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Ellen Burstyn
FILMOGRAPHY (ONLY REVIEWED ENTRIES)
Arriving fairly late in films, and even later in the Hollywood celebrity scene, Ellen Burstyn's career has been distinguished by recurring, often low-key, critically acclaimed performances in ambitious and groundbreaking movies. Her cinematic successes stand in stark contrast to her turbulent personal life, which includes three broken marriages and a childhood marked by abuse. That she has persevered through it all is a testament to Burstyn's personal resilience – a strength that has often been reflected in her characters. As an actress, Burstyn is unpretentious and highly professional. She portrays both elegance and desperation with equal conviction. Her best roles have often been characters pushed to their limits, such as in The Exorcist or Requiem for a Dream. What is remarkable is how she's managed to retain credibility even in extreme segments, bordering on the fantastical. After a string of successes in the 1970s, Burstyn struggled to find strong roles in films during the 1980s and 1990s, turning to television work instead. However, well into her senior years, she returned to the limelight and remained as prolific and ambitious as ever. Burstyn has become a role model for women, without ever overtly adopting the feminist label.
Alex in Wonderland (1970) "Burstyn stands out as Sutherland's wife" - Leonard Maltin The King of Marvin Gardens (1972) "Burstyn's performance as an aging beauty is chilling in its perfection" - Leonard Maltin Resurrection (1980) "Burstyn's moving performance is the centrepiece of a wonderful and underrated film." - Leonard Maltin
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