Backstage is currently doing a regular feature called
Standing Ovation, in which different writers, journalists and other experts weigh in with their pick for the greatest performance of all time. When I was asked to contribute, my immediate thought was Julianne Moore in
Safe. I decided to wait a week to see if I could come up with a stronger choice. As I suspected, I didn't. I've loved this movie -- and her performance -- since I saw it in 1995. I was happy to have an excuse to revisit
Safe, which has lost none of its shock, timeliness or brilliance.
Here's my essay on why Moore is so very good in the film.