‘Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day’
What better way to indulge in nostalgia than to make a period film? Bharat Nalluri’s new film, “Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day,” takes this idea one step further and actually mimics the style of films made in the period he is trying to evoke.“Miss Pettigrew” is reminiscent of the great screwball comedies of the ‘30s and ‘40s, such as “Bringing Up Baby” or “It Happened One Night.” Glamorous, flouncing leading lady? Check. Scads of suitors vying for her affections? Check.High-society cocktail parties and ornate costumes? Check, check. But mere mimicry of good filmmaking does not another good film make. The film must bring something new to an audience, so that it burns with its own flame rather than acting as the reflection of something greater. “Miss Pettigrew” frequently succeeds in this effort, mixing farcical comedy with the threat of real consequences and simply delightful performances from an excellent cast of actors.The brilliant and talented Frances McDormand plays the insecure but resourceful title character, who has just been let go from yet another job as a governess in 1939 London. When her employment agency refuses to offer her another job, she secretly snatches the address where a social secretary is needed, an occupation far beyond her area of knowledge and expertise. She arrives at the flat of one Delysia Lafosse (Amy Adams), a lounge singer with ambitions of fame and grandeur, who is in the middle of a self-inflicted crisis.Miss Pettigrew is swiftly sucked into the core of the chaos as Delysia begs her to get rid of Phil (Tom Payne), the theater producer waiting in her bedroom, before Nick (Mark Strong), the nightclub bigwig who is the real owner of the flat, returns home to find him, all while hoping that Michael (Lee Pace), Delysia’s pianist in her act, doesn’t find out about Phil or Nick. At first repulsed by Delysia’s lifestyle, Miss Pettigrew soon finds her somewhat endearing, and together they spend a whirlwind of a day trying to manage Delysia’s frenzied career and her even more muddled love life.Yes, the story itself is thin, but it’s not the story that matters in this kind of film. What is crucial is the charisma and chemistry of all of the actors, and “Miss Pettigrew” is just brimming with these attributes. Audiences have been aware of the kind of comedic chops Frances McDormand hides under her belt ever since “Fargo” came out in 1996, but this movie should solidify Amy Adams as a talented comedic actress, as well. Together, they make a fantastic pair, with McDormand’s understated humor and expressive eyes juxtaposed against Adams’ hilarious parody of divas from cinema’s Golden Age.The film is a visual stunner as well, with gorgeous costumes flitting across the screen and unusual cinematography, especially during the nightclub scenes. Modern audiences may find the message tired and old-fashioned, as the film, yet again, seems to imply that the only way to happiness for a woman is through a man. But aren’t all comedies technically supposed to end in marriage? Okay, that’s another anachronistic way of looking at things. Still, while this film does not surpass the great comedic films of yore, if you’re looking for a modern equivalent, you could certainly do worse.
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