by Eric Blume
One of our most resourceful and intelligent actresses, Rachel Weisz, turned 50 this past weekend. At her half century mark she's currently at the height of her powers as an actor.
Weisz appeared in several smaller movies before making a big splash opposite the then-on-fire Brendan Fraser in 1999's The Mummy. The role didn't demand much of her, but her feisty spirit brought a great deal to a stock character, and from there she was on her way. She gave a particularly fine performance in the 2001 film versoin of Neil LaBute's The Shape of Things (I miss Neil LaBute...anyone else?).
Weisz then of course won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 2005 for her fascinating performance in Fernando Mereilles' The Constant Gardner...
The Constant Gardener (2005)
The Fountain (2006)
Weisz tore ferociously into a complex role, both driving the narrative and giving the film its mystery and powerful linger. It holds up as one of the most deserving supporting Oscars ever.
Her offscreen relationship with director Darren Aronofsky led to his film The Fountain, which features another interesting performance in another difficult, challenging film. She also delivered a smart and layered performance in 2009's Agora, which barely saw the light of day theatrically but is a curious and unique film worth seeking out. And Claudio just wrote beautifully about her stunning performance in 2011's The Deep Blue Sea. All of these films and characters speak to Weisz's great taste and pursuit of challenging, unusual projects.
After a few misses, Weisz returned with another offbeat and powerful film, Disobedience, to which she brought depth, a surprising wit, and her usual perceptive grace. Her chemistry with Rachel McAdams was sexy and tender, and they delivered one of the decade's most moving love stories.
Disobedience
This all led up to her return to the Oscars with that killer performance she gave in Yorgos Lanthimos' The Favourite. There aren't enough superlatives for her acting in the film, but her scary wit, intense physicality, and startling humanity combine to make Sarah Churchill possibly her single greatest performance.
All of this, plus she is drop-dead gorgeous and curls up every night next to Daniel Craig!
The cinema is a finer, more provocative place thanks to Rachel Weisz.
Celebrate a half century of this talent by sharing your favourite Weisz moments in the comments below.