Bill Burr: A Hidden Gem in Jason Reitman’s Latest Film

Bill Burr Gave an Underrated Performance in Jason Reitman’s Forgotten Political Drama

By

Introduction

Bill Burr, known for his hilarious and fiery stand-up comedy, has been making a name for himself in the acting world with a series of impressive performances. One such performance was in Jason Reitman’s 2018 political drama “The Front Runner,” where Burr showed a different side of himself, proving that he is more than just a funnyman on stage.

The Front Runner

“The Front Runner,” directed by Jason Reitman, is an underrated political thriller that explores the groundbreaking presidential campaign of Gary Hart in 1988. Hart, played by Hugh Jackman, was considered the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination and had the potential to change the scope of American politics. However, rumors of his reported marital problems and alleged affair with his young staffer Donna Rice put his campaign in jeopardy.

In the film, Bill Burr plays Pete Murphy, a journalist who becomes involved in pursuing Hart and uncovering details about his alleged affair. Burr’s character adds a touch of humor to a scene where Hart is vulnerable, highlighting the impact of Murphy’s actions on the political landscape. Burr effortlessly slips into the role of a skeptical journalist, teasing Hart about the details of his relationship and joking about the implausibility of the candidate’s presumed innocence.

An Impressive Actor

Burr’s performance in “The Front Runner” showcases his acting skills and proves that he can play characters that are completely different from his comedic persona. Despite being primarily known for his stand-up comedy, Burr has shown versatility in his acting roles, including his appearances in “The Mandalorian” and “Breaking Bad.” In “The Front Runner,” he successfully navigates the complexities of Murphy’s character, adding depth and nuance to the film.

“What feels like a brief piece of bit casting on Reitman’s part shows the power an ‘average guy’ such as the one Burr embodies on stage really has in major elections,” Liam Gaughan writes in his recent article on Collider. Burr’s performance in “The Front Runner” reminds us that even seemingly inconsequential characters can have a significant impact on history. It’s fascinating to imagine how different the world would be if Hart’s affair had not been discovered. Would he have become President? Would world politics be safer, more secure, or perhaps less depressing than they are today?

A Nuanced Approach

One of the strengths of “The Front Runner” is its nuanced approach to the political scandal it depicts. The film presents both Murphy and Hart as complex, flawed individuals, refusing to take a side and allowing the audience to make their own judgments. This approach adds depth to the story and provides a more realistic portrayal of the events.

“Burr could have played Murphy as an over-the-top caricature of a reporter, but the film isn’t attempting to lionize either character,” Gaughan notes in his article. Instead, Burr’s portrayal of Murphy brings a level of authenticity and believability to the role, making the character more relatable and human.

Conclusion

Bill Burr’s performance in “The Front Runner” demonstrates his range as an actor and proves that he is more than just a comedian. The film allows Burr to showcase his acting skills and play a character that is completely different from his comedic persona. His portrayal of Pete Murphy adds humor and vulnerability to the story, highlighting the impact of the journalist’s actions on the political landscape. “The Front Runner” takes a nuanced approach to a political scandal, presenting complex and flawed characters, and Burr’s performance adds depth and authenticity to the film.