Ryan is note-perfect when playing fast-talking and cocky characters. However, in movies like R.I.P.D, Safehouse, and Green Lantern, he had yet to fully sharpen the edges of his persona.
Reynolds could capitalize on the type of performance he had given in subpar material in his solo movie as mercenary Wade Wilson. He also brought a similar cheeky, fast-talking quality to the movies Weekend’s Free Guy and The Hitman’s Bodyguard.
Reynolds’ distinctive personality, meanwhile, isn’t just for blockbuster action movies and studio comedy; a full year before Deadpool, he gave one of his best performances to date.
Reflecting on Ryan Reynold’s Character in Mississippi Grind
We all love a good casino movie filled with fun and adventure and that’s what Mississippi Grind was about. It explores the thrill that comes with gaming similar to what players currently experience at online casino.
Although Mississippi Grind is not the first movie to be based on a storied road trip between two friends, it goes beyond that well-liked subgenre. It directly addresses the gambling issue while relating it to the adventure, practically on the road and emotionally amongst friends.
Luckily, unlike in Mississippi Grind, in today’s world, players don’t have to travel for miles to access their favourite games in a brick and mortar casinos. You can download an android casino app and play numerous games from the comfort of your home.
Reynolds subtly changed his performances to match more serious material when paired with Ben Mendelsohn in 2015’s Mississippi Grind, maintaining his distinctive star appeal. The “Ryan Reynolds-Esque” figure was grounded in reality by the A24 two-hander and was made to deal with the repercussions of having a carefree, laid-back attitude.
Mississippi Grind centres on two card sharks on opposing ends of the success spectrum. Because of his extreme gambling habits, Gerry (Mendelsohn) cannot maintain a healthy connection with his ex-wife Dorothy (Robin Weigert) and their little daughter Wendy.
With his earnings at the tables, Curtis (Reynolds) has managed to support himself, but he is isolated and unable to commit to a relationship or even a long-term residence. Gerry wants to resume a life he was rejected from, but Curtis is unsure of what his wins are achieving.
A wonderful subversion of Reynold’s appeal is the notion that Curtis’ positive outlook hides his fears. While Reynolds was able to portray a terrible backstory in a movie like Deadpool, Mississippi Grind starts from Gerry’s point of view.
Curtis is introduced with hypnotic assurance in contrast to Mendelsohn’s depressing inadequacies. This makes Reynold’s performance difficult since, while appearing to have everything Gerry wants, he must gradually elicit empathy.
Reynolds is so adept at playing this particular persona that he completely captures the shadier facets of Curtis’ character. It’s unclear whether Curtis is giving his mother, a singer at a nearby pub, his winnings out of guilt or because he doesn’t want to keep them for himself.
There aren’t many signs of their relationship; Reynolds can always hide his emotions behind a charming smile, and it’s not apparent whether Curtis will genuinely find the family visit encouraging.
The Rise of Ryan Reynolds as a Performer
His character in Mississippi Grind shows Reynolds’s ability to play a tense situation without saying a word. He is known for his one-liners. Even through his small replies, Curtis develops as a character, and Reynolds simultaneously shows his breadth as a performer.
Early victories by Curtis are followed by extravagant celebrations that end with him making fun of other players. However, the movie’s dramatic conclusion culminates in a more subdued reaction in which Curtis and Gerry merely have an open discussion. It represents a transformed man who now takes great pride in his partner, something he had never felt before.
Mississippi Grind shares many similarities with the Robert Altman masterpiece California Split, but Reynolds faced a more challenging assignment. By “acting against type,” Reynolds is not attempting to challenge the audience’s preconceptions of him; rather, he bases his signature character style on reality.
