Image Credit: Barry Wetcher
In Mr. Popper’s Penguins (June 17), Jim Carrey plays a character who seems to be an amalgam of some of his most popular previous roles: A heartless s.o.b. (How the Grinch Stole Christmas), who’s a lackluster dad (Liar, Liar), who ends up co-habitating with wild animals (Ace Ventura: Pet Detective). At least his new pets’ heads aren’t falling off (Dumb & Dumber)!
Carrey’s portrayal of Tom Popper probably isn’t the one to finally earn him that Oscar nomination he’s long deserved. In fact, the role seems like a throwback to his earlier, more manic work that once helped him become the highest-paid actor in the business. In the 17 years since the first Ace Ventura, Carrey has starred in some of the biggest comedies of all time, while also distinguishing himself in several revered dramedies that demonstrated a willingness to dig deep — most recently in I Love You Phillip Morris. While more sophisticated moviegoers might prefer his more subdued work in films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, his most iconic roles are undeniably his ssssssssmmmokin’ performances where he practically leaps off the screen.
To each their own. But we’d like to hear which Jim Carrey character is your favorite: Truman Burbank or Stanley Ipkiss? Andy Kaufman or Lloyd Christmas? Vote below.
Read more:
Role Call gallery: Jim Carrey
Oscar gallery: Wait! You’ve Never Been Nominated?
Truman! I thought it was the perfect balance of comedy and subtlety for Jim Carrey. Although I like Eternal Sunshine better as a movie, I’d probably get along better with Truman.
Agree with everything you just said.
“Truman Show” didn’t feel so much like a departure: it was more of a re-focusing and a great way to harness his big screen persona in a great, surprising way.
Yes, I had the exact same thought. I probably like Eternal Sunshine more, but I voted for Truman because I loved that character and he was so perfect for the role. Definitely a very good balance of comedy and subtlety like you said.
Ace Ventura all the way – Jerry Trainor from iCarly should be his successor and star in the next sequel
Same here, Eternal Sunshine is one of my favorite movies, but Truman the character is by far my favorite of Carey’s.
The Majestic!
Truman Burbank is it for me. Truman Show is one of my favorite movies.
It’s great that the Truman character is getting so much love
Yes, loved the Truman Show and Jim Carrey in it. Hands down my favorite Jim Carrey movie.
loved the mask.
He’s great in “The Mask.” It’s my favorite of his silly movie performances.
Yeah, Truman Burbank for me too.
Although he’s fantastic in Man on the Moon and Eternal Sunshine.
It’s a damn crime he did not get a single Oscar nomination for these performances!
He WON the Drama Globe in 1999 and did NOT get nominated!
Did that ever happend before? Winning the Drama Globe and not getting nominated in the end?
It’s such a crime imo.
A lot of actors win the Globe and not nominated for Oscar. Colin Farrell won for the globe for In Bruges but did not get an Oscar nomination.
@Ethan
Comedy Globe, yes, but WINNING the DRAMA Globe was practically a shoo-in Oscar nomination.
It only didn’t happen to Carrey and two other actors, I’ve heard.
Chip Douglas?
Ya. I was ready to vote for his character from The Cable Guy but it wasn’t there.
Ricky Ricardo was my choice.
Ditto. In fact, I am waiting for the actual cable guy to show up as I type and wondering if he’s down for karaoke.
It blows me away that people don’t appreciate the Cable Guy. I can see why it wasn’t appreciated when it came out because of the expectations. But in my opinion it blows his other early comedies out of the water. Cable Guy is by far his funniest movie and unlike the others, it stands the test of time.
It’s The Truman Show for me. He’s one of three Golden Globe winners for Best Actor in a Drama that didn’t get nominated for an Oscar. If only he hadn’t thanked the Academy in his acceptance speech.
Eternal Sunshine is his best movie. And Ace Ventura is his most iconic. But Truman is a great character.
Wait, no “I Love You, Philip Morris” on the poll? I loved him in that! I guess the Truman Show would be my second choice.
i thought he was really good in that too. i was surprised it wasn’t one of the options
ever see the tv film “Doing time on Maple Drive” – best performance he has ever given.
agreed!!! The movie itself was a little cheesy, however, his acting was far better then. There was no trace of his comedic persona in that role at all.
The Truman Show was an amazing movie.
My favorite is “The Majestic.” A very moving performance by Carrey.
The Majestic is sooooooooooo good and Jim Carrey knocks it off the park
None of the choices listed his best work. His best work was a made for tv movie, occasionally airs on LMN, called “Doing Time on Maple Drive.” He played an alcoholic son in a deceptively “Perfect” family.
Truman! He really should’ve received an Oscar nom for that performance.
I developed a bit of a crush on him after Eternal Sunshine.
The Truman Show, Ed Harris was also great in that movie.