Make no mistake: Sissy Spacek is one of the most devastatingly underrated actors in film's history. Her performances in films such as The Straight Story, Marie and, in particular, Coal Miner's Daughter are just immaculate. Fortunately, she was suitably decorated for her captivating embodiment of country singer Loretta Lynn, winning the Academy Award for Best Actress. CMD is one of the most "feel-good" biopics on the list. From start to finish, it is an endearing and quirky little film, with Spacek delivering one of the most likeable characters ever. The source material could easily have been rendered dull and generic (a typical rags-to-riches story) in the hands of a different director/actor, but here its nuances are explored thoroughly and lovingly. As with all of the best musical biopics, the performance sequences are immaculately shot and presented. The finale of the film's title track is wonderful. Spacek should have become a star after this film. It's a shame that she'll generally be remembered as an underground character actress when she's proven that she can front a film as special as this.
