August:Osage County is based on Tracy Lett’s
play and the movie feels staged. I have a feeling seeing it with live actors
would have been better. However, the movie has a stellar cast and some
very good lines. BUT – it’s a truly miserable film about a truly miserable
family and it’s two hours of angsty drama. Don’t go see it. There – I’ve saved
you from wasting two hours of your life.
Meryl Streep is nominated for an Oscar as Violet, the drug
addled cancer ridden matriarch. I normally like Meryl, but she overacts this
over-the-top character. It was quite annoying. Sam Shepard is good as the
patriarch and he’s smart to exit the film quickly with a suicide. But his death
triggers the family gathering with their spite, anger, and miserable lives.
Julia Roberts is good as the eldest daughter, but you always know it is Julia
on screen. Ewan McGregor, Juliette Lewis, Chris Cooper, Dermot Mulroney, Benedict
Cumberbatch all join in this mess.
The viewer keeps waiting for something redeeming or nice to
happen on screen. Sadly, it doesn’t and I’m not ruining any major plot point
here. Some folks and families just wallow in their own nastiness. Life is bleak
in August: Osage County.
Sorry there wasn't a saving grace moment. I agree, Julia Roberts is always Julia Roberts she doesn't draw you into her character.
ReplyDeleteAnn
It's unusual to have a movie where Meryl Streep doesn't pull off a stunning performance.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame. I usually love Meryl Streep.
ReplyDelete