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THE 10 BEST ACTRESSES YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF!

"Go Ahead And Tell Giovanna She Made The List!"
Giovanna Mezzogiorno

A Richard Propes Column

 

September 04, 2006

 
These are the women you may not recognize by name. In fact, you probably don't recognize their names...Or, you may recognize their names but find yourself thinking "I have absolutely no idea who they are, though." Some of these women are relative newcomers to contemporary cinema, while others have toiled in relative obscurity in supporting roles, television appearances or in stage work. Regardless, these 10 women are brilliant actresses. These 10 work, listed here in alphabetical order, are the "10 Best Actresses You've Never Heard Of Working Today!"
 
Heather Beers

Recognize the name? Even a little bit? Probably not. That's a shame, I promise you. Heather Beers started off her feature film career in a 2002 film version of the classic play, "Charly." Largely known for her roles on the LDS film circuit, Beers is one of the most gifted, expressive and, yes, beautiful young actresses working the indie film circuit today. From her spirited yet heartbreaking performance as "Charly" to the wonderfully funny and romantic "Baptists at our Barbecue" to her most recent film, "Propensity," Ms. Beers elevates low-budget indie films with her natural presence, glowing heart and willingness to find the multiple layers of every character she plays. She has quickly become one of my "must see" actresses working today. She can be seen currently on the TV series "Everwood" and in this year's "Propensity."

Emily Blunt

There's a much better chance that you've heard of Emily Blunt, and if you've not heard of her yet then odds are you will soon. Most recently known for her performance as Emily in "The Devil Wears Prada," Blunt has exploded on the scene with five projects currently wrapping up production. Able to project a unique combination of bitchy and sincere, Blunt took a role that could have been a mere caricature and made her part hated, part pitied and part adored in "The Devil Wears Prada." A British actress, Blunt has a natural gift for that ever present dry British comedy. Recognized in Britain for her breakout role in "My Summer of Love," Blunt captured a Teen Choice Award here in the U.S. this year. Blunt may very well be the first of these 10 women to break out of this pack of unknowns.

Agnes Bruckner

Bruckner literally exploded on the film scene with her 2002 film, "Blue Car," a film about sexual abuse in which Bruckner played a young, vulnerable student who rediscovers her strength. The widely acclaimed performance was a favorite on the indie scene, and 21-year-old Bruckner has appeared in feature films and on TV since "Blue Car." Next up for Bruckner is "Haven" with Orlando Bloom" later this year, though she can also be seen in "Peaceful Warrior," which is currently on the arthouse circuit. Bruckner has made at least a couple of missteps ("Venom" and "Murder by Numbers"), but remains a talent to watch. Bruckner possesses a unique gift for vulnerable yet intelligent characters, and remains poised for a break-out. Have you heard of her? If not, you will.

Julia Jentsch

Widely acclaimed for the recent "Sophie Scholl: The Final Days," German actress Julia Jentsch has also offered widely praised performances in "Downfall" and "The Edukators." Her upcoming films include "Bob's Not Gay" and "I Served the King of England." Much like Bruckner, Jentsch seems to excel in portraying women of tremendous vulnerability and strength. Since her first film in 1999, 28-year-old Jentsch has quickly become one of Germany's leading actresses and is just being discovered by American moviegoers.

Miranda July

I must confess that I barely included Ms. July on this list. With only three acting roles to her credit, Ms. July is much more known for her writing/directing. Her break-out role, in fact, was in her own film in 2005, "Me and You and Everyone We Know." Ultimately, I cannot deny that even with her limited film experience Ms. July remains an actress to watch in the future. Proof of her talent lies in a short she shot with John C. Reilly for director Miguel Arteta. The short, shot with a budget of $150 is nothing short of amazing. In fact, July is nothing short of amazing.

Giovanna Mezziogiorno

Mezzogiorno should, undoubtedly, be a household name in America. She's talented, sexy, and has several incredible films to her credit. This 31-year-old Italian actress has become notable for a wide variety of films dealing openly and honestly with human sexuality. Films such as "Facing Windows" and last year's Oscar nominated "Don't Tell" have proven that Mezzogiorno isn't just a pretty face. She's an immensely talented, risk-taking actress whose presence on the arthouse circuit may yet make her a name here in the U.S. Mezzogiorno will soon be seen in "Love in the Time of Cholera."

Mary Lynn Rajskub

If you are a faithful viewer of the TV series "24," then there's a good chance you've actually heard of this actress. As Chloe O'Brian, Rajskub has gotten to the brink of becoming a household name. Thankfully, she hasn't forgotten her independent acting roots and has recently offered mesmerizing performances in "Mysterious Skin," "Punch-Drunk Love," and this year's "Little Miss Sunshine." Her next film is "American Fork," but she can still be seen as Chloe on "24."

Lisa Ray

One of Bollywood's favorite actresses, Ray broke out in the U.S. in this year's Deepa Mehta film, "Water." Her performance as a young woman both immensely spirited and ultimately tragic is award-worthy and unforgettable. Almost exclusively in Indian films before "Water," Ray currently has three U.S. films in the works. "Water" is now available on DVD, and be sure to read my four-star review of the film!

Victoire Thivisol

At the amazingly young age of 4-years-old, Victoire Thivisol gave a heartbreaking performance in the French film, "Ponette." Portraying a child grieving the loss of her mother, Thivisol's performance was devastating, real and nothing short of stunning. With three other films to her credit, including 2000's "Chocolat," Thivisol remains one of the best young actresses working today.

Leonor Varela

34-year-old Leonor Varela first came to my attention only last year after a viewing of the remarkable film "Innocent Voices." As a young mother attempting to protect her children in a warring nation, Varela is powerful and mesmerizing. After viewing this film, I began tracing back in Varela's career and found one phenomenal performance after another ranging from the TV series "Arrested Development" to films such as "Blade II," "The Tailor of Panama" and others. A native of Chile, Varela's roles have ranged from sexy to sincere, strong to surrendered. In each, Varela offers a screen presence that is captivating. With several films coming up, you should have multiple chances to catch Varela soon!

So, what do you think? Agree? Disagree? Think I left someone off? Think I should have left someone off? Feel free to e-mail me with your suggestions! Who knows? I may very well print them in an upcoming column!

 
© Written by Richard Propes - Email Me!


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