The Art of Misery: Meryl Streep's Deliberate Flaws in Singing

Actress Meryl Streep, a master of her craft and one of the most celebrated performers of her time, has once again pushed the boundaries of her art. In her role as Gladys Jenkins in the film "Vocal Training," Streep portrays a singer struggling with pitch and harmony, resulting in some of the most memorable and entertainingly disastrous singing scenes in cinematic history. How did she achieve such breathtakingly off-key performances? Let's delve into the strategies that went into making her portrayal a masterpiece.

Vocal Technique: Understanding the Craft

Working closely with a professional, Meryl Streep learned the technical aspects of singing so thoroughly that she could subsequently butcher it. One of her vocal coaches, acclaimed soprano Audra McDonald, recommended Arthur Levy, a well-known vocal coach in the industry. Under Arthur’s tutelage, Streep learned how to manipulate her voice to produce off-key and unharmonious sounds. This included mastering the art of creating pitch-poor tones that still managed to have the semblance of operatic style. The goal was to capture the character's?? unique brand of musical delusion, blending technical knowledge with artistic freedom.

Character Study: Listening to Reality

Streep's performance required more than just voice training. She deeply immersed herself in studying Gladys Jenkins, a woman with a passion for music despite her lack of genuine talent. By understanding Jenkins' life, her motivations, and her emotional journey, Streep was able to capture the character's sincerity and enthusiasm. This authenticity made her portrayal both humorous and poignant, showcasing the dramatic range and complexity of the performance.

Practice and Experimentation: Embracing the Unpredictable

To truly bring Gladys Jenkins to life, Streep practiced singing in ways that intentionally sounded bad. She experimented with different vocal techniques to find the perfect balance between genuine off-key singing and delivering her lines effectively. This rigorous practice helped her develop the unique, halting, and often laughably misaligned sound that became a hallmark of her portrayal. Through this process, Streep's dedication to the craft was evident, as she willingly embraced the unpredictable and the unintended to create a more believable and relatable character.

Physicality and Performance: The Total Character

Streep's commitment to the role extended beyond just the voice. She meticulously worked on the physicality of the character, including stage presence and interactions with the audience. This added depth to her portrayal, helping to convey Jenkins' delusion of grandeur. The combination of the deliberately off-key singing and the character's physical presence created a performance that was both entertaining and empathetic.

Conclusion: A Masterclass in Character Portrayal

In the film "Vocal Training," Meryl Streep’s portrayal of Gladys Jenkins stands as a masterclass in character portrayal, demonstrating that the art of misery can be both funny and touching. Her ability to learn the technical aspects of singing and then intentionally misapply them showcases her versatility as an actor. Streep's preparation involved a blend of vocal technique, character study, and performance artistry, ultimately resulting in a performance that was both entertaining and empathetic. This film is a testament to Streep's dedication to her craft and her willingness to embrace and celebrate imperfection.

For more insights into Meryl Streep's process and methods, consider watching a documentary on her career or exploring interviews where she discusses her approach to different roles. Her ability to turn flaws into art continues to inspire and educate aspiring actors and filmmakers worldwide.