THE GREAT LILLIAN HALL is a film filled with phenomenal master-class-level acting. This is due to the extraordinary Jessica Lange as Lillian. She is supported by the powerful performances of Kathy Bates, Lily Rabe, Pierce Brosnan, and Jesse Williams.
The movie is a heartbreaking story that takes the audience deep within the complexities of mounting a classic Broadway play while dealing with the ravages and fears of memory loss. The journey we shared with Lillian was an emotional roller coaster of constantly creating illusions on stage juxtaposed against the necessity of finding the truth while performing. It was stunning. Actors must “leap into the unknown” to share feelings and experiences with those sitting within the confines of the invisible fourth wall. Anything can happen, and this is what gives this film its brilliance frame after frame.
I cannot say enough about Jessica Lange. She embodied this role and showed Lillian as an aging legend while losing her everyday existence. Jessica, through her perfect characterization and nuanced hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movement gave audiences the complete picture of her panic and wonderment.
The writers nailed moment after moment with the thought of “needing to be seen. Several montages gave insight into the family dynamics and history. There were so many genius details especially in the hospital and around the dinner table. Kudos for finding the authenticity within ordinary seconds.
THE GREAT LILLIAN HALL is must-see TV. It is a bittersweet, poignant, and profound piece of filmmaking that lends hope and triumph to a soul-stealing disease. Don’t miss these magnificent performances that will stay with you long after the credits are gone. It is streaming on Max.
