Pettigrew exclusive at the Ayala Cinemas

MANILA, Philippines - Amy Adams stars in the critically-acclaimed romantic comedy Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day which she describes as “a female-driven story about finding out what — and who — is right for you, and being true to yourself even as you step outside of your comfort zone.”

Also starring Frances McDormand and Mark Strong, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day will be shown soon exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas (Glorietta 4 and Greenbelt 3).

It was only when Amy arrived for a meeting that the filmmakers sensed they had found their lead character Delysia. “There is a spirit and joie de vivre to her that is unique and utterly infectious,” says director Bharat Nalluri. “I’m referring to not only Delysia but also Amy herself.

“First of all,” marvels Nalluri, “Amy has unbeatable comic timing. She also has an extraordinary vulnerability that she brings to the screen. It’s rare to find an actor who has both.”

Producer Nellie Bellflower says, “Amy is beautiful and sexy, and also has the ability to be funny — verbally and physically — without losing any sense of innocence. What we saw in Junebug and then witnessed firsthand is that she removes any barrier between the characters she inhabits and the audience.”

The same could be said of Adams’ own connection to Delysia; “I responded to Delysia as soon as I read the script,” she explains. “I am attracted to optimistic people and characters. Delysia is so vivacious and energetic and full of life, and she’s really resourceful — which is important, because she has a lot going on that she must juggle. If she had a modern motto, it would be ‘Fake it ‘til you make it.’

“Knowing that Frances was going to play Miss Pettigrew — and I have always been a great admirer of her work — I was excited about what we might be able to achieve together,” Adams continues. “She turned out to be such a generous and joyful person to work with, while keeping everything professional and authentic. She mined all the humor from the script — and I tried to follow her lead, on a wing and a prayer...”

Nalluri was keen to stoke the chemistry of McDormand and Adams, “since the two characters are so very different yet come to see their similarities in terms of what they want and need out of life. I also knew that Frances and Amy together would make for a dynamic — and comedic — duo.

“At the first script reading, they were both so wonderful together that it set the whole tone for the film — and the style we shot it in. They brought the characters to life, and so I knew then even better how I was going to approach the work. When you’re doing comedy, I’ve found it’s best to set it up, give the actors a nice frame, and then let them do their work.”