August: Osage County

Possibly, one of the most unpleasant films ever made.

Billed as a comedy?!? Some people certainly have the strangest senses of humour.

There are 2 funny lines and one potentially funny scene. Otherwise, this is a dark trip into familial dysfunction...dark being the operative word, both in lighting and subject matter.

The direction fails to transform this [inexplicable] multi-award winning stage play into a discernible, coherent film...theatrical amplitude (i.e. over-the-top performances) rarely works on screen. Here, you get the distinct feeling of lines being crossed...it's all just a little too much...with the constant explosive revelations...there's no time to catch your breath.

Yes, the acting is almost faultless - although Mr McGregor is clearly out of his depth. Streep's performance is vicious as the matriarch, comparable to Bette Davis in The Anniversary - but, alas, without the camp humour...if she had actually been funny (and vile), then this film would have flown off the screen. Unfortunately, she's just vile.

In life, there are rarely resolutions - the same goes for this draining film. You will feel exhausted and thankful that this was just a movie...[hopefully] far removed from your own personal situation.

Human existence has never looked so bleak.

A grossly unenjoyable experience.

Trailer...