MovieChat Forums > Rio Grande (1950) Discussion > Maureen O'Hara's Unearthly Stillness

Maureen O'Hara's Unearthly Stillness

posted 11 years ago by poetcomic1
5 replies | jump to latest

Maureen O'Hara perfected a technique of using silence and stillness for maximum effect. It is astonishingly powerful. It is a theatrical trick for stealing scenes when on stage with'active' fellow players and most actors know how to do it but SHE makes it into a kind of Irish Zen! I am half way through yet another viewing of this and I have counted twenty outstanding instances of this 'very Maureen' anti-acting. It does help if you are extremely beautiful which she is.

[–] lizcarlo87 11 years ago

Interesting.

[–] lakealice 9 years ago

True, but even during those shots, her face is extremely expressive, not blank, as it is with other actors who try that.

[–] poetcomic1 9 years ago

Absolutely. A kind of tremulous quality under the surface that is so alive.

[–] kenny-164 9 years ago

I remembered this film on Maureen O'Hara's death. Imo one of her great if lesser known ones, despite the great reverence her next film with Wayne, The Quiet Man, deservedly receives.

Yes, her acting in this film is exceptional. Unlike the great fun that is The Quiet Man, this one was a more serious effort, and is an interesting pairing showing Ms. O'Hara's range. Great commetns on this thread, and her death is a great reminder to see this film again.

[–] McKealty 8 years ago

It certainly helps to wake up in the morning and look like she does!