THE HILARY SWANK REVIEW

By Nate Lee 

BEST FILM: Million Dollar Baby... As with her other Oscar-winning role in “Boys Don’t Cry,” the extraordinary physical beauty of Hilary Swank is virtually hidden, letting an inner beauty – and strength, of course – shine through. That, and the compelling story, and the equally brilliant performances by Eastwood and especially (the Oscar-winning performance of) Morgan Freeman, make this virtually anyone’s best film.

GREAT PERFORMANCES YOU MAY NOT HAVE SEEN:

Boys Don’t Cry (Golden Globe, SAG and Oscar-winning performance as a murdered transgender boy)

Freedom Writers (an innovative teacher in Long Beach)

P.S. I Love You (a widow)

11:14 (part of an ensemble in a bizarre murder mystery)

Insomnia (a cop, opposite Al Pacino and Robin Williams)

The Affair of the Necklace (a French countess bent on revenge against the royal family)

The Gift (an abused wife, opposite Keanu Reeves) 

BLOCKBUSTERS:

Amelia (Amelia Earhart) 

THE REAL HILARY:

Million Dollar Baby ...

A Washington state finalist in both swimming and gymnastics in her youth, and a resident of a trailer park for awhile, Swank really did pull herself up by her bootstraps. Even though they are acting boots and not necessarily gym shoes, she is a gifted athlete, which she employs well in portraying determined women.

ACTING STYLE:

Almost as much as Charlize Theron, and possibly to more pleasing results, Hilary is not afraid to get dirty, messy or ugly. Her problem may eventually be just the opposite: getting approval for a leading role where we can actually see “Hilary.” In the meantime, though, her craft and her ability to perfectly channel real people like Amelia Earhart earn her more respect than most of her colleagues. 

BITS AND QUIRKS:

The huge, huge smile, springing on you full force without warning. The deeper-throated macho voice, accented with punchy consonants. A little slouch, often an eager-beaver slouch.  

GREAT SCENES:

MILLION DOLLAR BABY -

The fight scenes > At the bag, particularly when Clint finally starts coaching her > In the hospital

THE AFFAIR OF THE NECKLACE -

Before the courts > Her love affair interrupted by husband Adrian Brody > The actual stealing of the necklace

INSOMNIA -

The shootout with Robin Williams and Al Pacino

AMELIA -

The lone flight > Bullying her pilot and crew > The affair with Ewan McGregor > The interview with Richard Gere 

IF YOU LIKE HER, YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T LIKE:

The Reaping (a professor in a horror film)

The Core 

GO TO THE... HILARY SWANK BIO