The New Victorian Ruralist: April 2012

Kerry Fox shined as author Janet Frame in Jane Campion's masterpiece An Angel at My Table. If you have never seen this beautiful movie, Fox's performance is certainly reason enough to do so as soon as possible.

OK, seriously, has Sissy ever given a bad performance? Badlands, Terrence Malick's 1973 American crime drama, showcased a very young Spacek alongside Martin Sheen. Sissy has described the film as the most incredible experience of her career. It is definitely one of her greatest performances.

I have gushed about Geraldine Page here on the blog before -- so you already know I think she does no wrong. One of my favorite performances from Page was in Woody Allen's underrated Interiors. Page played Eve, a very troubled interior decorator. This homage to Ingmar Bergman is one of Allen's best.

Yes, it is a documentary. And yes, it is a performance. Little Edie. Grey Gardens. Enough said.

One of the most beautiful films I have ever seen has to be Jane Campion's The Piano. Holly Hunter proved she was more than a cute Southern accent as the mute pianist Ada.

I think Aurora Greenway is Shirley MacLaine's career defining role. All you have to do is mention the hospital scene in Terms of Endearment and everyone knows what you are talking about. "Give my daughter the shot!"

Junebug — great movie. Ashley — one of Amy Adams best performances. Talk about a tear-jerker!

Here's Holly again. I have watched Broadcast News so many times I can nearly recite the dialogue along with the actors. One of the best screenplays ever!

September Issue belonged to Grace Coddington! I fell in love.

The Shining is one of my all-time favorite films. Shelley Duvall is brilliant!

Shortly before her death, Geraldine Page won the Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal as Carrie Watts in Horton Foote's The Trip To Bountiful. Watch Page literally become the character. It is amazing.

I love Diane Ladd — her choices, her fearlessness. Marietta Fortune, Ladd's character in David Lynch's Wild at Heart, is a doozy! Watch for this scene in particular!

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What are your favorites?

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Honorable mentions: Jennifer Jason Leigh in Washington Square, Rooney Mara in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Viola Davis in Doubt, Judi Dench in Notes on a Scandal, Hilary Swank in Boys Don't Cry...