Carey as Jenny
I was always satisfied with having two thumbs. But after seeing An Education I would like to have a third to laud this movie. An Education is a beautiful film with a beautiful star, Carey Mulligan. She plays Jenny, a teenager in early ‘60s England. It’s a tale of second chances and the mistakes we make when we’re young and can sometimes fix. Here are the standout reasons to see this film from Sony Pictures Classics.
- You’re immediately engaged from the opening credits. The music by Paul Englishby felt like it should fit a Nick Hornsby movie (very About a Boy) and just as I thought that, the author’s name appeared on the screen — he also wrote this screenplay that has a backdrop of a transitioning country going from a conservative era into what was to become a freewheelin’ decade.
- Carey Mulligan. She’s a bit like a young Emily Mortimer – her on-screen face is angelic with a hint of mischief and complexity underneath. She plays Jenny like she should be played and related to: obedient to a certain degree; easily charmed by something more exciting; wanting to do something more with her life than the limited options presented to her; crushed and devastated when life doesn’t go how you chose, even when deep down you know that choice isn’t right. (This rambling will make more sense when you see it.)
Carey And Peter
- Peter Sarsgaard. I’ve never seen a movie with him in it – I just know him as Mr. Maggie Gyllenhaal. He’s quite brilliant (and his accent never falters) as Jenny’s love interest, David. He’s much too familiar as the man you’re charmed by, have lots of fun with and is not at all good for you. (I can introduce you to any number of ex-boyfriends if you’re unfamiliar with this type.)
Rosamund as Helen
- Rosamund Pike, who I’ve interviewed before and is just as lovely and poised in person as you’d expect her to be, plays Helen. Although a few of her expressions are over-acted, the majority of her screen-time is genius, especially since her character is anything but. Helen’s more glamorous, mature style juxtaposes with Jenny’s young innocence and reserved looks.
- Speaking of style: the fashion in the film is what you wish you could find when you go vintage shopping. Costume designer Odile Dicks-Mireaux said she found the pieces at costume houses, vintage fairs and shops in London. Of the looks in the film, Odile says there are three moments that stand out most in Jenny’s looks: “The first time she dresses up with Rosamund (Helen) in a little black dress with a white coat, the Paris dress and the gold and cream engagement dress. They all reflect the image Peter (David) wanted his Jenny to be and the influence of Rosamund’s character.” For inspiration, Odile looked to images of Catherine Deneuve, Romy Schneider and Diana Ross from that era.
Alfred, Cara, Carey and Peter
-Alfred Molina and Cara Seymour as Jenny’s parents are nice symbols of traditional values and how easily one can be charmed. The entire cast of actors in this film lends depth to the simple slice-of-life, coming-of-age story that’s beautifully told and should be on your must-see list.
An Education opens in select theaters on October 9th.
An Education opens in select theaters on October 9th.
–Meg
Walking inside the studio you entered a large room with an ethereal quality because of its white cloth-draped walls, illuminated in soft purple light. On my way to the bar I was stopped by my favorite weakness – cupcakes. They were provided by Famouscupcakes.com, whose slogan is “One is never enough,” words that rang true as I found myself sampling both the Velvet and Vanilla Chocolate for ‘research purposes.’ Their main location is in N. Hollywood, but these little bites of heaven are available for delivery all across the U.S.
Subscribe to RSS
