video by the dish rag
Any fan of Buffy The Vampire Slayer (specifically seasons 3-7) is very
familiar with and probably loves the Madeline Kahn-esque vengeance
demon Anya, played by the talented Emma Caulfield. Emma is one of
those actresses that I feel a strong affinity with. Whenever I learn
that she likes the same things I like I get giddy and gushy with
fandom. For example, in the video above Ms. Caulfield reveals that she
is a fan of the flawed, but hypnotic Francis Ford Coppola movie,
"Bram Stoker's Dracula ... “
Me too!!!
She's a self-proclaimed sci-fi fan and thinks "Battlestar Galactica" is maybe one of the best shows
"ever ... ”
Oh my GAWD! I totally agree...I totally agree.
In a companion video
Me toooo! I can't believe it....it's kismet!
I wonder if she likes sugar cookie scented candles?
I just LOVE sugar cookie scented candles...
All that aside, here is the reason why I posted the random video and wrote some silly, amateurish ramblings: Emma Caulfield is quite an under appreciated actress and I want as many people as possible to know who she is. She really was Buffy's emotional center and at times spoke for the viewers that didn't always agree with the Vampire Slayer, all with her Carole Lombard level of comedic timing. Also, who didn't love her 40s inspired wardrobe?! In the video above, she talks about the weight of being associated almost exclusively with thecult show, which I imagine is a burden. I do have to say though, her
evolution as Anya is incredible. It's no wonder people still crave for the character that Emma brought to life. Emerging as an emotionally abstruse and socially obtuse
character starting with the episode "The Wish". Ending her run as Anya on the
series finale, "The Chosen," as a beloved heroine going to battle for the greater good and breaking our hearts in the end when she makes her unforeseen exit. Since Buffy, Emma has enjoyed box office success (Darkness Falls), co-created a successful web-comic strip called "Contropussy,” a possible modern female take on Fritz the Cat, done voice work for Adult Swim's "Robot Chicken". She will be working with Buffy alumni Felicia Day in the Red Riding Hood retelling "Red", and also has a new show premiering next month on Nickelodeon called "Gigantic, which is produced by Marti Noxon who also produced Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Emma is indeed a busy and accomplished woman, but I seriously think we need to see more of her. I feel she's exactly what the "leading and supporting lady" assemblage is missing. Maybe I'm being heavy-handed in my opinions, I just think a lot of the roles Parker Posey or Winona Ryder have done in the last handful of years could have been played by Emma with striking effect.
Don't get me wrong I'm not hating on Posey or Ryder, if you know me, you know that I love Parker Posey and Winona Ryder...I have seen "Mermaids" more than I would like to admit. Maybe it's because Caulfield is not easy to "peg" or "label", or she's not dating the upincoming comedic actor in the new Judd Apatow movie, or she very well may be exactly where she wants be.
I just want to acknowledge that this actress is special in her field and we need more variety in film and tv when it comes to casting. Cast Emma! I really don't mean to be distasteful, but if I see one more "Coming Soon" poster at the local cinema with Jennifer Aniston or Reese Witherspoon on it I will be forced to stand in the lobby and do this. I'm not joking....I will.
Regardless, Emma is more than just "bunny hating Anya from Buffy", she is an actress who created a liberated heroine for a generation. That's powerful and nothing to belittle. I hope that the new generation that has sprung will see Emma in her new show "Gigantic" and feel inspired to take a look at Emma's past work. They will see, undoubtedly, what has made me and many more like me care so much. "Gigantic" may bring a new female TV icon to worship soon.
While you're here...
Check out Emma's award-winning performance in the short film, "Hollow" and her sci-fi romantic comedy "Timer" on Netflix's Watch Instantly.
