The Unknown Woman - Page 2

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Nov 17, 2000

Why hasn't she been in more? How come no one has snatched her up? Does that Oscar mean nothing? Is she staying away on purpose? Well, I hope she comes back. I miss her.

3. Catherine O'Hara: The most overlooked of the screen comediennes, O'Hara lights up every movie she's in. She was able to add some spark to what could have been a thankless role as Macauley Culkin's mom in "Home Alone" and if you've seen the recent "Best in Show" you've seen what she can do with really good material. She works regularly, mostly in supporting roles, but she's attractive and talented enough for bigger things. She usually only appears in a few scenes of the movies she's in and she deserves better. Every time I see her in a movie, I want more of her. She's so carefree and unafraid to look foolish. In "Best of Show," one of the funniest scenes involves she and her husband (played by Eugene Levy) singing an ode to their dog, called "God Loves a Terrier." She sings the silly song at full force with a huge smile on her face and it's both hilarious and charming. Imagine what she could do with a larger role.

4. Joan Cusack: Well, she isn't that obscure but I still say she's underused. She's one of the greatest comic actresses working today, capable of making a thankless role into something special. Take the poor fiancé she played in "In and Out." The woman was engaged to a closeted homosexual who came out on their wedding day! But in Cusack's hands, it's comic gold. My favorite part takes place after the failed wedding, when she sits at a bar in her wedding dress, sobbing and scoffing beer nuts. She should be pathetic, but Cusack gives the scene warmth and humor. She gives similar grit to the role of the best friend in "Working Girl." Her brother, John, is more famous, but Joan has earned two Oscar nominations and deserves more attention than she gets.

5. Allison Janney: No longer obscure now that her role as the press secretary on "The West Wing" has made her a TV star, Janney also has been a supporting player onscreen for a long time. Remember the snippy guidance counselor in "10 Things I Hate About You?" The serene florist in "Big Night?" The sad, disoriented housewife in "American Beauty?" It's all her - unrecognizable from role to role. She's amazing, and though I'm glad TV has given her the recognition she deserves, I'd like to see what else she can do.

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