This is going to be part of a new series in which I select an actor or actress and ask which performance do you think is their best. And what better place to start than with Meryl Streep? Undoubtedly one of the best actresses there is, Streep has enjoyed a simply stellar career thanks to her deep versatility and commitment to her craft. I can’t say I’ve ever seen her give a bad performance in the movies I’ve seen of her’s. I still have many movies of hers to watch, but the vast majority of things she’s been in have made her one of my favourite actresses because of her talent and depth. Just the way she can so embody a character and switch genres is nothing short of spectacular, you know when Meryl Streep is in a film she’ll deliver. So which of her many, wonderful performances is the one that really lingers in your mind.
What Is Your Favourite Meryl Streep Performance?
15 Saturday Apr 2017
in
maddylovesherclassicfilms said:
One of the greatest actresses of all time. Meryl is a great favourite of mine, and so many of her performances linger in the mind. Here are my top five Meryl Streep films. 1-Sophie’s Choice. 2- The French Lieutenant’s Woman. 3-Falling In Love. 4- August Osage County. 5-Out Of Africa.
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vinnieh said:
She’s one of a kind. I’ve heard so much about Sophie’s Choice, yet haven’t seen it. I have a copy on DVD, best break it out soon. She’s a real talent.
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Eva Blaskovic said:
And Kramer vs. Kramer.
I’m glad I saw Sophie’s Choice when I was young. It haunted me then, but after having kids, I couldn’t watch it now.
Excellent actress.
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vinnieh said:
Kramer Vs Kramer is a very good movie I found. Sophie’s Choice is something I definitely need to see as everyone else seems to have watched it.
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Eva Blaskovic said:
You really need to see it. I would never, ever want to be in a position to make that choice (comes near the end).
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vinnieh said:
It sounds very harrowing.
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Eva Blaskovic said:
Very.
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Rincewind said:
Out of Africa by far… She is a tough one because honestly I have not seen a single bad movie with her..
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vinnieh said:
I know, she delivers great work. Even when not at her best, she’s still great. Man I want to watch Out of Africa again now.
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SpeedySailor said:
Funnily enough, I don’t see the mega hype about Streep, but there’s no arguing that she’s an extremely talented actress. Two that aren’t mentioned nearly enough though are her turns in A Series of Unfortunate Events and Postcards From The Edge, both of which are great.
Milo.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for commenting. I liked her kooky portrayal of the panic stricken Aunt in A Series of Unfortunate Events.
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Esther said:
Ooooh, tough question. I love her and she always always delivers stellar performances! I think my faves would be Out of Africa or Sophie’s Choice but I love her in so many things!
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vinnieh said:
I’m making it my mission to watch Sophie’s Choice. Been warned that its a heavy film, but am prepared for that.
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Esther said:
Yeah, these good movies about the Holocaust always unsettle me and I can’t watch them often. I’ve seen Sophie’s Choice only once or twice and the last time was a very long time ago, but it’s excellent!
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vinnieh said:
The way I see it, films that deal with The Holocaust need to be dark and unsettling, because it was a horrific time. I will see Sophie’s Choice soon.
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Esther said:
Yes, you’re right, they do! Sophie’s Choice was so good it had stayed with me ever since I saw it many years ago.
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vinnieh said:
It must be powerful to have stayed with you for so long.
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Mel said:
The one where she sings Abba songs on an island. I can’t remember the name. But it haunts me. Also (full disclosure) I’ve seen very few of her movies. I know she’s a great actor and all that, but she doesn’t make movies that I’d want to go see. She makes heavy films and chick films and the unwatchable combo; the heavy chick film. I liked her in The Devil Where’s Prada and Julie & Julia. I watch her comedies. I’ve never seen one of her dramas. When I think about sitting through Sophie’s Choice, I break out in hives. So yeah the musical where she plays the slutty chick who doesn’t know who fathered her child, that’s my favorite.
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Paul S said:
Mamma Mia was the Abba movie wasn’t it? It’s one of my favourite Streep performances. Great fun. You can’t help but laugh at the film and revel in its ridiculousness!
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vinnieh said:
Yes that’s the one Paul. It’s pretty ridiculous and yet that’s what makes it fun. And she has a real good singing voice too.
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vinnieh said:
I do like seeing her in comedies, she has a real energy there. Then again she has an energy in almost everything she does.
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Lloyd Marken said:
So many I’ve got to see from the early days. I’ve seen Kramer vs. Kramer but the French Lieutenant’s Woman, Silkwood, Sophie’s Choice are definitely on the list. I imagine She-Devil, Heartburn, House of Spirits, River Wild would be worthy too to round the list and give an idea of her range. Out of those that I have seen The Devil Wears Prada is a great mainstream comedy but three personal favourites are simply Adaptation, Julia and Julia, and Out of Africa.
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vinnieh said:
You’ve seen more than me Lloyd. Man, she’s made loads of movies. Not that I’m surprised because she’s such a talent.
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Lloyd Marken said:
Our greatest living actress Mr President.
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vinnieh said:
Many would agree there Lloyd.
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americasuits said:
The bridges of madison county
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vinnieh said:
I love her naturalistic work in that. So much is expressed in subtle but meaningful actions and nuances.
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americasuits said:
you are right, the acting and expressions were just natural, felt like real scenes and not acting
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vinnieh said:
You could feel the growing attraction between them. So beautifully nuanced and heartfelt.
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americasuits said:
absolutely i have watched the movie at least 3 times and every times i ask my self how can they do it, the expressions are so real it doesn’t feel like acting
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vinnieh said:
I guess it’s just inborn and that they make it so real. They are two very talented stars who’ve endured and are still going strong.
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americasuits said:
very true
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vinnieh said:
Here’s my review of the film. https://vinnieh.wordpress.com/2016/03/28/the-bridges-of-madison-county/
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raistlin0903 said:
My God, that really is an incredibly tough question. She has played so many great roles, that it’s almost impossible to name a favorite. I first saw her in a tv series called the Holocaust, about the horrors of the Second World War. But to choose a favorite I think I am going to have to go with Sophie’s Choice. Besides it being a great film, her role was simply amazing 😊
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vinnieh said:
Sophie’s Choice is going at the top of my list. Many people rank it as one of her best so I simply must see it.
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Eva Blaskovic said:
Our family watched Holocaust as well.
Others: Sophie’s Choice and Kramer vs. Kramer are the ones that stand out for me.
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Eva Blaskovic said:
Although in Kramer vs. Kramer, I liked Dustin Hoffman’s performance mostly.
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keepsmealive said:
Pretty much all of them.
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vinnieh said:
Well that’s really true, she never seems to falter it must be said. Such a great range and versatility.
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keepsmealive said:
Exactly!
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vinnieh said:
She’s quite simply one of the best.
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alexraphael said:
It’s probably impossible to choose. Personally I like her in The Devil Wears Prada. To play a character who is so scary without raising her voive but without playing her for laughs is a real skill. And to be based on a real life character who is famously intimidating and very much still active means a lot of pressure.
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vinnieh said:
She rocked it as Miranda. What most impressed me was how she didn’t just play her as a villain. Sure she was tyrannical and diva like, but she had to be to survive in the fashion industry. When we see her unguarded and speaking about how she knows the press will have a field day about her divorce, she reveals another side to this seemingly icy woman.
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Rebecca Dawn said:
I loved her in august Osage county, Ricky and the Flash, devil wears prada
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vinnieh said:
She really came out swinging in August Osage County, that was intense.
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Rebecca Dawn said:
i watched that movie numerous times to the point where i had the funeral supper dialogue memorized and when Ivy and Little Charles found out they were half brother and sister. I cried like a baby through the entire movie! I also had the song Little Charles sang to Ivy downloaded to my playlist ♥
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vinnieh said:
Man that dinner scene really lurked from dark humour to bitter and scorching boiling point so quickly. It’s a really claustrophobic scene.
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gunnardeckare said:
Mama Mia the movie
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vinnieh said:
A very fun movie showcasing her buoyant charms and impressive vocals. She knows how to have fun.
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Heartafire said:
I was blown away by her performance in Out of Africa Vinnie!
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vinnieh said:
It’s been too long since I last saw that movie. Must see it again.
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Heartafire said:
It’s up there among the best!
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vinnieh said:
I remember her flawless accent and journey in the film. Not to mention chemistry with Robert Redford!
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Heartafire said:
I also thought Klsus Maria Btandaur was excellent in his role as husband !
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vinnieh said:
I can remember him being very good too. And the luscious scenery!
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Heartafire said:
An amazing movie
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vinnieh said:
I’m looking forward to seeing it again in the future.
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Heartafire said:
I would like that too. It’s been forever since I saw that.
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vinnieh said:
I hope to watch it and then review it.
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sonofabeach96 said:
There have been many, for sure. But, and I may be in the minority here, I loved her in She Devil. I thought she was hilarious in that role, and it was such a departure from her usually serious roles. 😃
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vinnieh said:
I do like seeing her in comedy so She Devil is definitely sounding appealing to me.
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beetleypete said:
Check out the original UK TV series first. ‘The Lives and Loves of a She Devil’. Julie T Wallace is great in the role.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098849/
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vinnieh said:
Appreciate the heads up.
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itsmyhusbandandme said:
The Hours.
JP
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vinnieh said:
She really was superb in that film. As were the other talents of Nicole Kidman and Julianne Moore.
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vanbytheriver said:
Hands down…Sophie’s Choice.
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vinnieh said:
I’m just dying to watch that film. Will have to get in the right frame of mind first to see it.
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vanbytheriver said:
It’s a heart breaker, for sure.
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vinnieh said:
Appreciate the warning.
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thespiritkeeper said:
There are so many from comedy to being serious that is hard to pick one. When I heard the title of your post, “Death becomes her,” came to mind. She was hilarious in that movie.
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vinnieh said:
I love her in Death Becomes Her. She plays the fabulous and vain bitch to the hilt! As you said though, there are too many to choose from.
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thespiritkeeper said:
Yes there are too many to choose from she is a very talented movie artist
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vinnieh said:
As I said, I’ve seen a good few but have plenty more of her work to view. Any suggestions?
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thespiritkeeper said:
Me mind is blank. I’m sure I have missed a few as well. Her later films I have missed for sure. Her earlier films is that I have trouble remembering the titles. comes with age lol
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vinnieh said:
Haha, there are quite a lot to go through. Don’t worry, I’ll discover more of them.
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thespiritkeeper said:
There is I will look them up on google later
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vinnieh said:
I will do the same.
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Chris said:
Great question! There are so many good performances to choose from, and still a few left to watch. I love her work in The French Lieutenant’s Woman (1981). Her character there is really mysterious.
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vinnieh said:
I like mysterious characters so that sounds like my kind of movie.
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beetleypete said:
I prefer her playing an American, so would discount any films where she has a dodgy accent. It has to be between The River Wild, and The Bridges of Madison County.
OK, I am going with ‘Bridges’. For the real tear-jerker ending…
Cheers, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
Bridges was such a beautiful and heartbreaking film. She has an Italian accent in that too. Why don’t you like her accents Pete?
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beetleypete said:
I loved the film Out of Africa for the love story, and the wonderful scenery. But her Danish accent ruined the film for me. For years after, every time we saw her, we would cry out “I HEDD A FERMM EEN AAAFRIKKAA”.
The Italian accent in Bridges is bearable, because of the cameras, and Eastwood.
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vinnieh said:
Each to their own Pete. Do you think she’s any good at other accents that aren’t Danish though? I think she’s very impressive at doing accents.
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beetleypete said:
I tend to avoid all actors doing accents. With the exception of Renee Zelwegger, who was great in Bridget Jones, and Gillian Anderson, superb in ‘The Fall’ on TV, with a great English accent.
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vinnieh said:
I take it you don’t like accents that much then, especially when actors attempt them. It can be a hot and miss when some try it out.
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beetleypete said:
I think they are often used unnecessarily, particularly when British actors play German soldiers, as in Valkyrie. Bob Hoskins playing an American has to be one of the worst. And Michael Caine should never ‘do’ accents either.
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vinnieh said:
I personally feel it depends on the actor. Cate Blanchett is pretty amazing at doing accents and like Streep completely disappearing into her roles.
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The Paperback Princess said:
The Devil Wears Prada, Mama Mia..she’s just an overall amazing actress!
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vinnieh said:
You said it excellently. If you want someone to deliver in a film, Meryl Streep can be relied upon.
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Karandi said:
There are probably better performances out there but my favourite film with Meryl Streep in it was Death Becomes Her. It was so funny.
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vinnieh said:
It’s a darkly delicious movie. Loved seeing her and Goldie Hawn lock horns in battle with bitchy one liners and zany content a plenty
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Karandi said:
The one liners were pretty great and I just loved the weird comedy. It worked so well.
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vinnieh said:
It was so unusual and that was part of the whole charm. I like my dark comedies.
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J. said:
Oooft. That’s a tough one… just cause I watched it fairly recently, I’d throw a vote for Julie & Julia. Not my kind of flick, usually, but I fair enjoyed it and thought she was pretty brilliant.
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vinnieh said:
I think she’s thoroughly charming in that. You can’t help but feel that unbridled energy and physicality that she plays Julia with.
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Jason said:
Definitely her role as Miranda Priestly from Devil’s Wears Prada
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vinnieh said:
I genuinely love that performance. So poised and controlled yet pretty frightening with just the tiniest of gestures.
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ninvoid99 said:
Death Becomes Her because she’s just fucking hilarious in that film and isn’t afraid to be full of herself and make fun of herself. Meryl is just awesome. I’m still waiting for her to be in an action film franchise.
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vinnieh said:
I like that ability she has to just be funny and send herself up a bit. It’s refreshing to see in actors.
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ninvoid99 said:
Exactly. Plus, she’s got a nice ass. I still want to see her in an action-film franchise.
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vinnieh said:
An action franchise eh? That would be interesting to see her do. Or maybe a horror movie?
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vinnieh said:
And as you mentioned Death Becomes Her, check this. https://vinnieh.wordpress.com/2016/03/05/death-becomes-her/
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Lloyd Marken said:
I knew I was forgetting one, The Bridges of Madison County.
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vinnieh said:
She was stunning in that film. Working with Clint Eastwood, their quiet and earnest passion shine through. It’s a beautifully touching movie that is hard to forget. I can remember being an emotional wreck by the end of it.
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Lloyd Marken said:
That moment with him standing in the rain. I mentioned it in the Seven Ages of Clint Eastwood. Will be interesting to see if something else gets picked in the Seven Ages of Meryl Streep.
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vinnieh said:
I look forward to the Seven Ages of Meryl Streep. You’ve got a difficult task there because of how many amazing roles she’s had.
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Lloyd Marken said:
Absolutely and tracking some of the older films is going to be difficult.
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vinnieh said:
I’m attempting to watch more of her movies, as there are gaps in my watching that need rectifying.
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Jay said:
Oh lord, I could never pick.
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vinnieh said:
It’s a damn hard task to choose just one!
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Madame Vintage said:
A great idea for a post Vinnieh. It really does question people’s thoughts. I can’t say I have seen many movies she’s been in. No doubt she is a great performer but I usually don’t watch the kind of films she’s usually in…but I remember her in a fantasy movie called Death Becomes Her (1992 ). She plays such an eccentric character which is great to see.
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vinnieh said:
I’m liking the love for Death Becomes Her. She plays the bitch role so well and with a lot of humour.
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houstonphotojourney said:
Out of Africa and The Devil Wears Prada but love her in pretty much anything!
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vinnieh said:
She’s a mega talented woman, gotta love how versatile she is.
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fragglerocking said:
Far too hard V~man, Sophie’s choice -River Wild & Bridges of Madison would be my faves.
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vinnieh said:
I love that Bridges is getting a lot of love, it’s a beautiful movie. Sophie’s Choice is at the top of my viewing list.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This is such a great idea Vinnie, but what a difficult choice! I think I’ve loved every movie I’ve seen Streep in but the two that stand out for me are Out of Africa and Sophie’s Choice.
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vinnieh said:
Meryl Streep has so many fantastic parts, never lets me down. As I’ve said to others, I’m planning to watch Sophie’s Choice very soon as it’s one that has escaped me.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I did read that Vinnie. Can’t wait for your review!
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vinnieh said:
You have great faith in me.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Always!
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vinnieh said:
You’re so sweet and a real gem.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😙
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fernandorafael said:
My favorite actress. I agree, never seen her give a bad performance.
Sophie´s Choice might be her best, but I also adore her in Doubt and Devil Wears Prada
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vinnieh said:
She’s just a chameleon in every sense of the word. Devil is a great showcase for her, Sophie’s Choice is definitely a movie I need go catch up with.
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Realweegiemidget said:
Have a few fave movies with her – Kramer vs Kramer is always a fave, and Mamma Mia is definitely a guilty pleasure. I know most people slate it for Brosman’s singing but in his defence read he only to the role to work with her -as had had a bit of a crush on her – and didn’t realise it was a musical.
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vinnieh said:
I really enjoy her in Mamma Mia, she has a natural gift for humour. I’ve always seen a luminous quality in a lot of her work that comes through in comedy.
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Realweegiemidget said:
My dad loved her first scene in Death Becomes Her and was shocked on watching it in such a almost vampy performance.
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vinnieh said:
She really has a ball in that scene. Love how she gets into the spirit of things with a sensational and outrageous style.
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jennypugh said:
Oh dear, I’ve only seen ‘Sophie’s Choice’ (which she was really good in) and ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, which I didn’t really like and I expected that I would. I really need to up my Meryl game!
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vinnieh said:
I too need to up my Meryl game. But from what I’ve seen, she’s one of the best.
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table9mutant said:
I’ve actually just scheduled a top ten list for her & I’ve not seen a lot of her biggest films. She was very good in Silkwood… I’d maybe go with that. 🙂 I also think she’s good at comedy sometimes but has done some awful comedy films. She was good in The Devil Wears Prada.
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vinnieh said:
I very much look forward to seeing your top ten for her. I liked how she really got so into character in Silkwood, she truly was that woman. I love her so much!
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cinemareloaded said:
Meryl Streep is an accent specialist. She totally nails it with her polish accent in Sophie’s choice. Though the film is too dramatic, her performance is just stellar!
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vinnieh said:
She’s got a real knack for accents, it’s supremely outstanding how she does it.
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cinemareloaded said:
I think you will like this. 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the link.
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cinemareloaded said:
You are welcome, brother. 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Much appreciated it.
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dbmoviesblog said:
What a great idea for a blog series! But, is it possible to compare Meryl Streep’s performances with each other? 🙂 They were all great! If I had to choose one, then, even though I loved her in “Kramer vs. Kramer” and in recent “Florence Foster Jenkins”, it will be “Out of Africa” for me, but that maybe because it was just more memorable for me, including because of the plot, Meryl’s accent, etc.
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vinnieh said:
I agree, the woman is simply incapable of being bad. She just inhabits every role with deep skill and effortless grace. It’s sublime watching her immense versatility.
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Mark Walker said:
Interesting feature to encourage debate, Vinnie. I like your style, man.
As for Streep, where do you start really? She’s the best there is and too many to choose from. For me, though, it’s always Kramer vs Kramer and Doubt that initially spring to mind. Two very different roles but equally as powerful.
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vinnieh said:
She truly is the best. Funny you me mentioned Doubt, I just bought a copy and plan to watch it when I get time. Heard it’s a very good movie.
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