MovieChat Forums > The Bad Seed (1956) Discussion > Eileen Heckart's performance

Eileen Heckart's performance

posted 12 years ago by middsgo-956-41818
32 replies | jump to latest

...was the best characterization of a drunk and upset woman I've ever seen. I mean, I really pitied her, not just her loss but her alcoholism. Her performance was raw and compelling.
I have to say that I admire actors who can do the same role hundreds of times and still put feeling into it, rather than coming across as automatons.
I did a couple of plays in school, and by the end I felt like I was on automatic pilot. The time would go by so fast, it's hard to believe I was still doing a good job at it.

[–] Benedict_Cumberbatch 12 years ago

She was great.

"The fundamental things apply, as time goes by."

[–] noirgirl 12 years ago

Actually, she was the best thing in the movie. Great, great performance.

[–] SparklingLily 12 years ago

Wholeheartedly agree! For only being in the movie for a short scene, she stole the movie with that performance!

[–] Harold_Robbins 12 years ago

Heckart was the first member of the Broadway cast to leave the show - as a mother herself, she found the role of Mrs. Daigle heartbreaking and a crashing downer - if I recall, she did the film only because she was advised that it would be good for her career, which it ultimately was.

"In my case, self-absorption is completely justified."

[–] OnlyRocknRoll 12 years ago

Heckart was one of a long list of overlooked, underrated actresses. She was very good in Somebody Up There Likes Me and Hot Spell.

_______________________________________
"ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED??!!"

Maximus Decimus Meridius

[–] shred-com 12 years ago

She really did steal the whole film! A truly fantastic performance.

[–] middsgo-956-41818 12 years ago

Thanks - I will look for her in those roles. I have Hot Spell on VHS.

[–] sirjeremy 12 years ago

Oh yes, I couldn't take my eyes off her when she was on screen. She probably would have won the Oscar if her co-star hadn't been nominated with her.

[–] funu00007 12 years ago

She won the Golden Globe Award, that year for Best Supporting Actress and was, of course, nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

[–] libby2130 11 years ago

eileen was really good in Butterflies are free"!

a quote from that movie (she played mrs baker, overprotective mother to her blind son)

Mrs. Baker: [talking about Ralph's play] I do not intend to pay money to see nudity, obscenity and degeneracy.
Ralph: Mrs. Baker, these things are all a part of life.
Mrs. Baker: I know, Mr. Santori. So is diarrhea, but I wouldn't classify it as entertainment.

[–] zwot 10 years ago

eileen was really good in Butterflies are free"!

I totally agree. Her performance in that film is one of those instances where the Academy Awards got it completely right. And the quote you reproduced is one of my favorite moments from the film!

[–] rascal67 8 years ago

Butterflies are free"!...Her performance in that film is one of those instances where the Academy Awards got it completely right.
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Heckart was terrific as she was here. I have only seen Heckart's and Winter's performances from the supp nominees for 72'; but there were some excellent actresses in competition for that year. I'd say it would have been a hard judgement call to make though. Winter's already had 2 Oscars, 1 undeserved, yet I liked her in Poseidon Adventure and wouldn't have begrudged her a win either.

Exorcist: Christ's power compels you. Cast out, unclean spirit.
Destinata:💩

[–] SusanJL 11 years ago

Totally agree, her performance was extraordinary!