Meryl Streep
Interview By: Dan Portnoy
DanielPortnoy@TheCinemaSource.com
*Click Here For Another Interview with Meryl Streep
*Click Here For Another Interview with Meryl Streep
Never before have I had the chance to sit down with a celebrity the likes of Meryl Streep. This glamorous star has just about done it all in her illustrious career. For a woman that has had her 'star' placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and garnered two Oscars out of her ten nominations, you wouldn't have to question why she is often considered one of the greatest actresses of our time. When talking to Meryl Streep, you can't help but admire and appreciate all she has accomplished over the years. This year audiences will be able to see her starring alongside Uma Thurman in the new romantic comedy, Prime.
In Prime, Streep plays Lisa Metzger, a psychoanalyst of the career driven and success hungry business-woman Rafi Gardet (Thurman). To Rafi who is recently divorced, finding love is the last thing on her mind. That is of course until Lisa's son David (Bryan Greenberg), a struggling painter, falls in love with Rafi. The film is an intriguing take on love, extracted from multiple characters and multiple points of view. It's a lighthearted comedic look on life shows that even though love may be the last thing one expects it can be the best thing one can ultimately receive.
Now I know there may be some people out there that would refer to this film as a 'chick flick', but let me persuade you to not be so hasty. The film, although it deals with love, also contains a number of elements entertaining for all viewers, male and female. 'I always hate that they call them 'chick movies' or 'chick flicks.' Why can't it just be literature for everybody or 'flicks' for everybody'' That's a good point Ms. Streep. And yes, I know the idea of a cinematic love story may send most men running for the doors, but why is that' A good story is a good story.
One of the things that makes Prime an enjoyable film is that it is comedy in good taste. 'This was unique for a comedy, it has a really good heart, it's not mean to people...' The film proves that comedy continues to have many facets and not all revolve around someone getting hit in the marbles.
The fact that the film takes place in New York is another positive aspect. In a city that has so much history and infinite possibilities for a film, it's no wonder that Prime chose New York as its location. 'The movie loves New York and I love New York and it looks at New York in a realistic way, but the way you look at it when you're falling in love, and I like that.' In a city that has a habit of swallowing its inhabitants, it makes the connection of Rafi and Dave so much more refreshing.
As for Meryl's character, Lisa, she wanted her to appear very 'mom-ish.' Therefore her stylistic choices may have been more conservative than someone who was perhaps a little younger. Please, please, no offense intended. Take it from Streep, 'The clothes were not important to her'she's nicely groomed and everything but she doesn't care about the style or the label.' And as an analyst, Lisa must appear professional too, that is if she wants to continue receiving clients, namely the enchanting Uma Thurman, I mean Rafi Gardet. Streep who only knew the Uma Thurman she has seen on screen really enjoyed the chance to become closer with this talented young actress. 'Uma herself is more like what she is in this film. She's very forthright and earnest'she's a really lovely actress.'
For one who's been in the industry as long as Streep, and been as successful, recognizing talent is a 'prime' benefit of that experience. But what was it after all that made Streep choose to take part in this comedy' 'I'm always looking for things I think are funny. And the things that people think are funny; I don't think they're funny. I think they like bludgeon you with the jokes and they are relentlessly predictable' Comedy comes out of the characters. It's the situation; it's their humanity that makes you laugh at their predicament. It's not just the 'bad-um-bum.' That's just the kind of film Prime happens to be. It tickled her funny bone right from the start. 'I got the script, I went into my room and my husband could hear me two rooms away cause I was laughing.' The rest my friends is history.
And let's not forget how fantastic Streep looked in this film. As sly smile crosses her face I know the answer I'm about to receive will not be the one I expect. 'Well, I have been pushing the wine bottle away lately...at least after the first glass,' she says as the smile breaks into a full laugh. Very funny, I guess I'll just have to assume it's because she has nine new films in the works, films that will allow her to demonstrate her range and acting capability once again. But hey if anyone can handle it'
