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Lauren Lee Smith shines in "Helen"What's up with former L Word stars going on to the most depressing sounding movies ever? Last month, we told you Erin Daniels will star in an upcoming feature about a mysterious suicide, and now her on-screen girlfriend who went off to Paris while she died, Lauren Lee Smith, stars alongside Ashley Judd in Helen, a film about mental illness.
While the subject matter of the film, which just debuted at Sundance, is a complete downer, director Sandra Nettelbeck is is getting a lot of attention for her realistic, non-gratuitous portrayal of mental illness.
Judd plays Helen, who, not unlike her character in Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, begins to slip into a deep depression, pushing away her husband and daughter. It's Smith's character, Mathilda, who is able to comfort Helen (but not like that). Strange, considering she has her own psychological issues complete with violent/suicidal rages. The L.A. Times wrote of the film: The story line could have easily slipped into Lifetime original movie land, the excellent writing and acting, rounded out by Lauren Lee Smith portraying a tortured soul whose path crosses Helen's, saves it from melodramatic moments.
It's great to hear Smith getting some praise for a leading role, especially alongside a seasoned actress like Judd. With rave reviews at Sundance, Helen will hopefully score a distribution deal and end up in theaters later this year. Does it sound like something you'd want to see? Submitted by on January 20, 2009 - 1:15pm. |
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News, Reviews & Commentary on Lesbian and Bisexual women in Entertainment and the Media
Lara was one of my favourite
Lara was one of my favourite characters anyway, but dear lord, I think I love the actress.
I have a lot of respect for actors who are willing to work seriously around the spectrum of mental illness, as I suffer from depression myself.
I really love
Right with you. She has
Right with you. She has this really quirly attitude in her voice which I love. It's dripping in power and playfulness and sexiness.
She does
I'm glad I'm not the only one who notices it. Her voice is just pure sex.
She was one of my favourite
She was one of my favourite too. Good to see that she's getting praise for her acting.
I'd love to see a realistic portrayal of depression, but not if it was unremittingly grim and gloomy. Speaking as someone who has suffered depression, I believe that, even at rock bottom, there are always chinks of light around us and from within us that can be reflected to give some 'upside' to a portrayal of depression.
Oh I missed her since last
Ashley Judd
Does it sound like something you'd want to see?
No it's not.
Glad to see Lauren Lee Smith is tall, I like it!
Im gonna....
Already Saw It!
what about .....
....lauren's butt?
i guess, because the "i do not care about my hair", the director is the woman on her left, the one with her hand in lauren butt. i see .
The ball is round, a game lasts 90 minutes, everything else is pure theory. Off we go!
Herr Schuster "Lola Runs"
I'd watch anything...
As long as Lauren is in it!
Lauren got me into watching
Lauren got me into watching CSI. Seeing her on the big screen is amazing. Getting praise for a lead role that I will hopefully get to see on the big screen as well is even better. Love seeing her in whatever she does. Very charming lady!
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I saw the trailer for this movie...
Bring back the red...
I think Lauren Lee Smith should stay with the red, although having two redheads on CSI would burn up the screen. She & Marg Helgenberger would cause *hotness alerts*
It looks like "Helen" has a great cast. Probably something I'd get on dvd, as I don't watch movies at the theater very often.
Does it sound like something you'd want to see?
No, not really, but maybe I'll buy it on DVD.
-Nathiest
the devil is in the details
.
i hope it gets shown in my country. i doubt it though. well, either way i'm sure i'll find a way to see it. got to say, i like Lauren Lee Smith better as a redhead. but nevertheless i love her just the same.
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I am the person who has to hide what this world needs most, love.Ahhh..Lara.
Loved her in the L Word.
I like her Riley Adams character on CSI.
Will look out for this movie Helen.
~L
Lauren Lee SMith -
THe Only Thing i Can say is, and i know that it;s true,
God must have spend a little more time on you...
Marry me! kisssssssssssss for you lauren!
L stands for Love, second L stands for Love you more, S stands for stand up and say it out loud, lauren is the most beatifull girl in the world, the reason that God made a Girl!