“I’m Not Really Trying to Make Great Art.” – Michael Cera
Standing at just 5 feet 10 inches, this week’s Actor of the Week is the Canadian born “King of Awkward”, Michael Cera. The talented actor skyrocketed his career by giving a new look and personality to the onscreen nerds, turning geekyness into a somewhat cooler than cool status. Cera has worked on several indie films, creating a signature character that helped him perpetuate the image of the wall-flower into the public eye. With his characters found murmuring to themselves, Cera shows that being awkward can have its perks but more importantly, living life is about being yourself. Doting a huge fan base, Cera has created his acting career on his sensitive, quirky, and natural demeanor.
As the middle of three children, Cera took note of his interest in acting after becoming particularly fond of Bill Murray in Ghostbusters; he even claims to have memorized nearly all of Murray’s lines in the film. After enrolling in The Second City Toronto’s improvisation classes, Cera took part in several TV shows and commercials. But it wasn’t until his role in the critically acclaimed sitcom Arrested Development that the public began to take notice. In the sitcom, Cera portrayed young George Michael Bluth alongside Jason Bateman and Portia de Rossi in the dysfunction yet hilarious Bluth family. As part of a great cast, Cera completed the Bluth’s with his dedication to the family business at a banana stand and provided some serious laughs and awkward moments with his long-time crush on his cousin. Cera began to pave the way for the awkward but charming kid that seems wise beyond his years but is often misunderstood by his family.
‘Superbad’, ‘Juno’, and ‘Youth in Revolt’
After the cancellation of Arrested Development in 2006, Cera starred in a few more TV shows before landing hisbreakout role in 2007′s summer megahit comedy, Superbad. Starring alongside Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Bill Hader and Emma Stone, Cera played nerdy high-schooler Evan. Despite his lack of popularity and friends, adorable and charming Evan is able to woo the girl of his dreams before she throws up and shows that sometimes the gawkish kid can really be a great guy.
Superbad was a laugh out loud teen comedy that told the story of the losers in high school. The Judd Apatow film created some real buzz for both Hill and Cera, as they weren’t your typical movie stars. But part of what made Cera resonate with his audience was that he wasn’t a glamorous actor, he looked like a person the average teen could be friends with.
Following Superbad’s success came a string of indie roles with some epic soundtracks. In 2007, Cera portrayed Paulie Bleeker in Juno alongside his pregnant “girlfriend”, played by Ellen Page. In 2008, Cera starred in my second personal favorite film of his, Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist alongside Kat Dennings. And in 2009, he portrayed Nick Twisp alongside actress Portia Doubleday in Youth in Revolt. In each film, Cera played very similar roles — the awkward yet charming and relatable outcast. Although this became his signature, it didn’t limit his casting opportunities.
‘Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World’ – The Big Leagues
Branching into a Jack Black film, Cera was cast in Year One (2009). Although the flick was a huge flop, Cera showed he could do more slapstick comedy and not just indie awkwardness. In 2010, Cera starred in what is easily his best film, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World. In the film adaptation of the graphic comic book series, Scott (Michael Cera) must defeat the evil ex’s of the girl he falls in love with at first sight, Ramona. The whole film feels like a video game with the graphics of a comic book, intertwining realistic elements with some superhero powers.
Cera has several upcoming projects in the works, including the full-length movie of Arrested Development. He is also working on several films with writer/director Sebastian Silva which appear to be more drama/thriller than comedic. Recently turning 24, Cera shows no signs of slowing down. From a few small roles on TV to the megastar he is today, it’s unbelievable how much young Michael Cera has accomplished. Check back to ReelMovieNation.com for all news concerning Michael Cera’s upcoming projects!
Michael Cera’s Filmography/Upcoming Films:
- Arrested Development (???)
- The End of the World (2013)
- Magic Magic (2013)
- Crystal Fairy (2013)
- The End of Love (2012)
- Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010)
- Youth in Revolt (2009)
- Year One (2009)
- Paper Heart (2009)
- Extreme Movie (2008)
- Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist (2008)
- Juno (2007)
- Superbad (2007)
- Wayside School (2005)
- What Katy Did (2004)
- Custody of the Heart (2003)
- Exit 9 (2003)
- Stolen Miracle (2001)
- I Was a Rat (2001)
- Walter and Henry (2001)
- My Louisiana Sky (2001)
- The Familiar Stranger (2001)
- Switching Goals (1999)
Michael Cera Chills with the ‘Jersey Shore’ Cast
Interview with Michael Cera
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