Lovely & Amazing (2001)

Director:

Nicole Holofcener

Writer (WGA):

Nicole Holofcener (written by)

Release Date:

2 August 2002 (UK)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Tagline:

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

Plot:

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

Plot Keywords:

Midlife Crisis | Nudity | Human Relationship | Appearance | Dramedy

Awards:

3 wins & 13 nominations

Cast

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 LeGros	...	Paul (as James Le Gros)
Ashlynn Rose	...	Maddy
Clark Gregg	...	Bill
Dreya Weber	...	Donna

Also Known As:

Untitled Nicole Holofcener (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated R for language and nudity.

Runtime:

91 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Singapore:NC-16 | Iceland:12 | Canada:14A | UK:15 | USA:R | Australia:M

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Blow Up Pictures

Goofs:

Continuity: When Michelle first sees Annie in McDonald's, she does not have a drink on her tray. When she walks closer to Annie she has a drink on her tray .

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?
[...]

Movie Connections:

Featured in The 2003 IFP Independent Spirit Awards (2003) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Made Ya Mine

Genuinely Lovely

Few directors have a firm grip on creating comic works which while making us laugh or smile, also move us deeply. Chaplin's genius was founded on this blend of emotions. When Time magazine's cover labeled Wood Allen "comic genius" it was this same principle they were commending, though his films over the past 20 years would largely disprove this assumption.

Nicole Holofcener's small output prevents making any kind of assumption as yet, but in "Lovely and Amazing" she displays remarkable ability in dealing with the pain people (mostly female) experience in grappling with the issue of self esteem. Throughout the movie and without any lapse, she reveals the comic side of human frailty. We laugh at the characters with compassion rather than derision. It's a feat of great skill and much promise.

Holofcener clearly works well with actors, Brenda Blethyn, Catherine Keener, Dermot Mulroney, Emily Mortimer and Jake Gyllenhaal, all are spot on with their characters. She also elicits a lovely underplayed performance from inexperienced child actor Raven Goodwin.

Holofcener has produced a genuinely lovely film; one that portends amazing things yet to come.