Broadly speaking, thespians usually make their career in one of two ways: either by being incredibly funny or being very good at carrying the dramatic weight of more serious fare. This tends to split talent right down the middle, as you are placed in one of two categories: comedic or dramatic, according to your perceived skills.
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This split was established long before Hollywood, with the well-known image of sock and buskin representing this dichotomy as far back as ancient Greece. Of course, like any “rule” to do with the arts, there are exceptions, and when actors who are known mainly for their dramatic flair play comedic parts, the results can often be quite inspired.
Emma Thompson — ‘Love, Actually’ (2003)
For our younger folk,Emma Thompsonmay only be known from her more comedic work, especially after her turn as the dotty, not-all-there Professor Trelawney of theHarry Potterseries. But before this,Thompsonmade a name for herself, starring in successful dramas in her native England, evenwinning an Academy Award for her adapted screenplayofJane Austen’snovelSense & Sensibility.
In what can sometimes be a thankless role (and may yet have been in lesser hands),Thompsonbreathes life into Karen; the overlooked and eventually betrayed wife ofAlan Rickman’sHarry. She plays the part expertly, with humor and wit, but also delivers one of the most devastating crying scenes in cinema history once she learns of Harry’s infidelity.
Having done similar withgood friendGeorge Clooneyearlier, theCoen Brotherstook one of Hollywood’s most handsome and iconic leading men — who had spent decades at this point as a bulwark of self-serious masculinity — and made him into an object of fun. Of course, pulling this off requires commitment from both director(s) and star, andBrad Pittis more than willing to poke fun at himself.
Often accused of being “professionally good-looking,” Pitt takes this trait and runs with it, as his clueless gym worker character gets further embroiled in a conspiracy that he is ill-equipped to deal with. Most often associated with a rugged image of sexy toughness, Pitt’s character in this film is neither, and the against-type role fits Pitt like a glove.
Kate Winslet — ‘The Holiday’ (2006)
Kate Winsletis one of Britain’s most well-known dramatic actors. Famously grabbing the world’s attention inJames Cameron’sTitanicoppositeLeonardo DiCaprioin 1997, she has had roles in acclaimed films fromLittle Childrento 2008’sThe Reader, for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress.
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However, this 2006 effort fromNancy Meyersshows that Winslet is also capable of having a bit of fun. After the object of her unrequited love announces his engagement to another, she organizes to swap houses with a woman in Los Angeles for the Christmas break. Nancy Meyers’ films often occur in a heightened reality, but Winslet’s gravitas ensures that proceedings never float away entirely.
Robert De Niro — ‘Analyze This’ (1999)
It’s one thing for an actor with a few serious films under their belt to try their hand at comedy. It’s quite another for one of the most well-known dramatic actors in the world, most often associated with playing cut-throat gangsters and his adherence to the method, to change his image nearly 30 years after his career-making turns in some of the most seminal films of the century.
ButRobert De Niromade that leap. While many citeMeet the Parentsas his first foray into comedy, this underratedHarold Ramisgem first introduced the world to De Niro’s abilities as a funny man. Playing an exaggerated version of the exact persona he was known for, De Niro’s gangster is prone to panic attacks — and seeks the help ofBilly Crystal’spsychiatrist to cure him, and the two-hander formed by these actors is what makes the film tick.
Scarlett Johansson — ‘Scoop’ (2006)
Quipping along with her Marvel castmates aside,Scarlett Johanssoncan usually be seen in more dramatic fare, working with the likes ofSofia Coppolain the iconicLost in Translation.Other famous roles from the actress are varied, from period pieces (The Other Boleyn Girl) to weird, future-set romances (Her). She is alsoset to move into producing.
However, she is rarely seen in out-and-out comedic mode, with the odd appearance onSaturday Night Liveaside. That’s what makes this underrated 2006 effort stand out, as with just one wholly comedic performance, Johansson shows us just how damn good she is at it. She has better timing than many comedians who do this for a living and has a natural gift for physical comedy.
Mandy Patinkin — ‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)
Generally speaking,Mandy Patinkinis well known in both the industry and the press for taking his craft very seriously. It’s what caused him to walk away fromCriminal Mindsafter a relatively brief stint as the head criminal profiler, as he felt like he was bringing too much of his work home with him. These days he’s most associated with his role inHomeland, which is also about as serious as it gets.
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However, this has not always been the case. InRob Reiner’s1987 cult favorite, Patinkin plays Inigo Montoya, a prodigiously skilled swordsman with a tongue as fast as his blade. He handles the humor and drama with equal chops, and his famous repetition of the line “I am Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die” is comedic — right up until the point where it isn’t.
James Caan — ‘Elf’ (2003)
Unlike other entries on this list,James Caandidn’t do anything spectacular for this role. He didn’t really vary his performance style. The combination of charm and volatility lurking just under the surface made him a household name inThe Godfatheras Vito Corleone’s hot-headed son, Sonny.
But that’s what makes this performance work.Caan’shigh-strung, short-fused Walter is the perfect comedic foil forWill Ferrell’schildlike Buddy. A happy by-product of the seriousness of Caan’s performance is that it also helps toground the film somewhat(as much as a film about Santa’s elves can be anyhow).
Meryl Streep — ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (2006)
The most nominated actress in Academy history,Meryl Streep,is truly an actress that needs no introduction. She has played everything from nuns to queens and is perhaps themost outstanding living dramatic actress, and over the years, her name has become synonymous with excellence in acting.
Streep rarely forays into comedic territory, but when she does, the results are predictably fantastic. She’s had turns in other films, but Miranda Priestly is still, to this day, perhaps her most well-known. She plays the part of the above-it-all fashion magazine editor with such aplomb and believability; it’s hard not to imagine Priestly is a real person, throwing her fur coat to a hapless assistant on a daily basis.
Ralph Fiennes — ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ (2014)
First gaining international attention as the Nazi foil toLiam Neeson’sOscar Schindler inSchindler’s List,he is perhaps best known for his brilliant, exuberant take on the dark lord and primary antagonist in theHarry Potterseries, Lord Voldemort.Ralph Fiennesexcels at playing the villain — and it makes up the bulk of his career.
This is what makes his take on M. Gustave such an interesting one. DirectorWes Andersonis known for using “favorite” actors, and giving the burden of making what isarguably his most charming filmwork to an actor who didn’t have much comedy experience would appear to be a gamble. Fortunately,Anderson’sfaith is well-placed, as Fiennes puts so much charm and finesse into M. Gustave. you may’t help but like him, even when he’s performing some of the more questionable acts of his character, like seducing rich older women or chewing out lobby boys.
Tom Cruise — ‘Tropic Thunder’ (2008)
It’s pretty common for an actor to go “all-in” on a part, especially when that part requires some sort of physical transformation. Most actors tend to opt for help in that department, usually with the use of prosthetics and make-up, which in today’s film business is so good it can make an actor near-unrecognizable.
However, this level of dedication is far less common in comedic circles. The badness of a fat suit can often enhance the joke. So whenTom Cruiseturned up as fictional studio head Les Grossman inTropic Thunder, it was surprising, to say the least. Many whosaw the film in cinemashad to do a double-take if they managed to spot Cruise at all. This is a complete left-turn for the actor, whose reputation is partly based on his squeaky-clean image — which Grossman flies in the face of as he screams obscenities and dances provocatively to Flo-Rida’s “Low.”
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