Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over, have read our Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms & Conditions. Geographical rules apply.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • Home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • Best Netflix Movies
  • Movie Release Dates
  • Best movies on Disney Plus
  • Best Netflix Shows
Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter

Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Entertainment
  2. Movies

The Evolution Of Jennifer Connelly

Features
By Lucy published 29 October 2009

From buxom beauty to leading lady, Connelly's come a long way...

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Once Upon A Time In America (1984)

Once Upon A Time In America (1984)

The Film: If you're lucky enough to have viewed OUATIA in its entire, original, uncut state, you will be all-too aware of its humongous running time - just short of four hours.

Boy, do you get your money's worth.

The Role: Connelly was only thirteen when she appeared in this, her debut film, as the young Deborah, Noodles' love interest.

The Baps*: They don't exist yet. She is a child.

*Trust us. They're worth waiting for.

Page 1 of 15
Page 1 of 15
Phenomena (1985)

Phenomena (1985)

The Film: Phenomena was Dario Argento's first English-speaking feature.

Set in a creepy Swiss boarding school, the horror featured a creative serial killer, who finds lots of interesting different ways to stab his victims.

The Role: After her tinsy little part in OUATIA , Connelly bagged herself a starring role in this corker.

She played Jennifer, a girl who can communicate with insects. She also possesses psychic abilities.

So, she's a freak, then.

The Baps: Still nothing. Give them time!

Page 2 of 15
Page 2 of 15
Labyrinth (1986)

Labyrinth (1986)

The Film: One of the most iconic films of the '80s, Labyrinth was a sort of fantasy-adventure, starring Connelly, David Bowie, and a load of Jim Henson puppets.

How's that for a premise?

The Role: Connelly's Sarah is a troubled young girl who wills the Goblin King to take away her baby brother, because he's really getting on her wick.

However, when Toby is taken away, Sarah regrets her rashness.

She sets off on a quest to reclaim him. To a wicked soundtrack.

The Baps: We're getting there!

Page 3 of 15
Page 3 of 15
Career Opportunities (1991)

Career Opportunities (1991)

The Film: An average rom-com, Career Opportunities was all about two youngsters, who, when locked in a department store together, fall in love.

They do naughty things like rollerskating through the aisles. It's all fun and games until they get held hostage by thieves. Drama!

The Role: Connelly's Josie is rich and spoiled, though in a cute way, of course.

The Baps: Baaaaps! (She's 21 now, so we got the green light!)

They're finally here, and they're massive . How are they so massive? We're sure they're not as massive nowadays.

Page 4 of 15
Page 4 of 15
Mulholland Falls (1996)

Mulholland Falls (1996)

The Film: A neo-noir detective drama, Mulholland Falls follows the investigation of the mysterious death of Allison Pond, who is found dead, face-down in the ground, having broken every bone in her body. It's not awfully cheery.

What is awfully cheery is the fact that they found a sex tape of her. Which we get to see. Back of the net.

The Role: Allison is the enigmatic, lusty femme fatale. It's a role which suits Connelly remarkably well.

The Baps: Holy mackeral. This one's worth watching for the baps alone. Seriously.

Page 5 of 15
Page 5 of 15
Dark City (1998)

Dark City (1998)

The Film: It was never a huge hit in cinemas, but this one was a grower, gaining a massive cult fanbase way after its release.

It's set in a city which never experiences daylight - a surprisingly simple principle which the film a real uneasy atmosphere.

Not only that, but it's got Richard O'Brian as the ghostly, black-suited 'Stranger', Mr Hand. He's quite terrifying.

The Role: Connelly plays Emma Murdoch, protagonist John's wife.

The Baps: They're not much on show in this one, though we're sure they're still there.

Page 6 of 15
Page 6 of 15
Requiem For A Dream (2000)

Requiem For A Dream (2000)

The Film: A tale of addiction and the struggle between fantasy and reality, RFAD is a moving, though slightly depressing, drama.

The Role: Connelly's Marion is a right old mess. She's an aspiring fashion designer, though she never quite makes it to owning her own store because of all the drugs she does.

She sinks into a well of delusion and despair as she begins prostituting herself for drugs.

The Baps: She's got the heroin-chic thing going on - all panda eyes and ribs - and there's no room for baps here. So long, baps.

Page 7 of 15
Page 7 of 15
A Beautiful Mind (2001)

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

The Film: Another serious drama, based on a true story A Beautiful Mind featured Russell Crowe as John Forbes Nash, a gifted mathematician who suffers from a viscious mental disorder.

The Role: Alicia Nash is John's loyal wife, utterly devoted to caring for her husband. Connelly won a 'Best Supporting Actress' Oscar for her role in the film.

She also met her current husband, Paul Bettany, whilst filming. So all in all, a good hoard from this venture!

The Baps: Connelly's gone all serious, which means the baps have gone into hiding.

Page 8 of 15
Page 8 of 15
Hulk (2003)

Hulk (2003)

The Film: Ang Lee's adaptation of the Marvel superhero paved the way for a whole new world of merchandise (we've all tried on a pair of Hulk Smash Hands at Toys R Us).

It stars Eric Bana as Dr. Bruce Banner, the guy with the unfortunate anger management issues.

The Role: For Connelly, it's another role as a devoted, supporting, female counterpart to an uncontrollable man. Connelly plays Betty Ross, the woman who hopes to tame the big green beast.

The Baps: What's with all the baggy shirts and turtleneck jumpers, Jennifer? Come on!

Page 9 of 15
Page 9 of 15
House Of Sand And Fog (2003)

House Of Sand And Fog (2003)

The Film: Starring Ben Kingsley, House Of Sand And Fog is the story of a woman who is evicted from her home when she can't keep up with her taxes. The house is auctioned and sold to Iranian Massoud Behrani (Ben Kingsley) and his family.

The Role: Kathy is another druggy mess. Depressed and abandoned by her husband, she is content to live in her little house and recover from her addiction. Suffice to say, she's not best pleased when she's ousted from her property.

The Baps: Depressed + reclusive = unsexy clothes. We're beginning to think it might be curtains for the baps.

Page 10 of 15
Page 10 of 15
Dark Water (2005)

Dark Water (2005)

The Film: 2005's Dark Water is a remake of the 2002 Japanese horror of the same name.

It tells the creepy story of an apartment building haunted by mainly by leaky pipes, but also by the memory of a young girl who used to live there.

The Role: Dahlia (Connelly) moves into the building with her daughter, Ceci. It's not a very jolly place to live.

The Baps: At one point in the movie, dark water goes crazy, and it turns into a veritable wet-Tshirt competition (with Connelly as the only competitor). Baps are back!

Page 11 of 15
Page 11 of 15
Blood Diamond (2006)

Blood Diamond (2006)

The Film: In war-torn Sierra Leone, the blood diamond trade is in full swing. It's a brutal, desperate place. Corruption reigns.

The Role: An American Journalist driven by social conscience and moral justice, Maddy Bowen wants the inside scoop on the diamonds trade.

She hopes to expose the market and prevent it from further funding the Civil War. She's dead brave.

The Baps: They're demurely hidden under practical Africa-clothes. She is forgiven this one.

Page 12 of 15
Page 12 of 15
Reservation Road (2007)

Reservation Road (2007)

The Film: Featuring Joaquin Phoenix in a rather fetching beard, Reservation Road is a drama about the hit-and-run killing of a little boy (Phoenix & Connelly's son).

The killer happens to be the very lawyer who's helping the couple fight for justice.

It's pretty bleak.

The Role: Grace is eager to move on, but her husband (Phoenix's Ethan) is out for justice. Poor Grace.

The Baps: She's the grieving mother to a dead son. It's not baps central.

Page 13 of 15
Page 13 of 15
The Day The Earth Stood Still (2008)

The Day The Earth Stood Still (2008)

The Film: Another remake, TDTESS is a fireworks display of a film. It's all mouth and trousers, though it is entertaining enough.

It's all about the arrival of an alien visitor (Keanu Reeves) sent to warn humans about the damage they're doing to the planet. It's a "shape up or ship out" deal. Chill out.

The Role: Dr. Helen Benson is a scientist who's spends a lot of time running around trying to make sense of everything.

The Baps: We have a feeling Connelly might not actually like showing off her baps. Perhaps she only did it initially so that she could get better parts in bigger films. Well, it worked!

Page 14 of 15
Page 14 of 15
Creation (2009)

Creation (2009)

The Film: Creation is a film about Charles Darwin, focusing mainly on Darwin's relationship with his wife, and the conflict between science and religion.

It stars real-life husband and wife Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly as Mr. and Mrs. Darwin. Aww.

The Role: Unfortunately for Charles (who has suffered a loss of faith after the death of his daughter), Emma Darwin is deeply religious and is uncomfortable with his research, as it undermines her beliefs.

The Baps: Never before have a pair of lovely baps been so horrifically stifled. We give up. We're going to watch Mulholland Falls again.

Page 15 of 15
Page 15 of 15
Lucy
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter
Latest in Movies
David Corenswet as Superman
DC Movies James Gunn explains why Superman and Braniac "have beef," and it might be a hint about Man of Tomorrow
 
 
Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man in Masters of the Universe
Sci-Fi Movies Masters of the Universe director explains how the new movie reckons with He-Man's "internally inconsistent" mythology
 
 
Tom Holland as Spider-Man in Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Marvel Movies Tom Holland wants to mentor the next Marvel Spidey, like Robert Downey Jr. did for him
 
 
Pedro Pascal unmasked as Din Djarin in The Mandalorian and Grogu
Star Wars Movies Pedro Pascal spends more time unmasked in The Mandalorian and Grogu than the three Disney Plus seasons
 
 
Robert Downey Jr. in the Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement video
Marvel Movies Avengers: Doomsday directors provide the most cryptic tease yet, but we're fairly sure it's about Doctor Doom
 
 
Tom Holland as Spider-Man in Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Marvel Movies A second Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer has just been age-rated, and it looks like it could drop online very soon
 
 
Latest in Features
Pragmata character Diana holding her hand up
Action Games Why Pragmata disappeared for 6 years, and how Capcom built a new IP while the industry imploded
 
 
Cosy Nintendo Switch games on a purple background
Nintendo Switch Get comfy, these are the 12 cozy Nintendo Switch games you need to hit ultimate zen this weekend
 
 
James Bond looking serious in glasses in 007 First Light
Action Games After 007 First Light, can we ease up on parries and ledge-climbing?
 
 
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 trailer screen grab showing John Price
FPS Games Modern Warfare 4: Everything we know about the new Call of Duty game
 
 
Zero Parades screenshots
RPGs Zero Parades being an easier RPG than Disco Elysium makes perfect sense
 
 
Disney Lorcana boosters, box, Lore spinner, and dice on a wooden surface
Tabletop Gaming Everything you need to know about Disney Lorcana Wilds Unknown
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Overwatch 1
    1
    Uncharted 3 co-director and The Dragon Prince co-creator joins the Overwatch team, reigniting hopes for an animated show
  2. 2
    Former Dying Light lead says long-term game support "builds the community trust" and is also great for sales
  3. 3
    Dragon Age and BioWare veteran says games could learn a thing or two from how the movie business makes money
  4. 4
    Masters of the Universe director explains how the new movie reckons with He-Man's "internally inconsistent" mythology
  5. 5
    Former Destiny 2 boss praises The Witcher 3 DLC, says "half a generation of players weren't of age" when the RPG shipped

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...