Review of Miss Potter (2006) by Dawdlingpoet — 22 Nov 2021

This is quite a slow paced film. I think the first term to come to mind as far as describing this film is concerned, is 'idyllic', that is as far as the setting, lighting and use of light and airy orchestral pieces (i.e. the musical score). Lighting wise, its quite soft and almost dream-like.

Some scenes are depicted as flashbacks but not all of them, of course. There are some special effects in as much as CGI (well, I presume it to be done via CGI) used to literally bring the authors' books illustrations to life. Beatrix's strong emotional attachment to her literary characters, Peter Rabbit et al, is clearly portrayed, with her shown to speak out loud, as if in conversation, to them on paper. She seems somewhat airy but very creative person, someone with a big imagination, which reminded me of myself, certainly in my childhood years, when I was forever day-dreaming.

Its clearly quite a sentimental film, some may say needlessly so, although I personally think it required at least an element of it but I can concede that it perhaps was a bit over the top with the sticky, sugary sweet sentimentality in parts. However, in its favour, this film doesn't entirely shy away from the issues Beatrix faced, the challenges she faced, which are mostly to do with culture and/or society.

I liked that one of the main themes of this film was (or seemed to me) female independence, that and peer pressure and I suppose family ties as well. Genre wise, this is a family drama, although rather slow paced and not full of action as such - perhaps the biographic genre or category may be more appropriate, compared to drama but I honestly couldn't say for certain how true to real life this depiction of the authors life is.

I remember reading Potter's books, as a child (I was given a set of her books which took up a fair bit of space on a book shelf way back when) so perhaps there could be argued to be a slight bias maybe in me being curious about the authors life prior to watching this but then, quite frankly, if you had no interest or curiosity in her then why would you choose to watch it?.

Of course Renee Zellweger plays the main character, Beatrix - if your not keen on Renee's usual acting style then this film isn't one for you, as she bats her eyelashes, blushes and plays Beatrix as quite a dainty while also somewhat determined lady. I felt that Norman Warne's sister, Millie, was an interesting character, although one that wasn't especially developed during the film. She did seem more able to relate to and empathise with Beatrix and seemed like a good person but I felt that not much was known about her. She seems quite stoical but also friendly in a way. She was well portrayed by Emily Watson. Other cast members include Ewan McGregor, who plays Beatrix's love interest and is her publishing agent (or certainly works for the firm of publishers she signs to) Norman Warne - he being one of a rare few that truly seem to 'get' her artistic and literary talent and vision.

The film is set partly in Cumbria (The Lake Distrcit), in which she purchased a rural property. There are some gorgeous landscape shots shown, although I find it a bit hard to believe that such rural life would have been as idyllic as it appears.

The film is under an hour and a half long, so its slightly short by todays standards but that suited me fine as it meant that it didn't go on incessantly and I didn't lose interest.

I can't help but feel like this film somehow simplifies a more complicated story, the story of Beatrix's life but at the same time, I felt it was fairly engrossing and quite an enjoyable watch in general. It is a bit sickly sweet and won't appeal to all, especially if you don't like Americans portraying Brits but otherwise its certainly ok.

Would I recommend it? - I quite enjoyed it but I concede that it is very sentimental, perhaps a bit excessively so and Rene Zellweger is a bit of a love/hate actress, if you know what I mean. Personally I enjoyed it but I realise that for others, they may not think so much of it. Hopefully you can judge for yourself whether this is for you or not.