Penelope (2006)

A modern romantic tale about a young aristocratic heiress born under a curse that can only be broken when she finds true love with "one who will accept her as one of their own."

Director:

Mark Palansky

Writer:

Leslie Caveny

Stars:

Christina Ricci, James McAvoy, Reese Witherspoon

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Richard E. Grant	...	Franklin Wilhern
Catherine O'Hara	...	Jessica Wilhern
Nick Prideaux	...	Penelope's Great-Grandfather (as Nicholas Prideaux)
Michael Feast	...	Jake / Witch
Christina Ricci	...	Penelope Wilhern
Ronni Ancona	...	Wanda
Simon Woods	...	Edward Vanderman
Paul Herbert	...	Leonard Wilhern
Simon Chandler	...	Doctor
Peter Dinklage	...	Lemon
Andi-Marie Townsend	...	Young Penelope
John Voce	...	Station Cop
Burn Gorman	...	Larry
Andrew Bailey	...	Floorman in Card Club
James McAvoy	...	Johnny / Max

Storyline

In this modern-day romantic tale, Penelope is about a young girl's inspiring journey, a mysterious family secret, and the power of love. With all odds against her, in order for Penelope to break the family curse, she must find true love with "one of her own kind". Penelope Wilhern, born to wealthy socialites, is afflicted by the Wilhern spell that can only be broken when she finds love. Hidden away in her family's estate, the lonely girl meets a string of suitors in her parents' futile attempt to break the curse. Each eligible bachelor is enamored with Penelope and her sizable dowry; until her curse is revealed. Lemon, a mischievous and eager tabloid reporter, wants a photograph of the mysterious Penelope and hires Max to pose as a prospective suitor to get the shot. The handsome down-on-his luck gambler finds himself falling for Penelope, but cannot bring himself to give her what she wants. Fed up by this latest betrayal and determined to live life on her own terms, Penelope breaks ...

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Plot Keywords:

magical realism | rich parents | female protagonist | scarf | mother daughter relationship | 

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Taglines:

What makes us different makes us beautiful.

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Genres:

Comedy | Fantasy | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements, some innuendo and language

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 February 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

Пенелопа

Filming Locations:

56 Holland Park, Holland Park, London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,802,144, 2 March 2008

Gross USA:

$10,011,996

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$21,156,270

Company Credits

Production Co:

Summit Entertainment, Stone Village Pictures, Type A Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min 86 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

SDDS Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

It took an hour and a half just to put the nose prosthetic on Christina Ricci.

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Goofs

When Penelope comes out of the bathroom in Johnny's apartment, the handle on the outside of the bathroom door does not move, which it should when she turns the handle on the other side of the door.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Penelope: My parents were born into the good life. Old money, blue blooded, society sweethearts.

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Alternate Versions

About 20 minutes were cut from the film for its US release, and some other minor edits were made, mostly to eliminate some mild usage of profanity. This was most likely done to secure a PG rating.

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Connections

Featured in At the Movies: Semi-Pro/Penelope/The Bank Job/The Other Boleyn Girl/The Chicago 10 (2008)

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Soundtracks

Hoppípolla
Written by Jon Thor Birgisson, Orri P. Dyrason, Georg Holm, Kjartan Sveinsson
Performed by Sigur Rós

User Reviews

Fantastic fresh fairy tale for teens and adults

I saw this movie last year at a screening, but it has taken me awhile to submit a comment on here.

I LOVED THIS MOVIE!!! It is a wonderful story with a great message that needs to be heard in this modern age.

I assume it will be targeted toward teens, but as a 36 year old, I really enjoyed it. It might be one of Ricci's best performances, as good as Black Snake Moan, but completely different roles. James McAvoy is charming. Catherine Ohara, Reese Witherspoon and Peter Dinklage are nice surprises and always funny when they appear. Overall, very enjoyable. It is somewhat predictable, but it has to have a happy ending.