Sigourney Weaver is another big name actress who’s done a surprising number of frock flicks for not really being a “frock flick actress.” Let’s count ’em down!
Laura Wheeler in The Best of Families (1977)
A TV miniseries — IMDB says it’s a “Drama set in late 19th-century America, following the lives of three families – one wealthy, one middle-class, and a family of poor Irish immigrants.”
Queen Isabel in 1492: Conquest of Paradise (1992)
I thought she was wearing WTF, but I stood (mostly) corrected by our guest expert! She played an ominous Queen Isabelle of Castile.
Claudia Hoffman in Snow White: A Tale of Terror (1997)
Yes, it’s got definite fantasy elements, but this take on the fairy tale is very much set in early 16th century Germany. Weaver plays the evil stepmother, of course.
Alice Hunt in The Village (2004)
I won’t spoil it by saying which era it’s set in, but it’s a spooky story set in an isolated oldey timey village.
Babe Paley in Infamous (2006)
A film about Truman Capote researching his novel “In Cold Blood.” Paley was a magazine editor and socialite.
Tuya in Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014)
A take on the Biblical Moses story. Tuya was the wife of Pharaoh Seti I and mother of Ramesses II. Sadly most of the female actresses felt underused in this.
Virginia in Call Jane (2022)
A film about the Jane Collective, which in 1969-73 provided abortions during a period when they were illegal. I recently watched this and definitely enjoyed it! Weaver’s character is one of the leaders of the group.
Which Sigourney Weaver frock flicks have you enjoyed?
I remember watching the Best of Families years ago on PBS. I’ve adored Victor Garber ever since.
The last dress in the photos of her as Isabella of Castille is so intricate with all the pearls and other details. I just think about the poor fingers of those who created these gowns for the queens of the past, as well as these costumes, if the beading was hand-sewn.
My mom was a fan of Weaver in ‘The Year of Living Dangerously’ since she lived in Indonesia in the early ’60’s and had some context for the setting. (I of course was much more interested in ‘Alien’ and ‘Ghostbusters!)
The image where she plays the old witch reminds me of the early renaissance painting the Ugly Duchess.
Whoa! You’re so right, she’s not really a “frock flicks actress.” I never would’ve thought of her for WCW. Of these, I’ve only seen 1492. Teenaged me loved that movie–though I thought Weaver an odd casting choice even then. I’m due for a re-watch as an adult. I definitely want to see her version of Snow White. And also, I think this caption should be on a tee shirt: “She’s not straight and dresses like it.” She’s such a beautiful and talented actress!
I’ve only seen “Jane,” which is not bad, although not real big on glamour. (It’s not costume drama, but I’ve always dreamed of Weaver as Sara Paretsky’s private investigator, V.I. Warshawski; Weaver would have been wonderful running around Chicago in Warshawski’s vintage couture jackets–which always seem to get ripped in a fight–raising hell among right-wing corporations.)