Le disavventure di Margaret

Sure there are moments of real silly plot, and of over the top acting, but there is much charm in this small film, and a large part of it comes from the performance by Jeremy Northam as Edward Nathan. He balances Parker Posey's wildness, and transforms their all-too-brief scenes into sweet and touching romance. I also like Parker Posey in this film, her unabashed enthusiasm bubbles over and makes her character come to life. Perhaps not the most believable writer ever, she does come across as an interesting person.

I love this film mostly for the performances by Jeremy Northam and Parker Posey, and the dry little throwaway performance of the gay best friend. Not a great film, but not a real turkey either.

"The Misadventures of Margaret" is a film with a good cast. The names of Parker Posey, Elizabeth McGovern, Brooke Shields, Jeremy Northam and Corbin Bernsen give the expectation of an entertaining romantic comedy. Unfortunately the story and the characters are awful. Parker Posey performs an insecure and unbalanced woman and successful writer that wants to cheat her husband to write an erotic novel. Her agent (Craig Chester) is gay and her adviser. Her sister (Elizabeth McGovern) simply decides to leave her husband (Corbin Bernsen), who is a womanizer and unfaithful to her, to live with her lesbian friend (Brooke Shields). Only Jeremy Northam's character is not dysfunctional; he is a cult British professor that works hard and faithful husband still in love with his wife after a seven-year marriage. And in the corrupt universe of these characters, he seems to be wrong and guilty for the promiscuity of his wife. Gay audience will probably enjoy the free frontal nudity of men in several scenes. My vote is two.

Title (Brazil): "Nem Todas as Mulheres São Iguais" ("Not Every Women Are Equal")

My mom and I were going through the channels, and were about to resort to our well-worn video collection when we stumbled upon a nameless film with a young woman yelling at a man. My first impression was "Hey, that's Parker Posey!", and so began our little adventure viewing (most of) The Misadventures of Margaret. I've seen a few "chick flicks" in my time, although most leave me cold. When I use the too common term, I'm talking about anything that involves two of the three: 1) a love-centered plot line, 2) a woman striving for harmony with her inner self, 3) accurate, almost overly-done period piece costumes. A slight warning to those who aren't inclined to give this film a fair shot: it has all three in abundance.

However, the film also has some of the best acting I've seen out of Ms. Posey, great characters along with the title one (especially Elisabeth McGovern as Margaret's sister, and a disturbing pseudo-cameo by Alexis Denisof, who I'd only ever seen as Wesley on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. It's almost disturbing to see him play a sex symbol--not that I minded!), and some of the most entertaining women-centered writing I've heard in *any* flick (chick or otherwise) in a very long time. Women-centered in that it manages to make the characters sound like modern women without turning them into cynical harpies or caricatures of the feminist movement (or, worse, icons of a "better" set of values, when a woman's heart is only as full as her husband's stomach.) I'm starting to think that Mystic Pizza is going to have to share my title for Best Girlie Film. ;)

While not the best movie, it was certainly enjoyable to watch. sadly, i have only seen (and own!) the American DVD which is twenty minutes shorter with most of the nudity edited out. and who couldn't use a little more nudity featuring Jeremy Northam? Hmmmm... Jeremy Northam.... but i digress. the best part of the movie is the soundtrack! performed oh so perfectly by Saint Etienne. they even released it (only in Japan) as "The Misadventures Of Saint Etienne". since the film didn't really do very well box office-wise, the cd was made in very limited quantities and went out of print quickly. i wish more of it was used in the film as it's barely heard.

This is such a weird little film, with a very twisted heroine, but after the first few minutes of the film one finds oneself falling for her lock, stock and barrel. I like the literary references that fall from characters' lips like diamonds. I also think that it is one of Jeremy Northam's most wonderful performances. He doesn't get a huge amount to do, but what he does do is so subtle and nuanced, it's a joy (as usual) to watch. Parker Posey is like a young Kate Hepburn, whirling her way through an insane but sexually charged plot. Or perhaps she's more like Carole Lombard in My Man Godfrey, just completely nuts.

It does fall down in places during the first eighteenth century bits, but then the joke there becomes clear, as well as the significance it holds. I haven't read the novel but hope to get my hands on it. It sounds such fun.

I do wish I could own this film, to complete my Jeremy Northam collection. I also wish the soundtrack were available, because the music is quite charming.

I do like the cheerful slightly confused sexuality portrayed by both the heroine and her eighteenth century counterpart, it's quite refreshing to see the subject treated so matter-of-factly.

Rent this film, it's a lot of fun!