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.
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.
EDIT: Removed a really good choice because it wasn’t what the OP was talking about.
They also look a great deal alike. Perfect casting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 itduring his press tours.
I wondered if the fighting started over Petersen telling him to stop walking around playing Peter O’Toole.
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.
Agreed, with one important caveat : if this is the face that launched a thousand ships… well, ships must have been pretty dang cheap back then, is all I’m saying.
