Indie films giving actresses roles they seek

The dearth of leading roles for women -- especially those of a "certain age" -- is a cliche in Hollywood. But today's actress is no Norma Desmond waiting for her close-up. She is likely busy creating a career that doesn't depend on Hollywood blockbusters.

From the flourishing independent film movement to interesting work overseas, actresses willing to look outside the studio system often find themselves in roles as meaty as those of their male colleagues.

"In terms of mainstream films, there aren't great roles for women," says Nicole Kidman, who in 2007 starred in the drama "Margot at the Wedding" for Paramount Vantage as well the big-budget "The Golden Compass" and "The Invasion." "But I see the glass as half full, not half empty. That's my view on life."

As the studios become more focused on action-adventure franchises and youth-oriented fare, choices for actresses are limited.

"Year to year, to find these amazing roles is hard and divided among a few potential actresses," says Bob Berney, head of specialty division Picturehouse, whose "La Vie en Rose" features Marion Cotillard.

But the pickings can be quite rich for the actress willing to branch out from studio pictures into independent features, European films, artistic projects, animation and even the stage.

The indie/specialty film world offers some of the best outlets for actresses to inhabit interesting characters -- and maybe get the performance seen by mainstream audiences.

Fox Searchlight films provided substantial roles to three actresses this year: Laura Linney in "The Savages," Ellen Page in "Juno" and Keri Russell in "Waitress." And upcoming is an adaptation of "The Secret Life of Bees."

"That's obviously a book that older women have embraced and made into a huge, huge best seller," says Searchlight's chief operating officer, Nancy Utley. "Older women want to see themselves on the screen. We hope in bringing it to the screen; we'll capture that market."

Lianne Halfon -- whose company, Mr. Mudd, made "Juno" -- notes that women behind the scenes can make a difference as well. As "Juno" was written by a woman (Diablo Cody) and focuses on a headstrong 16-year-old girl, Mandate Pictures specifically sought out a woman to produce the film. "They wanted a female producer," Halfon says. "Diablo's script had three pretty complex characters, and a lot of people thought it would be difficult to bring to the screen."

In Europe, Catherine Deneuve, at 64, is still a highly revered -- and quite busy -- actress. "No one would bat an eyelid if she were seen as the sexiest woman in France," says actress Tilda Swinton. "I'm loath to divide things up geographically. There are all sorts of limited-minded European filmmakers, as there are open-minded American filmmakers. But, generally speaking, there's more of a sense in Europe that the artist's whole trajectory or body of work is significant."