Ingrid Bergman

The sensitivity and vulnerability Ingrid Bergman portayed in many of her roles was always quite well balanced with a tremendous sense of inner strength.

This scene from the 1944 movie Gaslight (which she won an Academy Award for) is a perfect example of this.  Throughout the movie, you watch her sanity gradually start to slip - thanks to her conniving, devious husband - only to see her strength shine through when it is needed most. This is one of my favourite films of hers, and she plays the tormented soul quite brilliantly.

She played a similar role in Joan of Arc (1948).  Throughout the movie, she encountered resistance constantly.  In the face of persecution and betrayal, Ingrid plays Joan with such strength and conviction. Once imprisoned (which are some of the best scenes of the whole movie), she shows that her sense of hopelessness is overcome with her profound devotion and faith.

While some of her other movies such as Casablanca or Notorious are better known or more well-respected, I encourage you to see these films to see the subtle nuances and emotional strengths she is capable of.

Thanks to clattermachine for the video clip.