take a step back and ask: is this really worth the chase?