Penelope (2006) - A Trip Down Nostalgia Lane

It’s a pig’s nose, my best trait.

Penelope is a 2006 movie. A young girl is cursed with a pig’s nose. The only way to break the curse is through true love. Penelope chooses to go her own way and leaves her home for the first time. As she spends time in the city, she meets new people and learns to trust her own instincts. 

Rewatching a childhood movie takes you down the nostalgic train. I watched this film when I was 11, and I felt it was time to revisit, especially with the passing of the late Catherine O’Hara. “Penelope” is a funny fantasy film with an enlightening message. Don’t let others change you when you are happy with who you are. 

Christina Ricci was quite the star in her early career. She starred as Wednesday Addams in “The Addams Family,” and Kat in “Casper” (1995). Ricci plays Penelope, a young girl with a pig’s nose. 

Although she does care about her physical appearance, I like how Penelope guides her own way. Ricci did a good job with that element. Despite her years in isolation, Penelope never loses her curiosity about the world and remains humble to everyone she meets. 

I never realized how many stars were in “Penelope” until watching it again. James McAvoy has become a talented actor in the last two decades since starring in this film. McAvoy plays Johnny Martin, a charming man who struggles with his conscience. McAvoy and Ricci built a sweet chemistry as their characters learn more about themselves. 

I never thought I would ever have to say the late Catherine O’Hara, but this was one of the films I thought back to that I hadn’t reviewed. O’Hara was a humble talent. She always got the hysterics right. Penelope’s mother means well, but her constant, frantic nature makes the situation difficult. 

There were actors who I didn’t know were in “Penelope.” Reese Witherspoon plays Penelope’s new friend. Credits also include Richard E. Grant, Peter Dinklage, Simon Woods, Ronni Ancona, Nigel Havers, Michael Feast, and Nick Frost. Every role stands out no matter how small their part is. 

Mark Polansky creates a storyboard aesthetic with his direction, evoking a sense of imagination. This film was his directorial debut, and he has since directed features, short films, and series. He was chosen to direct the film by Witherspoon, who also produced the film. 

This visual style was his focal point, and he chose to keep the film's era ambiguous. Filming transpired in London, England. Once Penelope ventures into the world, every destination serves a purpose. It’s important to explore.  

Did you know that the makeup team created a pig prosthetic that wouldn’t cover Ricci’s face? The whole process to put it on Ricci took an hour and a half. It was carefully designed so audiences could still see her expressions, allowing Ricci’s performance to shine through her makeup. There are always secrets in movies. 

When I went back and watched “Penelope,” I was surprised that the message about loving yourself didn’t strike me more at 11 years old. You don’t need a romantic relationship if you are already happy with yourself. That is the best message we need right now.

Movies have been setting the notion that true love breaks spells. Love is a beautiful thing, but it has different definitions. We need to love ourselves. Most importantly, we all come in different shapes and sizes. Our physical identities are no one else’s business, except our own. 

“Penelope” is a whimsical story suitable for all audiences. It’s funny and has memorable performances. The film is streaming on Prime Video.