Jung & Film – The Wife (2017)

Jung & Film – The Wife (2017)

PRESENTERS: John Gosling, Renee Ramsden, Grace Reid
Venue: CG Jung Centre, 87 Main Road, Rosebank, Cape Town 7700
Time: Friday 7 June 2019 18:00 for 18:30

Run time: 1 hour 40 minutes

As the apparently-perfect wife of a Nobel prize-winning writer (Jonathan Price), Glenn Close gives arguably her best ever performance in an adaptation of Meg Wolitzer’s novel. It is a fascinating and bravura performance, in this hugely enjoyable dark comedy from director Björn
Runge.

Joan and Joe (Glenn Close and Jonathan Price) remain complements after nearly 40 years of marriage. Where Joe is casual, Joan is elegant. Where Joe is vain and profoundly narcissistic, Joan is self-effacing and graceful. And where Joe enjoys his very public role as the great American novelist, Joan pours her considerable intellect, poise, charm and diplomacy into the private role of “a great man’s wife”.

As Joe is about to be awarded the Nobel Prize in literature for his acclaimed and prolific body of work, Joan starts to reflect on the shared compromises, secrets, and enormous betrayals. She gradually undergoes a process of self-reflection and individuation. Her devotion and tolerance of Joe, including his many infidelities, begins to erode as she confronts many difficult questions she has avoided for many years. The film raises challenging questions about the complexity of relationships – loyalty, love, devotion – at what price?

Please book your ticket through the SAAJA Office by emailing saaja@mweb.co.za