Today’s blog
Lynn Murphy Mark
Meryl Streep
A Facebook friend posted a meme of Meryl Streep. It features a crowd of images of her in her iconic roles. I looked at it closely, identifying each movie represented. I have seen them all. I admit it, I have a crush on this supremely talented woman. If she ever shows up somewhere to read the telephone book I will be there to hear her. My next book is an unofficial biography of my heroine.
We have one thing in common. We were both born in 1949. The thought of how good she looks at age 73 makes me smile. We were babies together, and grew up in the 1950’s, the decade that featured the Korean war, the first Univac computer, the conquest of Everest by Edmond Hillary, the polio vaccine, Krushchev’s ascension to power, the first transatlantic jetliner service, statehood for Alaska and Hawaii, discovery of the DNA double helix, Castro’s power grab in Cuba, and the introduction of the interstate highway system. Wow.
I can’t remember her first film that swept me away. It might have been “The Deer Hunter”, the result of which was a nomination for Best Supporting Actress. I definitely remember “Kramer vs. Kramer” and I am still saddened by her role in “Sophie’s Choice”. She has starred in a few brilliant television offerings as well. “Angels in America” kept me riveted to the small screen.
She has been nominated for 21 Oscars and has won three. Many critics consider her to be the greatest living actress, including this critic. In addition to her acting ability, the woman can sing. She is known for her ability to mimic any accent. I think that is directly related to her musical talent. If you can sing, you can hear the subtleties of different accents and reproduce the sound. That’s my theory, anyway.
There are other actors that I admire. The ability to step outside of who you are and become someone that you aren’t is noteworthy. And, learning lines and the emotions that go with them is another talent. I remember being in the drama club in high school. I always chose backstage options like props and admired my fellow students who played the parts behind the footlights.
I rose in the ranks to be house manager, a coveted position because it was understood that the house manager would be missing several classes in order to conduct the business of a production. I was not a good student in High School and was well known for my ability to hide in the bathrooms and smoke cigarettes.
Meryl Streep on the other hand was a stellar student. She attended prestigious colleges – Vassar and Yale, to be exact. My college claim to fame? I spent my Freshman year at the American College of Switzerland, a small school in the alps that was also attended by Sylvester Stallone and Haile Selaisse’s (the Emperor of Ethiopia) princely grandson. Most of what I remember was eating fondue, drinking wine, and hitchhiking around neighboring countries. Those were the days, my friend…
I think I’ve seen “The Devil Wears Prada” at least five times. If it’s ever on, I watch it because I am so attracted to Miranda Priestly’s evil side. Meryl can play a bitch like nobody’s business. I love her rendition of Julia Childs and her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher.
Being at home with Jan brings opportunities to watch movies together. I think I’ll make this weekend a Meryl Streep marathon. Be still my heart.