Comedic actors in serious movies

[Cyclonus]

Who would have dreamed that comic performers would make appearances in Oliver Stone's epic JFK? Granted, John Candy's character has more of a humorous edge than the rest, but the fact remains that his situation was anything but lightweight. Not only that, Jack Lemmon has a small but memorable role, and even Walter Matthau has a cameo.

So what do you think of that? Stunt casting? Genius? Both? http://www.joblo.com/ubb/smile.gif

If you can think of similar examples, I'd be very interested in hearing them. I'm looking fowards to seeing The Majestic when it's on video; I hear Jim Carrey is much more subdued than usual in his role.

[This message has been edited by Cyclonus (edited 02-09-2002).]

[ColinM]

I think it's cool when comedic actors try a little serious acting...that is if they are good. Robin Williams has done this in the past, and Insomnia will be his most serious role to date. Looking forward to that one!

And there was no trace of Jim Carrey's schtick in The Majestic at all. Never once when I watched that movie did I see Ace Ventura. I only saw a serious actor, and a darned good one at that!

Just one thing I want to as you Cy. Why do you mention Jack Lemmon's and Walter Matthau's appearances in that movie with surprise? Maybe not as much for Matthau, but Jack Lemmon was/is a serious actor, too. I mean, look at Days of Wine and Roses and Tuesdays with Morrie.

[Strider]

Steve Martin in The Spainish Prisoner.

Strider

[Cyclops 2]

Will Smith in Enemy of the State

[ColinM]

I'd say Will Smith in Ali is a more appropriate answer. There was no trace of his usual schtick in that movie, but there was a little in Enemy of the State.

[This message has been edited by ColinM (edited 02-10-2002).]

[Cyclonus]

Colin, I realize that Lemmon and Matthau have done dramatic roles in the past, but I haven't seen most of their films. I tend to think of them as that lovable mismatched couple. http://www.joblo.com/ubb/smile.gif

[SIREN30]

Dan Aykroyd in DRIVING MISS DAISY
Steve Martin in THE SPANISH PRISONER.

both of those performances were entirely serious w/ no trace of Blues Brothers or The Jerk . And both performances were great.

[edonline]

As I wrote in the other thread... http://www.joblo.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif

While I don't like a lot of his other movies, Jerry Lewis did an excellent non-comedic role in King of Comedy.

[Deckard]

two words PETER SELLERS- the man was a gifted comedian who could play nearly any charecter. BEING THERE is one of his greatest dramatic triumphs.

[notchjohnson]

Robin Williams in AWAKENINGS
Mike Myers in 54
John Leguizamo in SUMMER OF SAM