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Written by Loretta Beavers
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Monday, 08 March 2010 08:46 |
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How big a stretch is it for an actress to play her own type in a movie? Danish actress Paprika Steen is known for her ability to chew scenery. In the film she plays aging star, Thea Barfoed. We see clips of Thea playing the penultimate of that type, Martha in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"
Offscreen, Thea's not much different, albeit trying to change. But how much change does Martha really make in the play? Thea's hopes to clean up her drinking and attitude enough to regain custody of her two sons. But change doesn't occur as quickly offstage as on. Especially when it involves regaining trust. Perhaps the biggest "change" Thea can succeed with is realizing the type of person she is and accepting it.
My impression is that this film is supposed to be the film equivalent of the acting challenge of "Woolf" for Steen. To some level it succeeds, however, it would be more successful for me if I knew Steen better. I kept trying to juxtapose Kathleen Turner in the role of Thea, because I saw Turner's performance of Martha. It just doesn't seem like Thea's character would have such young children.
This picture was chosen the Maverick Spirit Winner for Cinequest 20. |
