Wednesday, September 15, 2010

By The Numbers: Bill Murray

Bill Murray is like ice cream. You know there have to be people out there who don't like ice cream. You just hope they don't live too near you. And if any of you fall into this category, I don't wish to offend, I just would like to ask you one question: What did ice cream do to you?

First a quick rundown of how this all works for those who are new.

I take all the films an actor or actress has been in and break them down into three categories, 'Good' 'Bad' and 'Ok.' I do not count TV appearances or Made for TV movies. Afterwards a quick analysis will show whether or not they're a good actor by the numbers. Invariably there is a 2-3 +/- point bias on a person to person basis. Also, since 'ok' movies are not bad they count towards the positive column in the overall figuring. If, by the numbers, they fall in the 50 - 60% range, they're a bad actor; 61 - 70% good actor, and 71 - 80% great actor. Anything higher is unlikely, but will be classified as "elite."


But enough talk. Let's find out if we're justified in liking ice cream:




Quite frequently with comedians you run into a low percentage of good movies. Just because you're funny doesn't mean you can act. In the case of Bill Murray, he's always had that added depth he could bring to a performance. As he's gotten older he's shown his incredible flexibility with roles, taking parts that are different from things he's done before. He's also one that doesn't just take any role, which means fewer mistakes. As it stands, with 70% positive over 30% negative, Bill Murray is officially a good actor. Another couple of good films and he'll move up into the greats.


Two people requested Bill Murray, so thanks to Chuck and Brad  for this week's pick!

18 comments:

  1. I love Bill Murray.
    Did you ever catch the 'lounge lizard' act he used to do on SNL? Probably not, I don't think you were even born yet...
    By the way, I love the way you have organized your pages now!

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  2. It's true that he's been in a lot of good movies and almost got himself an oscar. Of course his time on SNL is legend. I still don't like the guy. I think it's because in "real life" the man is a total jerk...

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  3. I'd say this is accurate for his movies. After I heard how difficult he was when making "Charlie's Angels," I've been turned off to him.

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  4. WOW!!! I think that's your most successful star yet.

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  5. I don't know how or why, but my mother hates Bill Murray. Okay, I know how. His chin can be disturbing to some people, I get that. But his forehead more than makes up for it, I would think. Anyway, he's done two films that are on my top ten comedy list, so either he's lucky, or as the all-wise TS Hendrik has concluded, he's a good actor.

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  6. I liked him on SNL and What About Bob. That is one of my all time fave movies.

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  7. he looks awful in that picture. SNL was his highlight

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  8. he looks awful in that picture. SNL was his highlight

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  9. Bill Murray is probably my favorite comic actor. The range of movies he has done and the nuances of his roles are just brilliant. There are still several I have not seen but have added to my BB queue.

    By far, my favorite all-time movie of his is Where The Buffalo Roam. Just thinking about it makes want to go watch it. If you never have, give it a look.

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  10. I have been forced, ok not forced but I sat quietly many times and watched several of his shows with the husband. I am a Christmas movie person and I love Scrooged.

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  11. I agree. How can anyone not like ice cream or Bill Murray? He does look close the grave in that picture, though. Perhaps you need to feature him in a non-obits.
    xoRobyn

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  12. Bill Murray is great. Scrooged and Groundhog Day are two of my favorites, and his cameo in Zombieland was hilarious.

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  13. Good, because I do like ice cream! He was great in Zombieland. Still say his best role was Stripes.

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  14. I always knew I was mathematically justified in liking the guy. Can't say I'm too fond of these sad Wes Anderson roles he takes on where he just looks depressed. I miss manic Bill Murray!

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  15. I think one of his best lines was when asked about if he had any regrets in (don't want to give it away in case people haven't seen his surprise cameo in this movie) - and he said, "one ... garfield."

    I'm surprised he did as well as he did ... I was sure he'd turned out more crap than that. ha.

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  16. Oh wait - someone gave it away above. And here I was being all pointlessly cryptic (my favorite kind of cryptic).

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  17. Some people have Jeff Bridges for their Dude, but Bill Murray will always be my Dude. Just...freaking...GREAT!

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