User reviews

As a fan of "American Horror Story," particularly the early seasons, the prospect of seeing Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, and Lily Rabe reunited in a new film had me instantly hooked. "The Great Lillian Hall" is a remarkable production that explores the complexities of dementia with finesse. Comparisons to Anthony Hopkins' portrayal in "The Father" are inevitable. Both actors deliver outstanding performances in their respective films, but "The Father" stands out for its ability to immerse the viewer in the bewildering and fragmented world of the person suffering from dementia, offering a tighter and more gripping narrative.

In "The Great Lillian Hall," Jessica Lange's mesmerizing portrayal is the film's crown jewel, showcasing her unparalleled acting prowess. Her performance alone makes the movie a must-watch, providing a poignant and powerful exploration of dementia that is both heart-wrenching and captivating. If you're a fan of brilliant acting and emotionally charged storytelling, "The Great Lillian Hall" is not to be missed.

A lot of folk who have been around theater collaborate to provide a convincing look at putting on a show, and how difficult it is when your leading lady, "the first lady of the American theater," is in the early stages of dementia. Supposedly it's based on the latter-day career of Marian Seldes, and Jessica Lange is, as others have said, rather magnificent in suggesting a Broadway star's pride, neglect of loved ones, and denial of her medical crisis. The theatrical details are by and large convincing, though that's clearly no Broadway house (the movie appears to have been made largely in Marietta, Georgia), and, much as we'd like it to be true, opening-night audiences these days don't dress in formal wear. Good acting all around, especially from Kathy Bates as Lillian's no-nonsense caretaker and Lily Rabe as her justifiably resentful daughter; Pierce Brosnan is also around, as an aging-roue next-door neighbor who provides acid commentary and sympathy where it's really needed. Michael Cristofer, an award-winning playwright from way back, directs capably, and if the ending feels a bit unrealistic, it's still a compelling, if often hard-to-watch, journey to it.

You people are truly insane! "The great Jessica Lange"?? What were you all saying for 25 years after King Kong when she was just a pretty face once?? She was great sure. The movie was pretty good. They dragged her not telling anyone out for an entire hour... Hardly talking about the illness at all but just the story of hiding it. An 8.3???? So The Godfather? Pulp Fiction? That's what you 10 raters have pushed this only ok film to. A BLOCKBUSTER! So many idiots! Please stop if you've rated 15 20 30 maybe even 40 movies with 10 stars you've rated way way way too many. Not every movie you see that you like is a 10.

Cannot express how brilliant Jessica Lange is in this film. What else does she have to prove in her career - nothing. She's one of a few actors to have the triple crown (Oscar, Tony, Emmy) and here she is at this point in her career giving one of her best performances, and that's saying a lot. As someone who has dealt with dementia in my own family this was a tough watch. The subject matter is dealt with much care however. The supporting cast is also fantastic, with a standout being Lily Rabe. But the price of admission is all Jessica Lange and she doesn't disappoint. This is a masterclass in great acting. Do not miss this. What an actress!

I have always been a fan of Jessica Lange, but this is the performance of her career. I truly loved this movie. The cast is supurb, Kathy Bates gives a solid performance and Lily Rabe's daughter to Lange will make your heart ache. My mother had LBD and I found the depictions of the disease to be extremely accurate. My mother hid her disease as long as she could, so I found that part of the story to be especially accurate. I was also impressed by the fantasy aspect of the play as a counter point to the fantasy aspects of the actual disease.

I would highly recommend this movie to anyone. Ms Lange deserves an Oscar in my opinion.

Jessica Lange is Magical & Astounding. This movie is the perfect platform to remind the world of her prolific acting. While being engrossed in the movie, you can find yourself feeling the same emotions that she is portraying on screen. It truly says something, when you can be so taken aback by a film. The Great Lillian Hall should be nominated for some serious awards. Lily Rabe and Katy Bates were also remarkable. Lange portrays a broadway actress preparing for her next role and an obstacle that could end it all, makes her pour her everything into the production, singing her swan song. The struggles of navigating this chapter makes her character win the hearts of millions and myself.

Watching this movies was difficult. The lead performances were excellent and the screenplay was sensitive to the subjective and beautifully written. What more can be said about Jessica Lange. As in the role she played, she is the consummate actor who leaves nothing on the table.

The artifice of the play within a play was well done. The ending was difficult to decide how to go. But it landed well although there could have been an alternate ending. Using the Cherry Orchard was a an apt allegory. The director and the actors put all they had into thier roles and it showed. Thank you HBO for producing such a wonderful movie.

I appreciated this movie until the end, I'm not spoiling it really by saying that the ending was unrealistic, you judge for yourself, excellent acting by all, a story about something in life no one wants to face as neither did the great Lillian Hall, my father had dementia and maybe I will to someday as did my grandfather before him, so believe me I can relate, it's a terrible disease, and maybe, just maybe, with appropriate measures one may lesson it's onslaught, yeah let's call it that, so everything was going well in the movie and a realistic portrayal until when?, until the very end, it's the ending that made it impossible, how do you make on impossible good ending about an impossible bad disease?, maybe by trying to focus on what is good only?, it still leaves me with a review of a 6, yep.

What a ravishing film. Superb, moving, deep performances by all. A fabulous screen play that captures a life in the theater like its rarely seen. This is probably the finest film of this year. Awards all around. This is the kind of movie they should be making more of of... filled with feeling, about life and relationships, and the sacrifices we make for what we love. Rare, and hopefully will be seeing more like this.

Jessica Lange is a national treasure, and Kathy Bates continues to be an amazing actress. Lily Rabe will break your heart. Have tissues handy. Direction is perfect, capturing all the emotion for a small screen.

Well done all.

This i though it was a Ryan Murphy movie to be honest. Im glad this movie exists because i will mever going to watch a most boring movie because it's impossible that there is a more boring movie that this one thing be completely honestly it is just not a good flick, its well acted but the history its not interesting and its just a waste of precious time, time is money my guys, watch better things instead ok, Kathy, Brosnan and Ledge are amazing as always but that's pretty much all, its just a messy movie my guys and that's a shame tbh because i thought this wasn't the direction fault because its just not an interesting history or persona.

The leading actress Lillian Hall, Played by Jessica Lange, is having a tough time remembering her lines and eventually she is sent to a doctor by her director. We watch her fumble through a memory test and ultimately she's diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. But she's a tough old bird, and she is not interested in giving up being in the Broadway production of The Cherry Orchard.

We watch her trying to tell her daughter what her problem is, but she can't bring herself to say the words. Her daughter and family are confused that she's paying them more attention that she ever does, but they can't figure out what's up.

Her assistant, Played by Kathy Bates, has been hired by her now deceased husband to help her in every way, but she is horrified that it has come to this point.

The producer of the show wants her understudy to play the part but Lillian is wandering around Central Park when she's supposed to be at the opening of the play. I won't tell you what happens next. It's a wonderful job, a wonderful story, and an excellent movie.

Boring. Long drawn out scenes. Predictable writing. I found myself fast forwarding through a lot of it. I believe it was meant to be realistic when discussing dementia but the outcome was completely unrealistic. Very disappointed. Was hoping something coming out of hollywood would be worth watching for a change, but I guess not. The acting on the part of Jessica Lange and others was top notch and I do appreciate that. I'm not sure what could be done with a movie about dementia but certainly more than they did with this. Just a tiny bit of realism, a bunch of hollywood syrup and not much else. Oh well.

For over forty years, Jessica Lange has been one of the most renowned actresses of her generation, both on the big and small screens, as well as stage. She combines these in "The Great Lillian Hall", playing a Broadway star beginning to suffer from dementia. Lange really puts her all into the role. Fine support comes from Kathy Bates, Lily Rabe, Jesse Williams and Pierce Brosnan. It just goes to show that when a story focuses on people rather than nonstop CGI, we actually end up with a good story. This is exactly the sort of movie that I recommend to everyone, and I hope that Jessica Lange gets to continue making these sorts of movies.

If you are a fan of classic film, then you will love this portrayal of a star fading not from the limelight, but from her own mind.

Every detail is perfectly executed and well thought out. Jessica better win The Golden Globe for this performance because no one in the world could have played it better. And because she got snubbed for incredible performance as Joan Crawford a few years back.

Kathy Bates had a line or two from All about Eve here, and I swear before she spoke, I could hear the lines coming. You'll love it! Write a great review after you see it too. A picture like this doesn't coming around often, it's a woman driven film like back in the day. We need more of them too. Loved it!

This is one of the best movies I have seen in a long while.

The acting is superb. Jessica Lange - 'incredible' doesn't seem to capture her magnificent performance. Kathy Bates - the way she seamlessly inhabits a character. All around, the entire cast is consistently strong, no weak links.

And the story itself, I mean, what an incredible journey.

Some pretty heavy material, to say the least. You certainly need to be in the right headspace for it, and need about an entire box of tissues. But this isn't reaching or contrived at all --- it's a very real and relatable situation throughout. Terrific writing.

Such an awesome movie that I'm grateful I happened upon randomly.

Highly recommend!

"The Great Lillian Hall" premiered on HBO on May 31, 2024, with positive reviews from critics. The film stars Jessica Lange as Lillian Hall, a Broadway star battling dementia, and reunites her with Kathy Bates and Lily Rabe from "American Horror Story." Pierce Brosnan and Jesse Williams also star. The movie is loosely inspired by actress Marian Seldes, who was the aunt of the screenwriter. Directed by Michael Cristofer for HBO Films. Jessica Lange's performance in HBO's TV movie The Great Lillian Hall is a powerful and elegant Broadway-set drama. Lange's first film lead since 2006, she has been working in episodic formats, a sign of an industry's dire lack of meaty roles for older women. Her work with Ryan Murphy has mostly been for memes rather than awards, but it serves as a consistent reminder of her fantastic and fun acting abilities. Lange has also returned to the stage, most recently in the family drama Mother Play, which earned her a Tony nomination in 2016. Her role in The Great Lillian Hall might vault her into the Emmys race, as the film was released on the last day of eligibility after a surprise announcement just weeks ago. Despite the lateness of her nomination, Lange's performance is so breath-catchingly great that it could almost see her winning. She also performs on stage in her real life as a Tony-winning actor playing a woman with dementia, and her role in The Cherry Orchard is seen as one of Broadway's greats. The Great Lillian Hall is a small, focused character study centered around a knockout lead performance by Jennifer Streep. With just weeks to go until previews begin, Lillian is forgetting lines, growing unsteady on her feet, and seeing visions of her late husband. Her assistant, longtime friend Edith (Tony nominee Kathy Bates), her long-suffering daughter (Tony nominee Lily Rabe), and her new director David (Tony nominee Jesse Williams) are concerned, but Lillian remains adamant that things will go on. The film takes seriously the act of stage performance and the perils that come along with it, with theatre pros in front and behind the camera (director Michael Cristofer). Some screenwriter Elisabeth Seldes Annacone's strokes can be a little too broad, and some directorial choices are a little unnecessary. However, Lange takes full control of a miraculous showcase, avoiding every cliche of the over-emphasised theatricality of playing a performer and the oft-seen movie-of-the-week confusion of having dementia. The film gives us the fullness of a life that for an older woman we just don't often get to see in this way. The Great Lillian Hall premieres at 8pm on 31 May on HBO and will be available to stream on Max with a UK date to be announced.

This movie was exceptional! The acting was superb by all of the players. The writing was fantastic, the music was wonderful and the story and pacing was great. But of course this movie was held together by the legendary Jessica Lange. This is amongst her best work and I love a lot of her work! She brings the character to life and her face emotes what we feel as the viewer. She doesn't have to say a word. Her face says it all. Even though it was tough to watch because of the subject matter I thought they handled it in a very delicate manner. The commenter who said the movie was boring should probably stick with Spider-Man or any other Marvel movie. I tend to get bored easily and this was not that movie. Jessica Lange deserves to be nominated and probably win awards for this role. I love seeing her in a lead role and hope to see her in others. It's great seeing someone her age being offered these parts. From my understanding Meryl Streep was trying to get this movie made and start in it but she had to back out. And then I think Glenn Close may have been offered the role but also turned it down. While I could see either of those actresses taking on the role, I think Jessica has the emotions and vulnerability more so than the other actresses. The part was made for her. She nailed this performance!

Ms. Jessica Lange is a remarkable actress, but unfortunately, not in this film. The movie is entirely lackluster, with no harmony between the story of Lillian Hall and Jessica Lange's performance. The script fails to establish a clear sense of Lillian Hall's personality-is she witty, melancholic, or a devoted theater enthusiast? Jessica Lange's portrayal shifts carelessly between all these traits. The interpretation feels inconsistent as well; at times, it seems like the director might have aimed for a theatrical approach, but that impression quickly fades. Artistically, the movie feels indecisive, as if it tried to be perfect by cramming in every "good" element without focus. I'm not overly critical, but this film is decidedly below average and, frankly, very dull. Sorry!

A perfect movie, wonderful script, great director, and the acting of each and everyone of the actors is superb, but Jessica Lange in the best acting of her life. The story of a great theater actress that in her last play, she started with a kind of dementia. But still the theater is her life, and she wanted to do the last play. It really worth to see this great film, and bring a big box of tissues because your are going to cry a lot.

Surly It will be a good Oscar's competitor, in several categories, but impossible for another actress to have an acting like Jessica Lange, she deserved, my congratulations.

Lange is so damn great way over excellent a 15 out of 10 stars. I loved this and with a great supporting cast of Kathy Bates, Lily Rabe and an unexpected turn from Pierce Brosnan that hits out the ballpark as a neighbor who helps her find a way back to make the performance of her life. This is such a tour de force performance for Lange I was not expecting. All I can say wow. Emmy nominations for all concerned. After seeing that Meryl Streep was considered, it made think between the both of them could have done this justice equally as well but Jessica has you and your heart where it belongs. Wow.

It would be good to start by asking ourselves whether we are watching a good piece of cinema or a television movie that we can have a good time with, because the only way to evaluate this movie is to determine its perspective correctly; on the one hand, Jessica Lange, who has already mastered playing women suffering from mental disorders, on the other hand, Kathy Bates, who is now considered suitable for roles that have no function other than supporting the main character, Lily Rabe, whose acting in supporting roles is always crushed under her annoying physique, and the ghost husband Michael Rose, who wanders around like a rainless Gene Kelly... None of these actors stand out, and since everyone fulfills their duties as men of duty, our chance of saying that it was "an acting show" automatically disappears. The fact that the script cannot go beyond a predictable text and that the director's analytical cinema language does not have a single crumb of originality is also the icing on the cake.

Returning to the question at the beginning, if this is a TV movie, it would be absurd to expect a surprise plot as much as in Anthony Hopkins' 'The Father', which also emphasizes the dark nature of dementia, or a tension as much as in Egoyan's 'Remember', but if this movie is presented to us with the claim of being a work of cinema, it would not be too much of a zero-scholarship to say that it failed. Therefore, a Lillian Hall without 'The Great' seems more reasonable.