Lillian Hall (Jessica Lange) is a renowned Broadway actress and winner of numerous awards for her performances. She has built a solid reputation, consistently delivering outstanding work and never failing to disappoint anyone. Known to the public as the first lady of American theatre, Lillian’s life is about to change in ways she could never have imagined. One day, while rehearsing on stage for her latest Broadway show, Lillian begins to experience strange and unexplainable moments. She starts hearing voices around her that aren’t there, feels lightheaded at times, and oddly, begins to forget her lines during rehearsals. When she suffers a dizzy spell and falls, Lillian is required, for insurance purposes, to visit a doctor to investigate these unusual symptoms. Unfortunately, the news is not great for Lillian. While she initially suspects that her newfound issues are related to allergies, she soon discovers that her symptoms indicate an early form of dementia. The shocking diagnosis saddens her, but it does not deter her from acting. Lillian decides that the current Broadway play is far more important to her than anything else. The question remains: will she be able to deliver one final brilliant performance?
The life of American stage actress Marian Seldes loosely inspired The Great Lillian Hall. The film presents a fictional narrative focused on the life-changing effects of dementia on a performer and the profound impact it has on both the individual and those around them. Directed by Michael Cristofer, the film adds to his impressive body of work, which includes titles such as Gia (1998), Body Shots (1999), Original Sin (2001), and The Night Clerk (2020).
The most notable aspect of the film is the incredible performances by the lead actors. Jessica Lange is immensely compelling and convincing in her role as a skilled stage performer. After my first viewing, I truly believed that Lillian Hall must have been a real person. Lange also excels in her mannerisms, including how she uses her hands while speaking, to portray her character’s dementia. In addition to Lange’s outstanding performance, I would like to highlight Kathy Bates as Edith. Bates is remarkable in both her comedic and dramatic roles. Lastly, Pierce Brosnan adds a light-hearted and charming element to the film as Lillian’s neighbour, Ty.
Throughout the story, Lillian’s choices and reasoning for continuing her stage work may not be agreed with by the audience; however, one cannot deny her determination, passion for her craft, and love for all things Broadway. However, I felt that certain moments in the film had an unnecessary documentary-like quality. These instances occur when Lillian and other characters are interviewed at various times, with black-and-white visuals. For example, Lillian is unexpectedly asked, “When did you first know?” and similar questions. I found that these moments detracted from the main narrative and served as an unexpected sidestep that ultimately did not significantly contribute to the story’s overall impact.
Overall, actress Jessica Lange deserves a standing ovation for her stunning, dramatic, and profoundly moving performance as Lillian Hall, the first lady of American theatre, as she grapples with the heartbreaking discovery of early dementia. Other notable performances, including those by Kathy Bates and Pierce Brosnan, also enhanced this drama film. I found the story realistic and believable to the point where I believed Lillian Hall could have been a real person in the Broadway arts. While some of Lillian’s choices as a character might not always be agreeable, her passion and desire to persevere rather than give up and let go are undeniable. Unfortunately, the biggest issue for me was the occasional introduction of documentary elements, which distracted from the main storyline and seemed unnecessary to the core plot.
The Great Lillian Hall (2024) is Now Available in Australian Cinemas thanks to Transmission Films!
Published: 8th June 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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