A list of movies for the ‘grand old dames’ of the silver screen (like Greer Garson and Bette Davis) show that they were paired with an endless succession of leading men of their day.
Meryl Streep is the ‘grand old dame’ of our era - but Hollywood must be nearing the end of available suitable leading men who can be paired with her!
Streep seems to have a continuous stream of films released and has appeared alongside almost all the older male actors of our time. Some pairings have worked while, in my opinion, others (like her outings with Clint Eastwood or Jack Nicholson) have not.
In Hope Springs, Tommy Lee Jones is the latest 60-something year actor to try to compete for screen time against Streep. Interestingly, Jeff Bridges, James Gandolfini and Philip Seymour Hoffman were once lined up to be her co-star in the film but each dropped out.
Hope Springs is about a couple who have been married for over 30 years trying to re-discover physical intimacy and their love for each other by seeing a marriage therapist (Steve Carell).
In a picturesque seaside town in Connecticut, they go through a series of revealing sessions with the therapist until they take their own steps to resolve their problems.
Streep and Jones are actually very good in the film – not so much as a couple but as individuals. They are often shown sitting at either end of the therapist’s couch and it is difficult to decide who to watch most as each display different reactions and nuances to the conversations taking place.
However, it is when Streep and Jones are together physically that the mis-match is apparent. They seem to be an odd pairing with little chemistry between them, much like in Streep's film with Jack Nicholson. Of course, this is the whole point of the ‘odd couple’ concept in Hope Springs and so maybe the casting director did make the right decision!
Steve Carell has a lower profile and less comedic role than normal in the film. Also watch for Elisabeth Shue (as the bartender) and Mimi Rogers (as the neighbour).
Director David Frankell does a good job after his work on The Devils Wears Prada and Marley And Me.
Hope Springs is a movie that will appeal to the more mature audience who may identify with some of the storyline, yet it also offers enough humour to attract a younger audience too.
3 out of 5
Hope Springs Australian release: 23rd August, 2012 Official Site:Hope Springs Cast: Steve Carell, Tommy Lee Jones, Meryl Streep, Elisabeth Shue, Susan Misner, Jean Smart, Marin Ireland Director: David Frankel
