by Melissa Haggar
How do you define a star? No, not the luminous sphere of plasma, I’m talking about entertainment stars, and more specifically, movie stars. The term ‘rising star’ is often attached prematurely to any new talent that appears on the scene, without first considering what ingredients actually make said star. Is it potential? Is it having a few successful films underneath your belt? Is it the very essence of a persona? Is it a unique ability to command attention on screen, and to be able to transform into any part and character that needs to be played? Or is it all of these things and more?
How do you define a star? No, not the luminous sphere of plasma, I’m talking about entertainment stars, and more specifically, movie stars. The term ‘rising star’ is often attached prematurely to any new talent that appears on the scene, without first considering what ingredients actually make said star. Is it potential? Is it having a few successful films underneath your belt? Is it the very essence of a persona? Is it a unique ability to command attention on screen, and to be able to transform into any part and character that needs to be played? Or is it all of these things and more?
In terms of names you may be aware of, of have heard in passing, Chloe Grace Moretz protrudes amongst others. The surprisingly mature (for her age) actress has managed to blaze onto screens in recent years, attracting attention for being both able to deal with complex material, and to channel this into her portrayal of characters, but also capture the very essence of the people she is playing with subtle gestures and expressions. For the release of If I Stay, Moretz’s latest film, we delve into the actress’ career to date, and releases we can look forward to in the future, drawing back to what makes Moretz such a force to be reckoned with in the film industry today?
Whilst Moretz has been appearing in films since 2005, she shot to fame by playing Hit-Girl in the film adaptation of the popular comic book series, Kick-Ass. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, the film was unlike anything audiences had seen before, with its trademark violence and gore, to its ruthless but quirky styling, the film had a specific visual flair on screen, and Moretz’s character was considered a great success. Despite sparking some controversy for Hit-Girl/Mindy Macready’s foul language (Moretz was 13 at the time), the actress stole the spotlight as the brazen, dangerous and slightly mad eleven year old girl-come-vigilante, and this role planted Moretz firmly on the industry radar. Moretz’s maturity allowed her to fully comprehend and accurately portray the character, and she managed to epitomise the character in her confident movements and deadly weaponry skills (Moretz learned how to use several weapons for the action sequences, although there were obviously things she couldn’t do).
Whilst Moretz has been appearing in films since 2005, she shot to fame by playing Hit-Girl in the film adaptation of the popular comic book series, Kick-Ass. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, the film was unlike anything audiences had seen before, with its trademark violence and gore, to its ruthless but quirky styling, the film had a specific visual flair on screen, and Moretz’s character was considered a great success. Despite sparking some controversy for Hit-Girl/Mindy Macready’s foul language (Moretz was 13 at the time), the actress stole the spotlight as the brazen, dangerous and slightly mad eleven year old girl-come-vigilante, and this role planted Moretz firmly on the industry radar. Moretz’s maturity allowed her to fully comprehend and accurately portray the character, and she managed to epitomise the character in her confident movements and deadly weaponry skills (Moretz learned how to use several weapons for the action sequences, although there were obviously things she couldn’t do).
So how would she follow up such an iconic cultural role? With 2010’s Let Me In, of course, which was a romantic horror film – a step up from anything she had starred in before. Her chemistry with co-star Kodi Smit-McPhee was undeniable, and this particular remake was not in vain, it brought something new to the table and was suitably chilling, creepy and visually dramatic that it could entertain even the most sceptical of viewers. Moretz was perfect in the role and, now, she proved to a wider audience that she was here to stay. The young actress has starred in many prominent films since then, most of which proved that she has the level of versatility that film stars need, and that she approaches projects with a cool, collected demeanour, and spends time thoroughly researching the part that she is playing.
Some films that showcase her talent were 2011’s Hugo, where Moretz starred Isabelle, opposite Asa Butterfield, who played the title character, Hugo. She was enchanting and engaging in the role, and once again her chemistry on screen with her co-stars was electric. Notably, 2013 saw Moretz reprise her role as the deadly Hit-Girl in Kick-Ass 2, and also star in another remake, this time it was Carrie. Whilst the former two films may not have garnered such critical acclaim, the praise Moretz received for her acting ability proved that she had talent even when featured in films that on the whole, received some negative critical reviews. Her performances have always been on point and she has always been able to command attention on screen, and her appeal is undeniable, considering the level of talent she possesses.
Some films that showcase her talent were 2011’s Hugo, where Moretz starred Isabelle, opposite Asa Butterfield, who played the title character, Hugo. She was enchanting and engaging in the role, and once again her chemistry on screen with her co-stars was electric. Notably, 2013 saw Moretz reprise her role as the deadly Hit-Girl in Kick-Ass 2, and also star in another remake, this time it was Carrie. Whilst the former two films may not have garnered such critical acclaim, the praise Moretz received for her acting ability proved that she had talent even when featured in films that on the whole, received some negative critical reviews. Her performances have always been on point and she has always been able to command attention on screen, and her appeal is undeniable, considering the level of talent she possesses.
But it’s not just old projects that have us so excited for the actress. The potential is there to truly be a great film star, and the ability is there; in time perhaps she will get the role that will truly bring her the attention she deserves. Interesting future projects on the horizon (and yet to be released in cinemas) come in the form of Clouds of Sils Maria, Dark Places and The Equalizer, all due for release in the latter part of this year. Assuming the role of a young actress (who is interpreting the role made famous by another actress) in Clouds of Sils Maria, Young Diondra Wertzner in Dark Places, and an abused girl named Teri in The Equalizer, these parts sound fairly intriguing and it will be interesting to see Moretz’ interpretation of the characters.
It certainly seems that Moretz is a force to be reckoned with, within the industry, and you need only to glance at some of her films, and indeed the recognition she is getting via awards to see why. In 2012 she received CinemaCon’s BSA Award for Female Star of Tomorrow, as well as the Women In Film Crystal Awards Face of the Future; a sign of her dazzling potential in the industry. Also scooping the award in 2014 for Young Hollywood’s Fan Favourite Actor, it would seem that Moretz is certainly on her way to becoming a household name and a true talent in the industry. Let’s hope her success continues in the future. If you’re going to label anyone a ‘Rising Star’ then it surely has to be this actress.
It certainly seems that Moretz is a force to be reckoned with, within the industry, and you need only to glance at some of her films, and indeed the recognition she is getting via awards to see why. In 2012 she received CinemaCon’s BSA Award for Female Star of Tomorrow, as well as the Women In Film Crystal Awards Face of the Future; a sign of her dazzling potential in the industry. Also scooping the award in 2014 for Young Hollywood’s Fan Favourite Actor, it would seem that Moretz is certainly on her way to becoming a household name and a true talent in the industry. Let’s hope her success continues in the future. If you’re going to label anyone a ‘Rising Star’ then it surely has to be this actress.
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