I
have been breathlessly waiting for this newest Meryl Streep film. She
does not disappoint. Streep plays the role of Kay, an unhappily married
woman for over 30 years. Life is a routine. She makes the bacon and eggs
in the morning. Her husband, Arnold (Tommy Lee Jones) dutifully
kisses her goodbye on the way to work and that is the extent of their
intimacy. They do not have meaningful conversations. He sleeps in the
spare room. When she did try to suggest sex by coming into his bedroom
in a negligee he ‘sends her packing’. They don’t even exchange gifts on
their anniversary.
Good
for Kay. She spends her own money to book a ‘working holiday’ in Maine
at a clinic to improve her marriage. It was touch and go if Arnold would
even attend. He grudgingly goes along and is obviously humiliated and
embarrassed at having to talk about the dysfunctional relationship. At
first they sit on opposite ends of the couch. He looks grumpy and she
has pursed lips. At one point she runs out of the room and goes to a
bar. It is sad and funny at the same time. It is a Hollywood film so
nobody will be surprised that the sessions help to make for a more
meaningful satisfying relationship. The sex counselor is aptly played by
Steve Carrel.
Dare
I state that more women will relate to this film than men. This is a
different type of role for Tommy Lee Jones. He is so believable as the
insensitive, unknowing and unfeeling husband. Meryl Streep plays the
part to perfection. She tries so hard and gets nothing back in return.
It is a story told by many. After 30 years of marriage it is easy to get
into bad habits and forget the ‘niceties’ of a bonding relationship.
The
sessions with the sex counselor were humorous and touching. The
re-incarnation of Arnold was delightful and very satisfying. It probably
is a little over the top to believe he could do a 360 degree change but
the audience loved it. The title has a double meaning. The name of the
town in Maine was Hope Springs. The central theme of the film is for
hope in restoring the relationship of Kay and Arnold.
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