I have to disagree. Plenty of folks did impressions, comic caricatures, of Hepburn over the years. Kate Hepburn was a big personality, a strong woman, someone who wore pants and played sports when that Just Wasn't Done. Blanchet didn't exaggerate Hepburn's accent or mannerisms. Hepburn herself was just that big.
In her relationships with Hughes and Tracy, she was looking for a partner, not a master. Underplaying that would have been as much of a sin as overplaying it, with the latter far easier. I thought Blanchet nailed it, and if I were planning a Hepburn bio flic, I'd have to be insane if I didn't put her at the head of the line.
I haven't seen any Johnny Depp movies lately, what do you recommend?
Part of what makes Johnny Depp great is that he isn't Tom Cruise. He doesn't take boring leading-man blockbuster parts. Of his recent roles, Finding Neverland stands out as a straightforward example of good acting. No flash, no stunts, just skill. Blow is another powerful performance, albeit with a less likable character. Going less recent, Benny and Joon is one of my all-time favorite movies, and Depp is amazing in it. If you want to see his range from subtle to out-there, compare any of the movies above to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Edward Scissorhands.
It appears that we both like Katherine Hepburn and Cate Blanchett but disagree on Blanchett's interpretation of her role as Hepburn. Cate Blanchett's performance of the Katherine Hepburn role came across to me as an unnecessary caricature of the woman. I don't believe Hepburn's personality needed to be embellished as just playing the role spoke to her nature. Hepburn was just a small segment of Hugh's life and the film was about him, not her. If I were to cast Blanchett in that role I would tell her to concentrate on Hepburn the person, not to rely on enhancing the gimmicks. Thanks for the Johnny Depp film suggestions, I will give him a try.