Laura Linney is one of the best American actresses possibly ever. Is that taking it too far? I do not think so after seeing her in films, on television ("The Big C") and now on Broadway.
I have been a fan for along time though I cannot say exactly when I knew who she was. In the play, "Time Stands Still", Linney takes displays, passion and a caustic sense of humor and timing for a ride as a photographer who is fresh off an assignment at a war zone where she was almost fatally injured. She is in a long-term relationship with a writer who was also covering the fighting and has a close mentor in a photo editor that brings along with him his mid-life crises/baby mama when they meet again once she is back home.
There is great tension between the characters with loose alliances forming and breaking apart at various stages and a clear struggle between happiness and "life" taking place throughout the play.
The performances of the other actors are excellent with Christina Ricci being the other standout. Her optimistically ignorant character brings the youth and normalcy that the other characters do not share. She is somewhat a member of the audience, wondering why the others do not want to be happy and asking point-blank, "how can I make a difference?" She lets the audience off the hook. They don't have to ask after they are accused of just standing by and watching things happen.
it is a difficult play to digest because as funny as some lines are, the irony is that the audience is really laughing at itself and upon reflection, some others than myself may have realized this by now.
But, it is a play that is highly recommended before the run is over. Linney must return to the set of "The Big C" and that will be the end. If you have not subscribed to Showtime, grab the DVD and if you are in NYC this month, go check out the play.
Linney and the rest of the cast are lovely enough to sign autographs and pose for pictures after the show which is a bonus if you want to shake hands with brilliance (ok, maybe now I'm a bit over-excited).
1/2/11 - 2nd play of the year - it is a good year so far.
2 comments:
I do love Ms. Linney. She's been doing good work since Tales of the City.
I agree with you on Larua Linney. She is THE BEST!!
What are you doing at Sundance? Wish I was there!
Luv xo
Lydia
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