August: Osage County (2013)

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  TheMovieDiorama

  6 / 10

  August: Osage County packs plenty of powerhouse performances that overwhelm its dysfunctional narrative. Written by Letts and adapted from his own play, this prestigious drama contains the same issues that I outlined in my review for 'Fences'. Some plays just do not translate well onto the big screen. August is no different. Scene after scene filled with dramatic dialogue, mostly sat around a dinner table, that feels more involving on a stage. Still, the drama that is presented often captivates through its powerful performances. A dysfunctional family come together for a funeral service celebrating the life of the patriarch who recently drowned himself. When I say dysfunctional, I mean that and then some because damn the shouting is excessive and intense! Streep, the matriarchal figure, owns the family by attacking everyone. Roberts comes along and shouts over her to insert her authority. But then McGregor pipes up whilst carrying some chairs. Oh, there goes Streep again. Cumberbatch is up because his got a "troof" to shout. And now everyone is shouting on the floor! This ensemble cast of star-studded talent is well comprised and each give excellent performances, but they all fight to be the most notable actor and the whole ordeal becomes exhausting. Watching Streep and Roberts chew each scene and making nearly every single scene overly dramatic somewhat diminishes the drama that is taking place. The several dramatic plots, ranging from prescription drug addiction to an incestuous relationship, do hold substance. However the overacting and lack of conclusion for these plots unfortunately make for an underwhelming experience. I appreciated each performance, but Wells does nothing with his direction that substantiates the leap to the big screen. The closed environment and "talkey" dialogue better suits the stage. The only thing I took away from this, is that heated parakeet story...

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