I know we're all struggling a little bit with the dearth in project news for Meryl. I'm sad to report that as of today, The Good House has dropped off of her IMDbPro "in developement" section. That film is currently categorized as "developement unknown," with no actors attached. Interesting sidebar: my mom told me that she saw Ann Leary in an interview last week for her new book The Children, and happened to mention The Good House (I had recommended it a while ago to her and now she's for sure planning to read it). Leary also discussed the possiblity of a film, but that basically Meryl was not a sure thing. Not surprising that it's off Meryl's page (and Robert De Niro's for that matter).
That leaves us with Master Class. Over the weekend I read Terrence McNally's play, on which the HBO film was to be based. I felt compelled to mention it here because of course I couldn't help myself from picuring Meryl the entire time I was reading Maria Callas's zingers. After having finished it, I'm more bummed than ever that it might end up in perpetual movie limbo. Forgetting the fact that I'm already a huge opera fan, Callas in this story is a wonderful character. Fiery, intelligent, direct, vulgar at times and constantly trying to tell the audience that the class is not about her, despite the fact that every event in the play ends up turning the focus squarely and solely back on Maria. She also readily transitions between speaking in English (which would be with a Greek accent), French and Italian, with a bit of German here and there.
Alas, I wonder if the next project we get from Meryl will be something completely unkown. Recall that she had a meeting about a film project in London in May while there for the premiere of Florence Foster Jenkins, but she reportedly wasn't ready to divulge any details yet. Since the start of her film career, Streep has never gone more than a single calendar year without filming something (although January 1999-January 2001 is a full two years). If 2016 goes by without anything, I think it's highly unlikely we won't see her shooting something in 2017. Nyad, anyone? And I'm still holding out hope for The Good House. Even if Meryl isn't involved, I'd still love to see Hildy Good brought to life on screen.
...a candid blog devoted to the incomparable American actress, Meryl Streep.
I know I may be hoping against hope (and in the minority here) - but I wish Master Class will be a Broadway play with Meryl as Callas. That would be my dream come true:) David
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see Meryl on stage too! Who knows what the future holds though, as Jeff points out it's unlikely Meryl will stay dormant for long. Lefts hope more than one project comes together soon and that she's enjoying her (mainly) free time at present. Most people her age are retired so I don't blame her for taking a little more time out!
DeleteThoughts on NYAD:
ReplyDeleteThanks to a kind person allowing me access to the script I must say this is a highly compelling project. It describes a lot more action than I was anticipating and the voice of the main character is unlike anything Meryl has every played.
When reading I was reminded in part of the scrappiness of Karen Silkwood. This woman is a very interesting person for Meryl to attempt to bring to screen.
I especially enjoyed the more private moments were she is interacting with her family/supporters/partner. I imagine Meryl bringing so much warmth and humor to the role as well as physically transforming herself.
All in all, I thought the script was very well written. The story was well laid out but not dull and I wasn't left with the feeling this would be predictable "TV movie" material.
Thanks for the feedback, Charlie! I agree with everything you said.
DeleteHopefully dropping out of The Good House (:() will mean that her schedule is now open to film NYAD in the fall...... One can hope! - Jamie
ReplyDeleteWell I'd be shocked that IF she were involved it would film this year. I imagine it wouldn't happen until summer 2017 at earliest.
DeleteI was heartbroken when Mike Nichols died. And I am very disappointed that HBO has not put more effort into finding a new director for this film. Perhaps Meryl would only do the film with Mike Nichols as the director. Who knows?
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