list-o-mania
from the cluttered wishing to be categorized brain of Nathaniel R
Compiled in September 2005 using a complex mathematical formula [snort] involving number of films, clarity of obsession, quality of work, and other *undefinables* (such as previous films, awards show appearances, publicity, tv, & stagework) that influence me even though the list is meant to be about 2000 through summer 2005 only for more on the workings of this list -check out the introduction
Actresses of the "Aughts" 60-51 |
60 Emmanuelle Béart
You can read a horny ode to Emmanuelle's beauty @ the blog. But for now let's focus on her as a ravishing movie star. When Francophile cineaste attention turns to actresses, Catherine Deneuve (#12), Juliette Binoche (unranked), and Isabelle Huppert (#13) get most of the praise. Béart belongs in that grouping. Since the mid 80s she has consistently delivered. Whether in lead roles like Sentimental Destinies (2000) or Strayed (2004) or in radiant support in Time Regained (2001) or 8 Women (2002), Béart always gives good face.59 Emily Watson
Breaking the Waves (1996) is proving a difficult act to follow. I don't say this to disparage this very talented actress so much as to praise her film debut again. Still, despite a somewhat disappointing decade thus far, when Emily is playing the innocent but lustful (Red Dragon, 2002) or a woman with a very strange idea of dirty-talk (Punch Drunk Love, 2002) she often manages to surprise. Seriously stop to consider it: Who would have been able to imagine, prior to witnessing it for themselves, that she would prove an ideal screen-match with Adam Sandler? The ability to keep audiences on their toes is in short supply in the movies. One can only hope that she finds more parts as good as the one she had in Gosford Park (2001), while avoiding being upstaged by a Maggie Smith (#76) or a Helen Mirren (later in this list) next time around.
58 Isabella Rossellini
The daughter of the screen great Ingrid Bergman never achieved her mother's level of stardom. But she has become an unsung supporting secret weapon in films. She particularly excels at playing powerful business women. She's great fun whether she's taunting Campbell Scott in Roger Dodger (2002) or delegating difficult assignments in Heights (2005). Last but certainly not least, she's nigh unto irresistible as Lady Port-Huntly in the underseen oddity Saddest Music in the World (2003).57 Connie Nielsen
I am like Jekyll and Hyde when I see Connie Nielsen onscreen. I never know whether to hate or love. She bored me silly in Mission to Mars (2000), underwhelmed me in Gladiator (2000) and One Hour Photo (2002), and overracted in the unreleased Return to Sender (2004). I just about wrote her off long ago. But. But... if I did I could never obsess on her exquisitely underplayed star turn in the riveting Demonlover (2003) and her very moving work in Brothers (2005). What to make of Connie Nielsen? I still don't know. But those last two films ensure that I will be watching her next move closely.Trivia Alert: Though she is a Danish native, Brothers (now available on DVD -rent it!) is her very first Danish film. Judging on these results, she should travel home more frequently.
56 Cameron Diaz
Oops, here I am drinking potions again. It's another Jekyll & Hyde love/hate relationship between yours truly and an actress. It's hard to deny Cameron when she's wiggling her ass in either of the Charlies Angels films (2000 & 2003), or freaking Tom Cruise's shit out in Vanilla Sky (2001). But it's really easy to show her the door when she's stinking up period flicks like Gangs of New York (2002) or getting paid gazillions for doing bland voicework in the Shrek films (2001 & 2004). Since I suspect I'll keep seeing and hearing her for another decade at least it'd be really nice to enjoy her regularly as opposed to intermittently.
55 Miranda Otto
Though I first saw Miranda in What Lies Beneath (2000) I was too distracted by all things La Pfeiffer (later in this list) to realize that the film had other actors in it. But the following I had my first surge of good-feelings for Miranda when she proved the sole bright spot in the Charlie Kauffman/Michel Gondry misfire Human Nature. Next she tiptoed into The Two Towers (2002) as Eowyn but thankfully kicked much ass once she'd warmed up to Middle Earth in Return of the King (2003). I'm just going to pretend she wasn't utterly wasted by Steven Spielberg in War of the Worlds and wait for her next project.54 Mary Lynn Rajskub
I'm all for the funny supporting ladies. Love them. Eat them up with spoons. Except for Mary Lynn who I approach with caution. She scares me a little after her mega-forceful limited role in Punch-Drunk Love (2002) and her believably banal creep-factor in Mysterious Skin (2005). Even when she's less inspired though she's still funny. You can see for yourself in Road Trip, Dude Wheres My Car? (2000) The Anniversary Party (2001), and Legally Blond 2 (2003).53 Taryn Manning
When I first saw Taryn Manning I thought to myself:
"Why she could be my best girlfriend's sister!!!"
Seriously, though, she does look amazingly like a sibling to my friend. This could explain my instant fondness for her. But there's more there to back up the love I think. It's only a hunch, but I think filmmakers have only really been scratching her surface in films like crazy/beautiful (2001) Crossroads, 8 Mile, White Oleander (2002), and Cold Mountain (2003). In truth she hasn't been challenged much yet, but when she finally got a good role: the air-conditioning seeking snowbunny in Hustle & Flow (2005) she acquitted herself quite nicely.52 Cara Seymour
In 2000 I saw Cara in two films: As a hooker in American Pyscho and a cop's wife in Dancer in the Dark. I didn't realize it was the same actress. I put it all together (face and name) when she blessed Adaptation (2002) with palliative warmth in a small role as Charlie Kauffman's girlfriend. Now I look forward to seeing her in movies however brief her appearances may prove to be in films like Gangs of New York (2002) or Birth (2004). Thankfully she had more screentime and made use of it in Hotel Rwanda (2004).51 Rachel McAdams
"The Next Big Thing"? Possibly. Maybe. Everyone is certainly saying so. I've been watching movies too intently for too many years to believe that she's a sure thing (Think of Hollywood as Oz. Quoth Dorothy" "people come and go so quickly here") But, I will say this: She has the talent, beauty, and smarts to pull it off. The talent and beauty are evident in Mean Girls (2004) The Notebook (2004) and Red Eye (2005). The smarts is evident in her decisions to turn down Fantastic Four (2005). Most actresses of Rachel's limited filmography do not pass up chances at starring in blockbuster franchises. It suggests that she knew exactly what to steer clear of. If that's not "smarts" it's definitely good instincts. The only possible obstacle for this rosy future that seems to be looming? Those sky-high expectations. Good luck and god speed, Ms. McAdams.
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Top 100 Actresses of the Aughts So Far
(Compiled in Sept & October 2005)
100 -91 / 90-81 / 80-71/ 70-61 / 60-51 / 50-41 /
40-31 / 30-21 / 20-11 / 10-6 / 5-1
In Anticipation of Best of the Decade Lists in 2010
