20. Becoming Jane (2007)
This typical Jane Austen biographical film from Miramax is not Anne Hathaway’s best performance. Her portrayal of the beautiful novelist, who is caught between a passionate, poor lawyer played by James McAvoy and a snobbish aristocrat portrayed by Laurence Fox, comes across as overly sweet and insincere. It’s not hard to predict who she ultimately chooses. In no specific order, Hathaway’s character smiles, quivers, and sulks. However, this lack of focus was likely a one-time occurrence.
19. Song One (2014)
The romantic comedy set in New York lacks humor and passion, but does feature believable tense moments between Hathaway (playing Franny, an aspiring anthropologist with a brother in a coma, Henry) and Mary Steenburgen (portraying their mother). The dynamic between the two is captivating, as are the folk songs, primarily sung by Johnny Flynn and co-written by indie icon Jenny Lewis. However, the storyline falls flat. Before his coma, Henry admired a charming, yet artistically blocked and potentially overly endearing British folk singer played by Flynn. Be prepared for an excessive amount of singing.
18. She Came to Me (2023)
While much of Rebecca Miller’s busy New York comedy may fall short, Hathaway’s performance as the sophisticated and reserved Patricia, a former Catholic therapist struggling with OCD and snobbishness, is captivating. She is married to a tormented musical prodigy (Peter Dinklage) and upon discovering his affair with a tugboat owner (played fantastically by Marisa Tomei), Patricia unleashes a primal scream and gradually undresses in front of a patient. She then makes the decision to become a nun. Hathaway’s portrayal elicits deep sympathy for a woman whose existence has always been centered around neurotic and artistic men.
17. Interstellar (2014)
Despite being a visually captivating sci-fi film, Hathaway’s second collaboration with Christopher Nolan does not allow her as much creative freedom as her role in The Dark Knight Rises. Playing a NASA astronaut in a dystopian future, both Hathaway and co-star Matthew McConaughey give impressive, non-glamorous performances (with McConaughey appearing as a famished reptile and Hathaway looking peaky as ever). However, while McConaughey’s character has a substantial storyline, Hathaway’s character is not given the same opportunity. She puts in a tremendous effort to bring the character of Dr. Amelia Brand to life, portraying her as wary, rational, and secretly in love. During a flirtatious exchange with Joseph on their spacecraft headed to Saturn, Amelia tells him, “You are literally wasting your breath,” which stands out as her only noteworthy line.
16. Love & Other Drugs (2010)
This unique project brings together Hathaway and her co-star from Brokeback Mountain, Jake Gyllenhaal. She plays Maggie, a woman with Parkinson’s disease who is slowly deteriorating. He portrays Jamie, a salesman with questionable morals who promotes Zoloft and Viagra. The romantic aspects of the film become repetitive, but the dialogue about sex and drugs adds a layer of intrigue. Keep an eye out for the moments when Maggie becomes unexpectedly bold.
15. Bride Wars (2009)
Despite harsh criticism, this light-hearted comedy is worth watching for multiple reasons. Firstly, it is entertaining. Secondly, Kristen Johnston gives a stellar performance. Lastly, Anne Hathaway and Chris Pratt portray a convincing duo. Hathaway plays timid New Jersey native Emma, who has always allowed her “annoying” best friend Liv (Kate Hudson) to take charge. However, as their wedding plans go awry and Emma finally stands up to Liv, we come to realize that the one hindering Emma’s happiness might actually be her fiancé, Fletcher (Pratt). Hathaway and Pratt have great chemistry and their characters seem like the perfect match, but appearances can be deceiving.
14. Armageddon Time (2022)
In a discussion about his bold and gloomy autobiographical film set in the 1980s, director James Gray expressed surprise that Hathaway agreed to play the role of Esther, a character based on his own anxiety-ridden mother. Despite being mostly hidden behind thick glasses, Hathaway delivers a remarkable performance as Esther, a mother who loves her excitable youngest son, Paul, but scolds him when she discovers he has been misbehaving with a Black classmate. The film covers topics such as racism, antisemitism, and bigotry endorsed by the Trump family, all while keeping the audience engaged with the raw and colorful language of New York. It is impossible not to root for characters who use metaphors like “shaking their fists at lug nuts”.
13. Ella Enchanted (2004)
In addition to showcasing Hathaway’s vocal abilities, this fantasy satire/romcom centers around a young girl with similarities to Cinderella who is afflicted by a spell of obedience. The film also features a talented cast of mischievous British actors (Joanna Lumley, Minnie Driver, Lucy Punch) who work together to bring a cleverly written script to life. Due to her uncontrollable obedience, Ella takes commands literally and follows them without question, making her a symbol for the autistic community. When she finally finds her voice, it may evoke strong emotions in the audience.
12. The Witches (2020)
Robert Zemeckis’s adaptation of Roald Dahl’s story falls short compared to Nicolas Roeg’s version. The CGI is excessive and unattractive. However, Anne Hathaway shines as Lilith, the perfect Grand High Witch who leads her coven to a New Orleans hotel managed by Stanley Tucci’s Mr. Stringer. Set in the late 1960s, an Alabama grandmother (Octavia Spencer, warm and inviting) takes her grandson to the fancy hotel, believing that “witches only target the poor and overlooked.” Lilith is not as terrifying as the villainess in the 1990 film, portrayed by Anjelica Huston. Hathaway’s added flair includes a catwalk strut and flared nostrils that seem ideal for snorting cocaine.
11. Ocean’s 8 (2018)
This spin-off of Ocean’s 11 (technically a sequel to Ocean’s Thirteen) gives Hathaway the chance to shine as Daphne Kluger, a Hollywood actress determined to prove she is more than just a pretty face. Originally the target of a Met Gala heist orchestrated by Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock), the self-absorbed Daphne manages to insert herself into the plan. She strives to be a true ally to the group, alongside Cate Blanchett’s suave criminal and Helena Bonham Carter’s disgraced fashion designer, Rose. The conclusion of the heist sees Daphne taking on a new role behind the scenes. This is Hathaway’s first foray into directing, and she does not disappoint.
10. Dark Waters (2019)
In the recent and relevant story by Todd Haynes, Sarah (played by Hathaway) is portrayed as a considerate, passionate, and highly anxious wife to Rob (played by Mark Ruffalo), a lawyer for a corporate company. After uncovering that the chemical company DuPont is knowingly polluting water sources in West Virginia, Rob becomes a whistleblower. While Sarah may not be involved in the legal aspects, she is just as invested in the cause (as she tells Rob’s boss, “Don’t speak to me as if I’m just the wife”). Sarah shares similarities with Carol, portrayed by Julianne Moore in Haynes’ acclaimed film Safe from 1995 (both characters are shown as avid gardeners). Hathaway’s character quietly urges others to open their eyes and take action.
9. The Princess Diaries (2001)
This film, based on Meg Cabot’s popular young adult novel, launched Hathaway’s career and showcases her Julia Roberts-like smile. The story follows Mia, a teenager from San Francisco, who discovers she is actually European royalty. Her regal grandmother (played by Julie Andrews in top form) gives her a copy of Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own and a room full of dresses, shoes, and crown jewels as part of a makeover. Mia exclaims, “My own mall!” although it’s unclear if this was Woolf’s intention. Despite this, 18-year-old Hathaway is charming throughout the film, especially when interacting with her cat or expressing frustration over her best friend Lilly (played by Heather Matarazzo) not being a fan of monarchies.
8. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
In The Princess Diaries 2, Hathaway made a brief appearance before impressing audiences with her role as a spirited rodeo rider who weds Jake Gyllenhaal’s character, a gay cowboy leading a double life until his passing. In the poignant conclusion of the film directed by Ang Lee, Hathaway’s character receives a call from her late husband’s former lover (Heath Ledger). The camera focuses on Hathaway as she tearfully comes to the realization that she is speaking to the love of her husband’s life. She effectively conveys the emotions of the character, revealing the bitterness and heartache of a widow deprived of love.
The movie released in 2006 titled “The Devil Wears Prada”.
In one of Hathaway’s most well-known movies, she portrays Andy, a young and vibrant woman who becomes mesmerized by the controlling fashion mogul, Miranda Priestly (played brilliantly by Meryl Streep). While the audience is meant to be invested in Andy’s romantic relationships with two attractive, heterosexual men, the real sparks fly when she shares scenes with Streep and, particularly, Emily Blunt (who is flawless as Miranda’s assistant). Hathaway’s portrayal of the character is that of a lost little girl with grown-up desires. Odd, yet charming.
6. Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Tim Burton’s adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic story was a box office hit, but it often receives criticism from Burton fans. This could be the reason why Anne Hathaway’s outstanding portrayal of Mirana, the White Queen, is often overlooked. Hathaway’s performance as the seemingly prim and proper pacifist who surprises and captivates Alice (played by Mia Wasikowska) is truly remarkable. Despite being a vegan, Mirana can’t resist the temptation of “buttered fingers” in her potion-making, hinting at a backstory of her past as a deceitful and gluttonous character that Hathaway seamlessly incorporates into her role. Visually, the White Queen embodies the alluring and nurturing traits seen in many of Burton’s previous characters, but Hathaway adds her own unique touch to make the White Queen stand out.
5. Eileen (2023)
William Oldroyd’s unconventional crime drama features Hathaway as Rebecca, the alluring and poised psychologist at a juvenile detention center in 1960s Massachusetts. Her presence immediately captures the attention of Eileen, a downtrodden and restless young secretary (played by Thomasin McKenzie). In the first half of the film, Hathaway shines as she charms Eileen with her compliments and effortlessly handles the men she encounters. However, the second half takes a dark turn as it reveals that Hathaway’s true pleasure lies in pushing boundaries and trying new things, making her character even more intriguing.
4. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
In Christopher Nolan’s third installment of the successful Batman series, Anne Hathaway’s portrayal of Catwoman/Selina Kyle is just as impressive as Michelle Pfeiffer’s iconic performance in Batman Returns. Not only does Hathaway exude seduction, savagery, and political intelligence, but she also has a strong rapport with other female characters, particularly Juno Temple’s vulnerable orphan. Her character is consistently the wittiest in any given situation. Many have praised the way she delivers an “oops” when Bruce Wayne (played by Christian Bale) informs her that she has successfully cracked an uncrackable safe. If you haven’t seen the film, you may be curious about how powerful an “oops” can be. Watch and see for yourself.
3. Les Misérables (2012)
Let’s discuss the concept of “Hathahate”, which is the belief held by many that the actress, despite her beauty and talent, can be cringeworthy at times. Despite some criticism for her acceptance speech, she won an Oscar for her role in Tom Hooper’s musical and her portrayal of working-class single mother Fantine is heartfelt and genuine. Despite a strange accent, Hathaway effectively conveys the fragility and anger of the character. Her standout moment is a one-take shot where she passionately sings “I Dreamed a Dream” and captures the devastating effects of poverty.
2. Colossal (2016)
In the sci-fi and mumblecore mashup created by Nacho Vigalondo, the lead character Gloria (played by Hathaway) is a broke and messy alcoholic with long hair similar to Cousin Itt’s. After being forced to return to her hometown in New Hampshire, Gloria discovers a strange connection with a giant monster wreaking havoc in Seoul, along with her childhood friend and bar owner, Oscar (played by Jason Sudeikis in his best performance yet). Hathaway and Sudeikis handle each twist in the plot gracefully, highlighting the script’s message about the ease of being selfish and destructive when one has white privilege and lives in the western world. Initially viewed as a quirky film upon its release, Colossal is now recognized for its clever approach.
1. Rachel Getting Married (2008)
Jonathan Demme’s highly praised but overlooked drama about a wedding is intense, uplifting, and showcases Hathaway (along with Debra Winger, Rosemarie DeWitt, Bill Irwin, and a humble dishwasher) who surprises us. Hathaway’s character Kym, who takes a break from rehab to attend her sister’s special day, causes tension within her family. Memorable moments include Kym’s painfully toxic speech to Rachel and the scene where Rachel shares good news and Kym throws a tantrum, exclaiming “That’s not fair!” How does Hathaway manage to make us sympathize with this spoiled brat? Her performance is truly remarkable. Kym refers to herself as “Shiva the destroyer,” and when it comes to exposing dysfunction, Hathaway is on par with the gods.
Source: theguardian.com
