Mia Wasikowska's Villain in NY Times Video Gallery: Oh, the Villains She Could Play

When the New York Times provided a short film gallery of A-list stars portraying past movie villains, we saw one A-list actress completely out of character. Australian actress Mia Wasikowska's segment channeled Catherine Deneuve's Carole character from Roman Polanski's "Repulsion." Alongside, however, came some Wasikowska acting invention of her own and a master class in how to be a mentally unraveling Femme fatale.

It was an eye-opener for those used to seeing Wasikowska in roles of repression where her minimalist acting projects a bubble about ready to burst. If eventually playing a nefarious character, hers might be a subtle portrayal of a descent into madness as she noted to the New York Times. In a world of remakes, she's a perfect choice to portray these nefarious characters that need to be revisited or reinvented.

Carole in Remake of "Repulsion"

This should be considered, despite being facetiously obvious. Yet, not many people have brought up the idea of Roman Polanski's "Repulsion" being remade. Catherine Deneuve's 1965 performance is arguably a challenge to match.

Note that the Carole character is notably withdrawn through most of the movie that's wisely misconstrued as being abject shyness. Wasikowska's blank slate acting style would fit nicely. Even during the scenes where she uses the axe on a certain someday, the more catatonic she is--the eerier it would be.

All of this would stretch to acting through the eyes that Wasikowska uses with aplomb. Deneuve effectively used the same acting device with minimal dialogue. Ultimately, Mia needs a movie with little dialogue so we can spend more time reading her face.

Jeanne Dielman in "23 quai Commerce…"

I'm sure some of you have never heard of the movie "Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles." You have if you've watched French cinema and know that director Chantal Akerman created a masterpiece in this 1975 movie. It's also a master class study in the longest takes of ordinary tasks known to test human patience.

But Jeanne Dielman (played by Delphine Seyrig) is also a case study in slow mental deterioration. It even ends with a murder, though sympathetically. It's the type of role begging for Wasikowska to bring to America.

The extremely long takes of household tasks will have to be shortened for public tastes here in the States. Wasikowska, however, should be given plenty of time to unravel for maximum impact by the end. She also has to play older since Jeanne is a prostituting, single mother. Nevertheless, we arguably have millions of similar 20-something mothers.

The Bond Girl, with a More Intelligent Spin

Pray tell, the Bond Girl is as contrived as you can get. Yet that's all the more reason to reinvent her into something more interesting. Why is the villainous Bond Girl the way she is?

Wasikowska can be much like the character she created for the New York Times here, though even more exaggerated. The descent into madness will also be a psychological examination of why James Bond gravitates to her like moth to flame. Then again, James Bond might not live long enough and be usurped by someone else.

Alex Forrest in "Fatal Attraction"

All can be said here is note the passing of the torch of Glenn Close to Mia Wasikowska in the upcoming "Albert Nobbs." This remake role may not be a slow descent into madness, though it's slow enough for today's patience level. May Wasikowska someday scare you silly and prove that madness doesn't necessarily have to be histrionic.