04-Jan-1998 Sunday
Janeane Garofalo
Though still most identified with TV ("The Larry Sanders Show") and
stand-up comedy, the fetchingly bright and simply fetching actress made a
further move into movies in 1997. She did fine small roles in "Touch" and
"Cop Land," found some box office in "Romy and Michelle's High School
Reunion," but really hit acting pay dirt with her central role in "The
Matchmaker." Such films, if not commercial world-beaters, have clearly put
Garofalo on a more stellar trajectory if only Hollywood would really pay
some attention. Why doesn't someone cast her with Parker Posey, and not
just in a "chick flick"? And she'd be great with Albert Brooks. She is said
(by friend and hip writer Bruce Wagner) to "despise movie acting," but is
obviously ace at it, especially as when (on "The Matchmaker") she gets to
shape the writing of her character. The fact that she is short (5 feet and
1 little inch), and brighter than the men in her movies, will, one hopes,
not curtail her options. After all, she looks much better than Thelma
Ritter, and even her tongue is a touch sharper. May she, at 33, be blessed
by '98.