Joey Magidson
Kirsten Dunst has always been a strong actress. In recent years, however, a newfound appreciation for her has entered the world. It really seemed to kick off with The Power of the Dog, which scored her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. That led to some re-evaluating of her earlier work, especially something like Melancholia, which always was praised, but perhaps still was slept on. With another strong turn about to hit theaters in Civil War, I thought I’d look back on her career with another top ten ranking!
In my review of Civil War (here), I spoke of Dunst like so:
Kirsten Dunst gives a gritty and intense performance playing the sort of jaded war photographer we’ve seen in many a lesser film before. Here however, she’s showing eventual cracks in the armor, while also having a modern sensibility that we rarely get to see in war pictures.
Below, you can see my picks for the best of Dunst’s career to date. The aforementioned Civil War, Melancholia, and The Power of the Dog all make appearances, but so does a very me pick in Elizabethtown, which I maintain is a misunderstood gem. What else makes the cut? How many Sofia Coppola collaborations do I cite? Well, you’ll find out next…
Here now is my list of the top Kirsten Dunst turns so far. Behold:
Honorable Mention: All Good Things, Crazy/Beautiful, Hidden Figures, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2, and Wimbledon
10. Bachelorette
9. Marie Antoinette
8. Bring it On
7. Elizabethtown
6. Interview with the Vampire
5. The Virgin Suicides
4. Civil War
3. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
1. Melancholia
What is your favorite performance from Kirsten Dunst? Let us know!
I haven’t watched Civil War yet but I will soon. I think she’s underrated in Ethereal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. In fact I think she should have had a supporting actress Oscar nomination for it.
My heart broke for Rose in The Power of the Dog . The anxiety and sadness and isolation she played that amazingly well with understanding and compassion for her character.
Well said!