Cate Blanchett basically invented acting in sunglasses. This isn't merely *wearing* sunglasses while acting. It's an acting technique all Cate's own.
In one of her quietest and most stripped-down performances to date, Blanchett plays a teacher living in Italy plotting revenge on a local drug dealer. The opening sequence follows Blanchett en route to the kingpin’s office to do the deed. She wears sunglasses like a spy on a secret mission, looking determined and precise in her movements. But almost immediately, it’s evident that something's off.
She doesn’t feel respected by Hughes, who openly flaunts his liaisons with all her acting contemporaries. Despite our inability to see her gaze behind the shades, Blanchett telegraphs the question going through her mind: Will she compromise for a man and let him overshadow her bright spirit? Stepping out of the car and onto a studio lot, we see her remove the shades and know what choice she’s made.
The curly wig and tailored jacket help push the performance from impression to embodiment. But when she puts on sunglasses, it marks the moment Blanchett ends and Dylan begins. Even the way she takes off her shades — crouched over, head down, using both hands for an act that only requires one — is quintessential Dylan.
Blanchett wears the musician’s iconic Ray Bans with cool detachment. The character wants to be viewed as impenetrable and mysterious behind his dark lenses. It’s not that he feels misunderstood by the public — it’s that he doesn’t want to be understood. Blanchett captures this dichotomy in her portrayal. By being an enigma, she’s recognizably “Dylan.”
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Exclusive: 'Driveways' director reflects on one of Brian Dennehy's final rolesAndrew Ahn remembers Dennehy, who died on Wednesday at the age of 81: 'I think he really loved acting because he really loved life.'
Read more »
Cate Blanchett Explains Phyllis Schlafly's 'Lonely' Anti-Feminist CrusadeCate Blanchett, who plays conservative figure Phyllis Schlafly on 'Mrs. America,' explains the divisive character she portrays on the show.
Read more »
How 'the most liberated woman in America' became TV's next great antiheroFX on Hulu limited series 'Mrs. America' brings the fight over the Equal Rights Amendment to life with Cate Blanchett as conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly.
Read more »
'Mrs. America' Cast vs. Their Real-Life Counterparts: A Visual GuideCate Blanchett leads FX on Hulu's star-studded ensemble about the political fight over the Equal Rights Amendment.
Read more »
Who Was Phyllis Schlafly, 'First Lady of the Conservative Movement'?Cate Blanchett plays the conservative firebrand who led a successful campaign against the Equal Rights Amendment in FX on Hulu's 'Mrs. America.'
Read more »
How the Mrs. America Cast Compares to the Real-Life PlayersSee how Cate Blanchett, Rose Byrne and more stars of the new FX on Hulu series Mrs. America compare to the real people they're playing!
Read more »