10 Best Movie Villains Played By Comedians

Of all the comedians to jump to dramatic territory, Steve Carell didn't seem to be a top choice. He'd been a fan favourite in projects like 'The US Office' and '40-Year-Old Virgin', but it seemed like he'd reached a peak as a performer. But then, he shocked the world by taking on the real-life role of John Du Pont and even earning himself an Oscar nomination. Not too bad for Michael Scott.

'Foxcatcher' is a taut true story, based on the infamously eccentric millionaire John Du Pont, who attempted to create an unbeatable Olympic wrestling team named 'Foxcatcher'. It doesn't take long before John's dangerous tendencies become apparent, and Carell does a masterful job bringing this to life.

His typical over-the-top energy is traded for quiet and reserved stoicism, which makes him far more believable and intimidating. Seeing him slowly losing his grip on sanity is terrifying and ends in a shocking climax which is hard to believe genuinely happened.

This was a true career reviver for Carell and is a remarkable example of how simply changing your acting presence can make you seem like an entirely new person.