What Maisie Knew
In New York City, a young girl is caught in the middle of her parents' bitter custody battle.
Director:
Scott McGehee, David Siegel
Cast:
Julianne Moore, Alexander Skarsgård, Steve Coogan
Screenplay:
Nancy Doyne, Carroll Cartwright
Screening Date:
Apr 27, 2013
| Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.6% | 5.6% | 25.0% | 47.2% | 16.7% |
Final scene is one of hope, if only someone just cares. The parent’s careers, not in the book, are well chosen. Avoid the superficiality of art – appearances, and music – sounds. Buying a giant stuffed pony or saying ‘I love you’ is no substitute for genuine care and concern for our children.
We’ve seen the DISCONNECT with electronics in our modern world, but this film reached right into basic human values, a story as valid in 1897 as it is in 2013 or whenever parents care more about themselves than their children.
So well done about a subject we all see working NYC and yes, it does exist.
The acting by Lincoln, Margot and Maisie allowed for abiding the abuse of the child. The James’ story was closely respected, but placing it in 21century left me indifferent.
Wow! Emotionally devastating. A truly well-made film.
Good movie!
The story was predictable and the cast so good looking, I really enjoyed this film. For starters it was gorgeous to look at. The sound design was subtle and affective and an integral part of the whole. And the young actress who played Maisie was irresistible. Bad parents, fairytale step parents, fine movie experience.
Maisie was amazing!
Excellent story that will never reach the audience to which it is intended. But as preaching to the choir goes this was remarkably well done.
Plot weakness: Margo and Lincoln are way too smart and savvy to have hooked up with the father and mother. What a pathetic pair of messed up people. So enjoyed this film and appreciated its direction.
Curious title, Maisie really knew very little about what was happening around her, she was just a child reacting to love, looking for love whenever she can get it.
Just having an egg and a sperm doesn’t make for good parents. Children are not objects to be passed around. Touching subject - sign of the time.
Great casting. The child was fabulous. So did they end up living in Mom’s Place giving Mom visitation?
Thanks for the great book/film comparison discussion. I think it most fitting that in the book she ends up with the governess, someone who cared for her body and soul.
Heartbreaking story, and Maisie had a face that breaks your heart, without a tear or a tantrum. What a remarkable performance. Have to remind oneself that this was all a movie, and the girl just acting!
A bit slow, just OK.
Julianne Moore in her bio on the internet talks of her struggle to juggle career and parenthood.
At least with a pet they could have someone come in and feed her or leave in a boarding facility. Why didn’t Maisie have a telephone? At 6 yrs old she would have a phone if she had these parents. Very disturbing. Interesting choices - Lincoln and Margot are the serving class. They are clearly better parents than the parents who delegate their parental responsibilities to others. Maisie has quite a wardrobe. In 1897 parents had servants do the parenting.
Maisie was remarkable, as every bit as good as Quvenzhané Wallis in BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD. These parents were the beasts of NYC!
Maisie suffered from neglect. Like the turtle Maisie develops a thick shell. As time goes by she slowly starts to (hopefully) develop a better life.
