Iconic Characters Season 1 Episode 9

Ep 9. Jason Bateman on His Most Iconic Characters

  • TVPG
  • August 31, 2018

In season 1 episode 9 of Iconic Characters, we dive into the career of actor Jason Bateman and explore some of his most famous roles. Bateman has been a fixture in entertainment since the 1980s, when he gained popularity as a child actor on television shows like "Little House on the Prairie" and "Silver Spoons." In more recent years, he has found great success as an adult actor, particularly in the realm of comedy.

During the episode, we hear from Bateman himself about his approach to acting and the process he goes through to bring each character to life. He talks about the importance of finding the humor in every role, no matter how serious the subject matter might be. We also hear from some of Bateman's co-stars and collaborators, who offer insights into what makes Bateman stand out as an actor.

The bulk of the episode is dedicated to examining some of Bateman's signature roles. We start with his portrayal of Michael Bluth on the hit television series "Arrested Development," which first premiered in 2003. Bateman discusses the challenges of playing a straight man in a show full of wacky characters, and how he was able to find the humor in Michael's drier personality. We also hear from fellow cast members like Will Arnett and Jessica Walter, who share their experiences working alongside Bateman on the show.

Next up is Bateman's turn as Marty Byrde on the Netflix original series "Ozark." The crime drama has garnered critical acclaim and has been praised for Bateman's complex performance as a money launderer who moves his family to the Ozarks in order to pay off a debt to a drug lord. Bateman discusses the appeal of playing a character who is both morally ambiguous and deeply flawed, and the challenges of juggling the various plotlines and themes in the show.

From there, we turn to Bateman's work in film. One of his earliest hits was the movie "Juno," in which he played the titular character's stepmother's husband. Despite his limited screen time, Bateman was able to make a big impact with his performance, earning critical acclaim and helping to propel the film to commercial success. We also explore Bateman's role in the dark comedy "Horrible Bosses," in which he played one of three friends who plot to kill their respective bosses. Bateman discusses the appeal of playing a character who is both hapless and vengeful, and how he was able to balance the film's comedic tone with its more dramatic moments.

Finally, the episode ends with a discussion of Bateman's voice work in animation. He has lent his voice to a number of projects over the years, including the Disney animated movie "Zootopia." Bateman talks about the unique challenges of voice acting, and how he is able to infuse his characters with personality even without physical mannerisms or facial expressions.

Throughout the episode, viewers will gain a deeper appreciation for Jason Bateman's body of work, and the range of characters he has been able to inhabit. From sitcom dad to ruthless criminal, Bateman has shown time and again that he is one of the most versatile actors working today.

This episode doesn't appear to be available from any streaming services. Add this show to your Watchlist to get notified when new episodes are available.
Description
  • First Aired
    August 31, 2018
  • Content Rating
    TVPG
  • Language
    English