neumu [ cinematronic ]




	Very Annie-Mary
	Sara Sugarman Rachel Griffiths, Jonathan Pryce, Ioan Gruffudd, Matthew Rhys 2001		Anyone familiar with the superb Australian actress Rachel Griffiths from her serious, sophisticated presence in the film "Hilary & Jackie" or the TV series "Six Feet Under" might be surprised or put off by her rendering of the ungainly title character in "Very Annie-Mary," a strenuously quirky, slightly grotesque British dramedy that falters in the end. Still, Griffiths delivers whatever a role requires. Her Annie-Mary is an awkward, painfully shy woman in her 30s, who lives in a picturesque Welsh town with her domineering father. Played by the assiduous Jonathan Pryce ("Brazil"), Daddy is a baker and religious fanatic with a beautiful tenor voice. He also browbeats his daughter on a regular basis, and the result is an emotionally stunted individual dreaming of a better life on her own. Despite winning a singing competition in her youth, Annie-Mary's confidence has been shattered over time. A talent contest in Cardiff may be her ticket to freedom, but she better prepare herself for a rocky road.