Richard Linklater’s adaptation of Maria Semple’s novel is one of those great films that you’ll want to see more than once. At turns hilarious, dramatic and tragic, it centers around a brilliant architect (Cate Blanchett) who has turned into both a mother and a recluse, who’s child (Bee, played by newcomer Emma Nelson) is her best friend. Bernadette lives with Bee, Husband Elgie Branch (Billy Crudup) and a golden retriever named Ice Cream in a crumbling building in Seattle, bought as a project that she can’t quite get around to, as she is still reeling from a perceived failure from 20 years ago.
Bernadette focuses on her child as her whole life (Moms – can you relate?) and in the process loses her identity as she subverts her own drive, which resurfaces in nutty behavior and a failed intervention which causes her to run away…and in the process find herself again.
Watch the interview below as Cate Blanchett explains the nuances of Bernadette’s character. WHERE’D YOU GO BERNADETTE is in theaters today, August 16th. Highly recommended for parents to watch as they celebrate their children going off to school this week.
