August: Osage County
Director: John Wells Starring: Meryl Steep, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Benedict Cumberbatch Genre: Black Comedy, Drama
"Once all the talking is through, people just go back to their own nonsenses"
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| Misery Loves Family |
This adaptation of the Award- winning play August: Osage County by Tracey Letts sees Meryl Streep in one of her finest roles as Violet Weston - a mentally unstable, drug-addicted matriarch suffering from mouth cancer and midst a failing marriage.
After the death of her husband Beverly Weston, family members arrive at Violet's house in support including: her three daughters (Barbara, Karen and Ivy), her sister Mattie Fae (& her husband and son), Barbara's husband and daughter and Karen's fiance. Ultimately chaos ensues and secrets are split in Violet's attempt to bring her dysfunctional family together. With Violet's fear of solitude it is not until the very end of the movie that you realize she is truly alone - the worst part being that she herself drove everyone away.
A powerful story about parenthood, marriage and the importance of upbringing amogst all the confrontation and emotional meltdowns, the quote "this mad house is my home" seems appropriate.
Despite being an exhausting watch, the film is not all hard drama -Streep mastering the role of a subtle comedian during rushes of black comedy. A scene involving a grace before dinner, and one that lasts about twenty minutes acting as a short film in itself (arguably) provides the only notable humour. This crucial scene also climaxes into one of the greatest on screen cat-fights between Streep and Roberts (seen on the movie poster).
Julia Roberts "passionate but hard" foul-mouthed Barbara provides a strong yin to Streep's yang and the two carry the film marvelously. Benedict Cumberbatch is as charming as ever as the (not so bright) son of Mattie Fae, adding a rare sensitivity to the otherwise boisterous ensemble. He even performs a love song (yes- he sings as well!) to his love interest, the youngest of the Weston sisters- Ivy. McGregor appeared to be somewhat unremarkable, but perhaps a conscious choice to enable his character to play off his on-screen wife (Roberts) bursts of aggressiveness.
There is a nice mix of cynicism: Ivy stating "we cant perpetuate these myths of family sisterhood anymore. We're just people, some of us accidentally connected by genetics - a random selection of cells" and optimism. The sweet (yet tragic) mini love story that develops between Ivy and 'Little' Charles (Cumberbatch) and the bubbly nature of Karen adding a light to the darkness of the other characters.
A film all about family conflicts and the trials and tribulations of relationships that are perhaps more relatable than first imagined. Wells is not scared to show the ugly side of human nature, all actresses appearing barefaced, Roberts even having grey roots and Streep unabashedly displaying herself in the worst light; all executed perfectly through the dark mise-n-scene.
If it doesn't sound like your cup of tea - I believe August: Osage County is worth watching simply for Streep's performance that poses as an acting masterclass for all involved; disappearing into Violet Weston like the chameleon she is. As always she balances her outstanding talent with her co-stars, never stealing the limelight yet simultaneously leaving the audience unable to forget her. This movie feels like an important one that leaves you thinking and evaluating your own life - this particular film highlighting the importance of family value and communication.
Filled with plot twists and narrative shocks, the genius work of Letts (both the play and screen writer) acts as a prism through which we view familial relationships in all its disturbing glory.
After the death of her husband Beverly Weston, family members arrive at Violet's house in support including: her three daughters (Barbara, Karen and Ivy), her sister Mattie Fae (& her husband and son), Barbara's husband and daughter and Karen's fiance. Ultimately chaos ensues and secrets are split in Violet's attempt to bring her dysfunctional family together. With Violet's fear of solitude it is not until the very end of the movie that you realize she is truly alone - the worst part being that she herself drove everyone away.
A powerful story about parenthood, marriage and the importance of upbringing amogst all the confrontation and emotional meltdowns, the quote "this mad house is my home" seems appropriate.
Despite being an exhausting watch, the film is not all hard drama -Streep mastering the role of a subtle comedian during rushes of black comedy. A scene involving a grace before dinner, and one that lasts about twenty minutes acting as a short film in itself (arguably) provides the only notable humour. This crucial scene also climaxes into one of the greatest on screen cat-fights between Streep and Roberts (seen on the movie poster).
Julia Roberts "passionate but hard" foul-mouthed Barbara provides a strong yin to Streep's yang and the two carry the film marvelously. Benedict Cumberbatch is as charming as ever as the (not so bright) son of Mattie Fae, adding a rare sensitivity to the otherwise boisterous ensemble. He even performs a love song (yes- he sings as well!) to his love interest, the youngest of the Weston sisters- Ivy. McGregor appeared to be somewhat unremarkable, but perhaps a conscious choice to enable his character to play off his on-screen wife (Roberts) bursts of aggressiveness.
There is a nice mix of cynicism: Ivy stating "we cant perpetuate these myths of family sisterhood anymore. We're just people, some of us accidentally connected by genetics - a random selection of cells" and optimism. The sweet (yet tragic) mini love story that develops between Ivy and 'Little' Charles (Cumberbatch) and the bubbly nature of Karen adding a light to the darkness of the other characters.
A film all about family conflicts and the trials and tribulations of relationships that are perhaps more relatable than first imagined. Wells is not scared to show the ugly side of human nature, all actresses appearing barefaced, Roberts even having grey roots and Streep unabashedly displaying herself in the worst light; all executed perfectly through the dark mise-n-scene.
If it doesn't sound like your cup of tea - I believe August: Osage County is worth watching simply for Streep's performance that poses as an acting masterclass for all involved; disappearing into Violet Weston like the chameleon she is. As always she balances her outstanding talent with her co-stars, never stealing the limelight yet simultaneously leaving the audience unable to forget her. This movie feels like an important one that leaves you thinking and evaluating your own life - this particular film highlighting the importance of family value and communication.
Filled with plot twists and narrative shocks, the genius work of Letts (both the play and screen writer) acts as a prism through which we view familial relationships in all its disturbing glory.
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