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I grew up (as I’m sure most of us did) with the story of Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, and that mischievous little Peter Rabbit, who got into trouble in Mr. McGregor’s garden. And though it’s been a century since Beatrix Potter’s stories were first published, you can still find her illustrations decorating nurseries everywhere.
Miss Potter tells the story of the creator of best-selling children’s favorites like The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Still a single woman at the age of 32, Beatrix Potter (Renée Zellweger) knows she’s destined to remain single for the rest of her life. She lives at home with her doting father (Bill Paterson), her disapproving mother (Barbara Flynn), and her friends—the animals she’d been painting (and making up stories about) since she was a young girl—and she spends her days in her room with her paints.
Still, Beatrix dreams of one day publishing her children’s stories—and she’s ecstatic when she finally finds a publisher who’s willing to give her a chance. What she doesn’t realize is that her book has been handed to the publishing family’s youngest brother, Norman Warne (Ewan McGregor, who’s of no relation to the Mr. McGregor with the garden, as far as I’m aware), who has never actually published a book before—and who, they’re sure, is destined to fail miserably. But both Beatrix and Norman are dedicated to making the book a success, and as they work on the project, they also build a strong relationship—one that Beatrix’s parents don’t approve of.
Miss Potter is an enchanting film that had me mesmerized from the beginning. The story is somewhat predictable—and it’s even heartbreaking at times—but it’s sweet and magical nonetheless. While it’s not Zellweger’s best role (her facial expressions are sometimes a bit too squinchy for my taste in the beginning of the film), she’ll undoubtedly win you over in the end—just as she did with me. Overall, she gives a credible performance as the adorably naïve yet headstrong artist whose only real friends are little painted animals—and you just can’t help but love her (even with the occasional squinchiness). If you liked her in Bridget Jones’s Diary, you’ll like her here, too. McGregor gives an almost Branagh-like performance as the awkward and adorably naïve yet determined publisher—which couldn’t be more appropriate. And, together, they’re absolutely lovable (as they were in Down with Love).
Needless to say, if your boyfriend/husband/guy friend is more of the Rambo variety, he’ll most likely roll his eyes and/or complain and/or snore loudly if you take him to the theater to see this movie with you. But for everyone else, Miss Potter is a delight to watch—and you’re sure to fall in love with Zellweger’s Beatrix, just as you fell in love with Peter Rabbit as a child.
DVD Review:
I was disappointed that this enchanting film didn’t get more attention when it was released in theaters. But if you missed it then, be sure to check it out now that it’s available on DVD. For viewers who want to learn more about the woman behind Peter Rabbit, the Miss Potter DVD includes two features—a documentary on Beatrix Potter’s life and work and a making-of feature. There’s a bit of overlap, but they’re both worth watching if you love the movie—and/or if you love Beatrix Potter’s work. Also included on the disc are a music video and a commentary with director Chris Noonan.
I was surprised not to see more special features on the DVD—maybe an on-screen version of one or more of Potter’s books. But while none of the features are really must-sees, they do a good job of filling in the blanks and clarifying the things that the movie either left out or took some liberties with. So if you’re looking for more about Miss Potter, you’re sure to find it here.
