Manuel here. I caught Spotlight this weekend and among the endless trailers I had to suffer through before getting to watch Todd McCarthy’s dazzling film, the only one that piqued my interest was Hello, My Name is Doris. The Sally Field film premiered back at SXSW and is now scheduled to come out March next year. If the image above hasn’t already clued you in, the film gives the two-time Oscar winner the showiest role she’s had in years. The film was written and directed by Michael Showalter, who you might remember as “Coop” from Wet Hot American Summer (and Netflix’s recent prequel series).
“She’s like a good weird.”
That's how one character describes Doris and you really can't beat that for a description of Field's latest role. And so, without further ado, let’s put the trailer to our patented Yes No Maybe So test:
YES
“I hope I don’t end up like one of those weirdo New Yorkers that chokes on a peanut and dies and no one even misses me!”
- Sally Field, nailing her character with this bittersweet voiceover. Perhaps it’s the fact that I grew up on Mrs Doubtfire and Steel Magnolias, but I’ve always had a soft spot for Sally Field even when Hollywood and audiences have rarely known what to do with her (bless Lincoln for reminding us what she could do on the silver screen). Also, New York is full of Dorises so while some may baulk at this caricature of a woman, know that they do indeed roam the streets of the Big Apple.
- Everything about that kissing/fantasy sequence.
- Natasha Lyonne, Beth Behrs, Wendi McLendon-Covey; those are some funny blond broads right there rounding out the ensemble.
- Sally Field dances! Can the race for the 2017 Comedy Golden Globes start here?
- “I couldn’t leave my mother; it would’ve killed her.” We get both funny Field and drama Field! That’s two Fields were the price of one!
“Can you be honest with yourself? He’s barely old enough to vote!”
- Tyne Daly! I had to check but it looks like this is Daly’s first movie role in almost 15 years!
- “IT KEEPS!” They may be putting all the good stuff in the trailer, but frazzled, shouting Sally Field is giving me Soapdish vibes and I’m loving it.
NO
“No, nobody has pencils anymore”
- Will every other joke be about youth/old people these days? (Also, am I the only one who’s wholly allergic to Kyle Mooney’s shtick on SNL and elsewhere?)
- “Lillith Comeswell”? Not all jokes land, okay?
MAYBE SO
- Max Greenfield. I’m ambivalent about him, and I have to admit he bore me after a handful of episodes of New Girl though I gave up quite early. He so often plays the douchebag (and so well!) that I’m curious to see him stretch himself here.
- And obviously tone; is it too precious, too quirky, or just the right amount of each? Is this a film or a Sally Field audition reel? (Which, truth be told, I would totally watch if only to guarantee she keeps getting interesting work; remember when she was stuck with the Aunt May role in Spider-Man 4 & 5?)
Watch the trailer below:
I am a YES mostly because while Sally Field has often been burdened by mom roles, she’s often shined in comedic showcases; she’s the flying nun after all! What say you TFE readers? Do you like this trailer, do you really like it?