Antonia Campbell-Hughes in “The Other Side Of Sleep” and “Albert Nobbs”
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As one of her movies, the arthouse “Bright Star” implies, Antonia Campbell-Hughes is all of that, with an acting caliber that’s bound to enchant every time. Two of her films are gracing this year’s Toronto Film Fest; “The Other Side Of Sleep” sees her melancholic interpretation of a sleepwalker expected to receive rave reviews, having already made a sterling impression at Cannes. Antonia also returns to the period drama genre as a lovely young maid in “Albert Nobbs” opposite Glenn Close, unmistakably reveling in this must-see gender bending role. In fact, Glenn’s varied career choices is a point of admiration for Antonia who herself has amassed a diverse body of work. This Irish beauty is no stranger to horror (truthfully absorbing in “The Task”) nor comedy where she rose to fame in British series “Lead Balloon”. Utilizing her own personal experiences, this fashionably delicate actress has crafted richly layered characters we can’t help but pine for!
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Greta Gerwig in “Damsels In Distress”
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She came out of nowhere to ascent the throne of indie queen-dom and former playwright turned in-demand actress Greta Gerwig has not looked back ever since. From partaking in sex scenes and nudity with Ben Stiller in “Greenburg” to sparkling in the micro-budget “Hannah Takes The Stairs”, Greta thrives on having an understated allure yet she has an unbridled radiance that’s impossible to ignore. If one has to make comparisons, she could just be the new Chloë Sevigny! You’ll be smitten with her in “Damsels In Distress” as Violet, the leader of a clique of college girls who decide to teach the new girl in school their socially acceptable ways….could just be this generation’s “Clueless” by the sound of it! Even at 26, she’s utterly believable as a demure teen. In Hollywood, there’s always room for another Greta to take our breath away! The very reality that Greta continues to grace films regardless of its scale speaks of her authenticity as an artist.
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Mary Birdsong in “The Descendents”
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Saw a pic of Mary Birdsong in a frilly bikini and while she’s obviously a minx, Mary manages to inject humor when describing how revealing it was. She may be self-deprecating of her sexiness but we all know she’s a turn on and not just physically! If you’ve read the interviews she’s given, here is a lady with a magnetism of the cerebrally amusing kind. There’s one word that rings true when articulating how eclectic Mary Birdsong is and that’s FUN! It’s as if she’s blessed with that saucy irreverence and punchy humor that’s clearly relatable. Let’s admit Mary was a huge reason why “Reno 911″ became an addictive show thanks to her irrepressible comic timing as Deputy Cheresa Kimball, the alleged closet lesbian story arc being one of the highlights for fans. In the drama “The Descendents”, will she go all serious in those scenes with that handsome devil George Clooney?? It’s a no-brainer that Mary has got us hooked on that wacky yet endearing personality of hers.
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Juno Temple in “Killer Joe”
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She’s been christened A Bright Young Thing, one in the next generation of British actresses destined for stardom and already Juno Temple has her indie cred status cemented. There seems to be a wave of starlets from the British Isles that grows unabated and Juno is bearing all the hallmarks of a top talent. Building a reputation for frank, sensitive portrayals of fragile women as recently seen in “Kaboom” and “Little Birds”. Venturing into the mainstream somewhat, she’s also been roped into Christopher Nolan’s newest Batman venture “The Dark Knight Rises” as Holly Robinson, who will eventually become Catwoman’s protege. Before that, she’s gets dragged into a dangerous liaison of the murderous kind in “Killer Joe” with Matthew McConaughey as the titular assassin who demands collateral in the shape of Juno’s teen character. She’s as potent onscreen as her wild, frizzy blonde hair that’s often been called flower-child enticing!
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Beth Grant in “The Artist”
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It’s criminal that an actress such as the stature of Beth Grant was left out for the trailer of the movie “The Artist” (above). Granted it’s a supporting role for her but surely her accomplishments over the years warrant a tease of her character at the very least…come on now, The Coen Brothers did sign her up for “No Country For Old Men”…she is that amazing! There’s already people who have seen “The Artist” that are leaving plaudits on her Facebook Page as I am writing this which she totally deserves. One of the most under-rated character actresses, even when the material is not up to scratch, Beth finds a way to rise above and deliver fascinating albeit at times kooky performances. Some of the pivotal scenes in a cult classics such as “Donnie Darko” and the dramedy “Little Miss Sunshine” ensure she’s there to be memorable no matter how fleeting that may be. Away from the camera, Beth is immensely witty and funny, traits that continue to make her one to adore for the longest time.
