Let Them All Talk (film)
| Let Them All Talk | |
|---|---|
.png) Official release poster | |
| Written by | Deborah Eisenberg |
| Directed by | Steven Soderbergh |
| Starring | |
| Music by | Thomas Newman |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Producer | Gregory Jacobs |
| Cinematography | Peter Andrews |
| Running time | 113 minutes |
| Production company |
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| Original release | |
| Release |
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Let Them All Talk is a 2020 American comedy-drama TV film directed by Steven Soderbergh from a screenplay by Deborah Eisenberg. The film stars Meryl Streep, Dianne Wiest, Candice Bergen, Lucas Hedges, and Gemma Chan. Much of the dialogue was improvised by the cast, and Soderbergh shot the film using natural light and little equipment aboard the Queen Mary 2.
Let Them All Talk was released on HBO Max on December 10, 2020.
Premise
An author goes on a trip with her friends and nephew in an effort to find fun and come to terms with her past.
Cast
- Meryl Streep as Alice, Tyler’s aunt and one of Roberta and Susan’s friends
- Candice Bergen as Roberta, one of Alice and Susan’s friends
- Dianne Wiest as Susan, Eddie’s mother and one of Alice and Roberta’s friends
- Gemma Chan as Karen, Alice's literary agent
- Lucas Hedges as Tyler Hughes, Alice’s nephew
- John Douglas Thompson as Dr. Mitchell
- Christopher Fitzgerald as Eddie, Susan's son[1]
- Dan Algrant as Kelvin Krantz
- Fred Hechinger as Fred
Production
In August 2019, it was announced Meryl Streep and Gemma Chan had joined the cast of the film, with Steven Soderbergh directing from a screenplay by Deborah Eisenberg.[2][3] Later that month, it was announced HBO Max had acquired the distribution rights to the film, along with the additions of Candice Bergen, Dianne Wiest and Lucas Hedges to the cast.[4]
Production began in August 2019 in New York City. Filming continued on-board the Cunard ocean liner RMS Queen Mary 2 as it crossed the Atlantic, lasting two weeks. Soderbergh only used the story outline written by Eisenberg, and allowed the actors to improvise much of their dialogue.[5] Soderbergh served as the film editor and cinematographer. According to Wiest, Soderbergh "held the camera in a wheelchair and just rolled along," and sound was the only equipment used. Streep said she was paid 25 cents for her role.[6]
Release
The film was released digitally on December 10, 2020 by HBO Max.[7]
Critical response
According to review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, 90% of 78 critic reviews are positive, with the average rating of 7.3/10. The website's critical consensus reads: "When Steven Soderbergh rounds up a cast this talented, it's definitely wise to Let Them All Talk —and this light yet rewarding dramedy more than lives up to expectations."[8] On Metacritic, the film was assigned a weighted average score of 73 out of 100, based on 23 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[9]
Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly gave the film a A- and described it as "a chance to spend two hours watching Streep & Co. make the most of Deborah Eisenberg's deliciously salty script, while Soderbergh—who also serves as cinematographer—shoots it all in ruthless, radiant light."[10]
References
- ^ "Let Them All Talk, Featuring Christopher Fitzgerald, Begins Streaming on HBO Max Next Week". BroadwayWorld. December 4, 2020. Archived from the original on December 5, 2020. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
- ^ Perez, Rodrigo (August 15, 2019). "Steven Soderbergh Announces New Secret Film 'Let Them All Talk' With Meryl Streep & Gemma Chan [Exclusive]". The Playlist. Archived from the original on August 15, 2019. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
- ^ Allard, Matthew (August 13, 2019). "Director/Filmmaker Steven Soderbergh testing new RED Komodo". Newsshooter.com. Archived from the original on August 15, 2019. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (August 19, 2019). "HBO Max Lands Steven Soderbergh's Next Film Starring Meryl Streep". Variety. Archived from the original on October 17, 2019. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
- ^ Hipes, Patrick (August 19, 2019). "Steven Soderbergh's 'Let Them All Talk' Movie With Meryl Streep Lands At HBO Max". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 3, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
- ^ Jordan Ruimy (November 11, 2020). "Steven Soderbergh's 'Let Them All 'Let Them All Talk': Steven Soderbergh's Latest Film Was Shot With a Budget of 25 Cents". World of Reel. Archived from the original on December 9, 2020. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
- ^ Booth, Ned (November 15, 2020). "'Let Them All Talk' Trailer: Meryl Streep Stars in Steven Soderbergh's Latest Chatty Experiment". The Playlist. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020. Retrieved November 15, 2020.
- ^ "Let Them All Talk (2020)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
{{cite web}}:|archive-date=requires|archive-url=(help) - ^ "Let Them All Talk Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
- ^ Greenblatt, Leah (December 3, 2020). "Meryl Streep leads Steven Soderbergh's delightfully shaggy Let Them All Talk: Review". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
