Is Will Ferrell a better dramatic actor than comic actor?

[jfsolo]

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.

I think a lot of people really really underestimate how important the having the right script and right director is.

I agree with those that reference Jim Carey. If you had told me that the guy who played Ace Ventura and Fire Marshall Bill could put forth the kind of subtle brilliance he showed in The Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless mind then I would have told you to put the needle and spoon away.

Great comedy stems from pain and tragedy flipped upside down, so I think almost any really good comedian can make a solid dramatic turn.

Someone mentioned Cedric T.E., put him in the right role, the right appearance, with the right dialogue and I think he could do an excellent job in a serious drama.

[Rainey]

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.

Not even a mention of Caddyshack?

[SPTO]

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

This is just in general but comedic actors tend to be very good dramatic guys later on in their careers. The reason for this is that comedy in some ways is a lot tougher then dramatic roles. In comic roles the actor has almost be a completely different person, take pratfalls (depending on the humor) and be an extrovert to the point that they're not afraid to look like a jackass on the big screen.

This makes doing a dramatic role far more easier because the actor is able to project a single character with real emotions and faults of their own. The comedic actor is so used to being a totally different person that it's easy to submerge oneself into the dramatic role.

Robin Williams is the best example of the zany comic who's been able to get into dramatic roles and play them so well because with drama he's able to concentrate more on the story and the character rather then being a funny guy throughout the whole film.

Another thing about comedic actors that gives them a huge advantage in drama is their timing. Comedy is unbelievably complex when it comes to timing a pratfall and body movement. The timing also extends to delivering lines. There's a certain "beat" to delivering funny bits of dialog and that kind of timing is second nature to the comic. This gives a comedic actor a huge advantage because he/she knows when and how to say their lines to the maximum effect.

[Skerik]

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

Figured this thread was worth a bump.

I just saw "Stranger than Fiction" on BD tonight and have two things to contribute to this conversation now. One, that movie is really great. A little Charlie Kaufman, a little Truman Show, a little Groundhog Day, but with a pretty unique story and great performances by everyone involved. It's also just a good message that really makes you think about what life's all about.

Secondly, Will Ferrell was great in this movie. He's usually pretty physical in his roles, but his acting style in this movie was very minimalist. Very little physicality, not a ton of lines, but his understated performance was really fantastic. It reminded me a lot of Bill Murray's acting style these days in Wes Anderson's films and in movies like Lost in Translation. But anyway, I'm a definite believer in his abilities as a dramatic actor after seeing the movie.

[Scottdau]

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.

I was just going to say Bill and Will lol. Also, Jimis like Robin Williams. He was mostly comedy. Then Williams did that crazy dude in the photoshop movie. I thought he did a great job in that role. A lady I know graduated with Will, she said he that cheerleader skit at school! lol I know some people don't find Will funny, but just watch him when he come on Jay Leno or David Lettermen. Man, I was rolling when he came out in a USA speedo on Jay a couple of years ago. lol


What about Bob was a classic to me. lol Bill was great. Even Ground Hog Day was funny because of him.