Image Credit: David Gabber/PR Photos; Andrew Evans/PR Photos
Elle Fanning got her start in the movie business playing younger versions of her sister, Dakota, in films like I Am Sam and Taken, so it’s at least understandable that some people mistake one for the other. Like Kyle Chandler, for instance, who mistakenly told Men’s Journal in a cover story your wife will treasure that his co-star in Super 8 is Dakota Fanning. Though Dakota (far left) is four years older than Elle (near left), they’re both tall and blond, and since movies live forever, it can be baffling to tell one from the other on screen unless you’ve already read the credits.
For the record, Elle is the Fanning in Super 8, as well as the scene-stealer in last year’s Somewhere, Sofia Coppola’s story of a disillusioned Hollywood actor (Stephen Dorff) who re-examines his life after a visit from his daughter. Dakota is the recent high school graduate who dazzled opposite Sean Penn (I Am Sam), Denzel Washington (Man on Fire), and Tom Cruise (War of the Worlds), and now has a role in the Twilight films.
As brilliant as Elle’s performance is in Super 8, I fear it’s only going to warp people’s ability to differentiate the two sisters. Though she’s only 13 years old, her character has had to grow up fast in a broken home. She’s not just Dakota’s little sister anymore.
Have you been flustered by the Fannings? I’ve fumbled only once, to be honest: Deja Vu, ironically. I’ll let you guess if it was Elle or Dakota that co-starred opposite Denzel in the time it takes you to check on IMDb.com.
Read more:
‘Super 8′: Meet the kids
‘Super 8′ poll: Which kid is your favorite?
I love elle fanning
Elle is the best thing in Super 8.
Both are great.
Elle’s zombie flirtation scene in Super 8 was the highlight of the film.
I can tell them apart easily
I can tell them apart easily too!
Frankly I think that’s asbotluely good stuff.
I’m impressed by both. Let’s hope they both have long and successful careers.
I’ve never had a problem differentiating them.
They’re both cute in those photos but some of the stills from Super 8 make Elle look weird.
No need for IMDb here: Dakota co-starred with Denzel in “Man On Fire.” I believe she was 9 when the movie was filmed and had become quite the sophisticated little actress by then–she was amazing.
I think Dakota and Elle look considerably different; I can’t imagine confusing them.
Umm…the movie in question wasn’t “Man on Fire”, it was “Deja Vu” which co-starred Elle.
Your absolutely right. The article did say “Deja Vu.”
Actually, Dakota was in “Man on Fire” and Elle was in “Deja Vu”.
Confusion FAIL!!
I’ve never had a problem telling them apart, maybe because it was Dakota that was really known first but I like them both. They’re both good actresses.
It’s very easy to tell them apart. Elle is the better looking of the two (although IMO Dakota is the better actor). I’m surprised caucasians have hard time to tell them both apart.
I don’t know–Dakota is good, but Elle was really great in Phoebe in Wonderland.
Both are amazing! My heart belongs to Elle though. Agree that the zombie scene is the best part of Super 8. People should watch her older acting too it’s great! Phoebe In Wonderland and also the episode of Law & Order she was in are both amazing.
Tracking down these photos, I find that Dakota’s was taken in late Nov 2009 at the L.A. premiere of “New Moon” while Elle’s pic was taken at the beginning of June 2011 at the MTV Movie Awards–that’s about a year and a half difference.
both the sisters are so beautiful.all the best both of you for future.
To hell with the Fanning sisters. Read that Men’s Journal article on Kyle Chandler. I think I love him even more now.
Both are great actress and hopfully have a long career.