Who? Australian actress.
Why? Watts improves every movie she’s in. She has a range that is quietly underestimated, from playing fierce and brave (‘Eastern Promises’) to diva-like (‘King Kong’) to emotionally troubled and out of her depth (‘Mulholland Dr’).
What resonates with me? Watts has a way of adding humanity to her characters in ways that make them, if not sympathetic, at least plausible. Many terrific actors unfortunately have a quality that always makes you aware they are actors, even if they’re very good at what they do (e.g. Tom Cruise or Kevin Spacey), but Watts can disappear into a role and carry an entire character. A class act that many people respect, but not enough, I think.
Best bit? So many to choose from, but if I had to choose, it would be her audition scene in ‘Mulholland Dr’ where she completely turns a scene on its head by playing into the slightly creepy vibe the older actor gives off, and transforms from an easily impressed, somewhat dull debutante into an actress with screen presence and prowess that blows everyone else away. The meta aspect of this performance beggars belief.
Next up: Max Richter, German-born, British composer
Why? Watts improves every movie she’s in. She has a range that is quietly underestimated, from playing fierce and brave (‘Eastern Promises’) to diva-like (‘King Kong’) to emotionally troubled and out of her depth (‘Mulholland Dr’).
What resonates with me? Watts has a way of adding humanity to her characters in ways that make them, if not sympathetic, at least plausible. Many terrific actors unfortunately have a quality that always makes you aware they are actors, even if they’re very good at what they do (e.g. Tom Cruise or Kevin Spacey), but Watts can disappear into a role and carry an entire character. A class act that many people respect, but not enough, I think.
Best bit? So many to choose from, but if I had to choose, it would be her audition scene in ‘Mulholland Dr’ where she completely turns a scene on its head by playing into the slightly creepy vibe the older actor gives off, and transforms from an easily impressed, somewhat dull debutante into an actress with screen presence and prowess that blows everyone else away. The meta aspect of this performance beggars belief.
Next up: Max Richter, German-born, British composer
