Brit of the Week

Romola Garai (Aug. 6, 1982) was born in Singapore to a journalist mother and banker father. She moved with her family back to England at the age of eight and went on to attend Queen Mary, University of London. She grabbed the role of a younger Judi Dench in "Last of the Blonde Bombshells" after an agent spotted her. Her first major role was as 'Kate Nickleby' in 2002's "Nicholas Nickleby". After roles in "Vanity Fair", "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights", Garai got the part of older 'Briony' in 2007's Oscar-nominated film "Atonement". Next up for her are "One Day" (with Anne Hathaway and Patricia Clarkson) and "Virtuoso" (with Armin Mueller-Stahl).

Performance of the Day

Actor: PATRICIA CLARKSON

Film: "Easy A"

Character: Rosemary

Year: 2010

I have to say it... I heart Patricia Clarkson. She's one of the best actors working today. In the comedy "Easy A", she costars as Emma Stone's mother, Rosemary. It's her back and forth reportoire with Stanley Tucci (who plays her husband) that really makes this movie better than the average comedy. Clarkson is funny, witty, sweet, and refreshing.

Flick of the Day

Film: THE GREEN MILE

Director: Frank Darabont

Actors: Tom Hanks, Michael Clark Duncan, David Morse, Barry Pepper, Bonnie Hunt, Michael Jeter, Sam Rockwell, Graham Greene, Doug Hutchison, Patricia Clarkson

Year: 1999

Synopsis: A death-row inmate convicted of murdering two young children inspires prison guards with his wisdom and healing powers.

Flick of the Day

Film: SHUTTER ISLAND
Director: Martin Scorsese
Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Michelle Williams, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Patricia Clarkson, Emily Mortimer, Jackie Earle Haley, Max von Sydow, Elias Koteas
Year: 2010

Synopsis: Two US Marshals investigate the disappearance of a woman at a remote insane asylum.

I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I started this film (which is why I won't give much away). I knew DiCaprio to be a very talented actor with a lot of, still, un-tapped potential and I heart spectacular indie-darlings Michelle Williams and Patricia Clarkson. So, it's no surprise that I very much enjoyed this film (so much I watched it... count 'em... three times). It's beautifully shot, from the lake house to the spooky halls of the asylum. Scorsese continues his path as one of the best directors in history. The script is fascinating and alluring, and the rest of the cast in stupendous.