She has time and space at her fingertips, but what came before the blue box?
Welcome to WatchMojo UK and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the top 5 Jodie
Whittaker performances before Doctor Who!
For this list, we’re celebrating the actor’s finest roles prior to her picking up the keys
to the TARDIS.
Jodie’s feature film debut, played out alongside Peter O’Toole, “Venus” received widespread
acclaim upon its release in 2006.
Whittaker plays Jessie, a young woman who strikes up an unconventional friendship with
the aging Maurice Russell.
An outcast within her own family, Jessie’s story becomes a tale of self-discovery, and
Jodie fully throws herself into the part.
Given the name Venus in light of Maurice’s favourite artwork, the actress stretches her
range for an array of emotional high-points – and nails it every time.
A four-part BBC series, and Jodie’s first major role after her unveiling as the next
Time Lord, here she plays the other kind of doctor.
While a farfetched story left some critics scratching their heads, Whittaker’s lead
role was this show’s definite highlight.
She plays Cath, a renegade nurse who’s secretly working under a false identity, and struggling
to keep the sham together.
Despite the highly improbable plot, Jodie cranks the tension with every second she’s
on-screen.
One moment she’s composed, the next she’s stricken with panic.
It’s a masterclass.
Playing one half of an increasingly toxic relationship, Jodie takes a vital role in
“The Entire History of You”, which is the third and final episode of Black Mirror’s
first series.
The story centres on the ‘grain’, a high-tech implant which allows users to record and playback
memories – an ability which soon breeds jealousy and obsession.
Whittaker’s character finds herself under suspicion from her partner Liam, but are his
worst fears based on fact or fiction?
Either way, Jodie’s pristine performance is one to remember.
Our runner-up role sees Whittaker play someone who’s socially awkward, reclusive, unique,
talented and comfortable in compact spaces.
There are plenty of potential parallels with “Doctor Who”, but “Adult Life Skills”
is a standout British comedy of the highest order.
Jodie stars as Anna, a woman who’s almost 30 years old, but spends most of her time
living in her mother’s shed.
Her self-imposed isolation is eventually lifted though, with variously comic results.
And if the next Doctor has even half of Anna’s attitude, then the show is set for a serious
shake-up.
The show which established Whittaker as a dynamic leading actress, “Broadchurch”
was the tough-to-watch, west country whodunit, which had half the nation hooked in 2013.
Jodie plays Beth Latimer, the grieving mother of Danny, whose murder leads to a largescale
manhunt in a once-quiet community.
Having already impressed with another role in 2011’s “Marchlands”, Jodie delivered
standout performances every week, bringing
to life her character’s horrendous situation.
We’re sure there are happier times ahead with “Doctor Who”, but Whittaker’s exceptional
range is clear to see.