ByComic genius, Will Ferrell, has become something of a lightning rod over the past few years. His several gems have been slightly overshadowed by a string of recent sub-par films. But regardless of the overall quality the film, Ferrell’s scenes always seem to hit the right notes. So, I’ve compiled a list of the very best performances in this comic icon’s career:
#5. Zoolander (Mugatu) – Ben Stiller’s riotous indictment of male models and the high-fashion industry wouldn’t be complete without Ferrell playing the sexually ambiguous, narcissistic inventor of the piano key necktie that becomes world famous fashion pioneer, Mugatu. He’s so hot right now.
#4. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (Ricky Bobby) – Cocky, Fast talking, World champion NASCAR driver, Ricky Bobby, is a legend. Women want him, men want to be him. But all that changes when foreign challenger, Jean Girard (Sacha Baron Cohen), storms onto the scene and ruffles Bobby’s feathers. John C. Reilly provides the perfect counterweight to Ferrell’s frenetic hilarity.
#3. Stranger than Fiction (Harold Crick) – Ferrell impressed audiences and critics alike with the only straight-faced role of his career in this Marc Forster-directed piece of literary fantasy. His portrayal of anal, number-savvy, IRS agent, Harold Crick, who finds his inner punk and makes out with Maggie Gyllenhaal, is a surprisingly nuanced and filled out performance.
#2. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (Ron Burgundy) – Ferrell embodies the chauvinistic, top-rated, 1970s San Diego news man, Ron Burgundy. The brilliant ensemble cast frees up Ferrell to stretch his comic muscles and reach the top of his game. The opening narration says it all: “…He was like a god walking amongst mere mortals. He had a voice that could make a wolverine purr and suits so fine they made Sinatra look like a hobo. In other words, Ron Burgundy was the balls.”
#1. Wedding Crashers (Chazz Reinhold) – Perhaps the greatest five minutes and 25 seconds in the history of film comedy. Ferrell’s portrayal of delusional, heartless, apathetic, womanizing slob, Chazz Reinhold, is a glorious achievement. Owen Wilson provides the perfect foil of reason to Ferrell’s psychotic perversions. In only a few short years, this magnificent scene has ascended to legendary status. Ma! Meatloaf!
