Mount Rushmore - Serious Steve Carrell Film's

Steve Carell: a man who only landed his breakout role in his 40s but has dominated the on-screen comedic landscape ever since. With award-winning shows like "The Office," "Anchorman," and "Despicable Me," it's hard to have lived the last 20 years without encountering his work. He is brilliant in everything he does, including "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," "Get Smart," and his long-standing connection to "Saturday Night Live."

Carell is a king of comedy, known for his quick humour, hilariously expressive performances, and impeccable timing. However, his talents extend beyond comedy. He has also portrayed compelling roles filled with emotional and nuanced depth. He was nominated for Best Actor by the Academy for his first major serious role in "Foxcatcher." This role marked the beginning of his recognition as a versatile actor capable of handling more dramatic parts.

Since then, critics, producers, and filmgoers alike have recognised his range. Over the years, Carell has taken on leading and supporting roles, proving that he is not a one-trick pony and has much more to offer.

Steve Carell has dominated our screens for the better part of the last two decades, and no one is complaining. Just turning 60, it's a sliding door moment where one might wish Hollywood had discovered this talent far sooner. Nevertheless, we are thankful for his legacy. "The Office" is considered one of the best-crafted comedy shows of all time, with Carell's role being integral to its success. Many fans believe the show dropped off after his departure.

Without further ado, here are my top 4 serious Steve Carell films, in no particular order:

Little Miss Sunshine

An endearing, dark comedy that blurs the lines of laughter, quirkiness, and sadness, "Little Miss Sunshine" is an indie classic with one of the great ensemble casts: a young Paul Dano, Alan Arkin, Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, Abigail Breslin, and, of course, Steve Carell.

We meet Frank Ginsburg, Steve Carell’s character, at the hospital after a suicide attempt, setting a dark tone for his role. However, the distraction of family brings an air of lightness to him as this kooky cast of individuals embarks on the journey to crown Olive as Little Miss Sunshine. It’s one of those heartwarming films that’ll make you laugh, cry, and feel everything in between.

Technically a comedy, this role from Steve Carell is far more nuanced than his previous ones and more reserved than you’ve ever seen him. From start to finish, "Little Miss Sunshine" is fantastic and showcases Carell's ability to blend humour with deep, emotional complexity.

Beautiful Boy

Heartbreaking, devastating, and informative, "Beautiful Boy" speaks to the truth about real-life issues and familial relationships. It’s a story of a father and son trying to find love, respect, and connection, all within a cloud of drug-induced confusion.

The film boasts an incredible soundtrack, featuring an original track from my personal Mount Rushmore artist, Sampha. His song captures the angst, heartbreak, and devastation that accompany the deterioration and pursuit of harmony depicted in the movie.

Timothée Chalamet and Steve Carell are so compelling on screen that they draw you into their world, making you feel every emotional beat. The film offers a captivating take on the struggles of drug addiction and the complexities of navigating relationships—not just with the drug, but with the human being controlled by it.

Steve Carell’s performance is a masterful blend of sternness, vulnerability, respect, and forgiveness. "Beautiful Boy" is a tough watch, but it’s a film embedded deep in my memory for its powerful portrayal of a painful yet profoundly human experience.

The Big Short

An Adam McKay classic, "The Big Short" depicts the fall of Wall Street and the consequential global financial crisis of 2009. This biographical crime-comedy-drama is funny, intelligent, witty, yet brutally realistic in its portrayal of institutionalised crime and evasion in the finance world. The saying rings true: "Everyone is equal, but some are more equal than others"—that's the way the finance world seems to operate.

This film boasts one of the great ensemble casts, with numerous cameos throughout to keep you guessing. The frequent fourth-wall breaks, Ryan Gosling's brilliance, and deeply knowledgeable dialogue will educate and confuse you at the same time.

Mark Baum, Steve Carell’s character, is part of a group that discovers the precarious situation with triple-A credits and hedges their bets on its collapse. Carell leads this operation, which leads to several tough confrontations. His performance in this role is a brilliant addition to his acting repertoire and one that definitely doesn’t go unnoticed. "The Big Short" is a masterful blend of humour and drama, shedding light on the complexities of the financial world while keeping you thoroughly entertained.

Foxcatcher

"Foxcatcher" is where Carell goes dark—really dark. As John du Pont, he’s almost unrecognisable, donning a prosthetic nose and a chilling demeanour. This isn’t the Steve Carell who makes you laugh until your sides hurt; this is the Steve Carell who makes you deeply uncomfortable with his eerie portrayal of a disturbed billionaire. His performance is nothing short of mesmerising, proving that Carell can tackle roles that are as far from Michael Scott as you can get. It’s creepy, it’s compelling, and it’s a testament to his incredible range.

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I have to give a special mention to what might be the best rom-com of all time, "Crazy, Stupid, Love." This film features one of the best final scenes ever, with the name David Lindhagen forever engraved in my mind, and even the word "asshole" now has a distinct Marisa Tomei ring to it.

Steve Carell and Ryan Gosling are at the peak of their powers in this movie. Their chemistry is electric, and the film is truly exceptional. I couldn’t quite squeeze it into my list, but it should be noted as an outstanding example of the genre.

"Crazy, Stupid, Love." is a timeless classic, blending humor, romance, and unforgettable moments in a way that few other films can. It's a movie that never gets old, and if you haven't seen it yet, you're missing out on a needed laughter.

Also Evan Almighty. For me it's brilliant, but please discuss below...