Written by Cameron
Thursday, 10 June 2010 00:00
Page 1 of 6
Ben Stiller is one of those actors we can watch over and over in any movie because he possesses a star power and versatility as a comedic actor that is hard to dislike. It doesn’t matter if he is a film with a ridiculous plot, a romantic comedy, children’s movie, or a slightly more serious role like in his new film Greenberg. All the same, we love the awkward characters he presents us with on the screen.
Ben Stiller is one of those actors we can watch over and over in any movie because he possesses a star power and versatility as a comedic actor that is hard to dislike. It doesn’t matter if he is a film with a ridiculous plot, a romantic comedy, children’s movie, or a slightly more serious role like in his new film Greenberg. All the same, we love the awkward characters he presents us with on the screen.
Greenberg (2010)
Greenberg is going to take Ben Stiller’s ability to play an socially awkward leading man, but this time the role will contain considerably more depth. This love story is full of witty comedy balanced out by emotion that is sure to resonate with audiences.
There’s Something About Mary (1998)
This film is the one that pathed the way for Stiller’s niche role as the lovable, awkward, underdog. In There’s Something About Mary Stiller plays the shy Ted Stroehmann who loses touch with his high school crush Mary after an unfortunate zipper incident before prom, but remains in love with her. Embarrassing moments and gross-out comedy is prevalent through the movie, giving most audiences their first taste of a Stiller performance.
Meet the Parents (2000)
Gaylord “Greg” Focker, Stiller’s character in Meet the Parents, became one of his most recognized roles as he took awkwardness to a new level. Stiller’s character, a male nurse, is placed in juxtaposition to Robert De Niro’s menacing, intimidating in-law. As with Ben Stiller’s character in There’s Something About Mary, misfortune befalls Focker from the instant he meets the Byrnes family, resulting in various memorable situations to take place that leave audiences rolling on the floor with laughter.
Zoolander (2001)
It is hard to say why such an absurd movie like Zoolander could develop such as cult folling, but its outrageous story and the pairing of Stiller and Owen Wilson, with appearances by Will Ferrell was enough to create cinema gold. The socially inept character of Derek Zoolander and the movie retained the ability to end up in hilarious and outrageous circumstances.
Along Came Polly (2004)
In Along Came Polly, Stiller returns to his role as the awkward protagonist in love. This time his love interest is free spirited, Polly, played by Jennifer Aniston, who turns out to be his polar opposite. Once again Stiller is able to capitalize on the fact that audiences love to see the underdog overcome embarrassing moments (this time involving Irritable Bowel Syndrome) to find his true love in the end.
Night at the Museum (2006)
Even when Ben Stiller puts the mature content aside and stars in a children’s movie, the essence that is always present in a Ben Stiller character emerges. His character Larry Daley must try to prove to his son he is not a loser and surprise, surprise, he is interested in one of the museum tour guides, only this time his inability to court her properly is due to the fact that he sounds crazy when he talks about the museum exhibits literally coming alive.
Click on >> to see pictures from Ben Stiller's latest movie, Greenberg
Monday 06 February 2012
