'Tis the season to be Meryl
Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 3:30PM 
As a Streeper myself, what a time to be alive!
Last week, two films starring 21-time Oscar nominee Meryl Streep debuted: the dramedy Let Them All Talk (Dec. 10 on HBO Max) and the musical The Prom (Dec. 11 on Netflix). A double feature in a year is nothing new to her; she just did that in the last two years. However, her films this year could not be anymore different in terms of subject matter and filmmaking style, but both show the wide range, skill, and adaptability that Streep has, proving that her “greatest living actress” title is nowhere near a product of baseless mythologizing...
In Let Them All Talk, Streep collaborates with Steven Soderbergh for the second time to tell the bittersweet story of an author who reunites with her estranged friends while on a cruise on her way to receive a literary award. Always up for some experimenting, Soderbergh then tasks Streep, as well as the other cast members, to improvise much of the dialogue while only adhering to a given outline. The film was also mostly shot in an actual cruise running its course as said in the film.
The result is a film that depends on the skillful characterization that could only be in symphony with the film’s naturalistic, low-key filmmaking. The nature of the film demands removal of any artifice or manufactured emotions. Rather, scenes live in the space of the mundane and the seemingly insignificant. I can only imagine that actors are forced to mine deep into their characters so that the words that will come out will hopefully form a coherent building block for their characters.
Joining the cast of veterans Candice Bergen and Dianne Weist and younger thespians Lucas Hedges and Gemma Chan, Streep comes in as the formidable fulcrum of the characters in the narrative. All of the other characters are connected by Streep’s Alice Hughes and talking about her even when she is not in the scene. That heightens the importance of her presence in every scene. And yet, Streep locates the journey of her character in her incapacity to actually connect with an almost taciturn demeanor. Her words are carefully selected and occasionally hesitantly delivered, almost as if she is always testing the waters with her estranged friends. The unpredictability of Streep’s performance is on the waiting game; Alice is on an important journey with multiple strands that complicate it (writing a book, connecting with friends, suspected tryst), but Streep chooses to dwell in the smaller, quieter moments.
During one key moment, Alice gives advice to his nephew Tyler (Hedges) after admitting his attraction for another woman (Chan) on the ship. While Tyler sees his unreciprocated advance as a failure, Alice sees the beauty in it. This is one of the scenes in the film where Streep isn’t the one steering the conversation but attentively reacts to his co-actor physically and verbally. She listens and lovingly observes his nephew in this emotional moment. She then gives her insight as his aunt, as an experienced woman, and as an author, all in a wonderfully delivered monologue about treasuring that experience. It’s a quietly moving moment from both Streep and Hedges.
At the other end of the spectrum is The Prom, the explosive Broadway musical about a group of actors from Broadway who sets out to rejuvenate their reputation and career by helping a lesbian teenager in Indiana after being barred to attend the said prom due to her sexual orientation. Here, Streep is required to belt big songs, dance quick steps, and steal the spotlight if necessary. If her previous film requires her to shed any amount of vanity to fit in the film, this film demands that Streep pop out in every way. Streep’s Dee Dee Allen is a larger-than-live diva that commands every scene that she is in. The film and the characters around Dee Dee knows it so it already sets up huge expectations for the character.
In true Meryl fashion, she does that and more. Of course, Streep’s interpretation of this self-conceited artist is not a hollow grandstanding but is one that allows to dig deeper than what the material or the filmmaking would even allow. We see a woman in desperation to stay on top of her game and be relevant. Even in the “It’s Not About Me” number, Streep relishes in the entire irony of that moment. This is the kind of filmmaking that can be too spectacular for its own good. Bursting colors, sweeping camera movements, and swelling music are all in play in this film that could potentially dwarf a performer that would not be attuned to the filmmaker's vision (and Ryan Murphy's stylistic choices can feel imposing at times).
Streep does well in modulating her character and her performance: she knows when to stand out, blend in, tone it down, amp it up, and all the in-betweens while still forming a coherent character that does not drown from the film's style. And with quite a cast of big personalities, Streep determines her relationship with each character with dynamic energy that it is always exciting to see what she does next. Her most interesting connection in the film is with the school principal (Keegan-Michael Key). In a subplot that subverts our expectations about Dee Dee, Streep shows the bashful excitement that she has over a fan that appreciates her genuinely. However, that is just a setup of a heartbreaking facet of her character that will come next.
Her hesitant relationship with romance is explored in a scene with her while talking to Barry (James Corden) about her previous marriage. Streep paints a tapestry of emotional beats throughout that moment: convincing herself that she is over the pain, blaming herself for not knowing her marriage’s doom earlier, admitting the heartbreaking effect of the separation, and then finally facing the ugly thing that his ex-husband did. Within the span of less than a minute’s worth of dialogue, Streep flawlessly navigates the rollercoaster of emotions in the expertly subtlest of ways while realizing its emotional brutality. For a character that is used to seizing every moment to shine, this moment stands out as one of the moments where she opens up and surrenders to things that are beyond her control. This genuinely touching moment by Streep is done with careful restraint, something that the film needed amidst its occasionally bombastic tendencies.
Maybe it is just because the two aforementioned scenes hit too close to home to me, especially last weekend. Maybe it was the sheer joy of seeing Meryl opening two films in the same week. Maybe it was watching them consecutively. Maybe it was all of the above.
Truly, Streep's interpretation of Alice Hughes and Dee Dee Allen are testaments to her longstanding commitment to the craft of acting that she was able to create two performances with vivid characterization and visible enthusiasm. While I personally prefer her work in Let Them All Talk by a bit, she will definitely have more Oscar push for her work in The Prom and I won't begrudge it. Also, she will most likely earn double Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress - Musical or Comedy.
Whatever happens this awards season, Meryl has just proven again that, at 71 glorious years of age, that she remains at the top of her game. And I quote a line from Let Them All Talk: "Bow down, bitch. Bow down."
This season, have yourself a Meryl little Christmas.
Reader Comments (28)
Thanks for this writeup. She's definitely been a role model of mine, for excellence and longevity. It's hard to imagine anyone now doing this kind of work when they are 71 after starting at 28, so I am happy that she is still working and breaking all the rules.
I'm more excited for the Let Them Talk movie than the other one,that 4th Oscars going to have to wait.
Not a fan of Meryl Streep. She is overrated and have gotten to diva over the years. Julia roberts and Halle berry are my favorite actresses
She's so great in different ways in these roles. She really does shine and bring so much joy to the viewer in the Prom. It's a strong star performance. In let them all talk, she really builds a character uses smaller moments to let us know who Alice is. Her scene with the flowers in the tearoom is particularly hilarious. And her final line in her scene with Bergen is delivered with precision.
I think she's a shoo-in for at least one Globe nomination. But, I have trouble seeing either picture make it all the way to a nomination. I suppose she may get a big push from HBOMax/WB?
Meryl has had some great, multi-performance years in her career. 1979 is unbeatable, but 2002 and 2009 are up there. However, this, too, was a good year for her as well.
*still waiting for that action movie franchise movie starring Meryl Streep*
A wonderful year for Meryl that saw her exercise not only her dramatic gravitas and musical skill, but also her subtle comedic ability. Her characterization of Dee Dee Allen brings her closer than ever to Madeline Kahn in the slight manner that she used her hands and voice to cause effortless hilarity, while Alice Hughes is the more grounded woman that still has to sort things out in her personal life. One can draw parallels between her great work this year and her two 2009 performances.
Definitely better, and surprisingly more fun, in Let Them All Talk. BUT is overshadowed by Dianne Wiest and Candice Bergen considerably, who are just way more enjoyable to watch. I wish Bergen had been the central character instead.
I'm all for Meryl's 22nd Oscar nomination for "The Prom"! She was fantastic and enlivened a mostly dreadful film on her broad shoulders. Make it happen, Academy voters!
There are three Meryl Streep films that i enjoy Kramer vs Kramer, Sophie’s choice and silkwood. Other than i am overwhelmed by meryl
I found The Film Experience years ago because of one of Nathaniel's posts about Meryl Streep (one of my favorite actresses), and have been a faithful reader (and occasional commenter) ever since. TFE is definitely one of the best sites for film and TV chatter! Some times my opinions are altered by these posts that point to things I may have missed. And I always learn new things, especially about foreign films.
But, gosh, I really disliked both of these films, and nothing can convince me to change my mind.
Let Them All Talk: Perhaps it was the half-improv style, but only Candice Bergen (a gifted comedienne) seemed natural. She was def MVP. Maybe it's my mood...but...this was just so dull. And Meryl seemed dull, behind the eyes, and with many of her actorly tics on full display.
The Prom: Meryl's number, It's Not About Me, was fabulous. She can sing, she can belt (can't dance though, but that's ok), and she played the role very well. But, overall, she couldn't save this movie for me.
I think I'll re-watch Postcards from the Edge this weekend, because her rendition of "I'm Checkin' Out" is one of the best DAMN things she has ever done!!!
Both these films are on my watch list. But please, please, no more Oscar nominations. She has been much too over-rewarded in that regard.
Best Actress seems pretty bleak this year, I wonder if she can get in. If The Prom was a better movie, I bet it would be more of a lock for her. Once again the movie isn’t up to her quality. The hotel scene might get her in though.
Carey mulligan or Frances McDormand, its their time. Meryl should get a honorary oscar
PAM -- you're back. :) I also think Postcards is one of the best things she ever did. Both of her big songs in that are A+ performances... she's so inside the character but still having such fun and her voice is amazing.
Thanks for the beautiful write up Juan! I loved both performances. if history is any indication, she will receive a nomination this year. The naysayers have always been around and the Academy obviously does not share in any “Streep-Fatigue”, even after her 3rd win. Her work is subtle and sublime in LTAT ( a rare rave from many critics) and... she is the best thing in The Prom.
@Brookesboy yes no more Oscar nominations please until she delivers a Silkwood or Prada kind of performance. Any more nomination will make her more overrated than she already is. Thank God for NYTimes for leaving her out of their greatest list.
Thanks for an enlightening write up, which once again brings out the Meryl haters.
arse-licking at its most.
I had such a blast watching The Prom !! Meryl's comedy gold in it
Have not watched LTAT, but The Prom is such a guilty pleasure.
The score is Horrendous! but Streep and Kidman are so fun!
Meryl was Dee Dee!
Streep's gonna reach 30 Oscar nominations before her career's over. Sucks to be a hater.
Meryl is having a good year. To all her detractors, there's no denying that she doesn't have to prove anything to us. Her longevity speaks volumes. Her commitment to her craft is unbelievable, At 70, she could still do that. I am forever a fan. She wants to have fun and so let's have her do that. Although I still think Huppert is the greatest living actress we have.
@brookesboy
If Streep earns an Oscar nom for a great performance... why should she not get it ????
These two particular performances will not be that nod. IMO
A very good write up.
Whether she gets the nod this year? Who knows anything with the way this year has panned out. Maybe The Prom nomination will be welcomed in a dreary year. At least many folks will see it.
All I will say is that many on this site thought nominations were not going to happen at all for various reasons for HER LAST 4.....many are citing these 2 performances with more raves then those....
I absolutely loved "Let Them All Talk" and its philosophic approach to aging, love, and achievement. Sort of reminds me of "The Irishman" in that regard; I wonder if it would be taken more seriously if weren't about middle-class women. Candice Bergen is definitely the stand-out as a harried senior-citizen retail employee.
My biggest problem may be that it sometimes feels like we're seeing Streep overload when she'd overwhelmingly cast in films with older women. Maybe they should have made Bergen the lead.
I loved her in The Prom. Hilarious. But I do not think she'll get an Oscar nomination this year. Best Actress is incredibly competitive; plus she'll split her own vote. We shall see.
Stop the madness! Meryl is not good in the Prom and we all know it. Just because she is a great actress doesn't mean she is great in everything. Terrible. Stop it!
Meryl is the new Jack Nicholson.