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Long before Donald Trump's notorious tweet and Streep's unnecessary acceptance speech at the Golden Globes ceremony, I've always said that I thought the multi-Oscar nominated actress was overrated. Now do I not only think that she's overrated, but she's also an idiot. But that's my opinion and I'm sure that I'll make some of you cringe with that statement.
My sister and I have gotten into arguments every time I've said this over the years as she is a firm Streep adulator. Others have also found it a bit disturbing when I express this opinion of mine so I try to stay mum on the topic most of the time, but if her name comes up in a conversation I can't help but blurt out something like, "I can't stand Meryl Streep--I think she's a bore."
Thinking that I might be wrong after hearing the floods of Streep accolades after her recent controversies and yet another Oscar nomination (oh no, not another stupid award nomination for Streep!), I decided that I should check her filmography to see if maybe I'd made an unfair assessment of Meryl Streep.
Checking the IMDb site I discovered that Meryl Streep has been a part of nearly 70 films and of those films there are 12 that I've definitely seen and maybe a few more that I might have seen and have forgotten that I've seen them. Only one of these was a movie that I purposely saw because she was in it and that was A Cry in the Dark (1988) which I watched this past week-end mostly because it sounded interesting. It was good, but not necessarily because of her performance.
I liked the The River Wild (1994) because it was a good story, but I actually didn't recall Streep being in it. I guess she did a fine job, but there are a lot of actresses who would have been good in this film. This is the case with many of the films I've seen Streep in--any actress would have been fine in the role that she played and some might have been better. Some of those films being Defending Your Life (1991) (she must have had a cameo in this one), Music of the Heart (1999) (I think I saw this, but it didn't make any impression I guess), Out of Africa (1985) (I don't remember this other than it being rather a bore as I recall--probably a suitable film for her style), and Holocaust (1978) (actually a TV mini-series that is one of my wife's favorite "films" that I bought her on DVD and I liked for the story--don't recall Streep's role that much).
Then there was the 1979 Woody Allen film Manhattan and that great film The Deer Hunter (1978), both which garnered early Oscar nominations for Streep. However, if you had asked me before I had looked it up if Streep had been in either film, I would have said that I didn't think so. In other words, the roles she played in those films made no impression on me.
Streep also starred in two films that I absolutely hated. The first is The Bridges of Madison County (1995). I hated the movie and equally hated the book and didn't care for Streep's role in the movie that I hated. This one is a big source of contention between my sister and I and will always result in an argument when the topic comes up so we usually don't discuss it. Most women seem to love this dumb movie, but to me it's a rotten enough movie to make a case for disliking Meryl Streep period.
Another "hate it" role I'll add is the one from the remake of The Manchurian Candidate (2004). For one thing the role Streep played reminded me too much of Hilary Clinton of whom I'm no fan either. The only consolation about that role is that Streep's character gets killed--oops! Sorry for the spoiler, but if you haven't seen it, don't. See the original from 1962. In my opinion the remake is typical modern Hollywood liberal garbage. Hated the film. Hated Streep's role.
So, I guess the argument I'm making is that I don't like Meryl Streep's acting and I don't particularly like the way she looks. There is something about her that creeps me out. And now she's added her political opinions to the mix and that's all the more reason for me to dislike her.
For those who think I'm being superficially judgmental about looks and beliefs and that those things shouldn't affect my opinion of acting ability I'll offer another case--Sean Penn. Can't stand the way he looks and hate his politics. But every role that I've seen him in has been great in my opinion. I can watch one of his films and forget his looks and his politics and walk away thinking he did a great job. Too bad he's such a jerk.
Of course, many will disagree with my assessment. But then, many would likely ridicule some of my favorite actors like Nicholas Cage or Jean-Claude Van Damme--hey, my wife and I both like those guys and have enjoyed every film we've seen them in. And we've seen a lot of their films. We also think Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson, Leonardo di Caprio, and Christian Bale are far better than Streep.
Funny, but I tend to find actors more memorable than actresses. There are plenty of actresses I like, but none that stand out as much as actors. Of great actresses from the past you can give me Giulietta Masina over Streep any day. I think the roles played by either Charlize Theron or Christina Ricci in Monster blow away anything Meryl Streep has ever done. But that's just me speaking here. Maybe you agree or maybe not.
If you're a Streep fan and I've offended you then I apologize. After all, I'm just expressing my personal opinion. And if you're Streep and you're offended then I don't really care. You shouldn't be spouting politics on a stupid awards show. If you really feel the need to shoot off about your political beliefs then start a blog or something. The ABC Network daytime show The View would probably even give you a seat right there with Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar. If you were on that show I'd have yet another reason not to watch it.
On the other hand, Meryl Streep, send me some of your money and I'll delete this post and replace it with one telling how much I think you're the greatest ever and write glowing reviews of all your films. I might even watch Mamma Mia! and give it a great review. For that you'll need to send a lot of money.
Have I been overly harsh in my assessment of Meryl Streep? Is there any particular actress or actor that you think is overrated? Do you think actors and other entertainers should be expressing their political opinions and causes on public forums like award shows and concert appearances?
Join me next Wednesday March 15th for the Battle of the Bands. If you love music then why don't you join us with your own Battle post. Let me know if you'd like to join in and we can add you to the participant list.
Oh dear, you got my attention with Meryl Streep. I'm a big fan along with your sister. Maybe it's a guy thing. I've heard this from men before. You forgot her role as Julia Child which was quite good, and Florence Foster, and possibly my favorite of all, Sophie's Choice.
ReplyDeleteSharon, I don't know that it's a guy thing as much as mostly a me thing. I'm probably in a minority. I didn't forget those roles you mention--I just haven't seen those films.
DeleteLee
She was enjoyable in "Death Becomes Her"...
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend, good Sir Lee..
Stacy, that's another one of those films that I did see, but didn't realize that she was in. I think I must try to ignore her in films.
DeleteLee
Never a big fan although I don't think she's creepy. Jimmy Kimmel joked about her being overrated at the Oscars.
ReplyDeleteAlex, I don't know what it is about her, but Streep just turns me off to where I don't like watching her.
DeleteLee
There is no way in hell anyone can ever sanely call her overrated as an actress. Her level of expressiveness and the power of transformation with which she turns herself into the character she plays is unparalleled in history, there never was and never will be such talent and saying otherwise is simply offensive and makes you look silly. But as a person she definitely is a huge disappointment, an uninformed self/indulgent lady who is also a terrific hypocrite. She will forever have her dirty conscience weighted by her fanatic and criminal support of worldwide terrorist, butcher and warmonger Hitlery Clinton. I mean how can you support a woman who killed millions of babies, women and men around the world, how, how, how? Especially if you are a mother yourself, as Meryl is.
ReplyDeleteDezmond, I think it's just one of those "chemical attraction" things or whatever you'd call it. I usually don't have a visceral reaction towards people, but then there are some that I meet or see on TV that I'll be instinctively turned off by. In Streep's case it's probably a thing that's developed with me cumulatively over the years--hard to say. Probably need to go into analysis or something to figure out what the aversion is.
DeleteThen again, I guess I could argue that she's so skilled as an actress that she's effectively portrayed roles of characters that I've so intensely disliked that I directly relate them to her as a person. So I don't know I'd claim to looking "silly" other than from someone who held her in such high acclaim that to them she could do know wrong. Some mysteries in this that I won't take time to resolve.
Still from another aspect, maybe those causes and people who Streep has associated with has influenced me negatively enough to just outright anything else she does in life. Besides, I'm not often impressed by acting skills.
Lee
Your post has me smiling on many levels, especially this, Lee: "If you really feel the need to shoot off about your political beliefs then start a blog or something." ☺ As a proponent of free speech, I embrace the old adage "I might disagree with what you say but will defend your right to say it." It's beyond me why people get offended by others who have different tastes and opinions.
ReplyDeleteMeryl Streep is actually one of my favourite actresses, but I agree that an awards show is the wrong place to spout political rhetoric. It's only going to turn off viewers and tank the ratings. I prefer to record any such shows, to be able to fast forward through the boring stuff. This could be a guy thing. "Bridges of Madison County" is a favourite. Another one I liked: "The Devil Wears Prada". Meryl played a boss bitch from hell - no doubt you agree with the last three words. LOL "Death Becomes Her" was a fun one and I loved her turn as an ageing rock star in "Ricki and the Flash" (co-starring Rick Springfield), being an old "rockchick", myself.
I'm a fan of those actors you mentioned, too. Jean Claude has always been cool. Tom Cruise is underrated as an actor, in my opinion. I don't care for him on a personal level (seems a little creepy), but I can separate one aspect from the other.
We have the same opinion of Sean Penn (and I'm a liberal).
I'll be back to read more comments. Should be interesting!
Debbie D, for the longest time I had Devil Wears Prada on my Netflix list until they somehow deleted my list and I had to start over. I should probably see it, but there are so many other films I'd like to see that take precedent.
DeleteProbably the subject matter of Streep's films is the thing that draws me the least. I think her films tend to have a greater "chick" appeal and don't attract my interest. My wife, who prefers action films, doesn't indicate any interest in seeing any of her films though she doesn't dislike Streep as much as I do and gets annoyed when I say something against the actress.
So far I seem to be in a minority about Streep, which is what I expected. After all, controversy stimulates discussion and that's what I was shooting for.
Lee
You could be right about the "chick flick" aspect. Another favourite Streep movie just popped into my head: "Postcards From The Edge", Carrie Fisher's fictionalized account of her battle with drugs and her mother-daughter relationship. Shirley Maclaine was stellar in the Debbie Reynolds part and Meryl showed off her vocal talents, which are considerable. Having different tastes is surely no reason to get annoyed with someone, unless they become obnoxious about it. Therein lies the problem, yes?
DeleteDebbie D, "different tastes" are less likely to annoy me than different opinions that go strongly against the grain of what I believe. Getting obnoxious about anything can be a huge turn-off that might affect how I'd respond to them.
DeleteLee
I'm not a fan of hers either.
ReplyDeletePop Tart, Good! One on my side.
DeleteLee
I thought she was great in Sophie's Choice. I'm not adept on deciding what is or is not a good performance when it comes to actors so I'm not sure how to decide if someone is overrated or not. I think it's easy to confuse not liking a character or plot with not liking the acting. I think more male actors are easy to like and remember because there are more spotlight roles for males in Hollywood.
ReplyDeleteTamara, Sophie's Choice is a film I should probably see and have meant to but never have gotten around to it. I don't analyze acting jobs that much. If an actor makes me feel something then they've done their job, but then again sometimes the story or topic is enough to draw me in and I'll accept the acting as long as there has been some level of competency to it.
DeleteI think your point about male actors and their roles is a good one. And for me, I probably can identify better with the male roles.
Lee
My husband has the same strong feelings against her as you do. ???? Really, she's an actress, what's the big whoop?
ReplyDeleteUnlike our current President, who is, or was just another loud mouthed celebrity - she has zero power to influence and change the lives of millions!
Yolanda, maybe it's more of a guy thing--maybe we'll find out if I get more male response to this post. I'm not sure how much celebrities influence the thinking of the public, but I can't help but think there must be something. Probably there is more of a pervasive influence among the community of celebrity that infiltrates the thinking of the public who follows that crowd. Some people probably pay far more attention to what celebrities say than what politicians say. I'd advise anyone to take any words from public figures and process them with rational thinking to come up with ones own conclusions.
DeleteLee
I can't stand her either. She's totally overrated. I also can't stand Mel Gibson cause I think he's an asshole and also overrated. And the Beatles are overrated. And Tom Cruise is such a wack job I can't get past it...his cult religion is so bizarre.
ReplyDeleteJoJo, yay for you! I needed your voice to come to my defense with Streep. I still like the Beatles but not as much as I used to. I think their influence on modern pop music cannot be denied so their place in history is secured.
DeleteAs far as Tom Cruise, yes, his religion is quite wacky, but I can't think of a single role that I've seen him in that I not only didn't like, but that was part of a film that I liked immensely. When a film is one of my favorites then I'll attribute that the main actors in that film must have done a pretty good job.
Lee
Not a huge fan, although I like her more knowing that the president does not.
ReplyDeleteHis tweets are vastly overrated...
I think most celebrities are overrated. I have always deplored the amount of praise heaped on them (yes, even the musicians), because for the most part, their fame is fleeting.
But there's where you have to give Ms. Streep some credit.
She's got staying power.
Her breakthrough was in 1978 (The Deer Hunter), and she still is relevant in films today.
Some of the other Oscar-nominated actresses of the day have not fared as well (although most are still active, at least in television):
Sally Field
Goldie Hawn
Diane Keaton
Jessica Lange
Marsha Mason
Susan Sarandon
Debra Winger
Maybe she's not so overrated after all.
LC
Larry, I won't go into Trump's Tweets, but I think you need to get over this. He gets attention with them. I think he uses the tweets as misdirection much like a great magician.
DeleteCelebrities have gotten disproportional to reality. They're overrated, overly covered by media, and overpaid.
I guess she does have the staying power, but that essentially brings me back to the question of Why?. And I don't think she's iconic like the great actresses of the past. She is overrated.
Lee
I liked her in Sophie's Choice and the Devil Wears Prada. My grandfather went to the movies with me in 1980 to see her in Kramer vs Kramer -- he really liked her. That being said, I'm not a huge fan.
ReplyDeleteI really don't like when Hollywood politicizes the awards shows. Totally turns me off and makes me not care about them. I'm not sure why Hollywood thinks that offending half the country is a good idea.
Thea, Hollywood and the entertainment industry should abandon the embracing of political causes because as you say it's divisive and that's not what entertainment should be doing--at least not politically.
DeleteLee
I've seen her in a few things and never minded her, but crazy over her? Pffft nah. And what comes out of her mouth in real life is dumb most of the time, but she entertains, just like Trump, in her own stupid way.
ReplyDeleteCage was good, but God, him and Bruce Willis can't make a good movie to save their life any longer. I think Mel a tad crazy, although he was egged on, but still he said such crap. Tom Cruise is just plan nuts, but they both make a lot of great movies.
There are many actors if I see them they turn me off, just have that douchebag look, for lack of a better word. Actresses are the same, but more for the plastic face many of them have, I just cringe at seeing those types.
But in the end if I enjoy the movie, I enjoy the movie, simple as that for me.
Pat, in real life I don't think Streep is as entertaining as Trump--far from it. Without her film characters she strikes me as rather blah.
DeleteThose celebrities in the acting profession should be seen on stage and screen and not heard in real life.
I agree that the bottom line is whether the movie was entertaining or diverting to me in a way that makes me glad that I saw it. I try not to watch films for torture.
Lee
Boy, lots of response on this one, Lee. Meryl Steep is in "A Prairie Home Companion" by/with Garrison Keillor. Love that and her.
ReplyDeleteBut the garbage politics she is spouting has her crossed off my list.
Sean Penn has been off for a long time.
Susan K., I don't like Prairie Home Companion on radio like I used to, but I don't listen to it like I used to either so I'm not sure how it is. Didn't bother with the movie so I have no opinion on that either.
DeleteThe thing about Sean Penn is that even though he is an abhorrent individual, I've enjoyed seeing all of his films and always come away impressed with his acting abilities.
Lee
I first have to say...cos I didn't comment on the previous post your reply post of my comment(did ya follow that??:)) that just because I don't like Trump, doesn't mean I follow and buy into the media at face value. I like to watch the actual person in what they say and do and take in all info. OK now that that is settled, I never cared for Meryl Strip as I call her. I don't really know the person as she is not much in the media except when she does some role or is presenting something but I think she is overblown and over-rated. I always thought that from the first time I saw her in Kramer Vs Kramer. I saw that in the theatre and thought the film was good but the one who was awful was her. I had no clue who she was then but her crying annoyed me and I thought Jane Alexander was a knockout in that film. I was shocked to see that Streep was up for an Oscar for that role. Afterwards, i just remembered her crying in many films and thought big whoop di-do. I tried watching the French Lieutenant's Woman....fell asleep. I tried watching Sophie's Choice 3 times....fell asleep each time and I love Kevin Kline. My mom watched that movie and found her accent not that great. I tried watching Africa....ughhhh and that yawnfest with Clint Eastwood made me want to smack her. Don't even go to Falling Asleep (Falling In Love). I did see parts of Death Becomes Her and it looks funny. The Devil Wears Prada is good and I like mamma Mia because I love ABBA but Pierce Brosnan, bless him, can't sing. Streep can hit the notes but she is not the singing goddess the media make her out to be...Christine Baranski proves it each time she belts out a tune. I have said for a few years now, that they could film Streep coughing up a furball and everyone would clap and coo "Oscar, Oscar." I am all for freedom of speech but there is a time and a place and any awards show is not the place. I don't mind what she said...if it was at a political rally or at an an interview somewhere but, if someone else went on about it instead of thanking the people who helped them win the award, they would have been criticized. Give me Katherine Hepburn, Betty Davis, Barbara Stanwyck, Rosalind Russell, Jean Arthur any day over Meryl. I have to say, as well, that come Oscar time, she came at the last minute and avoided all the media people and walked right past them as she did not want to stop and be asked any questions..hmmmmm. She also is in some "fight" with Karl Lagerfeld because, from what i understand, she wanted to be paid to wear one of his gowns and he was insulted and called her cheap.....hmmmmmm.
ReplyDeleteBirgit, whewee! Your assessment was vicious compared to mine. But I liked it. You said pretty much how I feel about Streep and added a few more choice digs. Boo, Streep!
DeleteLee
I have only one thing I can add to this with complete confidence. Bridges Of Madison County was the flat worst movie I ever watched- and I've watched Nudes On The Moon...
ReplyDeleteCW, now you've got me curious about Nude on the Moon--I had to google it to see if it were real. Sounds very interesting :)
DeleteLee
She is kind of creepy but she let's down her hair sort of and becomes likable in Mama Mia.
ReplyDeleteEve, my sister loves Mama Mia and said that I should watch it. Maybe someday if it's on TCM or something like that.
DeleteLee
LEE ~
ReplyDeleteI've only read a few of these comments, so forgive me if I repeat what someone else has already said.
I have not seen A LOT of Meryl Streep's movies, but I've seen enough to say that -- IN MY OPINION -- she is indeed overrated. She's pretty good, but definitely overrated.
And my view has NOTHING to do with her snit with Trump. But I do want to say that knowing Larry doesn't like Trump makes me like Trump all the more.
Streep first caught my notice in 'THE DEER HUNTER' and she was VERY good in that. I'd also say that, of her movies I've seen since then, she was never better. It was kind of downhill from there. (Although to be fair, I've never seen 'The Devil Wears Prada', and I heard she was excellent in that.)
You are incorrect though about her having a cameo in 'DEFENDING YOUR LIFE'. I love that movie, and she played the female lead. She was fine, but indeed many, many actresses could have brought just as much to the part.
I'm not at all sure how to take Dezmond's comment:
"Her level of expressiveness and the power of transformation with which she turns herself into the character she plays is unparalleled in history"
Is he being facetious? I hope.
Lee, you wrote:
"I tend to find actors more memorable than actresses. There are plenty of actresses I like, but none that stand out as much as actors."
I agree with that, much to my surprise. Because, let's be honest, God wired women -- generally -- to be more emotional than men. That's a good thing; emotion has a very important place in this world. And women generally being more emotional than men, I would expect actresses to generally be better than actors. But they're not.
IMO, the greatest actress, overall, in terms of "transformation" was probably Bette Davis. There are plenty of others I really like a lot (e.g., Jean Arthur, Judy Holliday, Claire Trevor, etc.) But I can name Bette Davis right off the bat in the serious "Acting" department.
But when you get to the actors and "transformation", it becomes a whole lot harder. Sheesh! Dustin Hoffman, Laurence Olivier, Robert De Niro, Edward Norton, et al. And had he lived, James Dean would have topped them all. His last film, 'GIANT', was a giant clue to the direction he was headed.
So, to sum it all up, I essentially agree with you: I think Meryl Streep is a GOOD actress, but also an overrated one. I also think she's an idiot -- as so many in Hollyweird are.
~ D-FensDogG
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(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
POSTSCRIPT:
It's always important to keep in mind the difference between "acting" and "charisma". Not all performers who have great charisma are great actors. There may be something about them that compels you to watch and like them, but that alone is not real acting. I've always felt that Meryl Streep could act fairly well but, to me, she has no real charisma.
STMcC, we're definitely on the same lines of thinking for this topic. You agreed with me more than I agreed with myself.
ReplyDeleteCharisma is a big factor. And interesting character as well. Gable, Bogart, Stewart, and so many others--especially in Hollywood's "Golden Age"--exuded one of those and were always likable or intriguing. They were almost always themselves playing a character and they did it good if you know what I'm talking about.
Actors are a dime a dozen and good actors are something like twelve cents a dozen.
Lee
Interesting what you thought about Her, Haven't seen many of her films myself.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Yvonne, I guess most of her films have a very specific appeal that draws fewer actual viewers than the film industry would have us be led to believe. I don't whether many of the people I know have seen any more Streep films than I have.
DeleteLee
In the movie "Defending Your Life" she has a starring role with Albert Brooks. Personally, i thought it was a very good movie.
ReplyDeleteIn re: Sean Penn, while I don't like his politics, as an actor he has stretched himself out in ways most actors have not. I consider him to be the modern version of Robert Duvall because of what he has done an actor.
While most people will forever see him as Jeff Spicolli from "Fast Times At Ridgemont High", I think his best movie was called 21 grams, in which he plays a critically ill mathematician who falls in love with a grieving mother and goes after a born-again ex-con who had killed the mother's daughter in DUI accident.
GB, I only vaguely recall Defending Your Life and probably should see it again. I don't remember Streep's role in the film at all.
DeleteI cringe when I think about watching a Sean Penn film, but once I'm into it I forget about the actor and become enthralled with the character. To me that's pretty great acting.
Lee
I'm neutral on Meryl Streep, but I hate when politics overflows onto entertainment shows. At least with TV, I can switch the channel. But if it happens at a venue where I've paid good money for entertainment or education. that's when I get angry. The only solution for that is walking out and demanding refund...which I probably won't get.
ReplyDeletePatricia, if I'm going to be harangued by politics then I'd like the other side to have a fair rebuttal which is not happening so much in academia or the entertainment industry. I don't like the idea of paying in order for someone to attempt to brainwash me.
DeleteLee
I always thought she was remarkably good in detestable character roles. After her soapbox reveal I don't think she was acting at all.
ReplyDeleteDiedre, and I've many people who knew her or had met her say that she was an extremely person. Maybe she was acting detestable so well that she convinced people like me that the ugly side was her true nature. Likely that her soft spot for liberal leftist causes just gives her a certain detestability that we don't see that much.
DeleteLee
Ha! I'm reminded of how I avoided anything Mark Harmon was in (even the beer commercial) after his performance in the Ted Bundy movie! I enjoyed the few movies I've seen Streep in, but I thought her grandstanding was despicable.
DeleteSo tell me, Arlee, how you REALLY feel - LOL. Greatest actress of all time? I don't think so. Using the awards shows for political statements, no, they run long enough as it is. I catch the recap on AOL the next day most of the time. Give me a good looking guy in the title role and I'm hooked. I don't think about their politics when I watch movies. Kevin Bacon - cutie.
ReplyDeleteJanet, the thing about Kevin Bacon is that he must be well liked as well as talented since he's been in so many films and appeared with so many different famous actors.
DeleteLee
Hey Lee,
ReplyDeleteI've heard that Meryl Streep has the starring role in the upcoming "Blogbuster" movie, "The A to Z Challenge!"
Have a good one, dude.
Gary
Gary, she wanted top billing, but since the film will have a cast of thousands and they'll be listed alphabetically her name will come pretty far down the list.
DeleteLee
Some actors and actresses have a natural gift while others have to constantly work at it and over time shine a little more as time goes by. I'll be mentioning Marsha Hunt on Monday, an actress whose star didn't quite light up Hollywood making the big leagues in A pictures - its a pity really while she lived long and prospered, she made 50 movies between the 30's aand 40's alone and never became a major star.
ReplyDeleteSpacer, I seem to remember her name, but then I don't remember too many names or what they did unless they're splashed all over the place.
DeleteLee
Glad I came finally got around to reading this one, Lee! Wow! Pretty intense! Maybe you have a secret crush on her! ;)
ReplyDeleteI don't give celebrities much power over me and don't follow them closely ..... this includes DT.
I watched a few of Streep's movies ~ most of which deal with cutting-edge social issues. 'Bridges', IMO, was over-rated yet dealt with the issue of affairs in marriage. More than Streep, I felt Eastwood's acting was weird in that one.
It's always been Hollywood's role to bring 'social awareness' content into their movies. I like it because it makes us think even though we might not buy the whole message, whether supporting the left or the right.
PS. Something tells me you're not going to hear from Meryl! "If you really feel the need to shoot off about your political beliefs then start a blog or something." Love It! :D
Mary Lou, I don't keep up with celebrities much either other than when they get shoved into the spotlight. And who can miss Streep's now perfunctory award nominations?
DeleteYeah, I doubt whether Meryl will be paying any iota of attention to my blog post. So far not even a peep from a Streep fan.
Lee
I agree with you on this post. Kenny Rogers once told a reporter he wasn't going to tell them who he was voting for because people would then vote for them, not because they researched for themselves, but because he was voting for them.
ReplyDeletePeople give celebrities too much credit. They are paid to recite lines and act.
Just my opinion.
DJ Glen
Glen, so glad to hear from you! I've been seeing some of your posts on Facebook, but nothing from you otherwise. Seems like you've been busy though.
DeleteI do think there are some cult celebrity followings who might be apt to follow the lead of whoever it is that they follow. I like Kenny's take on the concept. Celebrities should focus on whatever they do best and not become part of the political landscape unless they are actually running for office. And even then they probably should avoid politics unless they've got good sense.
Lee
I do like Meryl Streep. I haven't seen ALL of her movies, but I usually enjoy them. The River Wild is one of my favorites of hers. But I often think that she needs to step down a little, let other actresses take some of those roles. When she's at award ceremonies, I wish it could be someone else nominated for the role she had.
ReplyDeleteChrys, a situation of over saturation.
DeleteLee
I gotta say of all the entertainers to make political comments in the last 12 months (and I include Donald Trump here) I thought Streep's was the best. It was a very intelligent delivery and it had a huge impact. Sophies Choice was also one of my top ten favorite films.
ReplyDeleteRik, Streep has her fans. I've never been one of them.
DeleteLee
That's exactly how you tell a great actor from the overrated ones - you'll always remember a great performance even in a bad movie and you'll never recall a hack even in a great film!
ReplyDeleteAnon, and these days I forget a good many movies and performances soon after I've watched them. If I watch something at least a second time it's because there was something worth going back to.
DeleteLee