STREEP. Prodigious gifts.
HER 17 Oscar nominations, a string of Golden Globes and other honors make Meryl Streep the entertainment industry’s thespian for all seasons. She is often compared to four-time Oscar winner, Katharine Hepburn. There’s no doubt she is a great actress who knows how to alter her face and body to transform herself into any character she’s portraying.
The difference between the late Hepburn and Streep is that Meryl is more versatile. While Kate tended to portray different versions of herself, Meryl changes her look as the role requires. Recently, she won a third Oscar for “The Iron Lady,” where she portrayed British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. She changed her look, aged convincingly, and put on a credible accent.
Scenes
I have watched the film at least four times—and enjoyed it every time! In fact, I have replayed scenes that I thought proved Streep’s prodigious thespic gifts. The only thing I didn’t approve of was the Academy’s “snub” of the British actress who portrayed the young Margaret. She should have been nominated as Best Supporting Actress, because she contributed to Streep’s success in the role, by completing the transformative cycle and development of the titular character.
There are those who are not quite “sold” on Streep—but, I think they’re just jealous of her.
Streep chooses roles that challenge her. As an artist, she has been credible from the start of her promising career.
Master of accents
She is a master of accents: She can even put on a Polish accent convincingly. In “Iron Lady,” her Queen’s English is impeccable. When she ages, she even “acquires” a turkey neck! Her walk and stance are very different from the ramrod posture she had as a rising politician. When she confronts the American Secretary of State and explains why Britain must defend its rights over the Falklands, I applauded her fortitude and courage!
Despite her many accomplishments, Streep remains a humble artist. She expressed fear that moviegoers would react negatively when she earned her 17th Oscar nomination. May she win more than four Academy Awards and beat the record set by Katharine Hepburn. If there’s anyone who can do it, Meryl Streep can!