"The Wife". To date, the Best Film of the Year! Award Winning Swedish Director Bjorn Runge ("Om Jag Vander Mig Om" 2003 and "Mum Mot Mun" 2005) is about to become a household name, as he teams with Emmy Winning Writer Jane Anderson ("Olive Kitteridge" 2015) to bring Meg Wolitzer's book to the big screen. Joe (the terrific Johnathan Pryce) is about to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature. At his side is his doting yet reserved wife Joan (welcome back to the Big Screen Glen Close) and their man child son David (the handsome, yet miss casted Max Irons "Condor" TV). From the moment this film begins, and if you look close, you can see in the eyes of the Castleman family there is an underlining something wrong. David has felt it his entire life, and he can't help but wear it on his sleeve. Joan has suppressed it her entire mirrage, and is determined to stick by her man. And, Joe, a self absorbed womanizer, is so involved in his own success he can't see what it's doing to himself and his family. Anderson's writing keeps all the family secrets close to the families chest, making the audience wondering painstakingly when and if the dam will burst. Director Range has complete control of the presentation, quietly letting the audience in to the inner workings of the family through flashbacks, until it's too much to withhold. Stockholm cinematography by Ulf Brantas sets the scene of the Noble Prize Award, providing just the right cold environment sure to melt down the families wall at any minute. Costumes/Wardrobe by Trisha Biggar ("Star Wars" trilogy) are subtle and beautiful, and could be recognized come Awards time. Close is once again at the top of her game, with those piercing eyes and cold shell that makes one study her every move. Pryce hits his acting stride here, as a man sinking in muddy waters. Unfortunately, while I'm a big fan of Max Irons, he's just a bit to old for this "wounded" son role. "The Wife" has officially began the Award Season race for Best Film of the Year. Don't miss it!
Review of The Wife
