Florence Foster Jenkins (2016)

Florence Foster Jenkins (2016)

2016 PG-13 110 Minutes

Comedy | Drama

The story of Florence Foster Jenkins, a New York heiress, who dreamed of becoming an opera singer, despite having a terrible singing voice.

Overall Rating

7 / 10
Verdict: Good

User Review

  • Florence Foster Jenkins is the visualisation of following your dream, even if the consequences may hurt you. Straight away, the film tells you it's a true story so already you are hooked. I wanted to hate this film, I really did...but I loved it. The sheer love and affection that Florence and her husband St Clair had was just beautiful to watch. He knew deep down that she was an awful singer, but despite this he chose to make her happy. This obviously meant hiding bad reviews, bribing audience members and constantly keeping an eye on her...quite commendable really. Her singing was quite literally atrocious, but by the end of the film you connect and warm to her on an emotional level and you start to find her singing endearing. That's thanks to the beautiful direction from Stephen Frears who once again has made a light hearted enjoyable film. The acting is solid, the behemoth that is Meryl Streep exudes elegance and fragility, Simon Helberg was the vital role as he imitates out thoughts throughout the film...a rather cleverly used character. The star though, goes to Mr Hugh Grant. I love this man, just so quintessentially British and full of charm and charisma. I felt rather melancholic towards his character, essentially having an affair but still having an undying love for Florence. This is his best role in years. The production design was great, it felt like 1944 so it succeeded there. The costumes were exquisite, particular the ones used for Florence who at one point is dressed as a Valkyrie. What really stood out was how Frears just lets the music do the talking, some scenes will just be Helberg playing the piano and it really is beautiful to listen to. There are times where I felt the film was slightly too jolly, some added drama was needed to elevate the screenplay. However, this really was a lovely light hearted biopic with an underlying comedic undertone that just oozed class.