In my opinion Afterglow is Ms. Christie's best performance, and not just because it heralded a return after a long absence away from the screen. Besides being gorgeous and vibrantly sexy, she is funny, self-deprecating,heart wrenching (that final scene with Nick Nolte is incredibly powerful). She is simply amazing in Darling,not only because that amazing face is in nearly every frame, but also because she never lets us forget the insecurity and, ultimately, sorrow behind all of Diana's horrible choices. Doctor Zhivago is pure joy-she is by far the more interesting character, insofar as Zhivago does little more than stand around watching the world. In the first half it is her character that drives the plot, not his.
Don't overlook The Go-Between,which seems to improve over time. Her performance is equal parts brittle selfishness and thwarted love. Superb. Petulia, one of the best, most underrated films of the 60s, presents Julie in a role that could have been stereotypical. However, she transcends it, digging deeply into the psyche of an abused woman desperate to free herself. Don't Look Now presents her as a grieving mother. Never once does she overplay her character, capturing all the pain and anger behind her loss. Even in Shampoo (if you think it's merely a sex farce, watch it more closely), in a role that could be flat in another actress'
hands,is stunning. And not just because of that incredible gown she wears to the party. Just watch her face as she's saying goodbye to Warren Beatty on the hilltop in the film's final scene. Her heartbreak is palpable. As for McCabe and Mrs. Miller,sheer perfection. And Away from Her,brilliant.
One of the things I've noticed in her work is that she nearly always plays women grappling with devastating loss without ever milking our tears. She is one for the ages.
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