‘In Her Shoes’ offers uplifting story about family
With its strong acting, touching story and uplifting theme about the eternal importance of family, “In Her Shoes” shapes up as the feel-great film of 2005. The wonderfully realized comedy drama brims with something rarely seen in theaters these days: genuine emotions possessed by characters deserving of our care, attention and enthusiasm.
Set for much of the time in Philadelphia, the PG-13 picture charts the extreme ups and downs of two decidedly different sisters, the pretty, irresponsible and self-absorbed Maggie (Cameron Diaz of “Charlie’s Angels”) and the plain, responsible and plus-size Rose (Toni Collette of “The Sixth Sense”). The two have occasional hateful verbal exchanges, know how to push each other’s buttons and ultimately learn how really important they are to each other despite deep flaws and some dysfunctional moments caused by a family tragedy.
Based on the 2002 novel by Philadelphia writer Jennifer Weiner, “In Her Shoes” strips away the layers that separate the main characters. Initially, the sisters seem extremely different, but while watching family secrets – ones that hold the key to their emotional turmoil – revealed and bitter events – such as Maggie seducing the boyfriend of her overweight sister – occur, viewers begin to understand the depth of the ties between these two damaged siblings.
That journey from emotional turmoil to inner peace is eased by their maternal grandmother (scene-stealing Shirley MacLaine of “Bewitched”), a woman who they thought had died long ago. The senior citizen helps her granddaughters accept their differences and blossom into adults no longer encumbered by negative labels placed upon them years ago by adults who considered Rose hard-working and plain and Maggie scattered-brained but attractive.
Director Curtis Hanson, whose credits range from “L.A. Confidential” with Russell Crowe to “8 Mile” with Eminem, certainly brings out the best in Collette and especially Diaz. It’s no surprise that Collette, an Australian actress who has delivered memorable performances in films such as “Muriel’s Wedding” and “The Hours,” proves so winning as a depressed woman who doubts that anyone can ever love her, but Hanson also elicits a rather remarkable performance from Diaz.
In playing a person who tricks men into paying her bills, sleeps with the boyfriends of others and calls her sister painful names such as “fat pig,” Diaz faced the challenging task of creating a character who behaves horribly but still remains in our hearts and seems worth redemption. Diaz has previously worked with top directors, notably Martin Scorsese (“Gangs of New York”) and Cameron Crowe (“Vanilla Sky”), but no filmmaker has ever demanded and received so much from her.
When the book version of “In Her Shoes” originally appeared in stores, some critics callously dismissed Weiner’s work as so-called chick lit. (The title refers to the way in which Collette’s character constantly purchases stylish foot wear that make her feel beautiful and always fit. It also serves as metaphor for the way in which both women have to walk in each other’s shoes to experience what the other feels.)
Now, some might try to label this film adaptation a chick flick, and while the obvious appeal is certainly to women 25 and older, there are enough funny moments and insightful exchanges to assure that viewers of both sexes will remain interested, entertained, intrigued and – ultimately – enlightened.
Postscript: Those familiar with the City of Brotherly Love will certainly have fun watching “In Her Shoes.” The places spotlighted by Hanson include the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Le Bec-Fin and the Avenue of the Arts. Footage from a Philadelphia 76ers game is also used.
FILM REVIEW
“In Her Shoes”
Grade: A
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette and Shirley MacLaine; screenplay by Susannah Grant, based on the novel by Jennifer Weiner; produced by Ridley Scott, Carol Fenelon, Lisa Ellzey and Curtis Hanson; directed by Hanson.
Running Time: 125 minutes.
Parental Guide: PG-13 rating (sexual elements, adult themes).
Web site: inhershoesmovie.com.