Many of you know of my love for Audrey Hepburn. She is my favourite film actress. While I love her as an actress and a fashion icon, I have always loved her most for who she was as a person in everyday life. Audrey was a tireless humanitarian working on behalf of UNICEF. She was compassionate, generous, sincere, courageous, down-to-earth, humble and gentle.
She bought joy and hope to millions around the world and helped make the world a better place in so many ways. Truly one of the loveliest souls to ever walk this earth. We were lucky to have her amongst us. Audrey delivered so many incredible performances over the years and made them all look effortless. I think she delivered her greatest screen performances in the following five films.Which of her film performances do you consider to be Audrey’s best? Let me know below. Would love to hear your thoughts on her performances in the films I’ve focused on.
Sabrina(1954). Audrey is absolutely luminous in this. I love her transformation from love-struck and rather naïve young woman, into a far more confident, worldly and elegant one. Audrey makes you fully believe that Sabrina has emotionally matured and is now torn between Linus and David. Her performance as Sabrina Fairchild is one of the most enchanting and delightful ever captured on film. I can’t imagine another actress in the role. I especially love her performance in the scenes where Sabrina arrives at the party and finally gets to live out her dream of dancing with David; Sabrina and Linus going out for dinner, a dance and a drive; Linus and Sabrina’s chat on the sailboat.
Breakfast At Tiffany’s(1961). Audrey was cast against type as kooky and emotionally damaged escort Holly Golightly, in this adaptation of the novella of the same name by Truman Capote. The role of Holly was originally intended for Marilyn Monroe, but it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Audrey in the role now. She’s vulnerable, funny, sexy, luminous, playful, shallow, infuriating, passionate, bubbly etc all at once. Her look in this film has become iconic. Audrey is the reason why this film has remained so beloved and popular over the decades.
Roman Holiday(1953). This was Audrey’s first lead role. She won the Best Actress Oscar for her phenomenal performance as the Princess who runs away and enjoys a day of freedom and normal life in the company of an American journalist(Gregory Peck). What a raw and beautiful performance she gives! She and Gregory are so natural that it is as if the cameraman followed the pair around and captured their real interactions and reactions, rather than filming them performing for the camera. Audrey and Gregory became friends while making this and remained close until her death in 1993. You can see their real affection for each other throughout the film.I especially love Audrey’s performance in the scenes where she and Joe first kiss; where she gets a haircut; where she’s drunk and asking Joe for a nightgown; and the “I don’t know how to say goodbye” hug in the car. This is one of my most favourite films and my ultimate comfort film. I’ll never tire of spending time with Audrey and Gregory in Rome.
Two For The Road(1967).This gem is one of Audrey’s most underrated films. Audrey and Albert Finney have phenomenal chemistry as Mark and Joanna Wallace, a married couple whose life we follow via four non-linear storylines. This is one of the best films ever made about the complexities and ups and downs of marriage. Audrey delivers one of her most moving, hilarious and passionate performances. She and Albert grew incredibly close during filming(there is speculation that they had an affair, but this has never been confirmed)and he really brought her out of herself and helped her to relax; you can see on screen how they light up around each other. That’s not acting. Albert also looked after her during their shared scenes in the water, something Audrey was petrified of due to having nearly drowned as a child.
The Nun’s Story(1959). For me this is Audrey’s finest screen hour. Audrey really put herself through the wringer for this performance and it shows. She looks emotionally and physically drained and ill in so many scenes, as she perfectly captures Sister Luke’s increasing internal conflict regarding the repressive and cold religious life conflicting with her calling as a nurse working out in the community. Every time I watch this I am in awe of Audrey’s remarkable performance. It is a real shame that the film is not more widely known or discussed today. She and Peter Finch(as the blunt and worldly Dr. Fortunati) have wonderful chemistry and their shared scenes are the highlight of the film for me. Their growing relationship is a treat to watch. A very moving and powerful film experience. You can read my review here.
This is my entry for the Audrey Hepburn blogathon that I am hosting on Friday(June 12th). There’s still time to join if you would like too.