Not only that, but Kubrick apparently convinced Scott to over-act in what were promised to be “practice” takes, which the director then used in the actual cut of the film. As noted in Wikipedia:
Kubrick also kept this scene of Scott actually tripping/falling in the final cut. Stanley was one of the greats.
No actor was ever more dramatic than Meryl Streep. Then she did a part in Defending Your Life, where her character was, if not quite funny, at least warm and affectionate. Her next movie was Death Becomes Her, which while not good, was clearly a comedy. Throw in a few characters from The Simpsons and King of the Hill, and she eventually learned to loosen up enough for Mama Mia, It’s Complicated, and others.
Elizabeth Taylor’s acting range was quite impressive. From light comedy fluff (e.g. Father of the Bride, Father’s Little Dividend) to full-bore drama (e.g. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf—in which she gave a disturbing yet spellbinding, dramatic-masterclass performance).