Chameleon Actress

[Gothampc]

I'm watching Monuments Men and I think Cate Blanchett is the most versatile actress who has the ability to lose herself in a character. Some people have said that Meryl Streep is the best, but I've always felt it was just Meryl putting on a wig or a funny nose.

Who do you think is the best at putting on the full character?

[madbrian]

First names that come to mind are Tilda Swinton and Viola Davis. Also, I think Jessica Chastain is on her way to that league. Robert Downey, Jr and Daniel Day-Lewis are the first actors who come to mind.

[Gothampc]

Oh yes Daniel Day-Lewis. And Guy Pearce.

[henrikegerman]

Isabelle Huppert, Audra McDonald, Cate Blanchett, Judi Dench, Angelica Huston, Tilda Swinton, Samantha Morton and Toni Collette

[Eris0303]

Miranda Richardson is on my list.

[Younger Brother]

Toni Collette. Her performance in The Sixth Sense is one of my favorite of all time. So subtle and brilliant. I remember watching Muriel's Wedding and The Sixth Sense over a weekend and couldn't believe it was the same woman.

[Gothampc]

Oh yes, Toni Collette. If you haven't seen Clockwatchers, you should see it. It nails the portrayal of office life perfectly.

[jnb9872]

Since it's the present-day dazzling performance in the spotlight most, Tatiana Maslany is otherwordly in her versatility on ORPHAN BLACK.

[SNAFU]

For guys: Gary Oldman!

[SNAFU]

For guys: Gary Oldman!

[east side story]

Cate Blanchett is twice the actress that Meryl ever was, even in her early 80s sky rocket to fame days. Don't get me wrong. Meryl is a national treasure, and has earned her crown as the Queen of the Film Industry. But looking at Blanchett's resume, there is no comparison. The woman can literally do anything. And has!

And I concur with those that mentioned Jessica Chastain and Tilda Swinton.

[dreaming]

AMEN! I love Cate Blanchett. She's truly a remarkable talent. I first saw her in a little film called "Paradise Road" and she was very, very good. I love her Galadriel in the "Lord of the Rings" films as well as her performance in "Uncle Vanya" that I saw on stage at City Center. (Going to see "The Maids" and can't wait.) I think she's more effortless than Meryl (I agree with Jerry Seinfeld re: Streep: You can see the gears turning when she acts). I prefer actors who don't remind me that they're acting. I think Gary Oldman is an impressive male actor. I also concur with Toni Collette's versatility but feel Cate Blanchett is just in a different league. Jessica Chastain is also very, very good. I loved her in "The Heiress" and her film work. She's a very talented young lady. I think maybe Jennifer Lawrence will get there someday too. She has an awfully good instinct as an actress-and that's something you can't teach.