Susan Granger’s review of “Miss Potter” (Weinstein/MGM)
Beatrix Potter was a phenomenon. Back in 1902 London, it was unheard-of for a proper Victorian lady to write and illustrate children’s books yet, for more than 100 years, her fanciful stories have never been out of print.
Leading a somewhat solitary existence, artistically inclined 32 year-old Beatrix Potter (Renee Zellweger) mystifies her conventional, social-climbing parents (Barbara Flynn, Bill Patterson) by rejecting all “suitable” suitors in favor of the company of her imaginary animal creations – like Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddleduck and Mrs. Tiggle-Winkle.
When a novice publisher, Norman Warne (Ewan McGregor), with unquenchable curiosity takes her on as a client, accepting her assertive, yet introverted behavior, she is immediately attracted to him, and his headstrong sister Millie (Emily Watson) becomes her closest confidante. But because he is “in trade,” her parents insist their engagement remain ‘secret’ – until tragedy strikes – and Beatrix moves to England’s picturesque Lake District, becoming one of the original benefactors of the then-fledgling British Conservation Trust.
Directing his first film since “Babe,” Australian Chris Noonan gently melds this independent woman and her delightfully animated characters; Richard Maltby’s script never dips into cloying sentimentality despite the melodrama inherent in Beatrix’s life.
Exuding honesty and naivetŽ, Renee Zellweger is radiant and compelling, re-teaming with her “Down With Love” co-star Ewan McGregor. Having honed her British accent as Bridget Jones, Zellweger is totally convincing, as is Ewan McGregor, particularly when he teaches Beatrix to dance. Emily Watson makes the most out of saucy lines comparing marriage to “domestic enslavement.”
Filmed by Andrew Dunn on the Isle of Man, the entire production is deliciously detailed, radiating period authenticity. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “Miss Potter” is a whimsical 7, offering a charming glimpse into the life of a literary icon.
