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Getting It Right

R 1989 1h 42m Comedy List
71% Tomatometer 7 Reviews 74% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
Gavin Lamb (Jesse Birdsall) is a shy London hairdresser employed at a trendy West End salon. Though past the age of 30, Gavin still lives with his parents, a fact that has not helped him with the ladies. When the innocent Gavin somehow stumbles into three relationships, he must decide if he wants to be with the seasoned, wealthy Joan (Lynn Redgrave), the eccentric basement-dweller Lady Minerva (Helena Bonham Carter) or Jenny (Jane Horrocks), the junior hairdresser at his salon.

Critics Reviews

View All (7) Critics Reviews
Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times Getting It Right is a character film, not a plot film, and so the point is not what happens, but who it happens to. The screenplay is by Elizabeth Jane Howard, based on her novel, and it shows a novelist's instinct for character and dialogue. Rated: 4/4 Jan 1, 2000 Full Review Rene Jordan El Nuevo Herald (Miami) Like a bracelet of imitation Jewelry, yet shines when the actors play its tune well. [Full review in Spanish] Jul 11, 2022 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Rated: 2/5 Jul 16, 2005 Full Review Jonathan R. Perry Tyler Morning Telegraph (Texas) Rated: 4/5 Jun 1, 2005 Full Review Carol Cling Las Vegas Review-Journal Rated: 3/5 Aug 22, 2003 Full Review Caffeinated Clint Moviehole Never had I thought like cutting up a video tape Rated: 1/5 Sep 17, 2002 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (7) audience reviews
RuRu D I wish this movie would be released on on disc. I still have my original copy on VHS, because I love it so much. Jesse Birdsall, Helena Bonham Carter, Lynn Redgrave and Jane (Bubbles from AbFab) Horrocks were perfect in this film. I, especially, loved Helena Bonham Carter's character, "Lady Minerva Munday" and all of her unique and colorful idiosyncrasies, not to mention her cool sense of fashion. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/02/23 Full Review Audience Member is watching Lynn Redgrave channel David Bowie, and is embarrassed for everybody involved. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review Audience Member Getting It Right doesn't strain itself, but it's a fun light comedy with some fun moments and performances. The description is a bit misleading, as Gavin (the main character) isn't really such a social recluse, and breaks out of his shell pretty early in the film. The film is hindered a bit by his ever-present narration, but as the film doesn't want to be much more than an enjoyable way to pass 100 minutes, it's not much of a bother. A fun little British comedy, and only on VHS! Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/22/23 Full Review Audience Member An avid fan of British films, I was very excited to see the cast list of Getting It Right, back in '89 when it was released. I didn't know who Jesse Birdsall was (but I have been a fan since) but I LOVED Judy Parfitt, John Gielgud, Peter Cook, Helena Bonham Carter, Pat Heywood and the great Lynn Redgrave. This would also be my introduction to Jane Horrocks. What I found when I saw the film was this quirky little comedy about some very real people with some idiosyncracic behavioural patterns. Each character is a delight to watch (except, perhaps, for Harry, the whiny best friend - ech; no wonder Winthrop left), especially the odd mother who makes curry that burns the roof off your mouth. This is one of Lynn Redgrave's most interesting characters and most compelling performances. For most of the movie she plays an eccentric and aloof millionairess who hides behind disguises; there are, though, a few scenes in which the pretense is dropped and she stands naked (literally) before Gavin and the audience and allows her vulnerability to show. It is a truly magnificent perforamnce, fully realized and totally beautiful. My favourite scene with her is the heart wrenching scene when she and Gavin say goodbye and she says "Don't worry about being loved. Worry about loving. It's far more important." Jesse Birdsall is a wonderful leading man, full of character and charm and good looks. It is impossible to not cheer for him. It is also impossible to not cheer for GETTING IT RIGHT. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/18/23 Full Review Audience Member it was the first time i saw helena do something outside of merchant ivory and that was it i knew she would be fantastic in anything and i would see them ALL Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/26/23 Full Review Audience Member This was such an amazing movie and I can't find it anywhere-netflix, blockbuster, nada! I just remember it was quirky and funny and really sweet. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Getting It Right

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Movie Info

Synopsis Gavin Lamb (Jesse Birdsall) is a shy London hairdresser employed at a trendy West End salon. Though past the age of 30, Gavin still lives with his parents, a fact that has not helped him with the ladies. When the innocent Gavin somehow stumbles into three relationships, he must decide if he wants to be with the seasoned, wealthy Joan (Lynn Redgrave), the eccentric basement-dweller Lady Minerva (Helena Bonham Carter) or Jenny (Jane Horrocks), the junior hairdresser at his salon.
Director
Randal Kleiser
Producer
Jonathan D. Krane, Randal Kleiser
Screenwriter
Elizabeth Jane Howard
Production Co
Management Company Entertainment Group
Rating
R
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (DVD)
Dec 6, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA)
$73.2K
Runtime
1h 42m