# They Couldn't Have Picked A Better Actor/Actress For That Role **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 18, 2009, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-couldnt-have-picked-a-better-actor-actress-for-that-role/503455 "2009-07-18T17:28:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![MyFootsZZZ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/myfootszzz/32/12580_2.png) [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-couldnt-have-picked-a-better-actor-actress-for-that-role/503455/81 "2009-07-20T11:29:51Z")
I was going to come in here and sat **Jim Carrey** for **The Truman Show** , the reason being that he’s the type of – er, ‘_character_’ who seems like he’s been conditioned his whole life to be ‘on’ all the time. But then I considered that Jim Carrey really isn’t jabbed at for his, (or rather\* lack of\*), acting ability as he had been a few years ago. To be quite honest, at this point I actually think his “serious” movies, (not ALWAYS his serious acting – like him in **Truman** and **Man on the Moon** ), are starting to eclipse his comedic work. I Didn’t see **Yes-Man** , nor did I see “ **Bruce** ” or that one where he robs banks… but I can’t wait to see him in the comedy **I Love You Phillip Morris** where he plays Ewan McGregor’s love interest. Of course Carrey’s most drastic departure was “ **Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind** ” which was either the work of great directing, or Jim Carrey on/off his medication. I would like to see more of that from him. Anyone who hates Jim Carrey, but likes good movies, should maybe see it. So I’m going to give the honor to another comedic actor that’s not know for his dramatic work; \*\*Adam Sandler \*\*in **Punch-Drunk Love**. I’ve seen serious movies with him that I didn’t really like, ( **Reign Over Me** and **Spanglish** ) where his dramatic performance wasn’t the problem I had with the films. I really like **Punch-Drunk Love** , yet I know the general consensus of this movie can go either way on these board. Hell, whenever people start up a - “_What Actor do you Refuse to Like, and Will Never See Another One of Their Films As Long as You Live_” - threads, Jim Carrey and Adam Sandler are always listed. Forget about whether you liked **Punch-Drunk Love** , and just consider the movie’s protagonist; it’s practically borrowing from Sandler’s standard play-book, but putting it in a different context. It’s not showcasing Sandler’s range all THAT much. That alone doesn’t make a good movie, or offer any evidence that the character is one you would want to watch. The reason I like the character is, (aside from the crying and pudding endeavors), I was _pretty much_ Barry Egan at the time the movie came out. I mean, after my friend saw the movie, he called me up to see if I had seen it yet, because he thought I would identify with the character, (reminder: this WAS when the movie came out, I’m a little different now). So, there you go. I hated Sandler’s other work, aside from\*\* Happy Gilmore\*\*. I hate Dane Cook. I wonder if I’ll ever like any of his movies. ---
**Author:** ![Snickers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Snickers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snickers)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-couldnt-have-picked-a-better-actor-actress-for-that-role/503455/82 "2009-07-20T13:59:06Z")
Sandler’s also really good in [_Spanglish_](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0371246/). It also has Cloris Leachman, who’s hysterical as always. ---
**Author:** ![Nom\_de\_Plume](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/85f322/32.png) [@Nom\_de\_Plume](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nom_de_Plume)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-couldnt-have-picked-a-better-actor-actress-for-that-role/503455/83 "2009-07-20T16:40:35Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > ??? > > I say she’s remembered as a singer and you say she’s “also remembered for her singing, as well” (redundantly). Am I missing something, or are you? I don’t see the point of your post. I guess I missed something. I thought you meant it was sad that someone who was a gifted singers was remembered ONLY for the one film role. I just meant she was remembered for more than that. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-couldnt-have-picked-a-better-actor-actress-for-that-role/503455/84 "2009-07-20T16:53:02Z")
EDIT: Removed a really good choice because it wasn’t what the OP was talking about. 😛 > [@Sampiro](#): > > Denzel Washington as Malcolm X. _NAILED_ him- I’ve heard actual speeches of Malcolm X that I initially thought were clips from the movie. (Of course MX and DW have similar voices anyway which helps.) They also look a great deal alike. Perfect casting. > [@Kobal2](#): > > Much of the cast of\* High Fidelity \*was spot on, but the dude who played Dick (Todd Louiso according to imdb. Nope, never heard of him either) was just perfect. I would’ve said the same thing about Jack Black. I keep hoping he’ll be that good in something else, but at this point I don’t think it’s going to happen. It was just a case of the right role for the right guy. I’d like to second Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man (where Jeff Bridges was also great, playing completely against type), and Christopher Lee in the (original) Wicker Man. ---
**Author:** ![Infovore](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/infovore/32/420_2.png) [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-couldnt-have-picked-a-better-actor-actress-for-that-role/503455/85 "2009-07-20T16:59:26Z")
Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison. I didn’t even _like_ that movie, but he was amazing. ---
**Author:** ![SaharaTea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9a140/32.png) [@SaharaTea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SaharaTea)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-couldnt-have-picked-a-better-actor-actress-for-that-role/503455/86 "2009-07-20T17:52:12Z")
I prefer the 2005 film version of \*\*Pride & Prejudice \*\*over the 1995 miniseries, even though I acknowledge the director took some liberties with the characters. The one actor who totally fit the novel’s characterization, though, was \*\*Rosamund Pike \*\*as **Jane Bennet**. Modest, sweet, and very beautiful. So much better than the 1995 actress. **Keira Knightley** was perfectly cast as Cecilia in **Atonement**. ---
**Author:** ![Labdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/439d5e/32.png) [@Labdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labdad)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-couldnt-have-picked-a-better-actor-actress-for-that-role/503455/87 "2009-07-20T18:05:51Z")
Alec Guiness as George Smiley in “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” and “Smiley’s People.” ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-couldnt-have-picked-a-better-actor-actress-for-that-role/503455/88 "2009-07-20T18:11:00Z")
Several characters in Troy were so well cast that I was drawn to a new understanding of their characters: I can’t think of better people to play the petulant golden boy, the emo-wanker pretty boy, and the wily veteran than the ones they got. Too bad the rest of the movie sucked. ---
**Author:** ![Redwing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/dfb087/32.png) [@Redwing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Redwing)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-couldnt-have-picked-a-better-actor-actress-for-that-role/503455/89 "2009-07-20T19:14:25Z")
Al Pacino and Jeremy Irons in **The Merchant of Venice**. Though nothing tops Ian McKellen as Gandalf. When he came rattling through the Shire on his cart it was as if the image crafted in my mind had sprung to life. ---
**Author:** ![Thin\_Ice](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/aeb1de/32.png) [@Thin\_Ice](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thin_Ice)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-couldnt-have-picked-a-better-actor-actress-for-that-role/503455/90 "2009-07-20T20:11:55Z")
[quote=“Darryl\_Lict, post:78, topic:503455”] Adam Arkin as Yossarian. You mean Adam’s father Alan. ---
**Author:** ![AskNott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asknott/32/5790_2.png) [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-couldnt-have-picked-a-better-actor-actress-for-that-role/503455/91 "2009-07-20T20:17:12Z")
_Robin and Marian_ could not have been anyone but Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn. Judi Dench was perfect to step in for the crusty grouch who was Connery’s M. Wilder and Depp were both brilliant as Willy Wonka, but I feel Depp’s was written better. ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-couldnt-have-picked-a-better-actor-actress-for-that-role/503455/92 "2009-07-20T22:10:40Z")
Two more. In _All Creatures Great and Small_, Robert Hardy as Siegfried and Peter Davison as Tristan. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-couldnt-have-picked-a-better-actor-actress-for-that-role/503455/93 "2009-07-20T22:27:27Z")
> [@Jennyrosity](#): > > I also thought the three leads in “The Phildelphia Story” - Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart - were perfection. Mind you, I could be biased as those three would be my dream cast in pretty much anything. I’ve only seen that movie once, but I remember noticing that Grant and Stewart seemed to be in each other’s roles; Grant as the do-gooder and Stewart as the charming rogue. ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-couldnt-have-picked-a-better-actor-actress-for-that-role/503455/94 "2009-07-20T22:35:29Z")
> [@Ludovic](#): > > Several characters in Troy were so well cast that I was drawn to a new understanding of their characters: I can’t think of better people to play the petulant golden boy, the emo-wanker pretty boy, and the wily veteran than the ones they got. Too bad the rest of the movie sucked. While I had a lot of problems with the movie I agree it was well cast (though I though Brad Pitt was a bit old for Achilles). What most impressed me was that Peter O’Toole was _acting_ in the movie, by which I mean he wasn’t just walking around being Peter O’Toole but actually showed emotion and without hamming. The scene when he speaks with Achilles after Hector was killed is some of his best acting in years. Later it was printed in several sources that O’Toole and the director, Wolfgang Petersen, cordially _hated_ each other throughout production and O’Toole made [no secret of it](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000583/news?year=2004)during his press tours. > [@](#): > > “That kraut,” he remarked, “what a clown he was. … When it was all over, I watched 15 minutes of the finished movie and then walked out.” I wondered if the fighting started over Petersen telling him to stop walking around playing Peter O’Toole. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-couldnt-have-picked-a-better-actor-actress-for-that-role/503455/95 "2009-07-20T22:35:36Z")
John Malkovich was perfect as the Vicomte de Valmont in _Dangerous Liaisons_. Equally perfect was Al Pacino as Michael Corleone. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2009, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-couldnt-have-picked-a-better-actor-actress-for-that-role/503455/96 "2009-07-21T01:46:20Z")
> [@](#): > > I guess I missed something. I thought you meant it was sad that someone who was a gifted singers was remembered ONLY for the one film role. I just meant she was remembered for more than that. I said that a lot of people would only remember her for that role. It’s not the same thing. ---
**Author:** ![Jennyrosity](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/2bfe46/32.png) [@Jennyrosity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennyrosity)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2009, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-couldnt-have-picked-a-better-actor-actress-for-that-role/503455/97 "2009-07-21T06:58:53Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > I’ve only seen that movie once, but I remember noticing that Grant and Stewart seemed to be in each other’s roles; Grant as the do-gooder and Stewart as the charming rogue. Apparently, Grant was offered the choice of the two roles, and caused surprise when he picked C K Dexter Haven. And Katherine Hepburn, who the role was written for (as a play, originally) wanted Clark Gable and Spencer Tracy initially, but both were busy with other projects. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2009, 7:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-couldnt-have-picked-a-better-actor-actress-for-that-role/503455/98 "2009-07-21T07:06:19Z")
> [@Ludovic](#): > > Several characters in Troy were so well cast that I was drawn to a new understanding of their characters: I can’t think of better people to play the petulant golden boy, the emo-wanker pretty boy, and the wily veteran than the ones they got. Too bad the rest of the movie sucked. Agreed, with one important caveat : if [this](http://images.askmen.com/galleries/actress/diane-kruger/pictures/diane-kruger-picture-1.jpg) is the face that launched a thousand ships… well, ships must have been pretty dang cheap back then, is all I’m saying. ---
**Author:** ![ColonelDax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/71e660/32.png) [@ColonelDax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ColonelDax)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2009, 8:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-couldnt-have-picked-a-better-actor-actress-for-that-role/503455/99 "2009-07-21T08:35:15Z")
\*\*Rip Torn \*\*as Artie in _The Larry Sanders Show_. He was the heart and soul of that cast, IMHO. ---
**Author:** ![cactus\_waltz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/74df32/32.png) [@cactus\_waltz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cactus_waltz)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2009, 9:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-couldnt-have-picked-a-better-actor-actress-for-that-role/503455/100 "2009-07-21T09:56:42Z")
> [@mbh](#): > > Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes, in the 1940s movies. > Robert Duvall as Dr. Watson, in _The Seven Percent Solution_. I haven’t seen much of Rathbone’s Holmes, but when I saw Jeremy Brett’s Holmes, I thought it was essentially Holmes come alive. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-couldnt-have-picked-a-better-actor-actress-for-that-role/503455.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-couldnt-have-picked-a-better-actor-actress-for-that-role/503455.md?page=6)