Must-Watch Movies Starring Jeanne Moreau, Jane Wyman, Gena Rowlands, Lesley Manville, and Elizabeth Olsen

Explore the standout films of Jeanne Moreau, Jane Wyman, Gena Rowlands, Lesley Manville, and Elizabeth Olsen. These talented actors have delivered memorable performances across various genres. Here’s a look at their best movies and what makes them shine.

Classic Dramas and Thrillers

Jeanne Moreau

1. Jules and Jim (1962) – NR – IMDb: 8.0

• Moreau captivates in this French classic about a complex love triangle during World War I.

1. La Notte (1961) – NR – IMDb: 8.0

• In this Antonioni film, Moreau portrays a woman facing existential crisis and marital discontent.

1. The Lovers (1958) – NR – IMDb: 7.6

• Moreau delivers a stunning performance in this film about forbidden love and personal liberation.

1. Mayerling (1968) – PG – IMDb: 7.1

• Moreau stars in this historical drama about a tragic love affair in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

1. The Bride Wore Black (1968) – R – IMDb: 7.5

• Moreau plays a widow seeking revenge in this stylish thriller by François Truffaut.

Jane Wyman

1. Johnny Belinda (1948) – NR – IMDb: 7.8

• Wyman won an Oscar for her role as a deaf-mute woman fighting for her dignity and justice.

1. The Yearling (1946) – NR – IMDb: 7.6

• Wyman stars in this heartwarming tale of a young boy and his pet deer in the Florida wilderness.

1. All That Heaven Allows (1955) – NR – IMDb: 8.0

• In this melodrama, Wyman plays a widow who defies societal expectations for love.

1. The Blue Veil (1951) – NR – IMDb: 7.6

• Wyman shines in this drama as a devoted nanny whose personal life suffers due to her dedication.

1. Storm Warning (1951) – NR – IMDb: 7.1

• Wyman stars in this crime drama about racial tensions and political corruption in a small town.

Intense Character Studies

Gena Rowlands

1. A Woman Under the Influence (1974) – R – IMDb: 8.1

• Rowlands delivers a powerhouse performance as a woman struggling with mental illness and societal pressure.

1. The Notebook (2004) – PG-13 – IMDb: 7.8

• Rowlands plays an elderly woman reflecting on a poignant love story in this romantic drama.

1. Husbands and Wives (1992) – R – IMDb: 7.8

• Rowlands features in this Woody Allen film about complex relationships and personal revelations.

1. Gloria (1980) – R – IMDb: 7.3

• In this crime thriller, Rowlands portrays a tough woman protecting a young boy from mobsters.

1. Love Streams (1984) – NR – IMDb: 7.5

• Rowlands stars in this film as a woman navigating the complexities of relationships and emotional turmoil.

Lesley Manville

1. Another Year (2010) – PG-13 – IMDb: 7.8

• Manville shines as a lonely woman in this Mike Leigh drama about the passage of time and personal fulfillment.

1. Phantom Thread (2017) – R – IMDb: 7.5

• Manville plays a pivotal role in this fashion industry drama, adding depth to a story of love and obsession.

1. Secrets & Lies (1996) – R – IMDb: 8.0

• In this drama, Manville delivers a compelling performance as a woman confronting family secrets.

1. Topsy-Turvy (1999) – PG – IMDb: 7.6

• Manville stars in this biographical film about the famous theatrical duo Gilbert and Sullivan.

1. The Phantom of the Opera (2004) – PG-13 – IMDb: 7.0

• Manville adds a touch of drama to this musical adaptation with her strong supporting role.

Modern Hits

Elizabeth Olsen

1. Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011) – R – IMDb: 6.8

• Olsen’s performance as a woman escaping a cult in this psychological thriller is gripping and intense.

1. Silent House (2011) – R – IMDb: 5.7

• Olsen stars in this horror film about a woman trapped in a house with sinister secrets.

1. Avengers: Endgame (2019) – PG-13 – IMDb: 8.4

• Olsen plays Wanda Maximoff in this blockbuster, where her character faces epic battles and personal challenges.

1. Sorry for Your Loss (2018-2019) – TV-MA – IMDb: 7.7

• Olsen stars in this TV series as a young widow navigating grief and healing.

1. Wind River (2017) – R – IMDb: 7.8

• Olsen plays an FBI agent investigating a murder on a Native American reservation in this tense crime drama.

Conclusion

From Jeanne Moreau’s French cinema classics to Elizabeth Olsen’s modern hits, each actor offers a diverse range of memorable performances. These movies not only highlight their exceptional talent but also provide a rich variety of genres and stories for viewers to enjoy. Explore these films to appreciate their contributions to cinema.