You may have noticed that a new movie with an actual goddess, Meryl Streep, has recently been released. She, as usual, has done no wrong. Hugh Grant was a general dad, and Agnes Stark, an absolute hero. "Big Bang Theory" star Simon Helberg also starred, and was awkward and perfect, as per usual.
Those of you who haven't seen a preview or plot summary can get the quick (spoiler included) version here: Florence Foster Jenkins (Streep) is an American Socialite, characterized by her love of music. Aware of her own mortality, Jenkins decides, with the help of her husband, St Clair Bayfield (Grant) and a recently hired pianist (Helberg), it's time to perform again -- in spite of her complete lack of singing talent. Given her connections, she can afford to only perform for her chosen patrons, but eventually, she decides to do something for the boys in the war. She rents Carnegie Hall, and gives 1,000 tickets away. They come, drunken and prepared for a comedy show.
Agnes Stark, the wife of a music lover, involved in Jenkins' high-society music club, and a seemingly unimportant character. She appears early on in the film, and the instant image correlates to "trashy" all too well. She is a "mocker and scoffer" that Hugh Grant's character so wants to avoid, and proves the image correct, after being granted entry to the first concert Jenkins hosts, and laughing her way out.
In the last concert, when all the drunken soldiers are laughing hysterically at Florence Foster Jenkins as she belts her heart out on stage, Agnes is the first to get up and yell at the crowd to stop cackling and clap for her. Her protests carry above the jeers, and the crowd settles. Agnes' voice is joined by others, and then, the roar changes from hostile to encouraging.
"People may say I couldn't sing, but no one can ever say I didn't sing."
Florence Foster Jenkins gave her absolute all to something she loved, with complete disregard to anyone who said she could not, simply because she loved it. Her courage was inspiring and life changing for others, demonstrated quite plainly through the changes in Agnes.
No one can say they do not often share this unbridled, unrefined passion for a talent they do not posses. No one I know can pass up a sing-a-long in the car, vocal lessons or not. Very few pass up the chance to dance like no one is watching, especially when no one is watching.
If nothing else, "Florence Foster Jenkins" taught me that it's never a bad time to let that passion shine, and that those who truly love you will always be there to support you. It was also a great reminder of Meryl Streep's perfection. But that's not really the point. Or is it?
