10 Best Andy Serkis Performances

10. William Hare - Burke and Hare

This 2010 dark comedy is a rather underappreciated film in the repertoire of its stars. The film boasted an impressive cast of British actors including but not limited to Simon Pegg, Ronnie Corbett, Tim Curry, Christopher Lee and of course Andy Serkis. This well-populated film reconceptualises the infamous Burke and Hare murders of the 1820s and makes a shocking comedy out of it.

The eponymous anti-heroes are portrayed by Simon Pegg (Burke) and Andy Serkis (Hare). We witness the duo grow their grave-robbing business into murder and body selling. The dark backdrop of this buddy comedy makes for a dark and ironic tale that is worth watching.

It's certainly not a perfect film, but within it stands a fantastic outing from Andy Serkis. The dynamic between the two leads sells the project, with Serkis taking on a more manipulative role than Pegg. Driving forward the majority of the ideas, Serkis crafts a simultaneous sense of humour and villainy. Whilst Burke feels reluctant to undergo this morally deplorable act, Hare revels in it and loves his newfound success.

The sense of progression from being a poor grave robber to serial killing mastermind is portrayed effortlessly by Serkis. He plays well into the comedy aspect whilst still giving off a dark edge that carries the narrative.