Here are the five nominees: (Winner in Bold)
Simone Signouret (Room at the Top)
Biggest Snub:
Lee Remick – Anatomy of a Murder
My Overall Thoughts:
This year has 4 very good performances and one outstanding one that stands out among the group.
My Rankings:
Actress
5. Doris Day
4. Audrey Hepburn
3. Katharine Hepburn
2. Elizabeth Taylor
1. Simone Signouret
Movies
4. Pillow Talk – Day and Hudson have great chemistry here and that’s what makes this storyline work so well. The idea to keep the tension level high between the two of them works extremely well and it makes the viewer want to finally see them together yet they keep missing their chances along the way as things keep getting in the way. First of three collaborations between the two actors who work so well together. Ritter and Randall are both great in supporting roles.
3. Room at the Top – Harvey is pretty good here, but at points he is quite a bore which seems to be on purpose. Sears is also good here, but Signoret steals the show with her Oscar winning performance. Liked the way they were able to be frank about life and what people are willing to do for love and also to get to the top.
2. The Nun’s Story – Does an excellent job of showing the life of a nun. Hepburn does a wonderful job as the conflicted woman who has trouble balancing her faith with her yearning to heal. Liked the way they showed us so much of what it means to be a woman of the cloth and trying to detail the process. The themes of this film are great because we get to experience along with the main character why she has questions about her faith vs. profession. I can understand how people can really adore this film.
1. Suddenly, Last Summer – Very interesting premise that works really well even though some of the issues dealt with in the film are toned down. Clift is fine in the lead but is eclipsed by both Taylor and Hepburn who each have very strong film presence with these complex characters. The story moves along really well and they do a nice job of slowly revealing information which makes both the audience and the characters even more curious to see what will eventually happen. Both Hepburn and Taylor were nominated for Oscars for Best Actress and probably split the vote since both give excellent performances here. The dialogue is great and allows us to get a clear picture of the very complex situations that these characters find themselves in.
Do I agree with the Oscar winner? – Most Definitely! SS is superb in RatT and gives a very powerful performance that leaves her competition in the dust.
Let me know what you think about these films and my rankings!
MovieRob 