“Miss Potter” is a sincere but sleep-inducing biopic of the beloved children’s author and illustrator, Beatrix Potter. While I was interested in learning the details of her life, this movie succeeded only on that level. Yes, it told the story of the formative years of her career and of her romance with the publisher of her books. Yes, it was clear enough in portraying the kinds of options women had in her day, and of showing how elements of her lifestyle were interestingly unusual. But in terms of artistry, this film did not surpass a competent History Channel re-enactment.
Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor star, and neither are necessarily convincing in period roles. McGregor in particular comes across like a high school drama club participant unwilling to embarrass himself by trying too hard. Of course, compared to his odious performance in 1996’s “Emma,” this was method acting at its finest. Nevertheless, McGregor should avoid roles that require hosiery, breeches, frock coats, top hats or any other wardrobe elements that he might not find in his own contemporary closet. They do not suit him.
Whimsy is spattered at random throughout the film in the form of cartoons. Beatrix’s creations wink at her and scamper about, and she talks to them. That’s how we are supposed to know that her characters are real to her. I thought they were poorly placed and incoherent within the overall movie. It seemed like a Michel Gondry fan added them at the last minute to up the film’s cute quotient.
Emily Watson brings some spark to a textbook role as a sprightly single girl, and her friendship with Beatrix Potter does add emotion to this tale. It is not a lack of emotion that brings this film down. Certain parts of it were moving, and the relationships were not without real feeling.
Overall, however, it takes verve to finesse a dynamic film out of a real life story, and this movie does not have that. It adequately informs us of the details of an interesting life, and the scenery, which inspired Potter, does so for viewers as well. Beatrix Potter’s books are splendid, charming, eccentric and original; “Miss Potter” is not.
“Miss Potter” is currently available to rent.
A certain population of men I know have a fascination with Annabel Gurwitch, the host of ‘90s television staple “Dinner and a Movie.” The saucy red-head can be seen periodically in movies that are few and far between; one of these is her documentary “Fired!”
Making the proverbial lemonade out of lemons, Gurwitch has parlayed her humiliating dismissal from a Woody Allen play by the man himself into her own play and now this amusing but slight documentary.
Bolstered by many celebrity interviews, including Tim Allen, David Cross, Sarah Silverman, and Ben Stein, Gurwitch expounds upon her own experience by encouraging others to share their stories. Tapping in to an experience that almost everyone can, unfortunately, relate to, Gurwitch has a Web site, www.firedthemovie.com, where everyone can post their own sad tales of getting the boot.
This documentary works when famous and normal people are laughing at their own experiences. When Gurwitch takes a more journalistic approach and attends job fairs, receives “outplacement services,” and interviews human resource directors, the film falls a little flat. She isn’t Michael Moore, and laughing with other quirky celebrities is more her speed.
Now, there is even a book to compliment the movie which compliments the play. The next time you have to face the grim scene of getting canned, find solace in the multimedia extravaganza that could result, and keep a good thought.
Our local Green Party continues its monthly movie events at Satori Sound on Thursday, Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. with “Hemp Hemp Hooray! The Growing Industrial Hemp Market.” A fast paced documentary about the re-emergence of the world’s most versatile plant, cannabis hemp, into the industrial market place, this film explores the uses of a renewable resource that can be used in many household products, in building materials, and more.
“Hemp Hemp Hooray!” takes viewers to hemp fields and factories around the world including Canada, China and Europe. It explores the facts of behind hemp through the many voices of hemp – entrepreneurs, manufacturers, farmers, experts, politicians, activists, concerned consumers.
Call 850-474-1495 or escambiagreens@cox.net or visit www.escambiagreens.org to learn more about this free event.
Contact Asia Frey at afrey@lagniappemobile.com.
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