Isabella Rossellini’s Top 10 Performances: A Stunning Countdown

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Isabella Rossellini, who was born in Rome in 1952, was a ‘nepo baby’ before the term became widely used. Her parents were Ingrid Bergman, an iconic actress known for her roles opposite Humphrey Bogart in movies like Casablanca, and Roberto Rossellini, a renowned neorealist film director who directed films such as Rome, Open City. The two had an affair while Bergman was still married, which led to a scandal. However, they were legally married before Isabella and her twin sister were born.

At the age of 19, she ventured to New York for college studies and part-time work at RAI, an Italian television network. This is where she crossed paths with Martin Scorsese, whom she was assigned to interview. They tied the knot in 1979, but it wasn’t until 1982 that she landed her debut role in an English film production. Unfortunately, their marriage ended the same year. Subsequently, she was romantically linked with David Lynch and Gary Oldman. Throughout this period, she amassed a notable film career and continued modeling. She’s not only an activist for wildlife conservation but also deeply involved in film preservation. Despite her own successful directorial ventures, let’s delve into her top acting performances.

11
White Nights (1985)

In 1985, Rossellini made his international debut with the musical drama titled “White Nights,” which featured prominent dancers Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gregory Hines. This film is primarily set during a Leningrad summer, as suggested by its title. Baryshnikov portrays Rodchenko, a ballet dancer seeking to escape from the Soviet Union, while Hines plays Greenwood, a tap dancer defecting to the USSR.

Initially marked by mutual distrust, these two men develop a friendship. In the movie, Rossellini portrays Darya, Greenwood’s wife. When she gets pregnant, Greenwood starts contemplating leaving the Soviet Union for their family’s sake. A plan to flee is devised involving Rodchenko and his ex-lover, portrayed by Helen Mirren. Eventually, Greenwood decides to stay behind, ensuring the safety of the others. Though not a major role, Rossellini’s performance in this film helped establish her career.

10
Immortal Beloved (1994)

Rossellini’s face seems perfect for period dramas, and in this movie, she portrayed Anna-Maria Erdödy, a noblewoman who welcomed Beethoven (played by Gary Oldman) into her home following his hearing loss and subsequent difficulties with conducting. Erdödy refuted being the mysterious ‘Immortal Beloved’ that Beethoven’s friend was searching for after his demise, as she had inherited all of his estate in his will. However, she did acknowledge an affair between them when she was overcome by sorrow over her son’s passing. Throughout the film, she maintained her characteristic elegance, and following their meeting on set, Rossellini spent the next three years with Oldman, rumored to be on the verge of marriage.

9
The Innocent (1993)

1993 saw the release of this film adaptation of Ian McEwan’s novel, directed by John Schlesinger. The lead roles are played by Rossellini as a German woman named Maria, and Anthony Hopkins as an English spy, and Campbell Scott as an American one. Set during the Cold War in 1950s Berlin, this movie draws inspiration from Operation Gold, a real-life joint espionage mission between the U.K. and the U.S., where a tunnel was constructed under the Russian sector of the city to monitor Soviet forces. The intricacies of the operation and the love triangle it sparks are reminiscent of Hitchcockian illusions, with Rossellini’s character mirroring her mother’s enigmatic role in Casablanca, keeping her true intentions hidden beneath trench coats, saying goodbyes in foggy airports.

8
Roger Dodger (2002)

2002 marked Jesse Eisenberg’s first appearance on screen as Nick, the nephew of the deceitful and womanizing Roger (Campbell Scott), who has just been jilted by Joyce (Rossellini), also his superior at work. In an attempt to teach Nick the art of seduction over the weekend, Roger’s plans backfire dramatically.

Initially, Nick admires Roger and his cunning tactics at the start of the movie. However, by the end of the film, it becomes unclear whether this admiration remains as viewers witness the true nature of Roger’s actions. Rossellini portrays Joyce, a self-assured advertising executive, who challenges Roger’s authority by refusing to tolerate his immature behavior, hinting at potential weaknesses in his character.

7
Big Night (1996)

Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub featured prominently in the renowned restaurant film titled “Big Night“. In the 1950s, the narrative centers around two Italian siblings who run a restaurant named Paradise on the Jersey Shore. They strive to showcase their establishment’s potential for success during one critical night. The plot thickens as Gabriella (Rossellini), the wife of a rival restaurateur, Pascal, becomes involved, creating tension between the brothers due to their strained relationship with him.

It’s been confirmed that Pascal intends to invite the renowned artist Louis Prima for dinner at Paradise, but he remains unaware of Gabriella’s secret relationship with Secondo. In the kitchen, hidden with Secondo, Rossellini, sporting a 1950s-style pixie cut and some stunning dresses, is thriving in her usual setting.

6
The Saddest Music in the World (2003)

In an unconventional style that’s characteristic of Canadian filmmaker Guy Maddin, his 2003 black-and-white production set during the Great Depression deviates from the norm. In this film, Italian actress Anna Maria Monticelli portrays Helen Port-Huntley, a woman endeavoring to boost her Muskeg Beer company as Prohibition in the United States is on the verge of ending. To achieve this, she plans a competition to find the world’s saddest music, offering a monetary reward. However, her past is intriguingly complex: she was once embroiled in a love triangle involving Broadway producer Chester and his father Fyodor. A car accident during an intimate moment resulted in Helen losing her legs.

Later on, Chester manages to reconnect with Helen, but Fyodor tries to win her affection by creating glass legs for her that can hold beer. Although she appreciates the legs, Helen does not return Fyodor’s affections. Helen is a tragic character with bleach-blond hair, enveloped in fur and melancholy. If there was ever an actress who could portray this role with beer-filled legs and still elicit sympathy, it would be Rossellini.

5
Marcel the Shell with Shoes on (2022)

As a movie enthusiast, I must confess that Ina Marie-Claire Rossellini’s enchantment in the film “Green Porno” was already unparalleled. Yet, in her role as Nana Connie, the grandmother of Marcel the Shell, she manages to outshine even herself. Nana Connie is a loving caretaker of her garden, a nurturing figure for Marcel, and has a soft spot for Lesley Stahl. However, her memory isn’t what it used to be, and after a fall, she begins to decline.

But when an artist of Rossellini’s stature delivers a heartwarming, tender voice performance as a shell grandmother yearning for family reunification, it’s simply magical. The soothing, unique timbre of her voice will make you long for a shell relative of your own.

4
Death Becomes Her (1992)

Robert Zemeckis’ 1992 dark comedy “Death Becomes Her” is widely recognized for the performances of Meryl Streep as Madeleine and Goldie Hawn as Helen, two former friends who become enemies when glamorous actress Madeleine steals Helen’s fiancé Ernest (Bruce Willis). Seven years later, they cross paths again, with the roles now reversed: Madeleine’s acting career is on the decline, while Helen has become a renowned author and looks youthful. This transformation is due to a magical elixir, provided by Lisle Von Rhuman (Rossellini), a seemingly ageless woman who claims to be 71 years old.

So far in my experience, Rossellini had predominantly taken on roles that capitalized on her unreachable, enigmatic charm, such as in “Blue Velvet”. In this film, she does the same, yet in the role of Lisle, she delves into a more whimsical persona. Interestingly, she wasn’t shy about expressing her eagerness for the part of an obsessive character fixated on youth. She even boldly expressed to Zemeckis, “But I represent Lancôme! I sell anti-aging cream! I’m the ideal candidate!

3
Green Porno (2015)

Green Porno is a collection of brief films produced for The Sundance Channel, created and narrated by Rossellini, with three series: one focusing on animal mating, another on marine life, and a third investigating the decline of ocean life. Rossellini’s charisma shines through as she portrays various animals in simple, low-budget foam and cardboard costumes. The presentation has an endearing quality reminiscent of an elementary school science project, yet it is highly entertaining. As you watch, you’ll pick up a thing or two about animal behavior – for instance, learning about the aftermath of a bee mating or a hamster accused of killing her offspring.

2
Conclave (2024)

Edward Berger’s 2024 movie titled “Conclave” showcases an outstanding display of acting talent with its remarkable cast. Ralph Fiennes delivers a stunning performance as a Cardinal navigating the election of the new Pope, while Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, Lucian Msamati, and Isabella Rossellini all offer exceptional performances. Rossellini, portraying Sister Agnes, is subtly powerful as a nun often overlooked by Vatican’s influential figures, making her moments of insight and emotion even more impactful.

1
Blue Velvet (1986)

1986 marked a significant shift in Ingrid Rossellini’s career with the release of David Lynch’s film “Blue Velvet”. Known for its intense, dark themes and violent portrayal, this neo-noir movie stirred controversy. After its premiere, Rossellini’s agency decided to part ways with her, due in part to her role as Dorothy, a lounge singer who was exploited as a sex slave by the menacing character Frank Booth, played by Dennis Hopper.

The movie is relentlessly harsh, and Dorothy endures continuous, degrading physical and sexual mistreatment at Frank’s hands. Moreover, she effectively becomes a captive due to Frank abducting her husband and son, thereby restricting her freedom. Rossellini’s acting was universally acclaimed by critics, with Janet Maslin remarking that “Mr. Hopper and Miss Rossellini push the boundaries of conventional acting so far in this film that their performances are most effectively appreciated as a testament to their lack of self-restraint.

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2025-02-12 04:04