Though the film's premise seems to be a little advanced for its intended market, Penelope does strike a chord with the older crowd as it presents a light and heartwarming story about discovering who you are and loving yourself for what you are, not what you aren't.
Penelope Wilhern has always been the center of attention. Born with a snout of a pig, journalists were always scurrying for a picture. But when the pressure of the media got to be too much, Penelope's mother faked her daughter's death to end the nonsense. Since that day, the young girl has been trapped within the confines of her house, forbidden to go outside for fear of an uprising. Believing that the only way to break the curse that brought her the nose was to marry one of her own kind, Penelope is introduced to a number of suitors, all of whom reject her. However, two devious men hire a third to pose as a suitor for the lovely Penelope, but complications soon arise when he fails to control his feelings, unable to separate work from home. But his affections fall short as he refuses to marry her, sending Penelope into a state of shock and depression and ultimately forcing her to go out and get a glimpse of the world in which she has hidden from for all these years.
First off I have to comment on the amazing cast that this film boasts. Christina Ricci blows the audience away with her portrayal of Penelope. Creating a young woman who sees no end in sight for her cursed deformity is not easy; however, Ricci pulled it off easily as her character seemed confident but still unsure of herself as she lacked any real drive in life.
Additionally we have Catherine O'Hara who plays Penelope's overprotective mother. Concerned more for her own perception from the public, O'Hara brings a socialite to the screen in high fashion as she becomes absorbed in her daughters looks. She wants nothing but the best for Penelope due to the effects that her snout has on her. Her role is vital and she delivers with absolute perfection, saving the film during its sluggish moments.
And then there are the two supporting roles of Max and Annie, played by the quickly rising James McAvoy and southern belle Reese Witherspoon respectively. Their roles are limited in minutes but prove to be critical in the flow and overall meaning of the film. And though both names bring about high expectations, each carried through, creating great characters and giving the cast a full circle of excellence, something hardly ever seen in film these days.
But I cannot stop there. In addition to the acting I must credit Leslie Caveny for taking an old premise and giving it new characteristics that not only give it more life but also allows the film to appeal to a broader audience. Her style of dialogue not only brings out emotions and attitudes but also character flaws and attributes, thus creating full characters that the audience can grow with. The step is crucial in these small, indie type of films and Caveny delivered.
In the end I have to admit that I was impressed by Penelope. With a story about a girl who has a snort for a nose, the film could have easily disappeared into the dust; however, the cast and script save it from the dark hole, making it an enjoyable and entertaining watch.
