Every Amy Adams Role, Ranked

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As a connoisseur of cinematic brilliance and a keen observer of acting prowess, I must say that Amy Adams is nothing short of extraordinary. Her career spans a broad spectrum of roles, from the whimsical Giselle in Enchanted to the resilient Louise Banks in Arrival, and each character she embodies showcases her immense versatility.

Initially, Amy Adams was starring in a Minnesota dinner theater production of “Brigadoon” when she tried out for a part as a quirky cheerleader in “Drop Dead Gorgeous“. Although the character was minor and the film ultimately flopped at release, it motivated Adams to relocate to Los Angeles. For the subsequent decade, she primarily played optimistic, sweet-natured characters. However, for many women in Hollywood, this stereotype can be hard to break free from – just ask Meg Ryan. Yet, Adams consistently managed to infuse a sense of melancholy into her characters despite their upbeat appearances, which now appears as an inherent part of her talent. Nowadays, she seems to excel at finding the appealing aspects even within the most terrifying or gloomy roles.

Having earned six Oscar nominations (and perhaps a few more that she deserved, notably for “Arrival”), Adams finds herself labeled as ‘overdue’, which can oversimplify a rich and dynamic career based on fickle award statistics. Is it significant if her latest film, “Nightbitch”, finally wins her the elusive trophy? In a sense, yes, because Adams’s charm makes one want to cheer for her success, and six nominations is quite a lot to not win. Known for attracting visionary directors like Paul Thomas Anderson, Spike Jonze, and Marielle Heller, the real enigma surrounding Adams’s career lies in what innovative techniques she will employ to bring life to the remarkable roles that still lie ahead of her.

As the premiere of “Nightbitch” approaches, we’re listing Samantha Morton’s most significant performances to date. This list excludes minor roles such as those in “The Slaughter Rule” and “The Ex“, as well as direct-to-video productions like “Cruel Intentions 2“. It also omits works without a proper release, and brief TV appearances like her stint on “Dr. Vegas“, which was only five episodes long and may be stored in some secure CBS vault. Morton’s best performances often straddle different genres, offering raw honesty and complexity in the most ambiguous realms.

34.
Man of Steel, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Justice League (2013–17)

I’d like to apologize to fans of Lois Lane, but Amy Adams’ role in these films mainly involves delivering serious, somewhat technical dialogue (something about isotopes) and admiring Henry Cavill’s facial features, particularly his cheekbones. Despite being a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, she tries to persuade her editor, played by Laurence Fishburne, to publish a story about an alien spaceship that eventually leads Lois and Superman into confrontations with the villainous General Zod, portrayed by Michael Shannon. Adams delivers a reliable performance, showing determination and professionalism. However, there’s no chemistry between her and Cavill, which makes Lois seem an unlikely love interest. If Adams is going to be in superhero movies, it would be great if the storyline weren’t so grim.

33.
Leap Year (2010)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=9ZY9i9-hoQM

In the midst of romantic comedies losing their charm at the box office, Adams starred in one of the genre’s biggest flops – “Leap Year.” This movie is essentially a platform for impractical high heels, as Amy Adams’ character navigates muddy and hilly Irish landscapes to propose to her negligent boyfriend (Adam Scott). The audience is expected to cheer for the reluctant hero (Matthew Goode) who assists her along the journey, but their chemistry is so unconvincing that it’s disheartening when they end up together. Despite Adams’ best efforts, she couldn’t salvage a performance from a script destined for failure. One can’t help but question what influential figures Adams owed a favor to, in order to agree to produce this mind-numbing dud.

32.
Hillbilly Elegy (2020)

Despite dismissing J.D. Vance’s political background and the fact that this film led to Glenn Close’s eighth Oscar loss, Amy Adams struggles to surpass the most offensive aspects of “Hillbilly Elegy.” Regardless of how sincere the Ron Howard production might be, each character feels like a stereotype of American poverty, as seen through an uninformed Hollywood lens. The exaggerated southern accents and anger issues serve as substitutes for insightful social commentary. In her portrayal of Vance’s troubled mother, Adams frequently overacts, which isn’t one of her strengths. She frequently switches from calm to intense in a manner that makes an already intense adaptation feel like senseless melodrama.

31.
Standing Still (2005)

Standing Still is similar to The Big Chill for Generation X, except it lacks charm and didn’t gain much popularity (grossing only $30,142). Adams distinguishes herself as her career has surpassed that of her co-stars – I must emphasize this not to diminish the talents of Mena Suvari, Colin Hanks, Ethan Embry, Adam Garcia, and James Van Der Beek. Unfortunately, this sleepy ensemble comedy about self-absorbed college friends gathering for a wedding doesn’t offer much interest. Adams portrays one of the group’s more realistic characters, but that also means her character is somewhat unremarkable.

30.
Serving Sara (2002)

In the crude romantic comedy bomb by Reginald Hudlin, Adams doesn’t feature prominently, which is fortunate for her. She exudes a twang reminiscent of Steel Magnolias and a wardrobe that appears to have been borrowed from a more airheaded Legally Blonde. If only she hadn’t been given such an inadequately developed bimbo characterization. (One of her limited scenes concludes with the camera focusing on her chest, a nod perhaps to the humor in Serving Sara.) Fortunately, she doesn’t seem as disengaged from the film as Matthew Perry and Elizabeth Hurley — the stars featured on the poster.

29.
Dear Evan Hansen (2021)

The fan group of Amy Adams, known as “The Adams Family,” had a challenging time in 2020 and 2021. We struggled together through films like “Hillbilly Elegy”, “The Woman in the Window”, and an awkward Broadway adaptation. Those were difficult times indeed. Two of these movies featured both Amy Adams and Julianne Moore, and it’s truly disheartening that such a remarkable duo found themselves dealing with subpar material. Thankfully, Adams delivers a powerful performance as a suburban mother mourning the suicide of her teenage son. She’s the one who makes you think that Ben Platt might plausibly be 17.

28.
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)

Is it possible for a girl who wears glasses to be alluring? This was the central query in Adams’ character from “Talladega Nights,” and the response is, “she can be if she lets her hair down.” Adams doesn’t have many significant roles in Adam McKay’s NASCAR satire, Talladega Nights, but one crucial scene stands out. In this scene, her long, silky hair and seductive dialogue manage to persuade the racing legend Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) to get back on the track.

27.
The Muppets (2011)

In Adams’s portrayal in the Muppets movie, there seems to be a noticeable drop from her past performances. Her roles in Junebug and Enchanted were more complex and significant compared to what the script for this film required. In this production, she takes on a supporting role as a small-town woman who is essentially in a relationship with a character played by Jason Segel, who is deeply involved with his Muppet brother (voiced by Peter Linz). This situation can be seen as problematic, even for a children’s movie. Despite her charming performances with her perpetual smile and innocent dresses, she fails to recapture the lively charm of her previous roles, not even a cheerful song about enjoying solitude while others socialize with Kermit could compete.

26.
Nocturnal Animals (2016)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=iAlU6xt7Y_s&list=PLZbXA4lyCtqo55n5u6aB1ziJEuMHYimO7&index=3

In a departure from her typically warm persona, Amy Adams portrays a snobbish Los Angeles art gallery owner whose eyeliner is as thick as her unresolved emotional issues. Tom Ford’s flair for the dramatic was more impactful in “A Single Man“, it seems; he appears to be struggling to strike the right balance between the absurdity and seriousness of “Nocturnal Animals “, leaving Adams stranded somewhere between playfully sophisticated and somber. Despite her graceful movements in elegant low-cut gowns and high heels, she fails to pierce through Ford’s meticulously crafted veneer.

25.
On the Road (2012)

For over half a century, Hollywood attempted to adapt Jack Kerouac’s iconic Beat novel into a film following its publication in 1957. Eventually, Garrett Hedlund portrayed Dean Moriarty, a part that once attracted Marlon Brando, Brad Pitt, and Colin Farrell. Unfortunately, the movie failed spectacularly like a fading yellow sparkler, but Amy Adams shines brightly in her brief appearances as a free-spirited individual who shelters the carefree travelers. The other actresses – Kristen Stewart, Kirsten Dunst, Elisabeth Moss, and Alice Braga – have more substantial roles, yet Adams manages to feel incredibly vivid even with limited screen time. At one point, she symbolically enacts a sex act while cleaning kitchen floors, and the raw delight in her eyes reveals aspects of her character’s quirks that the script doesn’t have room for.

24.
Psycho Beach Party (2000)

In this movie, “Psycho Beach Party,” Lauren Ambrose takes center stage, portraying a character reminiscent of Gidget but with multiple personas, one being a serial killer targeting groovy beachgoers. Although Adams’ role is small, it hints at the stardom she would later achieve. Whenever Adams appears on screen, the film gains an extra boost. Marvel Ann, played by Adams, is a 1960s teenager obsessed with boys and convinced of her expertise in the opposite sex. She uses her bubbly nature as a manipulation tool, making it enjoyable to watch Adams mock mid-century pinup styles so skillfully.

23.
The Office (2005–06)

In the season-one finale of “The Office,” titled “Hot Girl,” Adams is introduced as Jim’s love interest, a role that mirrors Jenna Fischer’s character Pam in the popular “will they, won’t they” relationship. The resemblance between Adams and Jenna Fischer is part of the humor, given the era when Pam and Jim were captivating viewers. Adams portrays a purse vendor who temporarily sets up shop at Dunder Mifflin, an apparently unprofitable venture that Michael and Dwight find irresistible. Despite their overt advances, Adams skillfully deflects their unwanted romantic advances, much like a defense mechanism against unwelcome sexual advances. This episode is significant in the show’s narrative as Adams reappeared for two more episodes the following year, making it one of “The Office”‘s most impactful mini-arcs.

22.
Big Eyes (2015)

If Tim Burton had worked with Amy Adams back in the ’90s, it could have been something remarkable. However, their collaboration occurred when Burton was going through a creative slump, producing glitzy adaptations of Disney stories that were essentially repetitions of his prior, more successful work. While Big Eyes isn’t abysmal, it’s questionable whether it suits Burton well. In this film, he applies his distinctive, whimsical style to a biopic about Margaret Keane, a kitschy painter whose husband (Christoph Waltz) initially claimed credit for her work. Unfortunately, the movie fails to gel effectively, and Adams’s acting seems more affected than it might have been under different direction, particularly when paired with Waltz’s over-the-top performance.

21.
The Wedding Date (2005)

Despite The Wedding Date not propelling Debra Messing into stardom, it has more substance than its negative reputation suggests. In essence, it’s a reversed Pretty Woman where Messing hires an elegant escort (Dermot Mulroney) for her younger sister’s wedding. As a romantic comedy, it is marred by some unlikable characters that contradict the sugary storyline – the most problematic being the sister character, played by Adams (also named Amy). Surprisingly, despite her role as a self-centered homewrecker, Adams is entertaining. She excels in portraying the fine line between perky and catty, often making her character Amy oblivious to her own narcissism.

20.
Trouble With the Curve (2012)

The movie “Trouble With the Curve” starts off with Clint Eastwood grumbling his way through a toilet break with his disrespectful young companion, knocking over a nearby table and munching straight from a can of Spam. He’s grizzled, he’s grumpy, he’s none other than Clint Eastwood. His daughter, played by Adams, understandably feels exasperated by the turmoil her elderly father brings into her life. You can predict their tumultuous relationship when Adams’ no-nonsense lawyer is reluctantly drafted to accompany him on a trip to evaluate a promising baseball prospect. The actress manages to bring authenticity to her character, allowing her to hold her own against the gruff dialogues that form the backbone of the film.

19.
Vice (2018)

As a movie critic, I’d rephrase it like this: In Adam McKay’s satirical film, “Vice,” he comes closest to channeling the depth and complexity of Shakespeare. Comparing this movie to the Bard might seem blasphemous, but “Vice” portrays Lynne Cheney as a modern-day Lady Macbeth, requiring Christian Bale to deliver iambic pentameter soliloquies about Dick Cheney’s power grab from George W. Bush. Unlike many other actors in the film who seem overly eager to wink at the audience, Bale offers a nuanced portrayal of Lynne, revealing her hidden machinations. With the aid of a severe wig and matronly attire, Bale breathes life into a character who serves as the steadying influence behind one of America’s most caricatured villains. The clenched hands of Lynne, more eloquently express her determination than any of McKay’s self-congratulatory dialogue.

18.
The Woman in the Window (2021)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=Wcblkw8D9b8

Could we imagine that Amy Adams delivers a strong performance in “The Woman in the Window”? If so, it seems that much of the ridicule this COVID-era production has received is due to Disney. As director Joe Wright explains, Disney allegedly weakened the film after acquiring Fox, then offloaded it to Netflix where the thriller now resides in disrepute. Despite the studio’s changes, the movie presents itself as a deep psychological exploration rather than the cheap schlock it could have been. Adams doesn’t falter in her dedication, and she is captivating as a heavy-drinking agoraphobe who witnesses a neighbor’s murder. Displaying intelligence tainted by pain is something that Adams excels at, and you can’t help but sense that she recognizes the flawed nature of the role she was given in this production.

17.
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (2008)

Around 2008, even Adams’s characters were full of life and energy. This long-developing adaptation from Winifred Watson’s 1938 French novel represents a small part of Adams’s career, but the vivacious actress she plays possesses a seductive charm that distinguishes her role from Junebug, Enchanted, and Doubt. Her character Delysia Lafosse lives life as if it were a Mae West comedy, managing three handsome suitors, grand showbiz aspirations, and a strict social secretary (Frances McDormand) with an energetic zest. While Miss Pettigrew might be overly enthusiastic at times, Adams’s performance mirrors that energy at every playful moment.

16.
Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)

In the movie “Drop Dead Gorgeous,” Adams bursts onto the screen with the enthusiasm of an overeager firework, playing the role of rambunctious Minnesota cheerleader Leslie Miller. Her wide grin and carefree demeanor instantly grab your attention, radiating youthful exuberance. It’s astonishing to see how seamlessly she fits into the dark comedy of the beauty pageant satire. Despite having limited screen time, Adams manages to deliver some of the film’s biggest laughs, such as when Leslie seems thrilled about her second-runner-up trophy, believing it means she came in second place. When corrected, she carries on as if nothing has changed, and her unwavering smile showcases Adams’s natural comedic talent.

15.
Charlie Wilson’s War (2007)

One month following the Thanksgiving box-office victory of Enchanted, Mike Nichols and Aaron Sorkin’s geopolitical comedy played a significant role in showcasing Anne Hathaway’s versatility. Prior to this role, she hadn’t portrayed such a confident career woman, and her convincing performance alongside Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts significantly boosted her lasting success. As Hanks’s intelligent and dedicated assistant, Hathaway provides the balance that keeps the film grounded amidst its larger-than-life performances.

14.
Julie & Julia (2009)

Adams is perfect for Nora Ephron’s chatty dialogues because she has a sparkle like Meg Ryan and the energetic enthusiasm that’s characteristic of Ephron’s style. Although Julie & Julia belongs to Meryl Streep’s lively portrayal of Julia Child, Adams keeps the movie engaging even when Streep isn’t on screen. Since blogging was still new at the time, Adams’s part now seems like a charming relic from an era before Substack, making the film a nostalgic trip back to that pre-Substack world. Additionally, since Adams was Ephron’s last leading actress before she passed away in 2012, rewatching the movie brings a bittersweet feeling.

13.
Sunshine Cleaning (2008)

In a film similar to a lighter version of Nicole Holofcener’s dramas, Amy Adams plays Rose Lorkowski, a single mother trying to make ends meet by starting a crime-scene cleaning business with her estranged sister (Emily Blunt). The joyful grin that Rose cannot suppress when discussing a suicide cleanup job is more authentic than the one she uses to impress former classmates or recite motivational slogans in front of the mirror. Released in 2008 as a modest hit, Sunshine Cleaning transcends quirky Sundance family stereotypes and offers Adams her most substantial role yet, showcasing her emotional depth and solidifying her status as one of her generation’s finest actresses when it comes to shedding tears.

12.
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009)

Prepare for Adams’s moment echoing Katherine Hepburn, as she’s a swift-talking fish out of water – a modern Amelia Earhart with strong shoulders and a dash of mid-Atlantic wit. Despite the sequel’s subpar visual effects and its manic plot that fell flat from the start, watching Adams in a classic screwball comedy pace is delightful. She embodies a rare species of captivating movie star charm that’s now scarce. When can we expect a remake of Bringing Up Baby?

11.
Her (2013)

By 2013, Adams found herself with a variety of leading roles at her disposal, yet she chose to accept minor but impactful supporting parts. A prime example is the film Her, where she played a small yet significant role as Joaquin Phoenix’s friend named Amy. This was a true supporting part since it primarily served to enhance the movie’s narrative, which revolves around Phoenix falling in love with an operating system. Spike Jonze crafted a side story for Amy that made her a genuine character, but the majority of her performance was left to Adams. From the very beginning, Amy appears as a fully-developed character, with an understanding and compassionate inner life that underscores her connection with Phoenix’s character, Theodore. Despite being more stable than him, Adams skillfully conveys Amy’s unwavering dedication to their platonic relationship, which is largely due to her exceptional listening skills as an actress. Just like you, you might feel compelled to visit Amy in the middle of the night when Phoenix’s OS decides to end things.

10.
Catch Me If You Can (2002)

In the following three years, Adams would achieve fame, but it was her role in “Catch Me If You Can” that truly catapulted her into the spotlight. This was the moment when she captivated audiences, leaving them puzzled with questions like, “Who is that?” Remarkably, the target of that robbery was none other than Leonardo DiCaprio. Adams made her entrance in tears, her youthfulness emphasized by the metal braces on her mature teeth. Not long after, she and Leo shared a romantic connection akin to two passionate teenagers. Adams delivered her performance with enthusiasm, showcasing the amusing incongruity of a hospital nurse who acted like an overexcited 14-year-old. Everyone in Steven Spielberg’s production seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely, and Adams was endearing (and endearingly cute) opposite DiCaprio’s suave charmer. She later admitted that “Catch Me If You Can” marked the beginning of her “naïve phase.” Though “Enchanted” was still a ways off, the progression from one to the other is evident.

9.
Doubt (2008)

In “Doubt,” Meryl Streep delivers striking dialogue, but it’s Philip Seymour Hoffman as Father Flynn and especially Amy Adams as Sister James who truly shine. From the start, Sister James is depicted with wide-eyed wonder during mass, her gaze fixed on Father Flynn as he delivers a powerful sermon. Adams portrays Sister James as a naive, unwaveringly faithful character, convinced that faith will see her through any hardship. As John Patrick Shanley’s film unfolds, Sister James’ innocence begins to fade. Adams skillfully conveys this transformation through her deepening voice and increasingly heavy-lidded eyes. The world, Sister James discovers, does not always align with the biblical values she has relied upon. Adams is masterful in embodying this revelation: her character is more ignorant of reality than the older characters, yet her idealism stems from a humanistic foundation that Streep’s cynical matron lacks. Without resorting to overacting, Adams subtly communicates that Sister James serves as a stand-in for the audience grappling with “Doubt”‘s complex themes.

8.
American Hustle (2013)

In essence, Sydney Prosser’s character in David O. Russell’s twisting crime comedy, American Hustle, demands a powerful portrayal. She is cunning, ruthless, seductive, and can seamlessly slip into her English aristocrat persona without a hitch. However, Amy Adams subtly humanizes Sydney by employing subtle touches, such as the deliberate pause she takes before saying “elaborate comb-over” when describing her balding swindler boyfriend (Christian Bale). Even when her co-stars go overboard (especially Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence), Adams remains composed. Instead of shouting, she hisses. This leaves us on the edge of our seats, as we discern that Sydney could be the only trustworthy person amidst the complex scam at the heart of the film. Adams embodies the movie’s key message — “We need to outsmart all these guys” — with the confidence of someone who believes she’s too talented to fail.

7.
Nightbitch

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=Mgsu6cLKAU8

In the heartwarming role of the disheartened mother at the core of “Nightbitch“, referred to succinctly as Mother, Adams shines. The character embodies a complex mix of outspokenness and restraint, maintaining a stoic demeanor until her mundane life takes an intriguing turn, which occurs when she mysteriously transforms into a dog after dark. Adams skillfully portrays this bittersweet conundrum, and Marielle Heller’s adaptation effectively conveys the sharp wit found in Rachel Yoder’s 2021 novel. Regrettably, it falls short as an exploration of body horror, simplifying much of the edginess into a generic allegory on traditional gender norms. However, even with its lackluster canine elements, watching Adams navigate the precarious balance between woman-on-the-edge extremes is captivating. One can’t help but wish that the film surrounding her was more compelling.

6.
The Fighter

In a swift blow, “The Fighter” ended Adams’s wide-eyed phase. She attributes this change to David O. Russell, stating, “He said to me, ‘You are not a princess type — we’ll have to do something about that.'” Indeed, Russell deserves recognition for recognizing Adams as the ideal choice for Charlene Fleming, the tough-talking girlfriend of real-life boxer Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg), before many other directors considered her darker side. Yet, Charlene is a character that perfectly suits Adams. Initially introduced as a “nice girl,” she stands up to the toughest adversary: Micky’s formidable mother (Melissa Leo). Adams infuses Charlene with a loving and loyal heart to justify her nice-girl image, but also with the strength to shatter it when necessary. She convinces us that Charlene is the smartest heavyweight in any situation (be it room or ring).

5.
Sharp Objects (2018)

This adaptation of “Sharp Objects” is truly commendable, as it not only stays faithful to Gillian Flynn’s original work, but also makes it even more gripping and melancholic. Amy Adams, who was also a producer on this critically acclaimed HBO miniseries that was one of the most talked-about shows of summer 2018, seems as much of an artistic visionary in this project as creators Marti Noxon and Jean-Marc Vallée. Adams’ gravelly performance as Camille Preaker, a troubled crime reporter investigating a murder in her hometown, sets the tone for the show’s dark Midwestern atmosphere.

4.
Enchanted (2007) and Disenchanted (2022)

In her debut as the lead actress in a major studio film, Adams utilized her entire comedic skillset. Navigating Times Square in a voluminous ball gown wasn’t simple, but Adams transformed the challenge into an iconic element. As she put it, “I decided that she moves side to side,” referring to Giselle, meaning the dress wouldn’t trip her up. This choice made the fairy-tale princess appear weightless as she walked, perfectly complementing her bubbly, sing-song demeanor. In essence, Adams brought a cartoon character to life on screen, much like Lucy Ball in a whimsical fish-out-water tale where the protagonist is accustomed to castles and wicked queens but not city taxi cabs. The movie Enchanted helped establish Adams as a star because she imbued the story with genuine tension rather than making it feel like a self-referential Disney production.

3.
Arrival (2016)

One notable aspect of the movie Arrival lies in Amy Adams’ subdued performance. While her character, a linguist, does engage in extensive dialogue, what stands out is her absence of the usual rapid-fire charm that we associate with Adams. Instead, the film’s grandeur revolves around Adams portraying Louise’s emotional turmoil (not forgetting the whole peace for humanity part). Adams expresses Louise’s pain through a breathy delivery, which seems to have been amplified by the sound editors, much like Darth Vader’s breathing apparatus. Even when Louise appears to falter, we are confident that she will unravel her mysteries, both alien and otherwise, due to Adams’ deep, insightful portrayal of Louise’s inner depths. It turns out that one of our most talkative actresses excels equally in stillness.

2.
Junebug (2005)

The main character introduced approximately 13 minutes into the movie “Junebug“, named Ashley Johnsten (played by Adams’s Ashley), enters amidst a lively Haydn string quartet, disrupting the usual family squabbles of the Johnstens. Unlike the others, Ashley is not prone to quarrels; instead, she inquisitively engages people with a flurry of questions, shares anecdotes at breakneck speed, and sports a cheerful grin that seems to belie her potential melancholy. “Junebug” served as Adams’s launching pad, a Sundance hit that garnered her first Oscar nomination and subsequently led to numerous roles of bubbly, talkative characters. This role, however, stands out as her finest. Adams portrays Ashley without a trace of irony; jadedness might as well be the ninth mortal sin for her character, despite her imbalanced marriage to her high-school sweetheart (Ben McKenzie). Adams deftly uncovers Ashley’s wisdom beneath her innocent facade, highlighting astute observations that delve deep into her otherwise optimistic spirit.

1.
The Master (2012)

In the realm of cinema, one of its most powerful portrayals also showcases a pivotal Lady Macbeth moment – a scene of manipulative subservience between a showman (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and his cunning wife (Adams). As Peggy Dodd, advisor to her flamboyant 1950s cult leader husband, Adams often donned a demure smile and high-necked blouses – embodying the epitome of mid-century femininity. However, in Paul Thomas Anderson’s subtly crafted tale with Scientology undertones, Adams’s character, Peggy Dodd, challenges this image when she performs an act of submission for Lancaster in front of a bathroom mirror. This act serves as a stark reminder to both the character and the audience that it is Peggy who holds the reins of power in their relationship. Adams’s voice maintains its gentle tone throughout, but her performance skillfully conveys Peggy’s inner strength without resorting to overt displays of aggression. Rather, through a blend of control and empathy – traits shared by any capable leader – Adams leaves no doubt that her character can exert her will over her man, once more.

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2024-12-06 22:57