Tommy Lee Jones’ Impressive Portrayal of Mark Twain
The Ridiculous 6, an American Western comedy from 2015, features one of the most iconic comedians in modern day film as its protagonist, Mark Twain. Actress/actor who played this iconic role? None other than the venerable Tommy Lee Jones, who injects life and humor into the part he is playing along with his original take on the beloved personification of the classic American author.
In The Ridiculous 6, they took Twain’s classic knowledge and wit and applied them to a more modern, comedic context. Jones played the role of the iconic author, who could quote Goethe and declare opera a “more musical form than Shakespeare.” Throughout the movie, Twain’s role as an older man of wisdom and experience was explored through tongue-in-cheek situations, as he provided guidance and advice to the younger characters in the movie.
Anyone familiar with Jones’ acting knows he’s a talented and established actor, whose performances often bring in immense levels of poignancy in the roles that he chooses. When it comes to the characters of Mark Twain and him, some of the most memorable interactions from costume design specialist Jessica Hane, who noted that Tommy Lee Jones was perfect for the role. She said, “Tommy Lee Jones was the perfect choice for Mark Twain, he understands the comedic timing of the character and the way he delivers lines.”
In fact, Jones’ tamer acting style clearly lent himself to Twain’s more subtle comedy, often lingering in between each of his sentences to give them room to breathe. He also shared some knowledge with his younger counterparts on occasion, adopting an almost grandfatherly role. Overall, it was the perfect combination of comedy, drama, and a sprinkling of historical knowledge.
Notably, Twain was not just speaking youthful nonsense, but actually uttered some sage quotes. This is where Jones’ delivery stood out, being able to jump seamlessly between Twain’s comedic moments and more serious areas with a voice and facial delivery that seemed to fit the role impeccably.
Of course, Mark Twain was not just a humorous character, but also a character of tremendous mind, an intellectual powerhouse. Jones revealed this through both his dialogue and his delivery: he was able to take everything said and almost resent it, giving the other characters something to think about. The match between character and actor was a match made in heaven, if ever there was one.
Tommy Lee Jones’ Transformation
Tommy Lee Jones has always been a master of transformation, from his multiple roles in more serious films to the lightheartedness of The Ridiculous 6. With each role, Jones managed to inhabit the character of Twain with remarkable ease, finding the right balance between twinkle-eyed humor and wisdom-filled poise.
He relayed the message of the lines he was saying through his subtle facial expressions and body language, allowing the character to speak for himself and take him well beyond what Twain had done before – making him seem larger than life.
The character of Mark Twain often needed to have his wit carry his words, and Jones’ delivery enabled him to interpret Twain’s work with a refreshing perspective on every scene. Jones’ Twain is a unique avatar of the classic philosopher, pushing the boundaries of the world he inhabited and inspiring people to live a bit more rambunctiously and think a bit more critically – all within the limits of good taste and wit, of course.
Playing this character was no easy task, as the ideas and concepts presented in the film were often complex, requiring a great amount of research, thought, and effort. It is a credit to Jones’ acting talent that he was able to inhabit the role with such ease, centering Twain as a moral center to the funny, wild scenes of The Ridiculous 6.
The Legacy of Mark Twain
The legacy of Mark Twain will forever remain an integral part of American culture. His writing continues to captivate readers and his way of thinking serves as a foundation for many discussions on modern life. Furthermore, Mark Twain’s humor still remains timeless and it inspired filmmakers to make The Ridiculous 6.
By featuring the iconic author in their movie, filmmakers paid the perfect homage to an American literary legend. The lead in this movie was a perfect portrayal of the classic character, and proves that, no matter how much times change, a great script, an incredible actor, and an iconic character still have the power to enthrall audiences. Furthermore, it proved to film viewers that there will never be a replacement for Mark Twain’s poetics, wit, and wisdom.
Thanks to Tommy Lee Jones’ superb portrayal of the lovable character, The Ridiculous 6 was a success and the popularity of Twain remains strong, highlighted by the strong box office numbers the film earned. It has since become a fan-favorite due to its amusing take on one of the most beloved figures in American culture.
Tommy Lee Jones in Other Films
Tommy Lee Jones’ intellectual, dashing, and charismatic portrayal of Mark Twain in The Ridiculous 6 reminded movie-goers of the great range of roles he has taken in his film career. Jones has played an array of parts, from the troubled Colonel in The Fugitive, to the no-nonsense Army officer of Men In Black, to the strict professor of No Country For Old Men.
He has also portrayed President Lyndon B. Johnson in a biopic film, as well as Abraham Lincoln in a series of documentaries. While these roles seem vastly different from the comedic aspect of The Ridiculous 6, Jones was able to take this lovable version of Twain and make him into a slightly more wise-cracking version of himself – a version that is still true to the character, but one that the audience can connect to and enjoy.
His unique interpretation of Twain is perhaps one of his greatest achievements – taking an iconic figure and tweaking him to fit modern tastes, but still keeping true to the spirit of the character. Thanks to this role, one can see why he was not only chosen for the role, but why he is still considered one of the best actors of his generation.
Twitter Reaction
Twitter reaction to Mark Twain’s performance in The Ridiculous 6 was positive and supportive. Fans praised Tommy Lee Jones’ performance, stating that it was perfect for the part and that Jones was able to bring the characters’ witty and sage dialogue to life perfectly. Users also praised Jones’ ability to handle the comedic nature of the movie, stating that his facial expressions and delivery made the movie even more enjoyable.
Likewise, many users commented on the combination of comedy and intellectualism that Twain’s character provided. Some users also commented on how impressed they were by Jones’ play on Twain and how it reminded them how much they adored the author and his work.
All this goes to show that, with the right touch and the right actor, the spirit of Mark Twain can be kept alive. Even after all these years, it is clear that the character is still loved, and it was Jones’ take on the iconic figure that helped create further interest and appreciation for his legacy.
Conclusion
The combination of Tommy Lee Jones and Mark Twain was a natural fit, resulting in a truly entertaining and thought-provoking movie. Through his interpretation of the beloved character, Jones was able to capture the essence of Twain’s wit and charm. Furthermore, he recalled the vibrant genius of American literature and reminded viewers of how enjoyable it is to laugh and think at the same time.
