Friday, May 2nd, 2008

Hats Off!

HATS OFF is a delightful slice of life documentary about actress Mimi Weddell.  She began acting and modeling in her 60s after her late husband passed away, leaving her in debt.  Her spirit and attitude are remarkable.  She refuses to let anything get the best of her. Her motto is “rise above it” and she admirably does.  Weddell has appeared as a bit player and character actress in numerous films and tv shows including Sex in the City, Hitch opposite Will Smith and in the low budget horror film Student Bodies.  She has also appeared in high fashion ads in the pages of Vanity Fair and Vogue. Weddell routinely hits and boards for fourteen hour days and she is now in her 90s!!!


The film has a rather slow pace and I wish it would have had more forward momentum, but I enjoyed it just the same.


I had the pleasure of meeting Mimi Weddell at the recent press day for the film.  She had a VERY firm grip that took me by surprise.  She seemed every bit as vibrant in person as she was in the film.  We launched into an immediate discussion about our mutual passion for vintage hats.  In speaking with her, our 60+ year age difference seemed to melt away and we were just two women having a nice chat. 


If you loved YOUNG @ HEART, then you will also enjoy HATS OFF.  Both films are endearing documentaries that celebrate the spirit of elderly people whose minds keep them vital and young.


Check out HATS OFF now playing at the Laemmle Theatres.