Charlotte Gainsbourg the Unassuming Actress

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Charlotte Gainsbourg is a French and British actress who has made films in several different countries: France, America, UK, Australia. In fact, my first time to see her in a film and began to take notice was the 2010 Australian film, The Tree. I actually thought she was Australian until I saw her in several more films. While she is not a raving beauty like Audrey Fleurot or a funny – cutsie actress like Audrey Tautou, I find her very cerebral and sophisticated, which makes her gorgeous. The roles she has played have been quite diverse, and like a chameleon she could be given almost any storyline and make you believe she is this person. Her movements on screen make her seem quite flexible almost like a puppet with no strings (Pinocchio). I say this because she is not what you would typically call graceful when she walks, I can’t imagine trying to imitate her and yet she is fascinating with this signature style she seems to own. Maybe France knows and understands her, but here in the U.S. I think we need to pay more attention, especially those of us who can handle her type of films.

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Keeping Up Appearances – the Narcissistic Wife and Neighbor

While this is a comedy, you can imagine, when you view this series from the BBC, how difficult it would be to be in the character Richard’s shoes (her husband) and that of her neighbors. Dame Patricia Rutledge died this past week, at the age of 96 and so I thought I’d share one of her most remarkable performances as a Narcissistic wife and neighbor. Her character’s name is Hyacinth Bucket (though she makes sure everyone pronounces her name Bouquet instead). She is so focused on looking good, hence the title of the show. It does not matter what her husband thinks, her neighbors, her siblings, the Vicar and his wife. Everyone is under her thumb and reacts appropriately to her expectations.

If you get a chance to watch this TV series, it will make you laugh hysterically. However, in real life, this type of person would be hell to live with. She also has a son, whom you never see in the series. His name is Sheridan. She thinks highly of him, which a narcissistic mother would do. RIP Dame Rutledge, what a long life and career, and a wonderful actress you were.