Julianne Moore Most Iconic Film Roles

Julianne Moore Most Iconic Film Roles: A Look at the Career of Julie Anne Smith

Julie Anne Smith, better known as Julianne Moore, is one of the most versatile actresses of her generation. With a career spanning over three decades, Moore has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. From dramatic roles to comedies, she has showcased her acting range time and again. In this article, we take a look at some of her most iconic film roles. Net worth: $55 million.

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Boogie Nights (1997)

Moore received critical acclaim for her role in the 1997 film “Boogie Nights.” She played the role of Amber Waves, a pornographic film star, who takes a young actor under her wing. Her performance was praised for its vulnerability and emotional depth, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

The Big Lebowski (1998)

In “The Big Lebowski,” Moore played the role of Maude Lebowski, a feminist artist and the daughter of the titular character. Her character was quirky, bold, and memorable, adding a touch of humor to the film. Her performance earned her widespread acclaim and helped solidify her as a talented actress in Hollywood.

The Kids AreAll Right (2010)

Directed by Lisa Cholodenko. Written by Lisa Cholodenko and Stuart Blumberg. Starring Annette Bening, Mark Ruffalo, Mia Wasikowska, Josh Hutcherson.

This indie hit from Lisa Cholodenko casts Moore as one half of a married lesbian couple (opposite Annette Bening) raising children (Mia Wasikowska and Josh Hutcherson) made possible by a sperm donor. When the kids seek out their biological father (Mark Ruffalo), Moore suddenly finds herself in bed with him, disrupting the harmony of their happy home. Neither preachy nor judgmental, “The Kids Are All Right” views its characters and situation with a warmth and familiarity that makes its modern family feel universal. Moore contended at the Globes and BAFTA as Best Actress, yet was snubbed at the Oscars, though Bening and Ruffalo contended for lead and supporting bids, respectively.

Magnolia (1999)

In “Magnolia,” Moore played the role of Linda Partridge, the wife of a dying television producer. Her performance was lauded for its emotional depth and authenticity, and she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Her portrayal of Linda was widely considered to be one of her best performances.

The Hours (2002)

In “The Hours,” Moore played the role of Laura Brown, a depressed housewife who is reading the novel “Mrs. Dalloway” by Virginia Woolf. Her performance was praised for its subtlety and nuance, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Her portrayal of Laura was widely considered to be one of her most challenging roles yet.

Still Alice (2014)

In “Still Alice,” Moore played the role of Alice Howland, a linguistics professor who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Her performance was hailed as one of the best of her career, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Moore’s portrayal of Alice was widely considered to be one of the most honest and heartbreaking depictions of Alzheimer’s disease on film.

Far From Heaven (2002)

Starring Dennis Quaid, Dennis Haysbert, Patricia Clarkson, Viola Davis, James Rebhorn, Celia Weston.

“Far From Heaven” meticulously recreates the style of 1950s Douglas Sirk melodramas, adding a modern day frankness that hits you like a bolt. By saying out loud what Sirk could only hint at, Todd Haynes forces us to reflect on both our past and present bigotries. Moore gives the performance of a lifetime as Cathy Whitaker, a Connecticut housewife whose life is upended when her husband (Dennis Quaid) comes out of the closet. At the same time, she finds herself increasingly drawn to her black gardener (Dennis Haysbert), much to the astonishment of her neighbors. Despite winning prizes at the Independent Spirits and Critics Choice Awards, Moore lost the Oscar to Nicole Kidman (“The Hours”). That same year she also contended unsuccessfully in supporting for Kidman’s film, losing to Catherine Zeta-Jones (“Chicago”).

Conclusion

Julianne Moore has played a variety of roles in her career, ranging from dramatic to comedic. Her ability to portray complex characters with depth and authenticity has earned her widespread acclaim and numerous awards. From her early roles in the 90s to her more recent performances, she has consistently delivered outstanding performances that have solidified her as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.

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Adam Regan

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Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

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