'The Wife' - A Movie Review

A blank page. A writer has to write. We all have something to say. Not only that, but all writers have their secrets.

The Wife is a beautifully profound film directed by Bjorn Runge. When her husband wins the Nobel Prize for Literature, a wife questions her life choices as the two travel to Stockholm, Sweden. While they’re there secrets unfold.

Upon seeing Glenn Close’s win for Best Actress at this year’s Golden Globes, The Wife immediately appealed to my interest. It is a thought-provoking film and definitely Close at her best. Every single detail of this movie is carefully directed. Its message is deep, as with the impact of feminism and marriage.

Glenn Close and Jonathan Price do a terrific job as a married couple who have been together for a while. They have made every minute count. And every story. They have kept a secret their whole life—a secret that seems unfair, and yet, both of them are okay with it.

Audiences know Glenn Close from a plethora of films. In some, she has played the antagonist. I love how Close takes the time to research her character to make a genuine performance. Now she stands aside to be "the wife" and letting her husband enjoy his glory. She is a fierce woman, loyal to her husband. Maybe a little too loyal. That’s up to your interpretation.

Playing the role of her Nobel Prize-winning husband is Jonathan Price. Arrogant and a sharp tongue, Price is tough to please. He wants what is best for his family. However, he tends to be selfish. Then once you see his deep love and respect for his wife, it's tough to nail your opinion on how to feel about Price’s character.

Love is difficult. And yet, it is this romantic and overwhelming emotion that has a major impact on the world. Over time, the definition and standards for husbands and wives have changed. Women are not to be ruled over by men. Women should be allowed to live their life as they continue to care for their husbands, and vice versa.

The location for The Wife was eye-engaging. Stockholm, Sweden is one of the most glorious countries to get lost in. I was there a year ago with my college choral group and I would give anything to go back and explore.

The cinematography was actually better yet, for the whole landscape of Sweden is absolutely breathtaking. I love films that explore different countries. The imagery is only to entice you to make you take an adventure. And it works.

Flashbacks are often used throughout the film, telling audiences how the couple met. Without the flashbacks, audiences wouldn’t have understood the revealed secrets in the present. This secret is what’s holding their marriage together—and even dangerously inches closer to the breaking point.

I love the direction in The Wife. Including the overall tone. The best-directed scenes are when Close and Price confront one another in a very heart-pounding scene. And then in seconds, everything is good again, all from a phone call.

That’s where audiences are thinking "wow." Directing and acting takes time and training. There is no method. All actors have their own objectives and motives. The importance of backstory is essential. One has to understand their character.

I recommend The Wife. It is an inspiring story that sells the message of being true to yourself. The dialogue is enriching, performances are at their best, and it is also very eye-opening. The Wife can be a great film to openly analyze and talk about its theme regarding feminism. Not all may enjoy the message. It’s important to talk about our opinions and how we openly feel about marriages.