Seriously sappy and happy, MAMA MIA triumphs on the big screen. Ignore the critics. Don't expect a great film, see it for the sheer entertainment of watching Meryl Streep lead an eclectic ensemble cast in being silly and charming while singing ABBA tunes amid a glorious Greek Island backdrop. I defy women over 50 to not walk out of their neighborhood movie theatre with a smile and lighter step, it can't be done. I remember seeing Streep for the first time in a PBS broadcast version of Wendy Wasserstein's stage show "Uncommon Women and Others"-- it's hard to imagine this now, but the show had to be at least 30 years ago. The next time I remember seeing her was in "Julia" and "Kramer vs. Kramer." These critically acclaimed performances were followed a few years later with her emotionally shattering performance in "Sophie's Choice." Watching MAMA MIA caused me to reflect that Meryl Streep has delivered many of the most naturally striking performances of my generation. Very cool.
It seems odd to me, but I have friends who really don't care for Meryl Streep, something that I don't quite understand since I'll actually see a film because it has Streep in it--regardless of the critical reviews. I'm always curious to see how she delivers a role, embodies a character. So, I appreciate Meryl Streep in just about any project she undertakes.
Her early breakout performances underscore womens' role in society, MAMA MIA offers yet another culturally historic snapshot of circumstance, choice, and consequence. Among my generation, it's very familiar territory when contrasting her character's life with those of her best pals, played by the incomparable Julie Waters and Christine Baranski.
As for me and MAMA MIA, I always enjoyed listening to ABBA in the 70's for sure, and "Dancing Queen" is one of my favorite numbers in the film.
I was struck by the lighting in the film and attribute some of this to what I remember about the Greek Islands. The light and color of the sky and water are like no where on earth. When you first see Meryl Streep on screen, you'll notice she's standing in a halo of light, the effect is a combination of natural light and how the film is lit. My filmmaker friends tell me that lighting is the most important aspect of a film shoot, I can't say otherwise after watching MAMA MIA. The director and DP definitely make the most of light. Silly entertainment with a lot of heart, MAMA MIA delivers on happy.
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Photo Credits: Universal, Peter Mountain
Check out a fun clip of "Dancing Queen":
