Let’s get real-Ellen Burstyn isn’t just an actress, she’s an experience. She has done it all, whether it’s holding your heart in her hand or going toe-to-toe with the Devil. Ellen’s career began in the 1950s and continues to grow bolder with time, making her one of Hollywood’s most daring chameleons. But what really sets her apart? She lives her role rather than merely playing it. So, fasten your seatbelts and join us as we delve into ten classic movies that prove Ellen Burstyn’s status as a timeless film icon.
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Requiem for a Dream (2000) – Sara Goldfarb
Brace yourself-this one isn’t easy to watch, but it’s impossible to forget. Ellen Burstyn plays a lonely elderly widow in Requiem for a Dream, whose obsession with appearing on a TV game show turns into addiction and hallucination. Her performance is extremely devastating. There’s a heartbreaking fragility to Sara, and Burstyn portrays it with such intensity that you can’t help but feel every inch of her unraveling sanity. The Smithsonian should really frame that famous monologue, “I’m somebody now…
She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for this performance, and many people still believe she should have won. She delivers an emotional punch in her monologue about her desire to be noticed and loved. Despite the unsettling nature of Requiem, Burstyn’s performance is unadulterated, unafraid, and unforgettable.
The Exorcist (1973) – Chris MacNeil
Her depiction of a scared but resolute mother brought a unique emotional depth to the horror genre. She performed many of her own stunts, one of which resulted in a severe injury to her back. That’s commitment. The role earned her an Oscar nomination, and the film became the first horror movie ever to be nominated for Best Picture. Ellen didn’t just survive the terror-she elevated it. For the role in the spotlight, Burstyn had to battle the studio. She ensured that Chris MacNeil was the film’s emotional center rather than only a supporting character in her daughter’s tale.
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974) – Alice Hyatt
This is where Ellen took over, both creatively and literally. Burstyn, who played Alice Hyatt, a recently widowed mother traveling with her son and pursuing her dream of becoming a singer, gave us a combination of strength, humor, grit, and vulnerability. She chose Martin Scorsese to direct the film and pushed for the story to focus on a woman’s real-life struggles. Her performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress, and the film helped to establish a trend for stronger female leads in Hollywood. This wasn’t just a movie; it was a movement. The film was so successful that it served as the basis for the long-running sitcom Alice, even though Burstyn didn’t appear in the show.
Resurrection (1980) – Edna Mae McCauley
One of Burstyn’s most neglected performances is Resurrection. She portrays Edna Mae McCauley, a lady who gains healing abilities after surviving a near-death encounter. However, this isn’t your average tale of a miracle worker; rather, it’s realistic, thought-provoking, and even somewhat mystical. For this role, Burstyn received another Oscar nomination, and it’s understandable why. Her depiction of Edna is calm and strong, displaying compassion in each moment. This movie poses important questions: Does faith exist? Can miracles happen? Ellen also shows you the human side of the divine without telling you what to think. If you missed this one, it’s time to change that.
Same Time, Next Year (1978) – Doris
Have you ever wondered what a twenty-five-year romantic comedy would look like? Watch Same Time, Next Year. As Doris, one half of a couple who get together once a year for an adulterous weekend retreat, Burstyn co-stars with Alan Alda. It may sound scandalous, but it’s actually funny, sweet, and shockingly profound.
The film follows their changing relationship against the backdrop of evolving American culture. Burstyn skillfully transitions between each decade, encapsulating Doris’s development and vulnerability. You’ll understand why it won her another Oscar nomination. The picture achieves a unique balance between heartbreak and laughter, and their chemistry is explosive.
Queen Bees (2021) – Helen Wilson
Who says older women can’t lead the screen? Queen Bees feels like Mean Girls for seniors-and Ellen Burstyn’s Helen is the Regina George of the retirement home (but, you know, classier). She enters a new phase of life with a lot of heart, sass, and spark, and discovers unanticipated friendship-and love. Despite sharing screen time with such Hollywood heavyweights as Ann-Margret and James Caan, Ellen remains the queen bee. Queen Bees demonstrates that excellent performances never go out of style thanks to her timeless charisma.
Lovely, Still (2008) – Mary
Ready to shed a tear or two. Or a lot. In Lovely, Still, Burstyn portrays Mary, a kindhearted woman who has a romantic relationship with Martin Landau’s character, a lonely elderly man. Slowly, what begins as a charming love tale develops into something more profound and moving.
Here, Burstyn exhibits nuanced sincerity, and her relationship with Landau is endearing. This independent masterpiece gracefully examines age, memory, and love in the final years. Burstyn’s performance is one of the reasons it works so well; few movies dare to tackle late-life romance this delicately.
Wish You Well (2013) – Louisa Mae Cardinal
Wish You Well, a gentle drama based on David Baldacci’s novel, stars Burstyn as the compassionate and intelligent Louisa Mae, a grandmother who takes on the role of guardian for her grandchildren after tragedy befalls them. The picture, which is set in rural Virginia, exudes emotional healing and Southern charm.
Burstyn’s portrayal is reassuring and realistic. She serves as the narrative’s emotional center, portraying a traditional yet adaptable woman. Although it’s not a particularly glamorous role, it demonstrates her ability to blend in with individuals and give them a genuine, lived-in sense. Sometimes the most powerful roles are the quietest.
The King of Marvin Gardens (1972) – Sally
Here’s one for the cinephiles. Burstyn co-stars opposite Bruce Dern and Jack Nicholson in Bob Rafelson’s somber, reflective film The King of Marvin Gardens. She portrays Sally, as a complicated, emotionally volatile woman entangled in a web of desperation and illusion. Burstyn boldly plunges into Sally’s pandemonium. Despite the film’s lackluster box office result, critics praised her portrayal for its unvarnished vulnerability. It’s an excellent example of how to depict instability without making it into a caricature. This is one of those “film school favorite” movies. Burstyn’s performance is still regarded by critics as one of her most underrated performances.
Walking Across Egypt (1999) – Mattie Rigsbee
Last but definitely not least, Walking Across Egypt is a warm, charming slice of Americana. Burstyn portrays Mattie Rigsbee, a devout widow who has a soft spot for stray animals, particularly young ones. She immediately demonstrates her Southern hospitality when she encounters a disturbed boy from a juvenile facility.
It’s an uplifting tale of kindness, second chances, and fried chicken. Homemade perfection, Burstyn’s performance is insightful without being sanctimonious and sympathetic without being phony. Based on the novel by Clyde Edgerton, this story does well because of Burstyn’s ability to represent every Southern grandma you’ve ever met and loved.
Ellen Burstyn always gives it her all, whether she’s battling inner demons, navigating demonic forces, or discovering unexpected love. From indie dramas to Hollywood blockbusters, she’s proven time and again that talent never goes out of style. Ellen Burstyn is an ageless, bold, and iconic figure in a field that is always reinventing itself. And honestly? We can’t wait to see what she does next. For more listicles and premium content on golden age movie stars, check out Stream TV on YouTube!
