As World War II threatens London, the old and the young meet in a dynamic duo who question love and life in Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. For a young lady’s desire to be the big star of an upcoming production and her need for a “social secretary” is all that’s required to drastically change the lives of many in a short time. When unemployed governess, Guinevere Pettigrew (Frances McDormand, Fargo), and young, flirtatious singer Delysia Lafosse (Amy Adams, Enchanted) come together by chance they create a fast-paced, dialogue-centric comedy worthy of the times. A period film comparable to Pride and Prejudice (2005) and Mrs. Henderson Presents, Miss Pettigrew ingeniously combines the war-ridden times with charming personality.
Writers David Magee (Finding Neverland) and Simon Beaufoy came together to adapt to the screen Winfried Watson’s novel of the same name with director Bharat Nalluri (TV's Hustle and The Crow: Salvation). Together, they combine their wit to make a charming movie that’s lighthearted but not so much so that the presence and weight of the upcoming WWII is lost. Not to worry, though, the air sirens and war planes don’t overwhelm the comedic aspects of partial nudity and innuendo from the late 1930s.
Taking place in only twenty-four hours, Pettigrew has quite the day of fashion, cocktails, matchmaking, friendship, and an abundant lack of food. Pettigrew’s quick wit and thinking, especially with the three men with whom Delysia is dancing, endear the two women to each other quite easily. Their interplay from the flat to a fashion show to the salon and ultimately to a cocktail party and night club is delightful. During this time their interactions show Delysia’s downfall in misunderstanding love and Pettigrew’s heartache of a love lost.
Miss Pettigrew’s unusually strong dialogue ties the movie together and keeps it moving smoothly and swiftly. Dynamically paired, McDormand and Adams alongside Ciaran Hinds (There Will Be Blood) and Shirely Henderson (Bridget Jones’ Diary) keep the comedy and drama flowing. With the old—McDormand and Hinds—set against the enthusiasm of the young, mainly Adams and Henderson and love interest Michael played by Lee Pace (Pushing Daisies), the idea of love and a good, happy life come into play. Along with vividly composed dance scenes, an ending tune to climax the inevitable conclusion, and well-made period costumes to catch the eye, Miss Pettigrew is a startling if not compelling and daring film. And it is filled with messages and laughs about living the day to the fullest, finding love, and never forgetting the past—ideas that are especially important when the youth of London cheer for the planes going to war and the old remember the last one.
It’s a movie that’ll become a classic and be perfect for a rainy day. With brilliantly composed acting, music, scenery, and a sharp and witty script, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day is an entertaining film that’ll make you laugh and smile.
Article comments