Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Meryl to "officially" be campaigned in lead for "August: Osage County"

After last night's premiere of August: Osage County, the Weinstein Company is evidently "officially" putting Meryl in lead and dropping Julia Roberts to supporting (although I think there's still good chance of both going lead).  This was sort of expected, and truthfully where things likely stood prior to Tom O'Neil's report about Meryl possibly going supporting last month.  After having read some official reviews, praise for Meryl's performance is almost unanimous.  Roberts is getting mostly good to great reviews too, but without question the standout is Streep.  I wish more people thought as highly of the film as they do the acting, but the general sense I get is that people who have seen the play find the film a lesser version of a great story.

Bottom line it that Meryl looks like a strong contender for awards recognition this year and audiences at the screenings seem to be eating it up, even if critics aren't blown away.  At least there's hope for respectable box office returns come Christmas.  That can often propel buzz about the film and its stars.  I can't wait to see this.  The Twin Cities Film Fest should be announcing its October lineup soon!  

  "They're putting me back in lead!"

8 comments:

  1. I agree with your idea Jeff but good is better than mediocre. From the reviews of Philomena thus far they say it is very good with excellent acting but no critic showers Dench with raves really - seems it might be a typically great Dench performance but not mind-blowing. I am all but convinced it will be between Blanchett and Meryl unless there is a later surprise from someone else (Chastain possibly?).

    I love also that out of all Meryl's Oscar races since 2003 she has always been in the top 2 as favourite.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think Meryl could pose a threat, but the reviews so far seem to tepid on the movie to make Meryl undeniable. It's totally still possible, but I think unlikely. Then again, I was certain Viola Davis would win for The Help. Like I said, box office may come into play, and the fact that August is wide released five months after Blue Jasmine.

      Delete
    2. So we know the winners in Sept. Redford Cate Fassy & dreaded Oprah. Sucks!

      Delete
  2. Gee...It would be great if Meryl could pull out the win. Such a great role and Meryl apparently nails it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. When Streep works with an auteur Director she will earn her 4th Oscar...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wonder when that might happen, though. Streep's a pretty strong force and certainly doesn't hesitate to speak up when she has an opinion or how a character should be. Who knows. There's no director attached to The Good House yet.

      Delete
    2. I agree, I am sure a lot of the lack of greatness in The Iron Lady rested on the director and to a lesser extent the writer. I realise it was their pet project and passion to begin with but I feel it would have been much stronger with more distinguished talent.

      The same goes for Doubt. It was a very good film but could have been a masterpiece with the right Director. Again, there was little Meryl could do as he was the writer!

      I am not sure why John Wells was chosen for this film but I will keep an open mind for now.

      Bottom line, only in lucky instances do all elements come together to match Meryl's talent and ignite perfection.

      Delete