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The Proposal(2009 film)

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The Proposal
A man backed up, a woman holding a jewelry case to his face.
Theatrical release poster
Directed byAnne Fletcher
Written by
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyOliver Stapleton
Edited byPriscilla Nedd-Friendly
Music byAaron Zigman
Production
companies
Distributed byWalt Disney Studios
Motion Pictures
Release dates
Running time
108 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$40 million[1]
Box office$317.4 million[1]

The Proposalis a 2009 Americanromantic comedyfilm directed byAnne Fletcherand written by Peter Chiarelli. It is produced byKurtzman/Orci Productions,Mandeville FilmsandTouchstone PicturesforWalt Disney Studios Motion Pictures,and starsSandra BullockandRyan ReynoldswithMalin Åkerman,Craig T. Nelson,Mary SteenburgenandBetty Whitein supporting roles. The plot centers on a Canadian executive who learns that she may facedeportationfrom the U.S. because hervisarenewal application was denied. Determined to retain her position aseditor-in-chiefof a publishing house, she convinces her long-suffering personal assistant to temporarily act as her fiancé.

Development began in 2005 when Chiarelli wrote the script. Principal filming occurred over two months from March to May 2008. The film received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the performances and chemistry between Bullock and Reynolds but criticized its screenplay and what was seen as a formulaic plot structure. It was a box office success, grossing over $317 million worldwide on its $40 million budget. Bullock was nominated for theGolden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical.

Plot[edit]

Margaret Tate is a Canadian editor-in-chief at aNew York Citybook publishing company, and, due to her pushy personality, is disliked by her employees. Margaret learns that her visa renewal application has been denied due to a term violation, and she is to be deported back to Canada. Not wanting to lose her position and life in New York, she coerces her long-suffering personal assistant, Andrew Paxton, into marrying so she can get agreen card.She reminds Andrew that if she is deported, his years of work as her assistant will be lost, which will set back his dream to become an editor.

U.S.immigration agentGilbertson is suspicious and explains to the couple that if his investigation proves that they are committing fraud, Margaret will be deported permanently and Andrew will be charged with afelonythat carries a $250,000 fine and will spend five years in federal prison. Due to these high stakes, Andrew insists that, if they marry, Margaret must make him an editor and publish a book he has recommended to her. She accepts his terms.

They travel to Andrew's hometown ofSitka, Alaskato see his parents, Joe and Grace, and his grandmother Annie. They only know that he's dating Margaret, and not that they're engaged. On the way to the family home, Margaret is surprised to discover that the Paxtons are very wealthy.

At a welcome home party, Margaret meets an enthusiastic waiter named Ramone, and Andrew's ex-girlfriend Gertrude, while Andrew's father confronts him. Joe believes Andrew doesn't love Margaret and is merely using her to get ahead in his career. Angry about his father's distrust, Andrew immediately announces their engagement.

The next day, Grace and Annie take Margaret to a local bar for her bachelorette party, where she finds that Ramone is also a popular exotic dancer. Stepping away from the party, Gertrude tells Margaret that the night before her high school graduation, Andrew proposed to her but refused as she didn’t want to leave Sitka for New York.

Upon returning to the house, Margaret overhears an argument between his parents regarding an ongoing conflict between Andrew and Joe. That night, she asks Andrew about his relationship with his father, but he refuses to talk about it. Instead, she opens up to him about her own life, and they begin to fall in love with each other.

The next morning, the family convinces Andrew and Margaret to marry the following day. While planning the wedding with Grace and Gammy, Margaret is deeply moved by their love and sincerity. She returns to Andrew and admits that she has been alone since her parents died when she was 16 and has forgotten how it feels to have a family.

Back at the house, Andrew and Margaret discover that Gilbertson has contacted Joe and informed him of the possible fraud. In response, Joe has flown Gilbertson to Sitka, where he offers the couple a deal: If they confess the engagement is a sham, Margaret will simply be deported and neither of them will face any further penalties. They refuse, continuing to claim they are in love.

The next day, the wedding is officiated by Ramone. It begins normally but then Margaret, touched by the closeness of Andrew's family, stops the ceremony and tells everyone the truth. Gilbertson informs her that she has 24 hours to leave for Canada; so she returns to the house to collect her belongings. After a short delay, Andrew pursues her but finds she is already gone. Andrew finds a note from Margaret, telling him she promises to get his book published before she leaves. Gertrude comforts Andrew and asks if he is going to go after Margaret. As he hurries to find Margaret, another argument arises between him and Joe.

While they are arguing, Annie suddenly shows symptoms of a heart attack. As she and the family are airlifted to the hospital, she begs Joe and Andrew to reconcile before she dies. Once they agree, she admits that she faked the heart attack so they could catch up to Margaret, and tells the pilot to head to the airport to catch her plane. However, her plane takes off just as they arrive. Andrew's parents realize he really loves Margaret.

Andrew returns to New York and arrives at the office just as Margaret is packing her things. He tells her he loves her and they kiss. Later, they inform Gilbertson that they are now engaged for real. Gilbertson, excited for the challenge, exclaims, "Let's do it!"

During the end credits, Gilbertson asks Margaret and Andrew, Andrew's parents, and Ramone increasingly ridiculous questions.

Cast[edit]

Production[edit]

The Proposalpremiered at theEl Capitan TheatreinHollywood,California.

Peter Chiarelli wrote the script for the film in 2005.[2]In May 2007, it was announced thatSandra Bullockhad been given a lead role forThe Proposal.[3]Julia Robertswas originally approached for the lead but declined.[4]Nearly two months later, it was reported that plans were being finalized forRyan Reynoldsto star opposite Bullock.[2]In January 2008,Touchstone PicturessignedAnne Fletcherto direct.[5]The film premiered on June 1, 2009, at theEl Capitan TheatreinHollywood,California.[6]

Shooting forThe Proposalbegan on April 2, 2008 inRockport, Massachusetts.[7]In the days leading up to production, part of the town was remodeled to simulateSitka, Alaska,the primary setting.[7]Principal photographybegan on April 9 at Bearskin Neck, and continued for 24 hours. Filming resumed at theMotif Number Onebuilding on Bradley Wharf (April 14–16), the Haskins Building (April 15–18), and the central business district of Rockport (April 17).[7][8]Principal photography relocated toManchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusettson April 22, for approximately two weeks. City officials accommodated the producers by renting out all their parking lots. Filming forThe Proposalwas delayed briefly when Bullock and her husband were involved in a car accident.[9]The wedding scene was filmed in a three-story twentieth centuryVictorianhome; photography at the residence lasted three weeks.[10]In an interview withThe New York Times,the homeowners stated thatNelson Coatesknocked on their door asking for leaves. The owners directed Coates to other residences but eventually gave the producer a tour of the house. Production occurred on the first floor of the home.[7][10]Outside of theCape Annarea, filming took place inBoston, Massachusetts,at theState Street Bank Buildingand inLower ManhattaninNew York City.[11]The Proposalcontained 350 special effect shots, with some parts edited usingcomputer-generated imagery.[12]The score forThe Proposalwas composed byAaron Zigman,who recorded it with theHollywood Studio Symphonyat the Sony Scoring Stage.[13]

As part of an extensive advertising campaign, Reynolds discussed his participation in a nude scene. Expressing that she had been initially nervous, Bullock stated in an interview withSky Newsthat "when everyone else acts like it's just a normal day it really helps you relax." Although she said that producers had provided them withfig leaves,Bullock stated that they would continuously fall off. She added, "You could literally see everything."[14]Similar sentiments were expressed by Reynolds, who in an interview withPeople,stated, "Filming a scene that involves being entirely naked and takes a couple days can be a little awkward." He continued: "Thankfully you're there for so long and you're doing it for so long that you dispense with the awkwardness pretty quickly and start to have mundane, normal conversations – the difference being you're not wearing pants."[15]

Release[edit]

Box office[edit]

The Proposalwas released in the United States on June 19, 2009. On its opening day, it grossed an estimated $12.7 million in 3,056 theaters, becoming the highest-grossing film of the day.[16]It went on to gross over $34 million on its opening weekend, beatingYear One,Up,andThe Hangover.[17]In an exit poll conducted byDisney,nearly 63% of the opening audience consisted of female viewers, 78% were eighteen or older, and 71% were classified as couples.[17]It was the biggest opening weekend of any film in Bullock's career, nearly doubling her previous record,Premonition.[18]As of October 2011, the film had grossed over $164 million in the United States and Canada.[1]

Box office performances showed similar numbers in international markets. The film was released inAustraliaon June 18, 2009, grossing over $2.8 million on its opening weekend. InRussia,the film grossed over $2.6 million on its opening weekend, accounting for 34% of all total film revenue in that country.[19]InSouth Africathe film debuted at number two, losing out to the new releaseIce Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs.It managed to gross over $2.6 million as of October 2011.[19]In the United Kingdom, estimated first opening weekend grosses stand at £3.2 million.[20]The film has grossed over $317 million worldwide, with international grosses standing at $153 million.[1]It is the twentieth highest-grossing film of 2009.[21]

Critical reception[edit]

Despite the film's mixed reviews, critics praised the performances and chemistry betweenSandra Bullock(left)andRyan Reynolds(right).

On review aggregation websiteRotten Tomatoes,the film has an approval rating of 45% based on 187 reviews, with an average rating of 5.32/10. The site's critical consensus reads: "Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds exhibit plenty of chemistry, but they're let down byThe Proposal'sdevotion to formula. "[22]OnMetacritic,which assigns aweighted averagerating, the film has a score of 48 out of 100, based on 30 reviews from critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[23]Audiences polled byCinemaScoregave the film an average grade of "A−" on an A+ to F scale.[24]

Roger Ebertof theChicago Sun-Timesoffered a positive review, giving the film three out of four stars despite complaining that the film "recycles a plot that was already old whenTracyandHepburnwere trying it out "but adding he was eventually won over by the performances.[25]Peter Travers ofRolling Stonewas very critical of the film, calling it insipid. He wrote, "Anne Fletcher directs Peter Chiarelli's script like a manufacturer of hard plastic that is guaranteed to ward off intrusion from all recognizable human emotion."[26]New York Timeswriter Manohla Dargis felt that Bullock's character was awkward in comparison to her previous work. She continued: "She's always been better in fundamentally independent roles that allow her to grab the wheel [...] and take the spotlight [...], an independence that persists all the way through the last-act coupling. She can smile as brightly at a man as well as the next leading lady, though, like all genuinely big female stars, she's really more of a solo act."[27]The Telegraph'sTim Robey expressed disappointment towards the film, giving it a two out of five stars.[28]

It's saying a lot about this section [...] that its comic highlight is Bullock having her mobile phone stolen by a passing eagle, and proffering the family's puppy by way of exchange. In fairness, the leads get very naked before they strictly intend to, and the sound department notches up at least one big laugh with the wettest slap you've ever heard when they unexpectedly collide [...]. But the more recurrent noise towards the end was me groaning with disappointment, that a movie which had struck gold with its central matchmaking was succeeding so ruthlessly in taking the shine off. On the plus side, it's done great business, so we might get to see Bullock and Reynolds back in something soon.

— Tim Robey ofThe Telegraph[28]

The interaction between Bullock and Reynolds was well-received by critics. Lisa Schwarzbaum ofEntertainment Weeklyopined that the chemistry between the two actors was "fresh and irresistible."[29]Zorianna Kit ofThe Huffington Postexclaimed that "what [kept] audiences of this lite-fare comedy in their seats is the undeniable on-screen chemistry between leads Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds." She continued: "The two are so adept at comedy and have so much fun with one another, viewers watchingThe Proposalwon't be able to resist their charms, even when some of the plot veers into unnecessarily silliness. "[30]Betsey Sharkley of theLos Angeles Timesfelt that their relationship was a "cheeky update ofThe Taming of the Shrew."She opined," Bullock's deft physical comedy, one of her most endearing qualities, is given a full run. [...] Reynolds' ability to deliver a line, or a look, with withering, surgical precision is there at every turn. "[31]Giving it one out of five stars,The GuardianwriterPeter Bradshawgave a negative reaction to the interaction between Bullock and Reynolds. Bradshaw stated: "Their initial sparky detestation isn't convincing, and neither is their later thawing and romance. In each scene, it looks as if they have never met before. And Margaret isn't permitted to be a convincing cow, because that would make her unsympathetic [...]. Andrew can't be a total wimp, because that would be unsexy, so the fundamental comic premises of the film are fudged."[32]

Accolades[edit]

List of awards and nominations
Award Category Recipients Result
15th Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards[33] Best Comedy Film Nominated
67th Golden Globe Awards[34] Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical Sandra Bullock Nominated
2010 Kids' Choice Awards Blimp Award for Favorite Movie Actress (along withThe Blind Side) Nominated
2010 MTV Movie Awards[35] Best Comedic Performance Nominated
Ryan Reynolds Nominated
Best Kiss Sandra Bullock & Ryan Reynolds Nominated
Best WTF Moment Betty White Nominated
36th People's Choice Awards[36] Favorite Comedy Movie Won
Favorite On-Screen Team Sandra Bullock & Ryan Reynolds Nominated
Favorite Movie Nominated
14th Satellite Awards[37] Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy Sandra Bullock Nominated
2010 Teen Choice Awards[38][39] Choice Movie Dance Sandra Bullock & Betty White Won
Choice Scene Stealer – Female Betty White Nominated
Choice Movie Chemistry Sandra Bullock & Ryan Reynolds Nominated
Choice Movie Liplock Nominated
Choice Movie – Romantic Comedy Nominated
Choice Movie Actress – Romantic Comedy Sandra Bullock Won
Choice Movie Actor – Romantic Comedy Ryan Reynolds Nominated
2009 Teen Choice Awards[40] Choice Summer Movie – Romance Won
Choice Summer Movie Star – Female Sandra Bullock Nominated
Choice Summer Movie Star – Male Ryan Reynolds Nominated

Home media[edit]

The Proposalwas released byTouchstone Home EntertainmentonDVDandBlu-rayon October 13, 2009.[41]It sold over 2.4 million units within its first week, translating to an addition of $39.3 million in the box office.[42]In its second week, sales numbers declined by 70% to 623,744 units, ranking second among DVD sales of the week.[42]By July 2013,The Proposalhad sold over 5.6 million units and earned over $90 million in sales.[42]

Remakes[edit]

Indian remakes[edit]

Chinese remake[edit]

Other languages[edit]

  • The Iranian remake is titledTo va man(2011).

References[edit]

  1. ^abcd"The Proposal (2009)".Box Office Mojo.RetrievedJune 22,2009.
  2. ^abKits, Borys (July 31, 2007)."Reynolds wed to 'Proposal'".The Hollywood Reporter.Prometheus Global Media.RetrievedOctober 23,2011.
  3. ^Kits, Borys (May 25, 2007)."Romantic 'Proposal' for Bullock".The Hollywood Reporter.Prometheus Global Media.RetrievedOctober 23,2011.
  4. ^Abramowitz, Rachel (January 12, 2010)."Can Julia Roberts come back on her own terms?".Los Angeles Times.RetrievedOctober 23,2011.
  5. ^Kits, Borys (January 16, 2008)."She'll accept Dis 'Proposal'".The Hollywood Reporter.Prometheus Global Media.RetrievedOctober 23,2011.
  6. ^"Access Extended: 'The Proposal' Premiere, Hollywood".Access Hollywood.June 2, 2009.RetrievedOctober 23,2011.
  7. ^abcdSilverstein, Stephanie (April 4, 2008)."Disney begins filming on 'The Proposal'".Wicked Local Rockport.Perinton, New York:GateHouse Media.Archived fromthe originalon October 20, 2013.RetrievedOctober 22,2011.
  8. ^"The Proposal Trailer and Movie Set Transformation; April 22, 2009".
  9. ^Silverstein, Stephanie (April 21, 2008)."Sandra Bullock resumes filming despite Friday car accident".Wicked Local.Archived fromthe originalon April 7, 2012.RetrievedOctober 22,2011.
  10. ^abRimer, Sara (July 29, 2009)."When Hollywood Moved In".The New York Times.RetrievedOctober 22,2011.
  11. ^"The Proposal (2009)".On the Set of New York.RetrievedOctober 23,2011.
  12. ^Feeney, Mark (June 12, 2009)."A movie boom's special effect".Boston Globe.The New York Times Company.RetrievedOctober 23,2011.
  13. ^Dan Goldwasser (May 6, 2009)."Aaron Zigman scoresThe Proposal".ScoringSessions.com.RetrievedMay 6,2009.
  14. ^Lewington, Lara (July 15, 2009)."Sandra Happy To Go Stark Bullock Naked".Sky News(British Sky Broadcasting Group).RetrievedOctober 22,2011.
  15. ^Lehner, Marla (June 3, 2009)."Ryan Reynolds: The Truth About Nude Scenes".People.Time Inc.RetrievedOctober 23,2011.
  16. ^Ellwood, Gregory (June 20, 2009)."Friday Box Office: 'The Proposal' gives Sandra Bullock a record opening day".HitFix.RetrievedOctober 24,2011.
  17. ^abGray, Brandon (June 21, 2009)."Weekend Report: 'Proposal' Pops to the Top, 'Year One' Lacks Stones".Box Office Mojo.RetrievedJune 22,2009.
  18. ^Young, John (June 21, 2009)."'The Proposal' celebrates box office win ".CNN.RetrievedOctober 24,2011.
  19. ^ab"The Proposal (2009)".Box Office Mojo.RetrievedJune 22,2009.
  20. ^"The Proposal".IMDb.June 19, 2009.
  21. ^"2009 Worldwide Grosses".Box Office Mojo.RetrievedOctober 24,2011.
  22. ^"The Proposal (2009)".Rotten Tomatoes.Fandango.RetrievedJune 11,2019.
  23. ^"The Proposal reviews".Metacritic.CBS Interactive.RetrievedJune 18,2009.
  24. ^"The Proposal".CinemaScore.
  25. ^Ebert, Robert (June 17, 2009)."The Proposal".Chicago Sun-Times.Archived fromthe originalon March 9, 2013.RetrievedJune 21,2009.
  26. ^Travers, Peter (June 21, 2009)."The Proposal".Rolling Stone.Archived fromthe originalon September 9, 2012.RetrievedSeptember 19,2010.
  27. ^Dargis, Manohla (June 18, 2009)."The Proposal (2009)".The New York Times.RetrievedOctober 22,2011.
  28. ^abRobey, Tim (July 23, 2009)."The Proposal, review".The Telegraph.Telegraph Media Group.Archivedfrom the original on January 12, 2022.RetrievedOctober 22,2011.
  29. ^Schwarzbaum, Lisa (June 16, 2009)."The Proposal Movie Review".Entertainment Weekly.Archived fromthe originalon June 19, 2009.RetrievedJune 21,2009.
  30. ^Kit, Zorianna (June 22, 2009)."Movie Review: The Proposal".The Huffington Post.Arianna Huffington.RetrievedOctober 24,2011.
  31. ^Sharkey, Betsey (June 19, 2009)."The Proposal".Los Angeles Times.RetrievedOctober 24,2011.
  32. ^Bradshaw, Peter (July 23, 2009)."The Proposal".The Guardian.Guardian News and Media.RetrievedOctober 24,2011.
  33. ^Accomando, Beth(December 14, 2009)."Broadcast Film Critics Association Announces Nominations".KPBS.RetrievedOctober 27,2011.
  34. ^Burr, Ty (December 15, 2009)."The Golden Globe film nominations".Boston Globe.The New York Times Company.RetrievedOctober 27,2011.
  35. ^"2010 MTV Movie Awards".MTV (Viacom). Archived fromthe originalon March 25, 2010.RetrievedOctober 27,2011.
  36. ^"People's Choice Awards 2010".CBS.RetrievedOctober 27,2011.
  37. ^"2009 14th Annual SATELLITE AWARDS".International Press Academy.Archived fromthe originalon October 8, 2011.RetrievedOctober 27,2011.
  38. ^Soll, Lindsay (June 14, 2010)."Teen Choice Awards 2010: First Round Of Nominees Announced".MTV (Viacom). Archived fromthe originalon July 14, 2011.RetrievedOctober 27,2011.
  39. ^Soll, Lindsay (June 28, 2010)."Teen Choice Awards 2010: Second (Giant) Wave Of Nominees Announced".MTV (Viacom). Archived fromthe originalon October 11, 2011.RetrievedOctober 27,2011.
  40. ^Coppersmith, Scott (August 9, 2009)."Teen Choice Awards 2009: The Nominees".KTTV.Archived fromthe originalon June 26, 2010.RetrievedOctober 27,2011.
  41. ^Thorton, Michelle (August 17, 2009).""The Proposal" On DVD October 13th ".ReelEmpire.com.RetrievedAugust 18,2009.
  42. ^abc"The Proposal - DVD Sales".The Numbers.RetrievedJuly 13,2013.
  43. ^Brzeski, Patrick (June 13, 2016)."Disney to Co-Produce Chinese Remake of Sandra Bullock's 'The Proposal' (Exclusive)".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedJune 14,2016.

External links[edit]

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