MovieChat Forums > Siobhan Finneran Discussion > Best of the bunch in Downton Abbey

Best of the bunch in Downton Abbey

posted 12 years ago by sirjeremy
4 replies | jump to latest

To me, she's the best actor in the show. I don't know if she was ever put forward for the Emmy (if not, then shame on Carnival Productions for not doing so), but her portrayal of O'Brien, someone inherently embittered and capable of doing some hideously contemptible acts, yet being compassionate when she wants to be, is one of the best performances by anyone in a TV show from the past couple of years. Her work in the second season surpassed that in the first as we saw O'Brien's brittle facade fell down even more with her remorse for what she did to Cora and also, did she truly fall for Lang? Or was she holding a torch for her lady? The genius of this performance is that it's never obvious what O'Brien's true motives are.

I am extremely disappointed that Maggie Smith has been nominated again for an average performance. I mean, everyone knew she was a shoo-in but still, she doesn't deserve it for a role she can do in her sleep.

Bravo, Siobhan - you just keep getting better with age!

What does everyone else think?

[–] kybocche 11 years ago

I agree. She is amazing. She communicates an incredibly strong, believable character... even with just her looks. Her character has evolved as a human would in her situation. Bravo!!! I hope to see her in many more roles. She should be recognized as a complete classic!!!

[–] brendanchenowith 11 years ago

I hate O'Brien, which means I love Siobhan. She's fantastic.

I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked.

[–] tjloverdog 11 years ago

Right!?!! I can't stand O'Brien but it's great because we are supposed to hate her character. She's really talented. I don't believe I've seen her in anything else but have seen some pictures of her in real life and don't believe it is her! The transformation is amazing.

[–] brendanchenowith 10 years ago

I know - she's so pretty, and so young - well, younger than I am, anyway. I'm not sure which of the DVD series it was, but I rented them all when I was waiting for series 4 to air on PBS - I saw an outtake in which Rob James-Collier flubbed a line. Siobhan, who wasn't in the scene, appears carrying a cup of tea and got caught accidentally walking onto the set and had this adorable smile on her face (something you didn't see very often when she was in character).

I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked.