Fast Links
Comedic actors make their primary job to spread laughter. However, many of them have decided to test their dramatic acting chops to varying degrees of success. Indeed some of the best comedians of all time have led some of the most dramatic movies to exist. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as many comedy experts will say that humor typically walks hand in hand with tragedy. This means the best comedians have something to tap into for dramatic roles. Before sitting down to see a favorite comedian’s best comedy movie yet again, maybe give one of these ten dramatic films a try first.
10. Foxcatcher
Steve Carell skyrocketed to popularity with his performance in The Office. In between his screwball comedies, Carell was in several dramatic films. Arguably the most impactful of these was Foxcatcher. Based on a true story, the film follows Steve Carell as John du Pont, a wealthy man looking to start a wrestling team. The film also stars Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo as brothers David and Mark Shultz, the Olympic wrestlers recruited by du Pont. Carell’s performance is not only dramatic but sinister as well. Steve Carell taps into a dark side fans had yet to see and hope to see again.
9. The Amityville Horror
It isn’t often a remake is better than the original. This does seem to be the case with the 2005 remake of The Amityville Horror, and this is largely due in part to Ryan Reynolds. Reynolds is usually known for his goofy guy with a heart of gold persona. In this film, he is downright terrifying. Ryan plays George Lutz, the patriarch of a family that unknowingly moves into a haunted house. The longer they are there, the more George slips into insanity. Finally, George sets off to murder his family after becoming possessed. Ryan Reynolds is scary and very serious in the later stages of the film, a far cry from his more famous roles.
8. Lost In Translation
Bill Murray was one of the biggest comedic actors throughout the ’80s, thanks to SNL and the films of Ivan Reitman. In the 2000s, the actor switched gears and appeared in more dramatic comedies such as Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation. The film follows Murray as Bob Harris, an aging actor struggling to recapture his place in an everchanging world. While in Japan, he meets fellow American Charlotte played by Scarlett Johansson. The film is semi-biographical in many ways, as Bob Harris has a lot in common with Bill Murray. The unlikely bond between the two leads is heartfelt and realistic. This is a film that should be seen by any fan of cinema, as well as Bill Murray.
7. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
Sometimes, the best romance films are shrouded in tragedy. Such is the case for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind starring Jim Carrey. After a rough breakup, a couple undergoes a procedure that erases the memories of one another from their minds. The film is directed by Michel Gondry, a former music video director who brings his unique visual style to the movie. Unlike most romance movies, this film focuses on the loss the main characters are feeling and the lengths they are willing to go to forget their pain. Jim Carry is no stranger to dramatic films, but many agree this is one of the best.
6. Uncut Gems
In recent years, Adam Sandler’s track record has been less than stellar. While the Hotel Transylvania movies have given him a slight boost, others, such as Jack & Jill, are downgrades from the comedic actor’s former glory. One movie Sandler did recently that shocked everyone happened to be a dramatic role. The crime thriller is a different kind of role for Adam, and he received nothing but high praise for it. Sandler plays a jeweler with a severe gambling problem. He plans on paying off his debts with a rare black opal, but things get wildly out of control. Adam Sandler’s performance proves he can do much more than just silly comedies, and fans want to see him tackle similar roles.
5. Good Will Hunting
The film that helped turn Ben Affleck and Matt Damon into stars are also one of Robin Willams’s best works. Good Will Hunting is a dramatic movie about Will Hunting. Will has a genius-level intellect but works as a janitor. A professor looks to help him reach his full potential as long as he attends therapy. The movie is known as one of the best to come out of the ’90s, and for good reason. Good Will Hunting is heartfelt, dramatic, and worth a watch for anyone who loves a great movie. Robin shines here, and there are few performances that come anywhere near topping it.
4. Stranger Than Fiction
While Stranger Than Fiction mixes elements of comedy and drama, comedic actor Will Ferrell is able to show just how great of an actor he is. The movie follows a man who realizes his life isn’t real. In fact, he is simply a fictional character who has gained consciousness. He hears an author’s voice in his head, and she plans on killing him off. In a similar vein to The Truman Show, he has to come to terms with the fact that his life has been a fabrication, and he isn’t in control. Will Ferrell manages to hold his own against titans such as Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman, showing just how talented he is.
3. Man On The Moon
The biopic of legendary performer Andy Kaufman is one of the roles Jim Carrey loses himself in. The film showcases the various ups and downs of Kaufman, who was well known for his unorthodox and inventive ways of entertaining. Carrey is fantastic in the role and, most agree, brings Andy back to life briefly. While his performance has been praised, behind the scenes, he took method acting to a new level. Carrey claimed he was possessed by Kaufman and used this excuse to cause mayhem on set. There is even a documentary, Jim & Andy, on Netlfix that shows footage of Carrey and his bizarre behavior. It seems this was worth it, as the film is a brilliant work that, once again, Carrey is an incredibly talented artist.
2. Dreamgirls
While the feature film adaptation of the musical Dreamgirls has split many fans, few can argue that Eddie Murphy’s performance is phenomenal. Murphy has mixed drama in his roles before, such as in Life, but this is one of the few pure dramatic roles. Murphy plays Jimmy Early, a music star that spirals into a life of drug addiction and tragedy. Eddie gives a fantastic performance that many agree was a high point in his career. Murphy manages to stand out even when acting against the likes of Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce, and Jamie Foxx. This musical-dramatic film comes highly recommended.
1. One Hour Photo
Similar to The Amityville Horror, this is an entry that isn’t just a dramatic film, it is a terrifying thriller. This time, Robin Williams isn’t a wise mentor, he is a mentally unstable man with an unhealthy obsession. Williams stars as Sy, a one-hour photo employee. He becomes unnaturally obsessed with a certain family going so far as saving copies of their photos and stalking them. When Sy learns the head of the family is unfaithful, he loses his already fragile sanity and attempts to do right by the rest of the family. Robin Willams is terrifying here, a performance he had never talked to before or since. Williams is sympathetic at times, but other times proves to be a force to be reckoned with. This underrated thriller holds one of the best performances of the late comedic actor and is a great watch.