Penelope

Penelope is a charming and imaginative film that combines elements of romantic comedy, fairy tale, and social commentary. Released in 2006, the film stars Christina Ricci in the titular role along with James McAvoy, Catherine O'Hara, Peter Dinklage, and Richard E. Grant. It was directed by Mark Palansky and features an original screenplay by Leslie Caveny.

The film places the age-old theme of beauty and self-acceptance into a modern-day setting, deftly weaving the fantastic with the ordinary. Penelope is about a young woman born to the wealthy Wilhern family who carries a family curse – having the face of a pig. The curse, according to a local legend, can only be lifted when she is accepted and loved by one of her own.

Born in an aristocratic setting, Penelope is the subject of curiosity, fear, and derision due to the pig-like features on her face. Shielded from the world by her protective and obsessive mother Jessica, played by Catherine O'Hara, Penelope grows up largely in the confines of her vast but lonely family mansion. The heart of the movie rests on the journey of this young woman towards self-acceptance and her attempts to carve out a normal life - a universal tale of looking beyond appearances and finding beauty within.

Recurring attempts are made by her mother to marry her off, due to the belief that acceptance by ‘one of her own kind’ - in other words, a blue-blooded suitor - would break the curse. Enter Max, portrayed by James McAvoy. Initially involved due to a scheme to capture a photograph of the elusive Penelope, Max ends up forming a bond with Penelope, helping her unravel her real worth.

Christina Ricci convincingly portrays the undisclosed pain and gradual growth of the character Penelope. With her unique looks and emotional depth, Ricci brings heart and warmth to the role, making her character believable and loveable. James McAvoy as Max complements Ricci's performance with integrity and flavor of his own, establishing their on-screen chemistry as one of the film’s highlights.

Playing Penelope's overbearing mother Jessica, Catherine O'Hara significantly contributes to the story's drama and comic relief with her splendid performance. As an obsessive matriarch, she works tirelessly to end the curse, reflecting the societal pressures that often drive the definitions and achievements of beauty. Equally brilliant are Richard E. Grant as Penelope's absent yet loving father and Peter Dinklage as a relentless reporter determined to uncover the truth about the mysterious Wilhern daughter.

The movie’s aesthetics play a substantial role in its charm. Penelope’s world, captured by cinematographer Michel Amathieu, is a surreal blend of modern and vintage settings. The Wilhern mansion itself is a character, reflecting the opulence, isolation, and timelessness of Penelope's life. Amathieu uses bright, vibrant colors that embed an enchanting fairy-tale-like quality into the film.

The narrative of Penelope is amplified by its unique blend of genres, making it a whimsical romantic comedy with positive elements of family drama sprinkled throughout. Director Mark Palansky expertly treads the thin line between quirkiness and sentimentality, creating a movie that is as visually unique as it is emotionally engaging.

The screenplay, written by Leslie Caveny, is tighter than might be expected for a film of this nature. The narrative balances the quirky and the romantic, and it touches on relevant themes of self-acceptance and societal pressures without losing its light-hearted charm.

Overall, Penelope is a captivating film that is more than just a modern-day fairy tale. It’s a narrative that delicately mirrors our societal upbringing of imposing standards of beauty, seamlessly weaving this moral with a tale of acceptance, self-esteem, and love. With a stellar cast, engaging plot and an appealing mix of humor and heart, this film is both a delightful watch and a noteworthy commentary on societal norms.