FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS      3.8***

        This is the latest movie from British Director Stephen Frears, best known for the brilliant movies: "The Queen" (Helen Mirren) and "Philomena" (Judy Dench). Here he brings to the big screen the true and unusual life of New York socialite Florence Foster Jenkins (Meryl Streep), who generously supported the New York music scene, and fancied herself a good singer too. This movie is NOT a biopic, as we pick up with  events in 1944, when she was already 76. Florence Foster Jenkins was a wealthy New Yorker who lived for music. Her husband StClair (Hugh Grant) enthusiastically indulges her passion: She sings for the musical appreciation club she has created, and they all love her . The only thing is, well, she's a horrible singer. But she's harmless and kind and tries her very best. Everyone including her new piano accompanist played by TV’s Big Bang actor Simon Helberg,  goes along with her ( after laughing himself silly the first time he hears her sing/screech… of course out of her presence). And she doesn't seem to be aware (or worried) about the fact that St Clair spends almost every night at another apartment with his mistress. This film tells the story of a woman whose talent so woefully falls short  that the result is funny. StClair protects her from the unkindness that would otherwise come her way but this protection also encourages her to push her (lack of) talent further toward a perilous result

It is reported that Meryl Streep studied for hours the work and recordings (yes, there were recordings) of the real Florence Foster Jenkins. I have also read  that reproducing bad singing is incredibly difficult. To do it with the skill Streep did is amazing especially since she is, in fact, quite a good singer (  “Mama Mia” and “Ricki and the Flash” ). Streep effortlessly puts forth a touching sincerity in the role of a real-life awful (and awfully deluded) singer. Her singing is worse than abysmal, and it is laughable, but Streep makes us feel affection and sympathy for her. This is comedy, yes, but it's gentle comedy with drama and heart thanks largely to  Meryl Streep. Hugh Grant came out of retirement  when Director Frears offered him the chance to work alongside Meryl Streep. And he does a splendid, charming part, it's a different kind of charming from his previous roles. His character, though suave isn't wholly likable but you can't help but forgive him as he is totally devoted to protecting Florence from the real world. Simon Helberg steals many a scene as her gay piano accompanist who finds it hard to keep a straight face but comes to be caught up in the support of Florence's enormous self-belief.  

Technically, the movie is impressive too. The 1940s production is brilliant, from the outrageous outfits to the elegant decor and old-fashioned automobiles that inhabit wartime New York. The cinematography and editing keep the film moving at a good pace, but Director Stephen Frears is the true genius, taking a story which could have been boring and turning it into something engaging, a surprisingly fun feel-good  movie.

Clark

PS: There WILL be award nominations coming for this one…Streep and Grant and even Best Picture and Director.