Meryl Streep Appreciation Day
Queen Meryl certainly doesn’t need my help in telling people of her awesomeness.
But hey, I relish every opportunity to talk about my favorite actress, and what better day to do so than on her 65th birthday (and the eve of my 24th)!
I’ve made it no secret that I idolize Meryl and think she’s always spot-on and not-at-all overrated, but there are people who think she isn’t flawless. Fools, I tell ya!
Well, one of them is Jarett Wieselman from BuzzFeed. By the way, I was kidding when I called everyone who doesn’t worship Ms. Streep like I do a fool. They’re not fools, just wrong 😉
Anyways, this Wieselman guy watched all of Meryl’s filmography (hats off to him) and ranked each and every one of her performances from “worst” to best.
He was smart enough to explain his usage of the word “worst” when it comes to the legendary actress:
“Worst” is a relative term when talking about the always-impressive Meryl Streep — on their best day, any performer would be lucky to be as good as Meryl at her worst. But actors are the first to tell you they typically have little control over the finished product, as countless elements — direction, editing, scoring — contribute to the perceived “success” of a film. Bad movies can boast great performances and wonderful films can be dragged down by awful acting. To this end, BuzzFeed focused solely on Streep’s contributions to each of the 50-plus films below and only took into account the work she did to bring these characters to life, rather than the overall quality of the films.
Click on the image below (my new desktop wallpaper, of course) to check out this very impressive look at Meryl Streep’s career in film. You’ll be surprised at Jarett’s choice for #1. I know I was.
Her best still remains Sophie’s Choice for me. Wonderful tribute, Fernando.
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Thanks. I’ve yet to see that one but from what I’ve heard, I thought it’d be #1.
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You might be surprised, but there is something about Meryl Streep I don’t like and in general I try not to watch movies she is in. There is something about her that makes me feel uncomfortable.
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Well, you’re wrong!
Haha, it’s fine, Nostra. I think I remember you saying that you find her unsettling.
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I can admit though that she is a good actress….
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Good! 🙂 I won’t have to kill you, then
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Awesome! I liked the list; I will admit that I haven’t seen #1 in years, so I can’t really comment on it right now. Must rewatch soon! 🙂 I was pleased to see Mary Fisher from She-Devil ranked where she is, as that movie’s been a guilty pleasure of mine since high school.
Happy birthday to Meryl, and happy early birthday to you!
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Yeah, I think I need to rewatch it too. I remember being wowed by Meryl but mucho more so by Dustin.
And thanks! :3
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Great article Fernando! I love Meryl and I’m always looking out for her films when they hit the cinemas. I’ll be controversial and say I didn’t think Sophie’s Choice amounted to much (a harrowing subject for sure, but I found most of the film to be rather dull), but her Miranda Priestly in Prada elevated it from hum-drum to very good indeed. Kramer vs. Kramer is a cracking movie also and a worthy choice for #1!
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Totally agree on Prada. Glad you’re as much a Meryl fan as I am!
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That’s a cool list. I haven’t seen #1. My favourite performance of hers is in Doubt. Such a well acted film. I also love her in The Simpsons as Jessica Lovejoy. I mustn’t have seen that film for a decade but that character still really sticks in the mind.
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You could say that about any Streep performance really. And you should see Kramer v Kramer!
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Hey Fernando, is it your b’day today? [from Linked In] If so, then HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 😀
Great tribute to the best actress of her generation! Boy hard to say which one her favorite is, she’s fantastic in ANY role, even in Mamma Mia which was so darn silly. I really like her iconic Miranda Priestly in ‘Prada’ so that could be my favorite.
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Thank you so much, Ruth! Yes, it’s my birthday today!
And yes, it’s so hard to choose but she was perfect in TDWP
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She’s just fabulous. She steals every film she’s in.
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Agreed.
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Man, she’s starred in a lot of movies! And a lot of good ones too!
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I know!
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I sometimes forget how much she’s actually been in! Top, top actress though, she deserves all the accolades she gets.
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Amen!
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Haha, great post. No one should ever shut up about Meryl Streep, and I regard her as the greatest actress of all times.
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Thanks. And I’m with you. She’s out of this world.
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If any of the current Hollywood actresses deserve a “day” to themselves it has to be Streep. What an incredible and diverse selection of work. Not sure of my favorite performance/film but I do love the darkly comic Death Becomes Her.
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She’s fantastic. Love your choice!
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When I see Sophie’s Choice, that’ll be my favorite, I’m predicting. 🙂
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Same here!
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You haven’t seen it??
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No! Ugh, I’m the worst fan!
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