Today, a couple of girlfriends and I went to see the movie, August: Osage County. When I walked out of that movie all I could think was “OMG! Meryl, Meryl, Meryl!”
I loved all of the characters in this movie and all of the actors/actresses (Julia Roberts, Sam Shepard, Chris Cooper, etc.), did a superb job of portraying them but there has to be another word for Meryl Streep’s portrayal of Violet.
These characters were complex – likable and unlikeable at the same time. There were some good surprises in their relationships and I felt sympathy for situations that normally would not create that emotion within me. Early in the movie, I decided to not think too much and just allow the movie to take me to its emotional destination – even if it felt a little uncomfortable. I am sure many persons in the audience could identify with at least one of the characters.
OK, let’s be honest. We all know some dysfunction is a part of every family. Some may deny it existing in their families but there simply isn’t a “normal” family …….just varying degrees of dysfunction. This movie gave us a horrific view of dysfunction at a time when it usually raises its ugly head – in a family crisis. How many funerals have you gone to where some family member acts a “plum fool”? I can name a few.
I love a good character-based story and this one was GREAT! It is well worth a second viewing.
QUESTION(S):
Do you know a “normal” family? If so, please share about them.
Never met a normal family, that’s for sure. So glad you felt this way about it. I have seen the play and the movie and I just can’t wrap my head around the people who are all, “It was too uncomfortable. I didn’t like it.” It’s supposed to be uncomfortable! That’s the whole point!
I look forward to going to see this movie! And no, I do not know a dysfunction-less family!