Florence
Foster Jenkins
Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant
are cast in the true story of a very nice, lovely and wealthy woman who was a committed
benefactor to the arts and who also equally loved to perform (act). But her
larger dream was to one day to be able to sing alone on the big stage, the only
problem is she happens to be a very bad singer and doesn’t know it. Still
undeterred she hopes to fulfill her enduring lifelong dream of singing at the biggest
performance stage of them all; at Carnegie Hall. This is the story of “Florence
Foster Jenkins”.
The film itself, "FFJ"
takes place around the 1940’s during the backdrop of World War 2 in New York City.
It has an enchanting, very funny (appropriately so) and tender quality to its
execution about this unique couple’s loving relationship even though at times the
relationship operated under an unusual umbrella of secrets and sad personal
history.
Overall “FFJ” has an authentic
“old” movie feel about it with its carefully crafted rich and subtle details from
the customs and wardrobes and musical selections to the overall set design. But
while the film may have had a dated quality about it to the visual eye, there
is an homage to the importance of social etiquette through the exalting prism
of personal virtues that matter then and even today; graciousness, gentleness,
dignity, encouragement, respect and sincerity.
Once again, Meryl Streep is
absolutely prenominal as Florence as it will probably land her a record 20th
Oscar nomination, which is staggering in itself. But perhaps even more
surprising is that her co-star in the film, Huge Grant has never even been
nominated once. Well, in my opinion he absolutely deserves a Best Supporting
Actor Nomination here as the genuinely devoted husband, muse, confidant and
best friend to the Mrs. Foster. Hugh Grant was just splendid from the film’s
beginning to the emotional and moving finale. He holds his own with Meryl in
every frame and much, much more.
‘FFJ” is such a sweet little film
to enjoy. I was enthrallingly captivated - enthrallingly charmed.
3
-3/4 Stars
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