Monday, July 31, 2017

Poll #4: Whom would you most like to see Meryl portray in a biopic?

You guys have given me a great list of options for what the next poll should be.  As I said in an earlier post comment, I'm going to make polls of all the questions, but of course can only chose one at at time.

For poll number four, I've chosen the question of whom we'd like to see Meryl portray in a biopic.  We all know that she's already given us an incredible package of portayals, from Karen Silkwood, Karen Blixen and Lindy Chamberlain, to Roberta Guaspari, Julia Child and Margaret Thatcher.  But there are several more women out there that could make incredible subjects, with Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham her latest incarnation.

I've made the list longer this time around, as there are so many names I can think of that I'd love to see Meryl play.  As usual, chose one of the names in the poll.  I'm asking that if you chose "other", that you please comment your choice below.  And even if you happen to chose a name from the list but happen to think of another, I'd love to hear your suggestion.

The poll will be open for two weeks.  Let's do this.

13 comments:

  1. got nothing in mind but Hillary Clinton

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    1. How about Kate Hepburn in her 60s & 70s. Kate would turn over in her grave. Thanks

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  2. Nyad- all the way! Already a script and it would be nice to see her play a non- political figure.- Jamie

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  3. I went for Hillary but then changed my vote to Nyad. I just think the physical elements of the excellent screenplay are something we haven't seen from Meryl in a long time. Plus we know she is a keen swimmer!

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  4. I know she's already done Margaret Thatcher, but I am so enchanted by the idea of Meryl playing Eleanor Roosevelt. The movie could focus on her decision to stay with FDR after discovering blatant infidelity and a polio diagnosis, resolving to stay as his companion, but not really his wife. The movie could explore how this affected the dynamic of their relationship, along with the backlash she got from the general public for being outspoken (holding press conferences, writing daily newspaper columns, doing talk radio, publicly disagreeing with FDR, speaking at the nat'l party convention). It could delve into how she felt about World War II, how she supported refugees and the rights of Asian Americans, African Americans, and women. How did she feel about Truman dropping the nuclear bombs? Even after FDR died, she went on to serve as first chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights. She wrote books. This woman was unapologetically a progressive leader, and she did NOT care whether people thought it was appropriate of her -- as a woman -- to be so. I find her steadfastness remarkable for the times in which she lived.

    I understand, though, the argument that doing an Eleanor Roosevelt biopic wouldn't diversify Meryl's portfolio much, not like Diana Nyad would. I'm just a sucker for female politicians. And as we saw with The Iron Lady, Meryl does it very well.

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    1. Great thoughts! I've also thought it would be interesting to go into her relationship with Lorena Hickok, which was said to be a romantic one.

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    2. No way! I didn't know that. Yeah, that would be very intriguing. Maybe the movie could also feature people's suspicions of such a relationship and the way they reacted to it.

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  5. The Virgin Mary! She was so good in reading The Testament of Mary, it made me teary.

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    1. Agreed. http://www.wordonthestreep.com/2013/11/thoughts-on-testament-of-mary.html?m=0

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  6. I completely agree ... This would definitely top all iconic roles Meryl have portrayed or will ever ! Matched with a brilliant director-- Polanski, Scorsese, Spielberg or even Pablo Larrain -- I can only dream of the ground- breaking outcome !

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  7. Oh yes...Virgin Mary would be an excellent option for Meryl. Can I suggest Todd Haynes instead of the likes of Scorsese or Spielberg? The former is more actress-centric than the latter for sure. Look at how he brought the best out of Blanchett, Winslet and Moore. It would be a stratospheric collaboration! David

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  8. I highly doubt with Meryl's views on equal opportunity and the widespread hatred and denouncement of whitewashing that she would even consider playing an Middle Eastern woman on film.
    People weren't keen when she played a Chilean woman in House of Spirits. Strange that Rooney Mara is playing Mary Magadalene when she was slapped on the wrist for playing Tiger Lily a few years back.

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    1. I tend to agree with this, but the Virgin Mary is such an ingrained figure in Western culture that it's almost a universal character versus trying to depict a super realistic biopic. Especially if she portrayed her in the Testament of Mary, which is a reimagined look at her life.

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