Set in 1930s London, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day is based on Winifred Watson’s novel of the same name. Academy award winner Frances McDormand and rising star Amy Adams star as two women whose paths cross by chance.
When Miss Pettigrew finds herself jobless once again and living on the streets, she decides to 'seize the day". She intercepts a job card meant for another nanny and gains employment with the fabulous nobody Delysia Lafosse.
I hate to say it, because I am such a fan of McDormand, but she is miscast as Miss Pettigrew - the shy, neglected London nanny. I simply didn’t believe her character’s rapid rise in social standing.
It is interesting to note in the novel, Miss Pettigrew lacked so much condidence that she spoke with a stutter and never finished sentences. For this film version McDormand insisted on changing Miss Pettigrew’s speech rhythm to reflect a woman more sure of herself. This was an odd choice.
Perhaps this is why I had such a problem believing that McDormand was playing a character of such low status.
Working hard too, is Amy Adams as the flaky, would-be American actress Delysia Lafosse. Her scenes are high pitched and vibrant and she nearly gets there, but the story and dialogue let her down.
The filmmakers try to recreate the classic romantic comedies of yesteryear by injecting a screwball arch to them. It works in some scenes, but on the whole this film feels a bit dated. I am not convinced of the value in retelling such an old story for today’s audience, the relevance of which I could not see.
I am sure fans of the book and some die hard romantics will find Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day to be a pleasant, entertaining watch, but for me there were too many wasted opportunities.
The film lacks direction and rhythm but for the lavishness of Delysia Lafosse’s apartment and her fabulous wardrobe this rates 2.5 stars. Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day is in cinemas May 8.
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