Review of Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (2008) by Stuart K — 30 Dec 2009
Based upon Winifred Watson's 1938 novel, which had been optioned by Universal for almost 70 years, then this film version came to the screen. Directed by British TV director Bharat Nalluri and written by David Magee (Finding Neverland) and Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire), this film version is a light and joyous throwback to the screwball comedies of the 1930's.
It begins with middle aged governess Guinevere Pettigrew (Frances McDormand) being fired from her fourth job, and it seems that she'll be unemployable for life. But, at the employment office, she takes up a job intended for another candidate.
The job in question is the position of social secretary, working for American singer/actress Delysia Lafosse (Amy Adams). Miss Pettigrew discovers that Ms. Lafosse is involved with 3 men, but she helps her employer from getting found out by the men, and Miss Pettigrew finds love with lingerie designer Joe Blomfield (Ciarán Hinds).
It's an enjoyable and sweet little comedy, with gentle humour and good dialogue. McDormand is wonderful as always, and her English accent is very good. (Give this woman more films!!) The supporting cast are also great, including Adams and Hinds, plus Shirley Henderson, Lee Pace and Mark Strong.
This review of Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (2008) was written by Stuart K on 30 Dec 2009.
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day has generally received positive reviews.
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