Will Ferrell: 5 Awesome Performances And 5 That Sucked
3. Harold Crick - Stranger Than Fiction (2006)
Harold Crick is just your average IRS auditor, living his life in a perfect routine dictated by his wristwatch. But one day, he hears a God-like voice narrating his every action, and his therapist (Dustin Hoffman) suggests that maybe he's a character in a novel and that he should listen to the narration to determine whether or not his story is tragic. Turns out it is; the film also shows the author's side of the story, one Kay Eiffel (Emma Thompson) struggling with writers block, trying to kill off the character of Harold. Shattered by this realisation, Harold tries to make the most of his life (or rather, what has been written into his character) and pursues a love interest with an attractive client named Ana (Maggie Gyllenhaal). While not achieving the acclaim that Carrey did with Eternal Sunshine (as well as the resultant change in judgement of his talent), Ferrell gained attention here for his surprising skill at playing a serious role for once. Harold's story is ridiculous and comic, yet the film smartly downplays the humour enough to give the character a more sympathetic edge. Ferrell is therefore left with half of what he's best at, which is being a socially awkward loser. But this isn't as restrictive as it might sound; it allows this side of the actor to flourish. Ferrell maintains the effective deadpan that made his role of Ricky Bobby so good, but this is a much more touching performance than what we're used to, and Ferrell effectively portrays a man who is trying to make the most of a terrible deal, knowing it might be too little too late. When Ana asks him if it's illegal for an IRS auditor to have a relationship with a client, Harold replies "I don't care" in a tone of voice that completely lacks energy or hope yet still sounds like a burst of self-esteem. He's not wishing, he's just doing, because he knows there's nothing else left. Those three words instantly formed one of the most striking moments in Ferrell's career.
