Florence Foster Jenkins
- Director: Stephen Frears
- Writer: Nicholas Martin
- Producer: Oliver Kassman; Michael Kuhn
CGiii Comment
As camp as a row of sequined tents...with an underlying [mostly unexplored] darkness...
This film could have been so very different...if it hadn't been played for the laughs...yes, the laughs come fairly frequently...with one scene being an instant classic. You'll be rolling on the floor in hysterics!
Back to the darkness...Florence Foster Jenkins has baggage, a history that defines her. She is in a sexless, love-filled marriage and an ambition to sing...alas, she sings like a cat being skinned alive. But...money (of which she is well-endowed) helps.
Streep rises to the flat notes, Grant delivers a memorable sensitivity...unfortunately, Helberg (The Big Bang's Howard) falters and dithers in a role that seems to be under-developed...and, ultimately, is over-shadowed by the characters with the bigger names.
Still, there is much to enjoy...as a comedy it delivers a sugar-coated, palatable story.
But...if it had been a tragi-comedy [through and through] it would have moved mountains...and, reduced everyone to tears...the acting talent was there...pity the writer took the easier path!
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
Florence Foster Jenkins , an heiress form NYC always wanted to be a concert pianist and play Carnegie Hall. An injury in her youth deterred that dream. So she sets out to sing her way to Carnegie Hall knowing the only way to get there would be 'Practice Practice Practice '. Her husband supports her venture and the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins playing Carnegie Hall becomes a truly historic event.
Cast & Characters
Meryl Streep as Florence Foster Jenkins;
Hugh Grant as St Clair Bayfield;
Simon Helberg as Cosme McMoon;
Rebecca Ferguson as Kathleen;
Nina Arianda as Agnes Stark;
Stanley Townsend as Phineas Stark;
Allan Corduner as John Totten;
Christian McKay as Earl Wilson;
David Haig as Carlo Edwards;
John Sessions as Dr. Hermann;
Brid Brennan as Kitty;
John Kavanagh as Arturo Toscanini;
Pat Starr as Mrs. Vanderbilt;
Maggie Steed as Mrs. James O'Flaherty;
Thelma Barlow as Mrs. Oscar Garmunder