DVD Review:  The Nanny Diaries

Movie Title:  The Nanny Diaries
Director:  Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini
Starring:  Scarlett Johansson, Laura Linney, Chris Evans, Alicia Keys
Rating:  PG-13

What is life like for the incredibly rich child? The Nanny Diaries, based on the book by the same name, explores the topic from a cultural view point. The movie is centered on Annie Braddock, a young college graduate that wanders into the world of high class New York, well at least into their playrooms. She is desperately looking for a place to “hide out” while she thinks about the next step in her life. On one hand, her mother (a working class nurse) is pushing her towards a high paying job in the world of finance, but her heart is leading her toward the less financially rewarding world of anthropology. When she finds herself at an end without a decision she accidentally runs into a place to hide out. She rescues a child in the park and suddenly finds herself in high demand for a nanny position.

Upon entering the job, Annie (who from then on is called nanny) discovers that another world exists for these extremely rich women who are governed only by their own selfishness. The movie showcases neglect, the mothers and fathers use their children as status symbols by pressing them into the best schools, and rarely doing anything for the child that doesn’t show off their wealth and position. Even at his own birthday party, the child is forced to watch French clowns performing chic but mournful mime. The real party had been postponed because the party planner they wanted wasn’t available till next month, and so the child is sitting alone (except for the ever-present nanny) while his parents fight in the next room.

All in all the situation of the child and the position of the help in the movie makes you cry. There are some funny scenes, but this is not a laugh out loud movie. Truthfully, despite the remorse you feel for the characters the movie is slightly boring. I definitely won’t buy it, but for those who have read the book, the movie follows much of the basic plot line. However, in the end the movie instills a sense of hope that was not found in the book, and that was nice.

Purchase The Nanny Diaries (Widescreen Edition).

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