Rising to fame in the ’90s with the likes of hit sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and sci-fi comedyMen in Black, Will Smith is predominantly known for his comedic roles.
This is short-sighted, however, as in the following two decades – during which his star has impressively never really waned – Smith has also shown a talent for much more serious-minded and meatier parts.
This was ably demonstrated in 2015’s critically-acclaimed biopic Concussion and looks set to continue later this year when he appears as Deadshot in DC’s highly-anticipated Suicide Squad,where he seems to be the straight man to the rest of the team’s assortment of weirdos (well, as straight as a supervillain assassin can be).
With Concussion released on Blu-ray Steelbook, Blu-ray, DVD and next-generation 4K Ultra HD this week, here are five of the best dramatic roles Will Smith has ever played…
Ali
Now is the perfect time to (re)watch Ali, in memory of the much-missed heavyweight champ Muhammed Ali, who just passed away at the age of 74.
One of Smith’s earlier dramatic roles, it’s no easy task to embody such an iconic real-life figure, but the actor manages to pull it off with aplomb. The movie cleverly hones in on a specific period of Ali’s life rather than trying to cover the whole thing, allowing Smith to give an intense, committed performance.
So good, in fact, that it nabbed him a Best Actor nomination at the 2001 Oscars.
I, Robot
One of the more underrated sci-fi films of the 2000s, Will Smith leads this glossy updated adaptation of the works of Isaac Asimov.
In a society overrun with peaceful robot servants, only Smith’s Del Spooner suspects them of turning against their human masters – despite their programming that is meant to make murder impossible.
In a movie that manages to be an incident-packed thriller as well as having some brains, Smith likewise expertly marries his cockier, action-orientated leading characters with his more subdued, cynical roles to showcase the best of both.
Concussion
Smith is a reliable pair of hands to trust as the lead in a biopic by now, as the brilliantly-actedConcussion proves.
This Ridley Scott-produced sports drama follows Smith as Dr Bennet Omalu, who fights to get his research on the brain damage suffered by American Footballers recognised by the National Football League.
Critically-acclaimed on its release last year, it is well worth a watch for fans of well-told biopics, sports movies and, naturally, Will Smith, who gives one of his most sensitive performances as Omalu.
Seven Pounds
2008’s Seven Pounds sees Will Smith play Tim Thomas, a man who blames himself for the deaths of seven people in a car accident he caused and so, to atone for his actions, sets out to change the lives of seven other people.
In contrast to his more famous cocky and extroverted roles, Smith gives a very understated and quiet performance here, proving the great range he is capable of.
This was Smith’s second time working with director Gabrielle Muccino, who clearly brings out the best in him. The first time was…
The Pursuit of Happyness
Another bittersweet part for Smith is his role as Chris Gardner in The Pursuit of Happyness (no, that’s not a typo).
As a struggling salesman who wants to do better in life after getting custody of his young son, Smith uses his natural charisma to get you to care for the unlucky Gardner who has all the odds stacked against him in his, well, pursuit of happiness.
Pairing Smith with his eight year old son Jaden (in his acting debut) is a masterstroke, showing a real loving bond between Gardner and his son.
Concussion is out now on Digital HD, Blu-ray Steelbook, Blu-ray, DVD and next-generation 4K Ultra HD from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE).
> Buy Concussion on DVD on Amazon.
What’s your favourite dramatic performance from Will Smith? Let us know below…