Florence Foster Jenkins

Set in 1940’s New York, Florence Foster Jenkins is a 2016 comedy-drama directed by Stephen Frears and featuring stellar performances by Meryl Streep as the title character and Hugh Grant as her devoted husband, Bayfield. Simon Helberg, known for his role in the TV show "The Big Bang Theory," also stars as Cosmé McMoon, a highly talented yet comically awkward pianist.

The movie is a biographical take on the extraordinary life of Florence Foster Jenkins, a socialite, philanthropist, and most notably, performer. Despite possessing very limited singing abilities, Mrs. Jenkins remains strongly committed to her dream of becoming an opera singer. She believes music is about passion and joy, an expression of the inner soul, an ideology that shines throughout the movie and is genuinely represented in the sincere performances of the cast.

Meryl Streep embodies the role of Florence, exuding an air of aristocratic eccentricity combined with the sheer determination of a woman who doesn't let the lack of talent deter her from a life-long passion. Stricken with syphilis at an early age, but not letting it overcome her love and zest for life, Florence's character showcases positivity and resilience in the face of adversity. Streep's heartfelt portrayal aptly captures this lively spirit.

Hugh Grant, in one of his most mature and poignant performances to date, plays Bayfield, the loving husband of Florence. Despite being in a complicated relationship, Bayfield's undying love and allegiance to his wife is touching. He goes out of his way to protect his wife’s dream, even if it means shielding her from the harsh realities of her talent or, as it may be put lightly, the lack of it. Grant's portrayal of Bayfield is both charming and emotionally grounded, providing a robust anchoring contrast to Streep's exuberant performance.

Simon Helberg's performance as McMoon, the skittish but loyal pianist, adds a delightful touch of humor to the film. Despite being hired to accompany a tone-deaf singer, McMoon still maintains his utmost professional commitment, which adds comic relief while also working as the moral compass of the film.

The film's set and costume design transport audiences to 1940’s New York, contributing significantly to the nostalgic aura the narrative exudes. The marriage of cinematography and production design flawlessly creates the world where Florence exists, with perfect attention to detail – from the elegant interior of her apartment to the grandeur of her performances.

Stephen Frears demonstrates brilliance in directing, subtly turning what could have been a cruel farce into a heart-warming story of love, determination, and perseverance. The director commendably presents the characters with such finesse that audiences can't help but sympathize with Florence and her fervent desire to express herself through music. Florence Foster Jenkins is a testament to the notion that art is subjective, and sometimes, passion can indeed triumph over talent.

Nicolas Martin's screenplay weaves in a blend of humour and sentimentality into the dialogues, painting a picture of the human spirit unhindered by societal perceptions. This is detailed in Florence's mantra of, "People may say I can’t sing, but no one can ever say I didn’t sing."

On the music front, the film's soundtrack aptly reflects the highs and lows of Florence's musical journey. The scoring of the film, just like her voice, is brimming with ardor, so even when Florence hits the wrong notes, her sincerity resonates loud and clear.

In conclusion, Florence Foster Jenkins is a touching comedic drama set in 1940s New York, featuring fantastic performances by Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant, and Simon Helberg. It is an empathetic portrayal of ambition, resilience, and unwavering desire to pursue a passion and live one's dreams, irrespective of the opinions and judgments of the world.