Iconic Roles is a look at some of the best performances in film and television by actors and actresses.
The role of Dr. Robotnik in 2020’s Sonic the Hedgehog brought back Jim Carrey on the big screen after he took a break from acting. Much to the fans’ delight, the Ontario-born actor reprised his role as the villain in the recently-released Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
Carrey has had a dazzling Hollywood career, making a reputation for himself as one of the finest comedians thanks to his peculiar facial expressions. Recent interviews hinted that Carrey might retire from acting to enjoy his passion for painting. His filmography ranges from his television debut in Introducing… Janet to the latest Sonic sequel. 1994 was quite the year for Carrey as he emerged as one of the highest-grossing actors at the box office.
RELATED: Jim Carrey Is Taking a Break From Acting After Sonic the Hedgehog 2
In honor of the actor, let’s revisit the best Jim Carrey movies.
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
In the Tom Shadyac-directed comedy, Carrey portrays an unorthodox private detective specializing in retrieving animals. His latest case involves the disappearance of the Miami Dolphins’ mascot right before the team was to play in the Super Bowl. Through a series of misadventures, Ventura discovers that there’s a bigger case beyond finding the missing dolphin. Carrey co-wrote the script that kicked off his Hollywood career, which earned him a reputation as a comedy master. Thanks to its box-office success, a sequel was immediately greenlit, and Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls debuted in 1995.
The Mask (1994)
Stanley Ipkiss (Carrey) is a bank clerk who discovers an ancient wooden mask that gives him superpowers. Every time he dons it, Ipkiss becomes a wild-eyed, green-faced man with no boundaries. The Mask won’t stop in front of anything before freeing Edge City from crime and conquering the heart of the love-interest (Cameron Diaz) of his arch-nemesis (Peter Greene). Director Chuck Russell vaguely adapted the eponymous Dark Horse Comics story from a script by Mike Werb, and the excellent VFX department delivered a product that still stands today. Fans today still love The Mask — unlike the disappointing 2005 standalone sequel that didn’t feature Carrey and bombed at the box office.
Dumb and Dumber (1994)
The screwball comedy directed by Bobby and Peter Farrelly is arguably one of Carrey’s well-regarded and most-known films. Lloyd Christmas (Carrey) and his best friend Harry (Jeff Daniels) have to deliver a briefcase full of money left by a client (Lauren Holly). During their journey, the case winds up landing the men in a heap of trouble. Carrey’s 1994 screwball comedy met the audience’s taste, and cemented his status as one of the most prominent comedic actors. The story expanded into a 2003 prequel and a 2014 sequel, with Carrey reprising his role as Christmas in the latter.
The Truman Show (1998)
Truman Burbank (Carrey) lives a beautiful life with his lovely wife (Laura Linney) in the very ordinary town of Seahaven. But mysterious accidents make him suspect that something is off with his apparently everyday life. Why can’t he leave Seahaven? And why do people around him behave as if they were actors? Burbank will soon discover that his world is far more limited than he thought. The story offers Carrey the chance to showcase all his acting potential, going beyond his usual clownish roles. Unfairly snubbed by the Academy for Best Picture, the film did score three nominations, including Best Director for Peter Weir.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Joel Barish (Carrey) undergoes a procedure to delete all his memories of his former girlfriend (Kate Winslet). During the process, he realizes how much he loves her and is unable to let her go. The screenplay features an abundance of touching moments, yet without sentimentalism. The story by director Michel Gondry, Charlie Kaufman and Pierre Bismuth focuses on a society where memory is not prominent anymore. Carrey provided one of his best performances as he effortlessly moved from comedy to drama. Unfortunately, he only pocketed nominations for his work that year. Still, the Academy rewarded the film with the Best Original Screenplay award.
Do you agree with our selection? What Jim Carrey’s best performances, according to you? Let us know in the comments section below.
