mikeZellers.blog

Monday, January 03, 2005

i woulda wrote this article - were i smarter...

is bill murray hollywood's most gifted actor?

Many actors have undertaken a similar crossing of genres, budgets and salaries in their careers, but what makes Bill Murray stand out is that he never seems out of place. He's able to put forth a range and a depth that makes him equally believable as a hedonistic slob or a depressed movie star. As Murray's aged, he's developed the ability to portray more than one layer at a time, earning him reviews not generally bestowed upon ex-"SNL" stars.

Would John Belushi have matured as a performer if he'd lived? Possibly. Chevy Chase has never successfully played anything other than slight variations on himself. Adam Sandler and Jim Carrey have both made forays into deeper material, with moderate success (more for Carrey), but they both still feel like they're (cue Master Thespian impression) acting when they do a project like "Punch-Drunk Love" or "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." Murray is a far more intuitive actor.


funny thing i remember when he was the new kid on the block on snl and didn't think he'd fill chevy's shoes...hah! i'm willing to admit being wrong on that one!

8 Comments:

At 10:43 PM, Blogger JenBen said...

I'm beginning to think you are obsessed with Bill Murray...

JenBen

 
At 10:50 PM, Blogger Mike said...

that's not true. not even close. in fact, while i was sitting in the theatre before seeing the life aquatic for a second time...

 
At 11:05 PM, Blogger scornfate said...

I must really check out this movie you have been obsessing about.

 
At 8:44 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Criterion (I think) edition of Rushmore, has the Charlie Rose interview he did around the time of the film's release. It provides a bit more insight into how he decides on projects. Definately worth a look.

-Herb

 
At 8:58 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I don't know, but I do like most of his stuff. I'm more of a Jim Carrey fan when it comes to comedy, though.

-Emily

 
At 9:29 PM, Blogger Mike said...

can barely stomach jim carrey. when he's *funny* i don't find him funny and when he's *serious* he mugs way too much...

 
At 5:07 AM, Blogger Chloe said...

Did you see "Coffee & Cigarettes"? I thought that was worth watching if only for the Bill Murray section towards the end.

I've only seen 2 Jim Carrey movies in my life. And those were "Once Bitten", and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind". I didn't particularly care for either.

Your comment about Jim Carrey sounds somewhat similar to my feelings about Robin Williams.
I can't stomach Robin Williams. I think the epitome of all that irks me about him was summed up in one package called "Get Smoochy". haha. When he's "zany" I don't think it's funny, and when he's "angry", or heaven forbid cries, forget it - I just want to run cringing out of the theatre (or the living room).

 
At 10:45 PM, Blogger Mike said...

i agree about robin williams anymore - used to be funny...
also agree about coffee and cigarettes... murray was transplendent... although the iggy pop/tom waits pairing was inspired...

i don't like jim carrey - although i did kinda like eternal sunshine... despite him

 

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