MISS POTTER

3 Stars – Wholesome

Understanding the creative genius of our artists and writers is not easy.  Some ingredients of that genius obviously come from their family - both genetically and socially, but others are the product of circumstances and choices made by the person themselves. These choices, though impacted by their larger cultural and social environment, become defining moments in their lives with implications both for their art and for their personal lives.  When seen as a whole, the pattern is uniquely inspiring.  These truths are beautifully explored in Chris Noonan’s biography of the famed Victorian children’s storybook author Beatrix Potter (Renee Zellweger).

Reared in England during the late 19^th century when a woman of means was expected to find a young man of suitable financial means to marry, Miss Potter had a sensitivity and intelligence that would not allow her to settle into such a prescribed life.  Instead, with the creative genius of her father whose family had forced him to abandon his art and seek a career in law instead, Beatrix rejected suitor after suitor until at the age of twenty she realized her mother had given up on her and she was to never marry.  This was to become a godsend both to her and to all children since.

Turning to the stories she created in her childhood and the characters she drew of Peter Rabbit, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, Mrs.Tittlemouse, Little Pig Robinson and among many more, Miss Potter began to write and illustrate children’s books.  Her first publisher was a family firm run by two brothers, Harold and Fruing Warne (Anton Lesser and David Bamber) who pushed her children’s book onto their younger brother Norman (Ewan McGregor) who wanted to enter the family business.  Thinking this silly little “Tale of Peter Rabbit” would prove to be a failure and keep their little brother out of their business, they were chagrined when it became a best seller then and has become the best selling children’s book of all time.

The serendipitous part of the tale is that Miss Potter’s chosen life of singleness is challenged when she and Norman fall in love.  Though the historical facts of their relationship are known, we won’t spoil the film for those who do not know all that happened next.

Having become a wealthy writer, Miss Potter returned to the Lake District of her childhood summers and purchased “Hill Top Farm” where she became a major force in the conservation movement which has preserved much of the beauty of that area of England through today.

Full of the joys and sorrows, successes and struggles of a creative life, “Miss Potter” is a charming and engaging film of wholesome pleasure and insightful meaning.

 

Discussion:                                   

1. Similar to the novels of Jane Austen which explore the transition of the roll of women, “Miss Potter” demonstrates a life in which love and marriage is a chosen experience rather than a required one.  What do you think is true today within your culture – is marriage required for social acceptance or can one make a choice about this part of life?

 

2. The sorrow of Beatrix Potter’s life caused her “friends to leave” when she tried to write their stories and draw their tales.  Have you experienced such pain that your creative and functional abilities left you?

 

3. The success Beatrix Potter had in conserving thousands of acres of the Lake Country is something that became a passion for her rather than a duty placed upon her by others.  What passion to make the world a better place is motivating your life?

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Cinema In Focus is a social and spiritual movie commentary.  Hal Conklin is former mayor of Santa Barbara and Denny Wayman is pastor of the Free Methodist Church. For more reviews: http://www.cinemainfocus.com.