Miss Potter Movie
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The life of Beatrix Potter is the most enchanting tale of all.
Thirty years old and single, Beatrix Potter lives in London with her social-climbing parents, who are exasperated that she has turned down any number of eligible young men. Her only real friends are the animals which since childhood she has lovingly drawn and made up stories about. She finally succeeds in selling a book of the stories, and it becomes Norman Warne's first project. He quickly falls in love with both the book and Beatrix and together they carefully arrange publication. This proves the first of many successes, offering her the possibility of escaping from both her parents' way of life and London.
| Renée Zellweger | Beatrix Potter |
| Ewan McGregor | Norman Warne |
| Emily Watson | Millie Warne |
| Barbara Flynn | Helen Potter |
| Bill Paterson | Rupert Potter |
| Matyelok Gibbs | Miss Wiggin |
| Lloyd Owen | William Heelis |
| Anton Lesser | Harold Warne |
| David Bamber | Fruing Warne |
| Patricia Kerrigan | Fiona |
| Judith Barker | Hilda |
| Chris Middleton | Saunders |
| Lucy Boynton | Young Beatrix |
| Oliver Jenkins | Young Bertram |
| Richard Mulholland | Ashton Clifford |
| Chris Noonan |
7.30 out of 10 (4593 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Very sweet - nicely done
posted on 26 Aug 2009The character of Miss Beactrix Potter is very well portrayed in this movie, with a very good supporting cast. Leaving aside the small artistic licence (and you need not know what this is) Renee Zellwiger seemed at first an unlikely choice for the title role, but she carried the part of talented spinster very well. I notice'from the credits that Ms Zellwiger had a voice coach - if I have any criticism of her it would be the slightly forced English accent, and maybe I could put this down to the upbringing of her rather starchy parents (played by Barbara Flynn and Bill Patterson). Etiquette being all the range, the 36-year-old Beatrix was constantly accompanied by a chaperon, which situation lent itself to moments of comedy.The Warne brothers were all well cast. Star of the show was Norman Warne, (Ewan McGregor) who was thrust at Miss Potter as the other brothers did not want to deal with such a mere trifle as a children's book. The other two made a brief appearance, and seemed far more typical of the businessmen they were to represent. I was very nearly moved to tears when Norman Warne died - he and Beatrix had secretly become engaged, and the wrench was all so real. Take a hankie just in case.I would recommend this movie to everyone who's a fan or merely an interested reader of Peter Rabbit et al. You will no doubt fall in love with the scenery too - and by all means use this as an excuse to visit the Lake District, see High Top, and of course the lakes themselves. This is a film for all ages.
Better than I expected
posted on 24 Aug 2009Miss Potter is a 2006 Chris Noonan film. It is a biopic of children's author and illustrator Beatrix Potter, and combines stories from her own life with animated sequences featuring characters from her stories, such as Peter Rabbit.Scripted by Richard Maltby, Jr., the director of the Tony-winning Broadway revue, Fosse, the film stars Renée Zellweger in the title role; Ewan McGregor as her publisher and fiancé, Norman Warne; and Lloyd Owen as solicitor William Heelis. Emily Watson stars as Warne's sister, Millie. Lucy Boynton also stars as the young Beatrix Potter.It was filmed in Cecil Court, Osterley Park, Covent Garden, the Isle of Man, Scotland and the Lake District. Miss Potter was released on 29 December 2006 so that the film could compete for the 2007 Academy Awards. The film was intended to be released generally on 12 January 2007, however Variety.com reported that the Weinstein Company had decided to push a wider release date until after the Academy Awards on February 25, 2007. It was felt that this strategy would give the film a chance to shine in what was already a very crowded movie season. The date seemed to fluctuate a number of times, but the Weinstein Company website ultimately listed its release date as March 9.The film received generally positive reviews and earned Zellweger her sixth Golden Globe nomination.Early buzz was overall positive by those few who had been able to see the film during numerous sneak preview showings, but occasionally sprinkled with discussions regarding some of the historical inaccuracies in the film. There also have been both praise and criticism of the casting of this important figure in British literature with American actress Zellweger. These discussions are reminiscent of the initial uproar when Zellweger was cast in the British film role of Bridget Jones, which was developed into a sequel. Zellweger previously had co-starred with McGregor in the 2003 film Down with Love.
A Lovely, Genteel Movie
posted on 20 Aug 2009Jan 19, 2007 "Miss Potter" was a welcome respite for me, coming on the heels of "Babel" and "Pan's Labyrinth," both of which I liked very much but which left me very down about our species. "Miss Potter" was a wonderful, well acted and engaging piece on the mores of Victorian England and an interesting woman's liberation from them through her art. It was also a movie about the triumph of love and of the individual spirit. The story of Potter's childhood, the evolution of her career and the woman that she became was interesting to someone like me who was totally unfamiliar with it. Ewan McGregor was extremely good as Norman Warne, the man who made the publication of Potter's work possible and her first love interest. Renee Zellweger was also good, although she relied on some slightly irritating facial quirks to convey Potter's frustration with her life, the expectations of her parvenu Victorian parents, particularly her mother and the setbacks that life handed her.I am saddened that a movie like "Miss Potter" gets such blah reviews when compared to a mediocre and clichéd (but star-studded) comedy like "Little Miss Sunshine" or a ham-handed (but star-studded) "drama" like "The Departed." Our culture has certainly lost interest in nuance, gentility or refinement. And, sadly, even a well done film with a star-studded cast--like "Prairie Home Companion" -- isn't assured critical or popular acceptance. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. When Princess Di, Elton John and Donatella Versace become icons of "elegance," it is certainly a confirmation of our (and I don't think it's limited to America -- look at the crap on BBC America) deadened taste buds.
Enchanting
posted on 18 Aug 2009Hello , We are English from the home counties, currently in Perth Australia.We've just come from an air-conditioned cinema after seeing Miss Potter.It was so enchanting. A film ,typical of the excellence that the U K is capable of.A film for mixed older generations , 'not littles' and with no sewer language . Nobody protested for lack of it !Renee Zellweger is lovely ,the ideal choice for this part and she excelled. A shame that we have to die to meet Beatrix.The cast so well chosen for their parts. Each one so good.So many of the audience remained seated in fairyland, listening whilst the song through the titles continued.Her voice , unique and so moorish. Who is she ?Come on U K , let's have more.We give this 11 out of 10.Sincerely , John Varley.
A cozy little movie that goes about quietly to sometimes amuse you, sometime sadden you and always charm you
posted on 08 Aug 2009No heroic deeds, no noble sacrifices, no terrifying villains – "Miss Potter" is a cozy little movie that goes about quietly to sometimes amuse you, sometime sadden you and always charm you. Ever consistent with this is the cinematography – no sweeping, grandiose landscape, but frame after frame of light and shade, lines and angles that at are at once wonderfully contrasting and mutually complementing.The following contains spoilers.As a biopic focusing on a few years in the life of Beatrix Potter, best selling author of children's book in England at the turn of the last century, the movie is innately limited in terms of its dramatic conflicts unless it goes for crafty exaggeration or even fabrication of events. To this the movie certainly did not stoop. But even without colourful high drama, it is wonderfully engaging. It starts with Beatrix (Renee Zellweger), just entering her 30s and unwed, trying to get her first book published. Her association with publisher Norman Warne (Ewan MeGregor) brings her into the acquaintance with his sister Millie (Emily Watson) and the two liberated spinsters develop a strong bond. If there were any hint of lesbianism, that is the tiniest, perhaps because you have recently watched "Notes on a scandal".The romance with Norman comes a little later, with natural warmth that is charmingly refreshing. The scene depicting the reaction of Millie to Beatrix's "confession", played beautifully by Watson, is particularly heart-warming. Objection from the parents, based on social discrepancy, comes as no surprise, but the delightful surprise is that there are no villains. The father has always been supportive of Beatrix's artistic endeavors and the scene when he shows his daughter the copy of her book that he made a special point to purchase from a bookstore is another touching moment. The nearest to a villain is the mother who seems to be opposing everything Beatrix does, but ever she is the furthest away from a real villain, being a sensible women of composure – opinionated, inevitably, from her upbringing but never lacking common sense. The condition of a three-month cooling off period before the wedding (when Beatrix accompanies her parents to their country resort) makes sense even to Beatrix and Norman. The parting scene when he sees her off at the train station is another one done just right, although you have seen far too many similar ones already, ending with their first kiss. You would almost want the movie to end there.The cruelty of life is sometime hard to take, as Norman becomes ill and dies, and Beatrix cannot make it back in time for the funeral (one of the conditions of Beatrix's parents, which is not unreasonable, is that the engagement not be made public until the end of the cooling period, to save embarrassments just in case things don't work out). This is a difficult part for the movie to handle. A positive message however does come out of the tragedy – that life goes on and should be lived to its full. The environmental theme also emerges, becoming a high note that concludes the movie. And yes, we are happy to see Beatrix finding love and marriage which is handled with tasteful low key in the movie.I have mentioned Watson's fine performance. Fine also is McGregot, particularly in a scene when Norman, in his tender, lyric baritone croons a song from a music box while waltzing Beatrix into her first dance. But this movie is of course Zellweger's show. Regardless of whether it is a realistic portrayal of Beatrix Potter, I don't suppose the latter would mind being remembered, and loved, by the audience as the talented, self-assured, caring woman brought out by Zellweger.There are two other things worth mentioning. The depth of the movie is enhanced with flashbacks, and Lucy Boynton did a wonderful job as 10-year-old Beatrix. Animation using Beatrix Potter's creations, perfectly timed as nice touches at various junctures of the movie, also deserves complimentary recognition
An Enchanting "Miss Potter"
posted on 02 Aug 2009"Miss Potter," based on the life of Beatrix Potter, the best selling author of children's books of all time, is an enchanting film.Directed by Chris Noonan ("Babe") and written by Richard Maltby, Jr., whose theatrical background is no doubt the reason the 94-minute film has such a jaunty pace, "Miss Potter" is not a standard biopic in that it has the ability to appeal to pretty much everyone, with the exception of the very young, which I'll get to in a moment. Opening images of a pair of hands carefully choosing the pencils and brushes that are the tools of the writer/illustrator's craft, paired with a voice-over that tells us that "there is something delicious about writing the first words of a story," reveal Potter's passion for her craft. Her affection for what she calls her "friends" -- the bunnies, frogs and ducks who are the subjects of her tales -- is equally strong. So strong, in fact, that we wonder, as do the two gentlemen who agree to produce her work, if Miss Potter (Rene Zellweger) isn't just a little daft.This notion is quickly laid to rest, however, when we see the author, escorted by fledgling publisher Norman Warne (a sedately sweet Ewan McGregor), confidently direct the printing of her works, an endeavor not generally expected of single women in 1902 London, and not deemed acceptable by its society. Among those who find this effort distasteful are Potter's parents (Barbara Flynn and Bill Patterson), a pair of "social climbers" who seek to marry their only daughter to a man of means. That she refuses these overtures is the crux of their often contentious relationship.In lieu of marriage, Potter immerses herself in her work. As her success blossoms, so does her relationship with her champion, Mr. Warne, who introduces the author to his sister, Millie (Emily Watson), another spinster. The two women develop a palpable bond, based primarily on their like-minded philosophies about life. Precisely how Potter developed her ideology is never told, but flashbacks to her childhood reveal an independent girl (charmingly played by newcomer Lucy Boynton) with natural storytelling abilities and a love for drawing the small animals she encounters while summering in England's bucolic Lake Country with her family. It is from these experiences that Potter fashioned her famous "Tales of..." series.In an effort to bring Potter's experiences with the books to life on the screen, Noonan incorporates a series of technically adept animation sequences. These are completely effective in delivering the sweetness of Potter's tales, and they will appeal to even the youngest viewers. But the film offers too few of them to be satisfying. As a result they become a tease, a sort of trailer to get us to buy the books. While there are many reasons to buy and read Potter's books, using a film to get us to do so feels like too much manipulation.In all other ways this is sound and pleasurable film-making. Performances are what one would expect from so seasoned a cast, with Zellweger bringing her natural cherubic quality to the role of the author. Production design (by Martin Childs), which incorporates a color palette that matches Potter's work, and cinematography by Andrew Dunn ("History Boys," "Mrs. Henderson") are elegant but not ostentatious, and are reminiscent of the look of "Finding Neverland," another film set in turn-of-the-century England.In the hundred or so years since Beatrix Potter created her venerated children's series, a lot has changed in the world. One thing that hasn't, however, is that we still love a good story, particularly one that warms our hearts and makes us feel good about the world. "Miss Potter" does precisely that.
A lovely film though just a tad weak on follow-through
posted on 02 Aug 2009"Miss Potter" contains all the elements one would expect of a period piece set in England: the examination of class, the clash between town and country life, gorgeous vistas of unbelievable green (funny how rarely it rained...), and the sets and costumes that lock the period down tight.The picture has the added bonus of an outstanding cast (a dream cast!), very deft direction, a magical touch, and some marvelous feel-good moments. Zellweger is outstanding -- she never slips out of character, from the way she holds her mouth to the balance of inner strength and outward gentility she expresses so beautifully. Ewan McGregor, had he had equal screen time, would likely have out-performed even her. An exquisite portrayal. When I saw that Barbara Flynn, Emily Watson, and Bill Paterson rounded out the cast, I said out loud, "I would've watched this much sooner!" They did not disappoint, playing in turn a typical Victorian mother, a "New Woman" of the early feminist era, and a doting and somewhat unusual Victorian father. While others have commented on these characterizations as almost stereotypical, they are actually quite true to the period.The balance of Potter's present life, flashbacks to her childhood, and occasional flights of fancy give the picture a wonderful buoyancy. We keep being drawn deeper into the story, bit by bit, increasingly enchanted by a woman finally finding her place after a life-long search. (Come to think of it, McGregor's and Watson's characters have similar implied arcs, which is one reason the three seem so utterly perfect together.) The picture builds to its affecting climax, but then seems to lose its way a bit. We've been drawn into a story woven by many characters interacting, whereas the denouement focuses almost exclusively on one or two. Most of the film focuses on a small period of time in Potter's life, but the end seems to cover many years in a fraction of the time. Consequently, I found it disappointing and unfulfilling. I suspect I would want to stop the film at a particular point and imagine my own ending! No matter how hard they filmmakers try to stress that Potter has completely come into her own by the end of the film, we have so much invested emotionally in what we thought would be her life that we're not prepared for this sudden twist of fate. We are not taken along emotionally into her new self, and so the picture ends a bit flat.Overall I felt the picture could have used another 10 or even 15 minutes to give all of the key cast members more screen time and back-story, and a much more satisfying wrap-up.But the rest of the picture is so lovely, so enchanting, that it really is a must-see.
Just wonderful!
posted on 27 Jul 2009I hired this DVD from my DVD club simply because it was one of the newer films, rather than actually having a desire to see it. It languished in a drawer for a while and I pondered about sending it back unwatched - but hey - I'd paid for it so might as well watch it. Well - what a mistake I would have made to send it back unwatched!! Right from the start I was captivated by this beautiful film which manages to be both amusing and touching in turns. Excellent performances from the whole cast make this a magical experience and it turned out to be just the thing I was looking for to make a perfect evening. A fantastic antidote to the constant stream of cr*p that is pumped out by the big studios and forced onto people around the world. There's no teens, no sex, no blood, no swearing, no explosions and no car chases. In other words this is just a GREAT family film which made me realise how desperate I was to see something like it. A big thank you to every single person concerned in the making of this marvellous film, it's just wonderful!
A charming film
posted on 27 Jul 2009Miss Potter, is a delightful look at the life of world renowned author Beatrix Potter, using acting and animation. Renee Zelwegger was brilliant as the lead, and deserves an Oscar for an incredibly moving and emotional performance. Ewan McGregor, was good but I think his character isn't outstanding. I think the other characters are overall very impressive. Some were better than others but overall it was a well picked cast. The film had some beautiful settings especially the place where the Potter's summer house was. Miss Potter, is an entertaining film, that is worth going to see. I wouldn't assume it's going to be a box office number 1 but it should do fairly well.
Lake District stole the show
posted on 11 Jul 2009The English Lake District stole the show in this film for me. I really enjoyed it, although thought it was a little short. I liked the scenes, particularly those in the printing works at Warne (supposedly) which I thought were well shot and gave the feeling you were there. My only criticism is Rene Z's "Brigit Jones" accent. I was hoping she would have a London cultured accent, such as I would have expected Beatrix Potter to have had... Bloomsbury, Kensington or Chelsea... The sort of accent, not heard much today... such as the late Rachel Kempson or late Fabia Drake had.. cultured... reassuring... confident. The Brigit Jones drawl is not an accent I am familiar with and I thought Miss Potter sounded stand-offish with it and it made the character less sympathetic (for me) than it could have been. But it was great to see a film made on Beatrix Potter and good to see Miss Z invested so much in this English artist and author.
Miss Potter - 7/10
posted on 09 Jul 2009This film portrays the life of Beatrix Potter, a famous British author of Children's book, with flesh and blood.Differing from other biography films, Potter's life seems in lack of selling point, her career is all right without big setbacks, and her love life is relatively simple compared to other famous artists. So it's difficult to make it into a film.The major part of this film centers on the relationship between Miss Potter and her publisher Norman Warne. Perhaps it was the only true love in Potter's whole life which ended miserably. The most important idea this film shows us is how to brave new day when the beloved is gone. I didn't expected the tragic turn when I watched it without any warning, the great performance of Renee Zellweger made me deeply touched and feel helpless for her. The dead are bygone, but Mr. Potter survived, she succeeded to revive and continue her writing career.The fairy world the film created are lovely and vivid, a good CG work. Renee shines again in the portrayal of an adorable British woman, Emily Watson is also outstanding in her supporting role as Norman's unmarried sister, but Ewan McGregor's role is just too plain, nothing special though the chemistry between him and Renee is remarkable.I think this film would attract more female preference as it's delicate and sentimental. The scenes are all beautifully shot plus many cute animated characters.
A potentially good film blighted by two things.
posted on 01 Jul 2009This potentially good film was blighted for me by two things. Firstly, Renee Zellweger's interpretation of Beatrix Potter as a simpering, mischievous and capricious person. Clearly the real Beatrix Potter was a spirited and determined person who had much to overcome in terms of parental opposition and societal expectations, but I would have found the character far more credible had she been played as a more restrained woman with a steely inner resolve, rather than this overly obvious and confrontational creature. Secondly, the unnecessary and intermittent use of animation. The subject matter shows that this is not a children's film and animation serves only to deter viewers from taking the narrative as seriously as it deserves. The section dealing with Beatrix Potter's relationship with her publisher is actually nevertheless quite moving, so why could the makers not trust their material and let the story speak for itself? Likewise, the unsuitable suitors are grossly exaggerated.
Like "Finding Neverland" but minus the magic
posted on 01 Jul 2009The point where I turn from regular movie-goer to hardened cynic has finally arrived. It's always easy to spot a film's influence but never before has it been as obvious as it is here. Quickly following in the footprints of "Finding Neverland" is another author-biog that strives to tell the author's story as opposed to those they write. But instead of being a sparkling and charming romance like its predecessor, "Miss Potter" feels like a quirky mix of fantasy and BBC period drama and is not helped by its unusual heroine.Renée Zellweger plays a young Beatrix Potter, talented artist and struggling children's author whose attempts to publish her work is largely met with snorts of derision. One such publisher does decide to take her on, thinking that their inexperienced brother will make a mess of things and nothing will come of it. But Norman Warne (Ewan McGregor) quickly becomes enchanted with Beatrix's books and soon, she becomes a publishing phenomenon. But as their love of each other grows, thanks in no small part to Norman's sister Millie (Emily Watson), her parent's disapproval and objections threaten to spiral out of control.So far, so good. But while J.M. Barrie just seemed like a friendly sort of chap who was good with children, Zellweger's Potter seems like a bizarre fantasist who insists that her drawings all talk to her. Well, they certainly are beautifully animated and wonderfully keep the spirit of Peter Rabbit alive and well without resorting to Hollywood gloss. Sadly, the same cannot be said for the overly melodramatic story which sign-posts its story so far in advance that only a complete dunce wouldn't be able to tell what was going to happen. However, this isn't the fault of the actors who are all suitably impressive in their respective roles. McGregor takes some getting used to underneath his moustache and Zellweger dusts off her impeccable English accent for yet another outing. Zellweger is actually the weakest of the lot, giving "Miss Potter" something of an late Victorian "Bridget Jones" feel to proceedings.But the film's biggest problem is the competition, chiefly "Finding Neverland" which was brilliantly performed, wonderfully shot and genuinely enthralling. This, by contrast, feels as slow and lumpy as school custard. And while the story of Beatrix Potter is probably one worth hearing, it simply can't hold a candle to its bigger budgeted cousin. Having said that, if "Finding Neverland" passed you by then you'll certainly enjoy this solid (if unremarkable) biopic that offers something a little different from the norm. But both myself and my Better Half felt that while it scored top marks for effort, the quirkiness of Potter left us feeling strangely detached. And because, of course, we'd already seen it all before, the magic just wasn't as strong.
Sparce tale of a full life
posted on 29 Jun 2009There is much winging among B.P. fans that this movies does not do justice to her life and work. It would require a few 13 part series to do that. The life of B.P gives new meaning to a full life. Renee Z. plays her as silly, but money gives her confidence. I really think she was anything but. OK, Ewan McG is very good and very English and very in period. (He's a Scot.) The period evocation of the set is perfect. The clutter of Victorian life, the ever present servants, the parental rule, are so well portrayed, it scares this modern woman. This should win an Oscar for set dressing. Costumes look good too. Acting is impeccable. But the whole adds up to rather less than substantial. The story is too light and the conflict to modern minds, insubstantial. Kids who didn't want to see it, were delighted by it. It could have been so much more.
Beatrix Potter, much admired as a writer and illustrator is little known as a person. In this film we can enter her world: a world that will entrance and delight.
posted on 27 Jun 2009I have been a fan of Beatrix Potter for years though I was not brought up on her books, discovering only later in life the delights of her drawings of animals and the Lake District countryside interwoven with the simple magic of her stories.When I read that Renee Zellweger was to play Beatrix I was more than a little apprehensive: the thought of an American actor and a Texan at that playing such a quintessentially English role alarmed me. I must now concede: she is perfect for the role and plays Beatrix to near perfection.There is an iron core to Beatrix that came through in her performance: a determination to make her own way and not to be molded either by the society she lived in nor her parents wishes for their daughter. She rejects her mother's choices of suitors and determinedly presses on with her carefully observed and exquisite art. In a move that could have become somewhat uncomfortable, her drawings sometimes come to life - an illustration of her relationship to them. It is realized perfectly: for a moment we enter her world and almost unconsciously suspend our disbelief. Beatrix world becomes as real to us as it was to her.I am aware that there are some inconsistencies with the historical record (e.g. her relationship with William Heelis) but this does not detract from the film in any way. It is a deliberately understated film: there is no reliance on anything except the re-creation of a very special intimate world that Beatrix herself created for us to enter. This film succeeds superbly on this level and Beatrix heritage of her books and the large tracts of the Lake District which she gave to the nation are reflected in the painstaking production values of this film.A word of warning: do not leave the theater until you listen to the song "When you taught me how to dance" delicately and sensitively sung by Katie Melua. It perfectly sums up the film and its delightful magic.Films like this seldom win accolades but they enrich and inspire us and give us the perfect excuse to see a first-rate, uplifting movie.
A Tribute To The Remarkable Miss Potter
posted on 19 Jun 2009Every time I see a book or a character of Beatrix Potter, it brings a nostalgic feeling that takes me back to when I was 7-10 years old, the time when I discovered her books and fell in love with them. I still love all the characters. Her paintings always amuse me with the delicacy, detail and creativity behind it and the books remain a favourite children's book to me.Noonan does a a meritorious job of his presentation of Miss Potter. Though it's not exactly an accurate portrayal, the storytelling is commendable. He already has shown what an excellent storyteller he is in 'Babe' and 'Miss Potter' is an equally story that isn't overly saccharine-filled. He has a talent of showing spirited characters and relationships. The animation is used wonderfully giving us a glimpse of Beatrix's fantasy world. I also liked how her works were effectively introduced (without looking like a booksale promotion). Furthermore, it is gratifying that he shows Beatrix's contribution to conservation. He beautifully captures the dazzling English countryside, particularly the Lake District. So spectacular is Lake District that I immediately wanted to be there.I could not picture anyone else other than Renee Zellweger who could have fitted the title role so well. Her touching portrayal of a extraordinary woman ahead of her time who manages to stay strong and dignified through her ups and downs is admirable to say the least. She's already mastered the British accent as has been evident in 'Bridget Jones's Diary' but here she also manages to adjust her English accordingly with the time period, sounding very natural. Ewan McGregor and Emily Watson shine in their roles. McGregor as the slightly naive publisher, who believes in Potter and eventually falls in love, is a fine match for Zellweger's Potter while Emily Watson, who hardly ever disappoints, is outstanding. The rest of the cast that include Bill Paterson, Barbara Flynn, Matyelok Gibbs and Lloyd Owens are great.A very minor quibble is that some important aspects of Beatrix's life were left out of the film, such as, the ignorance by the of her work by the officials (due to her gender) in the field of botany. Yet, even though it's not an accurate depiction, like Marc Forster's magical 'Finding Neverland' it remains charming, lovely and entertaining. It works as a slice of life and a character study.
Delicious
posted on 13 Jun 2009When Beatrix Potter (Renee Zellweger) says in the film Miss Potter, "There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story," you can anticipate a sentimental but endearing biography of the creator of the Tale of Peter Rabbit. Although we never really get to know the depths of Potter's genius, Zellweger gives her a sunny optimism that is infectious in our cynical times.Her romance with her publisher, deftly underplayed by Ewan McGregor, is about the only dramatic conflict in the story, which tends to imitate its benign little world of rabbits, ducks, and frogs. The touches of magic realism reinforce the romantic aura.This film also deserves praise for gently supporting a pre-feminist writer who resisted the social convenience of marriage in favor of her creative gifts.
Truly Moving Picture
posted on 13 Jun 2009I saw this film on December 17th, 2006 in Indianapolis. I am one of the judges for the Heartland Film Festival's Truly Moving Picture Award. A Truly Moving Picture "…explores the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life." Heartland gave that award to this film.This is the story of Beatrix Potter, the author of many classic illustrated children's stories such as "Peter Rabbit." She was raised in the latter part of the 19th Century in an upper middle class, stuffy family. And worked in the early part of the 20th Century.It is a story of rebellion, and one woman's liberation from knowing one's place, settling on an arranged marriage, and quietly raising a family in the shadow of a man. Beatrix (Renee Zellweger) would have none of that. She had a dreamy artist's imagination and talent and temperament from an early age and simply rebelled and lived in her own created world. When the world recognized her talent, she slowly became a part of the commercial world via the book publishing industry and a mentor/love interest (Ewan McGregor) and the mentor's sister (Emily Watson).The cast is brilliant. You go back in time with them a 100 years and live with and understand their stilted social mores. The art direction and cinematography are stunning and are worthy of Academy Award nominations. There is one neat trick of animation that appears throughout this film. The drawn animal characters occasionally become animated, but only to Beatrix. It sounds hokey, but it is a clever way to demonstrate how real these characters were to their author. And, it's why they have rung true to children and to adults for many generations.Beatrix is a model for determination and pluck and steadfastness. This is a beautiful story beautifully told. Undoubtedly, this film will be compared to "Finding Neverland." "Miss Potter" is of the same high quality. FYI – There is a Truly Moving Pictures web site where there is a listing of past Truly Moving Picture Award winners that are now either at the theater or available on video.
well written tale
posted on 09 Jun 2009This movie drew me in from the start with its wonderful music and the main star Renée Zellweger. From then I knew this was going to be a movie well worth my time, Miss Potter was delightful to watch.The rabbit's quick blink after she entered the carriage near the start thought I was seeing things.The three well known stars in this film were excellent, the acting and Miss Potter's elegant white horse drawn carriage (what else),were well suited for this 1900's time period.Having read many of her books will make this movie all the more fun, though of course this is not necessary. Whether there is any truth here, we are not given the 'based on a true stroy' line at the start so maybe not.A really enchanting tale, recommended.
Film first, book second
posted on 30 Aug 2009Brilliant family films are rare so this is very welcome.See it before reading the superb biography "Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature" by Linda Lear to 'correct' the inaccuracies (some call it artistic license) in the film.Renee Zellweger consummately portrays Ms Potter very convincingly. No sound recording exist of Ms Potter, so we don't know what she sounded like. The values of the late Victorian, early Edwardian time, are captured too.Nicely paced and interesting incidental music and one soon get used to the animation - thankfully it's not as intrusive as the animation in Bed-knobs and Broomsticks.