It was in 1994 that audiences were introduced to the young star, when she adopted the role of the tormented soul of vampiric Claudia that scored her a Golden Globe Nomination. From then on Kirsten Dunst hasn’t meandered down any particular path and has dabbled in a variety of genres; thriller, romantic science fiction, indie and comedy, oh and not forgetting her iconic role in teenage cheerleading romp ‘Bring It On’ (2000). Through her chameleon like ability to weave through these different characters she has notched up a following that surpasses those of some actresses as young as her. This is part of her X factor, what we are able to get our teeth into with each role that she comes out with. As a child I became hookd on Dunst with her role in family flick ‘Jumanji’ (1995), where she ran around with Robin Williams being chased by CGI jungle animals – for those of you who saw I’m sure you’ll agree that the seeing a young boy dissolve into a board game is enough to frighten even the surest of dice rollers away from Monopoly.

 Kirsten Dunst in Dolce&Gabbana

Kirsten roll has sung us through the cheerleading chants of, been a beauty pageant contestant in ‘Drop Dead Gorgeous’ (1999), scored indie credentials as a love struck receptionist (who had her memory erased following an affair) in Michel Gondry’s ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ (2004) and became the dreams of many super hero fans as Mary Jane Watson in the ‘Spiderman’ films (2002-2007). These films alone opened her up to a variety of age groups and genres and, teamed with her perfect mix of relaxed sophistication, have made Kirsten Dunst a darling of the silver screen. One thing that the star has on the rest of them out there is that she is able to make a personal connection with you, as though you have shared history with her and the character is embodying; you are able to share the pain, joy, embarrassment and the love that she feels.

 Kirsten Dunst clutching a Dolce&Gabbana Bag

This year has seen her team up with Lars von Trier for his self-written directorial Melancholia, a science fiction based drama, which follows the struggling relationship of two sisters, Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg, and the imminent collision of planet Melancholia with Earth. Lars von Trier was inspired by a depressive episode and the way in which people remain calm in stressful situations. Kirsten’s role as Justine has been so well received that there have been rumours of an Oscar Nomination, which she has casually played down. Though the films heavy content has been felt by the audiences around the world, this hasn’t stopped the star looking cute to boot on the red carpet.

 Kirsten Dunst in Dolce&Gabbana

So, this young woman has done a lot and there is a lot more to come in 2012. She has just finished filming ‘Bachelorette’ produced by comedian Will Ferrell and is going to star in an adaptation of Jack Kerouac’s novel ‘On the Road’, which is being produced by Francis Ford Coppola.

Like I said, good things are on their way for Kirsten Dunst.

For a reason to see her in action this year, here is the trailer for Melancholia: