Hilary Swank could teach all actors a lesson about the art of picking good scripts. Not everyone can go from a comedy film debut – in her case, 1992’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer – to raking in awards for dramatic parts just a few years later. Swank is gathering critical acclaim for her role alongside Tommy Lee Jones in The Homesman, out this week in UK cinemas, so we’re looking back at her best past performances. Tell us which would make your own list, in the comments section.
Boys Don’t Cry
Brandon Teena, a transgender young man who was raped and murdered in Nebraska in 1993, was the first of Swank’s roles to make a major impact on both critics and filmgoers. Her portrayal of Teena also helped push transgender issues into America’s national conversation, years after the horrific real-life story broke. Swank picked up more than 20 awards for the role, including a best actress Golden Globe and Oscar.
Million Dollar Baby
Boxing gloves, French plaits, bloodied teeth: Swank had them all as she played aspiring boxer Maggie Fitzgerald in Clint Eastwood’s sport drama. We want to avoid spoilers, so we can’t get into the details of its third act. Let’s just say that the plot twist is likely to leave you drowning in a pool of your own tears, and helped Swank earn another 13 awards.
Freedom Writers
Swank took on the “white lady teacher changing inner-city high schoolers’ lives” role – credit to Michelle Pfeiffer where credit’s due – in this Danny DeVito-produced film. Thankfully, for all the part’s potential for cliche, she played real-life teacher Erin Gruwell with nuance and a careful attention to detail.
Conviction
In another film based on a true story, Swank transformed into waitress-turned-lawyer Betty Anne Waters, who fought to overturn what she believed to be her brother’s wrongful murder conviction and incarceration. Swank displayed her trademark determination and grit throughout.
The Black Dahlia
Let’s be clear about one thing: this was not a good film. But Swank’s turn as wealthy, breathy, sometime lesbian Madeleine Linscott saw her step away from the usual serious stuff for something indulgently silly. Brian de Palma’s wannabe noir crime thriller oozed over-acted sex and murder at just about every turn, but at least Swank showed us how to make Josh Hartnett blush while huffing on a cigarette.
