The film was as intense as expected. The Academy Awards had already passed, giving well deserved praise to the nominated cast, so by the time I got to see the film, there were very few secrets left. My official opinion about the film, is that the story would've been better on a stage.
August Osage County is about a severely dysfunctional family living in rural Oklahoma. After the Father Beverly, head of the family, played by Sam Shepherd, goes missing one of the daughters living close by calls the rest of the family to their Mother Violet's house, played by Meryl Streep. Violet is a chain smoker, on many medications that suppress her mouth cancer. It's a wonder she has mouth cancer, when she is the most foul mouthed out of everyone. Once the family is together, the skeletons begin to come out of the closet. Many secrets are exposed, and the already broken family has a breakdown, which everyone suffers. The connection that moves us is between Violet and her daughter Barbara, played by Julia Roberts. By the end of the film, no one wants to be around Violet and her inconsiderate "truth telling," and drug addiction.
Nothing really changes within the family dynamic. One could argue that some members of the family were living in denial, or wearing rose colored glasses. But after several exposed secrets, everyone is forced to see, and live with their demons.
If there is one thing I have learned from the state of my own extended family, it is that life is too short to allow anyone to make you feel bad about yourself. Sometimes we choose to stay away from those who create chaos and cause unhappiness in our lives.
First I need to acknowledge the cinematography. The film was shot with excellent simplicity and sharpness! The cast was out-of-this-world! Meryl Streep was over the top, but she was also very raw and honest. Brutally honest! Julia Roberts was shadowing Streep's onscreen style, bringing back a little Erin Brockovich attitude to the character of Barbara. Playing Barbara's husband Bill is Ewan McGregor. He is always great in his films, however his American accent needs more rehearsing. Their teenage daughter Jean is played by Abigail Breslin. She has come a long way! Jean is an angst ridden teenage girl, in the middle of an identity crisis. Barbara's sisters are played by Juliette Lewis and Julianne Nicholson. The three sisters all have their own personalities and opinions of right and wrong. Their bond was very present, making it easy for the audeince to sympathize with the girls. One surprise was Benedict Cumberbatch. In contrast to Ewan McGregor, Benedict's American accent was flawless! And his role as Cousin Charles was tough to watch since he is directly involved with a great family secret. The rest of the cast, Chris Cooper, Dermot Mulroney, and Margo Martindale proved very impressive as well.
There are a few points in the film I think deserve recognition. During a dinner scene, the family is together post-funeral, and it has been requested that Charlie, played by Chris Cooper, say grace. The others at the table are awkward, and impatient, as it takes Charlie a little while to say grace. As I'm watching this moment, I realize that what was said during grace is actually the most heartfelt moment in the whole story. It is the one time the family is together, without hatred or malice.
The next moment I think is worth mentioning is during the same scene, after grace, during their meal. When Violet begins mouthing off and going overboard, Barbara asks what pills she has taken. Violet then takes out a small bottle of pills from her pocket and begins to brag about how great they are. Out of no where, Barbara lunges towards her mother, reaching for the bottle, tackling Violet to the floor. Family members fall over each other to regain control over Barbara. It is a great eruption that the audience craves! Even I wanted to see the daughters take the pills away and help their mother achieve sobriety. In the play, that tackle takes place on a sofa center stage. I felt the impact was greater when it was during their meal at the formal dining table.
While watching the film certain ideas crossed my mind: Family affairs, truth, identity, drama, family secrets, burden, demons, and mirrors. Most of these are self explanatory. Identity and mirrors are in relation to inherited traits within the family. Exposed family secrets means the family has to live with the mistakes of others. Awkwardness, and the results of poor choices.
On stage, the play received a lot of attention at the Tony Awards in 2008. In Violet's shoes, the stage has witnessed the likes of Phylicia Rashad and Estelle Parsons. The set is a simple set, reminiscent of A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen. It's a grand, old fashioned, two story house, cut open for the audience to see into the lives of this mad family.
It is heart breaking when you learn of tragic family secrets. It becomes a greater struggle to come to terms with your own demons. Choose your battle wisely. You can only take so much!
A great film, with a phenomenal cast. However, I recommend seeing the play live for a better, more in depth experience.
The official film poster.
My personal favorite film poster, when Barbara is fighting Violet for the pill bottle.
A different perspective, film poster. This one is less threatening than the previous.
Violet, Bill, and Barbara
The climax of the film.
On Broadway
Estelle Parsons
Phylicia Rashad
