neumu [ cinematronic ]




	Me Without You
	Sandra Goldbacher Michelle Williams, Anna Friel, Kyle MacLachlan, Oliver Milburn, Trudie Styler, Marianne Denicourt 2001		Two best friends grow up and apart in England during the '70s and '80s in director/co-writer Sandra Goldbacher's well-tempered dramedy. The painful realities of a friendship in free-fall are on display, giving "Me Without You" the authenticity of a fictionalized memoir. Despite dips into melodrama, it captures the camaraderie between flamboyant, needy Marina, portrayed by feisty sylph Anna Friel, and intelligent, inhibited Holly, who is played by American ingenue Michelle Williams ("Dick") with soul and a persuasive British accent. From idyllic middle-class childhoods to aggro teenage years as weekend punk-rockers, they're devoted to each other, despite Marina's jealousy over Holly's affection for Marina's brother (Oliver Milburn). But, at university, Marina's insecurities get the better of her. She becomes increasingly manipulative toward Holly, to the point of competing for the affections of a randy college instructor (Kyle MacLachlan). Something's gotta give, and does — to the hits of the day.