Not many actresses have earned appreciation of Frances McDormand. Since the 1990’s, McDormand has become an icon. Whether it’s grief-stricken mothers, police-officers or van dwellers, McDormand has portrayed several strong characters. Given the number of movies she has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies made by an actress that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
It’s always challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my housekeeper was killed in a crime that caused my family to face sorrow. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, she became the victim of a grim murder. No matter how hard my family tried, we couldn’t move on from a housekeeper that died. Angered by the sheer injustice of the sad crime committed, I would wonder why my housemaid’s death was a case police never investigated. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the impact of loss on families facing tragedy as powerfully as “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”. Released in 2017, Frances McDormand’s best movie captured a mother grieving the loss of her daughter in Missouri. In the greatest role of her career, McDormand embodies a grief-stricken mother seeking justice for the death of her daughter that causes despair. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, emotional and vulnerable in her most memorable role. McDormand has always had an aptitude for creating strong female characters through emotional monologues, and “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” showcased her strengths as an actress. Working alongside Sam Rockwell who is also amazing, McDormand created a portrait of a grieving family that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Mildred angrily storms into the police station to confront police officers about her daughter’s death causing despair is one of the greatest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” McDormand’s best movie is its message. The film delivers a profound message about grief which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 10 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about vengeful women building billboards to protest sad deaths of daughters that are upsetting, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has made captivating movies which are worth celebrating.
2. Nomadland
Nomads are larger-than-life figures that have always fascinated my mother. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a mother that had great knowledge about nomads facing damage. I remember that van dwellers embarking on road trips were people she would treasure. She always sought to educate my family about a marginalized community she had grown to appreciate. In 2021, Frances McDormand did an extraordinary job depicting the lives of nomads living in a land in her Oscar-winning movie “Nomadland”. In the most subtle role of her career, McDormand embodies a quiet woman that embarks on a journey to become a nomad facing despair. McDormand has spent most of her career playing strong women with talkative personalities. With “Nomadland”, however, the actress took a step out of her comfort zone by playing a quiet nomad. For instance, the scene in which Fern decides to become a nomad travelling the world in her van after losing her job causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Nomadland” a great masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about the beauty of nature that would resonate with everyone. A grand glimpse at nomads living in America, it’s a great reminder of an actress with charisma whose movies always attract audiences to the Cinema.
3. Almost Famous
Rock bands are great musicians whose melodies have inspired me. I recall with nostalgia forming a love for rock music created in a past era. Rock music became a great way for me to cope with situations in life which were tragic. As someone treasuring bands that are famous, I adored “Almost Famous”. Released in 2000, Frances McDormand’s movie captured a teen embarking on a tour with a famous rock band. In the most compassionate role of her career, McDormand embodies a concerned mother worried about her son embarking on a tour with a rock band causing despair. McDormand has an aptitude for conveying strong emotions though her expressions, and her strengths are evident in “Almost Famous”. Working alongside Patrick Fugit who is also amazing, McDormand created a motherly bond that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Elaine gets worried when she discovers her son is doing drugs on the phone causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Almost Famous” a great coming-of-age classic is its message. The film delivers a bold message about motherhood which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Williams’ bond with a rock band that’s famous, it’s a riveting reminder of a courageous actress that has made unforgettable movies which audiences consider to be precious.
4. Fargo
Cops are courageous figures that have always fascinated my brother. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a brother that loved brave cops saving the world from damage. I remember my brother was fascinated with the loves of police-officers. He spoke fondly about cops putting lives on the line to save civilians facing a decline. As someone treasuring fond memories of a brother that adored cops several years ago, I loved “Fargo”. Released in 1996, Frances McDormand’s movie depicted a female cop seeking to solve a murder mystery. In the most heroic role of her career, McDormand embodies a courageous cop seeking to solve crime in a city facing despair. McDormand has spent most of her career playing serious women in intense dramas. With “Fargo”, however, the actress showcased a rare aptitude for dark humour that audiences hadn’t seen before. For instance, the ending scene in which Marge delivers a monologue expressing her strong views on criminals causing despair is one of the funniest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Fargo” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about consequences of crimes which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Marge’s desire to solve crimes in Fargo, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has always given audiences dreams to follow.
5. The Tragedy of Macbeth
Shakespeare is a legendary author whose literature my teacher always loved dearly. I remember an English teacher that adored Shakespeare’s literature. My teacher would always love discussing every play written by Shakespeare in class every day. He believed movies were an art that couldn’t honour a legendary poet holding a precious place in his heart. As someone treasuring a teacher that loved Shakespeare dearly, I adored “The Tragedy of Macbeth”. Released in 2021, Frances McDormand’s movie honoured one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays. In the most poetic role of her career, McDormand embodies a manipulative queen orchestrating murder that causes despair. Making Shakespeare plays often poses certain challenges for actors, but McDormand succeeded immensely. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her aptitude for delivering complex Shakespearean monologues. Working alongside Denzel Washington who is also amazing, McDormand honoured Shakespeare’s literature. Ultimately, what makes “The Tragedy of Macbeth” a spectacular adaptation is appeal. Unlike most Shakespeare adaptations, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with Shakespeare’s plays to appreciate it. A spectacular adaptation of a celebrated Shakespeare play, it’s a strong reminder of a commemorated actress whose unforgettable films deserve to be treasured today.
6. Primal Fear
Psychologists shaped my identity. When I was diagnosed with anxiety, I began seeing a psychologist offering therapy. His wisdom guided me in the right direction. As someone treasuring a psychologist that inspired me to overcome fear, I adored “Primal Fear”. Released in 1996, Frances McDormand’s movie captured a psychologist guiding a mentally unstable man. In the most thoughtful role of her career, McDormand embodies a neuropsychologist facing despair. It gave the actress a chance to showcase her aptitude for playing strong female characters with authority. Working alongside Edward Norton who is also amazing, McDormand created a psychologist that’s compelling. As strong as Vail’s desire to win the courtroom case, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress whose unforgettable movies audiences embrace.
7. North Country
Sexual harassment is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in entertainment. Hollywood has often ignored stories of sexually assaulted women that are misunderstood. In an industry ignoring stories of sexually assault women, it’s worth praising “North Country”. In the most feminist role of her career, McDormand embodies a woman raising awareness for sexual harassment causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress an opportunity to showcase her talent for playing strong female characters in positions of authority. Working alongside Charlize Theron who is also excellent, McDormand created a powerful portrait of sexual harassment. A fantastic tribute towards a real-life feminist icon that fought sexual harassment, it’s a fabulous reminder of an actress with commitment that has become an icon in entertainment.
8. Mississipi Burning
When it comes to the most disturbing murders in American history, it’s worth discussing the burnings of Mississippi. In 1964, the murder of three civil rights workers affected Mississippi. A cruel crime committed, it left Mississippi devastated. In 1988, Frances McDormand captured the shocking burning in her movie “Mississippi Burning”. In the most tragic role of her career, McDormand embodies a woman impacted by burnings causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase emotional vulnerability she hadn’t shown in her career before. Working alongside Willem Dafoe who is also amazing, McDormand honoured a killing that occurred years ago. A magnificent portrait of a real-life murder that occurred in Mississippi, it’s a marvellous reminder of an actress whose timeless movies audiences love dearly.
9. Blood Simple
Frances McDormand has always excelled at playing powerful female characters. McDormand has built an image for being an actress that thrives playing fierce women with courage. McDormand’s strength for playing powerful women facing dilemmas that aren’t simple is clearly evident in her film “Blood Simple”. Released in 1984, the Coen Brothers’ movie showcased the actress at her best. In the most conflicted role of her career, McDormand embodies a woman that becomes involved in a crime causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress an opportunity to showcase her talent for playing strong women with authority. McDormand showcased talent in one of her first roles that made her a star. A powerful portrait of bloody crimes that aren’t simple, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has made movies audiences consider special.
10. Aeon Flux
Frances McDormand hasn’t always made great movies. While most movies the actress has made have been appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Aeon Flux” falls into the latter category. Released in 2005, Karyn Kusama’s blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of her career, McDormand embodied a mystical handler that’s in charge of a dystopian world facing despair. McDormand brought tension to the role, standing out as the bright spot of an otherwise bad movie. Although “Aeon Flux” is a flawed movie, it honoured McDormand’s enduring legacy. As strong as Aeon Flux’s desire to overthrow the government, it’s a dazzling reminder of a commemorated actress with strong commitment whose timeless movies I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of entertainment.
The Film Buff 