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"Waitress" Serves Up a Slice of Life
Patti Hutchens on 4/24/2007
"Waitress" is the story of a young woman trapped by unhappy and smothering conditions, blinded to her own self worth. Jenna (Keri Russell) is a waitress at Joe's Pie Diner in a small town. She is married to a selfish and cruel man (Jeremy Sisto) whom she fears; and she dreams of an escape. Her one hope is in making it to a pie contest, held out of town and winning the large cash first prize. She believes money is her only ticket to freedom.
An unwanted pregnancy complicates her escape and adds to her feelings of being forever trapped. Jenna's extreme sadness is always evident. Her only real joy is in the pies she creates daily. Jenna names the pies to fit the events in her life, such as, "I-Don't-Want-Earl's-Baby Pie" (later changed to "Bad Baby Pie"), "I-Hate-My-Husband Pie" and "Pregnant-Miserable-Self-Pitying-Loser Pie". But she also finds pleasure in the company of her gynecologist, Dr. Pomatter (Nathan Fillion). His quirky kindness and passion put a smile on her face. Jenna begins to write letters to her unborn child at the suggestion of her friends and fellow waitresses, Becky (Cheryl Hines) and Dawn (Adrienne Shelley). Her letters express her sadness, but the self contemplation aides her in realizing her worth.
This is a story of a woman finding her worth, her survival and her strength. Keri Russell dearly portrays Jenna's deepening sadness and the strengthening evolution of self-awareness. Nathan Fillion, as Dr. Pomatter, gives her kindness and affection, providing relief for Jenna's heart and mind. Old Joe, the owner of Joe's Pie Diner, is lovingly portrayed by Andy Griffith.
Waitress was the opening night film at Method Fest, an independent film festival in Calabasas, California. Several free promotional screenings are being held over the next few weeks. Check for a screening in your area and reserve your tickets here.
Writer and Director, Adrienne Shelley, has starred in more than 20 films and directed two features, I'll Take You There and Sudden Manhattan. She received the award for best director at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival for 'I'll Take You There'. Sadly, Adrienne Shelley was murdered at her Greenwich Village office in late 2006.
Movie: Waitress
Writer & Director: Adrienne Shelley
Producer: Michael Roff
Starring: Keri Russell, Nathan Fillion, Cheryl Hines, Adrienne Shelley, Jeremy Sisto, Andy Griffith, Eddie Jemison, Lew Temple
Images from the film, courtesy of the official Waitress movie website.
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