The Great Lillian Hall

As a fan of "American Horror Story," particularly the early seasons, the prospect of seeing Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, and Lily Rabe reunited in a new film had me instantly hooked. "The Great Lillian Hall" is a remarkable production that explores the complexities of dementia with finesse. Comparisons to Anthony Hopkins' portrayal in "The Father" are inevitable. Both actors deliver outstanding performances in their respective films, but "The Father" stands out for its ability to immerse the viewer in the bewildering and fragmented world of the person suffering from dementia, offering a tighter and more gripping narrative.

In "The Great Lillian Hall," Jessica Lange's mesmerizing portrayal is the film's crown jewel, showcasing her unparalleled acting prowess. Her performance alone makes the movie a must-watch, providing a poignant and powerful exploration of dementia that is both heart-wrenching and captivating. If you're a fan of brilliant acting and emotionally charged storytelling, "The Great Lillian Hall" is not to be missed.

The leading actress Lillian Hall, Played by Jessica Lange, is having a tough time remembering her lines and eventually she is sent to a doctor by her director. We watch her fumble through a memory test and ultimately she's diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. But she's a tough old bird, and she is not interested in giving up being in the Broadway production of The Cherry Orchard.

We watch her trying to tell her daughter what her problem is, but she can't bring herself to say the words. Her daughter and family are confused that she's paying them more attention that she ever does, but they can't figure out what's up.

Her assistant, Played by Kathy Bates, has been hired by her now deceased husband to help her in every way, but she is horrified that it has come to this point.

The producer of the show wants her understudy to play the part but Lillian is wandering around Central Park when she's supposed to be at the opening of the play. I won't tell you what happens next. It's a wonderful job, a wonderful story, and an excellent movie.

Watching this movies was difficult. The lead performances were excellent and the screenplay was sensitive to the subjective and beautifully written. What more can be said about Jessica Lange. As in the role she played, she is the consummate actor who leaves nothing on the table.

The artifice of the play within a play was well done. The ending was difficult to decide how to go. But it landed well although there could have been an alternate ending. Using the Cherry Orchard was a an apt allegory. The director and the actors put all they had into thier roles and it showed. Thank you HBO for producing such a wonderful movie.

Cannot express how brilliant Jessica Lange is in this film. What else does she have to prove in her career - nothing. She's one of a few actors to have the triple crown (Oscar, Tony, Emmy) and here she is at this point in her career giving one of her best performances, and that's saying a lot. As someone who has dealt with dementia in my own family this was a tough watch. The subject matter is dealt with much care however. The supporting cast is also fantastic, with a standout being Lily Rabe. But the price of admission is all Jessica Lange and she doesn't disappoint. This is a masterclass in great acting. Do not miss this. What an actress!

I have always been a fan of Jessica Lange, but this is the performance of her career. I truly loved this movie. The cast is supurb, Kathy Bates gives a solid performance and Lily Rabe's daughter to Lange will make your heart ache. My mother had LBD and I found the depictions of the disease to be extremely accurate. My mother hid her disease as long as she could, so I found that part of the story to be especially accurate. I was also impressed by the fantasy aspect of the play as a counter point to the fantasy aspects of the actual disease.

I would highly recommend this movie to anyone. Ms Lange deserves an Oscar in my opinion.