It's been several years since I last watched the 1993 Gypsy, but I remember thinking Cynthia Gibb gave a solid performance...and also feeling it wasn't particularly exciting--credible, but without unique star quality.
My feelings about Natalie Wood's performance are more complex. I intensely LOATHE the screenplay and direction of the 1962 adaptation. I see small changes to the script as having major consequences--for example, Tulsa being in the scene that precedes Everything's Coming Up Roses and the way his discussion with Louise changes her arc in the scene. (Her primary focus should be on her family; when the boys refer to Tulsa's act as being swell and ask Louise to weigh in, her comment about never having seen it is enough. So much is said in those few words. Less is more. Having Tulsa there gilds the lily.)
I don't feel much more positively about Rosalind Russell's performance and, obviously, so much of what Louise has to do in the story is in reaction to Rose. For these reasons, it's hard for me to compare Wood's work to the other women mentioned in this thread. Which is a shame because it's damn near perfect casting and when she shines in the movie, she shines brightly.
A potentially controversial opinion: I wish they'd dubbed her singing. Louise doesn't need to be a particularly stunning vocalist, but I actually find Wood unpleasant to listen to. She sounds...Jennifer Jason Leigh in Cabaret bad.
I didn't see Gibson. |
