The Culture Beat

Until another Potter came along, Beatrix Potter’s children’s books, particularly those of Peter Rabbit, were some of the most popular ever written. And like the boy wizard, Beatrix Potter’s world was filled with magic, although of a more natural sort. Miss Potter, directed by Chris Noonan, taps into that magic and offers audiences a movie about this high-spirited woman and her just-as-lively creations.

In 1902, it was difficult – and unthinkable – for a woman to live independently. While not actively striving to live independently, Miss Potter (Renée Zellweger) wants more than anything to publish her drawings and little stories, particularly about a family of rabbits: Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail and Peter. Her mother doesn’t understand why she just won’t settle down and marry one of the many suitors she finds for her. Publishers continually turn her down, believing that her books won’t sell. At last, the Warne brothers fob her off on their younger brother Norman (Ewan McGregor), who has expressed interest in joining the family business. Much to everyone’s surprise, the book sells well, and Warne and Company want more books from Miss Potter’s inventive pen. Norman Warne, though, wants more from Beatrix; he has fallen in love with her and wants her to be his wife. What? Marry a tradesman? For Beatrix’s mother, the shame of being single is eclipsed only by associating with someone of a lower class. The engagement drives an even larger wedge between proper mother and spirited daughter, one that might not be overcome.

Miss Potter is a gentle story and as peaceful at times as the Lake District in which Beatrix Potter lives. That’s not to say it’s a boring movie, however. Noonan allows the children’s drawings to come alive on the page in much the same way they might have to their creator. A puddle-duck flirts with an unsuspecting Norman Warne and a restless rabbit won’t sit still to have his ribbons drawn. Natural flashbacks to Beatrix’s childhood reveal her early love of animals and her distaste for society’s rules.

Zellweger does a good job of bringing this legend to life, and the joy that sparkles in her eyes when she discovers that Norman loves her is delightful. As for McGregor (Ewan not Farmer), there isn’t a part out there that he can’t play and play exceedingly well. And when he sings “When You Taught Me How to Dance” to Beatrix, it’s not difficult to see why she fell in love with him. Beatrix’s parents (Barbara Flynn and Bill Paterson) are marvelous, the mother as she refuses to understand or accept her daughter’s talent and success, the father as pride shines from his eyes as he buys one of his daughter’s books. Particularly enjoyable is Emily Watson as Millie Warne, Norman’s unmarried sister and Beatrix’s eventual confidant.

The cinematography is striking as we are offered sweeping shots of lakes, hills and green countryside. However, this isn’t a film that relies on gorgeous landscapes to fill up time. This is because we see the countryside through Beatrix’s eyes. In later life, Beatrix became involved with the National Trust to protect land from industrialization. (In her will, she left almost all her extensive property to the National Trust.) The film shows what exactly she was trying to protect.

For parents who may be bored of taking their children to the glut of animated movies that are out now, Miss Potter will be a welcome change. The runtime won’t bore them, the language won’t scandalize the parents, and the beloved and worthy tales of Peter Rabbit will be introduced to a new generation.