I thought that Vanessa gave a good performance but dear God, what Jackson would have done with this part! Throughout the film that's all I could think about: Glenda Jackson`s would- have-been tour de force performance! Anyone else agrees?
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Yes, that's it, exactly! She does that so well!
shareGlenda Jackson would've been great in the role, but I read that she had had enough of angst-driven parts in Ken Russell's films (The Music Lovers; Women in Love). Yet she appeared in Salome's Last Dance and The Rainbow years later.
shareYes, I watched a rare interview with Jackson circa 1977 where she was asked about it then replied that she had felt that she had already done a character like that so didn't see the point. Btw, never saw Salome nor The Rainbow; does she have a prominent part with another great performance? Thanks
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I think the reason Ken Russell cast Vanessa rather than Glenda in this role was the need for a victim but also the strong anti-authoritarian politically sensitive nature of the work. Whilst Glenda will still occasionally rattle a sabre (like her 'Maggie was a community killer' speech) you can't imagine a future MP fornicating with a crucifix. Vanessa never had political aspiration other than to promote the Workers Revolutionary Party of which she only wanted to be another rank and file member.
What struck me again watching this film was the strong political force of the work. The ruling classes still recoil at the mention of this work because it shows the manipulation of the 'truth' for political end. You could say the same about few contemporary works or works since apart from perhaps V. What really upsets the elite about this one is it's depiction of church and monied as manipulators of state/crown to such satirical effect.
Ken Russell says in the audio commentary on the British Film Institute DVD of this film that he originally offered the part of Sister Jeanne to Glenda Jackson, and it was only after Glenda Jackson had turned down the part that Ken Russell offered the role to Vanessa Redgrave.
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." (Matthew 7:12)
Not sure if this adds anything but I'm pretty sure in the bfi interview or some other voice over of the film Ken says that Glenda wanted a different ending for Sister Jeanne. Something about her head bing displayed after jeanne died for the church to see.
Vanessa Redgrave is eerie, pitiable and still physically beautiful in the role. I think she's ideally cast....and what a truly brave performance! Can't you just see it being pitched to Faye Dunaway or Anne Bancroft circa 1970, and them saying, "(long pause) You want me to do WHAT???"
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Actually Anne Bancroft already played Sister Jeanne in a theater production of The Devils in 1965, imagine if SHE were in the movie
Agreed.
I can’t see anyone doing a better job there.
Beautiful, cruel, tortured, pitiable.
Interesting.
shareI love both Vanessa and Glenda but I cannot imagine Jackson doing a better job in this particular role than Redgrave. One of the best performances by one of my favourite actresses.
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