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Numerousactorshave initially become synonymous with a specific genre or institute their unique brand name , only to later on defy first moment and regain renewed success in mellow - profile theatrical role . Whether detain to comedic characters , endorse use , or clichéd franchises , some actors have conk out free from their typical molds with remarkable and surprising performance . A deliberate career shift or a collaboration with some of thebest directors of all timeare some of the ways actor have found to redefine their careers .
Some of those examples even run on to win Oscars , fundamentally altering the trajectory of their later careers . Others experience vocation revitalisation after spending time out of the limelight , gaining Modern coevals of fan and renewed respectfulness in the diligence . Regardless , Hollywood would not be the same had some incredible performers not tried something dissimilar .
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10Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man
Tony Stark/Iron Man
Robert Downey Jr. ’s prima character as the original nerve of the Marvel Cinematic Universe had a unplumbed impact on both his calling and the diligence . Although he had received acclaim in the recent 1980s and realize anOscar nomination for his titular role inChaplinin the former ' 90s , the ending of the century marked a point of personal struggle for Downey Jr. His magnetic performance as the ace billionaire completely redefine his career and made Iron Man into a daddy cultivation icon . The role not only showcased his talent but also symbolized a Modern root for his career , withDowney Jr. becoming one of the highest - gross actors of all time .
9Jim Carrey in Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
Joel Barish
After establishing himself with his broad forcible drollery chops that took over the world throughout the nineties , Jim Carrey demonstrated a floor of nuance and profoundness in his role in Charlie Kaufman and Michel Gondry ’s unlawful romance that proved a major departure from his predominantly zany previous work . The film showcased a side of Carrey that many had not seen before , earning him nomination for a BAFTA and a Golden Globe . The role highlight his striking orbit and reveal his power to handle complex , worked up material .
8Robert Pattinson in Good Time
Constantine “Connie” Nikas
After effortlessly portray the enigmatic vampire Edward Cullen in theTwilightfranchise , Pattinson receive important succeeder collaborate with independent filmmakers . In 2016 , the offense dramaGood Timemarked a notable shift for Pattinson , with many take for it a career - right performance . Pattinson underwent a terminated translation , probably turning into a heroic bank robber and bear - and - raised New Yorker , delivering a functioning that showcased shocking humanity and an intensely anxious vitality . The role emphasise that he was a actual talent with a preference for transmute into his roles and for channel real excited deepness .
7Tom Cruise in Magnolia
Frank T.J. Mackey
While Cruise had take on dramatic role before , it was his performances in two 1999 releases , Stanley Kubrick’sEyes Wide Shutand Paul Thomas Anderson’sMagnolia , that really revealed to cosmopolitan audiences his depth and natural endowment beyond his typically charming characters . InMagnolia , Cruise occupy on the part of the misogynistic ego - help guru Frank Mackey . The character ’s complexity and vulnerability showcased a side of Cruise far slay from the heroic action office he had predominantly taken on prior . The rolerevealed Cruise as a versatile talent , able to be compelling without the flairs of writing style - labored films , and earned him the film ’s only act nomination at the Oscars .
6Adam Sandler in Uncut Gems
Howard Ratner
5Charlize Theron in Monster
Aileen “Lee” Wuornos
Charlize Theron ’s portrayal of a real - life American serial cause of death in the 2003 filmMonsternot only garner significant kudos but also garner the South African player the Academy Award for Best Actress . In contrast to her previous roles in wild-eyed comedies , activeness flick , and thriller , Monsterallowed Theron to showcase her versatility and dramatic acquirement . Theron ’s vivid and discomforting portrayal , and complete immersion into the theatrical role , limit the movie . The transformative nature of her role inMonstermarked a turning point in her sensing , highlighting Theron ’s heavy capacity for inhabit unequalled characters with real deepness .
4John Travolta in Pulp Fiction
Vincent Vega
Despite being a meaning figure in 1970s megahit , Travolta ’s vocation had experienced a decline in the years leading up to the release ofPulp Fiction . Quentin Tarantino ’s decision to cast Travolta brought the role player back into the spotlight and reacquainted audiences with his unique screen presence . The part not only allowed Travolta to showcase his playact art but also provided an chance to cave in off from his other heartthrob image , depict a more puzzling type . This going bring in him an Oscar nominating speech for Best Actor , in addition to revitalizing his standing in the moving-picture show industry .
3Leslie Nielsen in Airplane!
Dr. Rumack
Before his role in the crash - smash comedyAirplane ! , Nielsen ’s career primarily consisted of dramatic persona in film and goggle box . After look for a changeover into clowning , Nielsen find the perfect vehicle to showcase his comedic timing and natural endowment for deadpan legal transfer . In his personation of the somber and overly serious Dr. Rumack inAirplane ! , one of the best comedies of all time , Nielsen skillfully lampoon the types of " serious " roles he had antecedently play . The role alter the trajectory of his calling , result to a string of successful clowning roles that define the latter one-half of his career .
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2Brendan Fraser In The Whale
Charlie
After cementing himself as a Hollywood star in the nineties and other 2000s before being fail by the manufacture , Brendan Fraser ostensibly disappeared from the spotlight , making only sporadic movie releases with assorted reception . However , Fraser made a prideful return in 2022 with his role as an English teacher with unhealthy weight struggling to repair his family relationship with his girl before his death inThe Whale . The movieearned Fraser an Oscar for Best Actor . The role not only brought Fraser back into the glare in a major way but also showcased that he was far more than a passing window dressing of 90s film , or else proving him to be a truly gifted striking thespian .
1Matthew McConaughey in Dallas Buyers Club
Ron Woodroof
Before impersonate the real - lifetime Woodroof , McConaughey was primarily known for his magnetic presence in action films and romantic comedy . In an exploit to shift this perceptual experience and pursue more challenging roles , the actor made a deliberate decision to turn down undertaking , extend to a two - yr hiatus from oeuvre . Upon his return to the covert , one of his first major use was as Ron Woodroof who , during the AIDS epidemic , smuggle unlicensed pharmaceutic into Texas . For this transformative character , McConaughey lose nearly 50 pound . However , it was his astonishingly compassionate and attached performance that unfeignedly resist out . This portrayalearned McConaughey the Academy Award for Best Actor .
