Movie:
Miss Potter is the story of world-renowned author Beatrix
Potter, probably one of the world’s best selling children’s authors. The film
is a relatively short piece mainly focusing on her first publication through to
her work on Hill Top Farm.
Living with her softhearted father and stern mother, Beatrix
is very much a woman out of place in her society, being in here mid 30s and
single and generally not conforming to societies expectation of what she should
be doing.
Deciding to strike out on her own and defy the etiquette of
the world around her she publishes her illustrated stories with Frederick Warne
and Co, who although sceptical decide to publish, while sending their younger
brother Norman to oversee the process.
Her career soon takes off and she begins a relationship with
Norman, much to the disapproval of her mother and somewhat her father. She also
becomes fast friends with Norman’s sister Millie, who shares a similar mindset
on society.
Film Review:
The performances in this film are pretty strong and
believable, although it does seem the film is scripted to provide a warm,
light-hearted film, which although endearing at times can become almost a bit
too much.
Granted being a film there are some freedoms taken with the
true story of Beatrix Potter, there isn’t anything really glaring and most
probably won’t notice unless Potter purists. Also, although the film is quite
short for feature film standards it doesn’t really detract too much as it keeps
the film moving on at a fair pace.
The quality of the representation is of the same high
standard, which can be expected from studio releases these days, although the
main menu did seem to be very bright and washed out, this didn’t seem to carry
on into the film.
The sound is also fairly good, although mostly only your
speaker’s ability to reproduce varying frequencies will be noticed as there
isn’t really much call for the full 5.1 sound setup in this film.
Extras:
Making of Miss Potter featurette:
This featurette, although labelled a ‘making of’, doesn’t
really focus too much on the processes behind the film. Instead the main part
involves various interviews with the cast and director’s views on Beatrix
Potter, her life and Hill Top Farm.
Katie Melua music video - 'When You Taught Me How To Dance'
Trailer:
Although not mentioned as a separate extra on the disk, the
theatrical trailer is included at the very beginning of the Making Of
featurette.
Overall:
Definately
one to watch if you're looking for a light-hearted family drama, or
just some idea on the life of Beatrix Potter, anyone looking for
anything deeper/more accurate should probably look elsewhere