I have a feeling that this movie suffered from a difficulty in "finding" its audience, which was almost certainly those who are artists. It could approached and appreciated by others for sure, but for this film basically assumes you have at the least a passing interest in art, and a decent knowledge of art history. Without them, I don't see there being a lot for the viewer to latch onto except for the beautiful scenery, though I suppose the theme of "finding yourself" is fairly universal... But don't go in looking for broad comedy or warm and fuzzy romance or you will most certainly not find one. I however was very much drawn in and felt it to be a warm and honest portrayal of an artist searching for her path.
The trailers may present this as a sort of quirky rom-com, but it's really not, which is a strength in my opinion. But if that's what one went in expecting, I could see some disappointment. This is much more about Art, being a painter, perhaps being a Jewish painter who's a woman, and commitment to all of the above. Notice that list did NOT include love, romance or finding the "right one." I think we've had quite enough of those already anyway, and Jenny Slate does an excellent job in inhabiting her character in a natural and organic manner.
That said, it IS often funny, with snappy dialog when the scene calls for it, and more subdued when appropriate. Plenty of sections have little dialog at all except for some internal commentary coming from Slate's character.
Lastly, it's a visually beautiful film to look at, with gorgeous scenery and naturalistic lighting.
The trailers may present this as a sort of quirky rom-com, but it's really not, which is a strength in my opinion. But if that's what one went in expecting, I could see some disappointment. This is much more about Art, being a painter, perhaps being a Jewish painter who's a woman, and commitment to all of the above. Notice that list did NOT include love, romance or finding the "right one." I think we've had quite enough of those already anyway, and Jenny Slate does an excellent job in inhabiting her character in a natural and organic manner.
That said, it IS often funny, with snappy dialog when the scene calls for it, and more subdued when appropriate. Plenty of sections have little dialog at all except for some internal commentary coming from Slate's character.
Lastly, it's a visually beautiful film to look at, with gorgeous scenery and naturalistic lighting.