Friday, July 13, 2012

The Final Conclusion - Best Actress 1988

1988


So the much anticipated ranking is:

5. Sigourney Weaver in Gorillas in the Mist
I liked and admired Sigourney Weaver in Gorillas in the Mist. Although I saw the dedication and her commitment to her character, somehow she never really won me over completely, which is extremely unusual for me with a performance by Siggy. She shows the passion and the development of her character wonderfully, she doesn't go too much over the top (except for some scenes). Even despite her thrilling scenes with the gorillas, I couldn't warm up to her.

4. Jodie Foster in The Accused
Jodie Foster gives a very good and intense performance as Sarah Tobias. Although she's much less effective the second time around, her strength is occasionally captivating and she leaves a lasting impression in the end. Jodie minimises the scenery chewing and her acting is never too much in your face. And her courtroom scene is one of the best acted scenes of Jodie's career. Memorable, strong work.

I don't care if it's fashionable or not, I love Melanie Griffith in Working Girl. I sympathized with her and felt for her character throughout the movie, no matter if she was hoovering topless or changing her look or interacting with her men. I laughed with her, got sad with her and I just always wanted her to get to the top. I loved Melanie's clear, almost naive emotions, her optimism, her glowing, funny, joyous personality.

2. Meryl Streep in A Cry in the Dark
Meryl Streep gives an excellent performance as Lindy Chamberlain. Although I'm not as enthusiastic about her in this film as so many others, I can perfectly see why they fell in love with this performance. It's compelling, complex, multi-layered and very-very effective. Some may accuse Meryl of being too calculating and planned, but to me this is one of her most natural and emotional performances, she's a real force on the screen and always a thrill to hear and look at.

1. Glenn Close in Dangerous Liaisons
Amazing or fantastic or career-best doesn't even begin to describe how brilliant Great Glenn is as Marquise de Merteuil. Each and every movement and word of hers is so great that I just keep marvelling. Naturally, the Academy refused to acknowledge this earth-shattering performance with an Oscar win and yet that tells something about the Academy itself instead of Great Glenn who's simply electrifying. A true masterclass in acting, which makes me think if I should call Great Glenn Brilliant Glenn or Greatest Glenn from now on.

So I can proudly announce
that the winner is...
Glenn Close 
in 
Dangerous Liaisons
Glorious Great Glenn

Final thoughts: A truly interesting, wonderfully rich year, the best comeback I can imagine. :) It was the last review for Siggy and more sadly, Great Glenn (for the time being, I hope) and I'm so glad that they've both come out triumphant at least once (I'm a bit sad that I didn't leave Aliens last for Siggy). The real surprise was Melanie whom I liked way more than last time. I'm glad about her nod though it might seem weird that she got nominated instead of some very-very acclaimed performances (I guess you're very surprised by how much I liked her). But I don't really mind that she got nominated. Jodie Foster was Oscar's choice and I'm kind of baffled by her win, especially with hindsight. She went on to win another Oscar, while Great Glenn and Siggy remained Oscarless. And then there's Meryl who has a renaissance among bloggers with her Lindy Chamberlain performance. I suppose that review was the most anticipated and exciting. I don't think that anyone was surprised by my thoughts on Great Glenn and her subsequent (to me no-brainer) win. :)))

Omissions (never seen Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer but planning to):
  • Jamie Lee Curtis in A Fish Called Wanda
  • Carmen Maura in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

The next year:
  • It will be a surprise; I don't know yet. :) It starts on 15th July.  

What do you think? Any thoughts on your mind?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I would like to include Christine Lahti in Running on Empty as an honorable omission.

Eddie

Nues20 said...

Wow never foresaw you liking Melanie that much.
Great reviews.
Glenn is a worthy winner.

joe burns said...

GLENN, GLENN, GLENN! Which performance of hers do you prefer?

I knew Siggy would get last and Melanie would get third...

joe burns said...

I want 2007 to be next, I think it's finally time to see your thoughts on Cotillard!

Anonymous said...

:(

Well, I'm hoping for an older year next. I like hearing you're thoughts on some of the lesser talked about perfs. Though those old films can be tough to find sometimes.

Anonymous said...

Yet another unpredictable, exciting take on the best actress races... Its great! Could I request that you review 1968 sometime soon? I was looking it over, and thought it'd be an interesting year, especially with the Hepburn/Streisand tie. Thanks!
-Marc

Anonymous said...

the next year please '40 or '50 decades

daniel from argentina

dinasztie said...

Joe: This is my absolute favorite though it used to be Reversal of Fortune. But now nothing can really beat this one... :)

2007 will come VERY soon. :)

everyone: I still have no idea which year I'll do next. :D But I'll come up with it tomorrow. :))