If you think of versatility in acting, Cate Blanchett should be the first person on your mind. From monarchs, an elf and Goddess to death to music legends and movie stars, this 51-year old two-times Oscar winner has essayed every role with ease and built a reputation of a chameleonic actor for herself since she arrived at Hollywood from Australia. Recently she had essayed the outspoken conservative activist in the recent television drama of 2020 Mrs America.
As Cate is all set to serve as a jury president at the Venice Film Festival on September 2, we have enlisted 10 of her best movies and TV shows that deserve a re-watch.
- Elizabeth (1998 film)– This film brought Cate’s first Oscar nomination as she essayed the redheaded and deathly pale Elizabeth I. Another Oscar nomination was received by her as she reprised the role in the 2007 movie Elizabeth: The Golden Age where she painted a clear picture of the fiery ruler of a divided country.
- The Talented Mr Ripley (1999 film)- In this twisted thriller of a social-climbing psychopath, by Anthony Minghella, Cate plays a delightful and bubbly American heiress. Her onscreen wardrobe consisting of wasp-waisted coats, splendid ball gowns and cashmere sweaters provides enough reason to watch the movie.
- The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001 film)- The character of elf queen Galadriel is played by Cate in the setting of an ancient world destroyed by violence. Galadriel advises Frodo as he undertakes a perilous journey in this fantasy epic by Peter Jackson. Cate played the captivating character in two sequels and The Hobbit franchise.
- Coffee and Cigarettes (2003 film)- In this episodic saga, Cate is seen in two roles, a prim version of herself and her slouchy, shaggy-haired fictional cousin Shelly who is resentful of her relative’s fame as they meet for coffee. This movie is the best testament to Cate’s incredible versatility.
- The Aviator (2004 film)- This sumptuous period drama by Martin Scorsese sees Cate Blanchett embody the screen legend Katherine Hepburn. The actor adopted a portly speaking style, a stately gait and donned elegant, baggy suits. In the end she out-shone Leonardo DiCaprio to win her first Oscar as the best-supporting actress.
- Notes on a Scandal (2006 film)- This gripping tale of obsession and blackmail has Cate playing the role of a free-spirited new recruit at a school in London Sheba who intrigues a teacher approaching retirement. When Sheba sleeps with a student, the aged teacher tries to blackmail and take control of her life.
- I’m Not There (2007 film)- This story revolves around six actors who explore the contradictory public appearances of Bob Dylan. This wildly experimental musical biopic by Todd Haynes’ has the most startling transformation of Blanchett. With a curly tuft of hair, an expression of contempt and dark glasses, Cate awes her critics and defies all conventions.
