Top 10 Greatest Dramatic Jim Carrey Performances
#10: Walter Sparrow
“The Number 23” (2007) Carrey re-teamed with “Batman Forever” director Joel Schumacher for this psychological thriller. And while it may have been panned for its nonsensical plot and execution, Carrey does the best with what he’s given. The film follows Walter Sparrow, a dog-catcher who becomes enamored with a mysterious book. The book tells of a grizzly murder with dark events revolving around the number 23. As Walter dives further down the rabbit hole, he begins to notice disturbing connections to his own life with the number popping up more frequently. Carrey plays the descent into madness well, even if his dialogue isn’t the strongest. As Walter continues to lose his grip on reality, the audience continues to wish this performance was in a different movie.
#9: Colonel Stars and Stripes
“Kick-Ass 2” (2013) This sequel to 2010’s “Kick-Ass” may not have lived up to expectations. But it at least added a few interesting new characters. One of those was Jim Carrey’s Colonel Stars and Stripes. This twisted version of Captain America led Justice Forever, a group of vigilantes inspired by Kick-Ass’s work. As a reformed gangster, Carrey brought a certain poignant yet ferocious presence to the otherwise fairly comedic material. His desire to make amends for his past was made palpable by Carrey’s strong performance. And although he isn’t in the movie long, his screen time certainly makes us wish he was.
#8: The Hermit
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“The Bad Batch” (2016) In this bizarre dystopian thriller, Carrey is almost unrecognizable as The Hermit, a homeless mute who wanders the film’s wasteland setting. “The Bad Batch” follows Arlen, a young woman trying to survive ruthless cannibals in the Texas desert. In a stacked cast that includes Jason Momoa, Keanu Reeves, and Suki Waterhouse, it’s remarkable that Carrey stands out given his smaller role. And it’s even more impressive considering his character doesn’t speak. But if there’s one thing he’s known for, it’s his expressive, rubber-faced delivery. He still brings a comic touch to the role and his helpful yet peculiar nature immediately draws you in.
#7: Ebenezer Scrooge
“A Christmas Carol” (2009) Robert Zemeckis’ uncanny valley animation had already been criticized in previous films. And while his third animated feature fares better, it also benefits from Jim Carrey giving his all. Based on the classic Charles Dickens novel, Carrey is fascinating as Ebenezer Scrooge. His vibrant facial expressions once again lend themselves well to his performance as Carrey both voiced and performed motion capture for the character. Carrey embodied everything that made the miserly Scrooge a staple of fiction. But he also got the chance to turn in an array of performances since he played Scrooge’s three ghosts as well.
#6: Peter Appleton
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“The Majestic” (2001) Just because it was a box office bomb doesn’t mean Carrey didn’t turn in a great performance. “The Majestic'' follows blacklisted screenwriter Peter Appleton in the 1950s who gets amnesia following a car accident. After awakening in a small town and being mistaken for a soldier who went missing during WWII, Peter connects with the town’s citizens and helps them reopen its only theater. It was criticized for being overly long and overly sentimental, but Carrey brought a warmth and vulnerability that he rarely exhumed in his past roles. The film attempts to be a love letter to small-town cinema while navigating the Red Scare. And Carrey’s acting is the element that showcases its themes the most.
#5: Jeff Piccirillo
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“Kidding” (2018-20) Showtime’s short-lived “Kidding” series starred Carrey as the host of a Mr. Rogers-esque show titled “Mr. Pickles’ Puppet Time.” But behind the scenes, it was all but pleasant. Jeff struggles with keeping up his bright persona following the tragic death of his son. His separation from his wife and dealing with his overbearing producer/father don’t help matters. The show was praised for its examination of grief, which was carried by Carrey’s layered and deeply personal portrayal. It was a fine balance between touching and exceptionally dark, something we’ve seen Carrey pull off time and time again. Low viewership led to its cancelation. It’s a shame for a number of reasons, but first and foremost is because of Carrey’s work.
#4: Steven Jay Russell
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“I Love You Phillip Morris” (2009) This 2009 romantic dramedy follows Carrey as a family man who comes out of the closet following a near-death experience. To support his new lavish lifestyle, Steven becomes a con artist. Prison is where he meets Ewan McGregor’s Phillip, a sweet but gullible inmate and the love of Steven’s life. There are definitely moments of Carrey’s comedic stylings here. He plays the conman with an eccentric air that is undoubtedly entertaining. But there are also moments of dramatic panache as Steven’s many plans blow up in his face. It’s the moments of genuine love and passion between Steven and Phillip that truly give Carrey the chance to shine.
#3: Andy Kaufman
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“Man on the Moon” (1999) Andy Kaufman was one of the most unique performers of his time. So it stands to reason that only another unique performer would be able to capture what made him so interesting. Carrey shines as the artist who refused to compromise his vision, even if it often clashed with fellow collaborators. He famously delved so deep into the mindset of Kaufman that he stayed in character off camera, sometimes even as Kaufman’s alter-ego, Tony Clifton. But he nailed all of the tics and mannerisms of Kaufman, resulting in one of his most critically acclaimed roles.
#2: Truman Burbank
“The Truman Show” (1998) “The Truman Show” is the earliest example of Carrey’s wider range. And his performance proved he was more than the wacky comedian with a highly animated presence. The comedian plays the titular Truman Burbank, a man who, unbeknownst to him, has had his entire life fabricated, planned, and broadcast to millions of viewers. Everything from his hometown to his marriage has been constructed. As Truman begins to unravel the mystery behind his life, Carrey goes from mild-mannered and pleasant to frantic and paranoid. At the time of its release, it took viewers completely by surprise. And it still stands as some of his finest work.
#1: Joel Barish
“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004) Director Michel Gondry’s sci-fi romantic drama follows a troubled couple who get each other erased from their memories. But as Jim Carrey’s Joel relives his relationship in reverse, he attempts to run from his decision. The film was rightfully praised for its unique concept, visuals, and the performances of its two leads. Carrey is far from his comfort zone and the movie is all the better for it. In his hands, Joel is at times reserved and at others torn apart at the thought of losing his memories of Clementine. This character aches with the weight of his failed relationship and the fear of losing what could have been. And Carrey clearly tapped into something intimate to make this character soar.
