Top 25 Actresses Under 35: Part II
This is a continuation of our Top 25 Actresses Under 35 series. You can find the first part here.
(Dis)Honorable Mention: Keira Knightley
Castor: Keira Knightley is an actress who was Oscar-nominated for her role in Pride and Prejudice relatively early in her career but really fell off the map in the past few years. Yes, she was in another acclaimed Joe Wright movie, Atonement, but she clearly wasn’t even the second best actress in the movie — both Romola Garai and Saoirse Ronan acted circles around her. I originally had her somewhere in the top 25 but it became quickly clear she wasn’t going to make it after more and more names were added to the list. Keira gets a lot of hate for being somewhat wooden but personally, I think that she is usually decent and credible. Nevertheless, you don’t get to be in my top 25 for being average… I do think she is quite limited in terms of range or depth and tends to resort to too much pouting and posing in her movies.
Red’s Take: I wasn’t even able to fit her into my top 40, so this is certainly a pick that Castor wanted to mention. Granted, I don’t think Knightley is completely talentless, but when she isn’t doing a film for Joe Wright, I find the rest of her performances almost comical (Castor: No punches pulled!). Her character in the Pirates of the Caribbean turned boring rather quickly, and I couldn’t even finish The Duchess. Her contribution to King Arthur was rather surprising, but that seems like ages ago.
20. Mia Wasikowska
Castor: For most, Mia Wasikowska was a complete unknown until she got the lead role in Tim Burton’s quirky Alice in Wonderland. But the 20-year old from Canberra, Australia was already making a name for herself in Australian films like Paul Goldman’s Suburban Mayhem and most notably in the HBO drama series In Treatment. Wasikowska also played a Jewish refugee in the Holocaust drama Defiance, appeared in the Amelia Earhart biopic, Amelia, and played the daughter to Annette Bening and Julianne Moore’s lesbian parents in the indie comedy The Kids Are All Right. Mia will stay in the spotlight with upcoming roles as Charlotte Brontë’s classic character Jane Eyre and as a terminally ill teenage girl in Gus Van Sant’s Restless. It’s much too early to say where her career is headed but Mia Wasikowska is a promising young actress with some momentum going.
Red’s Take: Like most people, my first experience with young Mia was during the most recent version of Alice in Wonderland. While it wasn’t exactly a spectacular performance, I would place most of that blame on the script and how it restricted Wasikowska from really doing much more. Almost the same could be said for The Kids Are All Right, there was an obvious growth between the two films, and the latter would’ve been a much better film had it given Mia the proper focus that she deserved. She seems like she’ll be an actress who will keep herself devoted to creative films and not succumb to the rom-com curse that almost every actress of her beauty falls under.
19. Jennifer Lawrence
Castor: To be honest, I had never heard of Jennifer Lawrence until she appeared in Red’s ranking and then recently witnessed her star-making performance in Debra Granik’s highly acclaimed film Winter’s Bone. I will probably catch some flak for putting her in the top 25 after seeing only one performance out of her but this demonstrates how much she impressed me in that movie. Playing the central character Ree Dolly, Lawrence is a stunning revelation and an early Oscar contender for Best Actress (she would become the second youngest Oscar nominee in that category). Her resourceful, fearless, yet completely believable Ree is the most impressive female character in years and certainly made Winter’s Bone one of the standout films at the Sundance Festival.
Lawrence’s next role is in Jodie Foster’s film The Beaver starring Mel Gibson, Foster and Anton Yelchin. Unfortunately, given Mel Gibson’s recent antics, it is probably not going to be released in theater for quite some time, if ever. Jennifer was also recently cast in X-Men: First Class and is currently filming the horror movie House at the End of the Street so I expect her to start gaining some steam as casting directors become aware of what she can do. Jennifer Lawrence is an actress with a very promising future so remember her name.
Red’s Take: One of the most promising actresses that made compiling this list a bit trickier. Do you include an actress that only put up two performances that people have seen, or do you leave her off for someone else who has proven themselves over the years? Much like Carey Mulligan was getting the same label at this time last year, it’s hard to watch Lawrence’s fierce performance in Winter’s Bone and not think she is the “next big thing”. But it wasn’t just that feature that Lawrence has shined in. She also caught plenty of eyes in The Burning Plain, despite have a much more limited role. It’s also hard not to mention that Granik’s previous film, Down to the Bone, birthed the creation of one our generation’s finest actresses in Vera Farmiga. If Lawrence does in fact get an Oscar nomination, can you imagine how sought after Granik’s next female lead role will be?
18. Evan Rachel Wood
Castor: I’m not gonna lie, Evan Rachel Wood has always given me a weird vibe that I’m not sure I like, probably because of her involvement with Marylin Manson for so many years or maybe her general persona off the screen. Nevertheless, if you have ever watched her on-screen, she definitely is a promising young actress. I first saw her in the musical Across the Universe where she sung and acted remarkably well. Being only 22, her body of work is truly incredible and is more substantial than most actresses twice her age. The question is whether she will be able to transition from child prodigy to mature actress.
Red’s Take: Oh, Marilyn Manson, what have you done? Luckily for us, young Miss Wood and the rock star recently split up, so maybe she’ll be back to giving us the performances that we were used to years ago. Yes, I know, The Wrestler was just two years ago, but that’s hardly enough considering that it was just a supporting role after we had gotten used to her in lead roles after lead roles as a teenager. 2003′ s double whammy of Thirteen and The Missing marked her official arrival as someone to keep an eye out for. She proved that she could handle comedy in the criminally under viewed King of California, and then tackled a role in the musical Across the Universe that fit her to a “T”. Dear Evan Rachel Wood: Please get away from television material like “True Blood” and “Mildred Pierce” and come back to film. We miss you. Sincerely, Everybody on the interweb.
17. Zoe Saldana
Castor: Zoe Saldana came along a long way in the last two years. Her performance in Avatar was without question the strongest and most realized in the movie, combining a strong physical presence with a raw emotional undertone. The fact that it was a computerized representation shouldn’t take away anything from her outstanding work. Saldana is also rising quickly as a credible female action star with the aforementioned Avatar and the recent action thriller The Losers. She will have another chance to demonstrate her skills again in Columbiana where she will play a stone-cold assassin/vigilante as well as the upcoming Star Trek sequel.
Red’s Take: To me, this placing can simply be supported by her Avatar role alone. A fiery performance that made a countless number of men across the world fall in love in with animated blue alien named Neytiri. If that isn’t acting power, I don’t know what is. Having been a character actress throughout most of the aughts, Saldana has quickly moved herself into position to start grabbing lead roles at her will. While the role was still a supporting one, her casting in J.J. Abrams’ Star trek reboot was a match made in Sci-Fi heaven (as was most of the casting, but let’s not get sidetracked here). She certainly likes to keep her filmography diverse, mixing the action thriller The Losers and the comedy Death at a Funeral in there as well.
16. Abbie Cornish
Castor: Most people first began hearing about Abbie Cornish well before actually seeing her on-screen when she got involved into some good old Hollywood soap opera, wedging herself between Ryan Phillippe and Reese Witherspoon. Nevertheless, her emotionally raw and complex performance in Jane Campion’s Bright Star, for which she was in serious contention for an Academy Award nomination, finally got her in the right spotlight. Abbie has been a critical darling for years in her native Australia with award-winning roles on the Australian TV show Wildside and the 2004 hit Somersault. Cornish also received widespread acclaim for her role opposite Heath Ledger in the under-seen movie Candy and has slowly been building up her presence in Hollywood in movies like A Good Year and Stop Loss. Her upcoming movies include Madonna’s historical drama W.E., Neil Burger’s techno thriller The Dark Fields, as well as Zack Snyder’s Sucker Punch, a stylistic action thriller which should be a nice change of pace for her. Abbie Cornish has a very bright future ahead of her.
Red’s Take: Unlike my pal Castor, I have yet to see Bright Star, so her most acclaimed performance has so far escaped me. This doesn’t necessarily mean I am a stranger with Cornish’s work, though. Small parts in movies such as Elizabeth: The Golden Age and A Good Year over the years have kept Abbie on everybody’s radar. Mix in a strong supporting role in the Stop-Loss as well as her Australian films, and that spells out promising future for Cornish.
30 Comments
I love both Wasikowska and Wood. I especially admire how well Wasikowska seems to choose her projects. (Can’t wait to see her alongside Michael Fassbender in “Jane Eyre.”)
I wish Wood would have a few more roles under her belt, but based on “Thirteen” and “The Wrestler,” I think she has a ferocity that few young actresses can match.
I feared Wood would be labeled as the girl-gone-bad or seems-good-but-is-bad based on films like Pretty Persuasion, but luckily she had a good variety of films with Down in the Valley, Running with Scissors, The Life Before her Eyes, and King of California. I think she’s got a good variety.
LOL, I’ve put Wood ahead of Cornish – both in two separate top10s, mainly because I find ERW a lot more interesting than Cornish on and off the screen. And I agree about Wasikowska, though I didn’t include her on my list… I did have a post for her on my Actor/Actress Spotting.
I think 5 years ago, Knightley could have been included on a Top’s list, but like you guys say – Atonement was hardly a great movie because of her, and it’s been ages since she’s been in a good movie.
Now I wonder how varied this list will be to the many lists online xD — ahh… I still remember all the complaints with the Vanity Fair young Hollywood shoot. I think Wood, Wasikowska and Cornish were on that, right?
I remember seeing that article, but never read or heard about the negative reaction to it. What was people’s problem with it?
I’d not only buy Kiera Knightley steak and potatoes I’d probably buy her a diamond ring and ask her to marry me! Okay, maybe I wouldn’t go that far, but I do happen to think that Knightley is extremely talented, and the fact that she’s British, hot, and has a bit of a sarcastic wit to her only makes me like her more. Sure I’d like to see her in some more mainstream films but she’s doing what she loves which is independent British films and I can’t fault her for that, it works for Eva Green (a woman I’d buy a steak and potatoes restaurant for). As for Atonement, Knightley was the only thing that made that film remotely watchable and entertaining for me, and would hardly be a movie without her! Just because she isn’t so mainstream anymore doesn’t mean she’s worth tossing aside as average, she’s far from that in my book.
Jennifer Lawrence has been on my radar since her lead performance in Poker House. THough the movie wasn’t great, her performance was incredible. She won LAFF best performance. Next up, Burning Plain opposite Kim Bassinger. Again, won an award for best newcomer at Venice. Next up, WInters Bone and if she isn’t nominated for an Oscar it will be a shame. I’d bet the farm on this girl as the biggest talent to come along in years.
Ah a Jennifer Lawrence fan! Definitely glad to see someone backing us up, I totally agree with you on all points.
I sincerely hope Jennifer Lawrence lives up to her potential (and that she gets that Oscar nod) and while I personally found Keira Knightley extremely affecting in “Atonement” she probably is over-reliant on her material.
Also, glad to see the shout out for “King Of California.” I loved that movie.
I’m really enthused about the possible future of Zoe Saldana. She can act but I can just as easily see her continuing the path of action heroine. She’s beautiful, young, and has everything going for her. You could easily consider me a fan.
I’ve always enjoyed Kiera Knightly. When pegged against Natalie Portman, I’d pick her everytime in spite of my admiration of Portman’s adolescent career. Knightly is not only stunning, but a tremendous actress.
I’m waiting for what Mia does next, but I thought she was quite good as Alice.
Is she like the next Sigourney Weaver in your view?
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a woman with the elgant strength as Weaver and certainly the quality of performance, but I see Zoe as a possible great action star, because she does that strength, and she has talent as an actress. Her beauty is so stunning though it’s almost distracting at times.
I love Keira Knightley. There’s just something about her I can’t quite put my finger on. I was actually really impressed with The Duchess. And of course I am a fangirl of Joe Wright films and they should work together as often as Burton and Depp! LOL
I haven’t seen any of Jennifer Lawrence work yet so I can’t comment on her. Kudos for including Knightley and Cornish, both are very talented and has the chops that equal their beauty.
I’m with you about Saldana, Heather, the key with her is in how she picks her projects. She has a lot of potential and will shine brightly with the right script and director.
Don’t diss my lady! Themz fightin’ words. I think she’s brilliant and will make for a great supporting role in my film. I haven’t loved every movie she’s ever done but I think she definitely has talent.
The rest is pretty good though. Love seeing ERW up there.
I love Abbie Cornish, she was so brilliant in Bright Star.
Not cool about Keira guys.
I don’t think you can judge a performance you didn’t even finish watching (“The Duchess” comment) she was astounding in that and held up brilliantly against Ralph Fiennes and she truly was best in show in “Atonement”.
i think she has proven she’s a much more interesting actress than Mia and Jennifer, who honestly have done 3 memorable things between the two of them and in Mia’s case, her Alice wasn’t the thing people liked the most about the movie.
Guess we did the good cop/bad cop thing on poor Keira lol
Interesting…maybe I do not get out as much as I should. I have heard of most of these young ladies in Part II but am only really familiar with Zoe’s and Evan’s work. I think Evan is pretty talented (hey there is nothing wrong with TV
). But I have not been overly impressed with Zoe’s work – not bad but not a total revelation for me either.
“Bright Star” is in my queue in Netflix – looking forward to seeing it.
Poor Keira. I liked her in “Bend it Like Beckham” but I basically liked that film so it doesn’t matter. But I see your point a lot of promise early on and … then what? M
I had to go to Part I for a comparative analysis. I think I would switch the order of a few people – but I do not want to prejudge as, like I said before, I have not seen everyone’s CV.
Well to be honest, I would probably change the order myself lol. The problem we ran into was that there were two spots still empty after posting the first part so we had to come up with two more names that probably would have been #24 and #25 had we thought this through first. I know it looks a bit inconsistent but it gets better from here
Poor Keira (again) and ScarJo – I was watching a bit of “He’s Just Not that Into You” last night – WHOA NELLY!
If I can make suggestions (which I will either way), how about the girl from Lilja 4-ever? I can’t spell her name for the life of me, but she’s kind of incredible.
Yeah, Keira has never really captured my interest, so I agree with your assessment. On the other hand, Abbie Cornish is divine! I’m so glad she made the list. Her performance in Bright Star should so have gotten an Oscar nomination. It is just beautiful work.
And, I cannot wait to see Winter’s Bone.
Alot of intelligent analysis here. I especially agree with your two Dishonorable Mentions, except I think there should be a special category for Angelina Jolie. What you have said about her is concise and true. But her mannerisms, her extremely boney too thin arms and legs, her voice that cracks when she shouts… For the last six years Angelina as an actress overwhelms any of her film characters.
Thank you SittingPat and glad that you agree with our Dishonorable mentions
You’re welcome. BTW, I was saying that Angelina deserves her own Dishonorable Mention. I think I was a little unclear.
Ahaha yes it was, thanks for the clarification.
I’m not a fan of Keira Knightley. Without her looks I doubt she would have ever been noticed.
That’s funny because her looks really annoy me.
I like the list but where the hell is Jena Malone?
She is better than some of these actresses. “Donnie Darko”, “Bastard Out of Carolina”, “Saved!”, “The Dangerous Live of Atlar Boys”, “Into the Wild”, “Pride & Prejudice”.
I agree with a lot of the list. Especially on Scarlett Johansson, who has disappointed me for years. I had her on a fucking pedestal since “Lost in Translation” and “Girl with a Pearl Earring”. Then she did that fucking Michael Bay movie and blew it for me. Now she’s just bland.
I gave Jena Malone repeated and strong considerations
She could easily have made it into that 21-25 range.
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