'The Great Lillian Hall': 5 things we learned from HBO's riveting trailer
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jessica Lange, the recipient of two Academy Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards in her remarkable career spanning five decades, is gearing up to deliver one of the most important performances of her career.
'The Great Lillian Hall', an upcoming HBO release, features Jessica Lange as a legendary Broadway star who faces a downfall in the final stages of her career following her diagnosis of dementia.
The official synopsis reads, "When beloved Broadway actress Lillian Hall (Jessica Lange) starts forgetting her lines, she must reckon with the sacrifices she made for her career."
HBO dropped the trailer for 'The Great Lillian Hall' on May 22, 2024, introducing an epic saga of fame, fears, downfall, and relationships.
'The Great Lillian Hall' trailer
The HBO film hits close to home, provoking several thoughts at once. In 2 minutes and 30 seconds, the trailer sheds light on some of the important lessons of life.
1. Life is unpredictable
It is an ordinary day for Lillian, who dedicated her life to theater, as she rehearses for her latest play with her crew when she realises something has changed.
She can't remember her lines or speak properly anymore. And just like that, the downfall of her decades-long career begins. She is diagnosed with dementia, making her unfit, not only for theater but also to carry on her own personal life.
As the film will showcase how things can change overnight, we will be reminded that nothing remains forever. What you have today can vanish in the brink of a moment.
The sooner you realise and accept it, the better it will turn out for you.
2. Childhood trauma lasts longer
Childhood trauma could be anything that causes emotional, physical or mental pain to a child.
In the trailer, we witness how Lillian, in pursuit of her theatrical career, failed to be emotionally and physically present for her daughter, Margaret Tanner.
Not only it led to distances between the mother-daughter duo, but Margaret has carried the trauma for years.
'The Great Lillian Hall' shares the perspective of both in a heartfelt narrative.
3. Fears and insecurities can be fatal
Lillian Hall has lived a life of fame and privilege. However, she is also full of fears and insecurities about aging. The film showcases Lillian grappling with her star legacy and mortality, trying to hold on to her fading relevance.
Fear is an important and inevitable human emotion that may prepare you for action. But when you let your fears and insecurities overpower your thinking and acting abilities, the sufferings begin.
4. You can't hold onto something forever
Lillian hides her diagnosis from her daughter and assistant, as she believes that she could hold onto her fame and relevance in the world of theatre for a little longer.
She isn't yet ready to understand that nothing is permanent in this life and one day you'll have to let go of everything, even your body.
5. You are replaceable
Lillian ruled the theatre for years and one couldn't imagine a world without her artistic contributions. But the harsh rule of life is that everyone's replaceable.
As Lillian fails to be a useful asset to theatre, Jane, the producer of the play gears up to fire her. This is the truth of life you can't escape. Be it a job that you excel in, or a part of group that you call friends, one day someone else will come and take your place.
When will 'The Great Lillian Hall' release?
Directed by Michael Cristofer, ‘The Great Lillian Hall' boasts an ensemble cast comprising of Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, Lily Rabe, Jesse Williams, and Pierce Brosnan.
The HBO movie premieres exclusively on May 31, 2024