The Anniversary Party (2001)

Plot: A day in the life of Joe Therrian (Alan Cumming) and Sally Nash (Jennifer Jason Leigh) as they celebrate their sixth anniversary after having been separated for a year and reconciled for about six months. He's a critically acclaimed British author; she's a celebrated actress whose career is on the decline. Their guests are an eclectic collection of celebrities.

Definitely, definitely a hidden gem. Written and directed by the two aforementioned stars, it sparkles with depth and beauty. There's such sincerity to it. I never for a moment doubt that the things that happen to and through these people are possible. Plus, it's the only movie that I haven't found Cumming utterly frightening in. Both of them are so sad and happy and emotional and real.

Of course, an amazing supporting cast helps. There's John Benjamin Hickey, Parker Posey, Phobe Cates, Kevin Kline, Jane Adams, John C. Reilly, Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Malloy, and Jennifer Beals, just to name a few.

It's almost as though that despite the fact that it has two stars, it is also an ensemble cast. Is that even possible? I guess, to a certain extent, the stars wouldn't make the film so perfectly real if it weren't for the supporting cast. That's the mark of a good supporting cast, in the end: their ability to make their stars shine.

And they do. Brilliantly.