Audio commentaries are sometimes a forgotten gem in the world of film. But how often do they get heard, and are they even worth hearing? This series of reviews will take a look at some of the best, and perhaps worst, audio commentaries on some classic films. Exploring what, if anything, they bring to the film. Any commentary review suggestions? Let us know in the comments below.
Who does this Commentary?
The Sex and the City commentary is from writer, producer and director Michael Patrick King (MPK), who also wrote, directed and was executive producer for the six seasons of the television series. MPK is also writer, producer and director for Sex and the City 2. So he knows Sex and the City inside out, basically.
I am a huge fan of Sex and the City, which may be apparent as this is the first commentary review that I have decided to do. It is one of my favourite television shows, and I have seen every episode at least twice, aswell as both films several times (the less said about the second film, the better). The film picks up four years on from where the TV series ends, with our four New York girls: Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda, all married or in long term relationships. Carrie is approaching her marriage to Mr. Big, her on-off boyfriend throughout the show, only to be ditched at the altar. As with the TV series, the film is a mixture of humour and sadness; all held together by the strong friendship that the four female characters have.
This hugely popular TV show from the 90s took the sometimes dangerous route of having a film spin-off. Just the title Sex and the City is enough to make a person conjure up their own views of what the film is, or what they think it is. I am tempted to assume that some readers will want to click away from this review right now, but just hold on for a second, and see if I can’t tell you why you should check out this film, and what the commentary brings to it.
Commentaries by a single person are always dodgy territory. In some cases, they end up just sitting mostly in silence, occasionally telling a story or laughing. In other cases, they may begin telling a story or an anecdote from filming, and they a scene will come up that they want to talk about, and they will leave half a story hanging to suddenly talk about something else. Thankfully, the Sex and the City commentary does not have this problem. MPK flows with his commentary, talking about the characters, the script, the design, the outfits, and deleted scenes and moments from filming. He tells the stories as they appear on screen, so no anecdote is ever randomly given without context, leaving you wondering what he is talking about. MPK also often quotes from conversations he has had with others during the filming, so the extra insight is brought into the commentary.
We are given a great insight into the writing process also, and as MPK is writer and director of Sex and the City, he is responsible for everything we see on film. There are moments that probably wouldn’t be noticed by the average viewer, for example, Samantha being surrounded by images of her PR client and boyfriend in her office, to signal her suffocation in their relationship. Other facts that are also perhaps unknown, such as how the Vogue scenes are actually filmed in the Vogue offices in New York, or that Vivienne Westwood personally wrote the message that arrives with Carrie’s wedding dress, are something that I am sure fans would enjoy hearing.
MPK also talks a lot about Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Carrie, and her role in the film. As an executive producer of the TV series, producer of the films, and the star of the show, she clearly has a lot on input. Her input isn’t too overbearing, but it in nice to hear about the little things that she suggested for the film. Did you know that during the scene in Mexico, when Carrie laughs for the first time since being jilted, the actresses are drinking real Margaritas at her suggestion? Just to help the laughter flow more naturally.
Without sounding too clique, I feel that I should mention men and the appeal of Sex and the City to them. I honestly don’t know how many men would decide to watch Sex and the City by choice. But hey, why not; maybe you will learn something about women? Maybe not, but the film will tell you this – if you a jilt a woman at the altar, “you’re a bad guy.”
All in all, the commentary does bring a whole new perspective to the film, aswell as sharing some funny moments, and how the scenes have evolved from the writing to the filming. The links between the show and the film are sewn together by occasional references to the TV series, captured in the commentary.
Commentary Score: 7/10
The Sex and the City commentary does bring a lot extra to the film. We find out more about the characters and the reasoning behind their actions. Ultimately, this commentary is a must if you are a Sex and the City fan. If you’re not a Sex and the City fan, I doubt this commentary will convert you.
Favourite Commentary Moment: During the auction scene at the beginning of the film, MPK wanted Samantha to have the paddle with the number 69 on. However, Christie’s Auction House does not have a 69 paddle, so Samantha has a paddle numbered 969.
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COMMENTARY REVIEW #1: ‘Sex and the City’ (2008)
Audio commentaries are sometimes a forgotten gem in the world of film. But how often do they get heard, and are they even worth hearing? This series of reviews will take a look at some of the best, and perhaps worst, audio commentaries on some classic films. Exploring what, if anything, they bring to the film. Any commentary review suggestions? Let us know in the comments below.
Who does this Commentary?
The Sex and the City commentary is from writer, producer and director Michael Patrick King (MPK), who also wrote, directed and was executive producer for the six seasons of the television series. MPK is also writer, producer and director for Sex and the City 2. So he knows Sex and the City inside out, basically.
I am a huge fan of Sex and the City, which may be apparent as this is the first commentary review that I have decided to do. It is one of my favourite television shows, and I have seen every episode at least twice, aswell as both films several times (the less said about the second film, the better). The film picks up four years on from where the TV series ends, with our four New York girls: Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda, all married or in long term relationships. Carrie is approaching her marriage to Mr. Big, her on-off boyfriend throughout the show, only to be ditched at the altar. As with the TV series, the film is a mixture of humour and sadness; all held together by the strong friendship that the four female characters have.
This hugely popular TV show from the 90s took the sometimes dangerous route of having a film spin-off. Just the title Sex and the City is enough to make a person conjure up their own views of what the film is, or what they think it is. I am tempted to assume that some readers will want to click away from this review right now, but just hold on for a second, and see if I can’t tell you why you should check out this film, and what the commentary brings to it.
Commentaries by a single person are always dodgy territory. In some cases, they end up just sitting mostly in silence, occasionally telling a story or laughing. In other cases, they may begin telling a story or an anecdote from filming, and they a scene will come up that they want to talk about, and they will leave half a story hanging to suddenly talk about something else. Thankfully, the Sex and the City commentary does not have this problem. MPK flows with his commentary, talking about the characters, the script, the design, the outfits, and deleted scenes and moments from filming. He tells the stories as they appear on screen, so no anecdote is ever randomly given without context, leaving you wondering what he is talking about. MPK also often quotes from conversations he has had with others during the filming, so the extra insight is brought into the commentary.
We are given a great insight into the writing process also, and as MPK is writer and director of Sex and the City, he is responsible for everything we see on film. There are moments that probably wouldn’t be noticed by the average viewer, for example, Samantha being surrounded by images of her PR client and boyfriend in her office, to signal her suffocation in their relationship. Other facts that are also perhaps unknown, such as how the Vogue scenes are actually filmed in the Vogue offices in New York, or that Vivienne Westwood personally wrote the message that arrives with Carrie’s wedding dress, are something that I am sure fans would enjoy hearing.
MPK also talks a lot about Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Carrie, and her role in the film. As an executive producer of the TV series, producer of the films, and the star of the show, she clearly has a lot on input. Her input isn’t too overbearing, but it in nice to hear about the little things that she suggested for the film. Did you know that during the scene in Mexico, when Carrie laughs for the first time since being jilted, the actresses are drinking real Margaritas at her suggestion? Just to help the laughter flow more naturally.
Without sounding too clique, I feel that I should mention men and the appeal of Sex and the City to them. I honestly don’t know how many men would decide to watch Sex and the City by choice. But hey, why not; maybe you will learn something about women? Maybe not, but the film will tell you this – if you a jilt a woman at the altar, “you’re a bad guy.”
All in all, the commentary does bring a whole new perspective to the film, aswell as sharing some funny moments, and how the scenes have evolved from the writing to the filming. The links between the show and the film are sewn together by occasional references to the TV series, captured in the commentary.
Commentary Score: 7/10
The Sex and the City commentary does bring a lot extra to the film. We find out more about the characters and the reasoning behind their actions. Ultimately, this commentary is a must if you are a Sex and the City fan. If you’re not a Sex and the City fan, I doubt this commentary will convert you.
Favourite Commentary Moment: During the auction scene at the beginning of the film, MPK wanted Samantha to have the paddle with the number 69 on. However, Christie’s Auction House does not have a 69 paddle, so Samantha has a paddle numbered 969.
Some of the coverage you find on Cultured Vultures contains affiliate links, which provide us with small commissions based on purchases made from visiting our site.