FRC Feature – The Rise of John C. Reilly
John C. Reilly is one of those actors that has kind of slipped into the foreground, but it was not by accident, he has been slowly emerging for years, Scott takes a look at his career.
Carnage, a film coming out on DVD and Blu-ray June 18 is a comedy-drama starring John C Reilly alongside Kate Winslet, Jodie Foster, and Christoph Waltz. After being forced to settle a dispute between their sons the two New York couples end up putting all of their personal issues out on the table in a single afternoon. Reilly, who plays an over-accommodating husband opposite Foster, brings both his comedic and drama skills to the film creating an exceptional dynamic between the cast. Here is a closer look at Reilly and his most prominent moments in film.
John Christopher Reilly, an American born actor best known to some for his roles in comedies such as Step Brothers and Talladega Nights has continuously proven that he can stand his ground next to the top drama professionals in films. Playing a middle aged man still living in his parents home, Reilly brought audiences into 98 minutes of continuous laughter alongside fellow funny-man Will Ferrell.
Since making his cinema debut in the 1989 drama Casualties of War Reilly has gone back and forth between slapstick comedies to dramas time and time again. Most recently his work in the Roman Polanski comedy-drama Carnage gave him the opportunity to work with the drama veterans Kate Winslet and Jodie Foster.
Reilly has been able to defy the odds by playing “regular Joe” characters while still making women fall in love with him at the same time. As Amos Hart, husband to Roxie Hart in Chicago, Reilly made his pitiful character lovable and had audiences rooting for him. He even got to show off some of his musical capabilities as well.
Getting his start in the theater Reilly has since transitioned from the stage to the big screen. He then went on to play some of his most impressive roles in films such as a porn star in Boogie Nights, a war sergeant in A Thin Red Line, and a business executive in The Aviator. It was for his role in the musical Chicago that he received nominations for Best Supporting Actor for the Golden Globes and Academy Awards.
Coming full circle, Reilly’s performance in Carnage has proven to be top notch and his strong background in comedy helps add another dimension to this drama film. And whether you realize it or not it is very likely that John C. Reilly has made an appearance in the films that you have come to love.
Carnage is released on Blu-ray & DVD 18th June 2012
CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW OF THE FILM HERE
About The Author – Scott Lawlor
Chief Editor of FRC. A self confessed geek with an unhealthy thirst for all things Home Cinema. Whether it is the latest Action film or Subwoofer. Check out his home set up HERE
Are you a fan of John C. Reilly? What is you favourite role he has played? Comment below…
Scott Lawlor
I’ve really liked all of his serious movies, and really disliked all of his comedies. I can’t get a read on the guy in general. I want to like him for stuff like Boogie Nights, The Aviator, Magnolia, probably We Need to Talk About Kevin (which I’m still waiting, and dying, to see)… but his comedies do nothing for me. In fact, that he’s worked with Tim & Eric makes me actively dislike him. But then I’ll see one of his non-comedies and I’ll like him again.
Thanks for reading John, I agree his dramatic offerings work the best for me too!
I think what I really like about John C Reilly is you never have any expectations about his character. He never seems to play the same guy, he is the least typecast guy ever. I think my favourite role is as Amos Hart in Chicago.
You are so right. he is great at showing different sides
Hi Scott. Nice summary. I’m surprised you didn’t mention Cyrus or We need to talk about Kevin. Again showing his flexibility as an actor.
And don’t listen to John above as his character Dr Steve Brule from Tim & Eric is gold, plus his sketch work for the funnyordie website is also brilliant. One of my favourite roles of his is the dodgy policeman Happy Jack in Scorcese’s Gangs of New York.
I haven’t seen Cyrus yet, but I am absolutely gutted I forgot KEVIN. I loved that film.
Legend! The film where I really took notice of him was The Perfect Storm. The scenes with him and his kid were very emotional. He’s a fantastic actor and I love his recent comedy stuff! Great range, give him an Oscar (if all he’s got is noms!)
I am with you Pete… Oscar for Reilly!!!
Great article Scott! I am a big John C Reilly fan, he is a fantastic comedic actor but I also adore his more dramatic turns. I thought carnage was brilliant although Boogie Nights is probably my favourite of his roles. He doesn’t have a large part but his performance in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? was what first made me take notice of him.
Thanks Tom, I am super glad you enjoyed the piece!!
Big fan of Mr. Reilly. The man can do it all, and he’s always entertaining no matter what movie. Last year’s Cedar Rapids was hilarious, mostly because of him.
Ah yes I remember that film… he was hilarious in that one!!
I don’t really have an opinion for Mr. Riley, but you’re right his career is certainly on the rise. I didn’t even remember he was in Chicago, I think all i remember in that film was Queen Latifah
I understand Ruth, but watch this space!! He may not as pretty as Fassy, but he is ultra talented
We Need to Talk About Kevin is the last I saw of Reilly and although he stayed in the background for the most parts, he has the ability to be remembered and he looks like a sweet actor. I would actually prefer him in more serious roles, but Carnage looks to be something in between comedy and drama.
Nice article!