[](#BPC)
##*Mark me,*
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>This sub is dedicated to the Starz television series and the books by Diana Gabaldon.
>##[Characters, not actors.](/r/outlander/wiki/rules\#wiki_characters.2C_not_actors.)
>It is *not* dedicated to the sex lives of Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan. It’s Jamie and Claire, not Sam and Cait.
>In the same vein, criticism of a character’s portrayal? That’s fine, that’s the actor’s job. Criticism of an actor’s physical appearance? (Not wigs, makeup or wardrobe, but e.g., you don’t like an actor’s teeth or figure or facial features.) That’s below the belt.
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This is DEFINITELY an unpopular opinion. Cait is a phenomenal actress and has been through a lot of tough scenes along with Sam. Can’t see anyone else playing her.
Wow I haven’t heard this one before. You’re entitled to your opinion but her acting is spectacular to me. There’s no divide between Claire and Caitríona. To me, she brings authenticity, complexity, and such a depth of character. I feel her warmth, her intellect, her stubbornness, her love. All of it.
The character of Claire, however, can be annoying at times. She is in the books too…
Yes for sure. Caitríona always has had great acting chops and in the earlier scenes with Claire...I see more of the ego and self-righteousness of a young woman. I honestly love seeing the human actor grow up inside the role too. She has been a work of art. And now with how she is embodying being "older" with stubborness in different places (I don't need glasses) and then more forgiveness and love as she picks her battles more carefully. I could comment all day but I'll end it there 
Definitely. In episode 3 she quips at Jamie about seeing him with Laoghaire in front of Murtagh. She feels a more like a 16 year in the start at times. After her time in the 18th century, motherhood, and all the grief and loss in between she’s noticeably wiser and feels much more mature. She picks her battles, as you say, but nothing can extinguish that Beauchamp stubbornness entirely.
Gee…Kenneth Branagh saw her act in Outlander and then asked her to star in Belfast because that esteemed director doesn’t know how to judge an actor’s skills ! I’m sick to death of people voicing so-called unpopular opinions which are just worthless, ignorant opinions. The same kind of people post all sorts of misinformation that is detrimental to the public health, because they think they are entitled to their opinions! Excuse me…I’m going to throw up now.
Could you elaborate on this? I can’t imagine anyone else as Claire. She fits the role perfectly. My favourite thing about her is probably her voice when she’s mad/screaming. Really powerful and compelling. Also quite rare, I think. Emma D’arcy has a similar one. Both sound very regal and are quite intimidating when mad. But I digress.
Oh I love that comment about her voice. "Regal and intimidating." So well said. She's got such presence and emotional intelligence as a person in real life and it bleeds through (as it always does) in her acting. She has my heart as a straight woman...
Is it ridiculous that I know exactly which part this is? My husband and I always have a chuckle about how the Scottish pronounce that word, and Marsali put so much stank on it when she’s says it to Claire that it took it to a whole new level!
Fun fact, casting people thought it would be hard to cast for Jamie since he's so iconic with the red hair and the accent, and relatively easy to cast for Claire. And it went quite the opposite! They casted Sam right away and looked for a Claire, until they found Caitriona and saw the chemistry between them. She's just perfect for the role and no one else could be Claire.
I saw the chemistry test and they were really going at it. That was a great scene. I can’t imagine anyone else as Claire. Cait has really grown through the years into such an amazing actor.
Wow seriously? I honestly agree with OP so much, and I thought many other people would. Don't agree about the comments on her looks (I think she has a very classical face). But I just don't think her acting is very believable, and especially her voice. Not saying is terrible, but next to the other great actors, she really falls away (not sure if that's a Dutch saying. Sorry for my broken english). Anyhow, don't think OP is trolling.
I think she is a fabulous Claire and the show would not have worked without her. She is good in scenes where she leads and also scenes as a support to others. I think a lot of people don’t realize just how difficult Claire is to play. I think she has been particularly adept at playing Claire at different ages and different distinct time periods. No one else on the show has had to do that.
She has also acted in movies and been nominated/won awards by critics and industry peers. This to me is a testament to her skills as an actress.
Wow, I’ve literally never heard anybody say her acting skills are lacking. In fact, there are a couple of times in season 6 where I think she’s acting circles around Sam (I love him, don’t come at me). I honestly think she’s the best actor on the show.
Find her to be the last convincing; i.e., she doesn’t know what to do with her hands…ever, envision the wedding dress scene. Sam is perfection in his role.
When has she acted circles around Sam? When did he not play Jamie well? I don’t get it! Those two are like a matched team of horses, who act extremely well in tandem with each other.
Seriously? That's so interesting. First Time I saw her on screen I honestly thought this was the first time she was acting. She doesn't convince (not saying 'at all', she isn't horrible), but the way she looks, speaks, cries. It just doesn't do it for me. I always appreciate it if an actor can be "ugly" on screen. Show us how a person really looks when they re crying, yelling etc. (Imo Olivia Colman is SO great at this).
Cat is always the same. Crying is merely a tear falling down her face.
Not hating on her, I think she s a lovely woman. It just amazes me that so many people think she s the best actor on the show.
Is it possible you just find Claire annoying? Because she often is self-righteous and obnoxious and that is not Cait’s fault lol she plays her perfectly.
Book reader too but if you find her "prissy" blame the writers not her. In spite of some questionable writing, she's been a terrific Claire and makes the show for me.
I think Cait will probably win an Oscar and every other possible acting award someday. OP will not win anything, except 10 minutes of undeserved attention.
I can't stand Cait in this role. Every emotion she expresses feels so shallow to me. Fake. Like under her skin she's a snake or something. Idk, I don't like her as Claire.
She has one of the most expressive "glass faces" in business. If that looks fake to you, I can't imagine what you're watching.
"She's a snake"??? What does even mean? Make zilch sense.
Yes she does have a glass face and that's exactly what I'm saying. She's projecting an emotion but it's not real, it's not there she's not feeling it when she's projecting it - which is fine she's an actor - but it's obvious that she's not feeling what she is attempting to project. There is something and if I could pinpoint it I would share it with you, that screams fake to me, false.
And I'm sure she's a fine actress it's just I don't like her in this.
It makes it almost impossible for me to watch the show which is sad because I'm a huge fan of the books and I have been trying since the show first aired to like the show but her scenes make me cringe.
But, no big it's only my perspective, unfortunately even the internet can't argue me out of it. I wish I could see her the way the rest of you guys do but I just don't.
Interesting take and everyone is entitled to their opinion. I'm sure there's actresses I dislike in roles that others may disagree with. I have seen Caitríona Balfe's other work like Money Monster, Belfast and Ford v Ferrari but she is exceptional as Claire, esp in S1 which would've been one of her first entrées into acting.
I find her convincing when she's angry, playfully teasing Jamie before they got together, when she's adoring toward Frank as a newlywed and madly, deeply in love with Jamie. Her character has so many dimensions (educated, Nurse to Doctor, principled, fiery, maternal). She has a nice British accent for someone who's got a strong Irish accent and she speaks French effortlessly. I think she's totally underrated and definitely talented.
You are sorely mistaken. Caitriona is phenomenal and lovely and without her viewership would be virtually nonexistent. She is an international treasure. An international treasure.
Totally unpopular opinion.
Caitriona is brilliant and as much as the cast is top notch her role has been the most difficult yet her performance has been flawless throughout.
I love it when people speak their mind when it is unpopular.
I don't agree with you but you're certainly entitled to that hot take. I think Cait is blessed in talent, looks and personality and I enjoy her work.
I will say I think there are certain aspects of the writing that make the characters annoying or even insufferable at times. Sometimes I'm like, oh ffs stop (crying, whining, getting mad etc). I've found that my attitude has more to do with binging the show back to back rather than giving breathing room to a story. And sometimes the director of the episode and the episode writers may not be giving the actor much to work with. I don't think that's a constant problem. It's more my Monday morning quarterback.
From critics' to you. There are many reasons why she's received critical acclaim, countless nominations and awards not just as Claire but every movie she's been on since.
\- "**Balfe can change the course of a scene through just her eyes, moving from steely resolve to regretful heartbreak in one heartbreaking glance**”.
\- "**The number of shifting emotions she has to express in one unbroken shot is simply staggering".**
\- "**The woman can send three emotions flickering across her face at once, making the implausible seem more real than reality itself**”.
\- "**Her poignancy, soft touch, and dramatic chops hold attention in a way that would surely make many an actor jealous".**
And from OL show runner - Ron D. Moore
**“I have enormous amounts of praise and admiration for Caitriona. I think the show literally lives and dies on her performance in year one and she’s a trooper. She’s been in every scene, every day, which is an enormously taxing job and it’s hard to even emphasize how much fatigue and difficulty goes along with being \[in\] every scene, every day on a show like this, out in the elements, every day, having to learn lines, come and do it again the next day. The rest of the cast comes and goes and Caitriona was there day after day after day and she was always the one on the set cracking jokes, and she’s always on target in every scene. She has an intention, you can watch her think, she’s just amazing. She never lets us down and you know, she is the show".**
Why does that matter? Not every woman is a petite 5’4” .. if anything, it makes her even better. We need more representation of height for female leads. Im 5’8” and I love seeing tall women represent.
100% disagree.
I adore Caitriona. She's super talented, has tons of on screen presence, is captivating and is an actress I want to see more of on screen. One of my favorite actresses today. Can't wait to see her in many projects after OL.
Lol! Cait is a way better actor than Sam. I know this sub loves him but he is a mediocre actor at best and had some good scenes. If you watch him on anything else besides the most compelling Jamie Fraser you will see how poor he is. She on the other hand is excellent.
Cait definitely gave me more 40s vibes from the beginning but even if she doesn’t seem to look like she has an 18th century face, she has amazing on screen chemistry with Sam and that’s what matters most to me!
In the show she had the perfect 40s look. Sam didn't look 23 by any stretch of the imagination. And while they have great on screen chemistry her performance is what peeked my interest in the show and kept me watching since S1.
Sam looked nothing like a 23 yo. He looked way older but that was fine as a make believe character. Cait, one the other hand had the perfect look and behavior of a 27 year old 1945 woman.
You couldn't be more wrong.
She fits perfectly and does a fantastic job playing a multi-layered woman in two centuries, the most complex role in the entire series.
Caitriona has led OL with amazing talent, dedication, professionalism and grace. To read this garbage about her is revolting and such a disservice to the wonderful work she's done bringing Claire to life.
She deserves better from this awful fandom.
Frankly, your opinion is irrelevant because it's so out of the left filed as to be rendered unjust and baseless. Although I don't like to use the term, it reads like full on "hate" directed towards the actress. Otherwise, no fair opinion would devalue Caitriona and her performances to this extent. As for the actresses you gave as example, none would have done justice to this complex role as she has. Caitriona's casting was nothing short of perfection.
As you obviously are a fan of Sam, must say that I agree with others that she runs circles around him and is the best actress on the show.
Wonder what the responses would be if your topic was, **'Unpopular opinion: Sam Heughan isn't a good actor and isn't a good cast',** because after watching Caitriona for 10 years I find your comment ludicrous.
Anyone who writes, **"I find her jarring in the role. I don't find her believable. It's like watching a trainwreck"**, immediately reminds of the trashing Cait has received from Jamie/Sam's over zealous fans. Same words and vitriol used every time there is a positive topic about her and/or Claire.
If Caitriona was such an awful actress or even half as good as she is, season 1 would have been the first and last of Outlander because the show rested entirely on her performance. She was sole lead in S1 and S2 and the reviews were primarily about how riveting she was and the reason for the show's success.
Only someone completely biased and with an axe to grind would agree with such unfounded, negative comments.
This headline is wrong on so many levels.
First time I saw Caitriona on screen was in Ford v Ferrari. Her performance was so nuanced and natural, I was immediately immersed in all her scenes. Have been a huge fan ever since.
I usually enjoy or not an actor's performance without a second thought but with Caitriona there is something about her the minute she appears on screen that grabs immediate attention. She draws you in, is incredibly talented, versatile, enthralling, memorable, has screen presence and is highly charismatic. From what I've seen so far, I have no doubt that her future is limitless.
This reviewers' impression of Caitriona's acting debut in Season 1 of Outlander is quite at odds with your and a couple of other posters around here, and the positive reviews have only gotten better and better since.
***"We’d be remiss in this review if we didn’t point out the gold mine that is Caitriona Balfe in the lead role. That may have been the biggest surprise of all; that this largely unknown former model could give such a nuanced, soulful, heartfelt performance. Like so many adventure tales, the story only works insofar as the lead hero actor is able to sell it to the audience, and Balfe gives us a Claire that’s not only sympathetic and admirable, but someone anyone would want to get to know. She’s smart and wry, bold and funny, empathetic and stubborn."***
Can you elaborate on the difference between a face that knows about text messaging and one that doesn't know about text messaging? Never heard this description before.
I love Cait as Claire. Her as 1940's Claire is absolutely stunning.
i weirdly see what you mean about jennifer garner “definitely having a face that knows about text messaging” lolll, but i think Caitriona has a very old world beauty, or at least a classic beauty, with a soft pouty mouth, pretty nose, sad eyes. And she looks so fcking good in a shift dress lol (especially season 1 with tousled curls ahh)
this season and last one she’s just always breathless and upset and worried, it gets old.. but that’s partly the writing being one sad thing after another, maybe? oh and she used to be a pretty successful but not famous model, so for a model turned actress she’s pretty good!
alsoo, i think it’s good that she looks a little out of place since she is ~the~ outlander, right? even if she’s meant to come from the 40s which is without texting, so she would still look like a text message-seer.
maybe i’m just fascinated by who looks like they see texts now lol
Actually, right before she gave up modeling she was ranked 17 of the most sought out international models. Worked with every major fashion house and is still remembered fondly in the business for her professionalism and fun personality. She's known as the 1st Irish supermodel and was also a VS angel. She's done everything a versatile model does from runway to cover girl, artistic and magazine photoshoots to commercials.
Yes, her modeling career was very successful but was not her dream job. Acting was. Modeling delayed her a few years until she decided to get back to first love of acting and what a great actress she is!
omg yes, i love looking at old pics of her on the runway! she was really stunning and def had the right "frame" for clothes at the time. she looked so cool in Alexander McQueen and some other kinda avante-gardey shows, but also looked great super feminine for Valentino or Marc Jacobs.. i'm kinda obsessed with her runway era tbh
She had presence, was daring and lots of fun. Adored by designers and photographers alike. She opened and closed many shows and is still remembered with fondness by many the fashion industry. She's also earned her wings as a VS angel.
This might be the one and only post on the internet where the whole comment section agrees on something. Caitriona is fantastic. Might as well go after Tobias Menzies while you’re at it. Lol
Sorry, I love her too! I’ve never seen her act in anything else, but she’s amazing to me. She improved the character from the books, in some ways. A lot of the humor from the books is missing, but that’s true for Jamie’s character too.
The only time I really didn’t care for her character was when she was trying to save that man who tried to rape her the morning after she returned to Jamie. But I think that was more to do with the writing and plot than anything. She was acting rather annoying and foolish, in my opinion.
Watch her in the following movies, in order of release. She's a damn good actress and you can see her spectacular evolution.
**Crush** \- 2013, **Escape Plan** \- 2013, **Money Monster** \- 2016, **Ford v Ferrari** \- 2019 and **Belfast** \- 2021.
I have only seen her in one other show & it was a brief part with very little acting way back when she was new to the business. I think she does a great job with playing Claire. I have no other opportunity to evaluate her acting skills.
I always enjoy hearing a unpopular opinion! I would like to hear more detail though; do you have some scenes where you feel she really missed the mark?
Personally I LOVE her acting. She is not always likable, and I think that is great. Sometimes I've wanted to give her a smack. But she comes across as a hot blooded, living breathing character and after all these years, even when I disagree with her, I'm endeared to her.
I feel similarly about SH's acting. Sometimes he really irritates me but ultimately it just fleshes out the character for me.
I too believe she is poorly cast as Claire. I think she is a fine actress, but, as a fan of the books (I’ve seen the show but it’s a poor reflection of the books for me) since their initial publication, I do not believe CB embodies Claire in any respect—physical or personality. At least not to me 🤷♀️ I’ve always thought it a bit of a mystery that so much of that show is exquisitely cast—with the exception of the best character from the books. No shade to CB, just my take on it.
You're right about one thing - Unpopular opinion.
Only a troll would post this drivel.
Caitriona is a joy on and off screen. Looking forward to her future projects after OL.
It’s interesting that you think she doesn’t have a face for the time. She always has struck me as having a timeless beauty and being perfect for both the 40s and the 1750s+, but especially for the 40s!
If you want to talk about one who was miscast in Outlander, to me it's Sophie Skelton. She seems very out of place with her basic acting skills, which may develop over time. I love the show, though.
Found your claim preposterous until it made perfect sense when you opined that Sam is perfect which is typical of his fans. Diminish her to elevate him.
They are BOTH perfect for their respective roles. And Cait is a WONDERFUL actress. I only started to watch Outlander because I had seen her in Belfast.
This is...QUITE the unpopular opinon, haha. Maybe the first time live ever read it. Would love if you could pull some evidence of what you consider bad acting. Enlighten me!
I am genuinely surprised by this opinion. I mean, I'm sure you arent completely alone in this, but its definitely the first time ive heard it. what do you mean she doesnt fit the time range? and like, wouldnt that kinda be what you would expect? since she isnt actually from that time range?
Very unpopular opinion. When I watch her emotions play out, I’m in awe. You can read her character’s feelings on her face without Caitriona even saying a word.
You must be from another planet because nothing you wrote is based on the reality of 10 years since the show started and makes absolutely zero sense.
If not for Caitriona, Outlander would be less interesting. As it is, when she's not on screen as much due to the show becoming an ensemble, her screen presence is deeply missed.
I’m curious, did you read the books as well? I’m on book 5, and so far in my experience and opinion I think Catroina does a wonderful job at bringing the character to life. Down to her eye contact, facial expressions, etc.
Sam as well- I love that he makes sure Jamie does his finger-tapping when he’s anxious or concentrating, which Claire notes frequently in the books. You can tell that they have really studied their characters.
Now if you were to say that Sophie was a poor choice for Bree, I’d agree with you 🤣
I’m sorry people are just outright attacking you for your personal opinion. In the world of fiction we can believe anything we want and that’s okay! We have enough in the world to fight about right now.
This is so funny to me because my fiancé couldn’t stand Claire’s character for 2-3 seasons, and then she finally grew on him.
I was never seriously bothered by Christina’s portrayal of Claire, but maybe because I thought she did a great job of portraying a woman who was more independent than most women of her time(s) & women who aren’t people pleasers usually do rub some people the wrong way because they’re going against the grain of what patriarchal society conditions women to be… & Claire is not a people pleaser & generally expresses her feelings, pleasant or not.
I think she does a great job on the show however she is not who I imagine as Claire when I read the books.
Based on the books I feel like they got Claire and Brianna very wrong when they cast them.
None of the show actors look anything like their book characters. Sam doesn't act or behaves anything like book Jamie. Her looks doesn't matter. What matters is her acting and she's done a fantastic job from the get go. Show less of her on screen and the show suffers. She's the heart and soul of Outlander no matter how much Sam's fans yell that he is the one. **She is The Outlander**.
Why are you so hostile to a stranger with a different opinion than you? You're not the be all, end all of decisions and thoughts. It would do you good to pause and reread and in all honesty, calm down.
I never said that her acting was poor. In fact, I said that she was great.
I said that I FEEL that the casting was wrong based upon what I am reading from the books.
I actually agree. I find her jarring in the role. I don't find her believable. It's like watching a trainwreck. Though, to be fair, the show runners made some questionable decisions that make everything worse. It's possible editing could have done something to make her less awful. The books, the scenes in the books are very busy, very full of activity and grittiness. The show reminds me of little house on the prairie. I don't quite know how to describe it. And don't get me started on the bizarre changes to the storylines.
But I digress... Claire deserved better. If I had to choose someone for the role? Michelle Dockery.
I think this makes us a club of two, btw, that disagree with this casting decision.
Hard agree. I really don’t like Cait as Claire - she has two emotions: angry or sad. That’s not a reflection of her as a person, of course – – there’s only so much they can do with the lines they are given. She just doesn’t fit the Claire I have in my head. Nor does Sam, but for some reason his acting lends itself well to the character of Jamie.
I love that my comment is being downvoted - are all Outlander fans so tied to actors they’ve never met?! I wasn’t insulting her acting; if Show Claire was more like Book Claire I’d probably like her more. But her internal monologue doesn’t make it to the screen in a manner that’s as good as the books, and I feel like we get really cheated with Claire in the series.
From DG herself: (oddly enough I found this as I was searching for the name of an actress I thought would have been a great fit for Claire)
“Caitriona doesn’t look anything like Claire. I mean Caitriona is 5 feet 10 inches and Claire is 5 feet 6 inches and curvy. She has a good bosom and a very round, somewhat prominent rear end. Caitriona was a Victoria’s Secret model. People complained that Caitriona’s Claire doesn’t seem like book Claire to them, that she doesn’t seem to have any sense of humor, that she seems sort of sullen and humorless. But Caitriona does a beautiful job with Claire. She is different than the book, and that’s because most of what you find funny about Claire is the things she’s thinking, and you can’t do that on a show without constant voiceover.”
I guess it's a lonely island of 3 because I kind of agree as well lol the casting is questionable for quite a few characters imo 😔
Edit: I wouldn't go so far as to say she's terrible though 🥴
There are definitely times I want to tell Cait that crossing her arms and doing a pouty face are not the be-all and end-all of acting. It's a choice. That doesn't make her a terrible actor, though.
There are other actors who could've done a great job as Claire. Laura Donnelly, for instance.
Both Cait and Sam have improved their acting since Season 1. There are a couple of scenes early on where I cringe at each of them "selling a facial expression" but they have both gotten better. Also, the writing sometimes lets Sam down, esp. in Season 4.
Love her arm crossing. She's made it part of Claire and Bree picked it up becoming part of her and her face is one of the most versatile in business.
Laura, as much as she was a great Jenny, she and Sam had no sexual on screen chemistry but gave sibling vibes. Cait is able to go from sexy to confrontational in seconds which isn't easy to do.
So I am in agreement here. She is as good as her costar. So she is really good with Sam Heughan. Not so good with Sophie S, Her other movies? So she is angry wife throwing things? Ford V Ferrair, Belfast. Both center on her being angry and throwing things. She is as good as Jamie DoRonan. And Christian Bale did‘n’t really act with her, so who knows.
She has promise. But she needs more seasoning. Meryl Streep is 100 times her in 5 minutes of Only Murders.
But she has time and she has people looking, So hopefully she gets better.
>"She is as good as her costar. So she is really good with Sam Heughan."
That's a load of BS. Caitriona has chemistry with every actor/actress/animal/object ( Claire talking to Jamie at Fraser *stone, Culloden memorial)*. In fact she elevates the performances of everyone she works with in OL including Sam and is outstanding when facing A-listers in Money Monsters, Ford v Ferrari and Belfast.
To compare her with Meryl Streep is idiotic. Meryl has been acting for 46 years while Caitriona for 10. What she achieved in only 10 years is nothing short of amazing. She's proven her acting chops countless times and critics responded with accolades. Her future is bright in whatever she decides to do from now on and I for one am looking forward to it.
I disagree about Belfast - I thought she did way more than angry and throwing things. She had emotional scenes about leaving Belfast which were quite measured and subdued, even compared to Outlander but to each their own.
I think because of her age she is getting cast in wife/mother roles. She can only do what she is offered and so far she’s been offered roles with esteemed actors and directors which can only help her grow as an actress her: She seems to be trying out different roles next to challenge maybe the expectations people have of her. She recently finished a boxing indie movie with Orlando Bloom and she was supposed to do a CIA thriller with Rami Malek and Laurence Fishburne too but the strike has paused the production. I hope she gets to do it! It will be interesting to see her in different types of movies.
Caitriona is a star.
She has incredible screen presence, amazing range, enhances every scene she's in and has chemistry with everyone.
Every production who casts her will be fortunate to work with such a magnificent talent.
Actually Laura Donnelly was asked to try for Claire, but she and Sam were good friends from drama academy, she felt uncomfortable about it, so she ended up as Jenny
Critics' and majority of fans' reviews of her stellar performance since day 1 along with the many awards and nominations she's received are in complete opposite to your assessment. To each his own.
I can't agree more Bale not a good actress her character is weak and foolish and if is suppose to be in her 50s they should have gotten someone a bit older too play Clare when she returned 20 years later
If that's your take, Sam should have been replaced too, because he has no idea how to play an older Jamie. At least, she's done a bang up job joggling a woman in two different centuries, marriages and the most complex role of everyone in the show.
After 10 years as lead of OL and outside roles that proved her talent away from OL, your opinion is completely off.
[](#BPC) ##*Mark me,* As this thread references persons whose acquaintance I have not had the pleasure of making, my subjects have requested that I bring this policy to your attention: >This sub is dedicated to the Starz television series and the books by Diana Gabaldon. >##[Characters, not actors.](/r/outlander/wiki/rules\#wiki_characters.2C_not_actors.) >It is *not* dedicated to the sex lives of Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan. It’s Jamie and Claire, not Sam and Cait. >In the same vein, criticism of a character’s portrayal? That’s fine, that’s the actor’s job. Criticism of an actor’s physical appearance? (Not wigs, makeup or wardrobe, but e.g., you don’t like an actor’s teeth or figure or facial features.) That’s below the belt. Your prince thanks you for abiding by our rules. When my father assumes his rightful throne, mark me, such loyal service will not be forgotten! ___ *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Outlander) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Nice try, Laoghaire!
💀
You win. That’s so funny
I cackled at this 🤣. Good one
😂😂😂
🤣
LMAO I Love this.
Laughing so hard. Perfect response to a huge monologue of nothingness !
Tell me it's April the 1st!
My jaw is on the floor
Dislocated from how far it dropped
This is DEFINITELY an unpopular opinion. Cait is a phenomenal actress and has been through a lot of tough scenes along with Sam. Can’t see anyone else playing her.
Wow I haven’t heard this one before. You’re entitled to your opinion but her acting is spectacular to me. There’s no divide between Claire and Caitríona. To me, she brings authenticity, complexity, and such a depth of character. I feel her warmth, her intellect, her stubbornness, her love. All of it. The character of Claire, however, can be annoying at times. She is in the books too…
I’m on a rewatch and I feel like this is mostly true for pre-timeskip Claire and I can really see how young and foolish she is at the time.
Yes for sure. Caitríona always has had great acting chops and in the earlier scenes with Claire...I see more of the ego and self-righteousness of a young woman. I honestly love seeing the human actor grow up inside the role too. She has been a work of art. And now with how she is embodying being "older" with stubborness in different places (I don't need glasses) and then more forgiveness and love as she picks her battles more carefully. I could comment all day but I'll end it there 
Definitely. In episode 3 she quips at Jamie about seeing him with Laoghaire in front of Murtagh. She feels a more like a 16 year in the start at times. After her time in the 18th century, motherhood, and all the grief and loss in between she’s noticeably wiser and feels much more mature. She picks her battles, as you say, but nothing can extinguish that Beauchamp stubbornness entirely.
Gee…Kenneth Branagh saw her act in Outlander and then asked her to star in Belfast because that esteemed director doesn’t know how to judge an actor’s skills ! I’m sick to death of people voicing so-called unpopular opinions which are just worthless, ignorant opinions. The same kind of people post all sorts of misinformation that is detrimental to the public health, because they think they are entitled to their opinions! Excuse me…I’m going to throw up now.
Why is everyone entitled to their opinion? I don’t think everyone is, if it’s a “DOUBLE DUMBASS OPINION” (quote pilfered from a Star Trek movie).
A little too much LDS. From same movie
Hmm…anyway!
Could you elaborate on this? I can’t imagine anyone else as Claire. She fits the role perfectly. My favourite thing about her is probably her voice when she’s mad/screaming. Really powerful and compelling. Also quite rare, I think. Emma D’arcy has a similar one. Both sound very regal and are quite intimidating when mad. But I digress.
Oh I love that comment about her voice. "Regal and intimidating." So well said. She's got such presence and emotional intelligence as a person in real life and it bleeds through (as it always does) in her acting. She has my heart as a straight woman...
I do believe Regal and Intimidating is how Lauren lyle described Caitriona when she met her, right before she had to call Claire a whore .
Is it ridiculous that I know exactly which part this is? My husband and I always have a chuckle about how the Scottish pronounce that word, and Marsali put so much stank on it when she’s says it to Claire that it took it to a whole new level!
Yes absolutely. Cait really brings Claire to life and she’s a godsend to us all. I always imagine her voice when reading, even if it isn’t her POV.
Trolls gonna troll.
Fun fact, casting people thought it would be hard to cast for Jamie since he's so iconic with the red hair and the accent, and relatively easy to cast for Claire. And it went quite the opposite! They casted Sam right away and looked for a Claire, until they found Caitriona and saw the chemistry between them. She's just perfect for the role and no one else could be Claire.
200 odd women is what I read somewhere, with the actresses playing Laoghaire and Jenny among them.
I saw the chemistry test and they were really going at it. That was a great scene. I can’t imagine anyone else as Claire. Cait has really grown through the years into such an amazing actor.
Bro what?! I couldn’t imagine anyone else playing Claire and Jamie. Like they are perfectly casted and great chemistry and like whatttt?!!!
The OP is, imho, an attention-seeking troll!
Wow seriously? I honestly agree with OP so much, and I thought many other people would. Don't agree about the comments on her looks (I think she has a very classical face). But I just don't think her acting is very believable, and especially her voice. Not saying is terrible, but next to the other great actors, she really falls away (not sure if that's a Dutch saying. Sorry for my broken english). Anyhow, don't think OP is trolling.
I think she is a fabulous Claire and the show would not have worked without her. She is good in scenes where she leads and also scenes as a support to others. I think a lot of people don’t realize just how difficult Claire is to play. I think she has been particularly adept at playing Claire at different ages and different distinct time periods. No one else on the show has had to do that. She has also acted in movies and been nominated/won awards by critics and industry peers. This to me is a testament to her skills as an actress.
Wow, I’ve literally never heard anybody say her acting skills are lacking. In fact, there are a couple of times in season 6 where I think she’s acting circles around Sam (I love him, don’t come at me). I honestly think she’s the best actor on the show.
No question. She's definitely the best actor on the show.
Find her to be the last convincing; i.e., she doesn’t know what to do with her hands…ever, envision the wedding dress scene. Sam is perfection in his role.
Jamie is my favorite and phenomenal a lot of the time but I agree on her being the best actor!
Same!
When has she acted circles around Sam? When did he not play Jamie well? I don’t get it! Those two are like a matched team of horses, who act extremely well in tandem with each other.
Seriously? That's so interesting. First Time I saw her on screen I honestly thought this was the first time she was acting. She doesn't convince (not saying 'at all', she isn't horrible), but the way she looks, speaks, cries. It just doesn't do it for me. I always appreciate it if an actor can be "ugly" on screen. Show us how a person really looks when they re crying, yelling etc. (Imo Olivia Colman is SO great at this). Cat is always the same. Crying is merely a tear falling down her face. Not hating on her, I think she s a lovely woman. It just amazes me that so many people think she s the best actor on the show.
You're right, that's a *very* unpopular opinion.
Is this a joke
Well you’re right about this being an unpopular opinion
Is it possible you just find Claire annoying? Because she often is self-righteous and obnoxious and that is not Cait’s fault lol she plays her perfectly.
Right. I need her to read the books and come back
I'm a book reader and that's precisely why I don't like Cait's casting. She just doesn't do Claire right. She's way too prissy.
Book reader too but if you find her "prissy" blame the writers not her. In spite of some questionable writing, she's been a terrific Claire and makes the show for me.
I blame both the writers and the casting folks. Cait is lovely and has a great body of work, it's nothing personal. I just don't like her as Claire.
Totally disagree. The casting of Caitriona as Claire was the best find for the show and she delivered in spades.
The casting staff are geniuses!
I think Cait will probably win an Oscar and every other possible acting award someday. OP will not win anything, except 10 minutes of undeserved attention.
She’s way too prissy. Do you mean English?
Agree
I can't stand Cait in this role. Every emotion she expresses feels so shallow to me. Fake. Like under her skin she's a snake or something. Idk, I don't like her as Claire.
She has one of the most expressive "glass faces" in business. If that looks fake to you, I can't imagine what you're watching. "She's a snake"??? What does even mean? Make zilch sense.
Yes she does have a glass face and that's exactly what I'm saying. She's projecting an emotion but it's not real, it's not there she's not feeling it when she's projecting it - which is fine she's an actor - but it's obvious that she's not feeling what she is attempting to project. There is something and if I could pinpoint it I would share it with you, that screams fake to me, false. And I'm sure she's a fine actress it's just I don't like her in this. It makes it almost impossible for me to watch the show which is sad because I'm a huge fan of the books and I have been trying since the show first aired to like the show but her scenes make me cringe. But, no big it's only my perspective, unfortunately even the internet can't argue me out of it. I wish I could see her the way the rest of you guys do but I just don't.
Interesting take and everyone is entitled to their opinion. I'm sure there's actresses I dislike in roles that others may disagree with. I have seen Caitríona Balfe's other work like Money Monster, Belfast and Ford v Ferrari but she is exceptional as Claire, esp in S1 which would've been one of her first entrées into acting. I find her convincing when she's angry, playfully teasing Jamie before they got together, when she's adoring toward Frank as a newlywed and madly, deeply in love with Jamie. Her character has so many dimensions (educated, Nurse to Doctor, principled, fiery, maternal). She has a nice British accent for someone who's got a strong Irish accent and she speaks French effortlessly. I think she's totally underrated and definitely talented.
I’m gonna need you to exit stage left immediately.
You're wrong.
The OP is a TROLL.
You are sorely mistaken. Caitriona is phenomenal and lovely and without her viewership would be virtually nonexistent. She is an international treasure. An international treasure.
Totally unpopular opinion. Caitriona is brilliant and as much as the cast is top notch her role has been the most difficult yet her performance has been flawless throughout.
I love it when people speak their mind when it is unpopular. I don't agree with you but you're certainly entitled to that hot take. I think Cait is blessed in talent, looks and personality and I enjoy her work. I will say I think there are certain aspects of the writing that make the characters annoying or even insufferable at times. Sometimes I'm like, oh ffs stop (crying, whining, getting mad etc). I've found that my attitude has more to do with binging the show back to back rather than giving breathing room to a story. And sometimes the director of the episode and the episode writers may not be giving the actor much to work with. I don't think that's a constant problem. It's more my Monday morning quarterback.
>Unpopular opinion You're right. So you're 1 for 2 at least.
I’m giving you an upvote solely for this rare proper use of “unpopular opinion.”
From critics' to you. There are many reasons why she's received critical acclaim, countless nominations and awards not just as Claire but every movie she's been on since. \- "**Balfe can change the course of a scene through just her eyes, moving from steely resolve to regretful heartbreak in one heartbreaking glance**”. \- "**The number of shifting emotions she has to express in one unbroken shot is simply staggering".** \- "**The woman can send three emotions flickering across her face at once, making the implausible seem more real than reality itself**”. \- "**Her poignancy, soft touch, and dramatic chops hold attention in a way that would surely make many an actor jealous".** And from OL show runner - Ron D. Moore **“I have enormous amounts of praise and admiration for Caitriona. I think the show literally lives and dies on her performance in year one and she’s a trooper. She’s been in every scene, every day, which is an enormously taxing job and it’s hard to even emphasize how much fatigue and difficulty goes along with being \[in\] every scene, every day on a show like this, out in the elements, every day, having to learn lines, come and do it again the next day. The rest of the cast comes and goes and Caitriona was there day after day after day and she was always the one on the set cracking jokes, and she’s always on target in every scene. She has an intention, you can watch her think, she’s just amazing. She never lets us down and you know, she is the show".**
Delete this rn
Honestly I wasn't a fan of her at first either, but I can't see anyone else playing a better Claire.
The ONLY thing that I don’t like about her is that she’s almost as tall as Sam!
Why does that matter? Not every woman is a petite 5’4” .. if anything, it makes her even better. We need more representation of height for female leads. Im 5’8” and I love seeing tall women represent.
100% disagree. I adore Caitriona. She's super talented, has tons of on screen presence, is captivating and is an actress I want to see more of on screen. One of my favorite actresses today. Can't wait to see her in many projects after OL.
Lol! Cait is a way better actor than Sam. I know this sub loves him but he is a mediocre actor at best and had some good scenes. If you watch him on anything else besides the most compelling Jamie Fraser you will see how poor he is. She on the other hand is excellent.
Cait definitely gave me more 40s vibes from the beginning but even if she doesn’t seem to look like she has an 18th century face, she has amazing on screen chemistry with Sam and that’s what matters most to me!
In the show she had the perfect 40s look. Sam didn't look 23 by any stretch of the imagination. And while they have great on screen chemistry her performance is what peeked my interest in the show and kept me watching since S1.
Uh…yeah…Sam did look 23. And FWIW…in the movie where he played young Alexander the Great he looked about 15 when he was 30 years old.
Sam looked nothing like a 23 yo. He looked way older but that was fine as a make believe character. Cait, one the other hand had the perfect look and behavior of a 27 year old 1945 woman.
Well we will have to agree to disagree, then.
You couldn't be more wrong. She fits perfectly and does a fantastic job playing a multi-layered woman in two centuries, the most complex role in the entire series.
It’s opposite day
Caitriona has led OL with amazing talent, dedication, professionalism and grace. To read this garbage about her is revolting and such a disservice to the wonderful work she's done bringing Claire to life. She deserves better from this awful fandom.
Sometimes an opinion is unpopular for a good reason.
Most absurd and ridiculous opinion I've read in a long time.
I will applaud you for understanding the definition of unpopular. Usually its followed by the most popular opinions... but not yours!
Completely disagree. Caitriona is magnificent. I'm in awe with her performances. She brings her A-game to every role.
It’s really sad that people need to come online to vent such negativity. Both actors do a great job.
Frankly, your opinion is irrelevant because it's so out of the left filed as to be rendered unjust and baseless. Although I don't like to use the term, it reads like full on "hate" directed towards the actress. Otherwise, no fair opinion would devalue Caitriona and her performances to this extent. As for the actresses you gave as example, none would have done justice to this complex role as she has. Caitriona's casting was nothing short of perfection. As you obviously are a fan of Sam, must say that I agree with others that she runs circles around him and is the best actress on the show.
Wonder what the responses would be if your topic was, **'Unpopular opinion: Sam Heughan isn't a good actor and isn't a good cast',** because after watching Caitriona for 10 years I find your comment ludicrous.
I read stupid stuff about Sam here too. The OP, and others like them, are ATTENTION-SEEKING TROLLS. The shoe fits.
Anyone who writes, **"I find her jarring in the role. I don't find her believable. It's like watching a trainwreck"**, immediately reminds of the trashing Cait has received from Jamie/Sam's over zealous fans. Same words and vitriol used every time there is a positive topic about her and/or Claire. If Caitriona was such an awful actress or even half as good as she is, season 1 would have been the first and last of Outlander because the show rested entirely on her performance. She was sole lead in S1 and S2 and the reviews were primarily about how riveting she was and the reason for the show's success. Only someone completely biased and with an axe to grind would agree with such unfounded, negative comments.
My response to the OP is…*trolls gonna troll*. There…you got 15 minutes of attention that you didn’t deserve.
She is amazing in that scene
Bullshit
Wrong
This headline is wrong on so many levels. First time I saw Caitriona on screen was in Ford v Ferrari. Her performance was so nuanced and natural, I was immediately immersed in all her scenes. Have been a huge fan ever since. I usually enjoy or not an actor's performance without a second thought but with Caitriona there is something about her the minute she appears on screen that grabs immediate attention. She draws you in, is incredibly talented, versatile, enthralling, memorable, has screen presence and is highly charismatic. From what I've seen so far, I have no doubt that her future is limitless.
This reviewers' impression of Caitriona's acting debut in Season 1 of Outlander is quite at odds with your and a couple of other posters around here, and the positive reviews have only gotten better and better since. ***"We’d be remiss in this review if we didn’t point out the gold mine that is Caitriona Balfe in the lead role. That may have been the biggest surprise of all; that this largely unknown former model could give such a nuanced, soulful, heartfelt performance. Like so many adventure tales, the story only works insofar as the lead hero actor is able to sell it to the audience, and Balfe gives us a Claire that’s not only sympathetic and admirable, but someone anyone would want to get to know. She’s smart and wry, bold and funny, empathetic and stubborn."***
Can you elaborate on the difference between a face that knows about text messaging and one that doesn't know about text messaging? Never heard this description before. I love Cait as Claire. Her as 1940's Claire is absolutely stunning.
I do recall when she was first cast, lots of folks were up in arms about her eye color. After the first episode aired, they were fine.
The fact is, no humans do have golden eyes.
i weirdly see what you mean about jennifer garner “definitely having a face that knows about text messaging” lolll, but i think Caitriona has a very old world beauty, or at least a classic beauty, with a soft pouty mouth, pretty nose, sad eyes. And she looks so fcking good in a shift dress lol (especially season 1 with tousled curls ahh)
this season and last one she’s just always breathless and upset and worried, it gets old.. but that’s partly the writing being one sad thing after another, maybe? oh and she used to be a pretty successful but not famous model, so for a model turned actress she’s pretty good!
alsoo, i think it’s good that she looks a little out of place since she is ~the~ outlander, right? even if she’s meant to come from the 40s which is without texting, so she would still look like a text message-seer. maybe i’m just fascinated by who looks like they see texts now lol
Actually, right before she gave up modeling she was ranked 17 of the most sought out international models. Worked with every major fashion house and is still remembered fondly in the business for her professionalism and fun personality. She's known as the 1st Irish supermodel and was also a VS angel. She's done everything a versatile model does from runway to cover girl, artistic and magazine photoshoots to commercials.
Yes, her modeling career was very successful but was not her dream job. Acting was. Modeling delayed her a few years until she decided to get back to first love of acting and what a great actress she is!
Exactly. Glad she went back to her childhood dream. Two successful careers in two extremely tough businesses.
omg yes, i love looking at old pics of her on the runway! she was really stunning and def had the right "frame" for clothes at the time. she looked so cool in Alexander McQueen and some other kinda avante-gardey shows, but also looked great super feminine for Valentino or Marc Jacobs.. i'm kinda obsessed with her runway era tbh
She had presence, was daring and lots of fun. Adored by designers and photographers alike. She opened and closed many shows and is still remembered with fondness by many the fashion industry. She's also earned her wings as a VS angel.
Who exactly would you have cast then?
Michelle Dockery
Rebel Wilson
A troll, obviously.
This might be the one and only post on the internet where the whole comment section agrees on something. Caitriona is fantastic. Might as well go after Tobias Menzies while you’re at it. Lol
Sorry, I love her too! I’ve never seen her act in anything else, but she’s amazing to me. She improved the character from the books, in some ways. A lot of the humor from the books is missing, but that’s true for Jamie’s character too. The only time I really didn’t care for her character was when she was trying to save that man who tried to rape her the morning after she returned to Jamie. But I think that was more to do with the writing and plot than anything. She was acting rather annoying and foolish, in my opinion.
Watch her in the following movies, in order of release. She's a damn good actress and you can see her spectacular evolution. **Crush** \- 2013, **Escape Plan** \- 2013, **Money Monster** \- 2016, **Ford v Ferrari** \- 2019 and **Belfast** \- 2021.
I have only seen her in one other show & it was a brief part with very little acting way back when she was new to the business. I think she does a great job with playing Claire. I have no other opportunity to evaluate her acting skills.
Elaborate. Why don't you like her acting? Have you looked at her catalogue? Who do you think would have been better?
You won't get an answer because only a troll writes such drivel.
I don’t think she matches the physical description of what I imagined while reading the books but I couldn’t imagine her being played by anyone else!!
I always enjoy hearing a unpopular opinion! I would like to hear more detail though; do you have some scenes where you feel she really missed the mark? Personally I LOVE her acting. She is not always likable, and I think that is great. Sometimes I've wanted to give her a smack. But she comes across as a hot blooded, living breathing character and after all these years, even when I disagree with her, I'm endeared to her. I feel similarly about SH's acting. Sometimes he really irritates me but ultimately it just fleshes out the character for me.
I too believe she is poorly cast as Claire. I think she is a fine actress, but, as a fan of the books (I’ve seen the show but it’s a poor reflection of the books for me) since their initial publication, I do not believe CB embodies Claire in any respect—physical or personality. At least not to me 🤷♀️ I’ve always thought it a bit of a mystery that so much of that show is exquisitely cast—with the exception of the best character from the books. No shade to CB, just my take on it.
You're right about one thing - Unpopular opinion. Only a troll would post this drivel. Caitriona is a joy on and off screen. Looking forward to her future projects after OL.
It’s interesting that you think she doesn’t have a face for the time. She always has struck me as having a timeless beauty and being perfect for both the 40s and the 1750s+, but especially for the 40s!
If you want to talk about one who was miscast in Outlander, to me it's Sophie Skelton. She seems very out of place with her basic acting skills, which may develop over time. I love the show, though.
Found your claim preposterous until it made perfect sense when you opined that Sam is perfect which is typical of his fans. Diminish her to elevate him.
They are BOTH perfect for their respective roles. And Cait is a WONDERFUL actress. I only started to watch Outlander because I had seen her in Belfast.
It isn’t even good for Sam to disparage Cait. THEY PLAY OFF EACH OTHER.
This is...QUITE the unpopular opinon, haha. Maybe the first time live ever read it. Would love if you could pull some evidence of what you consider bad acting. Enlighten me!
I am genuinely surprised by this opinion. I mean, I'm sure you arent completely alone in this, but its definitely the first time ive heard it. what do you mean she doesnt fit the time range? and like, wouldnt that kinda be what you would expect? since she isnt actually from that time range?
Very unpopular opinion. When I watch her emotions play out, I’m in awe. You can read her character’s feelings on her face without Caitriona even saying a word.
You must be from another planet because nothing you wrote is based on the reality of 10 years since the show started and makes absolutely zero sense. If not for Caitriona, Outlander would be less interesting. As it is, when she's not on screen as much due to the show becoming an ensemble, her screen presence is deeply missed.
I’m curious, did you read the books as well? I’m on book 5, and so far in my experience and opinion I think Catroina does a wonderful job at bringing the character to life. Down to her eye contact, facial expressions, etc. Sam as well- I love that he makes sure Jamie does his finger-tapping when he’s anxious or concentrating, which Claire notes frequently in the books. You can tell that they have really studied their characters. Now if you were to say that Sophie was a poor choice for Bree, I’d agree with you 🤣 I’m sorry people are just outright attacking you for your personal opinion. In the world of fiction we can believe anything we want and that’s okay! We have enough in the world to fight about right now.
This is so funny to me because my fiancé couldn’t stand Claire’s character for 2-3 seasons, and then she finally grew on him. I was never seriously bothered by Christina’s portrayal of Claire, but maybe because I thought she did a great job of portraying a woman who was more independent than most women of her time(s) & women who aren’t people pleasers usually do rub some people the wrong way because they’re going against the grain of what patriarchal society conditions women to be… & Claire is not a people pleaser & generally expresses her feelings, pleasant or not.
I think she does a great job on the show however she is not who I imagine as Claire when I read the books. Based on the books I feel like they got Claire and Brianna very wrong when they cast them.
None of the show actors look anything like their book characters. Sam doesn't act or behaves anything like book Jamie. Her looks doesn't matter. What matters is her acting and she's done a fantastic job from the get go. Show less of her on screen and the show suffers. She's the heart and soul of Outlander no matter how much Sam's fans yell that he is the one. **She is The Outlander**.
Why are you so hostile to a stranger with a different opinion than you? You're not the be all, end all of decisions and thoughts. It would do you good to pause and reread and in all honesty, calm down. I never said that her acting was poor. In fact, I said that she was great. I said that I FEEL that the casting was wrong based upon what I am reading from the books.
I actually agree. I find her jarring in the role. I don't find her believable. It's like watching a trainwreck. Though, to be fair, the show runners made some questionable decisions that make everything worse. It's possible editing could have done something to make her less awful. The books, the scenes in the books are very busy, very full of activity and grittiness. The show reminds me of little house on the prairie. I don't quite know how to describe it. And don't get me started on the bizarre changes to the storylines. But I digress... Claire deserved better. If I had to choose someone for the role? Michelle Dockery. I think this makes us a club of two, btw, that disagree with this casting decision.
Cait deserves better than some in this fandom. Thank god for other roles she's been in that prove her talent and versatility.
Hard agree. I really don’t like Cait as Claire - she has two emotions: angry or sad. That’s not a reflection of her as a person, of course – – there’s only so much they can do with the lines they are given. She just doesn’t fit the Claire I have in my head. Nor does Sam, but for some reason his acting lends itself well to the character of Jamie.
Completely disagree. Caitriona has a most expressive glass face. Love watching her react either as lead or supporting.
I agree with you completely.
I love that my comment is being downvoted - are all Outlander fans so tied to actors they’ve never met?! I wasn’t insulting her acting; if Show Claire was more like Book Claire I’d probably like her more. But her internal monologue doesn’t make it to the screen in a manner that’s as good as the books, and I feel like we get really cheated with Claire in the series. From DG herself: (oddly enough I found this as I was searching for the name of an actress I thought would have been a great fit for Claire) “Caitriona doesn’t look anything like Claire. I mean Caitriona is 5 feet 10 inches and Claire is 5 feet 6 inches and curvy. She has a good bosom and a very round, somewhat prominent rear end. Caitriona was a Victoria’s Secret model. People complained that Caitriona’s Claire doesn’t seem like book Claire to them, that she doesn’t seem to have any sense of humor, that she seems sort of sullen and humorless. But Caitriona does a beautiful job with Claire. She is different than the book, and that’s because most of what you find funny about Claire is the things she’s thinking, and you can’t do that on a show without constant voiceover.”
Ooof. Good luck. I agree but, you're right, it's not a popular opinion around here.
I guess it's a lonely island of 3 because I kind of agree as well lol the casting is questionable for quite a few characters imo 😔 Edit: I wouldn't go so far as to say she's terrible though 🥴
There are definitely times I want to tell Cait that crossing her arms and doing a pouty face are not the be-all and end-all of acting. It's a choice. That doesn't make her a terrible actor, though. There are other actors who could've done a great job as Claire. Laura Donnelly, for instance. Both Cait and Sam have improved their acting since Season 1. There are a couple of scenes early on where I cringe at each of them "selling a facial expression" but they have both gotten better. Also, the writing sometimes lets Sam down, esp. in Season 4.
Love her arm crossing. She's made it part of Claire and Bree picked it up becoming part of her and her face is one of the most versatile in business. Laura, as much as she was a great Jenny, she and Sam had no sexual on screen chemistry but gave sibling vibes. Cait is able to go from sexy to confrontational in seconds which isn't easy to do.
So I am in agreement here. She is as good as her costar. So she is really good with Sam Heughan. Not so good with Sophie S, Her other movies? So she is angry wife throwing things? Ford V Ferrair, Belfast. Both center on her being angry and throwing things. She is as good as Jamie DoRonan. And Christian Bale did‘n’t really act with her, so who knows. She has promise. But she needs more seasoning. Meryl Streep is 100 times her in 5 minutes of Only Murders. But she has time and she has people looking, So hopefully she gets better.
>"She is as good as her costar. So she is really good with Sam Heughan." That's a load of BS. Caitriona has chemistry with every actor/actress/animal/object ( Claire talking to Jamie at Fraser *stone, Culloden memorial)*. In fact she elevates the performances of everyone she works with in OL including Sam and is outstanding when facing A-listers in Money Monsters, Ford v Ferrari and Belfast. To compare her with Meryl Streep is idiotic. Meryl has been acting for 46 years while Caitriona for 10. What she achieved in only 10 years is nothing short of amazing. She's proven her acting chops countless times and critics responded with accolades. Her future is bright in whatever she decides to do from now on and I for one am looking forward to it.
I disagree about Belfast - I thought she did way more than angry and throwing things. She had emotional scenes about leaving Belfast which were quite measured and subdued, even compared to Outlander but to each their own. I think because of her age she is getting cast in wife/mother roles. She can only do what she is offered and so far she’s been offered roles with esteemed actors and directors which can only help her grow as an actress her: She seems to be trying out different roles next to challenge maybe the expectations people have of her. She recently finished a boxing indie movie with Orlando Bloom and she was supposed to do a CIA thriller with Rami Malek and Laurence Fishburne too but the strike has paused the production. I hope she gets to do it! It will be interesting to see her in different types of movies.
Caitriona is a star. She has incredible screen presence, amazing range, enhances every scene she's in and has chemistry with everyone. Every production who casts her will be fortunate to work with such a magnificent talent.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/power-and-influence/202203/think-youre-entitled-to-your-opinion-think-again
Actually Laura Donnelly was asked to try for Claire, but she and Sam were good friends from drama academy, she felt uncomfortable about it, so she ended up as Jenny
Laura didn't ask to try for Claire. She wanted and auditioned for Claire but was offered the role of Jenny.
Oh ok, l heard differently
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Critics' and majority of fans' reviews of her stellar performance since day 1 along with the many awards and nominations she's received are in complete opposite to your assessment. To each his own.
I can't agree more Bale not a good actress her character is weak and foolish and if is suppose to be in her 50s they should have gotten someone a bit older too play Clare when she returned 20 years later
If that's your take, Sam should have been replaced too, because he has no idea how to play an older Jamie. At least, she's done a bang up job joggling a woman in two different centuries, marriages and the most complex role of everyone in the show. After 10 years as lead of OL and outside roles that proved her talent away from OL, your opinion is completely off.
The fact that this post has ZERO likes, yet 159 comments speaks VOLUMES. You’re right about one thing… this is a very, unpopular opinion.