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Then She Found Me (2007)

Director: Helen Hunt

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From Time Out London

Middle age is sexy – it’s official! Helen Hunt has chosen for her directorial debut to adapt a novel by Elinor Lipman, who specialises in that tricky age. In this audacious, low-key romance, Hunt dominates as a 39-year-old New York teacher who’s saddled with a low ovum count, a ticking clock and an immature new husband.

In a film of swinging doors, husband Ben leaves and her adoptive mother dies, just as divorced Frank (Colin Firth) hoves into view, as does TV host Bernice (Bette Midler), claiming to be her mother. Hunt’s debut is a breakthrough film in the categorical sense: an awkward film on an awkward age with a central character who is, well, awkward. Hunt’s jumpy direction is arguably suited to the film’s desperately cliché-avoiding indie sensibility, but there are some disorientating elisions which mean you’re not always sure what’s going on. The performances, too – notably Midler’s – kick off in an broad register. But Hunt’s film does soften the heart, not least because of its honesty and its sensitivity to some unfashionable dilemmas.

Author: Wally Hammond

Time Out London Issue 1987, 17-23 Sept, 2008

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User reviews of this film

Madison said...

Posted on Sep 25 2008 08:55 As much as I respect Ms hunt for appearing refreshingly unbotoxed, my lord this film dragged. I dont mind sentimentality but there is sentimentality and there is drivel! no-one in the UK speaks with such emotional soul searching so this film will probably appeal to americans more than british audiences. one of those films where you cant wait for it to end. The men in the cinema were audibly restless. You might like it if you too are going through a midlife crisis or have been adopted. not worth £8 to see

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