Review of The Private Lives of Pippa Lee (2009) by Sam48 M — 13 Dec 2009
This movie is all about Robin Wright-Penn who gives a touching performance as a woman who moves to a geriatric residential community with her husband , Herb a charming,aging publisher played by Alan Arkin. The transition causes Pippa to reflect and as she states "have a quite nervous breakdown" which involves sleepwalking and seeking the attention of a equally tormented soul played somewhat stiffly by Keanu Reeves.
Rebecca Miller takes us back and forth through Pippa's life. At times the transitions feel quite choppy. We meet her inconsistent, moody pill popping mother(Maria Bello) who like most parents has an enormous impact on Pippa's self worth and futue decisions.
Winona Ryder is hysterical as Pippa's emotionally labile friend.
Going in I was expecting a Lifetime movie, what I got was a great performance by Penn and a movie that never really commits as either a dark comedy or drama. Then again who says a movie must commit?
This review of The Private Lives of Pippa Lee (2009) was written by Sam48 M on 13 Dec 2009.
The Private Lives of Pippa Lee has generally received mixed reviews.
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