Summary
7 tech score
“The Wife” (Sony Pictures Classics)
“The Wife” is a film that analyzes a marriage. It shows a couple who has been together for thirty plus years and the seams are beginning to rip. Jonathan Pryce and Glen Close portray Joe and Joan Castleman. He a successful novelist and she the woman behind the man. They both share a secret which could expose them both as frauds and this makes for the drama of the film.
As the movie starts Joe and Joan are awaiting an announcement of the Nobel Prize for Literature. Joe is considered to be the front runner. When it is announced he has won it is off to Oslo for the couple and their son David (Max Irons). Also making the trip is reporter Nathaniel Bone (Christian Slater) who wants to write a tell-all book on Joe’s life.
These opening scenes convey a sense that Joan is not completely happy with her plight in life. She knows her husband has had numerous affairs but has manged to forgive and forget a little. David also seems to have problems with his father. He is an aspiring writer and seems to be uncomfortable in his father’s shadow.
The acting in this film is outstanding.Close is particularly good in a role seemingly tailored for her talents. She presents a range of emotions and each one is believable. Of course she is fortunate to have a co-star of the caliber of Mr. Pryce. His own talent appears to elevate that of Close. Their scenes together are the best in the film.
Then there is Slater, he of the weaselly eyes and the Jack Nicholson voice. You know from the moment he appears on screen he is up to no good. He is Eddie Haskell personified and seems to appear in scenes like the serpent in the garden. He is fascinating to watch. Max Irons is also good as the easily disheartened son. He has a whiny aspect which is enhanced by his willingness to also be a taker.
In flashbacks to the early years when Joe and Joan met the characters are played by Harold Lloyd and Annie Starke (Ms. Close’s daughter). They are both good in their roles and Starke’s resemblance to Close is an added benefit to the validity of her portrayal.
The film is based on the book of the same name by Meg Wolitzer. Perhaps in her novel there is more of an explanation of why these people act as they do. One of the film’s big weaknesses is the failure to show the motivation for Joan to act and accept her role in the marriage as she does.
The movie is rated R for profanity and adult situations.
“The Wife” is a complex and engrossing movie. It doesn’t answer all the questions it raises but there is enough meat on the bone of the script to provide audiences with a grand meal of entertainment.
I scored “The Wife” a married 7 out of 10.
Jackie K Cooper
www.jackiekcooper.com
