The Sunday morning cinema ladies have been lying abed recently so this weekend we've indulged in an orgy of movie-going to make up for it. First up, on Saturday, was the long-awaited Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Don't hate me, I know I'm an old cynic - but I couldn't get that excited about it. Too saccharine for me and I thought Lily James must be mad to jilt a wealthy Yank for a potato farmer who had nothing to offer but his Jersey Royals and a love of books. I liked the scenery and the clothes ... but it was like seeing Their Finest all over again and I dozed off a bit in the middle. My friend, however, was mopping her eyes at the end and loved every minute.
Next morning we reconvened to see a powerful performance from Maxine Peake in Funny Cow, in which she plays a stand-up comedienne on the northern club circuit. (Loosely based, for those old enough to remember, on Marti Caine.) Strong stuff, but it'll stay in my mind long after Potato Peel Pie has composted down into a mush of ration cards and period detail in my brain.
I was feeling a bit churlish for being so underwhelmed by The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society - but was heartened to see in yesterday's paper that the Times' critic gave it 1* star and his 'absolutely no screen chemistry whatsoever' award. He must be grouchier than me because I'd say 2* for the clothes and lipstick. Coincidentally, he also gave 5* to Funny Cow. You read it here first!
5 comments:
I remember enjoying the book when I read The Guernsey Literacy Soc, not that I remember anything about it. I had high hopes for the film. Marti Caine... now that's a name I've not heard in a long time.
IT was okay, GIna, just left me feeling, 'I've been here before.' Hence the doze as my attention wandered! It seems ages since I read the book but I suppose it must be 10 years ago?
I loved the book of the GLPPS and hate it when the film is not as good, which I suppose is about 90% of the time! I remember Marti Caine from TV in the 1960s and 1970s and Maxine Peake is a terrific actress so this sounds like a must see to me!
It's a terrific performance, Veronica - however, not for anyone like to take offence as it is very true to its time/place. Don't let me put you off Potato Pie; I just find those 'women's films' all a bit much of a muchness.
It's such a long time since I read it, Sue , that I couldn't tell you if the film was true to the book.
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