The Wife

Starring: Glenn Close, Jonathan Pryce, Max Irons, Christian Slater, Harry Lloyd, Annie Starke, Elizabeth McGovern
Directed by: Bjorn Runge
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
2018

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A writer (Jonathan Pryce) has won the Nobel Prize for Literature, but on the trip, old fractures threaten to derail the relationship with his wife (Glenn Close) and she begins to question her role in his success.

Review:

Tim: The Wife is a good movie- it examines the idea that behind great men, especially writers, there are often strong (or stronger) women supporting them. The idea that women support men, who get all the credit isn't a new idea and there's a lot of truth to it. I enjoyed this look at relationship dynamics, who gets credit for artistic work, and how fame can impact people. I wouldn't call this a great film, but it's a worthwhile one.

The Wife is probably most noteworthy for Glenn Close's performance. It really looked like she might win her first Academy Award (this was her seventh nomination). While it's somewhat disappointing for her that she ended up going 0-7, I kind of agree with the decision. Close is certainly good in this film- her performance is likely the best part of the whole film. She's believable, shows a good range of emotion, and makes us care about her character. I absolutely agree it deserved the nomination. I'm not quite sure it was good enough to win. I doubt her performance will be remembered years from now. It was effective, but it was never truly superb. Still, I don't want this paragraph to feel like I'm knocking her performance- Close is so very good in this film and it's a reminder of what an excellent actress she is. She elevates this movie substantially.

Jonathan Pryce gives an especially strong performance as well. Pryce works well with Close- it was so exceptionally entertaining to see these two talented actors act opposite each other. The film gave them so many opportunities for wonderful exchanges. This is an example of a film where the actors are far better than the film around them (this happens every single year). Pryce's character may not be the most likeable, but he gives him these layers of complexity. It's sometimes stunning to consider the lies and half-truths he had to tell himself to continue on. Pryce captures this fragility in his wonderful performance. I thought Max Irons was fine in his role. When you compare the incredible performances of Close and Pryce, Irons feels like a big step down. It was great seeing Christian Slater in an entertaining supporting role. Seeing him here, I realized how much I missed him on the big screen. As a whole, you walk away from this movie feeling quite impressed with the cast.

The film itself is good, but it's never great. It's kind of fascinating to watch this family fracture during a trip that should be one of joy and celebration. Flying to accept a Nobel Prize is the pinnacle of one's career, yet it feels anything but as you watch these characters struggle with past and present challenges. This isn't an especially "feel good" movie, but it's one that certainly holds our attention. The constant bickering and toxicity of the relationships eventually wears on you, but it's definitely entertaining while you watch it. The film as a whole does feel a little Oscar-baity, and it's not surprising to me that it was only nominated for 1 Academy Award (the previously mentioned Best Actress nom for Close). This feels like a good movie featuring a great individual performance. Close elevates the film, but not enough for this to be considered a great film.

I did enjoy The Wife and I'd recommend it. It features strong performances, a story that really does pull you deeper and deeper into this family and their baggage and secrets. It might not always emotionally hit you as strongly as it needed to, but this movie is absolutely worth seeing.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



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