Tuesday, July 19, 2011

The Final Conclusion - Best Actress 1961

1961


So the much anticipated ranking is:

I don't think that this performance of Geraldine Page is all that special. I mean, she's plays the part properly and she has lots of great moments but altogether, she's far from brilliant. Apart from the beginning, she played Alma just like she had to and she put on very decent work that could be expected from an actress of her calibre. However, she's not as amazing as some say.
This is not a performance for the ages but Piper Laurie is very good as Sarah in The Hustler. Although sometimes she's too overshadowed by Paul Newman, her work never loses its strength and occasionally, we see truly brilliant, unforgettable scenes. Her achievement is very evenly great and therefore she deserves some praise.

Natalie Wood took on a very difficult role and despite some early mistake, she put on a wonderful performance as Deanie Loomis. She portrayed all the fears and the tension so realistically and exceptionally that she became a truly luminous presence on the screen. She develops the character excellently, avoiding all the traps and obviousness that could have ruined her work.

It really must be my sentimental side that came to surface while I was watching this movie but I couldn't care less. I understand why some could criticise it but for me, Audrey Hepburn's work as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's is deservedly one of the most iconic performances of all time. Not only has Audrey Hepburn created an unforgettable character, but also some marvellous acting.

I know I should sum up his performance somehow but I feel that my whole review was the shortened version of how I feel about her. Nothing can come close to this wonderful emotionality, the radiant, brilliant personality of Sophia Loren (none of the Hollywood stars of her time can come close to her). This watch of the movie and my review was the ultimate test of my love for this performance and it passed. With distinction. :)

So I can proudly announce
the winner is...
Sophia Loren
in
Two Women
Easy win.

Congratulations to Fritz and Louis on the correct predictions! :) You got a prize but since you got it right only after 4 reviews you can both pick only from these 10 possibilities: 1943, 1953, 1962, 1967, 1968, 1976, 1982, 1985, 1988, 1999.

Final thoughts: BRILLIANT year! I so loved this year. All of them interesting, strong performances. Two very good ones, one really great and two legendary ones. I'm happy that I had to opportunity to do this wonderful year. I feel bad about not picking Audrey (so far, she's my best one not to win, I refuse to say loser) as that performance was worthy of an Oscar. However, no tie was possible. This award belonged to Sophia alone and the Academy somehow (what a miracle) realised that. So I've agreed with the Academy 3 years in a row. :)

Omissions: Jeanne Moreau in La Notte
About the next year: It's no secret that it will be 1992. :)

What do you think?

5 comments:

Fritz said...

Great work as always! After the Beest Picture and Supporting Actress ranking I can't wait to get back to Best Actress myself! :-)


Out of your 10 possibilities, I would like to pick 1962 - I have seen four of them so far (Geraldine, where are you?) and I would like to see your thoughts on them.

dinasztie said...

Thanks. OK, then 1962. :) I was actually hoping that one of you will pick that year. That's so interesting for me, too. :)

Sweet Bird of Youth is shown on TCM at least twice a month in Hungary. LOL

Louis Morgan said...

Loren certainly is great, and her win was quite deserved.

I would be interested to see 1943.

dinasztie said...

Louis, I'm glad you picked that year as all the movies are readily available for me. I think I'll start with that as I have to wait a bit for LDJIN.

Anonymous said...

Yes! 1962, thanks Fritz, for the suggestion!