Supporting Actress 2000: SMACKDOWN

"2000"

The Smackdowners are...

Joe Burns of OscarFan

Sage Slowdive of The Supporting Actress

and Yours Truly, Twister

2000's Supporting Actress' are....

Frances McDormand in Almost Famous

SAGE - Frances McDormand has never been an actress I've fancied, and here it's not different. Playing a domineering mother, who isn't even that interesting to begin with, Frances tries shading her character whilst trying to be motherly, not to mention the unfunny dialogue she was given. She has her moments, much more then expected, but like her fellow nominee, Kate Hudson, it simply didn't do it for me.

JOE - A funny, yet sad performance that brightens up the screen. Like Hudson, McDormand adds a lot to Almost Famous.

TWISTER - In what could have easily succumbed to a self-indulgent, shrill, one-note sketch, McDormand's light touch and undeniable warmth help to let us see a woman of genuine depth and feeling who's beginning to experience a new path of motherhood that becomes completely, authentically real. It's rich, touching, yet totally unsentimental work which provides Almost Famous with a funny and essential emotional anchor.

Judi Dench in Chocolat

TWISTER - Although Dench does illuminate the character's inner struggle/pain with unmannered plausibility, she hardens her characterization which creates a vast disconnection from Armande, and the performance becomes a ridged, unfinished sketch where something really surprisingly special could have been.

SAGE - Judi Dench could very well be an actress who could make any role look interesting. Here, she is interesting, unfortunately. Her character remains the mind of Chocolat but there's no depth, or emotion involved. A nice effort, but not much more.

Marcia Gay Harden in Pollock

TWISTER - Harden's fierce, meticulous, and compassionate - projecting each facet of this complex woman with equal depth and understanding. But, even though she's really really good, she is only occasionally really really great - never quite transcending each individual scene to let her performance soar into full fruition as a complete, and wholly realized characterization. Still; it's dedicated, human, and deeply empathetic work that elevates this bland, overcooked stinker of film and remains its true saving grace.

SAGE - A tour-de-force if there's ever been one. Marcia Gay Harden is able to overcome being in the middle of Ed Harris's passion project (self indulgence) and still be the complete standout when Pollock is over. Her Lee is fiery, determined, creative, all while struggling with the complications of being married to the insufferable and complicated Jackson. A rich characterization full of fire and most importantly, love.

JOE - A fierce, brilliant performance that grew on me. Her accent might be a bit over-exaggerated, but it's only a slight flaw. She's the best thing in the movie, for me.

Kate Hudson in Almost Famous

SAGE - It's destined from the first time we see her, that Penny Lane will be the mind, spirit, and heart of Almost Famous. It's a shame though that Kate Hudson's inexperienced acting combined with her dismal likability in the role, Penny Lane never comes full circle for me. This could have been gold in someone else's hands, but not Kate Hudson's.

JOE - Luminous and engaging. Hudson adds so much to the film and she really is the heart and soul of it.

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TWISTER - Hudson effectively conveys the confusion and sadness of this lost soul with radiant, gorgeous, rich shades, while maintaining a consistent simplicity throughout. Remarkably, she turns this glorified, saintly creature into a complete, refreshing human being with flaws and complexities (much like deHavilliand in GWTW). It's mysterious, magical, marvelous work by an actress who proves that talent runs through her veins.

Julie Walters in Billy Elliot

SAGE - A bummer of an nomination if there's ever been one. Billy Elliot is sorely Jamie Bell's film, and when we get a shrill, mannered performance from Julie Walters in the air, it all starts looking dismal. She makes no impact in her film, nor does she standout in the scenes she does have.

TWISTER - Striking just the right balance of compassion and strength works wonders for Julie Walters in a role ridden with cliches, that which she maneuvers with surprisingly effective levity and verve with elevates both the role and the film, while redefining the term "tough love". Her rapport with Jamie Bell is fantastic, and the two save the film from being a total leaden mess. A most definite worthy nomination.

Oscar chose...

Marcia Gay Harden

in Pollock

And the Smackdown agrees!

Marcia Gay Harden is our Best Supporting Actress of 2000!

But whatta' you guys think?

Comment!