21st January I attended the Lyric's monthly film club to watch Hope Springs. Ironically given the name, the staff at the Lyric had a lot of hope of their own that the film reel would arrive in time, coming from near Heathrow in the horrible weather we were having it was a close shave and as I walked in I was told "We've no fingernails left as it didn't arrive until late this afternoon" However the "Snow must go on."
It seems lately that Hollywood has become even more fascinated with turning popular self help books into films, and where Hope Springs might not be put into this box, whilst watching it you would struggle to understand why. Directed by David Frankel (Devil wears prada) and written by the talented Vanessa Taylor, Hope Springs tells the story of what happens to a marriage long after the spark has been lost. Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones play hopeless couple Kay and Arnold Soames, whose marriage progressed to the separate bed stage some time ago. Keen to re-energise their relationship, Kay books a week of couples’ therapy on the coast of Maine with Steve Carell acting as their tweedy counsellor, and after thinking she will be going alone Arnold grudgingly accompanies her. On their journey to Maine, Vanessa Taylor's script comes to life and the perceptive little micro-tragedies start flowing thick and fast. Arnold's inability to pay for meals without whinging or his lack of any emotion are details far too sharp to be invented, and through these moments are where we as the audience could relate. This is where Streep and Jones shone it’s not an easy problem to dramatize, but that’s what they did so splendidly depicting an emotionally unavailable husband and a timid wife afraid to speak her mind. Steve Carell did also not disappoint, soulful as ever in his dramatic roles, he does a brilliant job, of facilitating their performances. I can't personally say if Hope Springs is a film that you will like or dislike, it is more of a film that will speak to you in some way. It puts you as almost a fly on the wall, watching two very real people, working through very real problems that I suspect a lot of people who have been married for decades can relate to. David Frankel concentrates on keeping this film low key putting all emphasis on character and honesty. The root of the film is the importance of not giving up on the marriage you believe in. These are two people who are not separated by long distance, conflicting schedules or career paths, but two people who love each other dearly, who are only separated by their failure to communicate with one another.
Hope Springs is a bravely refreshing film, stepping out from the overly crowded romantic comedies we have all become so used too. Funny at times, it really makes an impact on how we see relationships. Its an insightful take on a recessed marriage that is beyond the help of any romantic grand gestures. These may help you get the "happily ever after" you desire, however it takes hard work and communication to sustain maintain this. Hope Springs both comically and beautifully shows us this process. I think we all left the Lyric, with a little spring of hope in our steps.
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