Film Review: "Florence Foster Jenkins" (2016).

"The inspiring true story of the world's worst singer." This is Florence Foster Jenkins. This biographical comedy drama directed by Stephen Frears and written by Nicholas Martin and Julia Kogan. In the 1940s, New York socialite Florence Foster Jenkins dreams of becoming a great opera singer. Unfortunately, her ambition far exceeds her talent. The voice Florence hears in her head is beautiful, but to everyone else it is quite lousy. Her husband St. Clair goes to extreme lengths to make sure his wife never finds out how awful she truly is. When Florence announces her plans for a concert at Carnegie Hall, St. Clair soon realizes that he's facing his greatest challenge yet.

Prior to reading the script penned by Martin and Kogan, Frears did not have much knowledge about Jenkins beyond the portrayal of her in the West End play Glorious! by Peter Quilter, but on the strength of the script, Frears became interested and did research by watching various YouTube videos of her. Likewise both he and Streep were determined that despite the subject matter the audience should side with Florence. Frears himself did not initially envisage Streep in the role, but after her name was brought up Frears agreed, noting that he thought it would be something fresh for her. Streep worked with a singing coach to help her prepare for the role of Jenkins. By May 2015, Hugh Grant, Simon Helberg, Rebecca Ferguson Nina Arianda, Stanley Townsend, Allan Corduner, Christian McKay, David Haig, and John Sessions. Grant had semi-retired when Frears convinced him to star in this film. Grant said he participated in the film to act opposite Streep. At the same time principal photography commenced and wrapped in Late July. Filming took place in Glasgow, Scotland as well as London and Merseyside, England. Even though Streep and Helberg recorded all of their songs together at Abbey Road prior to filming. Once filming began, Frears asked them to perform all of the music live, on set.

The film stars Streep, Grant, Helberg, Ferguson Arianda, Townsend, Corduner, McKay, Haig, and Sessions. Streep is one of the world's greatest living actress, and she imbues the title role with a life and spirit that lifts the film above its predictability. Streep can say more with just her eyes than many young actresses of today can say with whole pages of dialogue. However, Streep deserves better, and unfortunately it will probably be a long time before she gets another starring role in a movie custom-made for an actress her age. The title role may not have been written with Streep in mind, but it's hard to imagine who else might slip into the part so effectively.

The film is a charming piece that entertains without getting heavy, yet dares to make poignant statements when the moment is right. The film worms its way into our hearts thanks to a terrific cast, solid directing from Frears, and, yes, the the story of the worst singer in the world.

Simon says Florence Foster Jenkins receives:

Also, see my review for The Program.