How light is this movie? Amy Adams, who plays the kittenish starlet does an amazing job of taking what could be seen as a fickle, flighty, materialistic woman and endears her to us. "Like eating fresh cucumber", that's how my wife put it, and she was right on the money. So many elements were there - the premise, the characters, flawless casting from the leads to the supporting actors, and evocative and charming look and sound. Making a beeline to the appropriate home, she encounters the young starlet, Delysia La Fosse (Amy Adams) who asked for her services. I don't think it's meant for children and I'd definitely recommend parental discretion as suggested by the rating. An original illustration by Mary Thomson from Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. But, really, this is McDormand's film, as she is the heart and soul of the picture and deservedly so, for her performance is absolutely enchanting and touching. Delysia finds herself in 3 relationships and each one has a perk. Neither she, nor her three "lovers" are likable or memorable. Comedy based upon timing, script, and coincidence (the "screwball" part) is very rare. Acting, of course, has something to do with it. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. I thought it was so stupid I left after 12 minutes. My favorite parts of the movie are the references to the potential for war between Britain and Germany. Please enter your birth date to watch this video: You are not allowed to view this material at this time. Meanwhile Miss Pettigrew meets the lingerie designer Joe Blomfield (Ciarán Hinds), who seems to be attracted to her. My friend couldn't make out the dialog but enjoyed it nonetheless! It offered up a plush background that quickly brought this viewer in to share the experience with the actors. I'm very surprised at the enthusiasm of the majority of the reviewers, but good for them if they enjoyed it. However, if you're interested in seeing good acting, excellent art direction, and fun, whimsical characters then you won't be disappointed. There is a third man in Delysia's life and the young beauty is juggling suitors in a quest to become a bonafide star of the screen. Film Friday (9/8): This Week's New Movie Trailers. Nice quality of sound in the theater - I could almost make out the dialog if it weren't for the British accents. I want to give special notice to Ciaran HInds as Joe Blumfield. By far the best performance was that of Shirley Henderson as Edythe. Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day is a 2008 romantic comedy film directed by Bharat Nalluri, starring Frances McDormand and Amy Adams. Arriving at a penthouse apartment for the interview, Miss Pettigrew is catapulted into the glamorous world and dizzying social whirl of an American actress and singer, Delysia Lafosse. Every few years a film comes along that makes you believe in love again. Miss Pettigrew (Frances McDormand) is a penniless nanny, currently out of a job. Miss Pettigrew, entirely unaccustomed to kindness, is treated with kindness and appreciation, and blooms in response. Miss Pettigrew was as pleasant and inoffensive as your great-aunt Mabel, but it should have left everyone wiping a tear while doing a little two-step out the door to the jaunty end-title music. Girls Will Be Girls. -I fell in love with "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day". The dialog took 2nd place anyway as the sets, the costumes, the production, and the pacing dazzled, and moved the story at a nice a clip, too nice to bore. London, England, on the eve of World War II. Delysia has had a male guest, overnight, who is not the man who owns the flat where she is currently bunking! Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day was released in 2008 and largely holds up due to the class acts of Frances McDormand, Amy Adams, and Ciarán Hinds (as … The audience at the viewing I saw was 95% female. The cast was excellent. Time Out says. Sue Arnold. Read the book. But, what doings! If you have any male hormone in ya, this. This played like it was written ,directed , and produced by a bunch of 4th grade silly girls. In London in the beginning of World War II, the middle-aged Miss Guinevere Pettigrew (Frances McDormand) is unemployed and hunger after being fired by her alcoholic employer. Frances McDormand in the title role was outstanding. Compare the feeling to being a fish who gets caught on the hook, is reeled in,and quickly finds out the worm wasn't worth the misery of being captured. 'Miss Pettigrew' is the newest addition to that list. Perhaps for this reason it may not be to some people's liking. This role plays to her strengths - her presence, facial expressions and perfect timing. : the wish-fulfillment truly satisfies difficult to explain but the plot is too thin and the fish of. Flighty and breathless, running around her pad with no idea what she 's doing you. 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