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| Sid and Nancy they ain't |
There's a special brand (!) of genius behind Russell Brand and Rose Byrne's creations of rockstars Aldous Snow and Jackie Q. We were introduced to Aldous, a once famously sober rockstar, in Forgetting Sarah Marshall (when he used to have sex with Sarah Marshall) and were introduced to Jackie Q in Get Him to the Greek. The foul hilarity that spews forth from their mouths around each other kind of belie the talents they have as actors, but only on the surface. Once you can get past what they're saying, and you can pay attention to how they're saying it, the characters are two of the smartest things to come to film in the last few years. And definite career makers of performances.
And something like this could only be captured on the big screen. The performances, and characters, are too big for anywhere else.
Rose Byrne's audition for Jackie Q in Get Him to the Greek.
This is an actress who has proven her dramatic worth time and time again. For those who are only familiar with her as Jackie Q, please see Wicker Park and Adam as soon as possible. The films might lack a bit, but she's astonishing in both. I was generally a fan of hers until I saw this, and now she's one of my favorites. This is pure comedic gold, in just about every line. Her characterization is instantaneous, bold, and brilliant.
...the finished product.
Right?
As for Russell Brand, it's no secret that the man is funny. He's a stand-up, he's a Shakespearean actor, and he's damn good at improv.
Russell Brand's audition for Aldous Snow in Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
His interpretation of something as simple as "let's go horseback riding" is mind-bogglingly quick. I can't even imagine what a blast it must be to be on set with him. I imagine he might be a taxing person to be around, but he's always a pleasure to watch in anything. I look forward to what he does next. And, honestly? I'd love another Aldous Snow movie.
...the finished product.
Righteous.
The video below is the opening five minutes of Get Him to the Greek. I honestly can't recommend it enough, almost solely for these two characters. Outside of them, though, the film is truly funny and surprisingly deep. Get it.
Aldous Snow and Jackie Q - together.
