Jim Carrey is often typecast as a comedic hero, but his acting range remains largely unexplored in Hollywood. When given the chance, Carrey proved to be an exceptional performer in projects including Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. The Batman Forever actor also delivered a moving performance in the perfectly cast role of Jeff Piccirillo in the Showtime series, Kidding.
In Kidding, The Mask actor plays a longtime children’s TV show host, grappling with the untimely loss of one of his twins in an accident. Michel Gondry, who previously directed Carrey in Eternal Sunshine, serves as executive producer and director in the series.
Michel Gondry and Jim Carrey Were Longing To Collaborate Again
Michel Gondry and Jim Carrey’s first collaborative effort was a critical hit and grossed $74 million against a budget of $20 million. For the film, Gondry along with fellow writers, Charlie Kaufman and Pierre Bismuth, won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, while Kate Winslet was also nominated for Best Actress. However, Jim Carrey’s performance deserved more recognition, as he remains one of Hollywood’s finest actors never to receive an Oscar nomination.
During an interview with The Guardian, Michel Gondry opened up about working with the Ace Ventura actor on both Eternal Sunshine and Kidding. Gondry, who began his career with French short films, later directed his first feature film, Human Nature, starring Tim Robbins. For Gondry, it was easier to connect with Jim Carrey than any other A-list actor. About the Liar Liar actor, The Green Hornet director told The Guardian:
“Carrey is a Hollywood titan who’s prepared to get vulnerable. You look at what they call the A-list and you have all these actors who carry this obligation of being cool. It’s hard for me to identify with them because they are a sort of elite.”
Gondry revealed that they both aspired to work together after their first film, but never found the right script. However, when Dave Holstein wrote the pilot for Kidding, Gondry eagerly took the reins as director to work with Carrey. Holstein, besides being the showrunner, also served as one of the executive producers alongside Gondry.
Michel Gondry Capitalized On Jim Carrey’s Old And Sad Look
Gondry further added that The Truman Show actor has aged and started to look more damaged than when he was his vibrant youthful self in comedic roles. The Mood Indigo director noted that he used to have a “rubber” face, which made it easy to do impressions. The new look on Carrey’s face showed sadness and loneliness, which Gondry capitalized on for the Kidding role. He told The Guardian:
“Jim and I have both aged. He is a bit more damaged. When he started, he had a rubber face. He could imitate people, contract his muscles, just amazing. But as you get older, the skin gets a little more dry, so when he moves you see what’s underneath. He doesn’t really like to see himself like that, but I see little glimpses of sadness, loneliness, and I bring them out.”
Unfortunately, Showtime canceled Kidding after two seasons in 2020, even though the Kick-Ass 2 actor was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance. Carrey’s latest project was the voice role as the main antagonist in Sonic the Hedgehog and its sequel. Currently, the Dumb and Dumber actor is taking a break from Hollywood.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is now available for streaming on Starz. Also, Kidding is now available for rent on AppleTV+.
Source: The Guardian
