Winona Ryder @ 50: the iconic "Heathers"
Team Experience is celebrating Winona Ryder this week as we approach her 50th birthday
By Christopher James
Some talents are undeniable. Winona Ryder’s rise to stardom was quick. Her first leading role, as Veronica in Heathers, was only her fifth film. However, the ease at which she conveyed the dark comedy’s tricky tone spoke to a talent well beyond her years. In its theatrical release in the spring of 1989 Heathers barely made a dent at the box office, only grossing $1.1 million domestically. Today, it stands as one of the defining roles of her Ryder’s career. It was a launching pad and announcement to the world. She is neither achild star nor a scene stealer, but a leading lady with a one-of-a-kind screen persona.
Not only is Heathers my favorite performance from Winona Ryder, it also ranks as one of the best performances of a high school student ever. Veronica is on the Mount Rushmore of teen heroines alongside Cher from Clueless, Cady Heron from Mean Girls, Lady Bird and, of course, Carrie. In so many ways, Veronica combines attributes of all of those characters...