Is Will Ferrell a better dramatic actor than comic actor?

[daflyboys]

Just saw Winter Passing....pretty dreary movie overall, but what was interesting was the quirky character Ferrell played. I really don't find his comic movies all that great....probably a generational thing, dunno. Don't get me wrong I like stupid humor, but something about his brand leaves me lukewarm. I'd like to see him pursue more dramatic pieces.

[X*Cell]

Re: Is Will Ferrell a better dramatic actor than comic actor?

Just saw Winter Passing....pretty dreary movie overall, but what was interesting was the quirky character Ferrell played. I really don't find his comic movies all that great....probably a generational thing, dunno. Don't get me wrong I like stupid humor, but something about his brand leaves me lukewarm. I'd like to see him pursue more dramatic pieces.

It's the same thing with Jim Carrey... these guys are at the top of their class when it comes to comedy, so it's never too late for them to work on a dramatic movie, and still be respected and taken seriously by the audience.

Guys like Cedric the Entertainer could never do a dramatic movie, because it would be a joke. We would see them, and then the seriousness of the movie would plummet fast.

I would love to see Ferrell in more dramatic roles as well. Same with Carrey, etc... These guys can do it.

[daflyboys]

Re: Is Will Ferrell a better dramatic actor than comic actor?

You took the words right out of my mouth....when I wrote that, I was going to put a blurb in about Carrey as well.

[forensicd]

Re: Is Will Ferrell a better dramatic actor than comic actor?

Im sorry, but I cant see Will as a dramatic actor. He is a slapstick kind of guy, with physical comedy as his main style. Too hard to picture him doing anything else.

[Skerik]

Re: Is Will Ferrell a better dramatic actor than comic actor?

I guess it's all about who you find funny, in terms of what kinds of roles you'd like to see them doing. I personally find Will Ferrell hilarious, so I feel like it would kind of be a waste for him to be doing dramatic roles right now when he's in the prime of his comedic career. Similarly, I find Jim Carrey generally unfunny (except in Dumb and Dumber), so I like him in more dramatic roles like the Truman Show and the Majestic.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Ferrell's career map out like Bill Murray's. Murray was doing over the top comedy back in the day like Stripes, Ghostbusters, What About Bob, etc....but has since mellowed into more dramatic roles like Lost in Translation, or even the more deadpan-style comedies like Wes Anderson's movies. I could see Ferrell doing that as he ages, since most comedians generally become less funny as they age.

One thing about Murray though - he's one hell of an actor. The way he can get so much out of so few words or expressions like he does in Lost in Translation, Broken Flowers, etc....he's really developed into the complete package as an actor. Ferrell's not at that stage yet, imo.

[DaveDQ]

Re: Is Will Ferrell a better dramatic actor than comic actor?

I think this is a very interesting point you bring up. I've often thought of this myself. In the past it was Tom Hanks that I thought of. The same holds true for Robin Williams.

I think it has to do with their ability to perform in general. As silly and funny they act, it does take skill.

Another actor I see being able to pull this off would be Steve Carrell. After watching Little Miss Sunshine, I felt he could probably go that way.

[jt45]

Re: Is Will Ferrell a better dramatic actor than comic actor?

Carrey has that new movie "the Number 23" coming out and its a psycho thriller, so it will be a serious role. From the looks of the preview it should be pretty good.

[Hootiefish]

Re: Is Will Ferrell a better dramatic actor than comic actor?

It has been said that comedies are harder for an actor than many dramatic roles.

As it has been mentioned, let's look at some comedian's track records: Who would've though 20 years ago that Tom Hanks or Robin Williams would have each won multiple Oscars, or 15 years ago that Jim Carrey would have been nominated for an Oscar, or 10 years ago that Will Smith/Jamie Fox would have been nominated for Oscars.

The point is...you never really know what an actor is capable of. All they need is the right script and the right set of circumstances to shine.

[JayBee74]

Re: Is Will Ferrell a better dramatic actor than comic actor?

I like Ferrell, but think he's more comedian than actor. His comatose performance in Stranger Than Fiction didn't sway my opinion. I know he was nominated for a Golden Globe for this role, but so what?

[DaveDQ]

Re: Is Will Ferrell a better dramatic actor than comic actor?

I like Ferrell, but think he's more comedian than actor. His comatose performance in Stranger Than Fiction didn't sway my opinion. I know he was nominated for a Golden Globe for this role, but so what?

Do you think he's on his way to taking on more serious roles though?

It seems Stranger Than Fiction leads toward that.

[JayBee74]

Re: Is Will Ferrell a better dramatic actor than comic actor?

Do you think he's on his way to taking on more serious roles though?

It seems Stranger Than Fiction leads toward that.

It seems that all these former comedians want to be taken very seriously. Even the late and zany Paul Lynde said it was his dream to one day win an Oscar.

[Brandwin]

Re: Is Will Ferrell a better dramatic actor than comic actor?

I liked Adam Sandler in his more "serious" rolls.

[Lintyfresh85]

Re: Is Will Ferrell a better dramatic actor than comic actor?

I liked Adam Sandler in his more "serious" rolls.

yeah I thought he was really good in Spanglish IMO...

[dieselboy]

Re: Is Will Ferrell a better dramatic actor than comic actor?

I guess it's all about who you find funny, in terms of what kinds of roles you'd like to see them doing. I personally find Will Ferrell hilarious, so I feel like it would kind of be a waste for him to be doing dramatic roles right now when he's in the prime of his comedic career. Similarly, I find Jim Carrey generally unfunny (except in Dumb and Dumber), so I like him in more dramatic roles like the Truman Show and the Majestic.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Ferrell's career map out like Bill Murray's. Murray was doing over the top comedy back in the day like Stripes, Ghostbusters, What About Bob, etc....but has since mellowed into more dramatic roles like Lost in Translation, or even the more deadpan-style comedies like Wes Anderson's movies. I could see Ferrell doing that as he ages, since most comedians generally become less funny as they age.

One thing about Murray though - he's one hell of an actor. The way he can get so much out of so few words or expressions like he does in Lost in Translation, Broken Flowers, etc....he's really developed into the complete package as an actor. Ferrell's not at that stage yet, imo.

How did you not find Ace Ventura funny?

[X*Cell]

Re: Is Will Ferrell a better dramatic actor than comic actor?

yeah I thought he was really good in Spanglish IMO...

I want to see that new movie with him... "Reign Over Me" with Don Cheadle. That looks like a great movie.