Glenn Close plays Joan Castleman, wife to newly named Nobel Prize recipient Joe Castleman (Jonathan Pryce from Game of Thrones). As the title suggests, her husband-propping character might have just as well been called “the wife.”
In a story adapted by Jane Anderson (Olive Kitteridge), from the novel by Meg Wolitzer (The Interestings), Joe receives international recognition for his work and Joan is proudly recognized as “the love of his life.” The film is set in the Bill Clinton 90’s but it certainly resonates in 2018.
As the film unfolds, it allows you to look closer into the face of the marvelous Glenn Close. You’ll see that there is more to the Castleman story than initially meets the eye. Close, who once played a bunny boiler in 1988’s Fatal Attraction, delivers a subtle, simmering performance here. I can't think of anyone else who could convey so much with just facial expressions, but her character has much to say too.
Eventually tensions heat up, but instead of the blowout most films would showcase, viewers are eyewitness to something more realistic for a 40-year marriage.
Rising director Björn Runge takes this story close to film excellence but misses a bit. He uses multiple flashbacks (ugh) and the scenes after the final plot turn feel like the ending to a lesser, popular film. However, in a nice irony, the award seasons will focus less on the film itself and all on one woman — Glenn Close.
In a nutshell: A slow burn marriage drama, with two great actors and the bravura performance of the year.
Award potential: No dramatic actress (Roberts, Kidman, Viola) nor multi-talented diva (GaGa) stands a chance against six time, er, seven-time nominee Close on Oscar night.
It's normally too early to declare such things, but I can comfortable say that Close will be nominated and win Best Actress and she and GaGa will each win for corresponding Golden Globe categories. Most people assume Close has won; she has not.
Jonathan Pryce and Christian Slater have shots in actor roles, but I don't expect much recognition for them. the director or the film itself.
The Ten Buck Review: Worth ten bucks.
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