After a devastating loss, witty and proudly troublesome Eleanor Morgenstein tells a tale that takes on a life of its own. Source: Australian Catholics.
The title of the film does not appear until the end, after we have come to know Eleanor well. Had the title been at the beginning of the film, it might have read: Eleanor the Abrasive. She is a bit of a tough case.
This is a star vehicle for veteran actress June Squibb, who turned 96 when the film was released, though her character is only 94. It also marks the feature film directorial debut by actress Scarlett Johansson.
Eleanor is a widow, a convert to Judaism, now sharing an apartment in Florida with her longtime friend, Bessie, also a widow with family (a moving performance from Zohar). Bessie, who moved to the US from Poland, lost her family during World War II at Auschwitz. There are many very moving scenes in which, just sitting at the table with Eleanor, Bessie recounts her sad experiences.
When Bessie dies, Eleanor has to move back to New York, which is rather hard on her daughter but more cheery for her grandson.
In Florida, we have seen some examples of how Eleanor can be forthright, sarcastic and rude. We know that she will be changed by the end of the film (or we hope so) but we are wondering how this will be achieved.
Her daughter arranges for Eleanor to go to the local Jewish centre and join a group – a Holocaust survivor group, where Eleanor proceeds to tell Bessie’s story as if it is her own. There are many consequences with Eleanor trapped in this new identity.
At the first meeting, she connects with Nina (a pleasant Kellyman), who is observing the group with a view to writing an article for her journalists’ course. She is very moved by Eleanor’s tale because she has just lost her mother, an artist, in an accident, and her television personality father, Roger (Ejiofor) has become closed in on himself.
Nina and Eleanor bond. Eleanor begins to mellow, sharing emotional stories, mingling Bessie’s stories with her own.
And, then it happens, but you will have to see the drama in the synagogue and how everything will be resolved.
Review by Fr Peter Malone MSC, Jesuit Media.
Eleanor The Great: Starring June Squibb, Erin Kellyman, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jessica Hecht, Rita Zohar. Directed by Scarlett Johansson. 98 minutes.
FULL REVIEW
Eleanor The Great (Australian Catholics)
