One review opined that Smith might've found more of a stretch in Agnes, rather than in the alcohol-fueled Claire. Of course, in 1997, the world didn't know of her now legendary dowager from television - a forebear of Agnes, maybe? - making Claire seem the more compelling "stretch" (though it's fairly ludicrous to presume an actor of Smith's stature and established gift needed to be tested anew with a role beyond the presumption of a comfort zone).
