 by scribegrrrlNavigation |
Generation gaps: Six starlets and the stars they recallWhen I think of big movie stars, I always go right to the grand dames with long careers, like Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren, Susan Sarandon, Sigourney Weaver, Diane Keaton and Glenn Close, or to the supernovas who seemed to change the entire industry, like Barbra Streisand and Katharine Hepburn. I sometimes wonder: Do they make 'em like they used to? So I've been pondering the current crop of starlets, and am pleased to say that several babyfaces remind me of their more weathered forebears. Here are six pairs of actresses who have a lot in common despite their generation gaps. 1. The rebels: Ellen Page and Debra Winger
Both Page and Winger have that twinkle in their eyes that makes you wonder, each time they open their mouths to speak, whether you're about to be charmed or affronted. It's an edge that will keep me tuning in, even if somewhat trepidatiously. And Page, like Winger, seems inclined to do exactly (and only) what she wants to do. 2. The students: Lauren Ambrose and Jodie Foster
Lauren isn't a whole lot younger than Jodie, but who's to say you can't follow in someone's footsteps while the tracks are still fresh? Lauren's recent appearance on The View revealed some very Jodie-esque qualities: She caught the acting bug very young; she is self-effacing and eloquent; she is unapologetically interested in acting as a craft. Ambrose seems considered in that fascinating Foster way, and I can't wait to see what she does with her gifts. 3. The naturals: Jennifer Hudson and Lena Horne
Jennifer has only just begun, but she shows a quiet self-assurance that echoes Lena's egoless confidence. Some people seem to be born onto a path — and sometimes, instead of announcing that destiny to everyone, they just get right to work. And like Horne, Hudson seems willing and able to fight racism with a simple, proven strategy: being better than everyone else in the room. 4. The darlings: Abigail Breslin and Betty White
The gulf between their ages is vast, but they both have an innocent-yet-sassy quality that makes them beloved by just about everyone. And if Abigail Breslin ever starts swearing, won't it surprise you (and yet not surprise you at all) the way it does when Betty White waxes profane? 5. The classics: Rachel McAdams and Gena Rowlands
The Notebook made their similarities abundantly clear — talk about inspired casting. They both have timeless beauty and an understated, girl-next-door talent that makes you want to watch them for hours. With Rowlands, that's already possible, and I have a feeling McAdams will have a long career too. 5.5. More classics: Scarlett Johansson and Ingrid Bergman
Divine, luminous, complex. And, I suspect, fun-loving and affable. 6. The nuts: Dakota Fanning and Daryl Hannah
OK, this one might be a stretch. But don't they both seem to be channeling something, probably something from another planet? I have a feeling they could hold a conversation that only they would understand. And they're both reasonably good actresses, but every time I see them on screen, I think, "What is she smoking?" Sadly, no matter how hard I try, I can't think of a modern-day Meryl, Barbra or Kate. Where's the next big-screen legend? Submitted by on December 17, 2007 - 11:40am. |
User login |
News, Reviews & Commentary on Lesbian and Bisexual women in Entertainment and the Media
really interesting thoughts
wow, these are some really interesting thoughts, great post! I would think that charlize theron might be a successor of some great actress, but I can't really put my finger on it... the abigail breslin/betty white combination is really great - I do hope that abigail has such a long and great carrear as betty white has. I have to say that I don't really know enough about these great actresses, so I can't think of any other combination right now.
"Normal is not something to aspire to, it's something to get away from." ~ Jodie Foster
Charlize.
Cate Blanchet
Cate Blanchette
You mentioned Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren, Susan Sarandon, Sigourney Weaver, Diane Keaton and Glenn Close, I don't know which one I would compare Cate Blanchetten as a succesor but I defenatly include her in that group of amazing actresses. Also Catherine Deneuve, Fanny Ardant, Helena Bonham Carter..
I like the way you think
I like the way you think Brunette! Deneuve and Ardant are two of my other faves to add to the list already started (except maybe Keaton...not a huge fan).
Natalie and Parker
definitely
Marlene Dietrich
For some reason Marlene Dietrich in Morocco reminds me of Shane. The 1930-s version of her at least. She has that retro-androgynous vibe...
what about claire
what about claire forlini? i think she has a classic beauty, she's smart, and she's funny (anyone that plays in a kevin smith movie, has to have some sense of humour) her roles are little known, but she has a lot of experience under her belt. *sigh* oh claire, how do i love thee...
Hey! What about Audrey
Hey! What about Audrey Hepburn? Are there no young actresses with enough grace and charm to carry that rather weighty torch?
I'm going to have to go with french actress Audrey Tautou
Sigh.
-Rachel
"I sometimes wonder: Do they make 'em like they used to?"
Hmmm, your list didn't exactly inspire me, but I cant think of any actors today that compare to these fab women (for pure legend statis).
So in great Hollywood tradition let's picture some remakes shall we -
Starring;
Scarlett Johanssen in Sophie's Choice.
Lindsay Lohan in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Hilary Swank in Aliens 5 (as Ripley!).
Natalie Portman in Fatal Attraction.
Keira Knightley in the new US movie version of...Prime Suspect.
Ya...
Not that they aren't good actresses themselves, buuut they are a tad uninspiring when compared to their past counterparts.
(And don't think for a second that those film execs haven't thought of that exact same list..!!)
My constant internal facial expression...and yes, I work in retail.
Audrey Hepburn
Okay I've always thought that Natalie Portman could be compared to Audrey Hepburn. As for a modern day Katherine Hepburn, you needn't look much father than Hillary Swank. She even sounded at bit like her in "The Black Dahlia."
Cate Blanchet is the new Meryl/Glenn. As my father would say, "She could play Muhammad Ali and make people bellieve it." That is something he used to say about both Meryl and Glenn.
Shelley C
I agree
i take offense at scarlett
i take offense at scarlett being compared to ingrid....
maybe that's just 'cause i don't like scarlett...
i read somewhere where they call cate blanchett the heir apparent to meryl streep's throne, and i'd have to agree.
I completelly agree...
I completelly agree... Scarlett is an ok actress but imho totally overrated and not nearly as good as Ingrid Bergman was...
And as for Meryl/Cate, now with that, I completely agree :)
I just love Keira Knightley,
Ellen Page Is Just...
so phenomenal. I can't stop going to see "Juno" (been four times already) and though "Hard Candy" isn't a movie you can watch again and again, her work in that is absolutely incredible as well. I can't wait to see more from her. Plus, she's adorable and incredibly witty to boot :)
Kate Winslet
Totally Great
Scribe, I don't know how I missed this one. Well actually I do, it was the first day of my vacation (lol) so my thoughts certainly weren't on AE.. ha ha. But I think you're spot on with this. I love this blog. I have two things to comment on though. Is it just me or does that pic of Rachel look like Jennifer Garner's identical twin who they separated her from at birth? And secondly, I would have paired Dakota with Goldie Hawn. When I look at her, I see her walking in Goldie's footsteps - the precise awkwardness, that cute giggle, puppy cuteness... it's so reflective of Goldie.
I really like the Scarlet/Bergman comparison. I have to confess that I kept expecting (it's just something that comes to mind when I look at her) that Scarlet is gonna be involved in some hype (ala Britney, Paris) but I can now put that behind me. Happy am I that she has proven me wrong thereby putting my fears to rest. She just exudes class and has a regal aura about her just like Hepburn does/did.