The Private Lives of Pippa Lee

I was looking forward to seeing this as I really enjoyed reading the book, however, it didn't capture my attention the way the book did. It was a faithful re-telling of the story as the author also directed the film but the main reason why I liked the book was the insight into Pippa's thoughts and the writing style, both of which could not be carried across to the big screen. The book also analysed her relationship with her mother more whereas the film does not go into as much detail. The book is pretty short so personally, I would recommend reading the book rather than watching the film.

Both actresses (Robin Wright and Blake Lively) have done an amazing job. I admire both of them very much. Maria Bello was also very charming! (I am a female, by the way) I have a problem with Blake Lively's name written nearly at the bottom of the cast's list in this page. In my opinion her performance was really great in this movie, she has to be listed at least 3rd. Now it seems as if she isn't important. I had to watch the movie 3 times and couldn't stop admiring her(Robin Wright also but not as much)! The storyline is simple but it says so much at the same time. I could relate with the main character because I also haven't any good relationship with my mother. I must read the book to make it complete I guess... I will definitely watch this movie again some time.

Remember Lucy Jordan? The tragic heroine of Shel Silverstein's 1975 ballad immortalized by Marianne Faithful? Think of this fabulous movie as of Lucy Jordan's life set in an alternate universe, a universe in which she doesn't kill herself at 37. Rather, she rides out her life as a radiant wife and a loving mother of two. Pippa Lee (Robin Wright Penn) is about ten years older than Lucy Jordan at her time of dying. But her father-figure husband (Alan Arkin), many years her senior, isn't getting any younger, her kids are distant both physically and emotionally, and her friends are really not much help at all. As Pippa starts to lose it, a stranger (Keanu Reeves) comes to town. Writer-director Rebecca Miller, who is also an actress of some distinction, has composed an engaging tale that is touching, but never cheesy. There's a moment in one of the flashbacks when the story is about to take a Charlie Kaufman turn, but it doesn't. No regrets though. Outstanding performances by Robin Wright Penn as Pippa Lee, Blake Lively as her younger self, and Maria Bello as her mother. Guest appearance by Winona Ryder as Pippa's best friend Sandra. Stay for Lucinda Williams, whose 1978 classic "I lost it" is playing over the credits.

I'm one of the millions who fell in love with these actors years ago, and it was especially wonderful to see Robin Wright and Winona Ryder. LOVE the climactic scene between those two - when Pippa is speaking with her son and Sandra is there and - well, I won't spoil it! Very funny. Great to see Keanu again in an ordinary role, I got so used to Neo/Matrix Keanu, this was a treat for him to play just an average messed up person. I've loved Alan Arkin since WAIT UNTIL DARK - you scared the crap outta me as a child!! Funny thing was, I thought you were Jerry Lewis back then, I was so young, and you looked similar, and it creeped me out, and for a long long time, I couldn't like Jerry Lewis because he was such a bad guy in my mind...grew up and found out it was YOU!! By then, I was mature enough to understand acting. I'll have you know that WAIT UNTIL DARK is in my Top 5 movies of all time, probably #2, and also in my Top 5 is THE PRINCESS BRIDE. THE PRIVATE LIVES OF PIPPA LEE has some memorable lines of dialogue! I won't spoil that experience either - it's a treat to hear them in context for the first time. Great work, Rebecca Miller! The mother of Pippa and how she affected her daughter makes Pippa a fascinating protagonist. I love her struggle, it's such a non-struggle and yet so real and painful a conflict. Great work, all of you! APPLAUSE!!