WARNING: This Article May Contain Spoilers
Here is an actress that I have always been a fan of! As you’ll see, I have already watched one of the films below (several times if I’m completely honest) and have been extremely interested in watching many of her others but, she doesn’t sing in those so they weren’t to have an impact on this article…
Florence Foster Jenkins
This one of many biographical films that Meryl has made (I’m ashamed to say that it’s the only one I’ve seen) but it is the only one that she sings in. What’s impressive about this role is that it takes a good singer to be able to sing so badly on purpose – and if you have seen the other films mentioned in this article you’ll know that she can genuinely sing. This is proved even more so by the end of the film when you see what Madame Florence possibly hears in her head every time she sings.
Into the Woods
Some may say that using a musical is cheating but what better style of film when you want to talk about an actress singing? Weirdly, even though I think we’re supposed to see Meryl’s character as the antagonist – for me she’s one of the best characters in the whole film and possibly has the best voice. Her differing vocals in Stay With Me alone are amazing – going from harsh and angry to harmonious and beautiful. I love this musical anyway, as I already said I’ve seen it several times, but part of my love for this film is Meryl’s portrayal of the witch.
The Prom
I went into this expecting a bad cheesy film and that it would take away from the important premise but instead it was a good cheesy film (we’ve discussed the difference before)! OK it’s no Stephen Sondheim and it’s rare that I like a musical but I really enjoyed this film. Once again, Meryl shows just how good her voice is, out-belting actors like James Corden (not for the first time) and Nicole Kidman who we know have good voices in their own right. I also love the fact that her character of DeeDee Ellen doesn’t completely change her ways that being a good person instead of a self-obsessed celebrity still doesn’t come easily to her.
Side Note: Keegan-Michael Key (of comedy duo Key & Peele) has an amazing voice!
Bonus Film: Ricki and the Flash
So, normally at this point of the article I would be talking about a bunch of honorary mentions but I wanted to do something different as I have been wanting to watch this film for AGES! Meryl doesn’t sing as much in this film as may be would expect but if you listen closely, you’ll notice that she sings some of the incidental songs as well. Ricki Randzeano doesn’t exist but the character was actually inspired by Terry Cieri, front-woman for the band Silk and Steel – the mother-in-law of this film’s writer. What I love even more about Meryl when it comes to this film, is not only is she a great singer but she also learned to play the guitar for this film.
