Monday Morning Quarterback

By BOP Staff

June 10, 2014

Sadly, this photo finish was not for first place.

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Matthew Huntley: Short answer: yes, definitely. In fact, I think she's already there. The good news about Woodley is she, like Lawrence, is actually talented, as we first saw with The Descendants. Honestly, I'm happy for her and I'd like to see more from her.

Felix Quinonez: I think she is on a similar but lower level trajectory as Jennifer Lawrence. The similarities in their movies are undeniable but I think there is a big difference in the level of success the actresses have had.

Jay Barney: The comparison is fine, although I tend not to buy into the discussions about comparing careers. Based on any given conversation, someone's career is floundering, another actor or actress is skyrocketing....these are fine observations but the movie industry is in such a state of flux from one year to the next.

Yes...her career path and popularity seem to be comparable to what Jennifer Lawrence experienced.




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David Mumpower: I agree with Felix that the comparison boils down to Jennifer Lawrence and a lesser derivative of her. That is in no way an insult to Woodley, either. I am on record as saying that she has already demonstrated as much after a handful of films as anybody I can ever recall. It is more that what Lawrence has done puts her on a par with Elizabeth Taylor and Katherine Hepburn. If we compare Woodley to say, Kristen Stewart, Woodley has already demonstrated more range as an actress. Her films are not as financially successful yet, but she still seems like a more viable entity as a long term Hollywood lead. Circling back to the original question, if Jennifer Lawrence is the Marilyn Monroe, Shailene Woodley is the Jayne Mansfield. And that is still pretty good.

Kim Hollis: I don’t think she’s quite on Lawrence’s level yet, though their career paths do have their similarities. The key differences I see are that Lawrence is associated with two significant franchises (Hunger Games and X-Men) and that Lawrence very quickly was given roles that are more mature versus young adult material. Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle feel much weightier than anything Woodley has done, even The Descendants, because she was still playing a teenager there. Woodley says she’s done with YA after Divergent, and it will be interesting to see if can continue to break out in a way that Lawrence did.

Max Braden: I'd say despite the numbers she's still in the laying the groundwork stage. Audiences over 25 probably have weak face-to-name recognition for her vs. how well known Jennifer Lawrence is. But of course, money talks, and when you've had a couple smaller films with strong acting plus some big dollar films on your resume, producers are going to want to include you in future packages. More offers mean better opportunities which mean she's sure to have her name be increasingly recognized among broader demographics.


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