There are those movies that feature actors so good at hiding in plain sight that you have to look twice and even three times in some cases to figure out that it’s them. And then there are times when you have trouble understanding the reasoning behind an actor taking a specific role largely because it seems so out of character compared to everything else they’ve done. The unconventional roles for certain actors are usually the ones that get them noticed however, or are the ones that just kind of roll off the collective consciousness of the audience until they watch again and get a better look. In any case it’s fairly impressive to watch actors step out of their comfort zones and take on new roles that they don’t normally occupy.
So did you know these people were in these roles? Or did it take you a while to find out?
5. Emma Thompson in Harry Potter
Admit it, behind those Coke-bottle lenses that could probably see all the way to Saturn you didn’t really see Emma Thompson at all until you started watching her facial expressions, did you? Her voice and her expressions were definitely the kicker for finally discovering what the credits would have told you anyway. With the headband and the frizzy hair and the glasses it was indeed kind of hard to tell who she was. But that’s why she was so perfect, she pulled off the eccentric Professor Trelawney better than anyone else could have.
4. Charlize Theron in Monster
To be honest I don’t even think Aileen Wurnous looked quite this bad. Theron took this look to the bank and back despite the mixed reviews for the film. This kind of dedication is just impressive when attempting to make a character look as bad as they possibly can. Theron looks absolutely horrid in this film and it definitely fits with the plot and the life of Wurnous even if it was or wasn’t true to form.
3. Jon Voight in Ali
As Howard Cosell, Voight was absolutely brilliant. His on screen chemistry with Will Smith was awesome and his potrayal of the legendary sportscaster was almost spot on. Jon Voight is the kind of guy that really gets into his role not just with the acting, but with the look as you can see here. Look a little harder and you’ll really see him past the getup. It takes a moment, but he’s there.
2. Marlon Brando-The Island of Dr. Moreau
Without trying offend anyone or offer any disrespect to the late Marlon Brandeau, he looked like a warped version of the Stay Puft marshmallow man in this getup. Once he started talking you knew it was him, but the clothing, the face covering, and everything else was just kind of over the top in a way that made the audience kind of cock their heads to the side and say “huh?”.
1. Ben Kingsley-Ender’s Game
He’s done so many roles now that it’s hard to believe that there’s anything he couldn’t do. Playing a half-Maori soldier in Ender’s Game almost seemed like the type of role that would be a major faux pas in someone’s career if they weren’t at least close to being related to someone of that race, but Kingsley pulled it off remarkably well. Why? He’s a great actor and cares more about the acting than the actual part he’s playing. He knows how to be respectful to the role and he knows how to make it work.
So how long did it take you recognize the first three? The last two were fairly simple really, it was just a matter of wondering why why would take such roles.
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