DVD REVIEW

Florence Foster Jenkins (Cert PG)

Amateur operatic soprano Florence Foster Jenkins (Meryl Streep) is determined to further her musical ambitions with the help of her second husband and doting companion, St Clair (Hugh Grant). The couple audition several accompanists and Cosme Moon (Simon Helberg) eventually lands the position. The grand dame pays Cosme well and he falls under his wealthy employer's spell, acknowledging that she is just following her dream despite her obvious lack of talent. Vocal coach Carlo Edwards (David Haig) and venerated conductor Arturo Toscanini (John Kavanagh) prepare Florence for a big concert at the world-famous Carnegie Hall. However, St Clair worries that the stress of the forthcoming engagement is playing havoc with her faltering health. "What if it kills you?" he frets. "Then I shall die happy," smiles Florence serenely. Based on a real-life story of triumph against sniggering cynicism, Florence Foster Jenkins is a rollicking comedy drama anchored by luminous performances from the two leads that perfectly harmonise humour and pathos. Streep is mesmerising, bringing tenderness and vulnerability to a role that could so easily have been played as a pitiful figure of mockery. Grant is a wonderful comic foil and he demonstrates a light touch in moving scenes that remind us of his oft-ignored abilities as a dramatic actor. Stephen Frears' unabashedly joyful period piece stands resolutely behind the eponymous socialite as she massacres the Laughing Song from Die Fledermaus or the Queen Of The Night aria from The Magic Flute. As the heroine remarks, "People may say I couldn't sing but no one can say I didn't sing."

Rating: ****