disappointment media
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • The Snake Hole
  • About

CATHERINE CALLED BIRDY -- Lena Dunham's Take On The Beloved Children's Book

9/23/2022

0 Comments

 
Review by Tatiana Miranda
Picture
Nearly thirty years post its literary release, Karen Cushman's Catherine Called Birdy has its theatrical debut thanks to Amazon Studios and director Lena Dunham. Set in medieval England, Catherine Called Birdy is the fictional account of 14-year-old Lady Catherine, who is only a lady in name and not in spirit. Often inventing curse words and longing to become a saint, Catherine is the 13th-century version of Anne Shirley, equally headstrong, ill-tempered, and loyal as the other beloved children's book character. Like many of the characters Dunham writes about, Catherine is not the most likable, but she is full of personality and, more importantly, comedy. ​

Alongside Bella Ramsey as Catherine is a star-studded cast including Joe Alwyn, Billie Piper, Andrew Scott, and Isis Hainsworth. Due to Scott's character, Lord Rollo, and his excessive spending, Catherine has to be married off as she is his only living daughter. This, of course, is much to Catherine's dismay, so she sets to foil any of her father's plans. Between her many hijinks regarding potential suitors, Catherine also navigates some familiar teenage problems, such as starting her period and having her first kiss. These seemingly ordinary moments are paired with comedy as the setting is anything than normal since it takes place in a time likely unfamiliar to its target audience. 

Although some recent adaptions that include modern problems in historical settings have seemingly gotten it wrong (e.g. Netflix's Persuasion), Catherine Called Birdy treats its historical elements with fascination and fun, not necessarily accuracy. The film also strays away from the typical portrayals of medieval England, trading the usual dull backdrops for lavish courtyards and whimsical home decor. While the costumes are nothing spectacular, each is tailored to the character and full of elements representing their priorities. This is especially apparent with Rollo's costuming, as he is often seen wearing detailed, embroidered robes and necklaces that show off his exuberant habits. 
Picture
While most of the film stays true to its literary counterpart, there are several elements changed somewhat surprisingly for the better, both narratively and cinematically. Perhaps most glaring is the ending, which, without spoiling anything, is even more heartfelt and compelling than the one Cushman wrote originally. Catherine's Fleabag-style narration keeps some of the first-person narrative elements from the source material, as the novel is written in diary format. Her witty remarks and musings are paired with the usual cheesy coming-of-age tracks, which are honestly the only downside to Dunham's masterpiece.

As Dunham's passion project, Catherine Called Birdy is representative of everything her work is known for: female empowerment, family, and humor. Her voice perfectly matches the underlying themes of the novel, and they come together in a fantastic blend of the exotic and relatable.

Catherine Called Birdy is released in theaters September 23 and on Prime Video October 7.​

Rating: 4/5
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019

    Authors

    All
    Adam Donato
    Alan French
    Allison Brown
    Borja Izuzquiz
    Camden Ferrell
    Cole Groth
    Daniel Lima
    Dan Skip Allen
    Erin M. Brady
    Jonathan Berk
    Joseph Fayed
    Josh Batchelder
    Paris Jade
    Rafael Motamayor
    Sarah Williams
    Sean Boelman
    Tatiana Miranda

disappointment media

Dedicated to unique and diverse perspectives on cinema!
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • The Snake Hole
  • About