Parker Posey reigns in wide world of indie films

By KATHRYN GRAHAM
and GEOFF RUSHTON
Collegian Staff Writers

Jackie Onassis would have had no idea what to think of Parker Posey.

In the sleeper hit The House of Yes, Posey's character mimics Jackie's moves and becomes fanatically obsessed with the entire Kennedy family.

Talk about your offbeat role.

Posey tends to display a characteristic not found in most actresses today. Her characters believe they are normal when, actually, they are far from it.

Reigning as the current "Indie Queen," Posey has yet to really dive into A-list films. Her recent role in You've Got Mail was her first jump into mainstream films, but her heart continues to stay with the independent world.

Posey's first real break came from a television miniseries, but it is the independent films that have carried her name to fame. From an art dealer in Basquiat to a party girl in the aptly titled Party Girl, Posey manages to exude self-confidence through her acting.

Even with the recent angst-ridden dramas overtaking the independent movie industry, Posey doesn't see a need to play the gratuitously controversial roles such as the lesbian punk rocker.

Posey's wise role choice has resulted in her critical acclaim and recognition in one of film's biggest festivals, The Sundance Film Festival. Posey won the Special Recognition Prize for her portrayal as a disturbed woman intent on destroying her twin brother's recent engagement in The House of Yes.

The audiences still can connect with her despite her characters' cruel and often psychotic tendencies.

"She is good at playing quirky characters that just wouldn't fit in mainstream movies," Krissy Blank (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) said.

The following films showcase Posey's talent in those eccentric and unpredictable roles that have come to define her.