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The Best Shelley Duvall Films

by Emily Shillcock

Arguably one of the most recognisable faces in film history, Shelley Duvall sadly passed away on July 11th 2024. 


Whilst she is now known for her Hollywood career, that was not always the path she thought she would lead. In fact, she wanted to be a scientist growing up. It was only by chance that she crossed paths with director Robert Altman, who was absolutely captivated with her bubbly personality and striking appearance; thus, a movie star was born. 


Hesitant at first, Shelley eventually joined the cast of Brewster McCloud, Altman’s 1970 production.



Robert and Shelley worked together many times following, which only aided her in her journey to becoming a Hollywood superstar. Her career spanned over 30 years before she went on a well deserved hiatus for two decades. 


Her last project was an independent horror called The Forest Hills (2023), written and directed by Scott Goldberg.


Once a young girl from texas, Duvall is now internationally adored, with a poignant legacy immortalised in film. Here are my top three picks starring the legendary actress.


Nashville (1975), Robert Altman


Returning to work with Robert Altman, Duvall starred in his 1975 blockbuster musical, Nashville. The satirical motion picture follows 24 main characters involved in the Nashville country and gospel music industry. With so many story lines to follow, the film was quite unique at the time, and takes on many significant themes such as, desire, political fragility, race, religion and class.


Alongside Henry Gibson, Jeff Goldblum and Ned Beatty, Duvall plays Martha, a young woman whos main priority seems to be chasing after musicians in the city. The July release was an instant hit, acclaimed by audiences and critics alike. Commonly referred to as Altman’s ‘magnum opus’, Nashville is still regarded as one of the best films ever made and remains a hit with modern viewers.


3 Women (1977), Robert Altman


Following the pairs former successes, they once again united forces for Altmans’s dream inspired psychological drama, 3 Women (1977). The motion picture, whilst one of his lesser known works, is objectively one of his most impressive as he draws a fine line between imagination and reality through genius story telling, characterisation, set and sound design.


Duvall stars as the captivating yet airheaded Mildred "Millie" Lammoreaux, with Sissy Spacek (Carrie) as her obsessive protégé, Mildred "Pinky" Rose, where they become roommates whilst working in a Los Angeles home for the elderly. It follows a tale of repeated identity theft and sets a tone of anxiety and doubt, leaving you to question the structure of the film and whether it is meant to depict an allegorical tale of the failing American identity or is plainly a sequence of the directors dreams.


Whilst not being a box office success, 3 Women was met with much critical acclaim with Duvall taking home the 1977 Cannes Film Festival award for Best Actress.


The Shining (1980), Stanley Kubrick


In the top spot, Duvall’s most outstanding performance in Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 horror masterpiece The Shining, adapted from Stephen King’s novel of the same name.


Working as a winter caretaker, Jack Torrence and his family move into The Overlook Hotel. Located in a remote region of the Rocky Mountains, the luxurious resort is revealed to have an eerie history as the family start to have visions and delusions that push them to their breaking points.


Duvall’s depiction of Wendy Torrence, whilst now internationally renowned, was not well received at the time of release. Many found her high-pitched voice and constant nagging irritating, but it can be argued there is a deep misunderstanding of Duvall’s take on the character. 


She was even nominated for Worst Actress at the Golden Raspberry Awards’ by the organisations cofounder Maureen Murphy - a decision that was formally rescinded in 2022 following decades of controversy.


Regardless of its initial reception, Duvall’s harrowing portrayal of Mrs. Torrence has been firmly cemented as one of the greatest acting performances of all time.


Edited by Emily Duff


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