———-
Released 10th July 2009
——–
——–
Name a recent lead role with Robin Wright Penn… Yes, not the easiest task off the top of your head, unless you’ve heard of Room 10 in 2006, but probably more because it was co-directed by Hollywood darling Jennifer Aniston. The sad fact is highly talented Wright Penn often solidly supports the headliners, when she should be centre stage more often. Thank goodness for the slightly eccentric wife of Daniel Day-Lewis, and daughter of playwright Arthur Miller, writer/director Rebecca Miller, who places Wright Penn in the fore in her marvellously witty, intelligent and immensely absorbing new tale of self-reflection that will speak volumes for so many ‘lost and taken-for-granted souls’ out there. Wright Penn both delights and truly amazes in a heavenly and award-winning performance as Pippa Lee, combining a beauty, grace, wisdom, fragility, and all-consuming paranoia in one remarkable portrayal.
——-
Wright Penn literally embodies ‘the adaptable enigma’, Pippa, a beauty born into uncertainty from the start and, thereafter, trying desperately to find her own niche in the world, whilst giving the appearance of composure, peace and goodness in her later years. Wright Penn expertly blends Pippa’s past tragedy and loneliness of her current comfortable ‘retired’ life with some hilariously sardonic moments, as she slowly spirals into the waiting confusion and despair of her breakdown. Wright Penn puts so much into her character that we are left in no doubt as to exactly how she feels at any given moment, through her gestures, flippant comments and facial meltdowns. There is a very telling scene at the start when the Family Lee goes out to dinner and, unintentionally, ‘ignores her’. The brilliant Alan Arkin gives the usual faultless performance as ‘retired’, but still working hubby, Herb, who adores Pippa, but seems to be more comfortable and have more in common with others around him - even their two children, as they discuss their busy lives in ignorance at Pippa’s increasing isolation. But as the perfect hostess at any function, Pippa hides her true feelings, hopes and dreams, like other unappreciated, powerless, non-working members of society, trying to keep up appearances, but screaming for a way out.
——–
Miller has put together an exceptional supporting cast that includes Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder, Maria Bello, Juliana Moore, Monica Bellucci and Blake Lively who is impressive as the younger Pippa in her drug-fuelled and hedonistic heyday. As with his strange and slightly detached, but sensitive character, Chris, Reeves is patient and generous in his scenes with Wright Penn, allowing her the screen time to fully develop Pippa’s array of emotions on her bittersweet journey of self-discovery. Ryder thrills as trusted younger friend Sandra, a snivelling and paranoid wreck after being found out to be having an affair with Herb. And it is this moment that makes or breaks Pippa, leading to one of the most poignant and funniest scenes in the film when mother and daughter finally connect over a cigarette, and an uplifting and hopeful, if visually clichéd ending.
———
Miller gets the direction, the casting and the screenplay absolutely spot-on. Robin Wright Penn ‘the star’ is finally born and is a pure joy to watch. This film comes highly recommended, as humorous, charming, but tragic female-driven dramas go.
—–
By Lisa Keddie
—–
Synopsis
——-
At fifty, Pippa Lee positively glows with female serenity, the devoted wife of a brilliant publisher thirty years her senior, proud mother of successful twins and a lovely and adored friend and neighbour. But, when her husband spontaneously decides that they should leave New York for a retirement home as a “pre-emptive strike against decrepitude,” and has an affair with someone even younger than she is, Pippa finds her beatific persona unraveling in alarming ways. The truth is, the gracious woman of the present day has seen more than her fair share of the wild side. She has finally found love and security in a family of her own. And now, that cozy world, too, is in danger.
——-
Film Facts
—–
Official site: http://www.theprivatelivesofpippalee.co.uk/
UK Release Date: 10th July 2009
Director: Rebecca Miller
Writer: Rebecca Miller (and the novel)
Cast: Robin Wright Penn (’Pippa Lee’), Alan Arkin (’Herb Lee’), Keanu Reeves (’Chris’), Winona Ryder (’Sandra’), Julianne Moore (’Kat’), Maria Bello (’Suky’), Blake Lively (’Teenage Pippa Lee’), Monica Bellucci (’Gigi’), Zoe Kazan (’Grace Lee’), Ryan McDonald (’Ben Lee’)
Distributor: Icon Film Distribution UK
Certificate: 15
Run-time: 98 mins
-
Video on Real.com
-
Trailer:
-
——
—-
