The Wife (2018)

I am guilty, as many people are, of forgetting about Glenn Close. There was a time she was at the top of my list of favourite actresses. Jagged Edge, Dangerous Liaisons, Reversal of Fortune, and even 101 Dalmatians with her originally wicked take on Cruella DeVil. She is a masterful actor who over time wasn't getting the best rolls any longer. And then along comes The Wife and reminds us that she remains a true talent.

The Wife comes out of the blue and finds just the right grasp on the moment. This story of a traditional marriage at the moment it is ending, collapsing under the weight of all the expectations that each gendered partner had to live up to, examining the ways each party participates in arrangement which has been so common for so long, is a snapshot of what we are waking up to. And Close, in a performance that shows off all of her strengths, gives us a perfect picture.

This is a nuanced and cleverly crafted role and performance. Her Joan is not a victim and isn't destroyed. She is also not portrayed hysterically. There is no scenery chewing moment. Instead Close is delicate and intricate in creating this woman. It is a truly masterful job which only a few actors of her generation could pull off. And she is one.

I hope this film, thrusting her back into the spotlight will get her the kinds of roles that she can truly sink her talent into.

The Wife
Starring: Glenn Close, Jonathan Price, Christian Slater, Max Irons, Elizabeth McGovern
Director: Bjorn Runge
Writer: Jane Anderson