film review – Carolwood Productions

Miss Potter

As filmmakers, we are often energized by viewing great films. In fact, it’s tough to watch great cinematography, lighting or character development crafted in a movie and not think, “how can we incorporate that fantastic technique inside of our next project?” It’s not uncommon for us to wrap up the viewing of a wonderful movie by diving back to our editing workstations with renewed energy and enthusiasm as we do the production and post production on a current project

We appreciate great films. We enjoy sharing great films that we’ve seen with our readers. If you have not seen “Miss Potter”, we encourage you to do so. This film, based upon actual events, explores the zeal, excitement and heartaches that Beatrix Potter experiences as she begins publishing her children’s books.

As an artist, Potter filled her stories with some of the most beautiful illustrations. Incorporating a surprising and wonderful visual element, these illustrations come to life through the use of subtle and well-timed animation. This effect deployed inside of the story is amazing and helps push the film along, often acting as a window inside of the main character’s thought patterns.

For us, one of the most compelling elements of the story revolve around the manner in which Miss Potter, the creative, deals with sometimes skeptical but well-meaning family and business partners. People who share her artistic sensibilities may feel a kindred spirit as she struggles to express her passions and outlook on life with people who are not necessarily operating within a similar creative mindset. It’s the common story of left-brain/right brain individuals attempting to relate to one another. In that sense, this film definitely gives voice to the creatives, and may provide a chuckle or two as they relate to the heroine.

Whether you tend towards one cranial hemisphere or the other however, you’ll delight in this wonderful and visually tender offering. Don’t worry if you are not familiar with “the world of Beatrix Potter”, this film stands completely on it’s own as a great romantic story of hope and tender love.

Beautiful

News & Features

When someone first raved to me about the film “Bella”, my initial reaction was somewhat lukewarm. This was probably due to the short summary that was given at the time which went something like, “…it’s a movie about a cook who used to be a soccer player and this pregnant woman in New York”.

Based on that description, I was in no rush to view the film. However, the movie kept coming up in casual conversation with several other people, so into the Netflix queue it went.

After watching the film, here is my summary to you, “…it’s a movie about a cook who used to be a soccer player and this pregnant woman in New York”. However I will add, “and it’s one of the best films we’ve seen in years. I remember thinking as I was watching it, “every person in the country needs to see this!” It’s THAT GOOD.

The character development is such that you will get almost instantly involved inside of the story. The technical look of the movie is fantastic. It was shot almost entirely hand-held and was done with careful lens choices which serve to draw you into the frame and environment of the film.

The word that comes to mind upon reflecting about the story is “Refreshing”. Treat yourself soon and see “Bella”. A uniquely refreshing, inspiring and beautiful film.

Persuasion

News & Features

Believe it or not, we don’t purchase many movies. One that warrants a place in our library is Persuasion, based on the Jane Austen novel of the same name. Starring Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds, this 1995 BBC / WGBH / Masterpiece Theatre is one of the best of the Jane Austen screen adaptations. One interesting item is the relatively few people involved in the production of the movie. You may be surprised at what a great film has been created by such a minimal cast & crew, at least by “modern” standards. Indeed, the credits roll by very quickly. A truly fabulous film produced by a lean crew.