Cert 12A
110 mins
BBFC advice: Contains mild bad language, mild sex references
I defy anyone not to laugh out loud while watching and hearing Meryl Streep sing out of tune.
The delusion of a 1940s socialite that she could belt out classical tunes like a diva may seem the most unpromising premise for a movie but, in the hands of director Stephen Frears, and the mesmerising Streep, it is hilarious.
But this is not a film which mocks the memory of the real-life title character.
It is put together with a tenderness which matches its great verve.
If the movie is to be believed, Foster Jenkins was allowed to indulge in her “very happy world” thanks to the tireless cosseting of her husband, St. Clair Bayfield, played by Hugh Grant, who keeps anyone with negative opinions of her singing onside with money or harsh words.
In my opinion, this is Grant’s finest big screen performance.
He translates Bayfield’s deep love for Foster Jenkins and yet somehow avoids it being incongruous to a flawed, wilder side.
Simon Helberg is bursting with nervous laughter as pianist Cosme McMoon who eventually accompanied Foster Jenkins at her famous one-off Carnegie Hall appearance.
But, while Grant and Helberg provide admirable support, there is no doubt that this is Streep’s movie.
She manages to inject a joyous naivety into a character who has been forced to fend off life’s slings and arrows and still emerge triumphant.
And, of her own questionable vocal talent, she remarks with a twinkle: “People may say I can’t sing but no one can ever say I didn’t sing.”
Reasons to watch: A force of nature performance by Meryl Streep
Reasons to avoid: Might be a bit too light for some tastes
Laughs: five
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 9/10
Star tweet
My new film #FlorenceFosterJenkins w/Meryl Streep & @HackedOffHugh opens in UK cinemas TODAY! http://po.st/BookFFJ #HearItToBelieveIt
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