Bill Murray is considered by many to be one of the funniest 80s actors due to his ability to deliver some of the most iconic and wittiest lines of the decade.
Bill Murray was a defining figure during the 1980s and was known for his ability to deliver a unique blend of humor and wit to some of the decade’s most iconic films. He is known for his deadpan delivery and his impeccable comedic timing. His ability to shift seamlessly between emotion and humor allowed him to stand out on the big screen. From his earlier works on Saturday Night Live to his role in films like Stripes and Ghostbusters, Bill Murray reshaped the entire comedy genre of the 80s.
Bill Murray – Popular 80s Actors
Without question, the 80s were known to be a very transformative era in the entertainment industry. Thanks to the rise of cable television, home video systems, and an appetite for entertainment, Bill Murray was able to thrive. The decade started with a cultural shift towards lighter entertainment that just felt better. This of course was a response to the recovery of the stagnant 1970s oil crisis. People were more optimistic, and they wanted films that would portray this optimism openly.
It was during this period of time when blockbuster films were dominating the big screen that Murray’s career truly blossomed. More audiences tended to gravitate towards his dry wit and usually irrelevant humor. It offered a fresh contrast to the more traditional styles of comedy that were found throughout the country. His roles in film often reflected the mood of society and culture as a whole. After all, people wanted fun, they wanted humor, and they wanted a departure from the political dramas that had characterized the 70s and early 80s. And, his work with directors like Ivan Reitman and Harold Ramis cemented his role as one of the funniest 80s actors.
Bill Murray’s Impact on 80s Actors
Bill Murray’s impact on the silver screen was tremendous. From the rise of comedies to his character-driven roles, Bill Murray is considered to be one of the funniest actors of the 80s.
The Rise of Comedies
One of the major trends in the 80s Broadus was ensemble comedies. An ensemble comedy is where a group of comedians share the spotlight on the big screen, in order to deliver character-driven humor with a much larger narrative. It was during this period that Bill Murray thrived. In 1981 he introduced the world to Stripes. Then, he introduced us to Ghostbusters back in 1984. Both of these films featured a collection of amazing comedians, and both were instant cult classics.
In the film Stripes Bill Murray played a slacker who decided to join the Army on a whim. And, in Ghostbusters, he played a sarcastic and cynical leader of paranormal investigators. His dry humor and wit in Ghostbusters was a stark contrast to the fantastical elements of the film. This made his performance a grounding force for the film which was filled with special effects and ghosts. And, the use of these ensemble films allowed Murray to show off his versatility and his ability to seamlessly integrate into a larger cast.
Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live was also a very popular feature of 1980s television. And Bill Murray was a prominent figure in the show. After gaining national attention for his roles on SNL, he transitioned to film in the late 70s. He also saw many of his contemporaries such as Chevy Chase and Eddie Murphy also moved to the big screen in their own successful comedies. However, Murray stood out from the crowd because of his ability to plan drama and comedy in a single performance.
Character-Driven Comedies
Of course, we can’t talk about Bill Murray’s impact on the 80s film industry without discussing character-driven comedies. There is a huge shift towards these character-driven comedies especially in the early 80 years. The humor from the various personalities and quirks of the characters was preferred over the slapstick comedy featured in older films. It is here that Bill Murray excelled, playing characters that were often down on their luck but very likable. He infused his cynicism with charm and self-awareness which made him relatable.
For example, Bill Murray played Frank Cross in the film Scrooged. Although based on the Charles Dickens tale, the film was focused on a self-centered TV executive who goes through a similar redemptive arc to that of Ebenezer Scrooge. It showed Murray’s ability to bring a level of debt to his comedy. Throughout the film, he used his trademark wit while also showcasing emotions that balanced out the humor.
Reoccurring Appearances of 80s Actors
While it’s true that Bill Murray has appeared in a number of movies by himself, most of his films featured recurring costars. For example, Harold Ramis and Ivan Reitman directed and wrote some of his most influential films of the 80s. Together they not only created the films but in the case of Ghostbusters and Stripes, Ramis also costarred.
Bill Murray’s Legacy
Bill Murray’s work during the 1980s extended beyond the big screen. His influence helped to reshape the correction of comedy and pop culture for many years to come. His ability to fuse seriousness with humor changed the way that audiences viewed comedy on the big screen. And, it opened up the doors for future performers to explore similar rules. His transition from Saturday Night Live to the leading man on the big screen demonstrated how crossover was possible for television comedians. And his role in the industry helped to influence the careers of other 80s actors who followed in his footsteps like Will Ferrell and Tina Fey.
His approach to comedy and his deadpan delivery have continued to make appearances in films throughout the decades. He’s appeared in more recent movies like Lost in Translation, and more recently Zombieland and Dead Men Don’t Die. While most of these appearances are cameos, he nevertheless proves that his style of humor is still relevant today.
Conclusion
The work that Bill Murray did during the 80s ultimately laid the foundation for a long and illustrious career that still continues to influence the movie industry today. His roles in films like Caddyshack, Stripes, Ghostbusters, and Scrooged, showcase his ability to blend humor with emotion in order to create characters that are memorable and stand the test of time.
