inkblot11 Review of The Nanny Diaries

The Nanny Diaries (2007)

A very nice film, with a terrific cast....expect some tears, however

[7/10 · 1 September 2007]

Annie (Scarlett Johannsen) has just graduated from college with a degree in finance. This pleases her mother very much, as mom is a hardworking nurse and single parent. Although Annie is thus expected to land a great job on Wall Street, she bolts with fright from her first serious interview and takes a walk in Central Park. It is there that she saves a young boy, Grayer, from an oncoming bicyclist. Grayer's own mother, Mrs. X (Laura Linney) shows up soon enough, without realizing the near catastrophe that resulted from her neglect. Mrs. X is in need of a new nanny and when Annie introduces herself, the X lady thinks she says nanny instead of Annie and begs her to come work for her. Since Annie is so confused about her future and it seems like a good opportunity, Annie accepts. But, Annie does not tell her own mother about her new position, only that she is moving to the big city from their home in Jersey and getting her own place. Despite having no experience with kids, Annie is a quick study and soon becomes quite close to Grayer. But, Mrs. X and her equally self-involved husband (Paul Giamatti) are extremely demanding employers and horridly neglectful parents at the same time. Can Annie stick it out? This is a sharp look at the world of the extremely rich, where children are more of accessories than desperately wanted human beings. In that light, Linney and Giamatti are amazing as the loathsome parents who fail to give their son what he needs most, their time and their love. Johannsen is likewise wonderful as the confused girl who nevertheless learns that money is no diving board to happiness. Chris Evans delights, also, as a love interest for Annie. Naturally, the costumes are terrific, as is the New York setting and the lush apartment of the X's. Kudos should also be extended to the nice script and good direction. In short, get a nanny to watch the kids for a few hours and go take in this nice movie. Although a few tears may fall along the way, this movie is both enlightening and entertaining, a rare treat. It is a certainty that you will find it easy to love.