Lady of the Manor (film)
Lady of the Manor is a 2021 American buddy comedy film written and directed by brothers Justin Long and Christian Long in their directorial debuts. It stars Melanie Lynskey, Judy Greer, Justin Long, Ryan Phillippe, Luis Guzmán, and Patrick Duffy. The film premiered at the Gasparilla International Film Festival,[1] and was released by Lionsgate on September 17, 2021.[2]
| Lady of the Manor | |
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| Directed by |
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| Written by |
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| Produced by |
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| Cinematography | Nick Morgulis |
| Edited by | Annette Davey |
| Music by | Craig Wedren Bo Boddie |
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| Distributed by | Lionsgate |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Plot
Hannah Kolinsky (Lynskey), a rather sketchy, oft-intoxicated model-actress, finds herself dumped by her boyfriend. Just then the dissolute but cute scion of an aristocratic Southern family hires her to take over the job of tour guide. Said scion wants to get into Hannah’s pants, as he had into those of the former guide. Occupational hazard. Hannah is a slouchy, inarticulate, unladylike and generally inept tour guide, attempting to impersonate the lady of the manor in the historical-recreation tour. The actual ghost of the lady of the manor (Judy Greer) appears to Hannah over and over. They actually develop a friendship; their better qualities rub off on each other; Hannah is persuaded to evade the advances of the young heir (Phillipe), whom we learn is married, and to welcome the charms of a very cute “nerd,” a history professor (Justin Long). All this in the service of the main plot, whereby Hannah helps the ghost to unearth evidence that she had intended to leave the mansion to Nia and her brother Markus, descendants of the ghost’s best friend, an African-American woman of that period. All turns out for the best. Wrongs are righted, and The professor and Hannah end up in bed together. Patrick Duffy has a couple scenes as the young rake’s (Ryan Phillipe’s) father, but the film’s focus is firmly, fondly, and humorously on the two women. There are silly fart jokes, and the fade-out is on Hannah (not again!) being arrested for something we the audience knows she didn’t do. The light-heartedness is sometimes thin, but the girl playing Hannah is sufficiently offbeat to keep our interest.
Cast
- Melanie Lynskey as Hannah Kolinsky
- Judy Greer as Lady Wadsworth
- Justin Long as Max Cameron
- Ryan Phillippe as Tanner Wadsworth
- Luis Guzmán as Wally
- Patrick Duffy as Leonard
Production
In November 2019, it was announced Justin Long and Christian Long would write and direct the film.[3] In March 2020, it was announced Melanie Lynskey, Judy Greer, Long, Ryan Phillippe, Luis Guzmán and Patrick Duffy had joined the cast of the film.[4]
Principal photography began on January 2, 2020, in Tampa, Florida.[5] Filming also took place in St. Petersburg.[6]
References
- Guzzo, Paul (June 9, 2021). "Justin Long to attend Tampa screening of his movie that was made in Tampa". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved August 28, 2021.
- Boelman, Sean (June 13, 2021). "[GIFF 2021] Brothers Justin and Christian Long Talk Their Feature Directorial Debut LADY OF THE MANOR". Disappointment Media. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
- Guzzo, Paul (November 22, 2019). "Justin Long of 'Jeepers Creepers' to direct movie in Hillsborough". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
- N’Duka, Amanda (March 11, 2020). "'Younger's Molly Bernard Cast In 'Master'; Patrick Duffy Joins 'Lady of the Manor'; 'Desperate Housewives' Alum Andrea Bowen In 'Sinister Sister' – Film Briefs". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
- Tatham, Chelsea (January 2, 2020). "Justin Long's movie begins filming Thursday in Tampa". WTSP. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
- MM Staff (January 26, 2021). "Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker, 2021". MovieMaker. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved May 11, 2021.