Meryl Streep Critiques Modern Cinema Trends in 'The Devil Wears Prada 2'

Meryl Streep Discusses the Evolution of Filmmaking

Meryl Streep has ignited discussions regarding the current landscape of cinema. The acclaimed actress, who stars in The Devil Wears Prada 2, expressed her views on contemporary filmmaking, criticizing what she terms the increasing "Marvel-isation" of films and its detrimental effect on storytelling. The Oscar-winning star conveyed her worries that modern films often depend on overly simplistic plots, which neglect the development of intricate characters. In the sequel, Streep reunites with Anne Hathaway after two decades, continuing the story of their iconic characters. While promoting the film, she echoed her character Miranda Priestly's sentiment that there is a lack of "visionaries" compared to mere "vendors."

Meryl Streep's Insights on Today's Film Industry

During a conversation on the Hits Radio Breakfast Show with co-stars Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt, Streep highlighted that many modern films create stark contrasts between heroes and villains. She believes this trend diminishes the richness of storytelling. "I think we tend to Marvel-ize the movies now. We got the villains and we got the good guys, and it's so boring," she remarked.

Streep, who has earned three Academy Awards from an impressive 21 nominations, further emphasized that the most engaging narratives arise from characters that defy easy classification. She believes that truly compelling cinema is layered, with characters often showcasing both virtues and flaws. Those who inhabit the "grey areas" of morality are far more captivating than those strictly labeled as good or evil. "What's really interesting about life is that some of the heroes are flawed and some of the villains are human and interesting and have their own strengths," Streep explained, advocating for her own film, which she describes as "messier."

Overview of The Devil Wears Prada 2

The sequel, The Devil Wears Prada 2, follows Andy (Hathaway), now a seasoned journalist, as she returns to work for Miranda (Streep) after two decades, amidst the challenges faced by Runway magazine in the digital age. The film addresses the decline of traditional print media while Miranda adapts to the evolving landscape. Alongside the original cast, new faces like Justin Theroux and Kenneth Branagh join the ensemble. Prior to the film's release, Streep disclosed that she initially turned down the role to negotiate a higher salary, believing that the filmmakers needed her as much as she desired the role and was confident in the project's success.