(From IMDb.com)
Sally Field is so good as Doris Miller that you don’t know whether to love, hate or feel sorry for the sixtysomething running from her home on Staten Island to the office in Brooklyn. And what makes Hello, My Name Is Doris Miller so darn interesting is that it seems perfectly natural to do all of the above at various points of the part-comedy, part-drama directed by Michael Showalter, and written by Showalter and Laura Terruso based on a short film by Terruso.
Miller is a shy data entry clerk in a bustling bouquet firm, a holdover from the days when she may have been called a paper-pusher. Her younger co-workers seem to like her well-enough, though they seem to make not much of an effort to, well, do much of anything with her. And that may be fine with her until her world gets turned upside down in several ways. First, the mother she’s cared for her entire life, building up quite a collection of unneeded stuff in that Staten Island house, passes away. And then a new and much younger art director, played by Max Greenfield, transfers in from the Malibu office, transfers in an catches her eye.
Doris clumsily attempts to catch the eye of this John Fremont, even daydreaming of success after attending a motivational clinic with her bestie, played by Tyne Daly. Roz’s 13-year-old grand-daughter gives her some Facebook lessons, including inventing a fake page, to help her in the chase.
Opposites attract. (From IMDb.com)
One thing leads to another, an unlikely friendship flowers, and John puts out signs … or maybe Doris just wants it to be so. Anyway, coping with a semi-mean brother (Stephen Root) and truly cruel sister-in-law (Wendi McLendon-Covey who really, really want her out of the Staten Island house doesn’t help her mental state much, and Field handles that angle with great depth as well.
But it’s the age-difference romance at the core, and Field’s mastery of all the emotions that entails for Doris to even attempt to ride that rollercoaster.
The small handful of folks watching the late Sunday afternoon show in the Regal Cinemas’ smallest theater in Syracuse mega shopping, dining and entertainment complex Destiny USA along with my dear wife Karen and I held our breath together as Doris eventually tried her hardest to make things work for all involved. Not all fun and games, no, but a great part for Field, for sure.
What’s your favorite Sally Field movie, and why? Would you believe a sixtysomething woman and twentysomething man together in a movie like this? Would you think it more believable if the genders were reversed?
Mark Bialczak 
She is an incredible actress. Places In the Heart gets me every time. I think it’s my favorite with her. I’ve seen Steel Magnolias more times than I will cop to, but Places In the Heart is stellar.
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That’s a good one, Apple Pie. Thanks for adding ‘Places in the Heart’ to the mix, my friend. 🙂
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I’m going to have to take a look at that movie, thanks for the details… There are so many great Sally moments in great Sally movies, but my heart still always turns to Steel Magnolias. That scene after the funeral grinds me up every single time i watch it.
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Sure, ‘Steel Magnolias’ was a classic, Blog Woman. Great call!
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i saw and loved her in this movie too, i think that had the genders been reversed, it wouldn’t have been seen as so farfetched. i think she was great and i’ve loved her in everything i’ve ever seen her in.
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I’m glad they made the movie with the roles this way, Beth. Perfect role for outstanding Sally. I’m glad you like it, too.
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sounds like a story Anne Tyler could have written? Being put on my ‘want to see’ list. Tyne Daly too!
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It came from a short story. Yes, our shared fave Anne would have had a ball with the hoarder part of Doris’ persona, yes she sure would have, Rachel!
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I love Sally Field and this sounds like a great role for her. Hopefully the May December relationship is believable enough that it doesn’t ruin the movie. It kind of depends on how it’s presented.
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It’s presented very well, Marissa, tantalizing to Doris but maybe just beyond her grasp … No spoiler from me.
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No, all good. I really think my children would suffer through this one which is a shame since it seems right up my alley.
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Great review Mark – sounds like Field has hit another home run. Sally Field is an excellent actress and i was just waiting for you to ask our favorite movie – Smokey and the Bandit, of course! I only take this hat off for one reason,son. Bwahahaha! My first truck was the spitting image of the Kenworth in the movie. i seriously considered buying an identical Trans Am but invested in the truck instead. Ha! that was before the movie came out.
We gonna do what they say can’t be done!
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I saw that movie on a date, and she loved it, Paul. Great girl! 🙂
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I love Sally Field and I have known several people in relationships with people much younger or older than themselves – so I certainly find them quite plausible. I love that it’s an older woman/younger man scenario – as that happens way more than people think. I have enjoyed all of her movies, but my very fav is probably “Norma Rae.” Great review & looking forward to renting this one when it comes out 🙂
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You’ll like this one, Sadie. Sally is so believeable in the odd role. 🙂 Yes, of course it happens in real life!
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I can’t think of any movie Sally Field has done that I didn’t like. She really is a talented actress. So much so, I can even forgive The Flying Nun.
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Sister Betrille! Now you’re bringing up our Wayback Machine, Elyse. ❤
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