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Scott's Movie Reviews
"Anderson Makes a 'House' Call"
by Scott A. Mantz
"The House of Mirth"
As hard as it is for small screen actors to find big screen success, it's
even harder if they're coming from a science fiction series. For example,
while "Star Trek" continues to be enormously popular, many of the actors
associated with it have seen their acting careers whither away faster than a
phaser on overload.
That's a fate that must weigh heavily on the minds of "X-Files" stars David
Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. While Duchovny has already started the process
of easing himself out of the show, maybe the time has come for Anderson to do
the same. Her X-ceptional performance in "The House of Mirth" is so radiant,
so powerful, and so utterly riveting, that she not only leaves her
X-character Dana Scully X-iled to Area 51, but she may even get a bona-fide
Oscar nomination to boot. (Trust me--she's that good!)
Based on Edith Wharton's 1905 novel of the same name, "The House of Mirth"
tells the tragic story of Lily Bart (Gillian Anderson), a 29-year-old
socialite-wannabe looking for love among New York's crusty, stuffy, and
snobby upper class. Despite being courted by a worthy, but not quite filthy
rich pursuer (Eric Stoltz), Lily believes that her fate lies in the hands of
someone with more money. The problem is that she's not emotionally or
physically attracted to anyone else, and when she breaks the rules of this
Edwardian game of "Lifestyles of the Rich and Shameless," she finds herself
up the proverbial creek without a paddle.
Though the film may take place almost 100 years ago, "The House of Mirth"
could easily have taken place today. At almost 30, Lily believes that she is
near the expiration date for what makes her attractive to another man.
Everybody can relate to Lily's desire to marry into a lot of money
(especially in this crazy town!), but her stubborn behavior and inability to
compromise forces her into a downward spiral from which she tragically cannot
recover.
If you look back over the course of "The X-Files," you'll notice that
Anderson's acting abilities have improved to such a degree that she actually
began to overshadow the presence of her co-star, David Duchovny. That's what
makes her such a revelation in "The House of Mirth." Think of "The X-Files"
as the desert that she's been wandering in for the last 8 years. "The House
of Mirth" is her oasis. As a result, she goes for broke and delivers a
convincing and emotional performance that is sure to get her the proper
recognition (and better movie roles) when the time is right. Though her
character's fate may be devastating (and rather depressing) to behold, she's
so delicate, impressive, and beautiful that you can't help but stand up and
take notice.
Though Anderson commands the film and appears in every scene, she is
complimented by a stellar supporting cast. Dan Aykroyd plays a sleazy and
intimidating socialite who turns against Anderson when she refuses to be his
mistress, while Eric Stoltz plays her helpless knight in shining armor who
can only stand by and watch her gradual descent into poverty. Laura Linney,
fresh off her own masterful performance in "You Can Count on Me," plays
Anderson's so-called "friend" with a catty competitive streak, while Anthony
LaPaglia comes through as having more honor than anyone else in this
not-so-in crowd.
We all find ourselves in a situation where we try to fit in with the wrong
people, even though we may not realize it at the time. Lily is so driven by
money and security that she cannot see that she's out of her league.
Actually, if you think about it, everyone else is out of her league. Despite
some bad judgment, she didn't sell herself out or compromise her soul for
money. Maybe it's time for Anderson to do the same so she can move on to
bigger and better screens.
THE END
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