Hello My Name is Doris was fantastic! I was reminded of just how endearing Ms. Field is and what I could possibly do to channel some Sally! I think it boils down to this: first her name imbues joy. I’ve known a few Sally’s in my life and they’ve all been the sweetest. Second, her innocent serenity is something all of us should strive for as a personal aura.
The screenwriters Michael Showalter (and also director) and Laura Terruso have to be given large credit for tight roping elegantly that fine line between sad, pathetic old person with sympathetic ageing. Bravo!
Max Greenfield, the male lead of the film is now one of my favorites. His character on The New Girl is sometimes gratuitously annoying as Schmidt. But I’ll choose the love part of the love-hate feeling I’ve had toward the guy because due to his beautifully nuanced performance in Doris.
And I wasn’t even a Cagney and Lacy fan, yet I always felt like Tyne Daly was a beloved aunt of mine, who like Sally possesses a calm presence. Loved seeing her as Doris’s concerned, but non-oppressive best friend.
Just go see it.
