Thursday, December 17, 2009

Since She Went Away.


Academy Award winner Jennifer Jones has passed away today at the age of 90.
One of the most unconventional, and underrated, stars from Hollywood's Golden Era, Jones made waves when she became involved with legendary producer David O. Selznick who shaped her career and became the love of her life.
He gave her the role that would change her life as Bernadette Soubirous, the French peasant who claimed the Virgin Mary had appeared to her. It was that movie where she first used the name Jennifer Jones (she was born Phylis Isley).
Selznick cleverly decided to introduce "The Song of Bernadette" as Jones' screen debut (she'd been in a few small things before) and it worked because she ended up winning the Best Actress Oscar.
Her performance as Bernadette is a mysterious star turn given how introverted and quiet she is. But watch the movie and several hours later you will still be haunted by the bittersweetness of her smile. She is brilliant in it.
She leaves behind a legacy of wonderful screen performances.
Go and catch up with them.

1 comment:

Luke said...

It's been ages since I've seen Song of Bernadette! Thanks for the urge to watch it again.