Beatrix Potter developed a fertile imagination when young. Later in life, she came up with bold and brilliant characters, as told in Miss Potter (2006, UK).

Beatrix became the world’s bestselling children’s illustrator and author with her brand of characters, such as Peter Rabbit, characters that are animals with human characteristics.

The basis for her creativity and animal stories was her childhood environment and experiences.

Defied expectations

In England of the late 1800’s, the social climate of the time expected her to marry and be a good home keeper like her mother. But it was the simple experiences in the backyard and among animals that forged her imagination and later a lucrative publishing career.

The mores of the time followed her into adulthood, but she resisted those expectations of her.

At thirty-two and unmarried, and without agreeing to marry any suitors, this independent minded woman went ‘out of a limb’ and followed her imagination, an imagination which had been developed over the years.

She found a publisher for her creations, creations from her childhood memories in the backyard and the country.

Her first illustrated children’s book was The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

She went on to make a fortune with a number of animal stories.

Should never die

But her bold, brilliant imagination could have been brought to an untimely end. She was in the throes of marrying her publisher, which wasn’t approved of by Beatrix’s mother because she would be ‘marrying down’, but tragedy struck. She fell into remorse and it seemed writing and illustrating her children’s books would no longer contain the edge and inspiration they once had.

Her heart failed her because of the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. Disappointment may overcome the life of one of the most inspired imaginations. This is where the drama comes in—where we the viewers are on tender hooks anticipating how it will all turn out. Such a bold, brilliant imagination as Beatrix’s should never die. To create life never should.

Some scenes recreate Beatrix’s illustrations in vivid animation.

Beatrix Potter was played by Renee Zellweger (Bridget Jones’ Diary, Cold Mountain)

Chris Noonan (Babe) directed

Miss Potter’s running time is 88 minutes