#30 days challenge fave actress

Day 24: Oscar nominated role that should have won an Oscar but didn’t

Mary Jo Walker, Tumbleweeds

I believe wholeheartedly that Janet should have won that year. Yes, I’m biased, but I also strongly dislike Hillary Swank and her total lack of acting ability. Besides which, I think that Janet’s American accent was flawless (people here in the States had zero clue she’s English) and the story was really well done. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to say enough of positive comments regarding this film and Janet’s performance. But then, you all knew that. ;)

Day 23: Favourite Cast

God of Carnage

I’m in love with this play, this cast - it was my everythingfrom March 2nd through June 6th of 20120 - and I honestly believe that I could literally watch this play every single day for the rest of my life and not get bored because these actors were perfectlycast and did a tremendous job at each performance. Seeing this comedy of manners sans the manners was literally the greatest Broadway/theatre experience of my entire existence and I would not trade seeing those 8 shows for anythingin the world. Infinite, unconditional love. Always.

Day 22: Favourite RL/off-screen OTP

Janet + Harriet = Perfection to the Nth degree! ‘Nuff said.(Though I am aware that Janet and Harriet aren’t actually a couple).

Day 21: Favourite genre of film for this actor/actress

Janet knows {DRAMA}. Characters welcome.

Day 20: Favourite scene from any film/television program

Tie - Catherine Walker’s emotional lapse in The Amazing Mrs. Pritchard & the final moment between Ava and Mary Jo in Tumbleweeds

I think these both fall under the category of favorite scene because there is such a range of emotions both from the characters and what I’m feeling based on Janet’s performance. In the case of of Catherine Walker breaking down in front of Ros when she discusses her recent abortion, I cannot help but cry right along with her. Catherine is usually so stoic and poised (you know, “Smile. It confuses people.” - she never wants anyone to see a vulnerable side to her; crying isn’t something the Exchequer does, ever, at least not in front of other people), and to watch her actually come slightly undone over this huge, life-altering choice is emotional for everyone - character and audience. She tries to fight off the tears like a warrior, but it’s incredibly beautiful to see how the pain comes through. Janet’s acting is so honest and raw and poignant, the scene leaves me with chills. As for the final beach walk in Tumbleweeds, I just am in love with the mother/daughter bond we see throughout the entire film, and this final scene really wraps up their relationship so incredibly well. Every time I watch it, when I hear “California” by Robert Bradley’s Blackwater Surprise start to play right before the end credits and Mary Jo kisses Ava, my eyes well up with tears, happy tears, and I have this overwhelming feeling, the sort of feeling you get during each viewing of your favorite film. I’m never tired of watching Janet…in any capacity - whether it’s stage or screen. (Shit, I even listen to and watch her interviews repeatedly.) Seriously, if you haven’t seen either of these pieces, you must. It’s essential. As my wise pal, Julie once said, “Vanessa Redgrave is the Janet McTeer of her generation.” It’s true, Janet’s caliber of acting is beyond astounding. It’s a true shame that more people aren’t familiar with her work. /preaching.

Day 19: Best onscreen kiss

Dr. Lily & Tom, Songcatcher

Like Alice and her pal, Audrey so aptly described the onscreen affection in their youtube video, “Janet McTeer and Aidan Quinn are totally hot…they need to make-out, they need to have sex NOW…and then for the rest of the movie you’re like, ‘why arent’ you having sex NOW?’…they’re gonna go have sex A LOT, it happens after the movie, a lot. I think that’s the rest of their lives - Janet McTeer and Aidan Quinn having sex is the rest of Songcatcher.” LMFAO. But yeah, I really dig the passion between Dr. Lily and Tom, and though I’d rather see Janet kissing…Harriet Walter, I did think that the snogging on this film was pretty fantastic. Lil with her rugged, unshaven Mountain Man. Totes groovy, yo.

Day 18: A film you wish they’d never been involved in

Liz,The King is Alive

I feel like a traitor for saying that there’s any piece of work Janet has made that I strongly dislike, but as compared to her other film, television, and theatre roles, she for certain could have skipped this one altogether. I feel like I’ve seen my share of fucked-up movies, and this one doesn’t necessarily take the cake, but it comes pretty effing close. It’s dirty, so fucking dirty, like the actors are literally covered in sand for almost the entire film, and the lighting is horrifically bright, like the fucking sun is coming through your TV screen bright. Not to mention the setting is an African desert. The characters are basically losing their minds from malnourishment (they have a scarce amount of cans of out-of-date carrots), extreme temperatures (blazing hot during the day, freezing at night), and all the while, they are attempting to put on a Shakespearean tragedy. Odd concept all around if you ask me. Plus, Janet’s talents were not put to good use in this role. It was an ensemble, but I felt like there was too much focus on Jennifer Jason Leigh’s character and the other male cast members. Really, if there is one Janet movie you can legitimately skip, this is it. I do have it as part of my collection of her work, but I’ve seen it once and honestly never want to watch it again.

Day 17: Favourite Leading Role - Television

Helen Hewitt, The Governor

Fierce Helen Hewitt is Fierce. I tend to think of The Governor as being the original, British version of HBO’s Oz, minus the anal rape and swastika branding, though there was some pretty intense violence in this program. This was yet another role in which Janet showed off her versatile talents - playing a strong, confident, but vulnerable 30something woman who literally goes from social worker to Governor of an all male prison over night. Hewitt was surrounded daily with men and she constantly had to prove herself in a dog-eat-dog environment. I have to commend her, because not many people, male or female, would take on a responsibility as significant as being in charge of a maximum security prison, but she dove in and held her own. We the audience see Hewitt develop as a character over the first series, and once again, Janet’s acting talent leaves me in awe. It really is an amazing transformation she undergoes - appearance wise and as a person dealing with high levels of stress almost constantly. I actually think a lot of Janet’s personality shone through in Helen - her humor, her vulnerability - and it’s exciting to see her in episodic television, as I believe it’s intriguing to watch the character development over a period of time rather than for two hours during a film. I really wish Janet would consider doing an American television show at some point in her career. Obviously women of a certain age have found that television is the perfect medium for them (*coughGlennCloseHollyHunterKyraSedgwickEdieFalcocough*).<—LOL I wrote this over two years ago and my wish came true: Janet is on Damages now. ;)

Day 16: Favourite Leading Role - Film

Mary Jo Walker, Tumbleweeds

Why hello there my bug-eyed beauty, you have finally made it onto this infinitely long list. You were bound to show up at some point, as I adore you with all my heart. “Rise and shine, sweet little bird of mine” - music to my ears. I have seen Tumbleweeds20+ times since 2009, which actually doesn’t sound like that much considering it’s practically my favorite film, but given that the first 12 viewings occurred in a short span of time (summer of ‘09), I believe this is a sign of just how passionate I am about Tumbleweeds and Janet’s role in it. Mary Jo is a breath of fresh air, she lights up the room with her smile, and all those other cliches. But, aside from her one major flaw - choosing the wrong men to shack up with - she really is an amazing woman, and she’s much stronger and independent than she gives herself credit for: Raising a daughter virtually on her own, no real stable family life, moving around from state to state, from job to job - not everyone can just pick up and go, and start anew. But, no matter how many times she falls, she gets right back up, brushes off her knees, and hence forth she goes. This is not to say that she didn't  make some unfortunate mistakes with Ava and married unworthy men, but by the end of the film, she’s standing on her own two feet, and she’s strong for herself and her daughter. It’s so emotional when Mary Jo finally realizes that she doesn’t need a man to take care of her, that she is capable of providing for she and Ava. She is also the funnest character Janet has played, at least I think so. She’s got that reckless edge to her (like Amy Foster), but with a motherly touch. Plus, how fucking flawless is her American accent, am I right? I mean, people literally did not know Janet was British when the film was first released; they thought she was from the States. Flaws and all, I love Mary Jo, and she’s the kind of woman I wish I knew in real life. I really cannot imagine another leading role I’d love Janet in more because Tumbleweedsis perfect.

Day 15: Character with Most Intense Internal Conflict

Tie - Vita Sackville-West, Portrait of a Marriage & Sarah Morris, The Intended

This was actually supposed to be “write a letter to Janet day,” but I decided that a letter was a bit too personal, and opted to create a new topic. Hence, Vita and Sarah. Not that Janet’s other characters didn’t have internal conflicts, or external conflicts for that matter, but it seemed to me that upon viewing both of these films, Vita and Sarah appeared to be, pardon the term, tortured souls, in a manner of speaking. Vita and Violet’s relationship, as I’ve mentioned before, was so astoundingly toxic and volatile, I don’t know how they managed to stay together for so long. Though, it’s almost like despite their intense arguments, they were truly passionate about one another, in an almost sickening capacity. Their love affair was this force field of sexually charged resentment and hostility. They were like school girls in the beginning (actually, they technically wereschool girls when they first met) and we see the violent decline by the end of their torrid affair. It was exhausting to watch them. And then, of course, we have Sarah Morris, a Mrs. Robinson in her own right, as she was betrothed to a much younger man, who literally is forced to prostitute herself in order to save her fiance’s life. This film is also hard to watch because not only is it dirty (in both a literal and figurative sense), but it’s clear from the beginning that sexual activity is a painful subject for Sarah, so much so that she doesn’t even sleep with Hamish. It’s a disgusting predicament she’s put in - her intended’s life at stake; having to fornicate with a filthy, obese, dishonorable murderer. I think that, ultimately, the most disheartening part for Sarah is that…she actually may have, just a little bit, liked having sex with William, or was at the very least, semi-aroused by it…though it disgusted her. In both films, love, sex, and betrayal lead to deep, internal conflicts, and at times, self-loathing. I admire Janet for exploring characters such as Vita and Sarah because I’m guessing that the sexuality she portrays with each role is different from her own, and once again, I think it illustrates how expansive she is in her work. /Film as a Narrative Art English paper.

Day 14: A Role Actor/Actress could/should have been cast in

Mrs. Robinson, TheGraduate on Broadway

Whodoesn’t want their favorite actress playing Mrs. Robinson in some capacity? She’s pretty much the archetype/icon for our “affliction” so it seems perfectly valid and natural to me, though I understand how using the word “natural” may be overreaching a bit. All the same, I would surely rejoice if Janet ever took on this role. Even better - a slight spin on things, if you will - if Benjamin’s character switched to being a female part, and the role of Elaine Robinson switched to a male part. THE SHAKESPEARE!SWITCH, as I like to call it! Hell yes. Let the daydreams & fantasies commence. ;)

Day 13: Favourite Onscreen Coupling

Amy Foster and Iain Barclay, Five Days&Hunter

Technically, they are not a couple. However, their loyal, platonic love for one another is positively adorable in every imaginable way. Just glance at the screencap above. Iain is shaking his hips whilst Amy flails drunkenly. They are in fact dancing to Eastern Indian music. DROP IT LIKE IT’S HOT. A match made in heaven, folks. If Foster and Barclay were to make a comeback on the telly, I do believe they would be warmly received. I surely would welcome them with open arms. Plus, SNARKY AMY FOSTER IS SNARKY. The most necessary sentence of my life. There’s no one in this world I’d rather get pissed with than Amy Fuckin’ Foster. Seriously, you guys, the dynamic between these two is incomparable, and you are most assuredly missing out if you haven’t seen Five DaysorHunter. Go join the dance party. You know you want to.

Day 12: Favourite Outfit

McSexyfrock, 2012 Academy Awards

Despite Janet not being a “frock kind of girl,” she absolutely PWNS in this dress. CLEAVAGE!WIN. I think that often times because of her tall stature, it’s difficult for Lady J to find formal attire for award ceremonies, but in this particular case, she’s like a goddess in a stained glass window.AN AMAZONIAN GODDESS. Mi amour. Every curve is deliciously highlighted and it makes me weak in the knees.

Day 11: Favourite Quote (in character, part 2)

Helen Bingham, Cat Run

“the only difference between your profession and mine is that when I blow people away they don’t ejaculate on my breasts.”

*dies from laughter* BEST. BURN. EVER.

Day 10: Favourite Quote (in character)

Catherine Walker, The Amazing Mrs. Pritchard

“I’m talking about the media, Hillary, and don’t fuck with me, you’re not up to it.”

Basically every word, every snarky syllable, every smug grimace…I adore it. And choosing thisquote gave me another reason to use this screencap. She is drop-dead gorgeous. Her haircut, attire, the cigarette so casual in her long, piano fingers. *drools*

Day 09: Favourite Quote (outside of film)

“Somebody’s got to succeed, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be me.”

“I describe myself as Michael Phelps with tits” was a close second.

Day 08: Favourite Performance that was not nominated for Oscar

Dr. Lily Penleric, Songcatcher

Despite McHattie’s announcement  “except we can’t sing” during their Vanity Fair photoshoot interview, it is well documented in the film Songcatcherthat, at least, Janet surely is able to hold a tune, and hold it well. Aside from Catherine Walker, I cannot think of a more level-headed, fiercely independent, strong woman than Dr. Lily Penleric. And much like Catherine Walker, Lily’s hard shell needed to be cracked before seeing her truly generous, kind spirit (though I’m not sure the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s shell was ever cracked thathard). I love Dr. Lily’s passion, integrity, convictions, and that famous panther-cat strip she very reluctantly did after a night of drinkin’ & dancin’ Apalachian-style. Songcatcher, along with Tumbleweeds, is my very favorite of Janet’s films because the music, acting, and cinematography are incredible. I really don’t understand how Janet was overlooked for her role in this picture, and I certainly don’t comprehend it having such a small following because it’s such a beautiful film. Also, one must note the brilliant, lovely hats used. Janet sports them like a turn-of-the-century pro. It’s even better when flowers and pink ribbons are used for accessories on aforementioned hats. Songcatcheris the sort of film where, when the first scene begins, I literally grin so hard that tears roll down my cheeks. I realize that’s a very strange, overzealous!fangirl statement to make, but it’s the truth: “It’s a beautiful little independent film.”

Day 07: Favourite photoshoot

Janet has the most beautiful “come hither” facial expression in these photos. She is absolutely striking. There really isn’t anything else to say. Just sit back, relax, and drool.

Day 06: Favourite Oscar Nominated Performance (Or other if applicable)

Clementine Churchill, Into the Storm - Golden Globe nomination

Talk about regal. Clemmie was the epitome of elegant, classy, and was definitely the rational sound-board of her Prime Minister husband, Winston. Janet looked absolutely dashing with her salt and pepper hair, double-strung pearl necklace, and resplendent demeanor. I thought Janet and Brendan Gleeson had really wonderful chemistry in this film, and it shone through in the way Clemmie and Winston complemented one another. I love how even though he might be having a temper tantrum over painting in the garden, Clemmie was always there to level-out his crotchety-old-man-behavior and put him in check. I think my favorite scene is when they are all gathered in the film screening room about to watch a movie, and Winston won’t shut up, so Clemmie continuously has to shush him. She does this in such an adorable, motherly, but stern way that you cannot possibly help but adore her, and them as a couple. Plus, how amazing is it to see what Janet will probably look like in another 25 years? I’m hoping Janet goes “gray and gay” (like Penny Downie’s character Zenith so aptly put it).

Day 05: Favourite Role in other category

Dell,Tideland

…yes, this scene scares me, too. Bloody rubber gloves (and I don’t mean “fuckingrubber gloves” as you can clearly see in the still), an unfortunate version of Jeff Bridges (or as I like to call him, “El Duderino” or “His Dudeness”), massive dreadlocks, and some oddly placed shovels next to the tick-tack-toe board…er, the wall. There’s much to take in whilst viewing this particular shot, and though it’s quite disturbing in appearance, I assure you that Tidelandis a pretty fantastic film, albeit completely fucked. This is actually the first movie I ever watched Janet in post my Mary Stuart viewing. That’s right, from legendary Queen in English history play on Broadway to one-eyed, dread-locked, bee-phobic taxidermist in Gilliam’s “my inner child is a little girl who plays with Barbie Doll heads” [insert genre here (because no one quite knows what genre this film is categorized under…acid dream?)] <— that was like a mathematical
!English equation right there. Whoa. Well, this film is completely trippy and brilliant and reallyunderrated, but that’s okay because it’s probably going to become a cult-classic, as these sorts of films often do. If you look at the past 5 days (<—coincidence! SNARKY AMY FOSTER IS SNARKY!) you will notice (and I probably don’t have to tell you this…so.many.parentheses.wtf.panda?) how incredibly expansive Janet’s work is - if you put Catherine Walker, Veronica Novak, Gertie Lawrence, Mary Stuart, and Dell in the same room…HOLY.BALLS.OF.THUNDER.AND.STEEL, my friends. Character!explosion. Seriously. These women are so vastly different, and I am in fucking awe of Janet’s uncanny ability to portray these various personalities so well. I know that I’m biased, but she’s ridiculously versatile, it’s rather astounding. Anyway, Dell. Fucked up, yet…fuckable (as the delivery boy from the grocery store a million miles away can attest to). Put her in your pipe and smoke her, she’s totes worth it, and you’ll totes not even remotely know how the hell to deal with the high she’ll give you. I don’t even know what I just said. But…yeah. Dell, ladies and gentlemen, Dell.