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Michelle Pfeiffer: The Story of Us


Revisiting and celebrating the work of Michelle Pfeiffer, the best actress of my lifetime.

"I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm saying Chow Funs, because I love you."
Rob Reiner's The Story of Us (1999) turns twenty this year, and it's really grown on me over the years. After listening to Reiner's commentary track on the recently released Blu-ray edition, I can see why he considers the it one of his best. Mostly met with middling-to-negative reviews upon release, the movie still maintains a devoted fan base. Reiner notes how often people approach him to express much the film means to them. That's due in no small part to a terrific performance from Michelle Pfeiffer.
As a couple experiencing marital strain, Pfeiffer and costar Bruce Willis are called upon to do some heavy lifting, with extreme emotional highs and lows—and lots of shouting and crying. Like the film itself, Willis's performance has also grown on me over time. The actor has been accused of phoning it in at various points in his career, but The Story of Us features a fully engaged Willis. Still, he's no match for the ferocity of an expertly crafted Pfeiffer performance. Stop me if you've heard this one before: she's the heart and soul of the film. Her work as Katie Jordan isn't mentioned enough when discussing her best, which is a shame. She skillfully navigates the character's inner turmoil, creating a performance that has only grown in importance with age and repeat viewings. She's funny, sad, exuberant, melancholy, and so much more, as she paints a compelling picture of Katie as she exists within her relationship with Ben (Willis), both in the present and through Reiner's copious use of flashbacks.
One of the film's best moments is also a perfect showcase of Pfeiffer's extreme vulnerability on screen, a trait that has made her one of our best living actors—okay, the best, in my mind. In this crucial scene, Katie and Ben awkwardly talk about how to tell their kids that they're separating permanently. The conversation is tentative at first, then quickly turns contentious, making it incredibly difficult to watch. Katie and Ben's entire history together is crumbling before our eyes. Pfeiffer's extraordinary reaction shots are a huge reason why the scene is so effective—you can almost feel the tension and animosity radiating off her. She exudes a simmering, volcanic intensity. Pfeiffer also closes the film with one of her all-time best monologues, a rambling, free-form, heartbreaking, funny, tear-filled confessional that is positively jaw-dropping. Technically, it's a stunning achievement for Pfeiffer, as the speech lasts several minutes and calls for her sob her way through much of it yet remain intelligible and emotionally powerful. Alan Zweibel and Jessie Nelson's script and Reiner's simple yet effective direction allow Pfeiffer ample opportunity to shine, as she unloads all of Katie's pent-up, true feelings. It's glorious.
Pfeiffer carries the film brilliantly. The entire performance is a testament to her exceptional talent, and above all, her ability to consistently and effectively make us care deeply for the characters she brings to life. For me, The Story of Us will always be one of her most unsung great performances.
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  1. Realweegiemidget ReviewsFebruary 6, 2019 at 8:15 AM

    Was going to check this one out for a blogathon last year, but plonked for The Russia House instead. Love to hear your thoughts on this movie if you review it. From Gill at Realweegiemidget Reviews

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Words Seem Out of PlaceFebruary 6, 2019 at 8:34 AM

      Thanks, Gill! Russia House is a tough one for me, I've been trying to find the words to do a write up on it for a few years now. I have a hard time engaging on an emotional level with that movie, outside of Michelle's character, that is. I find her work in the film exquisite, and she imbues Katya with so many varied layers, and there's so much room for deeper interpretation of the character thanks to her marvelous performance.

      Gee, what I just wrote might be a good starting point for my review! Ha, thanks for sparking that in me! I'll let you know when I get around to doing that one.

      Delete
  2. PaulFebruary 6, 2019 at 10:27 AM

    I still haven't seen this movie yet. I'll definitely have to check it out!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Words Seem Out of PlaceFebruary 6, 2019 at 10:40 AM

      Let me know once you see it! I hope you're doing well so far in 2019, my friend.

      Delete
  3. Paul SMarch 14, 2020 at 4:25 AM

    Pfabulous post MIke. I loved The Story of Us because it didn’t sugar coat anything. At the time it was refreshing change from the sloppy romantic comedies that proliferated. Once again Michelle is "the heart and soul of the film" and her monologue, well it belongs in the pantheon of great Pfeiffer scenes.
    Given Rob Reiner also directed When Harry Met Sally... I always wish Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan could have made a cameo appearance in The Story of Us. No fake orgasms or showstopping moments to take you out of the movie. Just a brief appearance as a nod to the earlier film. Any thoughts?

    ReplyDelete

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