Elle Fanning: A Star in the Making, Breaking Barriers in 'Predator: Badlands' and 'Sentimental Value'
Child actors often face immense challenges, and the Fanning sisters, Dakota and Elle, have defied the odds. Despite the risks, they've seamlessly transitioned from child roles to captivating adult performances. Elle, initially known as Dakota's younger sister, has carved her own path, showcasing her talent and versatility.
Elle's journey began early, with a memorable appearance in 'I Am Sam' alongside her sister. She continued to grace the screen, consistently taking on roles from 2003 to 2020. Her four-year break, dedicated to leading the Hulu series 'The Great,' only heightened anticipation for her return.
And return she did! Elle's recent projects have elevated her profile significantly. Last year, she starred in the Bob Dylan biopic 'A Complete Unknown,' and this year, she's making waves in two highly anticipated films. In 'Predator: Badlands,' she takes on a dual role, showcasing her versatility as one of the few human performers in the film. Additionally, she shines in the critically acclaimed 'Sentimental Value,' an Oscar contender directed by Joachim Trier.
Elle's self-reflexive approach to her craft is evident. Unlike her hyperverbal sister, Dakota, Elle brings a naturalistic touch to her roles. As a child star, Dakota often portrayed turbo-charged, screenwriter-driven characters, leaving a lasting impression. Elle, however, has consciously or unconsciously steered clear of glossy precocity, opting for a more grounded approach.
One of Elle's most notable kid roles is in 'Super 8.' She plays the tween crush of the lead character, showcasing her innate talent without the hyper-competent precision of her sister. Elle's performance in 'Super 8' positions her as a scrappier, more relatable version of a young Dakota.
In 'Sentimental Value,' Elle portrays Rachel Kemp, a busy and popular actress. The character is a supporting player, but her role is crucial to the narrative. Rachel, played with finesse by Elle, navigates the early stages of a film project, questioning her part and the director's intentions. It's a challenging role that requires Elle to embody an actress grappling with a character not quite meant for her. The meta aspect of casting a well-known actress as a less lived-in character adds another layer of complexity.
'Predator: Badlands' takes a different turn, focusing on Elle's ability to act human. In one of her roles, she plays Thia, a "synthetic" (robot) who assists an alien hunter. Thia's openness and simulated humanity allow Elle to shine as a chipper and optimistic sidekick. It's a role that showcases her movie-star charisma, and she seems to embrace the challenge. Thia's character is a fascinating study of how stars often imitate humanity with a charming twist.
By playing two robots and an actress, Elle addresses concerns about self-conscious performing. Her performance in 'A Complete Unknown' as the sweet girlfriend of Bob Dylan showcases her range, but it's in the sillier realms of 'Predator' that she truly shines. Elle seems to have found her comfort zone in navigating the gulf between movie world and real life, a challenge many child actors face.
Jesse Hassenger, a writer based in Brooklyn, has contributed to various publications, including The A.V. Club, Polygon, and The Week. You can find more of his work at www.sportsalcohol.com.
