By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.5 cats
Director: Rebecca Miller
Starring: Alan Arkin | Blake Lively | Julianne Moore | Keanu Reaves | Maria Bello | Robin Weigert | Robin Wright Penn | Winona Ryder
Country: united_states
Year: 2010
Running time: 98
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1134629/
Michael says: “Rebecca Miller’s THE PRIVATE LIVES OF PIPPA LEE came and went in theatres with barely a notice, which is unfortunate, because it’s a beautifully crafted film with sharp writing and terrific performances from the likes of Robin Wright Penn, Alan Arkin, Julianne Moore, Maria Bello and Keanu Reeves. What? Keanu Reeves? Yes, it’s true. Winona Ryder’s in there too. It’s an interesting cast and Miller, who adapted the screenplay from her novel, keeps the dialogue sharp and forthright lending sudden bursts of humor into an otherwise dramatic story.
“Pippa is the younger wife of aging publisher Henry. After three serious heart attacks, Henry leaves Brooklyn and the couple move into a retirement community where Pippa’s life becomes devoted to caring for her husband. It soon becomes evident that Pippa is undergoing a quiet nervous breakdown and she finds herself seeking solace from her neighbor’s ‘half-baked’ son Chris. Pippa also tells her life story as the movie progresses, including her speed-addicted mother, and a life as a young woman, making risky choices.
“Miller’s skill is definitely in the writing, although she makes some very nice directorial choices as well. The film is filled with small and very welcome surprises that seem so natural even while Pippa is so studied in her every move. Robin Wright Penn is superb. With each role, she proves her talent as an actress and is a joy to watch. Julianne Moore has a terrific small part as an underground photographer who fascinates the young Pippa in her aggressive directness. Alan Arkin embodies his role as a worldly publisher who is reluctant to grow old. Maria Bello is manic and sad as Pippa’s drug-addicted mother. And Keanu Reeves has found a role suited to his (in my opinion) limited appeal as a slightly lost, yet unfailingly honest drifter.
“I love finding these overlooked films that turn out to be really wonderful. THE SECRET LIVES OF PIPPA LEE is certainly one of those, and I urge members to catch this on DVD before nomination time. 4 ½ cats.
“Side note – We recently saw Angels in America, Parts 1 & 2 on stage in New York, and two cast members, Zoe Kazan as Harper and Robin Weigart as the Angel have roles in PIPPA LEE”