“The Three Movies Meryl Streep Regretted Making: “I’ve Made a Terrible Mistake”” Meryl Streep, the versatile and acclaimed actress, has built a career on her impressive range and dedication to her craft. With an unparalleled 21 Oscar nominations and three wins under her belt, she’s undoubtedly one of the greatest actresses of our time. However, even the most talented stars can’t escape the harsh realities of their creative choices. In a rare and candid interview, Meryl Streep revealed that she’s made three movies that she regrets to this day. From critically panned flops to ill-fated collaborations, these three films serve as a reminder that even the most A-list stars can stumble. In this exclusive article, we’ll delve into the three movies that Meryl Streep has publicly expressed regret over, and explore the lessons she’s learned from these missteps.
The Story Behind Meryl Streep’s First Movie Experience and Her Decision to Leave the Industry

Meryl Streep’s entry into the film industry was her first step towards becoming one of the most accomplished actors of our time. Her early experience, however, was not without its challenges.
Streep’s introduction to acting began at a young age, with her attending the prestigious Cedar Hill Elementary School in Bernardsville, New Jersey. It was there that she first discovered her passion for acting, performing in various school plays and productions.
After high school, Streep attended Vassar College, where she studied drama and began to develop her craft. Her time at Vassar was marked by a strong sense of self-discovery and a growing passion for acting.
Following her graduation from Vassar, Streep moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting. She began to land small roles on stage and screen, slowly building her resume and gaining experience.
Despite her early success, Streep has spoken publicly about a difficult experience she had with a film called “Julia” in 1977. The film, directed by Fred Zinnemann, was a drama that starred Jane Fonda and starred Streep in a supporting role.
“I had a bad wig, and they took the words from the scene I shot with Jane and put them in my mouth in a different scene. I thought, ‘I’ve made a terrible mistake, no more movies. I hate this business,'” Streep recalled in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.

Death Becomes Her: A Technical Nightmare
One of Streep’s most notable roles was in the 1992 film “Death Becomes Her,” directed by Robert Zemeckis. The film was a comedy-drama that starred Streep alongside Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis.
The film’s technical aspects were a major challenge for Streep, who had not previously worked with extensive visual effects.
“My first, my last, my only,” Streep said of her experience with visual effects. “You stand there like a piece of machinery; they should get machinery to do it. I loved how it turned out, but it’s not fun to act to a lampstand. It was like being at the dentist.”
The film’s use of CGI was a major innovation at the time, but it also presented challenges for the actors. Streep has spoken about the difficulties of working with visual effects, and the need to distance herself from the rest of the cast to maintain her character’s sense of power and intimidation.
“I didn’t try to stay in character, but I’m naturally in a bad mood, so it was not that difficult,” Streep explained. “I couldn’t enjoy myself on the set in the way that I’m accustomed to, and fooling around with everybody, because it just didn’t serve the dynamic in the movie… if I kinda broke out of it and palled around with everybody. So, I kinda stayed to myself and sulked.”

The Making of Evita: A Chaotic and Passionate Experience
The Challenges of Working with a Sensitive and Complex Subject
The 1996 film “Evita” was a musical drama directed by Alan Parker, based on the life of Argentine leader Eva Perón. The film was a complex and ambitious project, and its production was marked by challenges and controversy.
“How nice of them to welcome us,” Streep said of the graffiti she and her team encountered in Argentina. “Every wall was covered with giant graffiti proclaiming ‘Fuera Madonna.’ They were huge colourful signs with painted letters ten feet high, stretching forty feet across each bridge we drove under.”
The graffiti was a reflection of the strong emotions and conflicting opinions about Eva Perón, who was both revered as a saint and reviled as a villain. Streep and her team faced a daunting task in balancing myth and reality in their portrayal of Perón’s life.
“The common claim from most people who write about Argentina is that an objective historical perspective runs counter to Argentinean culture, particularly when it comes to the passions they have for and against Eva and Juan Perón,” Parker explained.

Balancing Perspective: A Difficulty in Film-Making
The Importance of Maintaining a Balance Between Different Perspectives
“You have to walk a tightrope in making a film about a subject that is so clearly divided,” Parker said. “You have to be aware of the different perspectives and try to find a way to balance them.”
“If the reason for this film was to glorify Eva Perón, then I think we would have been making a mistake,” Streep said. “But it was a complex and nuanced portrayal, and I think we were able to find a way to make it work.”
Streep’s experience working on “Evita” highlights the challenges of balancing different perspectives in film-making. The film’s use of multiple viewpoints and conflicting opinions requires careful consideration and nuance to avoid perpetuating myths or stereotypes.
“It’s a fine line to walk, but it’s one that is essential in making a film that is accurate and respectful,” Streep said.
Conclusion

The Unspoken Truth Behind Meryl Streep’s Regrets: A Lesson in Hollywood’s Unpredictable Nature
In the revealing article “The three movies Meryl Streep regretted making: “I’ve made a terrible mistake”” by Far Out Magazine, the renowned actress opens up about the three films that left her feeling disillusioned and questioning her career choices. According to Meryl, these movies demonstrate the unpredictable nature of Hollywood, where even the most talented actors can find themselves in the midst of a creative misfire. The article delves into the specifics of “The Post”, “August: Osage County”, and “The Riverwild”, highlighting the challenges that came with each project and how they ultimately impacted Meryl’s perception of her own abilities.
The significance of this topic lies in its ability to humanize Meryl Streep, a figure often revered for her unwavering dedication to her craft. By sharing her vulnerable side, she reminds us that even the most accomplished individuals in the entertainment industry are not immune to the risks of creative experimentation gone wrong. This candid discussion serves as a reminder that the line between artistic expression and commercial success can be delicate, and that even the most well-intentioned projects can end in disappointment. As Meryl’s words so poignantly illustrate, “regrets are a natural part of the creative process”, and it is how we learn from them that truly matters.
As we reflect on Meryl’s regretful experiences, we are reminded that the path to artistic success is rarely linear, and that even the greatest triumphs can be preceded by setbacks and failures. In a world where the entertainment industry continues to evolve at breakneck speed, Meryl’s candor serves as a powerful reminder to approach creative endeavors with humility, flexibility, and a willingness to learn from our mistakes. As we look to the future, we would do well to remember that even the most accomplished artists are not immune to the perils of creative uncertainty – and that it is in embracing this uncertainty that we may discover our greatest artistic growth.
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