July 7, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

“The Wife”: Passion’s Perilous Threads

 Rated R
 110 Minutes
 Released August 17

 “The Wife” is a dark character study of relationships. Swedish director Bjorn Runge, along with novelist Meg Wolitzer and screenwriter Jane Anderson have created a brooding film framed by superb performances, that hints of the style of Ingmar Bergman. The characters speak words that belie the depth of emotional meaning that lies beneath them.

An interesting discussion followed the screening, with Meg Wolitzer who wrote the novel and screenwriter Jane Anderson. They noted that the first draft of the screenplay was written in 2004, and was not given the “green light” by producers, who felt that audiences would not embrace a film headlined by a strong female protagonist. The film finally was finally shot in late 2016 and premiered at the 2017 Toronto Film Festival.

Glenn Close gives a tour de force performance as Joan Castleman,  a devoted and highly intelligent wife who has spent her life supporting her husband’s literary career. She seems thrilled that he has achieved stardom in his art. The emotional and psychological drama that plays out reveals the forces and imbalance that lie hidden below this arrangement of power. Annie Starke, who portrays the young Joan, is actually the daughter of Glenn Close. Jonathan Pryce, as the writer, Joan’s husband, Joe Castleman, is excellent in this role of a man whose personality is much less complex than his partner’s. Max, Irons, Jeremy Irons’ son, shows great nuance as Joan and Joe’s angry son David.

Author Wolitzer noted that she believes that there is a code that a couple develops early in a relationship that allows them to function in tandem, and that if they stay together many years the code needs to be able to withstand changes or the bond unravels.  This is a story of a dramatic unraveling. It is about the tragedy of a woman consumed by anger and frustration, who has been misled by the social structure that surrounds her to believe that her lot in life, no matter what circumstances ensue, is to simply support her husband. In the end, The genuine fear that surfaces in Joe any time Joan is not by his side, illustrates what happens to a stable yet toxic relationship when a catalyst (Christian Slater’s character, “Nathaniel Bone”) enters the picture.

After you’ve seen the movie, find the official trailer online and watch the very first scene again. It will be an eye-opener. This scene will take on a whole new patchwork of emotion that you may not have noticed the first time you saw it. You will also realize the brilliance of the actors’ performances.

Kathryn Whitney Boole has spent most of her life in the entertainment industry, which has been the backdrop for remarkable adventures with extraordinary people.  She is a Talent Manager with Studio Talent Group in Santa Monica. kboole@gmail.com

 

in News
<>Related Posts

Hama Sushi Hosts Weekly Music and Comedy Open Mics

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The venue, a Venice Beach staple since 1979, has recently expanded its legendary happy hour to the entire patio Hama...

Connections Breakfast to Network Local Business Professionals in Malibu

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The event, sponsored by Malibu Country Mart, will feature a breakfast mixer where attendees can meet new contacts  A Connections...

12th Annual Gopher Scramble Golf Tournament to Benefit Venice Heritage Museum

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The museum opened to the public in March 2024 at the Main Street Design Center with its inaugural exhibition, “This...

Michael Madsen, Star of Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill, Dies at 67 in Malibu

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

Actor Remembered for His Intense Performances and as a Poet  Actor Michael Madsen, known for his distinctive gravelly voice and...

Ruskin Group Theatre to Stage ‘The Fantasticks’

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

A timeless tale of young love and life’s bittersweet beauty, the show is reimagined with modern flair for contemporary audiences...

Film Review: F1: The Movie

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

FILM REVIEWF1: THE MOVIERated PG-13155 MinutesReleased June 27th F1: The Movie will envelop you in a racecar. You will be...

Big Blue Bus Launches Prohibition Order Program to Bolster Safety

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

The orders, which can range from 30 days to one year, target offenses that threaten the safety and comfort of...

Col. Eric Swenson Honored by LA for Historic Debris Removal Effort

July 3, 2025

July 3, 2025

Swenson, with a distinguished military background including a Ph.D. and multiple master’s degrees from Penn State and other institutions, has...

(Video) A visit to New York Bagel & Deli in Santa Monica

July 3, 2025

July 3, 2025

Authentic NY Style Bagels with Extra Creamy Cream Cheese and Multi-Cultural Desserts. Located at 2216 Wilshire Blvd. A visit to...

(Video) Legacy, Reimagined: Architecture, Design & Construction by Home Front Build Los Angeles

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Go To Homefrontbuild.com For More Information @home_front_build Legacy, Reimagined: Architecture, Design & Construction by Home Front Build Los Angeles. Go...

(Video) Gladstone’s Malibu Prepares for Reopening after Surviving Palisades Fires

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

With One Half of its Structure Slightly Charred and Undergoing Repairs, Gladstone’s Malibu is Reopening its Patio Space Just in...

Santa Monica Public Library Launches Community Mapping Survey

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

The initiative aims to shape the library’s programs and services to better meet community needs, fostering an inclusive and accessible...

Third Street Promenade Loses Bibibop Asian Grill

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Bibibop opened at the Santa Monica location in 2017 after taking over a former ShopHouse space Bibibop Asian Grill, a...

Proposed Rebuilding Authority for Wildfire Recovery Sparks Local Control Debate

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Plan Aims to Streamline Rebuilding but Raises Questions Over Community Input A proposed “Resilient Rebuilding Authority” to oversee recovery from...

Pentagon Orders Troop Drawdown in LA: 150 National Guard Members Reassigned to Wildfire Duty

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Federal Forces Begin Partial Withdrawal From Protest Response as California Leaders Push Back U.S. Northern Command announced Tuesday that 150 National Guard...