Florence Foster Jenkins

I mentioned (in my review for Hidden Figures I believe) that the statement/disclaimer ‘based on true events’ can be a bit of a turn-off for some people. But when I think about it in relation to films like Julie & Julia or Men Who Stare At Goats, it proves to be a statement that actually brings more to the movie. It all depends on the genre; the type of movie you are making/watching (and how it works with the story itself) that dictates whether ‘based on true events’ will work to enhance your enjoyment or flatten it. Films that I have really enjoyed that have been based on true stories tend to veer toward the more comedic side of things rather than the Oscar-bait-dramatic. Eccentric characters with eccentric stories that work so brilliantly with the romance or comedy genre make (for me at least) wonderful movies. My newest addition to films of this ilk: Florence Foster Jenkins. 

Set in gorgeous 1940s New York, the film sees society dame Florence Foster Jenkins (Meryl Streep) aspire to be a grand opera singer. Her love of music and devotion of sharing it as well as her connections within the industry make this dream a very achievable one. The only drawback is that Florence can barely carry a tune. Her devoted husband St. Clair Bayfield (Hugh Grant) has shielded her from ridicule for years, keeping her blissfully unaware of her lack of talent. But when Florence decides to put on a concert at Carnegie Hall, the challenge of keeping the cynics and scoffers at bay proves to be the biggest he’s ever faced. 

Absolutely everything about this movie is beautiful! While it tells a heart-warming and funny story about an aspiring singer who really cannot sing, there is something much deeper gliding along underneath the surface. As we learn more and more sad truths about Florence and her marriage with St. Clair, it stirs up some very strong emotions, which manifest themselves throughout the film in spontaneous burst of laughing and crying. The conjuring of these feelings must be accredited to the absolute perfection that is Streep and Grant. The devotion and love that the two characters of Florence and St. Clair have for each other is heart-meltingly beautiful and Hugh and Meryl depict it so perfectly! 

Hugh is dapper and admittedly very Hugh Grant, but without the sleaze. When he and Meryl are together they only have eyes for each other and in the scenes where he’s defending her, the love really shines through. 

Meryl is an absolute diva that swans through her scenes with charm and naivety. While many of her scenes focus on the comedy, the dramatic and indeed heartbreaking scenes are made all the more captivating and poignant by her reservedness. Less is truly more in this movie and Meryl proves it with her spot-on and flawless performance. Add to the mix Simon Helberg as pianist Cosme McMoon, and it’s a foolproof recipe for sweetness and warmth, as his character laughs at Florence at first, but gradually comes to love her. 

True to the story, music is a very important part of this film and the soundtrack is absolutely wonderful switching between classical, opera, and jazz. 

And then we have the stunning achievements in costume, hair, and makeup design. The costumes in this were absolutely stunning and so reminiscent of high society New York in the ‘40s. Indeed, the entire visual aesthetic of the film is grand, glamorous, and just breathtakingly beautiful. 

If you enjoy, charming, funny, heart-warming, well-balanced period pieces then I would heartily recommend Florence Foster Jenkins. Everything about it is beautiful, just beautiful. 

Starring: Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant, Simon Helberg, Rebecca Ferguson, Nina Arianda, Stanley Townsend, Allen Corduner, Christian McKay, Daivd Haig, Brid Brennan, and John Kavanagh 

Rating: PG