MovieChat Forums > Inventing the Abbotts (1997) Discussion > Another great performance from Kathy Bak...

Another great performance from Kathy Baker

posted 17 years ago by Joshf84
7 replies | jump to latest

I have now seen this film twice and after each time I have seen it I am left with the rationalization of how underrated this film really is. First and formost I thought the acting was great. Kathy Baker's performance as the widowed mother of two sons is one of her best and this particular performance of hers always leaves me in awe of her true talent. I also thought that the ensemble of younger actors in this was great specifically from Joaquin Phoenix and Liv Tyler. Inventing the Abbotts is one of my favorite films of all time and also goes on my list as one of the most underrated too.

[–] dbogosian-1 16 years ago

I have to agree. All the main characters (and not-so-main too) were perfectly cast. It was such a simple story, and yet it just grabs you because the acting is so convincing, so real. I was amazed to see it got as low a rating on IMDB as it did; it deserves much better.

[–] dbogosian-1 16 years ago

[–] Julie980 16 years ago

Kathy is a really good actress! Amazing in this movie!

smoke two joints in the morning, smoke two joints at night

[–] WarpedRecord 14 years ago

I love Kathy Baker, and she's excellent in this film. She's an underutilized actress who doesn't seem to get the attention she deserves. I do wish she'd get some broader roles though, because she's almost always the wife or mother who gives advice, and this film was no exception.

[–] Howlin Wolf 14 years ago

From memory, she's impressed me in a few films I've seen, this being one of them.

"I've been turned down more times than the beds at the Holiday Inn; I still try"

[–] irishaspaddyspig 14 years ago

She's completely believable.

"a malcontent who knows how to spell"

[–] gioconda 12 years ago

One of my favorite quotes about actors she made was about Morgan Freeman.

Morgan was nominated for his portrayal of a menacing pimp in "Street Smart". Kathy played his main "ho" and managed to portray her as super tough yet somehow ladylike.

Incredible performances by both. When asked about Freeman's Oscar nod, she said, "He deserves it. He's an acting machine."

:) :) :)