"And the Academy Award Goes To...” At first, I was annoyed at the prospect of Glenn Close winning this year’s Best Actress Oscar over Lady Gaga. “A Star Is Born” was an amazing film with Gaga commanding the screen and it seemed like Close would receive the Oscar merely because it was “her turn.” And then I saw “The Wife.” This is one of the best films of 2018 and I don’t know how it has been neglected on the awards circuit. Glenn Close drives this film with her powerful performance, bringing both timidity and boldness to her character. It has an amazing pace that builds to that moment when she will reach her boiling point. And just when we think that we have her figured out, her character develops another layer in the final scene. It is truly an Oscar-worthy achievement. While she has been celebrated for this powerful portrayal, where is the acclaim for Jonathan Pryce’s extraordinary performance? He has barely been acknowledged and yet, part of what makes this film so strong is the chemistry between these leads. His character strengthens Close’s character, not to mention that he effectively earns our sympathy and disdain. There was certainly room for him in the Supporting Actor category. The casting of Annie Starke was wonderful as she perfectly embodied a young Glenn Close and her quality of acting helped to strengthen our attachment to Close with every flashback. I also loved the use of Christian Slater’s character to gently push the buttons of the others. He is outside of the main conflict and yet, he is the key element that pushes each character over the edge. This amazing character development makes me believe that the screenplay was deserving of an Oscar nomination. Outside of the excessive profanity (which was not always necessary for the characters to express their frustrations) and that awkward opening scene, this story develops perfectly. I was particularly impressed with its ability to mask the twist until a few subtle insinuations that provide that jaw-dropping realization. Again, there was definitely room for this film in the Adapted Screenplay category. I watched “The Wife” out of skepticism for Glenn Close’s potential Oscar win but in the end, my skepticism shifted toward the awards shows and their lack of recognition for this incredible film. This is one films that is not to be missed this awards season.
[Pictured: Every moment of this film is carefully constructed to eventually push each character to their limit]
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