American funnyman Steve Carell will take a big risk in front of American audiences this weekend when he makes his dramatic debut as the millionaire murdering madman, John du Pont, in ‘Foxcatcher.’ Actors who can make an audience laugh are quite rare, yet many of them are determined to take on serious roles. Why are they so intent on giving up on such a unique talent? Michael Keaton as Batman, Robin Williams in ‘One Hour Photo’ and ‘Insomnia,’ Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader in ‘The Skeleton Twins,’ Adam Sandler in ‘Punch Drunk Love,’ Jim Carrey in ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ -- When did it work? When did it fall flat and why? What’s your favorite “break-type” actor or film?
Guests:
Amy Nicholson, film critic for KPCC and chief film critic for LA Weekly
Henry Sheehan, film critic for KPCC and CriticsAGoGo.com