Frances McDormand is the wife of one of the Coen brothers and the main character in six of their films. She works with many directors in a variety of films. Her heroines are always different, and sometimes even opposite to each other. The only thing that Frances McDormand’s heroines have in common is that they always turn out to be real and alive thanks to Frances’ excellent performance.
The actress has many major awards, including three Oscars, two Emmys, a Golden Globe and a Tony. These are not all of the actress’s awards, but they alone speak of her talent. In the selection that will be presented below, you will become familiar with the works of Frances McDormand, which most clearly showed the actress’s talent in all its glory.
Olive Kitteridge
This four-part series is about the family of a math teacher and a good-natured pharmacist. When the son of the main character Olivia, played by Frances McDormand, asked what depression was, his mother told him that in their family it was a common occurrence of attacks of melancholy, that there was nothing wrong with it, because for smart people it was natural.
Olivia is considered strange and unsociable in the city. She does not go to church, does not receive guests, and in general does not maintain friendly relations with anyone. Her husband is her complete opposite. He constantly gives gifts to his wife, he is a romantic, and in general he is distinguished by his good nature. Although the series consists of only four episodes, it fits as much as 20 years of the history of the Kitteridge family.
The actress managed to convey to the viewer the entire essence of her character not only with the help of words and emotions, but also through fine motor skills, facial expressions, and even a peculiar gait.
Three billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri
Watching this film, we learn the story of a woman who lost her husband, daughter and fear. Frances McDormand’s character, Mildred, literally declares war on everyone: police officers who don’t consider finding her daughter’s killer something important. And also for city residents, for whom only tranquility is important. Also for journalists who are only interested in raising ratings. It all started when she simply posted a request for help on billboards near a road that no one even drives on.
The film keeps the viewer in suspense and shines with its gorgeous cast. Another feature is that there are no clearly bad or clearly good characters.
Fargo
The film is about a car dealer who decides to kidnap his wife for ransom. The kidnapper’s plan didn’t go as planned. It turned out that Marge Gardenson, played by McDormand, took up the case. It is interesting that the heroine is seven months pregnant.
The main feature of the film was that all the characters have a huge number of terrible qualities, no one is distinguished by anything good. The exception was the main character, who especially stands out from the negative characters with her excellent qualities.
Almost Famous
The film is about William Miller, who became a journalist for one of the authoritative publications about rock and roll. On instructions from the editors, the guy went on tour with a famous band, where he met adult life among rockers and young fans. However, the main role in the plot is William’s mother, who hates rock and roll and everything connected with it. This is probably why the picture became so memorable.
Moonrise Kingdom
The action takes place in New England in the mid-60s of the last century. An orphan boy ran away from a Boy Scout camp. Everything would be fine, no one would worry about him. However, a big problem arose. A girl, whose parents are famous lawyers, also disappeared with him. As events unfold, the adults learn that the children have been carrying on a love correspondence for quite some time. McDormand’s character leads a quiet family life with its own drama. Her daughter hates her, and her relationship with her husband has long lost even a hint of romance. Francis conveys to the viewer all the melancholy of her heroine, this makes the film unforgettable.
Mississippi Burning
In 1964, murders occurred in Mississippi, causing a wave of unrest. When FBI agents take over the investigation. Many residents are causing disturbances. Among them there are even police officers who are members of the Ku Klux Klan. Many details were revealed thanks to the deputy sheriff’s wife, played by McDormand. Her heroine is a true example of a loving and faithful wife who can afford to be a weak woman.
Nomadland
After the death of her husband and the closure of the factory where the main character worked, she decides to start a new life. The film is striking in its simplicity, but at the same time surprising in its versatility. McDormand fits perfectly into the concept of this story, because she has a great talent for conveying all the emotions and mood of the heroine.
The Man Who Wasn’t There
It is worth noting that this film is a black and white film. The main character is a hairdresser. He finds out that his wife is cheating on him with her boss. At some point, a hairdresser has the opportunity to make a fortune in the fledgling clothing dry cleaning industry. Of course, first you need let’s get start-up capital. The hero decides to blackmail his wife’s lover.
The main character’s wife is played by Frances McDormand. She is a kind of connection between two men. The actress copes with her role perfectly, adding to the plot exactly what it may be missing.
North country
The film is about a woman who divorced her husband and, out of necessity, returned to her hometown to look for work. In her native place they receive her without much hospitality; here the woman is considered a libertine. However, there is a married couple who become friends with the main character – Kyle and Gloria. Glory is played by McDormand. Friends help her get a job at a mine. Everything should have been fine, but many difficulties arise. To overcome the problem, the main character files a lawsuit. This was the first time in the world that a sexual harassment claim was approved.
Burn after reading
This is probably the most striking role of the actress. A CD containing classified information from the American government is discovered in the gym. McDormand’s character, a gym worker, and her partner are trying to sell information to the Russian government. The heroine believes that only a new body or a man can fill the emptiness inside her.