June Squibb Shines in the Quirky “Eleanor the Great”
The Unforgettable June Squibb
June Squibb, at the remarkable age of 95, captivates audiences just as brilliantly as her contemporary, Alan Arkin. With a unique blend of humor and candor, Squibb has transformed herself into a cinematic treasure. Following her breakout role in Alexander Payne’s acclaimed film Nebraska, Squibb is back to enchant us in Eleanor the Great, the directorial debut of Scarlett Johansson.
A Journey into Sentimentality
Eleanor the Great emerges as a heartfelt exploration that attempts to be more than just a standard comedy. There’s a captivating tension between humor and sincerity as the film attempts to mine the profound emotional depths of a woman who uses her quick wit as armor. Yet, this is not merely a light-hearted romp; the narrative tackles the weighty themes of loss and identity, particularly as they relate to the Holocaust.
Unveiling Eleanor Morgenstein
When we first meet Eleanor Morgenstein, played by the indomitable June Squibb, she is enjoying a morning ritual with her best friend, Bessie (portrayed by Rita Zohar). Their weekly supermarket trip might seem mundane, but Eleanor thrives in moments of confrontation. Her sharp commentary, even directed at a hapless stockboy, showcases her fierce personality. "Did I mention the kosher pickles are gone?" Eleanor quips, conveying her sass with the timing of a seasoned performer delivering comedic gold.
The Script’s Double-Edged Sword
Written by Tory Kamen, the script oscillates between sitcom-style sarcasm and poignant storytelling. While Eleanor’s character struts with the confidence of a grandma armed with attitude, the film sometimes feels overly intent on eliciting laughter, which can detract from its otherwise deeper themes.
What Lies Beneath
As the story unfolds, Eleanor faces an emotional upheaval following Bessie’s sudden passing. The transition to New York City, moving in with her daughter Lisa (Jessica Hecht) and grandson Max (Will Price), transcends a simple relocation. It becomes a poignant exploration of identity and solitude in a bustling metropolis.
Eleanor’s Razor-Sharp Wit
One of Eleanor’s standout lines, "You cut your hair, I see. I liked it better before," exemplifies her unfiltered nature. She is not just sharp-witted; she navigates social boundaries with reckless abandon, often leaving those around her startled, if not entertained.
A Twist of Fate
A significant plot twist occurs when Eleanor inadvertently stumbles into a support group for Holocaust survivors. Here, she begins fabricating tales about her past, drawing from Bessie’s life experiences instead of her own. This sets the stage for a convoluted series of events that intertwine her path with Nina (Erin Kellyman), an NYU journalism student who finds inspiration in Eleanor’s fabricated narratives.
A Collision of Lives
In an absurdly convenient twist, amidst this narrative, Eleanor and Bessie’s admiration for the handsome newsman Roger (Chiwetel Ejiofor) circles back to Nina, who turns out to be Roger’s daughter. The film cleverly uses this coincidence to create a web of interconnected lives, raising questions about identity and authenticity.
The Comedy vs. Grief Dichotomy
While the film intriguingly delves into themes of appropriation and grief, it struggles to balance its tone. Johansson’s direction, while efficient, often maintains a level of earnestness that may falter in delivering comedic sharpness. Instead of honing the brilliant absurdity of the premise, the film often feels constrained by its earnest intentions.
Conclusion: A Mixed Legacy
Ultimately, Eleanor the Great seeks to portray the complex relationships tied to loss, yet it stumbles in execution. While June Squibb revels in her role with infectious charm, the depth of her character’s grief sometimes remains overshadowed by the film’s comedic aspirations. This intriguing but flawed narrative invites reflection upon the themes of identity and resilience, skillfully embodied by Squibb’s magnetic performance.
In the end, Eleanor the Great serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of life, woven with threads of humor, heartache, and the ever-unfolding human experience. To truly appreciate its nuances, one must step into Eleanor’s world—full of laughter, longing, and ultimately, discovery.
