There are only a handful of names in Hollywood whom people consider comedy legends, and Jim Carrey is undoubtedly among them. When Carrey is in a scene, there’s nothing that can distract viewers from soaking in all the amazing talent he brings.
However, Steve Carell is another standout who has earned his place as a legend. From his work in The Office to Despicable Me, he has proven himself to be not only a skilled actor but also a fantastic comedian. His mastery of physical comedy is unmatched, particularly evident in scenes like the one from Bruce Almighty, which some believe should have earned him an Oscar.
Steve Carell Deserves an Oscar for This Scene
When revisiting the comedic gem of Bruce Almighty, one standout scene that consistently leaves audiences roaring with laughter is the newscaster scene with Steve Carell‘s Evan Baxter. Jim Carrey‘s Bruce, who was bestowed with divine powers, manipulates Evan with who he has an ongoing feud.
In the scene, Bruce uses his special powers to control Evan’s live news broadcast. He first alters Evan’s voice to a comically high-pitched Woody Woodpecker style, adding a layer of absurdity to the serious news delivery. Then, Bruce mischievously modifies the teleprompter, causing Evan to unwittingly utter nonsensical blabbers.
Carell’s portrayal captures Evan’s embarrassment and helplessness perfectly, evoking both sympathy and endless laughter from viewers both the audience and as evident from behind-the-scenes footage, the crew present on set.
This scene deserves an Oscar pic.twitter.com/Pw2Q6ypqe4
— Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) June 20, 2024
This iconic scene not only showcases Jim Carrey’s comedic genius but also highlights Steve Carell’s remarkable talent for physical and situational comedy. Its impact was so huge that Carell’s character, Evan, became a beloved figure in the film’s legacy, leading to his own spin-off sequel, Evan Almighty, several years later.
Why Steve Carell is an Absolute Comedic Genius
Steve Carell’s comedic brilliance is evident in the various roles that span both television and film. Take his portrayal of Michael Scott in The Office, where he transforms the mundane life in the office into a playground of absurdity and awkwardness. Through Michael’s clueless yet adorable antics, Carell is probably the only one who could turn everyday workplace scenarios into hilarious comedy.
In Anchorman, another gem, that has found a whole new audience through meme culture, Carell plays Brick Tamland, whose utter lack of awareness and bizarre comments turn most ordinary scenes into laugh-out-loud moments. Carell’s ability to portray such eccentric characters with genuine sincerity and such perfect comedic timing just goes to show his mastery of the craft.
Beyond these iconic roles, Carell’s comedic genius extends to his knack for improvisation and his subtle yet effective use of physical comedy. Whether delivering deadpan one-liners or slapstick humor, he consistently delivers performances that leave audiences in stitches. Steve Carell finds humor in the ordinary and creates characters that are simultaneously absurd and relatable. His contributions to comedy is something that the industry will treasure forever.
Bruce Almighty is available on Apple TV for rent.
