The Complex Career of a Legendary Actress: Scarlett O'Hara and Blanche Dubois Revisited
Arguably one of the most celebrated actresses of her time, she could have easily pushed her career further if she had chosen to. However, several factors came into play, complicating her journey in the Hollywood spotlight. Her career was marked by iconic roles, including Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind and Blanche Dubois in A Streetcar Named Desire. These were not just any roles; they were the most sought-after and desired in the entire industry. It's noteworthy that she not only secured these roles but also won the Oscar for Best Actress for both, a feat that arguably justifies her career highlights.
Margaret Leigh: A Paramount Actress
As she embarked on her career, Margaret Leigh, forever known as Vivien Leigh, was cast in roles that would have been the dream of countless actresses. She had the privilege of playing Scarlett O'Hara in the monumental Gone with the Wind and Blanche Dubois, one of the most iconic female characters in modern drama. Yet, her career was far more nuanced than just a string of accolades and iconic performances. Underlying her success were a series of emotional challenges that ultimately played a significant role in the breakdown of her later career.
Emotional Tensions and Complex Relationships
Her life and career were not without their challenges. She was subject to a complex emotional landscape, exacerbated by her tumultuous relationship with Laurence Olivier, the love of her life. Though Olivier was equally renowned as an actor, he often had a larger-than-life persona that sometimes overshadowed her own achievements. Her success in Gone with the Wind began in 1939, a time when she became one of the most famous actresses not just in the world, but arguably in the history of cinema. With such widespread recognition, her every movement was scrutinized, and people everywhere clamored for her autograph and interviews.
Despite the glamour and recognition, for Olivier, these were not the only roles he considered important. For instance, he had already secured roles in classic works like Shakespeare and Wuthering Heights, which he often felt were under-appreciated. He instilled in Leigh the importance of 'serious' acting, a term that could be interpreted as a preference for stage work over film. Leigh, who sought to please her husband, complied, further altering the trajectory of her career.
The Impact of Emotional Troubles and Marriage Breakdown
Ultimately, the emotional turmoil and the breakdown of her marriage with Olivier had a devastating effect on her ability to continue working in the film industry. Her emotional problems became a barrier that she could no longer overcome, leading to a self-imposed submission and disengagement from acting. This decision, born out of personal struggles, effectively brought her acting career to an end.
The Dark Side of Early Success
Ironically, what brought her such early success may have also been a catalyst for her later struggles. After playing the two most iconic roles of all time, it became increasingly challenging to step into new roles. Her performances as Scarlett O'Hara and Blanche Dubois had become so closely associated with American Southern accents, it might have been difficult to break away from that typecasting. However, one notable exception was 'The Roman Summer of Mrs. Stone' where she shared the screen with a young Warren Beatty and was well received, showcasing that even in the face of typecasting, her acting was widely respected.
In conclusion, the career of Margaret Leigh, or Vivien Leigh, is a testament to the intersection of success, personal challenges, and the complex dynamics of Hollywood. While she excelled in roles that few actresses could have imagined, her personal life and emotional resilience played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of her career. Her story remains a compelling narrative of the challenges faced by actors in the public eye, and the impact of both personal and professional ambitions.