The big screen is filled with multi-talented actors who bring to life all types of characters. Some are perfectly suited to roles, others not so much. Casting isn't an easy job; it would be easier if all actors were like Alan Tudyk, Giovanni Ribisi and Shia LaBeouf. Each possesses the ability to step into any shoes thrust their way.
Tudyk Brings Humanity to the Non-Human
Alan Tudyk is a talented man who's been lucky enough to play a wide variety of characters but his comedic roles outnumber others. The beloved character of Wash in the short-lived series, 'Firefly', could "thread a needle" with the space ship Serenity but also liked to play with his toy dinosaurs.
It's no surprise he found himself cast in 'Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story' as a pirate or 'Knocked Up' as a pretentious television executive. However, his turn as Simon Smith in 'Death at a Funeral' was comic genius at work, and very different from the angry character of Wat Falhurst from 'A Knight's Tale'.
Though Tudyk's comedy skills are second-to-none, he's also proven he can hold his own in drama. His small part in '3:10 to Yuma' was inferior to none of the big name performances. It was his participation in 'I, Robot' that proved his dramatic abilities. He studied movement disciplines and developed a voice to bring the robot, Sonny, to life.¹ Though he donned green spandex for filming and his face never appears on screen, his features do. The hope you see on Sonny's face is the emotion Tudyk showed during production.
Ribisi Provides Laughter and Tears
Giovanni Ribisi began his career as a child in various television roles. The funny, cute kid from 'My Two Dads', 'Blossom' and 'The Wonder Years' metamorphosed into a disturbed and scary Darren Peter Oswald in the 'The X Files' episode D.P.O.
His characters have been varied the past twenty-five years. He's been mentally challenged in 'The Other Sister', a cocky car thief in 'Gone in Sixty Seconds' and Phoebe's dimwitted half brother on the series 'Friends'. Each performance considered high caliber.
Although Ribisi leans toward dramatic roles, he's proven he can do action, romance and comedy just as well. That's why directors Tom Tykwer, Sofia Coppola and Sam Raimi cast him.
LaBeouf Recognizes the Benefits of Variation
Like Ribisi, Shia LaBeouf began his career with small television roles until he hit the big time as Louis Stevens in the Disney hit 'Even Stevens'. The show ran from 1999 to 2003. He fit the role of Louis so well he became typecast as a smart mouthed kid. Although he proved there was more to his abilities with his role in 'Holes' he was offered and took bit parts in 'I, Robot', 'Constantine' and 'Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle'; all of which highlighted his smart-mouthed persona.
After 'The Greatest Game Ever Played' showed another side to the young actor, he fought for a shot at the film 'A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints'.² His efforts gained critical recognition for his performance. He followed up with a smaller role in 'Bobby' and a lead in the Hitchcock Rear Window remake, 'Disturbia'.
With action films 'Transformers' and 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' under his belt, LaBeouf has proven he can fit into any role.
Are They Alone?
Diverse actors aren't rare - we need only look closely to find deep wells of talent. Keep your eyes open; the superstars of today are worthy of our attention but spread your focus a bit. The lovable sidekick in the latest action film could be a future Academy Award winner.
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