AS the consistently brilliant Naomi Watts turns 50, Close-up Culture select our ten favourite films from the British-born actor.
10. Ellie Parker (2005)
SCOTT Coffey’s low-budget comedy-drama might be disappointing in parts, but Watts delivers a well-rounded and personal performance as an aspiring Aussie actor in Hollywood.
9. Funny Games (2007)
WATTS brings much needed emotional weight and class to Michael Haneke’s provocatively sadistic horror.
8. Mother And Child (2010)
WATTS impresses as a job-focused lawyer who unexpectedly falls pregnant.
7. While We’re Young
IN another film that shows off both her comedic and dramatic skill, Watts also gifts us with hip-hop dance moves to remember.
6. King Kong (2005)
SOMEHOW sparking memorable chemistry with Andy Serkis’ giant CGI Kong, Watts is perfect in the courageous and sparkly-eyed role of Ann.
5. Eastern Promises (2007)
ALONGSIDE a fierce Viggo Mortensen’s performance, Watts is the touching core of David Cronenberg’s violent crime tale.
4. Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance) (2014)
WATTS delights with every appearance as long-suffering actor Lesley Truman in Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s genius 2014 film Birdman.
3. 21 Grams (2003)
OVER a decade before Birdman, Watts teamed up with Inarritu for a stirring performance that won her an Oscar nomination.
2. The Impossible (2012)
WATTS gives everything to this true-life story of a family who were caught up in the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
1. Mullholland Drive (2001)
DAVID Lynch’s complex mystery is the film that announced Watts as the incredible actor she is. A gripping and unforgettable lead performance.
Great list, but no “The Painted Veil”? I think most people love this adaptation.
That’s a fair complaint. I guess there are always good films left off these lists when dealing with an actor of this calibre. I am interested, what would you trade out for The Painted Veil?
What would I trade out for The Painted Veil? What Ellie Parker actually is and who has heard of it? The Painted Veil is that calibre film which should go right after Mulholland Drive on this list 🙂