Florence Foster Jenkins (2016, UK), out on DVD December 13 2016 (in North America).

Florence Foster Jenkins (Meryl Streep) has the advantages of being a wealthy socialite or celebrity, New York, 1944. Being wealthy gives her the ability to throw money at her passion: singing. This is the story of a socialite who is in the opportunity already and can give things a go. However, she leaves most of us in the crowd jeering and cheering this off-note but spirited singer.

Like celebrity reality t.v., being in the center of the public eye brings its share of knockers and enthusiasts. Some like you and some don’t.

People love as well as hate New York socialite Florence Foster Jenkins. They hate her singing voice, but love her spirit for giving it a go.

It’s not most people’s story.

Florence’s music was regarded as awful, but became a best-seller, But most of us are told we have to be so good before ‘making it’ in the limelight.  Almost nothing is made in the movie of silver spoons giving you opportunities others wouldn’t have.

There are the guys who think they should be given more based on their talent–in terms of prestige and artistic acceptance. Florence’s very good piano accompaniment Cosme McMoon (Simon Helberg) feels a bit out his depth playing for a ‘hack singer. Cosme says he should consider his reputation as a piano man, playing for an awful singer.

However, he seems glad to get the job, that pays well, and he is treated very well. He’s one of those guys who has talent and strikes it ‘lucky’–but not the way he imagined. We can probably better relate to this guy.

It appears unfair how an awful singer can make it, but better singers can’t.  But before we write off Florence Foster Jenkins as having unfair advantages, she’s selflessly generous, and even naive to a fault. Meryl Streep delivers another perfect performance where you have to look closer for blemishes it’s so perfect.

Again Streep’s in character. She makes us see Florence; behind stage. And that is what opera audiences in 1944 wouldn’t have seen, but we do.

Warnings—Florence’s marriage appears to be an ‘open’ marriage

Meryl Streep (Florence Foster Jenkins), Hugh Grant (St Clair Bayfield), Simon Helberg (Cosme McMoon), Rebecca Fergusson (Kathleen),

Stephen Frears (Director), Nicholas Martin (Writer)

British director Stephen Frears known in the 80’s for My Beautiful Launderette, Dangerous Liaisons, Sammy and Rosie Get Laid and Prick Up Your Ears and flourishes later in his career with The Queen and Philomena.