Official Synopsis: Academy Award winner Meryl Streep delivers a “hilarious and touching” performance as a New York socialite who dreams of becoming a great opera singer. While the voice she hears in her head is beautiful, to everyone else it is hilariously awful. Her husband and biggest fan, St. Clair Bayfield (Golden Globe Winner Hugh Grant) is determined to protect his beloved at Carnegie Hall, he faces his greatest challenge to make sure her performance is a rousing success. Based on the incredible true story, Florence Foster Jenkins is “a comedy that hits all the right notes.”
With the current state of cinema being primarily occupied by remakes and reboots, or a combination of the two. Florence Foster Jenkins provides a much need breath of fresh air. The film tells the story of Madam Jenkins, an aspiring opera singer who doesn’t realize that her talent is absent. Despite her shortcomings, her husband goes great lengths to keep the truth away from his wife. Foster Jenkins’ strengths lie within its characters and script. Streep and Grant provide excellent performances as usual. Simon Helberg best known for his work in The Big Bang Theory, delivers a surprisingly good portrayal of the aspiring pianist Cosme McMoon.
These three characters are the foundation of the film, and that foundation never once gives way. Not one character is wasted. This film has the rare trait of having every character in it hold significance. This allows the audience to attach to them and the film instantaneously. A feeling of humorous elegance surrounds the film at all times. Never losing its ability to charm.
Love and passion are the two major themes of the film. Every character works tirelessly to achieve their dreams and help aid the dreams of others. The cinematography is done well for the most part with occasional moments of greatness. The score also features classical music as well as the screeching voice of Jenkins, which further adds to the film’s personality.
The blu-ray features a plethora of bonus features. These focus on the music, costume design and transition from script to film. A clip into the world premiere as well as deleted scenes and a Q&A with Meryl Streep.
Overall, despite not being anything extravagant or ground breaking, Florence Foster Jenkins is a wonderfully charming and charismatic film that warms the heart and will leave audiences pleased with the experience.
