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- Buried Is a One-Man Show for Ryan Reynolds
- Ryan Reynolds Earned Rave Reviews for His Performance in Buried
As a cinephile who has seen my fair share of films, I must say that Ryan Reynolds’ performance in Buried left me utterly spellbound. Coming from someone who usually prefers his dose of humor with a side of superheroes, this film was a refreshing departure for the talented actor.
This summer and year are going exceptionally well for Ryan Reynolds, largely due to the extraordinary success of the films Deadpool & Wolverine. These movies have seamlessly integrated the character into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, amassing over a billion dollars (and still climbing) in the process. The film showcases Reynold’s strengths that many are familiar with – his impeccable comic delivery and sharp dialogue, which he is renowned for, but it’s important to note that Reynolds has a wider range of talents at his disposal.
2010 saw Ryan Reynolds starring in the survival thriller “Buried,” a rare dramatic role for him that demonstrated his acting versatility beyond just delivering humorous lines. For 95 minutes, viewers find themselves confined with Reynolds in a claustrophobic setting, as he convincingly portrays his character’s increasing desperation in an apparently hopeless situation. The movie didn’t garner significant attention upon its release, but it has since gained appreciation from audiences who appreciate more depth from Reynolds and ponder why he hasn’t revisited such emotions in some of his recent performances.
Buried Is a One-Man Show for Ryan Reynolds
In the movie “Buried,” directed by Rodrigo Cortés and written by Chris Sparling, we follow Paul Conroy (played by Reynolds), an American civilian in Iraq, who unexpectedly finds himself trapped inside a wooden coffin after an attack. Despite possessing items like a BlackBerry phone, a lighter, and a pen, these resources prove insufficient to extricate him from a predicament that gradually grows more and more dire.
A significant portion of the movie revolves around the escalating sense of confinement experienced by the character Paul, trapped in a limited area. However, the viewers are provided with hints that reveal how he ended up in this predicament. Initially, Paul was one among many who fell victim to a terrorist attack. As he unsuccessfully attempted to contact emergency services, the FBI, and his workplace for assistance, his captors reached out to him, threatening that if he didn’t pay a $5 million ransom, he would perish within the coffin. Over time, Paul discovers a set of instructions he must follow if he calls for help, as well as other items in his possession like a knife, glowsticks, and a flask.
Because Buried is mostly set in a single location, Paul emerges as the sole character whom viewers can identify with, and this enables spectators to share his feelings of isolation and claustrophobia. The film’s structure is remarkably clever in that it seems less like watching a movie and more like living through Paul’s ordeal.
In this scene, the viewers aren’t already familiar with every aspect of Paul’s situation, instead learning alongside him. This heightens the emotional bond between Paul, the character, and the audience, as well as Reynolds and the viewers. Unlike in many of Reynolds’ previous roles, there are no comedic elements or witty lines; it’s a serious portrayal that allows him to fully immerse himself into the character. As a result, Paul appears incredibly genuine, and the audience never senses that Reynolds is acting. Instead, they become deeply engaged in Paul’s struggle for survival.
A significant part of the movie “Buried” relies on the portrayal of Reynolds and the mounting gravity of his predicament. The simple act of trapping Paul within a coffin, which is already a horrifying ordeal, would be enough to generate tension. However, external factors also contribute to the rising suspense. For example, a snake slithers into the coffin with Paul, intensifying his escalating fear of confined spaces. In another scene, an explosion occurs near where he’s buried, causing the coffin to crack and allowing sand to seep into the box over time.
As a movie enthusiast, I won’t be giving away the end of this 2010 film “Buried” because the real magic lies in experiencing its conclusion personally. The ending holds a clever twist, and it’s during these final scenes that Ryan Reynolds delivers some truly remarkable performances. His portrayal is raw and exposed, shedding the humor we’re used to, which makes his acting all the more impactful. Watching Reynolds’ range in “Buried” leaves me wishing he’d showcase such depth more often in other roles.
Ryan Reynolds Earned Rave Reviews for His Performance in Buried
Initially screened at the Sundance Film Festival in 2010, the film “Buried” was later acquired by Lionsgate for distribution. Regrettably, its financial success was modest, earning just $1 million domestically and $19.4 million globally. However, critics appreciated the movie, particularly Ryan Reynolds’ acting performance. On Rotten Tomatoes, it garnered an impressive 87%, with critics praising it as a “nerve-wracking showcase for Ryan Reynolds’ talent.” In his 10/10 review on IGN, Chris Tilly commended Reynolds, calling him a “surprising” and “revelatory” actor given the roles he typically takes on.
The success or failure of this film heavily depends on the acting of its lead character, Cortés, and Ryan Reynolds delivers an exceptional performance that stands out. Known for lighter comedies and underwhelming superhero movies up until now, Reynolds’ role in Buried is a surprising and impressive transformation.
It’s easy to see why Reynolds has made a career out of his signature humor. It has given him a pretty lucrative career, and even though some critics may have said it has gotten a bit old, most moviegoers seem to be all in on having a laugh with the charismatic actor. That being said, he has room to give audiences varied performances, as he showcased in Buried, a testament to how far he can go dramatically when the material calls for it. He doesn’t always have to give us a Deadpool or The Proposal, sometimes he can dig just a bit deeper. Buried is streaming on Tubi and Amazon Freevee.
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2024-09-19 23:03