Florence Foster Jenkins

sarakwalker
Aug 20, 2016
3 min read

The lifting of the human spirit is a good thing, especially when it is Meryl Streep doing the lifting. While there are moments that this film makes your heart soar, so not be deceived into thinking that Florence Foster Jenkins is merely a lighthearted, feel-good summer flick that will leave you with the warm and fuzzies, for it is much more than that. Usually I can tell if a film is going to stick with me long after I leave the theater if it meets two criteria: moments so memorable that they are seared into my mind and fully developed characters with perceivable depth. Florence Foster Jenkins was able to do both within the first fifteen while running the gamut of human emotions.

The story surrounds the titular character (played by Streep), a life-long society darling and a great patron of the art of music in New York City during World War II. We find that while music is her life-force, it is not, however, her forte. Her husband St. Clair Bayfield (Hugh Grant) caters to her every whim and is deeply devoted to her, even though he lives separately from her with live-in girlfriend Kathleen (Rebecca Ferguson). At first outraged by this revelation, we are given explanation that doesn't necessarily assuage our displeasure, but does allow us to be sympathetic to the delicate situation the couples inhabit. Grant embodies this role with adeptness in a way that he had yet to duplicate since Notting Hill. The brilliance of his performance lies in his inherent charm and charisma, allowing him to toe the line between the arrogant, long-suffering cheat and an endearing, selfless husband and lover.

While Queen Meryl delivers another Oscar-worthy performance, it truly is the strength of the supporting cast that makes this movie something special. The breakthrough performance of this film has to go to Simon Helberg as Cosme McMoon, an awkward and reluctant friend to Madame Florence as well as her accompanying pianist. Helberg absolutely shines and--dare I say it--steals many scenes with his physicality and delivery. He is the source of many of the film's best moments ranging from hysterical laughter to poignant pauses with the perfection of his portrayal. It would be a gross lapse in judgment if he is excluded from his due nominations come awards season. I, for one, would be terribly disappointed if his name does not appear on the roster of best supporting actors.

Florence Foster Jenkins truly is a triumph of the sum of its parts. Every aspect from script to costumes, cast to set is superb. The brilliance of this film is that it doesn't feel the need to coddle the audience with endless exposition, but rather allows us to come to our own conclusions by connecting the subtle breadcrumbs of details of backstory that we are given. We know so much more than what is directly spoken by the actors, and that is the brilliance of writer Nicholas Martin and director Stephen Frears. For me, it is a must-see with the messages of fortitude of a resolute disposition, courage to go after your dreams, and the selflessness of giving happiness to others that is very much needed in this day and time. The true success of this film is that by the end credits the audience leaves wanting to know and be known by Florence and for her to call us friend.