Category Archives: mystery

Virginia Madsen in Spare Room

(A) Spare Room

Spare Room, (or “A Spare Room” as it’s listed on the opening card but not anywhere else), is an Independant movie from 2018, and despite it somewhat flying under the radar a little it’s been very much on my “Virginia Madsen films I want to watch” list since i started this whole thing. Not really sure why it’s on my “last of my Virginia Madsen films to watch” list as I bring this whole Filmography to a close, but… It is.

Spare Room is an intimate tale of two people struggling to get by in today’s world. It’s sort of two stories in one.

The first story is one of a mysterious veteran, David (Martin Sensmeier) who is suffering from flashbacks and a fair amount of guilt after his time in Afghanistan. He’s become a loner and a drifter, not really knowing what to do with life after the Iraq war.

The second story is one of Lillian (Skylar Samuels), she’s living in small town America and not having a great time of it all. Both her Mother and Husband have recently passed away and she’s been left to care for her brother, Arrow (Cole Sibus). Her Husband was also in the war but thanks to disobeying an order which ultimately ended his life Lillian is unable to claim any compensation which has left her struggling to pay the bills.

David ends up in Lillian’s town, they briefly meet at the diner she works at. She’s recently advertised her “Spare Room” out for rent, David needs a place to stay and so opportunity has its way and he moves in with her.

The story holds no real surprises, it’s pretty by the book – It seems silly to say “I won’t spoil it” when most of the movie is so predictable, but, I’ll refrain from going into the details all the same.
Virginia Madsen in Spare RoomVirginia Madsen plays Nat (don’t call her Natalie), the owner of a local bar where David gets work shortly after arriving in town. She gives him a job despite not advertising one, him being unshowered and having no place to live.

Because of this it’s obvious she’s got a soft spot for Military Men, but we never get anymore of her back story. From what she says and how she is I half expected some kind of monologue from her about losing her husband in a nonsense war and struggling to get by on her own, one day at a time.

But, that never came. I guess the film isn’t that predictable after all…

She does play a good character though, one that I don’t think I can recall seeing her play before. Nat reminded me of a Top Dog kind of character in a Women’s Prison. Think Orange is The New Black or Wentworth. It’s that kind of no nonsense, hard working weary soul she’s got. In Nat, we see Virginia Madsen bringing her hallmark authenticity to a small town figure, much as she’s done before but with a slightly harder edge. It’s a character that feels lived-in, even if her story isn’t fully explored – You just get to make your own up like I did.
Virginia Madsen in Spare RoomIt’s obviously a low budget film, but it’s actually exceptionally well made. There are some beautiful shots in it, but…

Spare Room is another film where Virginia Madsen, and the rest of the cast, shine – But are ultimately let down by the whole. It’s not a bad movie by any stretch of the imagination, but it could have been more. I don’t know what stops it being better, maybe it’s the pacing. Maybe it’s the fact we’ve seen this kind of movie before.

I’d say it’s worth a watch, overall – Don’t expect anything special and you’ll be OK – The performances here are spot on. If you enjoy watching talented people doing what they do best then you’ll get that out of it at least.

Also, a weird shout out to the soundtrack as well. It’s really, really good. More than once I loaded up Shazam to find out the name of a song so I could give it a listen later on and perhaps find more from the band, but it couldn’t help me. Which I thought was very odd, but after trawling through the end credits and looking it up on Google it seems as though a lot of it was done for the film.
Virginia Madsen in Spare RoomBilly Bob Thornton’s band, The Boxmasters, contribute to the soundtrack as does Vince Mira (who also plays “Vince the singer”) and also Natasha Bedingfield but if like me you end up wanting to hear more, then you’ll have to go down your own rabbit hole to find it.

It’s a hard film to recommend you go out and find for the story. You’ve seen it before, you’ll see it again. But, if you’re a fan of Virginia Madsen, or just want to show some kind of support to the people that made it, it’s worth tracking it down. It’s only real sin is that it doesn’t offer us anything new.

Availability:

Not that hard to find on Region 1 DVD, but it’s not exactly easy either. A little patience and you should find it eventually.

Gallery:

Trailer:

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Virginia Madsen in Walter

Walter

Walter. For the longest time, as I’ve been working through all these Virginia Madsen films, I don’t think I’ve come across one that has left me quite as stumped on what to say as this one. It’s so offbeat and unusual, but in the best possible way. I found myself laughing out loud more than once, which, honestly, doesn’t happen to me often these days.

And yeah, it’s good, man. Really good.

Released in 2015, Walter is a quirky little film that stars Andrew J. West in the lead role, with a supporting cast that includes Neve Campbell, Milo Ventimiglia, William H. Macy, and, of course, Virginia Madsen. It’s directed by Anna Mastro and written by Paul Shoulberg, who adapted it from his own 2010 short film of the same name.

I went into this movie completely blind, and I’m convinced that’s the best way to experience it. It’s the kind of film that reveals itself slowly, piece by piece, and you should really discover it that way, without knowing too much in advance.Virginia Madsen as Karen Benjamin in Walter, dressed in black with dark sunglasses, standing solemnly at a gravesite during a funeral. She places a flower on the casket, surrounded by white floral arrangements. A young boy in a suit, holding a single white rose, stands behind her, while uniformed officers attend the service in the background beneath lush green trees.Here’s what I will tell you, which is basically the kind of stuff you’d find on the DVD case or in the trailer. The story centres around Walter, a seemingly ordinary guy with an extraordinary belief: that he is the son of God, but he’s not “Jesus”, as he clarifies early on, that was some other Dude.

According to Walter, his divine purpose is to decide the eternal fate of everyone he meets. That’s his true calling. His day job? Taking tickets at a local movie cinema.

And that’s pretty much all you need to know before diving in.

Virginia Madsen plays Karen Benjamin, Walter’s long-suffering mother. And as you’d expect, she brings layers to the role that only she could. There’s a deep sadness to Karen that gradually becomes clear as the movie unfolds. Life has dealt her a rough hand, but she’s carried on with grace and resilience. What I love about her performance here is the way she mixes that quiet melancholy with moments of humour.
Virginia Madsen as Karen Benjamin in Walter, sitting at a kitchen table during a meal. She wears a casual blue and white patterned blouse, her blonde hair pulled back. A glass of milk, a jar of orange juice, and a plate of food are on the table. Behind her, white wooden cabinets filled with books and household items create a warm, homey atmosphere.She manages to flex her comedy chops, and there are a couple of scenes, especially involving eggs, that had me genuinely laughing out loud. Her chemistry with Andrew J. West is just right, especially in those small, slice-of-life moments that make their relationship feel all too real.

(I’m half snorting just remembering a scene around the table with the two of them as I write this.)

Virginia Madsen was one of the first “big” actors to commit to the film, something Paul Shoulberg was grateful for, speaking to Indianapolis Monthly he commented;

“The first person to sign on after that was Virginia Madsen, which is really important for a film. Once you have an established person sign on, people start taking it more seriously. ”

She’s also been spoken fondly of the film and her time working on it as well. In an interview with Melissa Parker for smashinginterviews.com she’d gush about it a little;

“I love to work in an ensemble cast. It’s my favourite way to work. Even though my scenes were only with Walter (Andrew J. West), I’m still in the midst of this wonderful group of people. I wanted to meet the director, and she was very interesting. I would say that it’s a comedy. It does have its dramatic elements, but it is a delight to watch, and it’s more fun than it is sad. Of course, the entire story hinges on how people are dealing with grief. ”

The film as a whole is quirky and clever, filled with dry humour and subtle insights into the human condition. It’s not trying to be flashy or loud, but instead draws you in with its oddball charm. There’s a unique tone here, a mix of the absurd and the profound.
Virginia Madsen as Karen Benjamin in Walter, standing in a dimly lit kitchen wearing a light pink nightgown. She appears startled or concerned, looking toward a man in a red vest who is partially visible in the foreground. Behind her, a kitchen sink, white cabinets, and a window with dotted curtains.It’s got its own flavour all its own. It’s light on its feet but also hits you with moments of surprising depth. One minute you’re laughing, the next you’re “huh”ing.

Walter might not have been on everyone’s radar, but it’s definitely a hidden gem. And Virginia Madsen, as always, brings something special to her role, helping elevate the film beyond just its quirky premise. It’s a cast piece again, you can’t fault any of them, really.
Virginia Madsen as Karen Benjamin in Walter, standing in a warmly lit home, wearing a bright blue dress with a black cardigan. She has a radiant smile, her blonde hair styled in soft waves. Behind her, a partially open door leads to another room, adding a sense of warmth and familiarity to the scene.And again, I’m smirking to myself thinking of some of the lines William H. Macy comes out with.

Virginia Madsen has of course worked with William H. Macy before, the first time would be in A Murderous Affair, and they were both in Ghosts of Mississippi as well.

So yeah, if you’re up for something different, something that’ll have you laughing one moment and thinking the next, this is one to check out.

But believe me, the less you know going in, the better. I think so at least.

Availability:

Good, good – Region 1 DVD’s are easy to find. Just be careful when searching as it isn’t the only film out there called “Walter”.

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Virginia Madsen in The Last Keepers

The Last Keepers

So, The Last Keepers. Another that wasn’t exactly high on my list of films to watch when doing this Virginia Madsen watch / rewatch thing. And, I’m not sure if it’d even be on my list if it wasn’t for Mrs Madsen. No, I am sure. It wouldn’t be.

It’s not the kind of film that is trying to grab your attention either, it’s got quite a subdued presence all round. And, without meaning to sound like a broken record – I don’t know if I’d have even heard of it without Virginia Madsen.

Despite all its quietness and nonedescriptness, it’s a film you’ve seen before. Probably many years ago, and many times. It’s a “quirky girl finds out she’s actually quite special” kind of film.

See. Told you, you’d seen it.

Now. You’ve seen it before, but have you watched it recently?Virginia Madsen in The Last KeepersThe Last Keepers is charming. It wins you over. It doesn’t offer you anything new and doesn’t challenge you in any way. But there is something about it that all gels together and brings you that exact same fuzzy feeling you didn’t know was missing till it gives you that hug.

The quirky teenager of The Last Keepers is Rhea Carver (Zosia Mamet). She’s an artist who has always felt out of her place in her small town high school. She lives with her reclusive (“strange”) parents, Abigail (Virginia) and John (Aidan Quinn) alongside her wise old Grandmother, Rosemarie (Olympia Dukakis).

It’s an odd life to live, but a peaceful one. Rhea is happy enough with her lot, she might not have the life of a normal teenager, but she’s happy enough. But, all that changes when she finds out she’s actually the latest in a long line of female mystics who possess ancient magical powers. Normally these powers manifest as Telekinesis, Visions or Healing, but Rhea seems to have command over all three – This insinuates that she might be “The Chosen One” of prophecy.
Virginia Madsen in The Last KeepersAnd that, of course, explains everything.

Rhea’s powers begin to get stronger, the family begin to realise that even within their own world that she’s displaying powers stronger and more powerful than is normal. Abigail has visions which lead her to be more protective over Rhea than she should be. There’s problems at school when her classmates realise there is something going on with Rhea which leads to accusations of her being a witch, not helped because she actually is a witch.

Rhea soon begins to feel the pressure and overwhelmed by it all, but with her family’s help and support she makes all the right choices, eventually, and embraces her destiny.

OK – So, that’s the broad strokes. There is a lot more to it than that but it’s all noise and melodrama, and you’ve seen it all before.Virginia Madsen in The Last KeepersVirginia Madsen is superb form here. I’ve said before that she does this kind of role so well. But I sometimes take for granted how well she does it. In The Last Keepers it’s on display more than most other times just how layered she can make these roles. There is a warmth and a depth to Abigail that simply shines. The internal conflict she has over wanting the best for her daughter but at the same trying to protect her family’s legacy.

The whole cast is great to be fair, and I think that is one of the things that makes this film so charming. It’s really well done, for what it is.

(Also worth a little nod to the fact she’d work with Aidan Quinn a few years later in Elementary)

Is it groundbreaking? No.

Is it as cheesy as it gets? Yes.

Can you find a reason to hate on it? Doubtful.

Is it going to give you warm fuzzy feelings? Probably.

Am I writing this with a little too much light in my soul after watching it? Definitely.

This isn’t my cup of tea, and I probably won’t watch it ever again without reason. But I won’t ever knock it.

This is no doubt a film that has flown under too many people’s radars. It deserved better.Virginia Madsen in The Last KeepersIt’s hard to recommend the film as an  adult, for an adult audience (as I assume most people reading this are) – BUT – If you have kids of a certain age who need to see a bit of good in the world then you can do far worse than watch this with them.

Availabilty:

Good. No problems at all finding this one on DVD. Blu-Ray is harder to find, seems like it was only relased in some countries this way and it’s also available on Amazon Prime, depending on your location and or access to a VPN.

Trailer:

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Virginia Madsen in Ripple Effect

Ripple Effect

Ripple Effect is a Virgina Madsen film I hadn’t seen before but very much looking forward to. It might as well have driven up my street, parked outside and given me a friendly wave while holding a box of popcorn.

It’s a  film that deals with the consequences of our actions. Those events that shape our lives in ways we can’t possibly understand or comprehend at the time.A warmly lit outdoor scene shows Virginia Madsen smiling tenderly as she cups the face of a bearded man wearing a gray fedora. They are seated close together, surrounded by tall grass and background figures, suggesting an intimate gathering.Phillippe Caland wears many hats in Ripple Effect. He writes, directs, produces, and stars as the lead character, Amer Atrash. He’s a once successful fashion designer who despite doing well for himself is haunted by his demons. Amer is looking down the barrel of a mid-life crisis as the guilt from a hit and run accident in his past weighs heavier and heavier on his soul. He once hit a man with his car while in the country illegally, he did his best to ensure that the man did survive the accident but didn’t come forward and admit his actions for fear of running his own life.

We meet Amer as he’s just lost funding for his latest projects, despite his best efforts he can’t seem to raise the money he needs. He eventually implodes and begins to realise he can’t move forward with his life until he reconciles his past. No matter what that might look like.

No longer able to help himself, he confesses all to his wife, Sherry (Virginia Madsen) who agrees that he must put his mind to rest before he can begin to work out what to do with the rest of his life. She loves him and the daughter they have together dearly but she can see something isn’t right.A softly lit bedroom scene shows Virginia Madsen lying on her side atop a plush, golden bedspread. Her bare shoulder is exposed, and she gazes downward with a serene yet contemplative expression. Her wavy blonde hair frames her face, illuminated by the warm glow of ambient lighting.Amer reveals that he has kept tabs on his victim and knows where he is. He’s watched as the man recovered from the accident but has been left disabled and in a wheelchair due to the accident.

He makes arrangements to be at the same place at the same time at the place he knows he’ll be and “bumps into” the man and his wife. His name is Phillip (Forest Whittaker), he’s there with his wife Kitty (Minnie Driver). Phillip, left disabled after the accident, has adapted in his own way. He and his wife Kitty have an unconventional arrangement with his consent, since Phillip is physically unable to fulfil her needs, Kitty seeks lovers outside their marriage, and so it’s easy for Amer to meet the couple and get an invite to their home.

The night doesn’t go as planned for Kitty, but Amer has an in with Phillip and pretty soon he’s confessing all to the man he paralysed all those years ago. But, he doesn’t quite find what he’s looking for with Phillip. In some ways Amer wants to be punished by Phillip for what he’s done to this life, but what he finds is a spiritual man who long since come to terms with his lot in life and sees things completely different to Amer.Virginia Madsen from Ripple Effect. She sits on a red-striped outdoor lounge chair, wearing a vibrant red blouse. Her curly blonde hair frames her face as she gazes off to the side with a pensive expression, her lips slightly parted. In her hand, she holds a white cup, illuminated by soft ambient lighting against a dark, lush garden background.I’ll leave that there and let you discover the rest of the story for yourself if you’ve not already. It’s worth a watch if you’re not necessarily in the mood for an introspective kind of film.

Virginia Madsen’s Sherry character is a good one for her. She’s much more than the supporting character she could easily have been. There’s a very real world weariness to her and it helps carry the film immeasurably. No melodrama, just a realistic portrayal of a woman who has loved a man for a long time but has grown somewhat apart from him through no real fault of her own.

I think it’s safe to say that without the inclusion of both Virginia Madsen and Forest Whitaker in this film, it would have been far worse. They both carry it further than it perhaps should have gone.

I didn’t enjoy the film as much as I wanted to do. I like the concept, and for the most part the execution. But I think it suffers somewhere that I can’t quite get my head around. I certainly don’t think Phillppe Caland Caland’s ambition to take on so many roles in the film was such a good idea, as the lead, he’s overshadowed by the actors of Virginia Madsen and Forest Whittakers calibre. That said, and as I said before. It is worth a watch for a bit of introspection. It’s not a bad film, it’s just a bit all over the place with some things better than others that don’t quite manage to bring it all together.

It’s a shame, Ripple Effect could have been something special.

If you do decide to watch it, make sure you don’t switch it off as soon as the credits roll for a final “Huh” moment…

Availability:

It has a release on DVD, but it’s availabilty is relugated to who ever is selling it on eBay or a simialr site. It’s not hard to get hold of but it’s prices seem to vary quite a lot.

Trailer:

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Virginia Madsen in A Prairie Home Companion

A Prairie Home Companion

A Prairie Home Companion was a “new to me” film when I sat down to watch it for this whole Virginia Madsen thing. I don’t really know why I’ve never watched it before, I missed it on release, bought it and just never got round to it.

A fun little factoid while I’m here – A Prairie Home Companion was the film just starting to get some buzz around it when I sacked off the original version of this website all those years ago. At the time of watching / writing it’s one of the last I’m doing to complete this whole puzzle. Actually getting around to watching it now was kind of full circle for me, I didn’t even plan for it to be one of the last, not on purpose, my subconscious might have had something to do with it though.
Virginia Madsen as the Dangerous Woman in A Prairie Home Companion, wearing a white trench coat with a wide belt. She stands in a dimly lit backstage area, illuminated by a hanging lamp, with a mysterious and commanding presence.It’s the last film directed by Robert Altman, he was 80 while it was being made. The studio were so nervous about this they enlisted Paul Thomas Anderson as a backup in case things didn’t go according to plan.

The cast is amazing; Kevin Kline, Woody Harrelson, Tommy Lee Jones thrown in with Meryl Streep, Lily Tomlin and of course our heroine, Virginia Madsen – I mean – it doesn’t really get a lot better than that on paper.

But, just because something looks good on paper doesn’t make it good on screen as I’ve found out time and time again when doing this whole thing.

It’s actually a quirky little (but big) film. We follow the story about the end of an era, the final broadcast of a long running Radio Show called, A Prairie Home Companion. It’s all done in a behind the scenes kind of format. You get the very real feeling you’re watching it play out live, or one of those Netflix documentaries where they film everything. It’s quite voyeuristic in places and a delight to watch actors of this calibur do this kind of thing.

And, it’s voyeuristic with good reason. It’s kind of, sort of, based on a real radio show, called “The Prairie Home Companion”, funnily enough. The host of the radio show, Garrison Keillor, would be the writer of this film version. More than a couple of people involved with the actual show would make their way over to this fictional version of it including Garrison himself, Tim Russell and Sue Scott.Virginia Madsen as the Dangerous Woman in A Prairie Home Companion, wearing a white trench coat. She leans over with a solemn expression, watching over an ailing man in a dimly lit room filled with candles and music memorabilia.Virginia Madsen plays a character who just goes by “Dangerous Woman”, though she’s widely regarded to be the actual Angel of Death. The “Dangerous Woman” moniker probably comes from her waltzing around in a trench coat and being all mysterious. Which, to be fair, she does pull off a trench coat quite well.

It’s not the Angel of Death you’re probably thinking of, not the way it’s played on screen at least. She’s a very serene figure with an ethereal presence. Almost soothing. It’s odd, there is almost no drama to her on screen despite you being painfully aware of what she represents. This is noticeable from when we first meet her in Kevin Kline’s office, to the way she enters the diner at the end of the film. In amongst the general chaos of the rest of the film it’s a unique performance that I don’t think just “anyone” could pull off. You very much get the impression that she’s heavily involved with the characters, deciding their fates, but the way she blends into the background and generally goes unnoticed unless she wants to be. Well, it’s kind of genius. Full credit to Virginia Madsen on this one, very subtle but very effective.

It’s all completely by design as well. Speaking with Jimmy Guerts for the Herald Tribune she’d explain;

“So I got to sit next to Robert Altman and Paul Thomas Anderson sometimes all day and just watch them work and listen to how he directed. Every once in a while, he’d say ‘Put in the angel!’ and I’d go in and he’d go, ‘No, no, bring her out.”

I realise I’ve been very complimentary about the film so far, and that’s because I very much did enjoy it. But I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. I’m not even sure there’s much of a plot, really – It’s just a film about life and due to the way it’s shot, that’s what you end up watching, life.Virginia Madsen as the Dangerous Woman in A Prairie Home Companion, wearing a white trench coat. She walks through a vintage hallway with a calm, enigmatic expression, her reflection visible in a foggy window beside her.It’s a little slow, but it’s not supposed to be anything fast paced. It’s a sentimental old fool’s love letter to a dying form of art. It’s homely, it’s… Nice. For want of a better way of putting it.

And, of course it would give Virginia Madsen a chance to work with Tommy Lee Jones again (sort of, he only has a small role) after all those years back in Gotham / The Dead Can’t Lie. And, kinda odd that the role she plays here isn’t a million miles away from that role either. Funny how that happens sometimes.

Availability:

Good, not hard to find on DVD in many different languages and regions.

Gallery:

Trailer:

Virginia Madsen in The Event

The Event

While I can’t be 100% sure, I’m pretty confident NBC’s The Event was their attempt at jumping on the bandwagon when all the conspiracy shows were hitting the air. It was that time when TV stations were throwing new shows at the wall to see what stuck.

Shows like LOST, 24, Flash Forward, Fringe, Heroes, and Prison Break all had elements of political intrigue, worldwide conspiracies, or extraterrestrial involvement, heck – sometimes a mix of everything, with a splash of a little something extra to give it a spin, or make it edgy.

The Event tried to tick ALL the boxes.

The plot centres on a group of extraterrestrials who crash-landed on Earth in 1944 near the end of World War II. These aliens look human but age at a much slower rate. The U.S. government, fearing what their presence might mean, locked them up in a hidden facility in Alaska called “Inostranka.” Their leader, Sophia Maguire (Laura Innes), represents only a fraction of their population. The rest, known as Sleepers, have lived undetected among humans, quietly influencing world events and waiting for their time to reveal themselves.Virginia Madsen as Senator Catherine Lewis in The Event. She sits elegantly in a red blazer dress, legs crossed, in a well-appointed office setting. Her poised expression suggests a serious conversation with the man opposite her. A structured leather handbag rests beside the couch.The big mystery in the show revolves around a major, looming moment, rather ominously  referred to simply as “The Event”, that the aliens hint is coming.

We the viewers, are left to speculate as to what exactly that is.

Is it a catastrophe? A hugely uplifting moment for humanity? Who’s a Sleeper? Who can we trust?

Etc.

I’ll admit, I was all in for shows like this for a while. I even own several of them in complete box set form, The Event included. Just the one season, though, at the risk of spoilers, it was one of the doomed ones.

Beyond the global stakes, The Event also focused on personal stories, including one character in particular: Catherine Lewis, played by none other than Virginia Madsen, because, let’s face it, I wouldn’t be talking about this show otherwise.
Virginia Madsen as Senator Catherine Lewis in The Event. She appears deep in thought, wearing a red textured blazer, her expression serious. A blurred figure in a suit stands behind her, adding to the tension of the scene.Catherine is the widow of a U.S. senator who died under suspicious circumstances. And we know how shady that can be. While Madsen’s role wasn’t massive, it was pivotal in pushing the government conspiracy into the light. Catherine’s suspicions about her husband’s death became part of a bigger investigation into what the government was hiding about the aliens.

I wouldn’t say we see anything new from Virginia Madsen in this role. Don’t get me wrong, she’s perfect for this kind of part, but it also feels a little like lazy casting. Virginia can do this kind of thing in her sleep, and let’s be real: she can probably act circles around most of the cast. If they’d needed her to carry more of the show, she could’ve done it with ease. The role had plenty of room to grow, and with Virginia Madsen behind the wheel, it would’ve been in safe hands.

But, alas, the show was cancelled, and Catherine’s character arc was cut short, along with everyone else’s. Another TV show that asked way more questions than we’ll ever get answers for.
Virginia Madsen as Senator Catherine Lewis in The Event. She is seen in a serious moment, holding a phone to her ear, with a determined expression.Is it worth watching? That’s not an easy one to answer. It’s good, and I did like it – But it’s one of those shows where the cancellation hurts. Too many questions, not enough answers. It’s probably not worth putting yourself through the emotional wringer, knowing there’s no closure.

That said, watch it if you like. You’ll probably enjoy it if you’re into this kind of thing. Just don’t come looking for me when you’re hitting forums, searching for what could’ve been.

Availability:

Good, not hard to find at all on DVD

Trailer:

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Virginia Madsen in Red Riding Hood

Red Riding Hood

Aha! An angsty, teen-driven reimagining of a classic folk tale, just what I was looking forward to when starting this whole Virginia Madsen website.

Said no one. Ever. Not even me.

This Red Riding Hood remake from 2011, directed by Catherine Hardwicke and produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, boasts a cast that isn’t exactly scraping the bottom of the barrel. Amanda Seyfried, Gary Oldman, Julie Christie, and yes, Virginia Madsen are all on board. On paper, this should be half-decent.

I don’t think I need to explain Red Riding Hood. Little girl. Red cape. Big bad wolf. Big teeth. You know the drill.

Amanda Seyfried plays the red-caped heroine before red capes were really a thing, and she’s got two brooding hunks competing for her affection: Peter (Shiloh Fernandez), the bad boy woodcutter, and Henry (Max Irons), the good boy blacksmith.

The problem? Valerie’s heart belongs to Peter, but her mom, Suzette (Virginia Madsen), has arranged for her to marry Henry. Why? Well, because her mom promised, and it’s medieval times, where arranged marriages are the norm. Also, plot.
Virginia Madsen as Suzette in Red Riding Hood, wearing a medieval-style outfit with a blue bodice and netted sleeves. She gazes at a young man with concern in a dimly lit, rustic setting.Then, just to add more plot, their village is terrorized by a werewolf. Enter Father Solomon (Gary Oldman), the grizzled werewolf hunter, with, a giant metal elephant. No, really.

Oieeee. If all this sounds a little sardonic, it’s because… Well, it is.

No, I did not enjoy this film. In fact, I switched it off halfway through. I remember seeing reviews that compared it to Twilight, which I’d half-forgotten about until the whole thing reminded me way too much of Twilight.

(Catherine Hardwicke would also be the one resonsible for bringing us the first Twilight film, she was reportedly fired after the first one, some might think this was an attempt to take on that franchise…)

Virginia Madsen does her best here, but even she couldn’t salvage it. Her hair and makeup are… a choice. And while her acting is solid, it’s all very soap opera (as is most of the cast, to be fair). I’ve said before how often her talents are wasted, but after watching this, I now truly understand how much wastage is possible.Virginia Madsen as Suzette in Red Riding Hood, leaning forward with an intense expression. Her long, curly blonde hair frames her face as she wears a medieval-style outfit. A village scene with people in the background adds to the film’s setting.So, would I recommend Red Riding Hood? No. Unless you’re a die-hard Virginia Madsen collector, and even then I’d ask, “Do you really need this on your shelf?”

This is one for collectors only, to be filed away and probably never watched.

Availabilty:

Good. Because nobody wants to buy it… OK – So, yeah – It’s on DVD and a Special Edition 2 Disc Blu-Ray. You won’t have problems finding it currently.

Trailer:

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virginia madsen in the portrait

The Portrait

I think of all the “new to me” films I’ve watched as part of this whole thing, The Portrait was one that was pretty close to the bottom of the list.

I’m not a fan of this particular type of horror, and I could tell from the trailer what kind it was going to be. And, you know… That’s OK – I won’t ever rubbish a film just because it’s not for me, but it doesn’t make me feel any better about watching them either. Truthfully, if Virginia Madsen’s name wasn’t attached I wouldn’t entertain it. BUT – I also had The Haunting in Connecticut in mind, I thought that was going to go one way and it didn’t, so…

The Portrait isn’t classed as horror, more a psychological thriller, but it amounts to the same thing in my mind. It’s a British film from 2023 and was released straight to digital markets.

Alex (Ryan Kwanten) suffers in an accident, he survives but he remains in a pretty much catatonic state and has no real memory of his life before. He’s alive but his interaction with the world around him is minimal at best. His wife, Sofia (Natalia Cordova-Buckley) is doing her best to look after him but is struggling.

In an attempt to jog his brain and his memory back into gear she takes him back to his family home in the hopes that being there will spark, something.

Not long after they arrive she comes across a portrait in the attic painted by a long dead relative of her husband. The thing is, he’s a dead ringer for her husband and Sofia becomes more and more convinced that something else is going on here the more she stares at it.
Virginia Madsen as Mags in The Portrait, standing confidently in a dimly lit room. She wears an all-black outfit with gloves and a long gold medallion necklace. Her curly blonde hair frames her intense expression as she looks at a seated woman in a gray sweater. A man in a casual t-shirt sits nearby, observing the conversation. The background features soft natural light streaming through windows, casting shadows in the rustic interior.Not long after moving in, cousin Mags (Virginia Madsen) comes calling to check in. She seems to know a lot more about the family history and lets Sofia in on a few chilling details of the man in the portrait. It turns out he was gifted, but not so much of a nice chap – In fact he was pretty much run out of town not long after the portrait in question was finished.

From there, it’s pretty much Alex getting more and more out of character, Mags getting more and more mysterious and Sofia getting more and more concerned until things escalate and, well – Yes.
Virginia Madsen as Mags in The Portrait, leaning closely over a seated man with an intense, almost sinister expression. Her blonde curls frame her face as she looks down at him, her presence looming over his shoulder. The man, with a brooding and contemplative expression, stares downward, seemingly lost in thought. The dim lighting and muted color tones add to the mysterious and tense atmosphere.There aren’t many surprises to be had from this film unfortunately.

Virginia Madsen in this, isn’t at her best. But she doesn’t have much to work with either. Mags is almost like a Scooby Doo villain in this one (and not a good one like she played in Where’s my Mummy?), you know she’s up to no good – She might as well put a sign around her neck and ring a bell. All those sly and knowing looks she gives while employing every means of avoidance she can muster. You know the one.
Virginia Madsen as Mags in The Portrait, captured in a close-up shot with an intense and enigmatic expression. Her curly blonde hair frames her face as she gazes forward, her eyes conveying a mix of curiosity and authority. The dim, moody lighting accentuates the contours of her face, adding to the film’s mysterious and suspenseful atmosphere.Did I like it? – Well. I didn’t hate it. Would I recommend it? Well. Kind of, I mean if you like this kind of film, and I know lots do, then there are far worse examples of it out there you could go with, it’s actually quite a well made film. I think for me the story lets it down mainly.

Availability:

So far it’s not had a physical release so you’ll need to purchase it digitally if you want to see it. It’s available on Amazon Prime, or check your usual service to see if they have it.

Trailer:

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virginia madsen in elementary

Elementary

Elementary is a TV show that was shown on CBS from 2012 to 2019. It was an update on the classic Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stories based upon Sherlock Holmes.

Jonny Lee Miller would play Sherlock and Lucy Liu would gender shift the traditionally male of Watson to become Joan Watson. Other shifts in the Sherlock mythos would be updated which would either be well received by fans or turn people off the show completely.

Fortunately, more people didn’t mind the changes than did and the show managed to survive or a respectable 154 episodes over seven seasons.

The show itself presented itself as a typical Police procedural type drama with Holmes and Watson being drafted in to help on cases at the discretion of Police Captain Thomas Gregson (Aidan Quinn)

Virginia Madsen would join the show in the fifteenth episode of the fourth season, “Up to Heaven and Down To Hell”, as Paige Cowan, a former Police Detective who becomes romantically involved with Captain Gregson. Virginia Madsen as Paige Cowan in Elementary, sitting at a dimly lit bar or restaurant, engaged in an intense conversation with a man across from her. She wears a stylish patterned blouse and has a confident yet serious expression. A glass of wine sits in front of her, adding to the intimate and tense atmosphere of the scene.From there Virginia would appear in two more episodes, once more in the fifth season episode “Render, then seize her” and the second episode of the seventh and final season in the episode “Gutshot”.Virginia Madsen as Paige Cowan in Elementary, standing outside a bookstore on a cold day, dressed in a stylish black coat, gloves, and a patterned scarf. She carries a navy blue handbag and has a composed yet slightly apprehensive expression as she looks toward two approaching men. The scene captures a moment of anticipation and quiet tensionUnfortunately the character of Paige would never really live up to her potential, or to the talents of Virginia Madsen, which is a shame but I guess it’s how these things go, especially in TV.

This would be Virginia’s second time working with Jonny Lee Miller, both having previously starred in the short lived Smith TV show, though this time in very different roles for them both. And, also she previously worked with Aidan Quinn in the magically themed The Last Keepers a few years before. Like a little happy reunion on set then.

Availability:

Good, easily available on DVD in both Region 1 and 2, and probably all the rest you can think of.

Gallery:

Trailer:

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virginia madsen in the haunting in connecticut

The Haunting in Connecticut

They say you should never judge a book by its cover, and I should perhaps remember that more. I wasn’t looking forward to watching The Haunting in Connecticut, I like horror films but generally not “based on a true haunted house story” horror films. Maybe Virginia Madsen back in a proper horror film could change that?

The true story aspect is the reason I’d never got around to watching this one before. I bought it ages ago and filed it away and thought very little of it since.

And, I might have been a little wrong about it. Putting the disc in the player I was both happy and surprised to see the Twisted Pictures logo at the start, they’ve been responsible for a lot of films I liked. It was a good start and enough to brighten its prospects. A little.

As the story goes, Sara (Virginia Madsen) and Peter (Martin Donovan) have a sick teenage child, Matt (Kyle Gallner), he’s got cancer and they are doing everything they can to help, naturally. They want to move closer to the hospital to lessen the strain on everyone and thanks to Sara being in the right place at the right time they end up finding a property quite quickly.Virginia Madsen in The Haunting in Connecticut, wearing a black cardigan over a white top, standing beside another woman. She smiles warmly with her hand on her hip in a dimly lit room with wooden doors.The family move in, they each find their rooms with Matt choosing the basement with the mysterious door. Ominous.

And, funnily enough, not long after this Matt starts to experience weirdness in the form of visions with old men and corpse featuring prominently.

They quickly learn that the house used to be a Funeral Parlour which creeps them out but not enough for them to move out, for some reason. Even though there is dying teenager with visions of literal death in the house.

I mean, it takes a lot to spook me personally but one thing I do know is that I’d be questioning my decisions roundabout then.Virginia Madsen in The Haunting in Connecticut, wearing a black cardigan over a white top, leans forward with a cautious expression. She is in a dimly lit basement with exposed brick walls and an old dresser nearby.It’s pretty much a standard house horror story from there, but if it was truly that I wouldn’t have carried on watching it. It’s an interesting, if somewhat unbelievable premise that the rest of the story tells. And, for one of these films the level of gore is quite high, eyelids being removed and the like.

As it turns out, the “true events” that the film is based on, likely isn’t that true. It was part of the “Ed and Lorraine Warren” thing that they did, many of those “events” have since been discredited one way or another.

Which I wasn’t surprised to learn to be honest. At least this film wasn’t done it the same tone / voice as the other films based upon the Warrens activities (Annabelle etc).

Going back to the film itself, Virginia Madsen once again steals a movie from her co-stars. There were quite a few scenes where she stands out. I mean, I credit her with knowing the kind of movie she was in here and she puts in a quite frankly amazing performance all the same. Not once does she miss a beat. I don’t quite know why I was so impressed with her in this one over other roles, probably because I didn’t expect a lot.
Virginia Madsen in The Haunting in Connecticut, wearing a dark jacket with her hair pulled back. She has a tense, concerned expression in a dimly lit room, shadows partially obscuring her face.Virginia herself quite liked idea of being in the film, in an interview with Deseret News she’d say “I’ve been looking for a good horror script since ‘Candyman,’ and I’ve been reading them for years, and I just could never find one. They were all either a gorefest or a good idea but a stupid ending. None of them were really character-driven,” until Haunting. I like the film very much I get a particular kick out of scaring the hell out of people; I don’t know why. So I want people to go out and see it.”

Is this one to watch? – Well, once is probably enough for me to watch it properly. It’s worth watching as a fan of Virginia to see how well she does with what she’s got.

Haunting in Connecticut also reunites Virginia Madsen and Amanda Crew who previously worked together in the indie film Crazy Kind of Love. Virginia would also go on to work with Kyle Gallner again in the WIGS web series, Jan, but he was grateful they’d met earlier when she took him under her wing on this one, speaking with The Hollywood News he would reflect back on his time with her one this film;

“Haunting in Connecticut was amazing. It was my first lead in a studio film and Virginia Madsen made sure she took me under her wing. Like the second, I mean, I had someone come get me at the airport and bring me to her. From there on out, I was under her wing. She took care of me the whole time. I learned a lot from her.”

And, there is a Haunting in Connecticut 2, which – Isn’t really a follow up to this one, just trading in on the name. No relation to this one though other than that so don’t go thinking you’ve another to watch if you do watch this one.

Availability:

Good, not hard to find at all on DVD, Blu-Ray and on some streaming channels. Though, you might need a VPN depending on where you are in the world and what services you have available to you.

Gallery:

Trailer:

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