Ramona's Momma Rocks!

This past weekend was dedicated to relaxing and recouping my energy. Work has been a bitch lately. As part of my self-imposed spa time, I watched SherryBaby. Not exactly light fare but it was gripping. I’ve always been a Maggie Gyllenhaal fan, which only intensified when I saw Secretary. I stand by my statement that t is a great love story. It also helps that Gyllenhaal is involved with Peter Sarsgaard. He’s so amazingly diverse as an actor. I can hardly stand it. Did you see him on Saturday Night Live? Hilarious.

SherryBaby tells the story of former junkie and thief Sherry Swanson (Gyllenhaal). The film starts as Sherry leaves prison and tries to settle into life on the outside and getting to know her little girl who as been living with her brother Bobby (Brad William Henke) and his wife Marcia (Kate Burton). The scenes between Sherry and her family are intense. Watching her try to build a relationship with her daughter are painful. It’s a tough movie to watch at times since you really want her to succeed. Her daily challenges must be similar to what millions of people confront a day. Lack of education. Lack of support and resources. Lack of compassion.

The movie is stark often to the point of feeling like a documentary similar to the A&E program Intervention. Gyllenhaal is a wonder in the role. She didn’t have to gain weight or make herself unattractive to play this woman. Her struggle and past is conveyed through her hair, clothes and body language. The movie is masterful in showing her current life while revealing and alluding to her past problems. It’s definitely worth watching.

Gyllenhaal has always been one of my favorite odd beat actors. You know the actors that you can’t really put in a category. They walk that fine line between indie flicks and big studio productions. Here are a few more actors that meet MaggieBaby in style and technique:

Parker Posey

The queen of independent films is always quirky and unforgettable. She’s pure sunshine in every role. She is exceptional in Party Girl, Personal Velocity and Josie and the Pussycats.

William H. Macy

Here’s a serious actor who doesn’t take himself so seriously. I love his character work in big films and little gems. He’s the best in Boogie Nights.

Giovanni Ribisi

Little guy, big talent. He’s turned himself into quite the character actor. Loved him in The Other Sister and SubUrbia.

Maria Bello

She takes you to those scary dark places inside people. Loved her in The Cooler and History of Violence. Very free and raw as an actor.

What other actors should be added to this list?