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" 90-81 |
90 Susan Lynch
This is probably one of the strangest calls in my top 100 for the past five years. I have only seen her in two films. I know virtually nothing about her. I first noticed her in From Hell (2001) that Hughes Bros Jack the Ripper thriller which features some dreadfully undercooked and overcooked acting from (respectively) Heather Graham (unranked) and Ian Holm --he's normally great so it may have been a fluke. But the real reason Susan Lynch has stuck like glue in my memory is her terrific monologue in a film I enjoyed more than most, Casa De Los Babys (2003) I hope to see her in more films.89 Donna Murphy
This two time TONY-winning stage actress is a personal favorite of mine. I l-o-v-e her Broadway work in Stephen Sondheim's Passion and recently in the revival of Wonderful Town where she made quite a mark in the Ruth Sherwood role. I am always delighted when I see her in other mediums, too. She had a supporting role on Joan Cusack's short-lived sitcom in 2001, but the reason she's here is her warm teacher role in the otherwise lame dance film Center Stage (2000) and her two great cameos last year in Door in the Floor & Spider-Man 2 (2004). Casting Directors: Larger showcases please! This woman is über talented and most moviegoers have had zero exposure to her charms. She can do comedy, drama, and musicals. She can do it all.
88 Sharon Stone
A brain aneurysm in 2001 took her out of movie comission for a couple of years but she looks to be fighting her way back with recent roles in Catwoman (2004) and Broken Flowers (2005). I was never as obsessed with her as the media was in her heyday but she's undeniably fun to watch as celebrities go. Even when she's phoning it in (i.e. her less than inspired turn in Catwoman) she can still blow other people off the screen by sheer force of personality. I'm talking to you Halle Berry (unranked). Try and keep up.87 Zooey Deschanel
Many cineastes seem super devoted to this 25 year old actress, who is the daughter of acclaimed oft-Oscar-nominated cinematographer Caleb Deschanel . To date I am not yet completely won over. But I'm keeping an open mind because I do think she has something, as evidenced in her memorably sarcastic supporting appearances in Almost Famous (2000) and The Good Girl (2002) as that checkout girl. To date she's seen the most attention from her lead role in All The Real Girls (2003). I'm not particularly crazy about that last performance but so many people are that I've often considered rewatching it to double-check my reading.
86 Deborah Kara Unger
The movie industry is full of actors who moviegoers recognize from previous films but who never really manage to break through to true name recognition. Unger is, no doubt, one of those sorta familiar faces. She's appeared in over 30 films since her debut 15 years back. She often appears to be cast for her semi-gritty/skanky (?) sex appeal. That probably sounds harsh but I don't mean it that way. She's just not often cast as 'high society' so to speak. Her most memorable roles this decade have been in Thirteen (2003) as an irresponsible guardian to a troubled teen, Sunshine (2000) wherein she sexed up Ralph Fiennes and as a cast-aside ex-girlfriend in Love Song for Bobby Long (2004).85 Liv Tyler
Liv might not have given us much. But I will literally never forget her great moment in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, rescuing Frodo from the Ring Wraiths "If you want him come and claim him" Movie nirvana. Honestly, it wasn't just the special effects that made the moment so indelible. It's the otherworldly beauty of the face. Her vocal timbre. I love her for that moment.84 Lynn Redgrave
Vanessa (unranked) may be the crown jewel of the Redgrave acting dynasty but Lynn seems to still be in it to win it, always popping up frequently in supporting roles. Perhaps it's a Gods and Monsters after-effect. Parts in Peter Pan (2003), Spider (2002), and The Next Best Thing (2000) kept her busy this decade. But she really wowed audiences in Kinsey (2004) in a very brief climactic scene.83 Elizabeth Banks
The first time I really noticed Elizabeth Banks was in Seabiscuit as Jeff Bridges's young wife. I thought "Who is this loser mainstream Parker Posey (#31) wannabe?" She's never reminded me of Parker since (where did that come from? the mouth?) and she's turned my opinion around. She registered in both Spider-Man (2002, 2004) films in a bit role, recently held her own dramatically against Glenn Close in Heights (2005), and then showed us the funny in The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005) as an extremely randy conquest. And one final note: Anyone who appeared in the side-splitting Wet Hot American Summer (2001) gets extra points in my book.
82 Nathalie Baye
I got deeply involved with this French actress's performance in An Affair of Love... (2000) also known as Une Liaison Pornographique. Happy to see her pop up briefly in a big American film Catch Me If You Can, (2002) but I'm waiting for the next French outing. In 2006 it looks like we might have some more Baye films.81 Jane Adams
It's always a treat when Jane's sad/funny countenance appears in films. She always delights. As Oola in Wonder Boys (2000), half of that bickering counterpoint couple in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), or as Claire in The Annivesary Party (2001). I still crack up thinking about her in that film and her teary line reading "Anywayyyyy". Hee.
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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
