No matter what, the show must go on. In the film, She’s Funny That Way, the drama going on behind the scenes is just as good as what’s happening on the stage, in a hilarious, meta-romantic comedy set in the world of Broadway. Kathryn Hahn, Jennifer Aniston, and Owen Wilson all turn in outrageous, comedic performances from directing legend, Peter Bogdanovich, and hold nothing back.
She’s Funny That Way stars Imogen Poots in one of her first big roles, and she holds her own against Hollywood heavyweights with a flawless, New York accent and a fiery spunk. Bogdanovich was one of the most beloved and impactful American directors during the 70s, directing classics like The Last Picture Show and Paper Moon, in addition to the wild screwball comedy, What’s Up, Doc? In She’s Funny That Way, Bogdanovich co-wrote the script with Louise Stratten, and the pair embraced the slapstick of What’s Up, Doc? in a modern setting, as every character cheats, lies, and inevitably falls in love.
What Is ‘She’s Funny That Way’ About?
Imogen Poots stars as the ambitious New York City call-girl, Izzy, a cinephile who dreams of becoming a star. That dream starts to become a reality when her client one night happens to be the big shot Broadway director, Arnold Albertson (Owen Wilson), an unfaithful husband and womanizer who has spent his entire marriage seeking the comfort of call girls behind his wife’s back. Kathryn Hahn plays Arnold’s wife, Delta Simmons, a fellow Broadway star and Arnold’s muse, who is featured in his new play. When Izzy’s agent gets her an audition for the starring role in Arnold’s play the following day, a flabbergasted Arnold watches in horror as she nails the audition in a scene acting opposite Delta, and scores the part.
Will Forte plays the enamored playwright, Joshua, who falls for Izzy during her audition. The only problem is that he’s dating the cruel therapist, Jane (Jennifer Aniston), who happens to be Izzy’s therapist, which then causes a messy trail of infidelities and scams as the play gets underway. A hilariously sleazy Rhys Ifans plays Seth Gilbert, the leading man in the play, who has a secret crush on Delta and knows of Arnold’s affair with Izzy. Bogdanovich’s frequent collaborator, Austin Pendelton, is a wonderfully wacky, obsessed judge and client of Izzy’s, who stalks her around New York City as she prepares for the play.
Kathryn Hahn and Owen Wilson Play a Toxic, Show Business Power Couple
Kathryn Hahn and Owen Wilson are a match made in heaven as a conniving couple that burns up in flames in the most wonderful fashion in She’s Funny That Way. Hahn gives one of her most satisfying performances, as a woman awakening to the kind of dishonest man she’s married to and unleashes a fury that gives the film its purpose. Owen Wilson is antsy, anxious, and clumsy from the get, and the perfect fit for the archetype of the catastrophic leading man in an underrated screwball comedy. Arnold is the definition of toxic masculinity, and Wilson nails the characterization of a man who does not realize he is the villain in his story, not the hero.
Wilson’s shock and dismay when Izzy walks into the audition opposite his wife, Delta, drives home why Wilson’s expressive face is his moneymaker. The entire scene is a riot to watch, as Arnold prepares for a trainwreck to unfold with his mouth hanging open, while Delta becomes mesmerized by how talented Izzy is. Rhys Ifans then gobbles up the scene, as his character Seth saw Izzy leaving Arnold’s room the night before, and his smug treatment towards Arnold and sexual tension with Delta adds the perfect layer of raunchiness to an already tense scene.
Kathryn Hahn Has an Epic Meltdown Playing a Broadway Diva
The second half of She’s Funny That Way belongs to Kathryn Hahn, and she becomes a beast of vengeance when her husband’s true colors are revealed. Already a diva of the theater, she becomes a diva in real life and unleashes a delicious fury. Hahn’s career has always been a fantastic blend of comedy and drama. Here, she cranks the slapstick up to 11, with her nervous, writhing energy that has made her the relatable, all too real Hollywood star that she is. Overhearing her husband’s infidelities in a dressing room stall at the mall with him on the other side talking to a former call-girl he used to see, Hahn storms out of the dressing room and struts out of the mall only to be arrested by mall security.
No one can do a breakdown like Hahn. Her stuttering, screaming, and flailing while wearing a ridiculous suit with mascara-stained cheeks have the undeniable marks of Bogdanovich’s one-of-a-kind screwball comedy. When her co-star, Seth, seizes the moment to take advantage of her vulnerability and finally get with the woman of his dreams, Hahn yells the most important line of the movie: “Nobody has me!” In a film littered with self-righteous men who believe themselves to be knights in shining armor, Hahn’s performance and character shut them all down. She drives home the message Bogdanovich and Stratten make crystal clear in their screenplay, that men don’t know how to step away from their egos, and let women be their own saviors.
Peter Bogdanovich Directed a Callback to Classic Screwball Comedies in ‘She’s Funny That Way’
Bogdanovich directed one of the all-time great screwball classics in 1972 with What’s up Doc?, featuring Barbra Streisand as a hell-raiser, who gets into the middle of Peter O’Neal‘s relationship with his fiancé, played by a fuming Madeline Kahn. A fiasco of backstabbing and affairs, Bogdanovich captured that magic again in She’s Funny That Way. Jennifer Aniston plays completely against type, and is miles away from her American sweetheart persona with a harsh, blunt bob, sharp eyeglasses, and an angry German Shepard at her side. She even gets to throw a mean right hook at Will Forte’s chin, and is the film’s straight to a cast of crazy, colorful New Yorkers.
The craziest New Yorker in question is a fantastic, unhinged Austin Pendelton as Izzy’s stalker, Judge Pendergast. Pendelton starred in What’s Up Doc?, as a similarly awkward, lovestricken nerd who falls for Barbra Streisand’s lively character. One of She’s Funny That Way‘s best bits is when Pendergast goes on a date with Aniston’s character, Jane, to an Italian restaurant, where her boyfriend happens to be taking Izzy out to dinner. An absolute nightmare of a situation, Pendelton shatters a wine glass, falls out of his seat, and stammers all around Aniston as he only has eyes for Izzy. It’s the peak of slapstick physicality, as he flings his body out of his chair and is unafraid to fall on the floor.
Pendelton isn’t the only one of Bogdanovich’s muses to make an appearance in the film either. Cybill Shepherd, who broke out starring in his film, The Last Picture Show, plays Izzy’s flamboyant, New York tough mother. Tatum O’Neal also makes a cameo as a waiter at the Italian restaurant during the catastrophic night, who notably became the youngest actor to win an Academy Award at the time in 1973 for starring in Bogdanovich’s crime caper family drama, Paper Moon. And even Quentin Tarantino makes an appearance as himself, who has always been a fan of Bogdanovich’s.
Hahn is back under the spotlight with the new Disney+ Marvel original series, Agatha All Along. Her excellent blend of comedy and drama is once again put on display in excellent company alongside the likes of Aubrey Plaza, Patti LuPone, and Debra Jo Rupp, playing the seductive, sinister character. She’s Funny That Way is a Hahn classic before she hit the big leagues, and Bogdanovich directed her to new heights as a woman on the verge, who literally steps into the spotlight and decides to stop pleasing the men in her life. Streaming on Amazon Prime Video, She’s Funny That Way is movie magic, and a classic, modern screwball comedy stacked with Hollywood’s brightest and funniest.
She’s Funny That Way is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video in the U.S.
READ MORE
Jennifer Aniston: ‘I doubt that will ever happen’ on Why She Will Never Make Another Sit-Com After FRIENDS
For millions of fans around the world, Jennifer Aniston has become synonymous with the beloved character Rachel Green from the iconic sitcom FRIENDS. The role of a spoilt daddy’s girl to fashion mogul catapulted her to international stardom. The 10-season series even made her a household name and a permanent fixture in pop culture history.
But despite her success on the show, Aniston has made it clear that she has no plans to return to the sitcom format. Recently, the 45-year-old candidly explained why the days of sitcoms are behind her, and why FRIENDS will most likely be her last venture in that genre.
Why Jennifer Aniston won’t take on another sitcom
Jennifer Aniston might have found success with the NBC sitcom, FRIENDS. However, since then, she has dived into the deep end with various films and even her own show, The Morning Show. But throughout her vast career, fans have been hoping to see the 45-year-old go back to her roots in another sitcom.
In an episode of the SmartLess podcast, Aniston opened up about why her time on sitcoms will never come around again. After all, she had the best experience with David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, and Matthew Perry.
If I knew it would be the same experience as I had with those guys, yes, but I doubt that will ever happen.
Aniston explained that though there was a slim chance of another sitcom, it was rather unlikely that she would take it up. The actress even added that she missed parts of it like the filming schedule. She stated, “It’s the best schedule ever on the planet.”
The actress revealed that she had the time of her life with the show’s 5 other leads. However, she seems to have closed the door on trying to recreate the bond that was shared with the cast.
Aniston and her castmates have even described their bond with each other by saying that it would last forever and stand the test of time.
The strong bond between Jennifer Aniston and the rest of the FRIENDS cast
Jennifer Aniston has shared a special bond with her FRIENDS co-stars that has stood the test of time. During the show’s 10-year run from 1994 to 2004, Aniston, along with Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer, developed a deep camaraderie and love for one another.
Even after the show ended, the bond among the cast didn’t fade or flicker for a second. Although planning a meeting was hard due to their conflicting schedules, the 6 leads still managed to make time for each other every now and then. In an interview with People, a source opened up about just how close they all were.
They spent hours together and had the best time. It was really special to Jen. The bond this group made was very real. They still care a lot about each other and are extremely supportive.
The insider added, “Whenever anything happens to one of the others — a divorce, a graduation, a new role — they always reach out.” After all, with 10 years of working together, the FRIENDS cast seems to have created a friendship that will last a lifetime.
In fact, Aniston and the rest of the cast proved just how close they are during the hardest time of their lives, the untimely passing of Perry. With all the stars coming together to be a shoulder to lean on for each other, they proved that their love has stood the test of time.
Stream FRIENDS on Netflix.
READ MORE
Jennifer Aniston Wasn’t the Only One ‘Betrayed’ by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s Mr. and Mrs. Smith: ‘A total level of ignorance is evident’
In the early 2000s, Jennifer Aniston might have had her heart crushed by the budding romance between her now ex-husband Brad Pitt, and Angelina Jolie. However, the FRIENDS star was not the only one who felt betrayed when they teamed up for their first-ever project together, Mr. and Mrs. Smith. In fact, while the 55-year-old might have been hit hardest by it, the film managed to ruffle a few more feathers.
After all, the film had everyone glued to their screens but did not portray one major part of it correctly. In fact, with Jolie and Pitt’s characters meeting for the very first time in Bogotá, Columbia, there seemed to be a few things that were missing.
Apart from Jennifer Aniston, Mr. and Mrs. Smith irked an entire city
The 2005 film Mr. and Mrs. Smith, starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, sparked controversy not just for the off-screen love affair between its stars but also for its portrayal of Bogotá, Colombia. In one of the movie’s early scenes, the city is depicted as a dangerous, impoverished locale, complete with a tropical, jungle-like setting.
This inaccurate portrayal of the capital, which is actually a modern, bustling metropolis located high in the Andes mountains, left many Colombians feeling insulted and frustrated by Hollywood’s stereotypical depiction of their lives. According to reports from ABC, it was revealed that the general secretary of the Mayor’s Office, Enrique Borda had written a letter to Doug Liman and producer Arnon Milchan expressing their concerns.
With scarce hotel infrastructure, where poverty prevails, depressed, disorderly, with high levels of violence, in short, totally chaotic and not at all attractive.
Borda and the Mayor’s office were displeased with how Linman chose to portray their beautiful city. In fact, the general secretary even took it a step further and stated, “Without a doubt, a total level of ignorance is evident.” After all, the director and producer had chosen to display Bogotá in a state of disarray instead of showing it as it was.
The capital of Columbia might not have forgiven Pitt and Jolie’s film for its negative image just yet. However, it looks like Jennifer Aniston is ready to leave the past behind them.
Jennifer Aniston buries that hatchet between her and Angelina Jolie
Most women might never be able to forgive a homewrecker, but Jennifer Aniston is constantly proving that she’s the bigger person. Although the world has pitted the 55-year-old and Angelina Jolie against one another since the Brad Pitt scandal in 2005, the FRIENDS star seems to be over all the drama.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the 2015 Critic’s Choice Awards, Aniston had nothing but words of love and support for Jolie. In fact, the actress only praised her fellow star for her latest project that had been released, Unbroken.
I mean, that movie is so beautiful and wonderful and she did such a gorgeous job. I think that it’s time people stop with that petty B.S. and just start celebrating great work and stop with the petty kind of silliness.
Aniston continued to reflect on her feud with Jolie and admitted, “I think that’s slowly coming to an end. I really do.” After all, 10 years had passed since she and Pitt and chosen to go their own separate ways.
Now, with the 20-year mark just around the corner, the former lovebirds seem to be navigating their newfound friendship. In fact, just a few years ago, Pitt wound up giving Aniston a gift that she considered a dream come true.
With both parties of the relationship being able to move on, it might be time for fans to let go of what happened nearly 2 decades ago.
Stream Mr. and Mrs. Smith on Netflix
READ MORE
This is the curious scent that is always in Jennifer Aniston’s house, according to friend Courteney Cox
Courteney Cox says her pal and former Friends co-star, Jennifer Aniston, just cannot get enough of a scented candle made by the Cougar Town actor’s homecare brand. So much so, indeed, that Cox can always smell its fragrance when she visits Aniston.
“Jennifer is obsessed”
“Jennifer is obsessed with the Cece scent,” Cox revealed at the Inc. 5000 45th Annual Conference & Gala, according to the celebrity-gossip magazine People. “I’ve never been to her house without smelling a Cece Candle right when you walk in. And I love it.”
What is Homecourt, Cox’s homecare brand?
Cox founded Homecourt, which specializes in products such as candles, soaps, hand creams and room deodorants, in 2022. Explaining why she chose to create the brand, she says: “My home is my sanctuary. It is a home that’s filled with love and laughter, and a place where I can spend quality time with friends and family. I have taken great care to curate a space where everyone can feel ‘at home’ […].
“Someone once told me that caring for your space can be a transformative act. As a self-proclaimed neat freak, I can tell you that this is true, but I could never find products that smelled or looked as good as they worked, nor anything that truly elevated homecare to what I’ve always felt it should be: an investment in yourself and your loved ones, and a daily act of self-care.”
During her Inc. 5000 appearance, Cox added that Aniston isn‘t simply trying to butter her up by firing up a Homecourt scented candle every time her friend comes to call. If a product isn’t Aniston’s cup of tea, the 60-year-old explained, “she’s the kind of person to be like, ’No, I don’t like it.’”
How much does the Cece Candle cost?
On the Homecourt website, the Cece Candle is described as a “clean-burning, lushly fragranced candle designed to enhance the ambiance of any space in the home.” The candle’s production description adds: “hand-poured into our kiln-fired ceramic vessels. Experience 60 hours of burn time and industry-leading fragrance throw.” Homecourt’s Cece Candle retails at $65.
What does Cece fragrance smell like?
According to Homecourt, Cece is “a fine fragrance for fall,” adding: “[It] enriches the season with warm notes of cedarwood smoke, sweet cardamom, and white leather.” The brand also describes Cece as “grounded, mysterious, and addictive”.
Jennifer and Courteney’s decades-long friendship
Cox and Aniston, who starred as Monica Geller and Rachel Green, respectively, appeared together for all 10 seasons of Friends, a hit NBC sitcom that ran from 1994 to 2004.
The pair have remained close friends since working on the show. In May, Cox paid a heartfelt tribute to Aniston to mark the latter’s 55th birthday, writing on social media: “Happy Birthday my sweet Jenny Louise. Also don’t know why I call her that…but I sure do love you.”
READ MORE
Jennifer Aniston is a name synonymous with Hollywood success. Best known for her iconic role as Rachel Green on the beloved sitcom Friends, she has cemented her place as one of the most sought-after actresses in the industry.
Jennifer’s journey began in Sherman Oaks, California, but she was raised in the bustling streets of New York City. She made the move to Los Angeles in 1989, where she juggled part-time jobs before landing her first television roles. However, it was her decade-long stint on Friends, from 1994 to 2004, that skyrocketed her to stardom.
As one of the highest-paid TV actresses of all time, Aniston and her co-stars commanded a whopping $1 million per episode during the show’s final two seasons. This incredible salary was just a portion of her earnings, as she collected around $90 million from Friends before royalties and backend deals.
Speaking of royalties, Jennifer’s income didn’t stop with the show’s finale. As part of a smart contract negotiation in 2000, she and her fellow cast members secured backend points on Friends, allowing them to profit from syndication.
What’s Jennifer Aniston net worth?
This savvy move means they continue to earn between $10 million and $20 million annually, thanks to the show’s enduring popularity. Even years after its conclusion, Friends generates over $1 billion yearly from syndication and streaming deals, keeping the cash flowing for its stars.
Beyond television, Aniston has built a solid film career, raking in approximately $75 million from movies between 1997 and 2011 alone. Her highest film payday came with $10 million for her role in Just Go With It. Over the years, her blend of talent, charisma, and business savvy has helped her build an impressive net worth of $320 million.
But it’s not just acting that boosts her bank account-she’s also a powerhouse in endorsements. With a portfolio featuring brands like L’Oreal, Smartwater, and Aveeno, she earns around $10 million per year from endorsements alone.
When it comes to her lifestyle, Aniston has made some remarkable real estate investments. She owns multiple properties, including a stunning Bel Air mansion purchased for $20.1 million and an $11,000 monthly HOA fee Manhattan condo that offers luxurious amenities. In 2022, she even bought a $15 million Montecito farmhouse from none other than Oprah Winfrey. All in all, Jennifer Aniston is not just a talented actress; she’s a savvy businesswoman whose wealth continues to grow in leaps and bounds.
READ MORE
Are you ready for a fun fact? We met Monica Geller and Rachel Green 30 years ago this fall. Yep, “time flies” is an appropriate response. And so is “Welcome to the real world! It sucks. You’re gonna love it.” Want to know a fact that’s even more fun than that? Courteney Cox and Jennifer Aniston are still friends who rub off on each other. In this case, when CoCo went to Jen’s house, she noted that it didn’t just smell nice, it smelled Courteney nice. Jen’s been burning the Cece candle from Courteney Cox’s brand Homecourt and your house can smell Courteney nice, too.
Homecourt Cece Candle
With notes of cedarwood smoke, sweet cardamom and cinnamon, Jen’s favorite Cece, is one of the more mysterious scents from Homecourt. The long-burning soy wax has a cotton wick and comes in a reusable clay cup. The mini candle is 2.25 oz and comes in 4 different scents.
In Aniston’s Instagram post celebrating Cox’s birthday, she wrote, “She’ll redecorate a room like nobody’s business.” And that’s kind of what happens with Homecourt products. Cox started the brand in 2022 to help people “discover the beauty of home care.” The candles are a big part of that and Cox says Aniston is a big fan of one particular candle.
“Jennifer is obsessed with the Cece scent,” Cox said at the 5000 45th Annual Conference & Gala. “I’ve never been to her house without smelling a Cece candle the moment I walk in. And I love it.”
The scent has notes of cedarwood smoke, sweet cardamom and cinnamon.
Jen’s favorite is one of the more mysterious scents from Homecourt. (Getty)
But Cox says she knows Aniston doesn’t just break out the Cece candles when she comes over and that she’s pretty direct about her preferences.
“She’s the kind of person to be like, ‘No, I don’t like it,’” she said.
Cece is not limited to candles — you can also get it in room deodorant, dish soap, hand cream and more. The candles come in two sizes: 2.25 oz. and 8 oz. There are also more scents to choose from: Cocomoi, Steeped Rose, Neroli Leaf, Cipres Mint, Mandarin Basile and Balsam Fireplace.