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When one thinks of Steve Carell, it is hardly ever in a serious context. The actor is known for his comedic essence and has spent decades creating the reputation he has now, be it for his role inThe Officeor the countless rom-coms that he has been a part of. However, inside the comedic suit that he wears is a truly talented actor who has much to offer the industry.
One of the best examples of his talents outside of the comedy genre isFoxcatcher,a film where he plays the role of millionaire murderer John du Pont. The role has become one of the most critically acclaimed moments of his career, establishing himself as more than just a funny actor.
So much so that it ended up getting him an Oscar nomination. When his casting was first announced, there were skeptics who wondered if he was capable enough for the job. However, many would be surprised to know that even Carell wasn’t sure if he was the right person for the eerie character.
Steve Carell built a career out of being a wallflower
WhenSteve Carellput on the costume of John du Pont, he was unrecognizable in both appearance and essence. Gone was the goofy actor who was always the butt of a joke, and audiences saw a scary man who was capable of horrible things. With this, it is almost bizarre to know that the person who gave such an excellent performance was unsure if he could do it.
During an interview withThe Guardian,Carell talked about the entire process of getting cast inFoxcatcherand revealed his true feelings when he was considering the role. He confessed that from the very start of his career, he never cared about being taken seriously in the roles that he was taking.
I’ve never cared about being taken seriously – I just see myself as an actor. Most of my career, I’ve just taken what I’ve been offered.
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He got what he was offered, which paved the path for decades of comedy and satire, always being the butt of every joke, be it inThe Officeor films like40-Year-Old Virgin.The main reason for such compliance was that the actor wasn’t a fan of standing out.
I always feel most comfortable as part of a ensemble. Whether it’s a comedy or a drama, I like to fit in. It’s best not to stick out.
In an industry like Hollywood, not standing out and acting are antonyms of the highest degree. However, Carell had no interest in being at the forefront, taking what he was given, and not trying out new things.
Bennett Miller believed in Steve Carell’s skills
While Steve Carell’s approach worked for him for many years, it would seem that he had enough by the time 2014 rolled around. The actor spoke nothing but praise aboutFoxcatcher’sdirector, stating that Bennett Miller believed that there was more to Carell’s acting at a time when even the actor did not think so.
He saw in me the potential to do something I hadn’t done before.
He mentioned that Miller saw the potential in him to be something much more than a comedian and pursued his intuition all the way. Carell then mentioned another reason why the director felt that he was the right person for the role—his public image.
“That was an unrealistic episode”: Even B.J. Novak Agrees ‘The Office’ Went Too Dark in 1 Episode to Make Steve Carell’s Michael Scott ‘Unwatchable’
When it comes to his personal life, Carell is known as a gentle soul who wouldn’t hurt a fly. Part of this image has to be credited to his time as Michael Scott. However, no instance has forced the public to think otherwise. It would seem that de Pont also had a similar image before he was charged with the murder of Dave Schultz.
Bennett says I have a benign public persona, and Du Pont did too. I think that’s why he cast me.
While Carell’s image has not turned sour, Miller found the perfect face in the actor, especially because of its integrity.
Foxcatcheris available for streaming on Hulu.
Ananya Godboley
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2219
Ananya Godboley is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on TV shows, with over 2,000 articles published. She has been an entertainment journalist for the past two years. Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in psychology from K.R. Mangalam University, Ananya also likes to fangirl as a full-time job. She covers news and analyses on anything from Rick and Morty to Hannibal and even Arcane. In between these lines, she also enjoys superheroes and Taylor Swift.A philosophy enthusiast, Ananya enjoys digging deeper into the media she consumes, trying to understand the root of her favorite characters' behavior.
