August Osage County
August: Osage County, released in 2013, is an American tragicomedy film helmed by John Wells. Tracy Letts, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, penned the screenplay based on his eponymous play from 2007. George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Jean Doumanian, and Steve Traxler served as the film’s producers.
The movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Chris Cooper, Abigail Breslin, Benedict Cumberbatch, Juliette Lewis, Margo Martindale, Dermot Mulroney, Julianne Nicholson, and Misty Upham. They portray a dysfunctional family that converges at their ancestral home when their patriarch (Sam Shepard) mysteriously vanishes.
August Osage County Ending Explained
In the film adaptation of “August: Osage County,” the ending has been a topic of discussion and analysis. To understand the significance of the ending, it’s important to consider the play’s original ending and the additional scene included in the film.
The play, written by Tracy Letts, concludes on a somber note. After a tumultuous family gathering, Violet Weston, the matriarch of the Weston family, is left alone by her daughters. The bleak ending emphasizes the dysfunctional and fractured nature of the family, highlighting the unresolved issues and strained relationships that persist despite their reunion.
The film version, also written by Letts and directed by John Wells, follows a similar trajectory as the play. However, it includes an extra scene featuring Barbara, Violet’s eldest daughter, which departs from the dark tone established throughout the story. This additional scene portrays Barbara in a seemingly happier moment against a backdrop of sunlit plains.
The inclusion of this scene sparked discussions among critics and audiences, with some questioning its tonal shift and its impact on the overall meaning of the story. The scene could be interpreted as an attempt to soften the ending or provide a glimmer of hope amidst the family’s dysfunction.
During the film’s promotion, Wells mentioned that the scene was added based on audience reactions during test screenings. Some viewers expressed concerns about Barbara’s fate, prompting the filmmakers to incorporate the extra scene to offer a sense of closure or relief. However, it’s important to note that Letts and Wells clarified that the ending itself, with Violet being left alone, has always remained intact.
Letts, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, emphasized that the play and film both end with the daughters leaving and Violet alone in the house with the housekeeper. The focus of the discussion surrounding the ending was not about changing the ending itself but rather the choices related to credits, music, and the presentation of the final moments.
Letts and Wells expressed surprise at the amount of attention given to the ending and clarified that their intention was to maintain the consistent tone of the original play. They wanted to capture the dark and complex nature of the family dynamics without providing an overly optimistic resolution.
The inclusion of the additional scene with Barbara in the film version can be seen as a way to offer some closure for her character, providing a contrast to the otherwise bleak ending. However, the filmmakers and Letts have emphasized that the core essence of the ending, with Violet left alone, remains intact and is crucial in conveying the underlying themes of family dysfunction, unresolved conflicts, and the unbreakable ties that bind.
Ultimately, the ending of “August: Osage County” serves to leave audiences with a sense of the lingering pain and dysfunction within the Weston family. The film aims to maintain the emotional impact of the original play while incorporating a nuanced exploration of the characters’ journeys and relationships.
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August Osage County Nominations
“August: Osage County” received several nominations and recognition for its performances and overall production. Here are the notable nominations the film received:
Academy Awards (Oscars): The film received two nominations at the 86th Academy Awards:
a) Meryl Streep was nominated for Best Actress for her portrayal of Violet Weston, the matriarch of the Weston family.
b) Julia Roberts was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Barbara Weston-Fordham, Violet’s eldest daughter.
Critics’ Choice Movie Awards: The film received seven nominations at the 19th Critics’ Choice Movie Awards:
a) Meryl Streep was nominated for Best Actress.
b) Julia Roberts was nominated for Best Supporting Actress.
c) The film was nominated for Best Acting Ensemble.
d) Tracy Letts received a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
e) The film was nominated for Best Makeup.
f) Margo Martindale received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
g) Chris Cooper received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Golden Globe Awards: The film received two nominations at the 71st Golden Globe Awards:
a) Meryl Streep was nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama.
b) Julia Roberts was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture.
Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG Awards): The film received four nominations at the 20th Screen Actors Guild Awards:
a) Meryl Streep was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role.
b) Julia Roberts was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role.
c) The cast was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.
d) Margo Martindale received a nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role.
Satellite Awards: The film received three nominations at the 18th Satellite Awards:
a) Meryl Streep was nominated for Best Actress – Motion Picture.
b) Julia Roberts was nominated for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture.
c) The film was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay.
These nominations highlight the outstanding performances of Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts, who were recognized for their compelling portrayals of complex characters in the film. The ensemble cast as a whole received praise for their performances, leading to nominations for Outstanding Cast or Acting Ensemble.
Tracy Letts’ screenplay adaptation also garnered attention, emphasizing the strength of the storytelling. While the film received mixed reviews overall, its performances and screenplay were widely acknowledged as highlights of the production.
August Osage County Reviews
“August: Osage County” received mixed reviews from critics. While Meryl Streep’s performance as Violet Weston was widely praised, some critics felt that the film struggled to fully capture the intensity and theatricality of Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play.
Streep’s portrayal of Violet, the venom-spewing matriarch of the dysfunctional Weston family, was hailed as a tour de force. Critics applauded her ability to evoke both horror and pity at Violet’s flaws, showcasing her uncanny talent for bringing complex characters to life.
Streep’s previous Oscar-nominated roles, such as Miranda Priestly in “The Devil Wears Prada” and Sister Aloysius in “Doubt,” were noted as examples of her ability to inhabit challenging characters. Her performance in “August: Osage County” was seen as another testament to her exceptional acting skills.
The supporting cast also received praise, particularly Julia Roberts as Violet’s bitter daughter, Barbara. Roberts was noted for delivering a strong performance, capturing the internal struggle of a woman dealing with her husband’s infidelity and her own feelings of responsibility for her family’s dysfunction.
Other standout performances were mentioned, including Julianne Nicholson as Ivy, Benedict Cumberbatch as Little Charles, and Chris Cooper as Uncle Charlie. Their nuanced portrayals of the story’s tragic victims added depth to the film.
However, some critics felt that the film faltered in its transition from stage to screen. They noted that the inherent theatricality of the play, which may have worked well in a live setting, occasionally felt overwhelming and exaggerated in the intimate close-ups of the film. The confined and stagy atmosphere of the film was cited as a drawback, making it difficult for viewers to fully connect with the characters and their struggles.
Despite moments of caustic humor, critics emphasized that “August: Osage County” is not a comedy. The film delves into dark themes and explores the impact of abuse and dysfunction on multiple generations. It was noted that Tracy Letts’ screenplay and John Wells’ direction effectively conveyed the underlying message of the play—that monsters are made, not born.
While Meryl Streep’s powerhouse performance as Violet Weston garnered praise, the film adaptation of “August: Osage County” received mixed reviews. While some critics appreciated the strong performances and the exploration of complex family dynamics, others felt that the film struggled to fully capture the intensity of the original play.
Nonetheless, the film was acknowledged for its compelling portrayal of flawed characters and its examination of the lasting effects of abuse.
Where Can I Watch August Osage County?
Watch August: Osage County on Netflix. You are able to stream August: Osage County by renting or purchasing on iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Google Play, and Vudu. You are able to stream August: Osage County for free on Pluto or Tubi.
August Osage County Plot
“August: Osage County” is a gripping and darkly comedic drama that delves into the dysfunctional dynamics of the Weston family. Set in the sweltering heat of August in a rural area outside Pawhuska, Oklahoma, the story revolves around a series of events that unfold after the disappearance of Beverly Weston, an alcoholic and once-renowned poet.
The narrative begins with Beverly hiring a young Cheyenne woman named Johnna as a live-in cook and caregiver for his wife, Violet Weston. Violet is a strong-willed and contentious woman who is suffering from oral cancer and has become addicted to prescription narcotics. Shortly after Johnna’s arrival, Beverly mysteriously vanishes, prompting Violet to reach out to her sister Mattie Fae and her three daughters for support.
The family gathers at the Weston house, where tensions and conflicts quickly arise. Ivy, the middle daughter who is single and lives nearby, becomes the primary caretaker for Violet. Barbara, the oldest daughter, arrives from Colorado with her estranged husband Bill and their teenage daughter Jean. Karen, the youngest daughter, shows up with her latest boyfriend, Steve, a sleazy businessman from Florida whom she introduces as her fiancé.
As the days pass, the family grapples with their individual issues and secrets. Violet’s venomous and manipulative behavior escalates, fueled by her drug addiction, leading to tense interactions among family members. The dinner table becomes a battleground for emotional confrontations and hurtful revelations, as Violet’s toxic words expose deep-rooted resentments and wounds.
Tragedy strikes when the sheriff delivers the devastating news that Beverly has drowned after taking his boat out on the lake. The family reels from the loss, and tensions reach a breaking point. Barbara, overwhelmed by her mother’s drug addiction and manipulation, physically confronts Violet and confiscates her pills.
Amidst the chaos, long-held family secrets begin to unravel. Mattie Fae, Violet’s sister, reveals that she had an affair with Beverly in the past, and their son, Little Charles, is not only Ivy’s cousin but also her half-brother. This revelation further complicates Ivy and Charles’s forbidden love, causing heartbreak and turmoil within the family.
In a separate incident, Steve, Karen’s boyfriend, attempts to assault Jean after getting her high on drugs. Johnna, the young Cheyenne woman, witnesses the assault and defends Jean by attacking Steve with a shovel. The commotion brings Barbara, Bill, and Karen outside, leading to a confrontation and Barbara slapping Jean.
The family members confront their own personal demons and confrontations. Ivy, devastated by the truth about her relationship with Little Charles, decides to leave and promises never to return. Barbara, after a final confrontation with Violet, realizes the futility of trying to help her mother and decides to depart as well. Violet is left with only Johnna for comfort.
The film concludes with Barbara driving through the plains, stopping to cry before continuing her journey. She follows highway signs indicating the distances to Wichita, Salina, and Denver, symbolizing her departure from the toxic environment and her search for a new beginning.
“August: Osage County” explores themes of family dysfunction, secrets, addiction, and the enduring impact of past trauma. The plot unfolds in a highly charged and emotionally intense manner, portraying the complex relationships between flawed characters who grapple with their own demons while navigating the bonds and conflicts that tie them together.
August Osage County Cast
|
Cast |
Character |
|
Meryl Streep |
Violet Weston |
|
Sam Shepard |
Beverly Weston |
|
Julia Roberts |
Barbara Weston-Fordham |
|
Ewan McGregor |
Bill Fordham |
|
Abigail Breslin |
Jean Fordham |
|
Julianne Nicholson |
Ivy Weston |
|
Juliette Lewis |
Karen Weston |
|
Dermot Mulroney |
Steve Huberbrecht |
|
Margo Martindale |
Mattie Fae Aiken |
|
Chris Cooper |
Charles Aiken Sr. |
|
Benedict Cumberbatch |
Charles “Little Charles” Aiken Jr. |
|
Misty Upham |
Johnna Monevata |
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