The Texas Twiggy, as she was affectionately known, Shelley Duvall was one of the most in-demand actors of the 1970s. Duvall worked with some of the best directors of the film medium, including Stanley Kubrick and Robert Altman, who fancied Shelley as a muse to him.
The actor’s resume speaks for her as she was part of some of the best films of the 20th century. Duvall’s star may have faded over the years but her performances and films continue to shine bright. As rated by IMDb, Shelley Duvall’s best films are classics to be enjoyed by viewers of all ages.
Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull’s History Lesson (6.1)
Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull’s History Lesson is an incredibly unique take on the Western genre, as only maverick filmmaker Robert Altman can pull off. The film was ahead of its time in suggesting that traditional American tales of heroism are flawed or completely false. In this case, the tale being disproved is the American idea that noble white men fought the savage Native Americans to win the West, which is completely wrong and racist.
The plot of the film is that Buffalo Bill hires Sitting Bull to give credibility to Bill’s fraudulent spin on the story of the American West. However, the morally pure and heroic Sitting Bull refuses to partake in the lies set by Buffalo Bill. Shelley Duvall plays the President’s wife, Mrs. Grover Cleveland, in the film. A small role, Duvall shares the screen with a large ensemble cast, a tactic popular in Altman’s films.
Roxanne (6.6)
In this ’80s adaptation of Cyrano De Bergerac, Roxanne is about a (very) long-nosed, pure-hearted fireman named C.D Bales who helps a shy coworker to woo his love interest, Roxanne, but C.D ends up falling for Roxanne himself.
The gentle and light comedy was adapted from the original play by the star of the film, Steve Martin who plays C.D. The film has a happy-go-lucky spirit, helping audiences to love this sunny romantic comedy, giving the movie its respectable 6.6 audience rating on IMDb. Duvall plays Dixie, the main character’s god-sister.
Brewster McCloud (7.0)
Brewster McCloud is another Robert Altman film that features Shelley Duvall in a significant role. The film is a quirky and surreal comedy about a young man named Brewster who lives in the Houston Astrodome and dreams of flying. Duvall plays Suzanne, a tour guide who becomes romantically involved with Brewster. The film’s offbeat humor and unique storyline have earned it a 7.0 rating on IMDb.
3 Women (7.8)
3 Women is a psychological drama directed by Robert Altman, featuring Shelley Duvall in one of her most acclaimed roles. Duvall plays Millie Lammoreaux, a woman who becomes friends with a mysterious and introverted woman named Pinky, played by Sissy Spacek. The film explores themes of identity and reality, and Duvall’s performance is both haunting and mesmerizing. The film has a 7.8 rating on IMDb.
The Shining (8.4)
One of Shelley Duvall’s most iconic roles is that of Wendy Torrance in Stanley Kubrick’s horror masterpiece, The Shining. Duvall’s portrayal of Wendy, a woman trapped in a haunted hotel with her increasingly unhinged husband, played by Jack Nicholson, is both vulnerable and powerful. The film is a classic of the horror genre and has an 8.4 rating on IMDb.
Nashville (7.7)
Nashville is another Robert Altman film that features Shelley Duvall in a supporting role. The film is a sprawling ensemble piece that explores the lives of various characters in the country music capital of the world. Duvall plays Martha, a groupie who is obsessed with one of the musicians. The film is a critical and commercial success, with a 7.7 rating on IMDb.
Popeye (5.3)
In the live-action adaptation of the popular comic strip, Popeye, Shelley Duvall plays Olive Oyl, the love interest of the titular character, played by Robin Williams. The film is a musical comedy that captures the whimsical and cartoonish nature of the original comic. While the film received mixed reviews, Duvall’s performance as Olive Oyl is widely praised, and the film has a 5.3 rating on IMDb.
Time Bandits (7.0)
Time Bandits is a fantasy adventure film directed by Terry Gilliam, featuring Shelley Duvall in a supporting role. The film follows a young boy who joins a group of time-traveling dwarfs on a quest to steal treasures from various historical periods. Duvall plays Pansy, a woman who appears in one of the time periods. The film is a cult classic with a 7.0 rating on IMDb.
Annie Hall (8.0)
In Woody Allen’s romantic comedy, Annie Hall, Shelley Duvall has a small but memorable role as Pam, a Rolling Stone reporter who has a brief fling with the main character, played by Allen. The film is a beloved classic and has an 8.0 rating on IMDb.
Thieves Like Us (7.0)
Thieves Like Us is a crime drama directed by Robert Altman, featuring Shelley Duvall in a leading role. The film is set during the Great Depression and follows a group of bank robbers. Duvall plays Keechie, a young woman who falls in love with one of the robbers. The film is praised for its performances and has a 7.0 rating on IMDb.
Shelley Duvall’s filmography is a testament to her talent and versatility as an actress. From horror to comedy to drama, Duvall has left an indelible mark on the film industry. Her performances continue to be celebrated by audiences and critics alike, ensuring that her legacy will endure for years to come.
Source: IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes
