Golden Globe Nominated Performance Review #1: Emma Stone in "Easy A"

I am very critical of an actress’ or actor’s first official lead role. I feel this way because the entertainer must be able to carry a film of their own following a series of well-liked supporting roles. The player should also be required to give a memorably funny presentation if their first essential role is a comedy or make a considerably striking act if it is their first drama; or if their breakout role is a combination of both, he or she must be able to step-up-to-the-plate with a truly superb feat. Finally, the thespian must be able to keep the audience’s attention throughout their film without missing a beat in time or any possible dragging. This is very hard to achieve, especially if the person in question is a young actor or actress; mostly because their performance could determine whether their career will be a long one or not. Happily, my expectations were amazingly met this past September when I saw the intriguing comedy "Easy A" starring the amiable and talented Emma Stone. Her performance was so notable, that when I discovered her Golden Globe nomination for best performance by an Actress in a Musical or Comedy, I reacted with joy. Therefore, I can confidently proclaim that:

Easy A ‘Easily’ Verifies Emma Stone as ‘A’ True Leading Actress


In Director Will Gluck's smart teen comedy, Emma Stone stars as Olive; a high school student who was just another face-in-the-clouds until she tells her friend Rhiannon a small lie about having a date in order to get out of a weekend get-together. But, when her friend Rhiannon played by Alyson Michalka, keeps inquiring about the faux affair, Olive lies by stating that she had sex for the first time with a college student. Unfortunately, the school’s ultra-traditional religious group picks up the lie and their organizer Marion, played with such wicked-energy by Amada Bynes, decides to lead an attack against Olive for her supposedly-dishonest behavior. Now, our protagonist has to either tell the truth or keep up the ruse; with the later proving to be the ultimate choice as she eventually pretends to have sex with gay friend Branden, played by Dan Byrd, to ultimately stop his classmates’ taunting. Soon, Olive’s life begins to emulate the storyline of The Scarlet Letter, which happens to be the very same book that her English teacher; played by Thomas Hayden Church. Subsequently, Olive is seen in a whole new light which turns to be beneficial as her status starts to go way up; but then things get seriously out of control and our heroine realizes that her actions have seriously negative consequences as boys start to scheme her for fake intercourse. And throughout the film, Emma Stone’s authenticity as lead actress never misses a beat.

Image taken from http://thecia.com.au/reviews/e/images/easy-a-7.jpg

Part of what makes Emma Stone’s breakout act so spot on is that she is skilled in exhibiting different forms of comedy. Following her roles in comedies such as "Superbad", "The House Bunny" and "Zombieland", Stone takes this opportunity to further demonstrate her impeccable sense of comedic timing; particularly in the form of verbal humor. Every time Bynes’ Marion made a spiteful comment regarding Olive’s alleged behavior, Stone responds with a zinger of her own with extra flair; particularly in a fashion reminiscent of Vince Vaughn’s performance in "Wedding Crashers" or Ryan Reynolds’ act as "Van Wilder". In addition, Stone proves that she is also skilled in performing acts of physical comedy; particularly in her scene with Byrd’s Brandon. Thus, Stone’s wit and energy make for a winning presentation.

In addition to demonstrating her comedic talents, Emma Stone proves that she can handle complex situations as well. When the film switches gears and shows the serious consequences of her character’s actions, Stone is able to make the transition flawlessly. And I don’t want to spoil anything for you but the way she handles the film’s difficult material allows you to see what she is truly capable of: the ability to put on a performance that is both honest and poignant.

And that’s what completely certifies Emma Stone as a leading actress: her presentation was completely down-to-earth and genuine. In every scene she was in, Stone ensures a true performance that never drags or lulls. Her presence completely dominates the movie; so much so that her aura is palpable even when she is not on the screen. Furthermore, Stone’s portrayal of Olive is so practical that it makes the entire affair seem closer to watching events unfold in real life rather than on the silver screen. In addition, the sequences in which Stone’s Olive interacts with her very open-minded and sympathetic parents, played with such high-energy by Stanly Tucci and Patricia Clarkson, make you believe that you are watching an actual family interrelate with one another instead of trained actors and actresses putting on a scene. And the way she communicates with her actual crush and school’s mascot Woodchuck Todd, played by Penn Badgley, allows you to catch a pragmatic glimpse of a young woman dealing with her feelings while handling her life’s complications at the same time. Therefore, there is never a forged moment in Stone’s performance and her heart and soul are completely ubiquitous. In other words: Emma Stone is a gifted and bona fide actress!

Image taken from http://www.filmofilia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Easy-A-02.jpg

Following her amazing performance in "Easy A", I am looking forward to seeing Emma Stone appear in more films. At the age of twenty-two, she has many noteworthy parts set for 2011 and 2012; such as starring alongside Steve Carell in the upcoming romantic comedy "Crazy, Stupid Love", one of the primary leads in the forthcoming film adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s novel “The Help” and the crucial part of Gwen Stacy in the much-anticipated "Spider Man" reboot. Yes, "Easy A" has more than definately certified Stone as a leading actress. And I'm not sure if she'll win the Golden Globe due to heavy competition; but, she has definitely won my everlasting reverence.

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