I have been a little hard on Ms. Streep the past year on FH. I didn't give August:Osage County (which marks Streep's 18th Oscar nomination) the best review (HERE:) nor was I enthusiastic about her taking on the role of the Witch in Into the Woods. (HERE:) Truth is however, Streep one of the worlds best actors, and like so many, my favorite actress to watch onscreen. Streep never fails to interest me, even when the films around her don't. I have been watching, and learning from her since I can remember. Compiling a list of her best work would have been impossible, choose 5 of my favorites was just a little bit easier. These may not be her 'best' but they are films that effected me in some way. I have not seen everything Streep has done, so some (like The Bridges Of Madison County) could not be counted. I am Sophie's Choice might have made the list, but it has been years since I have seen it and couldn't find a copy this week to re watch. Comments on your favorite Meryl moments are welcomed!
Best Actress: Nominated
Silkwood was the first Streep movie I ever saw. It was on VHS and I certainly didn't initially appreciate her work, and the film at the time. Years later I saw the film again and this time I loved every second of it. I didn't like Karen Silkwood, but I loved Meryl Streep,and Kurt Russell's chest.) Watching Silkwood again last week reaffirmed it is my favorite of Meryl's films.
Best Supporting Actress: Won
I didn't like Joanna Kramer either, but Meryl pulled off a character some felt evil, others felt heartbreaking. I think I was on the evil side when I first saw Kramer Vs Kramer so long ago, again on VHS. Upon second, and third viewing I felt for Joanna, so flawed and unlikable, so human.
Kidman got the Oscar, (I would have given it to Julianne) but Meryl's section of the film became my favorite. Not sure why, but I think it came down to the small moments. Clarissa with her daughter, with Richard (left) or Carissa just cooking. Meryl did not have the dramatic moments the other two stories had, but yet I found her story the most compelling.
Best Actor: Nominated
I have to admit, I did not like The Devil Wears Prada when first seeing in the theater. But... every time it plays, and replays on television, I usually stop to watch. It is a movie that is so much fun to watch, (at least til the story moved to Paris) and a movie in which Streep allows me to temporarily relinquish my bias again Anne Hathaway and just enjoy the ride.
When Meryl began her foray into comedies I was not along for the ride. Most, seemed below her and I longed for her to return to drama. Maybe she needed the break for us to again appreciate her dramatic skills, or maybe these films were better than I first remembered. Death Becomes Her, and hell even She-Devil (which I profiled HERE:) look better watching now in my thirties then I remember when I watched them in my teens. I still am not sure they are great, but unlike Streep's character Madeline Ashton, this film gets better with age.
Honorable Mentions:
Some of my other favorites from Meryl:
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