AMERICAN WOMAN is not what it seems. While the story does revolve around a woman dealing with the loss of her teenage daughter, it manages to be far more than just a crime/vengeance flick. The new feature from director Jake Scott is a human drama that offers up two of the best performances I’ve seen so far this year. Sienna Miller is astounding in the lead role. As a mother dealing with losing her daughter and trying to raise her grandson, the actress gives a rich, beautfiul and honest portrait. As well, the incredible Christina Hendricks is wonderfully compelling as her sister, the more level headed of the two. There is much to admire in this rich and impressive drama, and hopefully the Academy voters will remember this one when its time for next year’s Oscar ceremony… Yes, the performances are THAT good.
It’s more than a just a pleasure to sit down with both Christina Hendricks and Sienna Miller. Aside from being so brilliantly talented, the two are wondefully kind and just terrific people. The two discussed the project, and just how difficult it was to play a woman who’s child disappears in this way. As well, Ms. Hendricks opened up about playing a loving and understanding wife and mother, one who adores her wild child sister. As well, they discussed working with a director like Jake Scott. And frankly, he did a marvelous job. When I sat down with him, he opened up about the story and how he wasn’t interested in making a crime drama. There is real heart in this impressive film – you can check out Chris Bumbray’s review here – and I highly recommend you seek this one out.
AMERICAN WOMAN opens this Friday in limited release – again, it’s worth searching for.