NYFCC surprise: Rachel Weisz wins lead actress

Rachel Weisz has not been a figure in all the Oscar lead actress campaigning and conversation this year, but the New York Film Critics Circle chose to recognize her work in "The Deep Blue Sea."

Above is a Variety Studio interview from Toronto 2011 (yes, that long ago) with Weisz and Tom Hiddleston. Below, excerpts from the Variety review:

Even though its story revolves around adultery and attempted suicide, "The Deep Blue Sea" reps a reasonably happy marriage between Terence Rattigan's 1952 theatrical chamber piece and the instincts of writer-helmer Terence Davies, best known for his emotionally lush studies of post-WWII Blighty ("Distant Voices, Still Lives," "The Long Day Closes"). Davies is in fine form here, with luminous perfs, especially from Rachel Weisz, rounding out a classy package whose only major problem is it may be a bit too true to its period sensibility and legit origins -- despite its opened-up structure -- to connect with contempo auds beyond upmarket inlets. ...

... The crux of the problem is that Hester -- who, it's implied, has discovered sexual pleasure for the first time through the relationship -- simply loves Freddie far more than he loves her. For the merest touch of his hand, she's been willing to sacrifice her social standing, wealth and even dignity. There's a touch of masochism in her devotion to Freddie, which Weisz's small-statured fragility, tremulous voice and barely controlled desperation emphasizes. ...

Also, Ralph Fiennes offered his praise in Variety for Weisz's work last week.