Flick Critique: The best actors can switch from comedy to drama

Actors usually tend to stick to a particular style of movie, with a genre immediately coming to the audience’s mind when they think about them. However, there have been some instances where actors have broken from these norms, shifting from comedy to drama. While many actors have attempted this shift, not everyone has been as successful as the following six instances where comedic actors gave drama a try.

First off is Ben Stiller’s “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” This is neither Stiller’s first nor only instance trying out a more serious role, but this is debatably one of his best performances in his entire filmography — a touching story of a man not only trying to find an independent photographer for Life Magazine, but also trying to find himself. Stiller shows audiences, surprisingly, an almost boring side to his famously eccentric “Zoolander” persona.

Next on the list, Jim Carrey in “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” Starring alongside Academy Award-winning Kate Winslet, Jim Carrey shocked audiences when he shifted from his typically exaggerated performances in movies like “Ace Ventura” and “The Mask,” and portrayed a man with the possibility to erase his ex-girlfriend from his memories. Facing this life-long dilemma, Carrey debates with the decision to learn and move on from heartbreak or living with the motto that ignorance is bliss.

Seth Rogen is next on this list with his portrayal of Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak in “Steve Jobs.” Not only was this Rogen’s most important dramatic performance, his co-stars were Michael Fassbender and Kate Winslet, so, no pressure. Rogen shifted from his typical stoner character with this role, showing audiences that acting in comedies was a matter of personal preference, not lack of skill.

The only woman on the list, Jennifer Aniston, is next with her performance in “Cake.” The “Friends” star went completely against her usual comedic roles with this story of a woman struggling with loss and chronic pain. Perhaps one of her best performances, the actress proved to audiences that she is successful in whatever genre is thrown her way, wowing audiences with her versatility and talent.

Steve Carrell is next with a performance that won him an Oscar nomination, “Foxcatcher.” This dramatic portrayal of the infamous Olympic wrestling coach is definitely Carrell’s most intense role, showing the dark side of the sport. “Foxcatcher,” hailed as one of the best films of the year, was made due to its amazing performances from Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo and Carrell. Carrell’s major transformation drifts from his usual lighthearted and goofy personality to the obsessive coach whose drastic actions eventually lead to tragedy.

Last on the list, perhaps known as the ultimate funny man, Will Ferrell in “Everything Must Go.” One of the most prolific comedic actors of this generation, Ferrell plays an alcoholic who must regain control. By ridding himself of his belongings, he slowly begins to make changes in order to get his life back together. This film, while it has some comedic elements, is mainly serious and touching — a huge shift from Ferrell’s usual hilarious roles.

Evidently, these actors proved to audiences that sticking to a particular genre does not equate to a lack of versatility or skill, as they drifted from their usual comedic roles and went on to try more dramatic portrayals seamlessly. While not all of these actors have completely given up comedy, many have stuck to more dramatic roles and have done so successfully.