By: debbie lynn elias
No matter how old I get, I still believe the Cinderella fairytale exists, some of the kindest acts do come from strangers, many of our most wonderful experiences and opportunities are serendipitous and result from being in the right place at the right time, and Carpe Diem is a motto that should be channeled into all of us; oh, and let’s not forget the classic beauty of the Art Deco period, the music, romance and hair-brained comedy of Hollywood films of the 30’s and 40’s, the sound of a Tommy Dorsey or Glenn Miller band, and how much we all love watching the fun and fireworks of a good Cary Grant-Roz Russell or Cary Grant-Katherine Hepburn movie. Having said all that, you can only imagine my excitement and joy with this week’s newest opening, MISS PETTIGREW LIVES FOR A DAY, a film that I can describe in one word – exquisite – and which heralds the first real Oscarworthy performances of the year in the form of Frances McDormand and Amy Adams.
Guinevere Pettigrew is a governess/personal assistant in 1939 London. Never married but once madly in love, she has lived alone supporting herself becoming more or less a societal spinster. On the brink of a Nazi invasion, tensions run high for those who remember WWI while for youth, it’s a time of big bands, beautiful gowns, elegant nightclubs. The economy is depressed although to look at the elite and their lavish lifestyles one would never suspect. Work is hard to find and those fortunate enough to have a job relish and appreciate each moment, fearful of rocking the boat and finding themselves out on the street. Unfortunately, Miss Pettigrew does not share in the conduct of most. She has a mind and speaks it. Often. And loudly. She is also not that good at what she does. And to describe her as “dowdy” under the best of circumstances is being kind. So it comes as no surprise when Miss Pettigrew is terminated from her latest job. It’s even less of a surprise when the employment agency with whom she is listed refuses to place her in another position as it seems out of the last 10 jobs, Miss Pettigrew has been terminated from all. Homeless, as her employment situations always provided lodging, Miss Pettigrew walks the streets, eating in soup kitchens but doggedly refusing to give up on herself or on finding new employment.
At first blush, Delysia Lafosse is bimbette and ditz personified. A blue collar girl from Pittsburgh, PA, she has changed her name and moved to London to start a new life, a fancy life, a life of fame and fortune. Determined to be a “serious” actress and singer, she depends on “the kindess of others”, namely three concurrent boyfriends, to provide her with the lifestyle to which she wants to become accustomed. But there is more to Delysia than meets the eye. She has a heart of gold that rivals the glow of her platinum blonde hair, and her heart explodes and lights up her face and her life whenever she is with Michael. Ah Michael. Not only does he accompany Delysia on the piano at a local club, he puts a song in her heart with just a look, a touch or a smile. Sadly, however, Michael has no money. But Delysia needn’t worry as her nightclub owner/boss Nick has the hots for her and is more than willing to help Delysia in anyway he can (if you know what I mean). And then there’s the local little rich kid Phil whose daddy is letting him help cast actors for a major London musical production. And isn’t it serendipitous for Delysia that she just happens to be looking for the starring role and Phil is the man who can help her in any way he can (if you know what I mean).
Luckily for Miss Pettigrew and Delysia, Serendipity steps into their lives.
Eavesdropping at the employment agency, Miss Pettigrew learns of a potential opening for an assistant for the famous singer/actress Delysia LaFosse. Stealing herself to “sieze the day”, Miss Pettigrew makes a bold move. Surreptitiously pinching the address from an agency desk, Miss Pettigrew soon finds herself at Delysia’s front door with Delysia in a dither. Seems the young starlet has Phil in her bed in Nick’s flat and Nick on his way up to see her. Desperation. Dilemma. Disaster. Whatever is a girl to do? Why, let Miss Pettigrew offer sage advice and handle the situation for you – with extremely comic aplomb.
Bonding like sisters from the first moment, Delysia knows she has found a saviour and friend in Miss Pettigrew and Miss Pettigrew knows that she has found a home and a new life.
And what a life! From a complete makeover to fine dining and dancing, thanks to Delysia Miss Pettigrew lives the Cinderella dream and even finds her own Prince Charming in the form of fashion designer Joe Ciaran Hinds – and all in one day. When love is in the air, all is right with the world. Or is it? We all know what happened to Cinderella when the clock struck twelve. What happens to Miss Pettigrew? Or Delysia, Michael, Phil and Nick? Or Joe? That my friends is for you to see for yourselves.
Frances McDormand IS Miss Pettigrew. Forget about her Oscar winning turn as Marge Gundeson in “Fargo”, this is undeniably the best performance of her career. After reading the book, McDormand determined to play this role and has lived the part for several years. And while her physical transformation with make-up, hair and wardrobe is period perfect and stunning, it is her inner beauty as Pettigrew that radiates and lights up the screen casting a warm glow on the day. And it was her idea to give Pettigrew the inner fortitude and decisive stubbornness that leads into this extraordinary adventure.
Amy Adams is equally delightful as the deliciously ditzy Delysia. Channeling Nicole Kidman as Sateen in “Moulin Rouge” and some of Marilyn Monroe’s Lorelei Lee in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”, she is simply scrumptous!!!! Animated and frenetic, she is joyous with a 1930’s screwball comedy timing and delivery reminiscent of Katherine Hepburn in “Bringing Up Baby” or Billie Burke in any “Topper” film.
But let’s not forget the guys. Lee Pace, who has stolen our hearts on tv in “Pushing Daises” is charming as lovestruck Michael – and the boy can sing! Mark Strong on the hand oozes some slick sleaze as clubowner Nick. But put these two together as they fight over Delysia and its a testosterone filled comedy of errors. The male highlight though is Ciaran Hinds as Joe who brings an air of mature refinement to the character and film that seamlessly blends with that of McDormand’s Pettigrew. And ladies, he is also very easy on the eyes and looks divine in a tux.
Adapted by Simon Beaufoy and David Magee from the beloved novel by Winfred Watson, the result is joyous, exuberant and magical. Elegantly translated from book to screen, dialogue is witty and quick, providing entertainment and laughter while celebrating life and love. Characters are textured and complimentary.
Bharat Nalluri helms the project. Probably one of the last director’s one would think of for a period piece romantic musical comedy, he surprised everyone with his heartfelt energetic approach to the film. Having just finished the sorrow and tragedy of “Tsunami” he was looking for something “that dealt with love and hope. MISS PETTIGREW embodies these emotions.” And he definitely attributes his own love and recent engagement to his beautiful exploration of love and choices. From the opening scenes that play like a Feydeau farce set to the pulsating big band swing sound, the film is fun-filled, frothy and funny, never missing a beat with rapid fire patter of dialogue equaled in style only by the fast paced even lensing.
When it comes to costuming, production design and set design all I can say is WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Classic, beauteous Art Deco!!! The opulent elegance of the “big band era” and London’s denial of the imminent war, is exquisitely depicted. Cinematographer John deBorman, who did some beauteous work in “Serendipity” and “Shall We Dance?”, works his magic here, complimenting and enhancing the dazzling production design of Sarah Greenwood, costuming of Michael O’Connor and set decoration of Katie Spencer. Their work is reason enough to see this film. Another big key to the success of this film is the use of London’s legendary Ealing studio and key locations in the City that harken back to the day itself.
Last but not least, a timpani to Paul Englishby’s musical compositions and a soundtrack that will have everyone jumping and jiving in their seats.
Classy and classic. Elegant and entertaining. MISS PETTIGREW LIVES FOR A DAY. It puts a smile on your face and a song in your heart. This is a dream come true for every woman out there and truly does make you, even as an adult, believe in fairy tales and happy endings.
Miss Pettigrew – Frances McDormand
Delysia LaFosse – Amy Adams
Michael – Lee Pace
Joe – Ciaran Hinds
Nick – Mark Strong
Directed by Bharat Nalluri. Written by Simon Beaufoy and David Magee adapted from the novel by Winfred Watson. PG-13. (92 min)
