The Great Lillian Hall

Watching this movies was difficult. The lead performances were excellent and the screenplay was sensitive to the subjective and beautifully written. What more can be said about Jessica Lange. As in the role she played, she is the consummate actor who leaves nothing on the table.

The artifice of the play within a play was well done. The ending was difficult to decide how to go. But it landed well although there could have been an alternate ending. Using the Cherry Orchard was a an apt allegory. The director and the actors put all they had into thier roles and it showed. Thank you HBO for producing such a wonderful movie.

As a fan of "American Horror Story," particularly the early seasons, the prospect of seeing Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, and Lily Rabe reunited in a new film had me instantly hooked. "The Great Lillian Hall" is a remarkable production that explores the complexities of dementia with finesse. Comparisons to Anthony Hopkins' portrayal in "The Father" are inevitable. Both actors deliver outstanding performances in their respective films, but "The Father" stands out for its ability to immerse the viewer in the bewildering and fragmented world of the person suffering from dementia, offering a tighter and more gripping narrative.

In "The Great Lillian Hall," Jessica Lange's mesmerizing portrayal is the film's crown jewel, showcasing her unparalleled acting prowess. Her performance alone makes the movie a must-watch, providing a poignant and powerful exploration of dementia that is both heart-wrenching and captivating. If you're a fan of brilliant acting and emotionally charged storytelling, "The Great Lillian Hall" is not to be missed.

For over forty years, Jessica Lange has been one of the most renowned actresses of her generation, both on the big and small screens, as well as stage. She combines these in "The Great Lillian Hall", playing a Broadway star beginning to suffer from dementia. Lange really puts her all into the role. Fine support comes from Kathy Bates, Lily Rabe, Jesse Williams and Pierce Brosnan. It just goes to show that when a story focuses on people rather than nonstop CGI, we actually end up with a good story. This is exactly the sort of movie that I recommend to everyone, and I hope that Jessica Lange gets to continue making these sorts of movies.

There is no other actress who could've played the title role with such fervent theatrical flourish and deep emotional conviction in this small-scale 2024 drama. Jessica Lange has built up her stage credentials to match her significant screen accomplishments, so at 75, she is perfectly cast as a theatrical legend in the autumn of her career starring in a revival of Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard". At the same time, she is diagnosed to be in the early stages of dementia. Forgetting her lines at rehearsals and increasingly confused about the world around her, Lillian copes with trying to live up to her own lofty expectations as well as defrosting a contrived relationship with her daughter whose resentment threatens to untether their shaky connection. A sturdy supporting cast surrounds Lange with expert assurance: Kathy Bates predictably cast as Lillian's no-nonsense assistant, Lily Rabe as the forgotten daughter, Jesse Williams as the patient young director, Pierce Brosnan as a convenient neighbor, and Cindy Hogan as the sharp-tongued mercenary producer. There were moments that seemed too on-the-nose to be dramatically effective like an impromptu mother-daughter duet of "Mockingbird", but Lange somehow transcends it all with her unique virtuosity.

I have always been a fan of Jessica Lange, but this is the performance of her career. I truly loved this movie. The cast is supurb, Kathy Bates gives a solid performance and Lily Rabe's daughter to Lange will make your heart ache. My mother had LBD and I found the depictions of the disease to be extremely accurate. My mother hid her disease as long as she could, so I found that part of the story to be especially accurate. I was also impressed by the fantasy aspect of the play as a counter point to the fantasy aspects of the actual disease.

I would highly recommend this movie to anyone. Ms Lange deserves an Oscar in my opinion.