Well, it took me long enough to see it, but I can whole-heartedly recommend Finding Neverland. It targets one particular summer in the life of Scots playwright and novelist J. M. Barrie, known today mostly for having written Peter Pan. For me, Johnny Depp is usually enough reason to see a movie. After all, even if it’s dreadful, I get to look at Depp for two hours. This was definitely not dreadful.
Finding Neverland
It’s almost more in the nature of a vignette than a story as it sort of begins in the middle of things and ends somewhere else in the middle of things. It tells the story of Barrie meeting the four Davies boys and becoming fond of them. He calls on them and plays with them as though he were no more than their age himself. He also meets their mother (Kate Winslet) who likes him, and their grandmother (Julie Christie) who does not.
Depp’s performance is amazing, from the splendid Scots accent to his clear enjoyment of the company of the boys. I could never have imagined Depp even wanting to play this role, let alone carrying it off with such graceful perfection. Winslet turns in a decent performance as the somewhat harried mother and Christie is also wonderful as the heavy-handed matriarch who is very uncomfortable about Barrie’s presence in the lives of her daughter and grandsons. But as good as all those performance are, there is one even better.
Freddie Highmore plays Peter Llewelyn Davies, the boy with whom Barrie connects most deeply. Highmore’s performance is nothing short of astonishing. Despite Depp’s insightful handling of the character of Barrie, the film would only have been adequate without Highmore’s performance as an intelligent child who misses his father (passed on before the opening of the story) and will not be lied to - and that includes all the misdirection and watering down of facts that adults often employ when dealing with a child who they feel is too young for the truth. Highmore clearly reflects the sensibilities of a young boy, but he also capably shows that Peter Davies is in some ways, more an adult than Barrie will ever be.
This is a vastly satisfying film.
Signed, sealed and delivered :)
I finished the last sock. As you can see, I didn’t manage to get the blue/gray socks to match despite my efforts. I think they’re cute anyways :) But I have to tell you, I don’t think I want to make another sock for a while! In fact I’m taking a couple days off knitting because my fingers were killing me by the time I was finished with that last one.
But…all was well when I gave them to my doctor yesterday afternoon. He only saw the hats at first because I had tucked the socks into the folded up part so they wouldn’t float around in the bag. He seemed very pleased and indicated that his wife would be thrilled. She, apparently, thinks very highly of hand made things :) I hope they stand up well and keep the babies warm and comfy.
And I really do think the #1 DPNs should have a long, well deserved rest :)
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awwww, there’s nothing cuter than little baby socks! *and* there’s not much that is more eye-catching than johnny depp!!
flex your fingers- rest your paws- stay happy-
Barb - Heheh…we’ve been having a kind of Johnny Depp festival here. Over the last week or so, we’ve watched “Pirates of the Caribbean”, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, and “Finding Neverland” with “Edward Scissorhands” waiting in the wings :)
I read your title and started singing, “I don’t wanna grow up, I’m a Toys R Us kid…” over and over again. LOL! Now I’ll have to rent that movie - being able to watch Johnny Depp for two hours is reason enough for me, too ;-)
Adorable hat and socks!
Hoo boy, did I ever bawl when we watched Finding Neverland ... The little boy’s performance was terrific.
So cute! You’ve earned a well-deserved rest. :)
Ahhhh…Johnny Depp. He seems to be everywhere these days!
Kathy - LOL! That’s a riot :) I hope you enjoy it; it’s a wonderful picture.
Becca - Wasn’t he amazing? I must admit, such a movie makes it difficult to knit when your eyes are tearing up all the time. Hard to see the stitches!
Bron - Thanks - I’m actually pretty pleased with them (as opposed to going over them with a magnifying glass looking for mistakes!). But the next baby better be a single :)
I just saw FN, too! Mmm, Johnny Depp is a hottie. I like him more when he’s cleaned up, rather than as a pirate or drug dealer. :)
Also, great job on the kidlet clothing!
How wonderful to give a gift to someone that appreciates it!
I enjoyed the movie so much that I watched it on a Sunday and when Tom came home from work I watched it again!
June - Yes, he does clean up rather well, doesn’t he :)
Laurie - We probably won’t watch it again immediately. but absolutely goes on our “must have” list!
The gift sets are very cute. I understand the desire to put away the #1s—I just finished some sock heels and rather than starting on the cuff I have started another mitten and hat set. I do like wearing the socks though.
Rob - Well, my notion of putting off sock-making may have suffered somewhat. But, the size 1 needles are still languishing :)
Your mittens are gorgeous and I’m enjoying watching you turn them out!
I just saw that movie and loved it. Johny Debb was amazing, as always.
I love the baby sets…just adorable. I really enjoyed that movie too.
Kimberly - Yup :) A tremendous job in a very fine and understated piece.
Maureen - Thanks! I enjoyed making them but I am glad those bitty socks are done :)
