7 Essential Shirley MacLaine Films!
Shirley MacLaine (b. Shirley MacLean Beaty) is an Academy Award winning actress, who is known for playing kooky, eccentric characters that ooze with wisdom and charm.
Below, you will find a list of the 7 films that are a MUST watch for fans of the one-and-only Shirley MacLaine!
7. “In Her Shoes” (2005)
My Rating: 7/10
Genre: Romantic Comedy (with elements of drama)
Plot: The relationship between sisters Maggie (Cameron Diaz), an impulsive party girl, and Rose Feller (Toni Collette), a responsible lawyer, is put to the test after a serious act of betrayal is committed. MacLaine plays the girls’ Floridian grandmother, Ella.
Why watch? The relationships between the characters are beautifully played out, and the dialogue appears much more intelligent than the average romantic comedy.
6. “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (2013)
My Rating: 7/10
Genre: Drama/Comedy/Fantasy
Plot: Unsatisfied with his mundane life, Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) embarks on an unbelievable journey in order to save his job and impress a female coworker (Kristen Wiig). MacLaine adds a sentimental touch to the film, playing Mitty’s mother, Edna.
Why watch? The journey of the central character is extremely powerful and moving to watch. The fantasy sequences are a visual delight!
5. “The Last Word” (2017)
My Rating: 8/10
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Plot: A bossy, particular, retired advertising entrepreneur, Harriet Lauler (MacLaine), hires young journalist Anne Sherman (Amanda Seyfried) to write her obituary. This task proves difficult, as Harriet was not widely liked.
Why Watch? The bond between the three generations of women is often quite bittersweet, and this is one of Shirley’s only starring roles in recent years!
4. “The Apartment” (1960)
My Rating: 8/10
Genre: Comedy
Plot: Desperate for a promotion, office worker C.C. Baxter (Jack Lemmon) frequently lends his Upper West Side apartment to company managers. Things get complicated when C.C. develops an attraction to Fran (MacLaine), an elevator girl.
Why Watch? Shirley MacLaine and Jack Lemmon! Enough said.
3. “Postcards From the Edge” (1990)
My Rating: 8/10
Genre: Comedy
Plot: Adapted from Carrie Fisher’s memoir of the same name, the plot is centered around actress Suzanne Vale’s (Meryl Streep) struggle with drug addiction, as well as her complicated relationship with her controlling and vain actress mother, Doris Mann (MacLaine). Trust me, it is a comedy!
Why Watch? The cast! MacLaine and Streep certainly make a convincing mother-daughter duo! If that’s not enough, there are bit parts played by Rob Reiner, Gene Hackman, Richard Dreyfuss, Oliver Platt and Annette Bening!
2. “Wild Oats” (2016)
My Rating: 8/10
Genre: Comedy
Plot: After accidentally inheriting five million dollars, retired teacher Eva (MacLaine) takes a much needed vacation with her best friend Maddie (Jessica Lange). Naturally, chaos ensues.
Why Watch? MacLaine and Lange are the ultimate comedy duo we never knew we needed until now!
- “Terms of Endearment” (1983)
My Rating: 9/10
Genre: Drama
Plot: The film revolves around the complicated but loving relationship between the stubborn, independent Aurora Greenway (MacLaine) and her daughter, the carefree Emma Horton (Debra Winger). Jack Nicholson also stars as Aurora’s intriguing neighbour, Garrett Breedlove, a former astronaut.
Why Watch? Shirley MacLaine was awarded with her sole Oscar for her portrayal of Aurora Greenway. Jack Nicholson was also awarded an Oscar, his second, for this film.
Bonus: “Defending Your Life” (1991)
My Rating: 9/10
Genre: Drama/Comedy
Plot: It’s hard to disclose many details without spoiling the movie, so let’s just say neurotic Daniel Miller (Albert Brooks) and compassionate Julia (Meryl Streep) manage to fall in love despite the most difficult of circumstances.
Why Watch? Shirley MacLaine makes a cameo rather late in the film!
Hope you enjoyed the suggestions! Stay tuned for more!
