I’m grading this movie on its technical and artistic merits. Because if I graded it on how it made me feel, I’d give it an F. Maybe that was the point — to make the audience feel like crap.
Before the movie begins, there’s an on-screen warning — perhaps too late at that point — to the effect that the subject matter could be a trigger for some people with depression. No shit! It’s a trigger for people who don’t suffer from depression too. The only positive thing I got out of the movie was: I’m glad that’s not my life. And if you do suffer from depression/PPD, then I guess the message is you’re not alone.
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Heaps of credit must be given to the writer/director Amy Koppelman. She did a great job pacing the movie, adding tension at the right places, and directing Amanda Seyfried in an outstanding performance.
The role of Julia called for an actress who has full command of expressions. All of the important communication in this movie was done non-verbally. In fact, I would recommend to any aspiring actor to watch this movie on mute. Just watch the expressions. They tell a complete story. Dialog is superfluous.
If you choose to see this movie (and at this point, I have to wonder why would you?), then just know that you’re in for an emotional beating. Maybe watching it together with someone to share the sorrow would help.
Grade: A+
About The Peetimes:Â My priority was to avoid the most important emotional scenes. Not easy to do in a movie where a simple scene can say a lot. I think the first two Peetimes are pretty good. I wouldn’t recommend the third, but at least it’s easy to summarize.
There are extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of A Mouthful of Air. (What we mean by Anything Extra.)
| Rated: | (R) Some Language |
| Genres: | Drama |
| Starring: | Amanda Seyfried, Britt Robertson, Finn Wittrock |
| Director: | Amy Koppelman |
| Writer(s): | Amy Koppelman |
| Language: | English |
| Country: | United States |
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Aspiring author. Would like to finish his “Zombie Revelations” trilogy if he could break away for working on RunPee and the cottage he’s building for RunPee Mom.
Susanne
Can’t say I agree with your critque of this movie. (Which is rare) I sooo wanted to like it. Felt like the theme is great and would automatically make it a top favorite of emotional movies for me. But I was not pleased with it. Yes, the actors and artistic value were great. (Although Paul Giamatti was incredibly underused in this movie— he deserved much better). It was the actual buildup and extended plot that was bad. I mean, the part with the father just muddled the purpose of postpartum – and the painting scene was just— well ‘ick’. I kept thinking maybe i missed an entire subplot exposed somewhere. With great main characters and a meaningful plot, the screen writers could have done much better. I really wanted to rate it a good movie but ultimately did not like it.
Dan Gardner Administrator
Hey Susanne, You make good points. Honestly, I think I over compensated for my grade due to the emotional impact it had on me. I was really kind of depressed all weekend after watching this movie.
You’re right about Paul Giamatti. He was amazing in his role, as he always is. I think if this story had been more about overcoming PPD then Giamatti would have played a larger role in helping Julia overcome her condition.