A Quiet Passion, a small but significant work

Cynthia Nixon proves herself to be an actress of form in A Quiet Passion, the biopic of the poet Emily Dickinson directed by Terence Davies.

With his minimalist, stripped-down direction, Davies succeeds in transporting us into Dickinson's introspective 19th century life, and Nixon lives the role in every fibre of her being.

Her performance, subtle as Dickinson's poetic language, delivers nuance in every look and gesture.

She embodies her devious creativity and rebellious temperament with poignant precision.

While the intimate tale will not be to everyone's taste, those of us who appreciate formatted performances will be in awe.

It is a pity it received so little awards recognition as it deserved it.

Visually beautiful in its timeless cinematography, Davies' American debut leaves a mark, a lesson in putting the soul into epoch-making roles.

Nixon will go down in history alongside Dickinson, sealing her status as a chameleonic actress capable of the most demanding roles.