I was absolutely shocked that Lynn Redgrave did not win the Supporting Actress Oscar for this film. The scene when she discovers Whale in the pool is just heartbreaking and brings tears to my eyes every time I watch the movie. And to think that she lost to Judi Dench for 10 mins. in Shakespeare in Love? Give me a break!
shareMs. Redgrave gave an incredible performance, completely transforming her speech, look, demeanor and expression of thought into that of an unrecognizable "other person."
shareI completely agree that she deserved the Oscar but we know by now that it's all politics and a popularity contest and not always a true barometer of the best performance or work.
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Lynn was wonderful! And I have to disagree with Mit800, Vanessa is the more versatile. She can do comedy and drama and has had success in both fields, what with the Oscars and Golden Globes going to her every which way, Lynn has been nominated for two Oscars, One for Comedy, Georgy Girl and the other for drama, Gods and Monsters and she has won the Golden Globe for both these films. and Vanessa has a wonderful sweet voice.
shareI totally agree that Lynn Redgrave was robbed of the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for this film and I am thrilled that this is the very first post on this board because it was the first thing I wanted to post. Ms. Redgrave is nothing short of brilliant in this film creating a slightly scary but devoted womanservant to Whale...her proctectiveness of her boss was touching and though she clearly was not too crazy about his sexual lifestyle, she was hopelessly devoted to the man and protected him at all costs. I was sure that Redgrave was finally going to win the Oscar that had alluded her all these years, but it was not to be. I don't even remember who won, but it doesn't matter...Redgrave should have won that Oscar, case closed.
shareI saw the film last night and Lynn Redgrave stole every single scene she was in! I was laughing at almost everything she did except the end of course. She was brilliant.
shareI'm with ya. Judi Dench was just basically being Judi Dench in Shakespeare In Love. Those 8 minutes of screentime weren't that special. Lynn totally deserved it; she has a wonderful accent in this film. Love that scene where Brendan Fraser makes the joke about marriage and she complains about men always making jokes, in a hysterical way.
Sean Connery, do what is right... star in Indiana Jones 4!
I'm so glad to see the number of people here who appreciated Miss Redgrave's performance, which was quite brilliant. I too would have loved for her to receive the Best Supporting Actress Academy Award; however, I also admire Judi Dench greatly and I think she was magnificent as Queen Elizabeth in SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE though it was a very brief turn. I know it's been said that her SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE Academy Award was a consolation prize for not taking home the gold a year earlier for MRS. BROWN. I suppose this could be true. Honestly, I think Dench herself was surprised by her Oscar. As she held her statuette, she said: "I feel, for eight minutes on the screen, I should only get a little bit of him." I thought that was kind of cute. Dench is a treasure though and whether she's playing a big role or a smallish one she really gives it her all. Sure her SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE perf was eight minutes of screen time but I must say it was a pretty fascinating eight minutes! Had it been up to me I probably would have sent both Dench and Redgrave home with Oscars.
shareWhy Lynn Redgrave didn't win:
Miramax & The Weinstein Bros.
Miramax & The Weinstein Bros
I agree, urania fic. This piece is an acting showcase and Lynn and Ian's performances were so touching. Brendon's acting was just what was called for too. I get a kick out the scene in the kitchen:
"Poor mister Jimmy, there is so much good in him, but he will suffer the fires of hell, it's really sad"
"You sure of that?"
"That's what the priest tell me. His sins of the flesh will keep him from heaven."
"Everyone has got those"
"No, his is the worst. (pause) The unspeakable. The deed no man can name without shame. What is the word in English? Buggerer. Bugger. Men who bugger each other."
"Homo?"
"Yes, you know!"
I totally agree! The whole time I was watching this, I was thinking that if her name would have been Meryl Streep, she would have won! I mean, I like Streep, but to me, Redgrave gave a performance here that was as good---or better---than ANYTHING Streep has ever done!
I like Dench too---but Redgrave deserved to win that year---totally.
Please excuse typos/funny wording; I use speech-recognition that doesn't always recognize!