Florence Foster Jenkins

It may astound some people to know, but folks love certain entertainment personalities for their utter lack of talent. People like "Romeo" Coates, Ed Wood, Amanda McKittrick Ros and the most likely subject of Meryl Streep's 20th Oscar nomination, Florence Foster Jenkins. And it certainly earned that likeliness.

"Lady Florence," as she is called, is a wealthy patron of the New York music scene. She used to be a pianist until syphilis damaged her. She's now an occasional singer. As America fights in World War II, Florence decides to do her part and go full time singer. Her husband, St. Clair Bayfield (Hugh Grant), and coach, Carlo Edwards (David Haig), sing her praises. But the public realizes how painfully funny she is.

Her pianist, Cosmé McMoon (Simon Helberg), is flabbergasted at her singing, but he comes around when she decides to perform at Carnegie Hall. Less supportive is Earl Wilson (Christian McKay), the stubborn critic of the New York Post. St. Clair decides to silence the naysayers for the good of Florence. 

Lady Florence, as played by Streep, is the reason to see this. She may wildly overestimate her talent, but it's out of goodhearted naivete and not egotism. She dedicates her Carnegie Hall show to American Servicemen to inspire them. She's likable and cordial to everyone she meets. That gets her on the audience's side right away.

Her singing is painful without exaggeration. And that's the point. Her first singing lessons hit every note like a dying bird scratching a chalkboard. And it's hilarious without overdoing it. A recording of the real Florence plays during the credits and it's just as painful as the film's version. A real powerful moment comes when Florence hallucinates herself competently singing on stage.

There's also some great technical work to envision 1944 New York. My favorite aspect, other than the sound, is Danny Cohen's cinematography, which gives the night bold primary colors. The production and costume design were also cool. The makeup designs, especially for Streep, complete the period look. There's also another catchy Alexandre Desplat score to listen to.

Florence Foster Jenkins is a good biopic for an astonishing real-life figure. It's another showcase for Meryl Streep and a highlight for everyone else. While the ending may seem to Hollywoodish, it actually has basis in reality. I was shocked to realize it. But even if it was Hollywoodish, this biopic is a fun history tour of New York.