…I mean, I think. Besides the casting blurb, we've got little info on what Adams' role entails. But "gritty bartender" — that's a complete 180 for theOscar nominee, who has spent the last few years perfecting her "doe-eyedinnocent" role. In everything from Junebug to Enchanted to Doubt, Adams has been like a masterclass in cuteness. GREAT cuteness (she's an exceedingly talented actress) but still safe, and maybe all too comfortable. Imagine her in a bar fight, or using foul language!
Of course, Amy Adams is far from the only star who could stand to mix it up a little bit. All over town and in every genre of movie, talented actors discover their ideal role…then never escape from it, due to typecasting or their own complacency. Consider the following:
Denzel Washington
The man never met a Tony Scott movie he didn't like. Crimson Tide, Deja Vu, Man on Fire, Pelham 123 — Denzel and Tony are like the non-Oscar-winning Leo and Marty, pumping out hyper-kinetic adult thriller after hyper-kinetic adult thriller. Mix it up, man! You're too talented! I'm not suggesting a Judd Apatow comedy, but maybe something a little lighter — a script without the note "he scowls furiously" — could remind us why you're so esteemed. Take it under advisement.
Zooey Deschanel
I love practically everything about you, Zooey. Your eyes. Your flirtatious grins. You could sing a song about cotton products and I'd still want to marry you (if you weren't, you know, engaged). Ours is a real love. But it's beyond time for you to break out of those "endearingly quirky love interest" roles and begin to show us that range we know you've got. Call me, we'll discuss.
Michael Cera
I mean, duh.
How about you, PopWatchers? Which of your favorite "comfort actors" needs to break free from their Groundhog Day-ish sensibilities and take on a new role? Bill Murray? Diane Keaton? Share, share, share!
So if Amy Adams is playing a “gritty” bartender, does that just mean that they’ll make her a brunette?
I have to say Henning pretty much nailed three of the performers who desperately need to break out of their mold. I’ve been begging for Denzel to do a comedy (or even just a romance) for YEARS. Zooey Deschanel did a horror/thriller but forgot to readjust to her new surroundings and gave a “Zooey Deschanel” performance in “The Happening”. Finally, you summed up the Michael Cera situation perfectly.
Of course, this goes to show that the typecasting trap isn’t unique to actors in comedies (from that topic earlier today on Popwatch).
Wow, two articles in a day about Amy Adams. Lucky me. When there is no Twilight news, you can find EW sweating Amy Adams
there was an article in our local paper about a casting call and what types of people they were looking for, cracked out, strung out, grungy, drug addicted looking people.. so with that info, and being from lowell, and knowing the story behind micky ward(who wahlberg will be playing) and dicky ecklund(christian bale)…this role is ya. going to be pretty opposite of her norm.
Scarlett Johanssen plays the same role in every movie: the soft-spoken, insecure temptress chasing after a married/attached man. She is so predictable and boring now.
Of COURSE Amy Adams can do gritty. She’s an awesome actress who can be adorable or deliciously skanky, and everything in between. Look, I have proof:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44Dgivx6I1E
Of COURSE Amy Adams can be “gritty”. She can be cute, wholesome, adorable…or deliciously skanky, and everything in between. Look, I have proof:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44Dgivx6I1E
I totally agree with you about Denzel. I loved loved LOVED him in The Preacher’s Wife – he was just so….charming!
i totally agree with you on this one. i can’t stand how michael cera always plays the same character. it didn’t work for michael richards, and own’t work for him