Dennis Quaid’s Villain Role: Epic Fail? Happy Face Premiere Shocks Fans!

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Playing a villain offers an authentic sense of enjoyment – it’s quite delightful.” However, you might not immediately associate this sentiment with Dennis Quaid. Known for his long career spanning over five decades, this American actor is recognized primarily for roles in dramas and comedies. Films like “The Parent Trap” from 1998 and “The Rookie” in 2002 showcase his success in these genres. Yet, much like other actors who found themselves typecast, Quaid sought to challenge himself and branch out into new territories where he could truly excel.

In my experience, I’ve occasionally dabbled in horror roles, but the outcomes were often disappointing – take “Pandorum” from 2009 and “The Intruder” in 2019 as examples. Now, I find myself delving into a new true crime drama on Paramount+ titled “Happy Face“. This time, I’m portraying Keith Hunter Jesperson, a chilling real-life serial killer from the early ’90s. Will this role offer me a fulfilling niche as a menacing antagonist? Or is it yet another misstep in my pursuit of such roles? Only time will tell.

‘Happy Face’ Has a Lot of Potential

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In approximately an hour apiece, the initial two episodes of Happy Face were unveiled on March 20th, garnering mixed responses from viewers. The show principally centers around Melissa, the daughter of a notorious murderer portrayed by Annaleigh Ashford, and her struggle to maintain normalcy amidst an extraordinary parent. Meanwhile, Quaid’s Jesperson continues to unsettle viewers from within prison walls. The debut episode, titled “The Confession,” delves into the revelation that Jesperson murdered one additional individual not listed among his known victims, and also hints at who is aware or unaware that Keith is Melissa’s father.

The documentary “Execution of Shame” reveals how Jesperson has wrongfully sent innocent lives to death row, which significantly alters Melissa’s viewpoint regarding public awareness of her involvement with the case. To make it clear, while Ashford, James Wolk (from The Crazy Ones), Tamera Tomakili (Fruitvale Station), and the rest of the cast give commendable performances, Dennis Quaid is the main draw for this series. Regrettably, he fails to project the menacing presence required for a serial killer on television. Instead, his portrayal appears more like a small-time crook who is oblivious to the gravity of his predicament.

Is Dennis Quaid Believable in ‘Happy Face’?

It’s quite possible that the movie is subtly developing the villainous side of Quaid’s character, gradually, under the guise of “Happy Face”. This tactic might be used to make viewers feel at ease with his character initially, so they are shocked later on. Given the emphasis on the father-daughter relationship, this strategy seems reasonable. However, currently, the tension and unease that should be present aren’t evident in the first 20 minutes. A potential error could be the introduction of Jesperson through a phone call, which might have lessened the initial suspense.

He phones the TV studio where Melissa works, asking to meet her face-to-face. The atmosphere should be tense and eerie in an unsettling way. The camera angles should be deliberate and unhurried. The conversation should be careful and concise. Above all, the murderer’s demeanor, even if only audible over a speakerphone, should be measured and strategic. Quaid appears too relaxed.

In a more casual and straightforward style: Jesperson’s informal behavior might have been intended to make us think he’s unstable, but it feels more like harmless banter instead. Even though things improve when Melissa interacts with her father in the following scenes, the overall tone is less tense than expected. Despite hints of danger, Quaid struggles to escalate the situation beyond familiar territory. The odd facial expressions, twisted smiles, and wide eyes only go so far in developing the character. A wider range of emotions should have been explored for a more immersive experience.

This True-Crime Series Needs To Bring the Heat

Remarkably, the second episode features just about a minute of Jesperson; however, he seems more at ease this time compared to earlier. With an ominous smirk, he informs fellow inmates (during their card game outside) that his confession regarding a ninth victim might spare someone else from capital punishment.

He’s in a similar predicament, indeed, seated at a table surrounded by others, yet the chilling air of danger that we all instinctively dread seems to unfold more gracefully. Perhaps it’s due to Quaid being engaged in an activity with his hands, but there appears to be a smoother portrayal of his depraved personality.

It’s evident that the Jesperson we see now is distinct from the one who spoke to Melissa. The sinister portrayal in this brief scene deserves attention. The character’s malevolent demeanor, combined with Quaid’s acting skills, creates an unsettling impression that seems almost deranged. It appears that Quaid is effectively embodying a killer’s psyche, even though it’s still in its early stages. Let’s hope this glimpse of the true Jesperson continues to unfold, enhancing the overall performance and making it more impactful. Happy Face is currently available for streaming on Paramount+, with new episodes dropping every Thursday.

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2025-03-27 05:02