We’ve watched Fanning develop from a child star into a commanding lead, and Claire White has been cheering her along the whole time: here, she chooses just five essential roles.
Although she only recently turned 24, Elle Fanning has had an illustrious career others can only dream of. From art house indies and psychological thrillers to period pieces and a Disney Princess turn, she’s worked with some of the industry’s top filmmakers. It’s the kind of varied career full of hidden gems and outstanding features, making breaking down a handful of key roles quite an undertaking.
Having portrayed a stunning sense of self-assuredness even from a young age, it can sometimes be easy to forget that Fanning has always been that: young. It’s not until her film All the Bright Places (which she co-produced as well as starred in) that you realise we’ve never really seen Fanning as a high schooler. In fact, she missed her own senior prom to be at Cannes.
With The Girl From Plainville showcasing yet another transformative performance by Fanning (and a return to high school), here are some stand out performances of hers from over the years.
Somewhere (2010)
Although many note JJ Abrams’ Super 8 as Fanning’s breakout performance, for me it’s definitely Sofia Coppola’s underrated treatise on the emptiness of celebrity and ennui. Set mainly at the famed Chateau Marmont, Fanning stars as Cleo, the 11-year-old daughter of action star Johnny Marco (Stephen Dorff), who is recovering from an injury as well as enduring a press tour for his new action film.
A two-hander exploring a father-daughter relationship and the effect Cleo has on Johnny’s life, Fanning demonstrates a true understanding of her craft despite her young age, and holds her own. Special shout out to her figure skating routine set to Gwen Stefani’s “Cool”.
Ginger & Rosa (2012)
Ginger & Rosa
Directed by Sally Potter, Fanning stars alongside Jane Campion’s daughter Alice Englert in this film about the strength of friendship between two teenagers, and what it takes to make that friendship fall apart. Set in 1962, Fanning plays Ginger (aptly named since she is a red-head), who becomes radicalised by the threat of the Cuban Missile crisis, but also as a reaction to discovering Rosa is being seduced by Ginger’s own father. With an eerily good English accent, Fanning’s performance is delicate and fiercely emotional.
The Neon Demon (2016)
The Neon Demon
Nicholas Winding Refn’s cannibalistic psychological thriller was undeniably a turning point for Fanning. Starring as 16-year-old Jesse, a young model breaking into the biz and the object of much infatuation, jealousy and wrath, this slick and sly film proved Fanning was no longer a girl, but a Young Adult (yes, there is a difference).
Haunting and electric, Fanning excels as the ingenue, which becomes a theme for many of her characters post-Neon Demon. But while she may perfect a wide-eyed gaze and angelic innocence, do not be fooled: Fanning has bite.
20th Century Women (2016)
20th Century Women
Watch any interview with Elle Fanning and you will see she is a bubbly, joyful person who often dissolves into a fit of giggles. In Mike Mills’ 20th Century Women, Fanning’s Julie is much more subdued, filled with a sense of disillusionment and ennui (which is full circle from Somewhere). Knowing Fanning’s bright, joie de vivre personality, yet seeing her completely disappear into the role of Julie and her coolness, is proof of her transformative power as an actress.
The Great (2020—)
Fanning was a star before she reached our small screens as Catherine the Great, but her foray into television truly shows just how good she is. With the deadpan and raunchy humour popularised in The Favourite (written by Australian Tony McNamara, who also serves as the creator of this series), Fanning is formidable. As Catherine plans a coup to overthrow her imbecile husband and revolutionise Russia, she is cunning, able to manipulate whomever she needs in order to do her bidding. With great wit and great comedic timing, Fanning’s Catherine is a force to be reckoned with. Huzzah!
