IN THE WORDS of Modern Family’s Cam Tucker:
Meryl Streep is perfection. Whether she’s divorcing Kramer, whether she is wearing Prada - and don’t even get me started on Sophie’s Choice.
And, to be fair, the vast majority of us feel the same. All Hail Queen Meryl, says you.
So, it comes as somewhat of a surprise that Lauren Weisberger, the author of the best-selling 2003 novel, was a little skeptical of Meryl’s interpretation of Miranda Priestly in the film adaptation.
Now, to be clear, she wasn’t dragging her performance as much as questioning how easily she humanised the character.
Speaking to Cosmopolitan at the Hearst’s Big Book Festival, Lauren reflected on the 2006 film, acknowledging she didn’t have much of a say when it came to character interpretation.
I had very little input in the movie. I loved the movie, it’s a really good movie. I don’t love that they humanised Miranda as much as they did, though.
Sorry now, but is that the sound of criticism?
Christ no, she wouldn’t dare.
I understand that Meryl Streep wanted to play a three dimensional character, because she’s the greatest talent we know, but I had a hard time imagining Miranda Priestly weeping in a hotel room or confiding to Andy. I was like, ‘Oh she’s crying? I don’t think so!’
And in fairness to Lauren, she said she had to accept that her personal creation and Hollywood’s treatment of it was always going to be at odds.
But it worked perfectly for the movie, and I think the book was better served without it. I understand though, the two different mediums had different meanings.
Nice save Lauren, nice save.
