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Patricia Arquette’s career in pictures
Posted: March 27, 2024 | Last updated: March 27, 2024
Patricia Arquette’s career in pictures
Renowned actress Patricia Arquette has been making movies for over 35 years. In her mid-fifties, she continues to play leading roles and is not afraid to age in front of the camera. She even undergoes physical metamorphoses for some of her roles. With 67 nominations and 56 awards to her credit, Patricia remains the envy of her co-stars. Indeed, she’s performed for the most prestigious directors and alongside some of the biggest names, including Sean Penn and Sigourney Weaver. From Tim Burton to Roman Coppola, not to mention her multiple collaborations with Martin Scorsese, this mother of two has delivered truly authentic and brilliant performances. Check out her career in images.
“A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors” (1987)
Patricia Arquette made her film debut in 1987 with several roles, including one in the horror film A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. The film was the third in a successful franchise featuring terrifying child-killer Freddy Krueger. 19-year-old Patricia Arquette played a teenage girl who’s committed to a psychiatric hospital after the notorious killer invades her nightmares. Interestingly, the actress says that her participation in the music video for “Dream Warriors,” a song performed by the band Dokken for the film’s soundtrack, earned her more money than her performance in the film.
“The Indian Runner” (1991)
The Indian Runner is inspired by an Indian legend about the trials of becoming an adult. The story follows two brothers, one of whom defends his country’s traditional values while the other seeks meaning in his life. Patricia Arquette plays a lost, tender-hearted young woman alongside Viggo Mortensen and David Morse. This film marked the writing and directing debut of veteran actor Sean Penn. The Indian Runner enjoyed only modest success, but served as a good stepping stone in Patricia Arquette’s career.
“True Romance” (1993)
Patricia Arquette plays Alabama Whitmann in Tony Scott’s True Romance. The film shocked audiences with its violent scenes and controversial plot typical of its screenwriter, Quentin Tarantino. A prostitute falls in love with one of her customers and they decide to steal drugs. Patricia Arquette has confessed that she finds the character’s ambivalence and her loyalty to her criminal lover disturbing. Nevertheless, the film earned the actress several nominations for best actress and has since gained a cult following.
“Ed Wood” (1994)
Patricia Arquette added working with director Tim Burton to her list of achievements with this film. Ed Wood is a black and white biopic about Edward D. Wood, a 1950s director with a whimsically colourful personality. Patricia Arquette plays Kathy O’Hara, the main character’s romantic interest, alongside an impressive cast that includes Johnny Depp, Bill Murray, and Sarah Jessica Parker. Ed Wood was nominated for best cast ensemble at the Awards Circuit Community Awards and won two Academy Awards.
“Flirting with Disaster” (1996)
Patricia Arquette performs with Ben Stiller in this comedy about a serious subject. Flirting with Disaster closed the 49th Cannes Film Festival in France. The film tells the story of a family man who goes in search of his biological parents with his wife and baby in tow, an unusual subject at the time. Some also considered it rather political as it denounced social norms. That said, the addition of actress and comedian Lily Tomlin (known for the series Grace and Frankie) brings a welcome levity to the story.
“Lost Highway” (1997)
Another relic of the 90’s, David Lynch's Lost Highway resembles a film noir. Patricia Arquette plays the wife of a saxophonist who suspects her of adultery and ends up killing her. The film then takes a turn, casting the characters in a different light and showcasing the actress’ portrayal of two different personalities. Patricia shows audiences more of her femme fatale side, a role that required a lot of courage for someone who’s admittedly very shy, especially when it comes to nudity (even, she says, when taking a bath)!
“The Hi-Lo Country” (1998)
Open to exploring various genres, Patricia Arquette appeared in a western called The Hi-Lo Country. Adapted from a 1961 novel written by Max Evans, this Martin Scorsese film offers a modern take on the genre. Two friends, back from the war, covet the same woman, played by Patricia Arquette. Her fellow cast members include Woody Harrelson, Billy Crudup, and Penelope Cruz. The film received four awards, including the Western Heritage Award for the entire cast.
“Bringing Out the Dead” (1999)
Patricia Arquette and director Martin Scorsese collaborated once again on Bringing Out the Dead. Nicolas Cage, Patricia Arquette’s husband at the time, played the main character, a burned-out ambulance driver who’s haunted by the lives he’s unable to save. He has an affair with a patient’s daughter, played by Patricia Arquette. The real-life couple had an atypical history as well, especially in regard to how they met. That said, the two remained very professional during this shoot. They had their own dressing rooms and went to the set separately. Unfortunately, their marriage ended some time later in 2001. This film was their only collaboration.
“Holes” (2003)
This film, featuring Sigourney Weaver and Shia Laboeuf, is an adaptation of an eponymous Louis Sachar novel about a young boy who is sent to prison after being convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. Patricia Arquette plays Kathryn Barlow, a schoolteacher who sets out to avenge the death of her lover and becomes the dreaded Kissin’ Kate. This role gave the actress a chance to play an anti-heroine, and audiences loved it. To prepare, Patricia learned how to ride a horse, throw knives, and handle firearms.
“Medium” 2005 to 2011
The television series Medium is probably the role that’s brought Patricia Arquette the most exposure. For seven seasons, the actress played a mother who uses her psychic abilities to help the police. Her character was actually based on a real person. Patricia has revealed in numerous interviews that she was asked to lose weight for this role. The actress retorted that it did not fit with the image of a single, professionally active mother. Patricia won the argument, and fortunately so. The role earned her numerous nominations and an Emmy for best actress in a drama series.
“A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III” (2012)
This film tells the story of a heartbroken graphic designer and the imaginary world into which he plunges following a breakup. Charlie Sheen landed the lead, a controversial choice given his inappropriate behaviour. Patricia Arquette plays the main character’s sister and occasional companion on his introspective journeys. This rather strange film enjoyed unexpected success. On the other hand, the cast included Bill Murray and Roman Coppola, son of the renowned Francis Ford Coppola and brother of Sofia, directed, so maybe we shouldn’t be so surprised. Rumour has it that most of the film was shot in Roman Coppola’s own house.
“The Wannabe” (2015)
Produced by Martin Scorsese, this film follows a couple of gangsters, played by Patricia Arquette and Vincent Piazza, as they become a sort of modern day Bonnie and Clyde. Based on a true story, Tommy Uva wants to join the mafia and uses the trial of John Gotti, godfather of the American mafia in the 90’s, to achieve his goals. The Wannabe premiered worldwide at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival.
“Boyhood” (2014)
When director Richard Linklater called Patricia Arquette to offer her the role of a mother in this film shot over 12 years, Patricia Arquette didn’t hesitate. Released in 2014, this film follows a divorced mother and her two children for over a decade. The ambitious project’s mix of fiction and reality made headlines, primarily because the actors age authentically in front of the camera. The role earned Patricia Arquette multiple awards, including an Oscar for best supporting actress, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe.
“Boardwalk Empire” (2013 to 2014)
From 2013 to 2014, Patricia Arquette made several appearances during the fifth season of this award-winning television series, which has taken home five Emmys, a Grammy, a Golden Globe, and more. Patricia Arquette plays Sally Wheet, the owner of a speakeasy during prohibition. Critics praised this Martin Scorsese-directed gangster series, often pointing out its impressive sets, makeup, direction and cast.
“CSI: Cyber” (2015 to 2016)
After taking on the role of FBI Special Agent Avery Ryan in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation in 2014, Patricia Arquette returned to lead CSI: Cyber in 2015 and 2016. This spinoff follows an investigative unit that solves crimes involving new technologies. According to one interview, Patricia was thrilled to play a powerful female character and connect with an international audience.
“Escape at Dannemora” (2018)
Ben Stiller directed this miniseries about the true story of a 50-something prison guard, played by Patricia Arquette, who falls in love with prisoners and facilitates a jailbreak. To embody this dark, unscrupulous character, the actress didn’t hesitate to undergo a physical transformation. In an interview, Patricia explained that shooting in a prison was intense, but her work received critical acclaim and even earned a Golden Globe along with several nominations!
“The Act” (2019)
The Act is a miniseries based on the true story of a an overprotective mother, played by Patricia Arquette. The subject is heavy and Patricia transforms herself once again, gaining weight and becoming unrecognizable. Those around her advised her not to take on two such physically altering roles back-to-back, but she remained faithful to her values, refusing to let beauty standards guide her decision. Patricia was right, of course. Her performance in The Act earned the 51-year-old actress seven nominations, an Emmy, and a Golden Globe.
“Otherhood” (2019)
True to form, Patricia Arquette hasn’t given up on Hollywood’s more taboo subjects, including growing old. She joins Felicity Huffman (Desperate Housewives) and Angela Bassett (911 series and Black Panther) in this comedy with feminist overtones. The film explores the lives of mothers whose children have grown up. The three protagonists embark on an introspective journey about the need to redefine their roles as mothers, wives, and friends. The film also marks the directorial debut of Cindy Chupack, winner of two Emmys and three Golden Globes as a writer on Sex and the City and Modern Family.
“Severance” (2022)
This series with an atypical plot is the second time Patricia Arquette has worked on a project directed by Ben Stiller. Severance (2022) is a science fiction thriller set in a world where personal and professional memories are separated. Patricia plays a cold, mysterious villain, a role she finds challenging, but which critics say suits her perfectly.
“High Desert” (2022)
Patricia Arquette has joined yet another Ben Stiller project, this time as an actress and a producer. Stiller will also direct the first episode in which Patricia Arquette takes on the role of a former drug addict turned private investigator after her mother dies. As its name indicates, High Desert takes place in an arid setting with scenes shot in Palm Springs and Joshua Tree. Jennifer Hoppe, credited with such successful series as Grace and Frankie, Nurse Jackie, and Damages, joins the creative team behind this suspenseful series.
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