Ten years ago today, when the R&B singer Aaliyah -- whose music videos were often just as cinematic as her acting ventures -- died in a plane crash, she was a burgeoning film star with a couple of major flicks under her belt and plans to co-star in the Matrix sequels. Let's take a quick look back at her filmography, reflect on her screen merits, and try to drown out the goth-rock soundtrack to Queen of the Damned.
Romeo Must Die
In this fluffy Jet Li fight caper (co-starring Isaiah Washington and Anthony Anderson!), Aaliyah played the cool Trish O'Day, who sounds like either a Bond vixen or a lesser member of Danity Kane. She tells Mr. Li to watch his back as he leaves her apartment building, but it's no matter, because he just mangles everyone in sight. It's been awhile since I've seen a glock that resplendent.
Queen of the Damned
In this camp psuedo-classic, Aaliyah dons tricked-out slave-Leia apparel and hisses at adversaries. Surprisingly, this music-heavy movie features no Aaliyah contributions; instead we're treated to Disturbed, Papa Roach, Marilyn Manson, and Limp Bizkit. The movie was released well after Aaliyah's death, which might be a good thing, because I don't think she was very down with the sickness.
Matrix Reloaded
Before she died, Aaliyah filmed a few scenes as Zee in the first Matrix sequel, with intentions of filming the second sequel The Matrix Revolutions too. Here, the film crew reflects on her death and shows us a glimpse of her work.
For the hell of it, here's Aaliyah's replacement in The Matrix Reloaded, Nona Gaye, the one-time Prince paramour and daughter of Marvin Gaye. Can we picture the sultrier Aaliyah reciting these lines?
And in case you miss the big-budget warehouse videos of the late '90s, here's Aaliyah's hit clip from the Romeo Must Die soundtrack, "Try Again." Remember when Ricky Martin mispronounced her name after she won Best Female Video at the VMAs? More like Menudo Must Die!