Ellen Barkin: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Ellen Barkin is an actress who knows how to make her presence felt, whether she’s playing a barely noticeable extra or a sassy, dominant woman who steals the limelight. With an impressive range of acting skills, Barkin has been on a steady rise since her debut, her career taking several twists and turns. One thing is certain: whatever role she takes on, Barkin is sure to entertain.
Let’s dive into our top 5 picks for Ellen Barkin’s best movie roles:
1. Elaine Greenawalt – The Cobbler
In The Cobbler, Barkin portrays one of the meanest, cruelest, and most temperamental women in New York City. This character allows her to showcase a truly vindictive and threatening demeanor that fans might not consider her best role, but it’s definitely up there. Barkin’s display of quiet force lends the film a little more credibility and reminds us why she’s one of Hollywood’s top actresses.
2. Helen Kruger – Sea of Love
Barkin has openly expressed her enjoyment of playing Helen Kruger in Sea of Love. While women were often underrated and exploited in film for many years, Barkin felt safe with co-star Al Pacino, whom she regarded as a protector during the movie’s filming. Given the intimate nature of their characters’ relationship, it’s no surprise that a rapport was built between them. In fact, this wouldn’t be the last time they worked together.
3. Claire – Siesta
As the star and main figure in Siesta, Claire embarks on a journey she doesn’t fully understand but seeks to embrace. Barkin has admitted that this was one of her favorite roles during her career, and it’s one that has helped define her as an actress. On a personal note, this film is where she met her eventual husband, actor and co-star Gabriel Byrne.
4. Beth Schreiber – Diner
Barkin’s debut film, Diner, showcased her natural talent as she effortlessly nailed her role as Beth Schreiber. Despite her limited experience at the time, Barkin’s performance was masterful and set the stage for a long and successful career that would see her become a prominent face in Hollywood.
5. Abigail Sponder – Ocean’s Thirteen
Barkin’s portrayal of Abigail Sponder in Ocean’s Thirteen could have earned her the title of ‘Ice Queen.’ Her character is a woman who seems to live for two things: pleasing her boss, played by Al Pacino, and making everyone else’s lives miserable. Barkin plays the role to perfection, becoming one of the few characters in the film that everyone loves to hate (until Matt Damon puts the squeeze on her). This is a testament to her great acting abilities.
Ellen Barkin: A Lasting Legacy
Many actors and actresses come and go, but those with staying power tend to experience periods of both success and quiet. Ellen Barkin is currently on an upswing as she gears up for another season of Animal Kingdom as the matriarch of the Cody family. Her diverse and captivating performances have solidified her place in the cinematic universe, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.
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