MovieChat Forums > Twice in a Lifetime (1985) Discussion > Ellen Burstyn

Ellen Burstyn

posted 18 years ago by ijonesiii
7 replies | jump to latest

I heartily disagree with the writer of the opening comments on this board who said Ellen Burstyn is the weakest part of this film...I thought she was wonderful in this film, granted the lack of development of her character in the screenplay. Burstyn always brings more to her roles than what is on the written page and this film was no exception...she lit up the screen in this film, especially in the scene where daughter Amy Madigan talks her mother into a beauty parlor makeover, which includes coloring her hair and sparks a real transformation in Kate, making her realize that life can go on without Harry. Amy Madigan was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for this film, but I think Hackman and Burstyn are just as strong as her parents.

[–] WarpedRecord 18 years ago

Absolutely. Ellen is terrific in this film. Amy Madigan is the weakest part of this film. I'm surprised she was nominated for best supporting actress, because she really overdoes it here.

[–] ijonesiii 18 years ago

I would have nominated Hackman or Burstyn before Madigan.

[–] chalo4279 15 years ago

I thought the after Ellen Burstyn was very pretty !! Its not the outside package that counts but, they did a great job on her, Gene's loss !

[–] WarpedRecord 15 years ago

I agree that Ellen was gorgeous after the makeover. It would be a hard choice, but I'd have chosen Ellen over Ann-Margret strictly for longevity. Plus, Ellen makes a mean omelet!

[–] BigWhiskers 13 years ago

I didn't buy it. Ellen Burstyn is a decent actress but in this movie
she really can't carry a scene. She looks bored and Madigan really got on my nerves, It's one thing to be pissed off at your dad for cheating on your mom but her acting was grating - very one note , im going to yell and scream and act like a little baby

"So, a thought crossed your mind? Must have been a long and lonely journey"

[–] GuyOnTheLeft 8 years ago

She is always great, and this movie is no exception. I disagree with the doubters of Madigon, though: she was fantastic.

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[–] liscarkat (16476) 3 years ago

Burstyn was perfect in this role, and very sexy in a completely different way than Ann-Margret. Madigan was effective at portraying an annoying, overbearing, self-righteous character. I did not like Sunny.