Florence Foster Jenkins

Considering the subject of this movie, it successfully manages to walk a fine line between parody and maudlin sentimentality. The story line could have very easily slid one way, or the other, but thanks to effective script writing by Nicholas Martin, directing by Stephen Frears, and acting by the entire cast, the film manages to play both ends to the middle to great effect.Meryl Streep is superb as she portrays Florence Foster Jenkins. She convincingly portrays an eccentric figure who genuinely believes in the power of music, but whose talents are nowhere near the professional level. Jenkins desire to share music and spread joy is only matched by her musical deficiencies.As the film begins, I was baited into every musical accompanist’s worst nightmare: a patron who thinks they have musical ability, but truly does not. Laughs abound at the expense of Jenkins – “There is no one quite like you,” “One word: authenticity” – as she seems oblivious to her deficiencies and the reactions of others. However, as the movie progresses Streep manages to evoke understanding, sympathy, and even encouragement as her character’s background, personality and motivation are revealed. Streep effectively portrays someone who may not have musical ability, and may not know when to quit, but just wants to sing and bring a little happiness into the world. By the end of the movie, with her unbridled enthusiasm and sincere motivations, you’ll be defending Jenkins performances, and cheering for her success!Hugh Grant is also well cast as Jenkins’ professional and romantic partner, St Clair Bayfield. He does all he can to ensure Jenkins is surrounded by supporters and keep detractors away. Completing the main roles is “The Big Bang Theory” star, Simon Helberg, as pianist Cosmé McMoon. He is given screen time to demonstrate is authentic piano skills. Together, Helberg and Streep actually perform many of the songs.I found the movie to be touching and even inspiring. Jenkins has been quoted saying about herself, “People may say I couldn’t sing, but no one can say I didn’t sing.” A lot can be said for sheer determination! Give this one a chance.

The simple truth is, Florence Foster Jenkins had a tin ear. The poor dear had no idea how badly she sang and was -for the most part- entirely oblivious to her detractors. What makes this movie worth watching is that it's based on the life of a real person who was so loved and admired by those who surrounded and supported her that she was able to fulfill her dream to sing at Carnegie Hall despite her lackluster credentials. Jenkins was and continues to be loved and admired for the courage and strength of will that allowed her to sidestep monumental shortcomings. You'll laugh. You'll be embarrassed for her. You may even hurt a little. This is the story of a real woman so in love with the idea that she could be a singer that nothing including being tone deaf could prevent her from fulfilling her fondest dream. We should all be so lucky. :)

This is a very rare movie review for me, but sometimes great films get overlooked through no fault of their own, while the latest car chase or bank heist movies get a lot more attention. "Florence Foster Jenkins" is one of those gems that deserved a lot more praise and attention than it received. Played brilliantly by Meryl Streep, this is a true story about a woman in high society New York City who was rich, very kind, and an avid if not obsessive lover of music. There was one tiny problem - she couldn't sing. So much so that even conductor Arturo Toscanini couldn't help her as she would attempt high notes from opera pieces that sounded like caterwauling hyenas or a chorus line of tone deaf alley cats. She gave much money to the arts, though, and when she performed, it was always for strict invitees only, who loved her as a person and would never be cruel enough to tell her she was terrible. As the movie unfolds, we find she had a very loving devoted husband played magnificently by Hugh Grant, who went to great lengths to assure she was always praised for her musical efforts and toward the end of the movie, really took great pains to help her, but much more information will give away the story. Ultimately this film is a very touching story, and tragic. However, the message that love of music can heal and soothe us all is well stated, and it puzzles me why Streep didn't get nominated for an Oscar for her role. It's a unique story, and very underrated.

Great acting by all concerned--Streep, Grant, and Helberg. When, many years ago, I listened to my LP record of Florence Foster Jenkins singing arias and songs, I couldn't believe this recording had been issued--the singing was amazingly bad. But i realized it was a big joke and enjoyed it. Now that i know more about the real Florence Foster Jenkins I can still "enjoy" the awful singing and somewhat understand what prompted her to make the recordings and have them issued for all of us to "enjoy." I wasn't aware of the sad story of her life which is beautifully portrayed by Streep and Grant. I could laugh and cry at the same time. A love of music helped her to deal with some unfortunate events. Great acting, great screenplay, well produced, and nicely transferred to DVD.

Increíble actuación de Meryl Streep y el resto del elenco.Historia real con un mensaje de como los esposos se deben apoyar.

Divertida, entretenida y conmovedora! muy satisfecha con mi compra. Tuve que viajar para verla en el cine, y valió la pena.

A great movie with great actors.

Zum Film können wir nichts sagen....wollten ihn nun endlich schauen, aber es wird immer "falsche Region " angezeigt....wohl ein falscher Ländercode....sehr ärgerlich!!!! Jeder Hinweis darauf fehlt!!!

It was awful and very annoying