Guy Friends is shot in black-and-white with interspersed color segments involving people explaining how they became friends. The cinematography is crisp and clear and adds quite a lot to how Jamie sees the world. In a park one day, she runs into a dog named Ruffles and has a fun interaction with the pup’s female owner. But after the lady suggests the two trade contact information, Jamie (truthfully) says she does not own a dog, failing to realize that the dog is the inciting incident, not the glue that would potentially bond them. It is a hilarious moment, but it also highlights Jamie’s either/or view of the world. Things are either X or Y, and there’s no real gray area. The monochrome color scheme represents this visually perfectly.
Characterwise, Jamie’s arc is unique because she values herself and has a career she loves, even though Mr. Vanderbilt can be frustrating and dismissive at times. Her journey is to look inside and discover what actually matters and why. Sandy, by upending Jamie’s preconceived notion, most notably in a great bit about watching an action film versus going to Sephora, creates a fun and unique arc for the lead. The witty dialogue isn’t the most realistic but rather heightened to work in the over-the-top scenario the protagonist finds herself in. The humor and drama are all present and account for, allowing all watching to empathize and sympathize with just about everyone (except for Patrick, screw that guy).
“…Jariwala’s first movie of any kind.”
Guy Friends is Jariwala’s first movie of any kind. She was a nurse, and the director thought she fit the role nicely. Smith’s instincts were correct, as Jariwala delivers an excellent performance full of humor, heart, and pathos. Clark, who co-produced the flick and was its sound mixer, is terrific. Sandy and Jamie are out all night, and when they finally return, the way he deadpans that X-Box privileges have been revoked is hilarious. Muldowney is so enchanting that even her biting barbs, of which there are a ton, seem to come from a place of genuine concern for her friends. Dahlgren is very hatable, which is the point, so props to him. The roster of men in love with Jamie all do a bang-up job as well.
Guy Friends is tons of fun. It is full of humor and heart and is a unique take on the self-discovery journey cinema puts out every so often. The cast is stellar, with each actor bringing the comedy and drama to life believably. The black-and-white cinematography is lovely, visualizing Jamie’s strict view without feeling like a gimmick.
For more information, visit the official Guy Friends site.
"…full of humor and heart..."
