Jim Carrey is celebrated worldwide as a master comedian, but his forays into dramatic roles deserve equal recognition. Here’s a look at his top four dramatic performances, showcasing a depth and versatility that go far beyond his comedic roots.
4. Kidding (2017–2020)
This unique two-season drama follows a children’s television host whose personal life is falling apart. After losing his son and watching his wife leave him for someone else, he spirals into depression. It’s a tough and even brutal drama, with Carrey drawing on his own internal struggles to deliver a deeply emotional performance.
3. The Majestic (2001)
From the writer of The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile, this drama stars Carrey as a man who loses his memory and ends up in a small provincial town. There, he rediscovers himself and attempts to restore the local cinema. But secrets can’t stay hidden forever. Though the film was a box-office failure and received negative reviews at the time, it has aged well and is now viewed more favorably.
2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
This sci-fi romantic drama, with its wintry atmosphere, tells the story of two former lovers who decide to erase all memories of each other using a scientific procedure. But memory is far more complex than it seems. The film won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, with outstanding performances by Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey
1. The Truman Show (1998)
Truman Burbank has unknowingly been the star of a reality show since birth. This extraordinary film is primarily about growing up, with a grand and metaphorical ending. It’s ironic that Jim Carrey, known for his constant comedic antics, plays the only sincere and genuinely likable character who isn’t pretending to be someone else.
