WARNING: This Article May Contain Spoilers
Interestingly, throughout the comic books – Nebula is actually seen as a villain whereas in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (which is what we are specifically focusing on here) she is more of an anti-hero, changing from one of Thanos’ lackeys to siding with her adopted sister as one of the Guardians of the Galaxy – a position she never has in the comics! Even more interesting than the changes to her character is that Karen Gillan actually shaved her head for the role!
We’ll take Manhattan
This film tells the story of David Bailey, the famous British photpgrapher, and Jean Shrimpton, a model. The latter being played by Gillan. Of course, in these situations I like to talk about likeness and I have to admit – it was pretty good choice on that front. Jean’s part of this story starts with her attending the Lucie Clayton Charm Academy at the age of 17. It’s not made clear however that their first meeting was during a Kellogg’s photoshoot, plus it was a little awkward as he just stared at her putting her shoes on but still chose her for his Vogue shoot. Interestingly – they have David refer to Jean as posh instead of him being told she’s too posh for him by her previous photographer. I’m glad they’ve kept to the fact that Jean and David’s relationship, which this film is predominantly about, was an affair. I love the fact that throughout the film, as you will see at the end, they replicated actual photos that Bailey took of Shrimpton. I honestly can’t believe how nastily Bailey treats her in this film and it honestly makes me wonder if this is what he was genuinely like.
Not Another Happy Ending
At first I thought this film was another, like We’ll take Manhattan, that is based on a true story around a real author. Gillan plays young author Jane Lockhart and this is the only film in this article that you actually hear her proper Scottish accent. Now, this is a comedy film but I will tell you this from experience, writer’s block is no laughing matter! I love the little scenes inside Jane’s imagination as she struggles with the block – along with hallucinating her protagonist. With all the comedy, there is also the serious side of Jane finally reconnecting with her father following the release of her book. This film has all the hallmarks of a romantic comedy but you know what, even though I can’t stand them usually, I actually think this film is pretty good.
Oculus
No one will understand how long I have been waiting to watch this film! As a horror fan it’s not hard not to be excited about a film when you see the words ‘Blumhouse Productions’ but the WWE part slightly threw me off. Gillian plays the adult version of Kaylie who, along with her younger brother, decides to take down the monster that destroyed their family and put her brother in a mental institution. I love the way the film drifts between past and present meaning there’s no need for a long-winded explanation of Kaylie’s interest in the mirror. OK, it causes a little bit of a slow burn but honestly this worth the watch. There’s a great scene early in the film, before she has it moved to her family home, where she says to whatever is inside the antique “I hope this still hurts”. This isn’t your typical paranormal horror film – as Kaylie takes on the Lasser Glass directly. OK, in the end she loses the fight but my God what a way to die!
Honorary Mentions
I would be remiss if I didn’t start this by mentioning her role as Amy Pond in Doctor Who, assistant to Matt Smith’s Doctor. I was originally planning on covering a film called Outcast but turned out to be a little bit of a waste as Gillan is only in it for about 5 minutes before she dies. Funnily enough, with the mention of these and the 3 films discussed, this is all the major work Gillan had done before her role in Guardians of the Galaxy
