Chris Noonan’s 2006 biographical period drama, Miss Potter, provides a captivating insight into the life and career of the much-loved children’s author Beatrix Potter.
The film cleverly incorporates animated sequences of beloved characters from her globally acclaimed children’s stories, weaving anecdotes and experiences from Beatrix Potter’s own life into a touching narrative for the big screen.
Penned by Richard Maltby Jr. , the Tony Award-winning director of the Broadway musical revue Fosse, Miss Potter stars Renée Zellweger in the title role, with Ewan McGregor portraying her fiancé and publisher, Norman Warne, and Lloyd Owen playing the part of Beatrix Potter’s solicitor, William Heelis.
Miss Potter raked in over $35.8 million worldwide, against a production budget of roughly $30 million. In recognition of Renée’s stellar performance, the Bridget Jones Diary actress received nominations for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical and a Saturn Award for Best Actress for the film.
As reported by The Express, the biographical drama brings to life the story of Beatrix Potter, the cherished author and illustrator of The Tale of Peter Rabbit, on the big screen, reports the Mirror US.
Miss Potter delves into the trials and tribulations faced by Beatrix Potter, as she grapples with publishing setbacks, societal norms, and personal loss, according to reports from the Mirror US.
Despite facing numerous obstacles, Potter persevered and demonstrated unwavering creativity, securing her place as a celebrated children’s book author. The film Miss Potter has received mixed reviews from critics, with a 68% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
One critic praised the on-screen chemistry between Renée and McGregor: “…boasts terrific work from both Renée and McGregor that’s heightened by their palpable chemistry together..”
However, not all critics were won over by the film, with one saying it was “enchanting, perhaps, but a long, long way from meaningful.”
Drawing comparisons to the popular series Downton Abbey, one critic noted the film was “always accessible in a Downton-Abbey-goes-to-Play-School kind of way, as evidenced by Renée Zellweger’s chipper portrayal of Potter as a bustle-skirted bundle of squinty smiles and sudden blushes.”
One positive review underscored Renée’s captivating portrayal of Potter: “Portraying a real-life hero can be a tough assignment. But Zellweger breezes through the role, flashing her puckish grin, talking in her soft, breathy voice and giving very human face to one of the most beloved figures of English letters.”
Audience reactions to the film varied, with one viewer saying: “Chris Noonan did an excellent job of keeping it authentic. Zellweger fits this perfectly, a truly unique character of her times.
“Amazing cinematography and a stellar cast, all outstanding in their character. Lovely to look at and filled with perseverance and true grit. Filled with fantastic ideas and wonder. Remarkable indeed”
However, not everyone was as taken, with one person adding: “Extremely odd and extremely dumb. The script for this biopic is a mess.”
Renée Zellweger stepped into the role of executive producer for the first time with Miss Potter.
Speaking to IndieLondon, she said: “It was a terrible idea and I’ll probably never do it again [laughs].
“No, I’m just joking. It was a really interesting learning opportunity and I asked the guys if they would be interested in that kind of partnership because I really wanted us to get through creatively with these guys. They said OK, so we did.”
Another admirer said: “It’s one of my favorite movies – I would watch it over and over again. It’s very sweet and charming.
“I love how brave and enchanting she was.”
One reviewer didn’t hold back regarding Renée’s depiction of Beatrix Potter, saying: “Renée Zellweger is a disaster.
“A totally artificial and preposterous performance.”