Elisabeth Moss Movies
A talented and attractive actress who has managed to wrangle a remarkable number of affecting roles despite her youthful age, Elisabeth Moss may be best known to television viewers as the President's daughter on the acclaimed series The West Wing, though thoughtful characterizations in such features as Girl, Interrupted and Imaginary Crimes have been a testament to an actress not afraid to court more challenging and emotionally demanding roles unusual for an actress of her age.Born to music manager Chick Corea and a mother who specialized in the blues harp in 1983, Moss spent her childhood in Los Angeles and was inspired to pursue acting at an early age by screen idol Bette Davis. Working with some of the most respected actors in the industry by the age of 16, Moss made her acting debut at the age of seven in the television miniseries Lucky Chances. Continuing through the mid-'90s with numerous television roles (including a stint on the popular series Picket Fences), Moss' early film roles range from both lightly comical (Suburban Commando [1991]) to increasingly dramatic (Imaginary Crimes [1994]). A humorous bit-part as a conservative 12-year-old facing the wrath of a group of lethal liberals in 1995's The Last Supper dropped a dollop of humor in the mix before Moss returned to more dramatic roles in Separate Lives (1995) and A Thousand Acres (1997), and the talented young actress continued her winning streak with roles in such diverse films as The Joy Riders and Mumford (both 1999). The year before the new millennium proved to be a successful period for Moss as she gained wide recognition for her roles in television's The West Wing and as a sympathetic, mentally disturbed teen in the psychological drama Girl, Interrupted. Moss' personal connection with her Girl, Interrupted persona's inability to relate to others brought a warmth to the role that shined through the screen. Touching audience's sympathies and drawing them into her personal destruction, the talented actress lent the film a performance worthy of praise and recognition. An avid reader in her free time, Moss fancies Shakespearian fare and finds motivation in roles that inspire her and challenge her to be the things that she might not be in real life. With a confident stance in regard to her transition from child star to adult actor, Moss has every reason to be assured given her impressive range of abilities. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 2008
An affluent surgeon from New Orleans finds his attempt to piece his life back together after Hurricane Katrina unexpectedly unraveling with the appearance of an old flame in this drama from director Michael Almereyda. Dr. Henry Jekyll (Christopher Eccleston) is a socialite and surgeon whose once-happy home was shaken to the core by his affair with the young and beautiful Hyde (Elisabeth Moss). Now, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Jekyll has returned to town to work for an anarchist relief organization dedicated to rebuilding the city. As the tireless aid workers put all of their energy into making New Orleans livable again, Dr. Jekyll makes a concerted effort to get his own life back together by remarrying his ex-wife. But resisting temptation is easier said than done, and when Hyde walks back into his life Dr. Jekyll finds his willpower put to the ultimate test. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christopher Eccleston, Elisabeth Moss, (more)
Human disconnect, frailty, and redemption serve as the predominant themes in director Erik Weigel's drama about a man who learns that his childhood friend is dying, and sets out for Washington, D.C. on a mission to record the man's final farewells. The last time that Elliot (Leo Fitzpatrick) saw Matthew they were foster kids living in the nation's capitol. Now Elliot has received word that Matthew is dying, so he hits the road with his trusty video camera in hand, determined to capture his long-lost friend's last words for posterity. Later, at Matthew's funeral, Elliot meets Matthew's former girlfriend Lily (Elizabeth Moss), and his cynical, self-absorbed pal Gray (Christopher Denham). Impulsively stealing Matthew's ashes, Gray and Lily decide to make their way south of the border with Elliot in tow, and scatter the remains of their old friend in the Pacific Ocean. But upon hitting the open road, all three quickly realize that this is no ordinary mission, and that they will all be forced to contend with some weighty questions about life before accomplishing their ultimate goal. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Leo Fitzpatrick, Elisabeth Moss, (more)
Following a first-season finale in which housewife Betty Draper (January Jones) comes to the realization that her ad-exec husband, Don (Jon Hamm), may be having an affair, Season 2 dives headlong into the couple's marital strife. Professionally, Don is flying high as a junior partner and creative director at the Sterling Cooper ad agency, but his home life is rapidly deteriorating. After Betty kicks him out for apparent infidelity, Don moves into a hotel and is only able to see his children with Betty's permission. At Sterling Cooper, the long-simmering power struggle between Don and Herman "Duck" Phillips (Mark Moses) reaches a boiling point, as the impetuous director of account services negotiates a deal with a British firm that he believes will finally give him the upper hand. A subtler power play is made by Peggy Olson (Elisabeth Moss), who seems to have recovered nicely from the shocking birth of her child by married account exec Pete Campbell (Vincent Kartheiser). The product research that Peggy conducted while serving as Don's secretary during Season 1 eventually leads to her promotion as the agency's first female copywriter, and even her own office. Other employees also confront emerging social issues of the day: Creative copywriter Paul Kinsey (Michael Gladis) breaks social taboos by dating a black woman, while art director Salvatore Romano (Bryan Batt) secretly struggles with his homosexuality. And romance remains tricky for secretary Joan Holloway (Christina Hendricks) -- whose doctor fiancé proves controlling and abusive-and her ex, Sterling Cooper partner Roger Sterling (John Slattery), who embarks on yet another extramarital love affair with yet another young secretary. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, (more)
Three men come face to face with their concerns about war when they're drafted in this independent drama set in the near future. As the United States becomes more deeply mired in wars around the world and the threat of major terrorist attacks looms large, the federal government decides to reinstate conscription, and three friends face conflicting emotions as they wait out their last few days before entering the Army under the new draft. George Rifkin (Chris Klein) is a lawyer who has been helping his wife, Molly (Ginnifer Goodwin), get through her recent cancer treatment; he would prefer to stay home with her as she recovers, but despite his legal know-how he can't find a loophole out of his current dilemma. Aaron Feller (Elijah Wood) is a slight and sensitive writer who doesn't feel physically or emotionally prepared to serve in the military, despite his sense of moral obligation, and he turns to a therapist, Dr. Reynolds (Ally Sheedy), to help him cope. And James Dixon (Jon Bernthal) is a cabbie who feels reasonably strong and confident about his future as a soldier until he meets Patricia (Elizabeth Moss), a college student who challenges his beliefs and assumptions about the war and each man's place in it. Day Zero was the first feature film from veteran editor Bryan Gunnar Cole, and received its world premiere at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elijah Wood, Chris Klein, (more)
- 2007
Suffering from the mother of all hangovers, George (T.R. Knight) is in no shape to meet his new father-in-law (Hector Elizondo)--especially after spending the night with a woman other than his wife. Alex (Justin Chambers) helps Jane Doe (Elizabeth Reaser) select her "new look" after she completes her surgery. Izzie finds out about Meredith's (Ellen Pompeo) drinking problem, all the while keeping mum about a secret of her own. And the arrival of Cristina's (Sandra Oh) former lover Colin Marlow (Roger Rees) seriously compromises her relationship with Burke (Isaiah Washington). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
John Savage and Mary Catherine Stewart star in Pet Sematary director Mary Lambert's foreboding tale of a mysterious Victorian home, and one particularly vengeful doppelganger. Shortly after moving into a sprawling Victorian home with her controlling father (Savage) and former beauty-queen mother Stewart), frightened teen Emma (Elisabeth Moss) begins seeing ghastly visions of her deceased twin sister. As the visions become increasingly vivid Emma begins to wonder if she is slowly going insane, eventually confiding her dark secret in her mentally handicapped older brother Frankie (Tom Malloy). When Frankie proves unable to comprehend the true depth of his sister's fear, Emma gradually begins to suspect that her parents have begun practicing a diabolical form of Wicca in order to resurrect their deceased child. Now the only one who will listen to Emma is kindly local police detective John Trevor (Jason Lewis, yet while the attic of the her picturesque Victorian home may finally provide an answer to all of Emma's questions, it could also prove the very place she meets a grim demise. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jason Lewis, John Savage, (more)
The debut season of Matthew Weiner's intense and stylish drama follows the lives of Madison Avenue advertising executives (so-called "Mad Men") in 1960. The series centers on Don Draper (Jon Hamm), the dashing and brilliant creative director for ad agency Sterling Cooper (Season 1 accounts include Richard Nixon's presidential campaign and, appropriately, Lucky Strike, given the cigarettes are smoked in nearly every scene). Don's charms extend well outside of the boardroom and into the bedroom: The married man has a free-spirited lover, Midge Daniels (Rosemarie DeWitt), who's his polar opposite, and a second mistress, Rachel Menken (Maggie Siff), a client whose independence challenges Don's views on women. Don's wife, Betty (January Jones), meanwhile, dutifully fulfills her role as housewife. But when she develops a mysterious ailment that causes her to lose feeling in her hands, she's sent to a psychiatrist to work through her problems. Over at Sterling Cooper, new secretary Peggy Olson (Elisabeth Moss) tries to adjust to life in the boys club with guidance from seen-it-all bombshell secretary Joan Holloway (Christina Hendricks). Young account exec Pete Campbell (Vincent Kartheiser) also has his eyes on Peggy and quickly begins pursuing her, despite his upcoming nuptials. There's even more bad behavior at the office from skirt chasers Ken Cosgrove (Aaron Staton) and Paul Kinsey (Michael Gladis), loving but imperfect Harry Crane (Rich Sommer) and stuck-in-the-closet art director Sal Romano (Bryan Batt). Partner Roger Sterling (John Slattery) does little to set an example for his employees as he happily indulges in an array of vices and an affair with Joan. Senior partner Bertram Cooper (Robert Morse) is mostly out of touch with the staff, preferring to remain within the sanctuary of his giant office. In the midst of this workplace frivolity, Don learns that the picture-perfect life he's created for himself could be threatened by a secret from his past. ~ Brie Hearn, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, (more)
Uwe Boll's Heart of America: Homeroom is a drama about a massacre on the final day of the school year. The last day of school contains many problems for teachers and students alike. The principal must discipline an English teacher (Michael Paré) who has let his professional frustrations get the better of him, student Dara needs to score from the drug dealing Wex (G. Michael Gray), and a foursome of cruel athletes continues to torment the losers and nerds. Unbeknown to everyone else at the school, the eternally picked upon Daniel (Kett Turton) and Barry (Michael Belyea), as well as a third accomplice, are extensively armed and plan to unleash their fury on the school right after final bell. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jürgen Prochnow, Elisabeth Rosen, (more)
American independent filmmaker Deborah Kampmeier makes her writing and directing debut with the intimate drama Virgin. In a small conservative town, Jessie (Elizabeth Moss) is the outcast teenager of a right-wing Christian family consisting of a strict dad (Peter Gerety), an emotional mom (Robin Wright Penn, who also produced), and an innocent sister (Stephanie Gatschet). After spending an evening with local boy Shane (Charles Socarides), Jessie is convinced that she's pregnant, although she has no memory of actually having sex. Her rebellious behavior isn't completely understood by her family or her community. The conclusion finds her meeting up with two other troubled women. Virgin was shown at the 2003 IFP Los Angeles Film Festival. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elisabeth Moss, Daphne Rubin-Vega, (more)
Director Ron Howard turns to the Western genre in this tale of a father and daughter who are brought together under difficult circumstances. Samuel Jones (Tommy Lee Jones) is a man living in New Mexico in the 1880s. He had abandoned his family years before to live and travel with a band of Apaches, but his conscience has finally gotten the better of him and he's decided to return home. Jones, however, does not receive a warm welcome upon arrival -- his wife has died and his daughter Maggie Gilkeson (Cate Blanchett), now grown and raising two children with her husband Brake (Aaron Eckhart), has no desire to see the man who left her mother to fend for herself. As Jones prepares to depart on a note of bitterness, a band of ruthless bandits, let by Army deserter Chidin (Eric Schweig), descends upon the homestead, murdering Brake and kidnapping his 15-year-old daughter Lily (Evan Rachel Wood). While Maggie feels no desire to forgive her father, she realizes he's her best hope to track down the criminals who took her child, and Jones and Maggie team up to find the bandits before they can disappear into Mexico. The Missing was based on the novel The Last Ride by Thomas Eidson. Val Kilmer and Jenna Boyd highlight the supporting cast. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tommy Lee Jones, Cate Blanchett, (more)
American independent filmmaker Kim Caviness makes her directorial debut with the satirical comedy drama Temptation, made according to the rules of the film movement parody "Dogme 69." Nora (Annette O'Toole) and Phil (producer/co-writer Lyn Vaus) are a married couple who make sex-positive pornography in the Valley. Just when the money stops coming in and they're about to call it quits, they discover some old raunchy video footage of the latest trendy young television star. The media frenzy surrounding the tapes threatens to overtake their values with the promise of easy money while they struggle to maintain their integrity. Includes cameos by XXX stars Randy West, Bridget Powerz, and Kiki Daire. Shot on Digital Video. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Annette O'Toole, Lyn Vaus, (more)
West of Here, the directorial debut of filmmaker Peter Masterson's son Peter C.B. Masterson, centers around the aftermath of the death of songwriter Gil Blackwell's (Josh Hamilton) cousin and collaborator, Josiah (Norbert Leo Butz). After Josiah's death, Gil starts off on a cross-country trek from Boston to San Francisco in order to settle his cousin's affairs. Once there, he meets Josiah's ex-girlfriend (Mary Stuart Masterson). West of Here also features Tate Donovan, Elisabeth Moss, Guillermo Diaz, John Elsen, Kevin Cooney, and Carlin Glynn. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Josh Hamilton, Mary Stuart Masterson, (more)
- 2001
Not long after the death of her mother in a car accident, Kelly (Elisabeth Moss) and her father Jesse (Greg Evigan) move to New Orleans. Their new house is reportedly haunted--and Kelly is convinced that the ghost is begging for her help. Jesse, however, is more skeptical, and with the assistance of Kelly's troublesome friend Cole (Austin O'Brien) he tries to prove that the "haunting" is actually a manifestation of Kelly's own guilt feelings. As it turns out, however, both Kelly and Jesse are right! Evidently intended for theatrical release, Spirit was first seen in the US as a cable-TV offering on the Lifetime channel. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2000
While President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) is in Hollywood for a fundraiser hosted by politically active homosexual movie mogul Ted Marcus (Bob Balaban), Leo (John Spencer) is back in Washington politicking Vice President Hoynes (Tim Matheson) to vote the White House's position on an important tax bill that is currently in a 50-50 tie on the floor of the Senate. Meanwhile in L.A., Josh (Bradley Whitford) happily learns that political strategist Joey Lucas (Marlee Matlin) is staying in the same hotel as he is, and Bartlet meets his daughter Zoey's (Elisabeth Moss) new Secret Service bodyguard, Gina Toscano (Jorja Fox). ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- 2000
Abigail Bartlet (Stockard Channing) makes some bold statements concerning policy during an appearance on a talk show, causing a rift between her staff and the White House staff. When the head of the Federal Reserve passes away, President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) must consider appointing his wife's college boyfriend to the position. Toby (Richard Schiff) is asked by Josh (Bradley Whitford) to soften his prickly persona before attending a sensitive meeting with a powerful member of Congress. Charlie (Dulé Hill) and Zoey (Elisabeth Moss) clash over what to do when the Secret Service asks them not to attend a public event together because of credible death threats from racists. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- 2000
President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) seeks out the advice of Lord Marbury (Roger Rees), whose intelligence in diplomatic affairs is matched only by his eccentricities, when a possible nuclear exchange could transpire between Pakistan and India. Mandy (Moira Kelly) desires to find out how the staff would feel if she were to represent a liberal Republican. Josh (Bradley Whitford) is forced to testify at a hearing concerning substance abuse among White House staffers. Charlie (Dulé Hill) and Zoey Bartlet (Elizabeth Moss) plan the best way to approach the president about the possibility of them dating. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
Lawrence Kasdan wrote and directed this comedy about a young psychologist named Mumford (Loren Dean), who arrives in a small town and sets up a practice. Mumford's style is short on analytic mumbo-jumbo and long on practical advice, and he soon finds that he has a long list of satisfied clients in his new home town, including many of the city's most prominent citizens. Mumford's advice also helps love bloom among the city's single residents. However, the city already had a psychologist, Ernest Delbanco (David Paymer), who is quickly losing business to Mumford. So Ernest starts asking questions: who is this Mumford, and just what are his qualifications? Mumford's supporting cast includes Ted Danson, Martin Short, Alfre Woodard, Hope Davis, Jason Lee, and Pruitt Taylor Vince. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Loren Dean, Hope Davis, (more)
Susan Sarandon stars in this made-for-cable-TV adaptation of Anne Tyler's novel about a housewife who thinks her life is going nowhere. However, she suddenly gets a lot more adventure than she bargained for when she's taken hostage during a bank robbery. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Susan Sarandon, Stephen Dorff, (more)
- 1999
Former flames Josh (Bradley Whitford) and Mandy (Moira Kelly) argue the merits of allowing an economic bill to pass through Congress even though political opponents have made an addition that would upset the pro-environment President Bartlett (Martin Sheen). C.J. (Allison Janey) must attempt to squelch a story that the president and Vice President Hoynes (Tim Matheson) disagreed passionately during a Cabinet meeting, while simultaneously deflecting the advances of reporter Danny Concannon (Timothy Busfield), who is the best in the business at sniffing out a hot lead. Leo (John Spencer) is less than thrilled that his daughter has invited Sam Seaborn (Rob Lowe) to join her at the opera. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- 1999
While a gala state dinner for the leader of Indonesia is prepared for and transpires, the president (Martin Sheen) and his staff must deal with numerous sensitive situations. Federal agents are involved in an armed standoff with a group of extremists who are holding hostages, a powerful hurricane is coming down on a Naval vessel, and Teamsters are threatening to strike. Danny Concannon (Timothy Busfield) flirts with Press Secretary C.J. Cregg (Allison Janney), Sam (Rob Lowe) spots his call-girl girlfriend at the dinner on the arm of a politician, and Josh, Toby, and C.J. attempt to get a request granted from an Indonesian official. This episode marks the first appearance of Stockard Channing as First Lady Abigail Bartlet. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- 1999
Toby (Richard Schiff) and Mandy (Moira Kelly) combine together to pass a commerce bill that would alter the way the country's census is taken. They must persuade Mr. Willis (Al Fann), a congressman who holds his seat because his wife (who had been elected to the position) died. Having trouble understanding the complexities of the census issue, C.J. (Allison Janney) gets a crash course from Sam (Rob Lowe). President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) has a stern discussion with Leo McGarry (John Spencer) about Leo's failing marriage. Josh (Bradley Whitford) and Sam get into a sticky spot while out on the town with Zoey (Elisabeth Moss). ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- 1999
Leo McGarry instructs the staff to take meetings with groups that have idiosyncratic requests of the government like pro-UFO lobbyists and another group that wants the government to build a road to be used exclusively by wolves. Toby (Richard Schiff) and the president (Martin Sheen) argue relentlessly about the president's plans for an upcoming California trip before confronting each other about Bartlet's original desire to hire a different Communications Director. Josh Lymon (Bradley Whitford ) is unnerved to discover that in case of nuclear attack he is one of the few White House workers who will have access to the safest shelters. All the while, Bartlet is cooking a pot of chili and planning a party for his soon-to-be Georgetown freshman daughter Zoey (Elisabeth Moss). ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
