The performance that should have won the Oscar.
Wednesday, March 25th, 2009
Just watched the Blu-Ray of “I’ve Loved You So Long,” and it only bolstered my belief that Kristin Scott-Thomas gave the performance of the year in that film. And yet she wasn’t even nominated for Best Actress! Madness. As I wrote in the Sun-Times last year:
The acting turn that resonated most memorably with me in 2008 was Kristin Scott Thomas’ performance in “I’ve Loved You So Long.” That the British native is starring in a French film is no trick; Ms. Scott Thomas is fluent and is utterly comfortable with the language. As the beautiful, 45-ish Juliette, recently released from prison after serving 15 years for a horrific crime, Scott Thomas creates a fascinating portrayal of a woman who is neither martyr nor monster. She did what she did, and we’re not sure why until the very end of the film — and then we understand, and we ache for everyone involved in this tragedy. Whether she’s eyeing a man in a bar — after all, it’s been 15 years — bonding with her sister’s children, gingerly exploring the possibility of a romance or exploding with sorrow and anger as she finally reveals the circumstances of her crime, Scott Thomas is profoundly effective. I’m not sure I’ve seen a better performance in any film this decade.
It’s hard to say Academy voters were loathe to embrace the performance because it was in a foreign language; after all, Marion Cotillard won Best Actress the year before for “La Vie En Rose.” Perhaps not enough members saw the film, or they simply weren’t as moved as I was.
All I can do is ask you to give the film a rental, and experience the performance for yourself. I don’t think you’ll regret it.
