Shelley Duvall: her 20 greatest films

1991 Film Suburban Commando

Duvall's performance as a California housewife has some good moments, but it's Christopher Lloyd who really shines as her husband. He undergoes significant character development when they decide to lease their shed to Hulk Hogan, who plays a tired intergalactic superhero.

1998 Movie: Home Fries

Written by Vince Gilligan, directed by Dean Parisot, and starring Catherine O'Hara as a revenge-seeking widow, this dark comedy falls short of expectations. Despite this, Robert Duvall delivers a heartwarming performance as Drew Barrymore's mother.

Buffalo Bill And The Indians - Movie Review

Robert Altman breaks down traditional American stories in a large, humorous way, but doesn't have a strong plot. Duvall stands out as the first lady, who aims to share culture, going to Paul Newman's Wild West Show with her husband, President Grover Cleveland.

"The Mummy's Tale In 1998"

Duvall and Christopher Lee are the most famous actors in Russell Mulcahy's low-budget movie. Duvall portrays a spiritual healer who attempts to save Londoners from being killed by ancient Egyptian flying bandages.

The 4th Floor: A Thrilling Film

Juliette Lewis recently acquired a New York City apartment, which leads her to become increasingly paranoid due to her unusual neighbors. Duvall manages to portray a character that is both eccentric and menacing. However, this movie that feels like a recycled version of The Tenant doesn't fully take advantage of Lewis' captivating performance. Additionally, the film falls apart towards the end with a twist that is just too unbelievable.

This is the second short movie that Tim Burton created while he was working as a trainee for Disney. In 2012, he turned it into a full-length animated film, but the new version doesn't have the unique charm of this original live-action film. It also doesn't have Duvall, who was wonderful as the kind and understanding mother whose son brings his dog back to life.

Ice Nymphs' Twilight

Duvall is a perfect match for the eccentric world of quirky Canadian filmmaker Guy Maddin. The story follows a man who is released from prison and goes back to his family's ostrich farm; Shelley portrays his sister, who unexpectedly nails Frank Gorshin (known for playing the Riddler in TV's Batman) in the head. This film is a delightful display of artsy nonsense captured in beautiful soft focus.

None of the female characters (except for Lily Tomlin's) are likeable, but Duvall's character is the worst. She deserves credit for fully embodying obnoxiousness as Martha, also known as LA Joan, a ruthless woman in tight shorts, high heels, and long legs. Supposedly in town to see her sick aunt, she is more focused on seducing every man she comes across.

1970 Film: Brewster McCloud

Altman met Duvall while filming in Texas, and he immediately cast her in a quirky story with Bud Cort as the main character. The film is about a recluse who is obsessed with birds and lives in the Astrodome in Houston. Duvall plays the eccentric tour guide who helps him explore. She fits the role perfectly!

"Bernice Gets A Makeover"

This charming TV version of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1920 short story was written and directed by Joan Micklin Silver. Duvall effortlessly embodies her character's transformation from shy introvert to confident flirt, seamlessly fitting into the period clothing. Her sophisticated cousin, played by Veronica Cartwright, pulls a cunning prank on her, adding a twist to the story.

Masterful Time Bandits

Duvall shows off her humorous side in Terry Gilliam's dark comedy, a captivating mix of historical and mythological satire. She and Michael Palin star as eternal lovers Pansy and Vincent, whose romantic moments in the middle ages and on RMS Titanic are unexpectedly interrupted by time-travelling dwarves.

Share your feelings with Roxanne! In this delightful reimagining of Cyrano de Bergerac, Duvall shines in a significant role as Dixie, the loyal companion to the town's fire chief (played by Steve Martin) who has a prominent nose. It's puzzling to see him yearn for the shallow astronomer Darryl Hannah when Shelley is right there, exuding compassion.

1971 Film: McCabe & Mrs. Miller

In the second movie by Altman, Duvall easily becomes part of the group of actors who support the film-maker's intense western movie that changes things up. By using just a few meaningful looks, she perfectly captures the struggles of her character, mail-order bride Ida Coyle. She is forced to become a sex worker in Mrs. Miller's brothel after her husband is killed.

Annie Hall: Classic Film

Some of Duvall’s performance was not included in the final version of Woody Allen's romantic comedy film, which was reduced to 93 minutes. However, she still stands out as Pam the Rolling Stone journalist and delivers some of the script's witty lines with perfect deadpan humor. "Having sex with you is quite a surreal experience ... and I say that as a compliment."

1996 Film: The Portrait Of A Lady

A brilliant showcase of Duvall's skills in Jane Campion's retelling of the Henry James book. Countess Gemini may appear shallow and foolish at first, laughed off as a joke by her brother (John Malkovich), who later becomes the manipulative man causing trouble for Nicole Kidman. However, beneath the superficiality and extravagant jewelry, the countess is insightful and can see through his deceitful plans.

Classic Horror Film The Shining

Duvall did not enjoy filming, and being attacked by Jack Nicholson repeatedly with a baseball bat was not enjoyable for most people. However, her past acting roles prove that the challenging experience did not deter her from continuing in the industry. Kubrick's portrayal of Wendy was not flattering, but Duvall's terrified reactions to her husband's transformation into a dangerous threat created memorable scenes in the film.

The seventh and final movie that Duvall worked on with Altman was this musical comedy featuring Robin Williams in his debut lead role. Even now, it remains incredibly peculiar, but Duvall's performance as Olive Oyl is simply magnificent, as described by Pam from Rolling Stone. She also performs the unforgettable song He Needs Me, which was later used in Punch-Drunk Love by Paul Thomas Anderson.

1974 Film: Thieves Like Us

Duvall's third collaboration with Altman was a movie based on Edward Anderson's book. This story was made into a film by Nicholas Ray in 1948 called They Live By Night. In this adaptation, Duvall plays the role of Keechie, the daughter of a man who works in a garage. She falls in love with a small-time bank robber, played by Keith Carradine, during the Great Depression in the southern United States. They are not like the glamorous criminals Bonnie and Clyde; they are two ordinary people who dream of a better life. Duvall's performance in this film was so moving that the director praised her, saying, "I knew you were talented, but I didn't know you were extraordinary."

Classic Film 3 Women

The peak of Duvall's work with Altman is her role as Millie in a California desert spa. In a blend of tragedy and comedy, she invites her coworker to share her apartment, blurring their identities. Millie's constant chatter, delusions, and quirky habits make you unsure whether to laugh or cry. This performance won Duvall a best actress award at Cannes and is considered one of the best of the 1970s.