When I have specific requests from readers, I pay very close attention. One of our regular viewers, Rob, suggested that I choose a Streep film for all of us to watch or re-watch and then discuss. Although a seemingly natural idea, I've never called for a specific discussion regarding thoughts on Streep's individual works. Yes, I provide my film reviews but they don't necessarily facilitate a conversation around what everyone's thoughts are.
So, I'm adding a tag above entitled "Lets' Talk About..." where I'll select a film and encourage any and all readers to provide their two cents. If you'd like to chime in, just add your comments to contribute to the dialogue. Given that Rob mentioned Dark Matter, I'll start there. Coincidentally, I happened to watch this film not too long ago, so some of my thoughts are reasonably fresh in my mind. Check it out in the comments section. I look forward to future posts in this section. Thanks for the recommendation, Rob!
Maybe I've said it before, but I'll say it again. Part of me wonders if Meryl's interest in this was mostly about her getting to speak a little bit of an Asian language. Her character is a Sinophile and learning Chinese. It's one of the most obscure areas Meryl would ever expect to work, in that how many roles are there where she would have the opportunity to be surrounded by east-Asian culture and even remotely participate in it. Yes, yes I know it could be considered a compelling story (and I actually believe it is with its focus on a marginalized individual and what that means in the broader context of guns in America) but the cynic in me wonders if Meryl liked the linguistic draw as much as the screenplay.
ReplyDeleteWow, Jeff!!!! Thank you for even reading my comment and then acting upon it. I shall watch "Dark Matter" within the next couple of days and make a comment. It's the only Meryl movie about which I know nothing. Rob, Rocky Mountains, (Revenant Country), Alberta, Canada
ReplyDeleteYou bet! Interested in your thoughts on the film.
DeleteIts been a few years since I've watched "Dark Matter", but its very much a movie that you won't expect Meryl to star in I guess. I mean, like, its different from majority of the movies she had been in before this. I think this movie particularly highlights Meryl's interest in being in movies that will have an affect on the world and comment on issues.
ReplyDeleteWhen she first announced that she would be participating in a 'Chinese' movie in Shanghai, I was so excited but when I watched Dark Matter, I asked myself - why did she even bother? The director is nowhere near the calibre of JIa Zhangke, or Hou Hsiao Hsien or Wong Kar Wai. And the main actor is not even well liked/respected in the Chinese movie industry. What a missed opportunity! And the script was largely pedestrian, nothing to shout about.
ReplyDeleteI watched Dark Matter this morning. It’s definitely not “The Big Bang Theory”.
ReplyDeleteI wasn’t aware of the plot, other than knowing it was based on a factual event. Having seen the movie, I understand why it is one of Meryl’s lesser-known roles. She really has little to do in the movie. As for her performance, I’d rate it near the bottom of all her roles. I found it somewhat affected and just not really believable. When Ye Liu is applying the cosmetics to Meryl, I wasn’t sure if she was attempting to convey sexual tension or an allergic reaction.
As for the movie, I enjoyed most of it Fortunately, it is not a long movie. I thought Ye Liu and Aidan Quinn were both commendable. The screenplay had some holes and the direction was a bit overwrought at times. Supporting characters ranged from adequate to hammy. Technically, nothing exciting.
Ending with a little facetiousness, I find it amazing Meryl kept J. Roy Helland as her hairdresser after this movie - a Bernadette Peters frizz on a bad day!
Thanks for giving us this forum. Rob
Haha yeah she totally looked like Bernadette Peters. I actually thought the cosmetics scene was pretty strong from Meryl. I felt she successfully conveyed a sense of sadness in the fact that this brilliant student is being reduced to peddling products to her, and although she wants to encourage him, she can't help but find it a pathetic situation.
DeleteDidn't you feel the cosmetics scene was a culmination of all the previous sexual tension? Meryl being an older version of the "tea girl"? He couldn't have the tea girl so he went for Meryl. And, he couldn't have Meryl either - the allergic reaction, or whatever that was. Since watching, I've read some reviews and disagree with most of them. I think the movie is better than what those reviewers state. However, still not a great Meryl Streep movie. Was the ending (not wanting to do a spoiler) the result of being rejected by two women or of being rejected by the academic community? I guess, the latter, as they bore the blunt of his wrath. But, it was certainly precipitated by the rejection by the two women. Obviously, there is more and more to think about with this movie. Give me a few more days and I may have more ideas. Rob in Alberta, Canada.
DeleteI liked her hair in this film! haha. I felt all of 2007 was a disappointment on multiple levels for Meryl given the success 2006 saw.
ReplyDeleteYes, but remember that any success she had from 2006 would only show up after 2007's film choices. Doubt/Mamma Mia! and specifically Julie & Julia likely only got made because of TDWP. I wish Dirty Tricks had come together for 2007 instead of Rendition/Lions for Lambs.
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