The Hours

When a film containing three A-list dramatic actresses comes out, the film usually is overwhelmed by the talent and it dies an early death. Films with three lead actresses are rare. They are rare because it is so difficult to harness the talent (and the personalities) of the actresses to create an even film. One (or all three) end up trying to take center stage with their performance and the film ultimately suffers. Also, screenwriters don’t know what to do with three lead female roles. None of this occurs with The Hours. It is one of those rare films when all lead actresses provide performances that contribute to the overall strength of the film, rather than having one steal the show.

Although Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore and Nicole Kidman contribute great things to this film, the real winner is screenwriter David Hare, who has crafted a complicated story of three women joined by despair. It’s a wonderful piece of work. I know this because every time I see it, I forget the twist at the end. You get lost in the three stories. You know they’re joined but they’re told so well individually that when that moment hits you at the end, you go ‘oh yeah’. Hare crafts this three-pronged story so well that although you know that the three actresses are the bricks and mortar of the film, the screenplay is the foundation.

Nicole Kidman is unrecognizably wonderful. Julianne Moore’s character is so lost in despair and her tale is told so well that you’re drawn in by her great performance. Meryl Streep is, as usual, solid and reliable.

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