2010 - The Mirren

So, lets take a little time to think about Helen Mirren.
This woman has so many films coming out next year, many of which are rather high profile, she looks like she could be a formidable contender when it comes to year end awards.
However, in saying that, with so many films she risks either competing with herself or none of the films being particularly awards worthy.

Let's take a looksie at what she has.

'Debt' - Directed by her 'Prime Suspect director John Madden, this thriller premise (In 1965, three young Israeli Mossad agents on a secret mission capture and kill a notorious Nazi war criminal. Now, thirty years later, a man claiming to be the Nazi has surfaced in Ukraine and one of the former agents must go back undercover to seek out the truth.) may run into trouble. Time spanning thrillers are hard to pull off, but Madden is good with his actresses, so who knows.

'Love Ranch' has been reported on many times. It is the first time she has worked with her husband Taylor Hackford and the film centres on a couple who run a brothel in Nevada. This one is ripe with pedigree.

'Brighton Rock' is adapted from a much loved book, and features Mirren in a supporting role. The cast is top notch (many past Oscar nominees). If it is good it will likely score better with the BAFTA's with some potential cross over should the acting be exceptional.

Likely to be very hit or miss is Julie Taymor's The Tempest with Helen as Prospero (renamed Prospera of course).
Not sure how well a Shakespeare film will do now-a-days (especially if the bards lyrical dialogue is kept) but the cast is very mighty.
This will no doubt be visual eye candy, but how good it is as a film depends not only on the actors, but on Taymor reigning in herself.

Finally we have Hungarian film maker István Szabó directing her in The Door. Not much is known about this drama, and it could likely be moved to 2011.

If I had to say which film she would be in awards contention for i would have to say 'Love Ranch' but with so many chances she could be impressive in any of them. I am thinking 'The Tempest' will also be an acting showcase, however frenetic editing and over directing could ruin it.

Have your say. Which film will most likely get Mirren awards notice?