Lovely & Amazing (2001)

Self-esteem and insecurity are at the heart of this comedy about the relationship between a mother and her three confused daughters.

Director:

Nicole Holofcener

Writer:

Nicole Holofcener

Stars:

Troy Ruptash, Emily Mortimer, Brenda Blethyn

3 wins & 13 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Troy Ruptash	...	Photographer (voice)
Emily Mortimer	...	Elizabeth Marks
Brenda Blethyn	...	Jane Marks
Raven Goodwin	...	Annie Marks
Catherine Keener	...	Michelle Marks
Ileen Getz	...	Saleswoman
Kristen Dalton	...	Saleswoman
Romy Rosemont	...	Dr. Debbie Waldman
Aunjanue Ellis	...	Lorraine
Brooke Allison	...	Pool Administrator
Jennifer Zehnder	...	Teased Girl
James Le Gros	...	Paul
Ashlynn Rose	...	Maddy
Clark Gregg	...	Bill
Dreya Weber	...	Donna

Storyline

The Marks family is a tightly-knit quartet of women. Jane is the affluent matriarch whose 3 daughters seem to have nothing in common except for a peculiar sort of idealism. Setting the tone of vanity and insecurity, Jane is undergoing cosmetic surgery to alter her figure, but serious complications put her health in real danger. Former homecoming queen Michelle, the eldest daughter, has one daughter of her own and an alienated, unsupportive husband. Elizabeth, the middle sister, has an acting career that is beginning to take off, but is timid and insecure, and habitually relieves her trepidation by taking in stray dogs. Only the youngest sister, Annie, an adopted African American 8-year-old, stands a chance of avoiding the family legacy of anxious self-absorption. If only her intelligence and curiosity will see her through what promises to be a confusing adolescence. Each of the women seeks redemption in her own haphazard way.

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Plot Keywords:

insecurity | self esteem | homecoming queen | surgery | african american | 

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Taglines:

If you're hoping for the perfect family don't hold your breath.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and nudity

Details

Official Sites:

Lions Gate [us]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 August 2002 (UK)

Also Known As:

Untitled Nicole Holofcener

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$250,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£35,483 (UK) (2 August 2002)

Gross:

$4,186,931 (USA) (20 September 2002)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Blow Up Pictures, Good Machine, Roadside Attractions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

While swimming in the backyard pool, Annie's hair goes from being in pigtails/not in pigtails throughout the scene.

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Quotes

Michelle Marks: Hi. I'd like to apply for the job.
Jordan: [laughs] No way.
Michelle Marks: Why not?
Jordan: You look like my mom.
Michelle Marks: [pause] If I haven't developed pictures before, will somebody train me?
Jordan: I will.
Michelle Marks: Don't look at me like that. You just said I look like your mom.
Jordan: My mom's cute.
Michelle Marks: [pause] Can I have this job or not? Who do I have to talk to?
Jordan: My dad owns this place. Aren't you going to give me a smile or something?
[...]

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Connections

Featured in The 2003 IFP Independent Spirit Awards (2003)

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Soundtracks

"I Must Be Crazy"
(2000)
Written by Susan Hyatt (as Susan Heyat)
Performed by Pillbox
Courtesy of Music For The Masses

User Reviews

Meet the Marks Sisters

You know the Marx brothers, now meet the Marks sisters, Michelle, Elizabeth, and Annie. Their mother is Jane, played by Brenda Blethyn. Michelle is trapped in a loveless, sexless marraige. Elizabeth is hooked up with a guy whose logical approach to life rivals that of Mr. Spock. And Annie is a very young black girl (I know this sounds like something out of a Steve Martin movie, but it's true), who is very attached to her adoptive mom. "Lovely & Amazing" is an entertaining movie about this crazy family. It has everything, liposuction, statutory rape, fast food, show business, and possibly rabies.

If you're tired of all the adolescent piffle that's out there, you should give this movie a look-see.