Jenny and I ventured off to Atlanta today to see Miss Potter, the new film about Beatrix Potter. As it is starring two very famous people (Renee Z. and Ewan M.), it is a bit strange that it is not playing any closer to us, but nevertheless, we made the journey. And I loved it. So much. I mean, I was looking forward to it...not Pan's Labyrinth looking-forward to it, but still. I am so happy that we went to see this movie. Two wonderful small details that endeared me immediately are:
A.) The legitimate appearance of absolutely no makeup on the female cast, which most period films disregard. Everyone has this endearing plain-faced glow that is very reassuring and truthful.
B.) The little editions of her books in the film are identical to the ones I read as a little girl...I suppose they didn't change the design very much in the 80+ years between.
It is very rare that I see a film in which I really see someone or something not-unlike-myself, so close to my heart. I related so strongly to the story, to the notion of building one's own world and the struggle with the inevitable welcome and unwelcome intrusions of the real one. It is just lovely. If it is playing in your city, please do go see it. You will love it.
PS: AND Did you know? Emily Watson is tall. This little revelation is still blowing my mind.
Comments (32)
As of February 9 Miss Potter is australia's box office number one films.
Saw it yesterday and shared your appreciation of the film.
tess · February 11, 2007 at 08:46 AM
Didn't even know about this movie - thanks for letting us know - Ewan and Renee have good chemistry on set don't they just :)
Looking forward to Pan too - maybe see it on DVD as my friend is too scared (got scared @ Ghostbusters :))
NaomiM · January 15, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Awww, it's not playing anywhere close to use either. my sis and I are dying to go....we may have to trek up to Chicago to do it. I wonder why it's not in more theaters?
joyce · January 13, 2007 at 06:47 PM
I had not heard of the Pan movie til I read about it on your blog. Definitely want to go see the Potter movie.
Janvangogh · January 13, 2007 at 04:56 PM
Hi Emily!
I have always loved Beatrix Potter and her work. Last summer I read a book about her life and work. Can't wait to see this movie and hope that it comes out up here really soon. She was amazing!
Have a great weekend!
Kim
Kim · January 13, 2007 at 09:22 AM
nice to meet you through the tea party (yours is lovely btw!)i was so excited when i saw the preview for miss potter. can't wait to see it. glad to hear it's good!
kerstin · January 12, 2007 at 05:06 PM
I watched the delightful trailer online the other day. I suppose now I shall have to go see it! :) I grew up reading the Beatrix Potter books; my mother loved them so much that we always had a nice, full set of the stories. *sigh* I always loved the imagination that those little books evoked! :)
Casey · January 12, 2007 at 10:31 AM
I'm so with you on creating your own world! You have to when the real world is so disappointing #sigh#
Anyway, i LOVE your blog, I read the whole thing at the weekend and I've linked you on my site. You are wonderful as are your creations!
cassie · January 12, 2007 at 09:26 AM
Emily, I am so excited that you are coming to Risa's Tea Party. I am so ready also. Come see what I am up to. Itching to see what you are bringing...Just itching!! Wish we could all meet in Beatrix Potter Land for this tea party...
Vanessa · January 11, 2007 at 11:16 PM
OMG have you seen this? Tell me you've already seen this!
http://www.purlescence.co.uk/storytellers/
Kate · January 11, 2007 at 10:07 PM
It sounds wonderful and I can't wait until it starts here in Australia (shouldn't be long now!). I love knowing that the actors don't wear makeup - I love it when the details are correct in films - it makes the whole movie watching experience so much more authentic. Thanks for the mini review!
Shell · January 11, 2007 at 08:06 PM
Dearest Emily, here is a book you must own
http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0723258058/ref=s9_asin_title_1/104-2789377-7271148
It is a beautiful book. I probably won't get to see the movie at the theater, but I am looking forward to it eventually.
ambeart · January 11, 2007 at 07:12 PM
I heart Ewan M so much it sometimes hurts, though I know I don;t love him in the same way you love you Clive...nothing can compare to that, right?
Nevertheless, I too pretend that women in period films are using matches on their eyes and pinching their cheeks to get that glow.
I am intrigued by this movie though....I had not heard of it until now.
stilettoheights · January 11, 2007 at 06:00 PM
I'm looking forward to seeing this. For me, Beatrix Potter is the British version of Tasha Tudor (or vice versa, I guess.) Does anyone else feel that way? Thanks for the "thumbs up" review!
Aisling · January 11, 2007 at 03:33 PM
i saw the trailer for that movie
and can't wait to see it!
your review has heightened my
anticipation even more...
:)
gkgirl · January 11, 2007 at 03:16 PM
I'm glad to hear it's enjoyable. I've been looking forward to seeing it. Sounds perfect for a rainy Saturday afternoon.
Have you seen the book, Beatrix Potter's Journal? I stumbled upon it in the children's section at the bookstore the other day, and fell in love with it. It has a bunch of little drawings and flaps and things. Quite lovely. I can't wait to get my hands on my own copy!
Wendy · January 11, 2007 at 02:08 PM
What a lovely endorsement of this movie! More so then before, I know I must go and see this movie!!
Heather T. · January 11, 2007 at 01:18 PM
I hadn't heard of this movie until just when I read your blog. I read Beatrix Potter books to my 2 1/2-year-old daughter very often, and we love her stories, so cute. I would love to see this movie, but I haven't yet been able to find a local theater that is showing it. :( But I will continue looking into it.
Erika · January 11, 2007 at 11:11 AM
Yet another couple enjoying the influence of Miss Black Apple--Children of Men, Nigella, and now Carnivale--my fellow teases me about the time I spend reading blogs but not when I find so many treasures, so often from your blog. Thank you for your frequent posts, full of jewels always.
About the makeup thing--I agree, but I once heard Dolly Parton in an interview saying that even though she was poor and forbidden to wear makeup she would use match ends for eyeliner and crush rose petals for rouge. I like to pretend that that is what the ladies are wearing in period pieces. I'm sort of into the anthropology of cosmetics, especially the ones that were toxic or harmfu. Prima donna drops enlarged pupils and temporarily blinded the user.
Cirilia · January 11, 2007 at 10:57 AM
So much to look forward to in the way of cinema. Yet, so many hopes that they come my way. I just love those movies that transport me to such feelings. Especially childhood feelings. Now that I think about it, my last vivid memory of deep feelings at the theater was towards Virginia Woolf in "The Hours." Thank you so much for your review. Can't wait!
A Fanciful Twist · January 11, 2007 at 10:56 AM
I saw an ad for this in entertainment magazine and have been so pumped about it. I am a huge beatrix potter fan. I still have all my books and little things. Unfortunately the closest it will come to me is probably Chicago, so instead of a 3 hour drive I'll just have to wait until it comes to the video store. I'm so glad you gave it a good review!
emily · January 11, 2007 at 10:45 AM
Emily, thank you so much for the recommendation. I love Miss Potter and I hadn't heard of this film. Best Wishes... Tiffany
tiffany · January 11, 2007 at 10:26 AM
what fun. I haven't even heard of it. Thanks for the info and review. I love films like that and... I love the stars!
deb · January 11, 2007 at 10:20 AM
I cannot wait to see this movie! Great review. Watching the preview last month in a theater, it really charmed me. AND.... Emily Watson is tall?? That's enough to make me check it out!
Daphne · January 11, 2007 at 09:35 AM
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I read a review of it in Premiere and knew I had to see it. I'll have to rent it when it comes out. Can't wait!
Nichole · January 11, 2007 at 09:27 AM
This one will be a rental for me. I want to see it wrapped up on the couch with cocoa. This is a "me" Saturday movie!
Jane · January 11, 2007 at 09:20 AM
Thanks for letting me know that moive was out there, B. Potter is one of my all time favorite illustrators.
Gina · January 11, 2007 at 08:37 AM
I've been wanting to see this but knowing I will never get to the theater I've already added it to my netflix queue. Glad to hear it is so good.
Mama Urchin · January 11, 2007 at 08:36 AM
oooo, I've never heard of this one. I will definitely be seeing it real soon! Thanks for the tid bit.
allyson · January 11, 2007 at 08:13 AM
oh! i saw the preview for this while in ny and i am hoping hoping hoping it comes to quito, althought i might not arrive until i leave...but i am keeping my fingers crossed. i used to check those little books out of the library and each one was a huge treat.
ps-i hope you will come to the tea party tomorrow.
risa · January 11, 2007 at 08:02 AM
I have been persuading my man to see this for a couple of weeks now, he is not convinced though. Even though he is a film maker he respects and likes your opinions, so you never know. After much anticipation I finally saw Pan's labyrinth last week. Even though I loved it, I really did, can I admit that I was a tiny bit disappointed. I think they could have worked the magic a wee bit more. Do you agree? still waiting for Science of sleep here! x
Janet · January 11, 2007 at 07:04 AM
When I started reading your post, my husband started saying something, and so I held up a hand and said, "wait. Emily Martin of Inside a Black Apple is talking about Miss Potter. This is a big moment for me." And I thought you'd like to knwo, because truly I adore your blog and aesthetic and I absolutely can't wait to see Miss Potter. It was a bringing together of two very lovely parts of the world.
emily · January 11, 2007 at 02:04 AM