No Small Parts Season 2 Episode 55 John C. Reilly

No Small Parts is a documentary series that explores the careers of character actors who have often been overshadowed by the more famous movie stars they've worked alongside. In season 2, episode 55, the focus is on John C. Reilly, an actor who has managed to make himself visible in every genre of film, from comedies like Talladega Nights and Step Brothers, to dramas like Chicago and Magnolia, to independent films like The Sisters Brothers and Cyrus.

The episode begins by tracing Reilly's humble origins as a Chicago-born stage actor, through his early work in films like Casualties of War and Days of Thunder, and up through his breakout performance in Paul Thomas Anderson's Boogie Nights. Unlike many actors who find success playing villains or antiheroes, Reilly had a knack for playing lovable, slightly clueless characters. His performance as Reed Rothchild in Boogie Nights was a perfect example of this, a goofy and endearing porn actor who nevertheless showed depths of vulnerability.

The episode explores Reilly's career over the last two decades, highlighting his collaborations with filmmakers like Martin Scorsese (Gangs of New York), Robert Altman (A Prairie Home Companion), and Adam McKay (Step Brothers). Despite his success in mainstream Hollywood films, Reilly has continued to work in small, offbeat projects like the cult favorite Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, in which he played a musician who parodied the entire biopic genre.

What emerges is a portrait of a versatile, hardworking actor who has chosen to eschew the trappings of stardom in favor of interesting roles and collaborations with filmmakers he respects. Though Reilly has been nominated for an Oscar (for his supporting turn in Chicago), he's not the kind of actor who seeks out awards. Instead, he seems content to take on challenges in a variety of films, from the low-budget horror-comedy Tucker and Dale vs. Evil to the prestige drama We Need to Talk About Kevin.

The episode also delves into Reilly's musical side, contextualizing his performance in Walk Hard with a discussion of his background as a musician. Reilly has appeared in multiple films as a singer, including A Prairie Home Companion and The Aviator, and has shown himself to be a talented multi-instrumentalist.

Overall, No Small Parts season 2 episode 55 provides a comprehensive portrait of John C. Reilly's career, emphasizing his versatility and willingness to take risks with his roles. Fans of Reilly will undoubtedly enjoy watching clips from his varied filmography, while those unfamiliar with his work will come away with an appreciation for the depth and range of his performances.