DIRECTOR
Michael Cristofer
The Night Clerk, Original Sin, Body Shots

STARS
Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, Lily Rabe, Jesse Williams, Cindy Hogan and Pierce Brosnan

The Great Lillian Hall, whose titular character is affectionately referred to as the First Lady of American theatre, is a film that’s loosely inspired by American stage actress and five-time Tony Award nominee Marian Seldes, whose niece is this film’s screenwriter. 

Undoubtedly, a biopic chronicling the life and extended career of Marian Seldes is one to be of great interest to many should this be picked up someday, it is important to note The Great Lillian Hall is not that film and centres on the troubled later years of its subject. 

For several decades, Lillian Hall (Jessica Lange) has been the drawcard to Broadway theatre. It is her name, and her name alone, that gets bums on seats in every sold out show she performs, and every show she is the star in is guaranteed to be sold out. Even now, as the great Lillian Hall is evidently well beyond producing anything resembling her finest work, people keep pouring in to see her while she can still sparkle. So, despite the attendance success Lillian Hall will undoubtedly bring her next stage production and despite how widely revered she is, why is almost every person backstage threatening to take it all away from her? 

The great Meryl Streep was once attached to play Lillian Hall. There is no doubt whatsoever that if she had signed up and played this part, Meryl’s staggering 22nd actress Academy Award ® nomination and quite likely 4th win would be all but guaranteed. I am keen to see if the same recognition is forthcoming to two-time Oscar ® winner, Jessica Lange, who is simply magnificent in this dramatic feature film about the final days of a stage icon’s career. 

It is more limiting to review this film without getting specific than it is others, but I wish to preserve what it is that Lillian Hall endures for it to have greater impact on you as it is completely capable of. I will instead write a little around the fact and start by saying The Great Lillian Hall is an affecting portrayal of the circumstances that will inevitably force the curtains of her illustrious career to draw to a close. The production never escapes the made for streaming television quality that it simply is, so while the film is not cinematic in scale as its central performance is, it does boast quality writing and integrates documentary-like interview footage of several lead and supporting characters throughout the film. There are also 2 or 3 standalone scenes that elevate the drama. Namely, a heart-wrenching scene involving Lillian’s daughter (played by Lily Rabe) and her longtime and loyal personal assistant, Edith (the wonderful Kathy Bates). In fact, these women contribute to what is a trio of terrific performances in an absorbing and heartfelt film about letting go. 

The Great Lillian Hall is showing in selected cinemas across Australia from June 5th, 2025.

Moviedoc thanks Transmission and TM Publicity for the screener link to watch and review this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

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