Few modern talents have reached the same height as that ofJamie Lee Curtis. Ever since her iconic debut in 1978’sHalloween, Curtis has been an integral and beloved member of the film community, not to mentiona diverse one. Though she started as thequintessential scream queen, Curtis has never allowed herself to be boxed in, masterfully taking on roles across genres. From herOscar-winning part inEverything Everywhere All at Once, toher troubled matriarch onThe Bear, and, of course,her return to Laurie Strode, Curtis has truly created an incredible filmography. However,there’s one role that remains a cut above the rest:Freaky Friday’s Tess Coleman. Tess isn’t as widely discussed as many of Curtis’s other roles, which is surprising, considering how challenging the part was and how beautifully Curtis mastered it. Now, as we prepare to return to the world ofFreaky Fridaywiththe long-awaited sequel,Freakier Friday, it’s time to celebrate the actress’s work, reflect on what makes it so special, and dive into the surprising turnaround time in which she made it all happen.
Jamie Lee Curtis’s Tess is Incredibly Underrated
On one hand, it’s somewhat understandable that Tess isn’t the first role that comes to mind when onereflects on Curtis’ career. In the 22 years since the film was released, the actress has continued to work across genres and formats. Coupled with the fact that the movie is afamily comedy produced by Disney, it’s easy for the film to fall to the wayside when Curtis is being discussed. ButTess is a truly fantastic role in which the beloved star thrives.Though she initially appears as somewhat of an antagonist, thanks to her strong work ethic and her stern parenting style, Curtis immediately adds nuance to the role from the moment she appears on screen. This is a character whose life is a balancing act between her children, work, and her efforts to find love and happiness again. you’re able to’t help but root for her, even when her parenting of Anna (Lindsay Lohan) seemstoocontrolling. In fact, even for younger viewers, Curtis’s performance makes us care so deeply about Tess, that many of us sympathize with her, rather than Anna.
New ‘Freakier Friday’ Trailer Takes Body-Swapping to the Next Level
The film hits theaters in August.
What’s more impressive is how Curtis is able to convey Tess’s transformation at the end of the film. After all,Curtis doesn’t spend much of the movie’s runtime actually as Anna. Part of whatmakes the film so fantasticis that Curtis and Lohan don’t play the heart of their characters’ arcs, and still create believable transitions. Curtis, in particular, truly feels like a different person by the time the credits roll. She’s become someone who feels justified in her joy and one with a new lease on life, a feat that isn’t easy considering how little time she spends with Tess. Of course, we can’t talk about the role without talking about her iconic performance as Anna.
Curtis is Iconic as Anna Coleman in ‘Freaky Friday’
Freaky Fridaywould be nothing without Curtis’ hilarious take on Tess’ daughter, Anna. Curtis has always hada knack for comedy. Heck, she even won her first Oscar for a comedy. And, all these years later, there is something so special about her spin on Anna Coleman. Oncethe infamous switch happens, and Curtis takes over the role of Anna from Lohan, the movie really hits its stride thanks to the actress. Curtis uses everything in her control to create the characters, and we don’t give her enough credit! First, there’s the obvious physical transformation, which is great. Curtis not only looks gorgeous, but it’s such a perfect juxtaposition when compared to the more conservative look she dons initially.
But it’s so much more than just a new hairstyle and costuming.Curtis uses her whole body to perform the role to perfection.The way she moves hits the right mark between a legitimate impersonation of how Lohan plays the part and a caricature to create comedy gold. Even simple gags, such as the way she walks or crying on Lohan’s shoulder, are hilarious. Additionally, the way she uses her voice elevates the character to perfection. She slightly changes the pitch of her voice and her inflection, making even the simplest one-liner hysterical.
It’s not only the comedy that makes Curtis’ Anna a gem.One needs to look no further than her wedding rehearsal speech to understand how much work Curtis put into the part. She beautifully pivots the character from main comedy relief to the heart and soul of the film. She truly sells the picture’s thesis, and it’s hard not to get a little emotional while watching her emotional. When reflecting on performances such as these, it’s hard to grapple with the idea ofCurtis' recent retirement hints, and it’s baffling to think that Curtis nearly didn’t play the role.
Jamie Lee Curtis Wasn’t the First Choice for ‘Freaky Friday’
It’s always jarring to hear that a belovedactress or actor nearly didn’t play their iconic role. This was the case for Curtis andFreaky Friday. Thoughthe movie was a remake, it certainly surpasses the original, and Curtis is a large part of that. However, while speaking toThis Morning, Curtis revealed that she not only wasn’t the first choice for the role, but that she joinedFreaky Fridayat, essentially, the eleventh hour. “[…] I wasn’t supposed to do it,” Curtis said. “Another actress was going to do the movie. I think she pulled out for personal reasons.” Curtis explained she found out about the film while she was out on the road for a book tour on a Thursday. “I flew home on the plane, read the script […] that was on Friday. Met the director on Saturday, had my hair dyed red Sunday, worked Monday.” Given how carefully crafted Curtis’s work on the film was, it’s absolutely baffling that she created it in a weekend.
Jamie Lee Curtis created something special when she joinedFreaky Friday. Balancing the roles of Tess and Anna was not an easy feat, but Curtis did so effortlessly. She may not have been the first choice, but she was therightone.
Freaky Fridayis available to stream on Disney+ in the U.S.
Freaky Friday
