Sissy Spacek was phenomenal in this role

I totally agree! I saw this movie yesterday and their performance was jaw-dropping. Both had incredible moments, Sissy's in particular was amazing. I think when critics use the word "powerhouse", it's nail on for Sissy's performance. Wow, I mean an actor really is in control of their medium when they make it look incredibly real and smooth and so easy. She did all that. I literally felt like I was peering in on someone's conversation when I watched these two actresses go back and forth.

Few actresses can do that today. I guess that's what sets them apart from the rest.

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'also love Anne Bancroft, and she's very good here, but I swear, upon repeat viewings, it appears that even she is in awe of Miss Spacek.'
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You could tell by watching the film that she was in awe?
Bancroft has no reason to be in awe of Spacek.

Yes, fully concur with you on Spacek (though I disagree on Bancroft), and actually I think she even outdid her performance in Coal Miner's Daughter. Perhaps her nominated performance that year in Crimes of the Heart was at least partly due to her performance in 'Night, Mother?

agree, she is always fantastic




so many movies, so little time

I just watched this and yes, Spacek was exceptional, one of her best performances.

Bancroft was grating at first but did have powerful moments, particularly towards the end. By this stage in her career she was hardly what one would call a subtle actress but subtlety is not what the role calls for.