Actress Jessica Lange takes on the role of a Broadway lioness in the play "The Great Lillian Hall".
The story of Jessica Lange's career takes a full circle moment with the release of "The Great Lillian Hall", where she's cast as an aging Broadway star in a HBO movie. The film, airing on the last day of Emmy eligibility, hopes to bring Lange more accolades and awards.
The production format for TV movies is not as popular as it used to be, and "Lillian Hall" is a relatively small project, boasting three lead female characters: Lange, known as the first lady of American theater, Bates as her supportive assistant, and Rabe, a fellow member of Murphy's "American Horror Story" ensemble, as her daughter.
When Lillian starts forgetting lines and other memory issues during rehearsals for a play with a progressive director (Jesse Williams), it's clear she might be developing dementia. Her initial reaction is denial and defiance, as she holds on to her dreams of one last shining moment on stage. But her behavior leaves those around her unsure if they should continue with the show with or without her.
Directed by Michael Cristofer from Elisabeth Seldes' script, "Lillian Hall" doesn't exactly break new ground, but it still finds emotional depth—especially between Lange, fierce as a raging older lioness, and Bates, who could play her role with her eyes closed and still shine.
One of the most touching lines in the movie is when Lillian asks, "Will you remind me who I was?" The question encapsulates the terror that comes with such a condition.
Though Lange has been active with Murphy's productions lately, such as "Feud: Bette and Joan" where she portrayed a different actor, Joan Crawford, the latest film feels like a fitting end to these roles. It modernizes the theater's relevance while appealing to those who would enjoy the occasional "All About Eve" reference.
At one point in the movie, Lillian shouts, "I am not some broken-down old Chevy!", and the film responds by beautifully showcasing Lange in a car that might not have a lot of power under the hood, but looks just as pristine as the character it holds.
"The Great Lillian Hall" premiers on HBO on May 31 at 8 p.m. ET. Like CNN, HBO is a division of Warner Bros. Discovery.
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The movie "The Great Lillian Hall" offers a compelling entertainment experience, showcasing Jessica Lange's transformative performance as an aging Broadway star. Viewers who enjoy drama and performances inspired by classic films like "All About Eve" will find the film engaging.
