PremiumHappy Birthday Steve Carell: Actor’s few works that show he isn’t a legend in comedy only
Shilpa S
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Steve Carell has been referred to as one of the funniest men in America, dominating when it comes to comedy. But although the actor is most well known for his legendary comedic roles, think Michael Scott, he has also established himself as a formidable presence when it comes to dramatic roles as well, being nominated for Academy and Golden Globe Awards for some of his performances. In a career spanning over three decades, he has become a favourite of American viewers.
As the actor takes another trip around the sun, let’s look back at why he’s a Hollywood heavyweight and not one to be restricted by the confines of only one particular genre.
1
The Office
Although The Office fans can be bickering and divided lot there is one thing that they can all agree on, that the show would not have gained the adoration and cult status it enjoys today in the absence of Steve Carell’s hysterical portrayal of its protagonist Michael Scott. The well-intentioned boss who goes out of his way to insert himself into his employees’ lives, who he sees as family, and his hilariously offensive comments which rub everyone the wrong way, lifted the show to new heights. The show won numerous awards through its nine-season run.
2
The 40 Year Old Virgin
Widely regarded as the role which established Steve Carell as a leading man in comedy, The 40-Year-Old Virgin is about exactly what its title suggests, a middle-aged man who’s a virgin. Carell’s role as the shy and introverted protagonist, whose life becomes complicated when his friends learn of his secret and try to ‘help him out’ makes for a premise filled with quirky antics that will make one audibly guffaw. The actor’s performance received much praise and was regarded as one of the movie’s highlights.
3
Foxcatcher
The 2014 biographical drama Foxcatcher, marked Steve Carell’s foray into dramatic roles, and he did so with the panache. Based on the real-life story of a philanthropist-turned-murderer, Carell’s chilling portrayal of the psychopath inspires both terror and awe. He was lauded for the same by critics, with one calling it a career-changer. His dynamic chemistry with the other two lead actors gives rise to a drama, which only gets better the more you watch. His role got him a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Actor.
4
Little Miss Sunshine
Little Miss Sunshine is a heartwarming tale about a family who goes out of their way to make sure that their little girl gets to live out their dream of contesting on a pageant. We are introduced to a bickering, dysfunctional family, and throughout the movie we see them grow and bond together in their efforts to help out the youngest of them. Steve Carell’s authentic and raw performance as the little girl’s uncle who tries to be there for his niece and nephew while battling his demons makes for a memorable role in his career, one that earned him the admiration of fans and critics alike.
5
The Big Short
This biographical drama tells the story of the infamous 2007 financial crisis in the United States, through its three main protagonists. The Big Short makes use of unorthodox methods of explaining technical concepts to the audience and involves frequent instances of breaking the fourth wall, where characters directly address the viewers. Steve Carell plays a hedge fund manager, who with his cunning manages to come out of the crisis with a hefty profit. One can see Carell shine in his elements, alternating between comedic and dramatic to give a stunning portrayal of the real person.
6
Battle of the Sexes
This biographical film features Steve Carell and Emma Stone in leading roles as legendary American tennis players Bobby Riggs and Billie Jean King . It tells the story of a unique tennis match between the two that took place in 1973: a seasoned, yet brash and arrogant male tennis player battling an addiction, and gutsy woman tennis he challenges to a match. Although the film put up a disappointing performance at the box office, Carell received recognition for his authentic and powerful performance. He was also nominated for numerous accolades for it as well.
