Actress Meryl Streep was recently honoured with the Cecil B De Mille Award at the 74th Annual Golden Globes for her outstanding contribution to the world of entertainment. Times NIE brings you the best of Streep
Anoted film critic once said that few film stars have the reputation that Meryl Streep has – for being a chameleon with voices and mannerisms, excelling in drama as well as comedy. Streep has over 70 film and television credits, in addition to her early work in New York theatre, to her name. To try and pick her 10 best performances is difficult – she’s been nominated for the Oscar a record 19 times! Even for this natural performer, each of her films has been a lesson. “I learnt to be patient when I worked with Dustin Hoffman in ‘Kramer Vs Kramer’, I learnt fashion from Anna Hathaway during the time we spent together on the sets of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’. I am overwhelmed with the fact that I have a global fan following – for me, I am only just another actor,” she said at an event.
The Deer Hunter
One of the early Hollywood movies to deal with the Vietnam War, this was Streep’s first major film role, and her first Oscar nomination. Set mostly in a Pennsylvania town, it depicted violence in Southeast Asia – this film showcased Streep’s acting talent.
Out Of Africa
Based in 20th century colonial Kenya, ‘Out Of Africa’ follows the life of Karen Blixen, who sets up a plantation in Africa. Her life is complicated by a husband of convenience (Bror Blixen), a true love (Denys), troubles on the plantation, schooling of the natives, war, and catching a disease from her husband.
Kramer vs Kramer
A striking documentary about divorce and child custody that, for 1979, was daring in suggesting that not all women were pre-programmed for motherhood. Streep won her first Oscar (for a supporting role) as the woman who leaves her husband (Dustin Hoffman) and young son simply because she is unhappy. This is an extraordinary film that puts characters ahead of its time.
Postcards From The Edge
While ultimately a serious film about familial relationships, this is our first funny film on the list. Based on Carrie Fisher's semi-autobiographical novel (Princess Leia), Streep plays a character completely foreign to her: a mediocre actress. She’s recovering from addiction and playing bit parts in small productions, but also figuring out how to connect with her legendary mother.
The Iron Lady
Only someone as talented as Streep could make this role riveting. It’s a biopic on British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, a paradoxical figure: a radical conservative. Her staunch opposition to the Soviet Union and socialism gave her the title of ‘Iron Lady’, a quality portrayed well by Streep. She won her third Academy Award for a film that will be better known for her performance than the script.
The Devil Wears Prada
Meet Amanda Priestly, the editor-in-chief of Runway Magazine. While hardly a masterpiece, the film, which was Anne Hathaway’s first non-Disney hit, is good dishy fun. Streep is having a ball playing the villain, and, of course, manages to bring a little bit of humanity to the role too. Streep was nominated for an Academy Award for her portrayal of the fashionable-strict boss to the poor Anna Hathaway.
Sophie's Choice
At the end of the day, this is possibly Streep’s best role. It’s a big performance in a big film, based on a big book. Sophie Zawitowski is a Polish woman living in Brooklyn with an unstable man played by Kevin Kline. Both are suffering from enormous emotional wounds and, in time, we'll learn about the brutality she suffered at the hands of the Nazis in the concentration camps.
Whenever I see her, I feel like touching her feet to seek blessings — Meryl Streep is the greatest teacher of acting
– Priyanka Chopra
US President Elect Donald Trump in a tweet said: “Meryl Streep is one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood”. Do You Agree?