I enjoyed two very good films today starting with a screening of director Rebecca Miller's The Private Lives of Pippa Lee this morning at Scotiabank Theatre. The film stars Robin Wright Penn playing the role of Pippa who is married to a made almost twice her age, Herb (Alan Arkin). The story of her life prior to meeting Herb runs in tandem with her current story, with Gossip Girl's Blake Lively playing a younger Pippa. Lively puts on an impressive performance as does the always excellent Maria Bello as her mother.
Pippa devotes herself completely to her husband in relocating from the city to a suburban retirement community, where she is miserable. Mysteriously, she starts sleepwalking and this leads her to build a bond with Chris (Keanu Reeves) who works at a convenience store where she buys cigarettes during these nocturnal occurrences. Wright is absolutely amazing in a challenging role that requires her to be lifeless yet endearing for most of the film. Definitely a film to look out for if you are into strong female characters. The Private Lives of Pippa Lee hits theatres November 27, 2009 and as an aside, is produced by Brad Pitt. Grade: A-
