Gemma Arterton takes the title role in Stephen Frears' Tamara Drewe.
Before long, a striking yellow Mini pulls up, pelted by eggs thrown by youngsters.
Out steps Tamara, spitting at no-one in particular, What a dump.
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From book to film the major shift is one of tone.
Life in Ewedon, in fact, is pretty dull.
These weightier scenes dont fully puncture the air of fun, and instead feel tonally awkward.
There are hints of insecurity and conflicted values, as her ambition is scuppered by a rhinoplasty-aided makeover.
Its also worth asking, do we care?
Tamara Drewe is in cinemas today.
Rating:
4 out of 5
