Vince Vaughn: Career Study

Hollywood's leading "funny man" is well-known but not well-appreciated, especially considering his talent as a fantastic dramatic actor and talented filmmaker alongside being an entertaining comic

Vince Vaughn leading the pack in 'The Internship' (CREDIT: Twentieth Century Fox)

by Jack Linsdell

Vince Vaughn has become a household name in Hollywood, someone everyone has definitely heard of and most likely seen in a movie on the TV one drunken or tired evening. Widely known, or thought of, as Hollywood's "funny man", Vaughn's career is often dismissed as one of a talented comic whose happened to appear in a tonne of movies. What most people don't realise is that actually Vaughn has produced many of the best comedy-dramas around. He's repeatedly shown his talent as a "serious" actor in an impressive filmography of hidden treasures. As well as bringing to life these charming characters in his comedic way, Vaughn also handles the dramatic and emotional parts of these movies just as well, cementing himself as a far superior acting talent than even some "dramatic" actors. But, also, Vaughn's career has moved into screenwriting/producing, to which has also displayed his talent and eye for filmmaking and storytelling - these happen to be some of his best films. So, without further ado...strap in as we tackle the career of Vince Vaughn. 

Let's start where it all began. The year's 1987. Vaughn is 17 and having just graduated college after being "really average at sports", took inspiration from his mother whose "if you work hard you'll achieve" mantra inspired him to take on an acting career. After a paying but relatively unknown career on American TV, Vaughn bagged his first film role in Rudy in 1993, where he met long-time friend and frequent collaborator Jon Favreau, and then gained worldwide recognition with Swingers in 1996 alongside Favreau. Vaughn's career can somewhat be defined by his partnerships he formed with those in front of and behind the camera, to which he's created some of his best work. Although Favreau has gone on to bigger (directing The Jungle Book and The Lion King adaptions) and better (writing/directing/starring in Chef) things, his partnership with Vaughn is one of the best examples of this. 

So, after Swingers which is a charming, old-school movie in it's own right, Spielberg came knocking for Vaughn, casting him in the second instalment of the multi-billion dollar grossing dinosaur franchise with The Lost World: Jurassic Park which gave him increased exposure still. Whatever you think of that dino-sequel, Vaughn is probably it's best element, even though he was only a "supporting" character. Still, it's significance along with Swingers can not be underestimated in giving Vaughn the exposure, opportunities and connections to delve into a serious and hugely rewarding acting career. After appearing in hits like The Cell alongside Jennifer Lopez, Vaughn's career was taking off with 2004 giving him roles alongside Owen Wilson in Starsky and Hutch and Ben Stiller in Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (both of whom he'd make other movies with), and a supporting role alongside Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in Mr & Mrs Smith. Okay, neither of those three are good films per say, but they are merely Vaughn's stepping stones towards some truly underappreciated comedy classics he'd go onto make/star in. 

The first most notable mention comes in 2005 in which he stars alongside Owen Wilson, (a very young) Rachel McAdams, (a then unknown) Isla Fisher and Christopher Walken in The Wedding Crashers. This movie is a pure bundle of laughs, the chemistry between Vaughn and Wilson is so integral to the film and in many ways is what makes it click so brilliantly. Yes, Vaughn's comedic talents are on top form here (just see the scene where he chats to a priest), but he manages to make such a dishonest, self-centred character into a truly entertaining, relatable and charming person. Yes, Wilson is our main character and Vaughn is never fully centre stage (something that comes later for him), but his ability to make something of a character who isn't even our main protagonist is a big credit to him. It's one of Vaughn's most known films, and certainly one of his most commercially successful (it earned over $285 million worldwide), but it certainly works a treat as top quality and uncliched character-led, Friday night comedy movie choice. Well worth a watch if you've not yet seen it. 

Vaughn has only ever written three movies (The Break-Up, Couples Retreat and The Internship), yet these happen to be three of his best works. Yet, alongside his producing career (fun fact: he produces most of the films he's in) and his very hands-on filmmaking approach, these three movies are fine examples of his ability to take a interesting idea/hook and turn it into a compelling and hugely entertaining comedy-drama with relatable characters and at least one scene of viewing a sports game of some kind. So, in 2006, Vaughn comes up with the idea for The Break-Up earning him a "story by" credit in the end. Inspired by the universal problems most couples have, Vaughn observed how couples argue about trivial things like "only getting 12 lemons" which are actually about deeper-rooted issues and pitched the idea to the screenwriters Jay Lavender and Jeremy Garelick. This was Vaughn starting to show how his inspirations from real-life observations he made about people could become interesting hooks he could turn into compelling, against-the-norm comedy-drama scripts. The Break-Up therefore feels so relatable and from the heart because...well it is. Yet, not only is the film a cracking example of making light of the heavy (something films like Instant Family this year as still doing), but it is arguably one of Vaughn's most "serious" movies. His acting here is sublime. The movie starts with this long argument scene between Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston's characters, which builds and builds until all hell breaks lose. This scene is masterfully well acted by both as not only is it a long, dialogue heavy scene, but also requires such a fine interpretation and judgement of tone and emotion that it is a very difficult one to get right. And boy did Vaughn get it right. There's nothing that annoys me more than people not getting the credit they deserve. Not only did Vaughn help make such a beautiful story, but his acting ability is so good in The Break-Up, he makes it appear so natural and easy. 

Jumping forward, after roles in Fred Claus and Four Christmases (both entertaining Christmas movies to watch during the festive season), Vaughn came up with another idea. This time, after being inspired by the retreats companies organise to allow their employees to bond better, Vaughn wrote the screenplay for Couples Retreat in 2009 about a similar retreat but for struggling couples. Co-penned with long-time friend Favreau (who also co-stars) and Dana Fox, Couples Retreat not only feels like an original comedy (similar to Forgetting Sarah Marshall but with more heart and depth), but shows how Vaughn can so successfully combine compelling character-drama with "have you in stitches" comedy. Yet, everything comes from well-sketched characters with Vaughn, and this movie therefore feels so much more than pure entertainment. Yes, it's definitely a very funny comedy that would entertain the whole family on a Saturday night. But, a movie like this doesn't go on to earn $171 million worldwide without the immense relatability and heart it has. It's very much a date night movie, one which couples could go down to the cinema and have a fun and joyous time watching. Yet, whilst they're both laughing, what they are both really thinking is "boy, my relationship is like that", which is partly why it's so funny and emotionally fulfilling as it is. That's perhaps Vaughn's greatest strength, taking the hidden issues in our key relationships with others or ourselves and presenting them in a way that's truthful, relatable and yet so entertaining. 

Two years later, in 2011, Vaughn's next film came out. The Vaughn-produced and Ron Howard-directed comedy-drama The Dilemma stars Vaughn alongside Kevin James as struggling car salesmen. Co-starring the terrific and in many ways scene stealing Jennifer Connelly, as well as Channing Tatum, The Dilemma explores how Vaughn's character deals (or doesn't) with the discovery that his best friend's wife is cheating and whether he should tell James's character or not. It's a fascinating concept, another interesting hook, and one that acts as a good construct for "honesty is the best policy" morality. But, yet this is another one where Vaughn is always delivering his a-game, and surrounded by such acting talents as James, Connelly and Winona Wyder, The Dilemma is another fine example of a immensely well-acted character drama first, entertaining comedy second. Again, this is another one that deserves a watch. I promise, you won't have any indecision here. 

Let's skip forward to 2013 which was a busy year for Vaughn, who starred in three movies, one of which he also wrote and produced. Firstly, he played David Wozniak in the first of his two films with director Ken Scott in The Delivery Man. This is another interesting hook comedy-drama about a man who finds out he's the father to over 500 children after his years as a sperm donor. Vaughn's acting talents have by this point found their rhythm in his career, as he once again successfully creates another immensely charming character, bringing his flaws and self-doubts to the fore, yet finding subtlety and comedic value in his actions too. It's another entertaining movie, yet one that also acts as a well-made compelling moral study too. That same year, we have Vaughn's third screenplay for Shawn Levy's The Internship. Although, I cannot possibly pick a favourite Vince Vaughn movie, The Internship is definitely one of his best. Co-written, produced and starring Vaughn it focusses on two struggling salesman who take on a internship at Google and not only rediscover themselves but meet a charming group of young people who they form a tight-knit team with. Owen Wilson and Vaughn continue their chemistry from The Wedding Crashers, yet under the guidance of Vaughn's hugely entertaining, uplifting and original script take it to a new, compelling level. Featuring the fantastic Rose Bryne amongst others, this is most certainly worth your time, as it not only is another example of an interesting/unique hook (two aging salesman go and work at google), but it's fascinating depictions of age over youth and the differences that brings in how you view technology are truly sublime, and the movie is just so inspiring. Along with a second-act twist you'll never see coming, this is another Vaughn comedy-drama that acts as more than pure entertainment. 

After reuniting with director Ken Scott in Unfinished Business alongside Tom Wilkinson and Dave Franco, Vaughn had a scene stealing supporting role opposite Andrew Garfield in Mel Gibson's fantastic Hacksaw Ridge, playing an imposing army general. Again, for those who see Vaughn as just a "funny man", we can add Hacksaw Ridge to the list of films with scenes that show Vaughn's serious talent for dramatic acting. Also, that year Vaughn starred in and produced Term Life about an assassin who has to protect his daughter (the always terrific Hailee Steinfeld) after being framed for a crime he didn't commit. This is Vaughn as an action star, which is another against-type role for him, yet he still brings his comedic talent and dramatic sensibilities into the role. This is a well-acted, thrilling and immensely entertaining action-comedy movie that is far too underseen for how good it is. Yes, it's another well worth a watch one. 

The following year, we had another against-type role for Vaughn in the dark and brutal Brawl in Cell Block 99. This one really earns its 18 rating, but my god Vaughn proves why he's such a good actor. Words cannot do this man justice, and aided by a really well written script S. Craig Zahler, this becomes another fine example where Vaughn proves all his greatest critics wrong by arguably going considerably out of his comfort zone, yet delivering one his career-best performances. Yes, it's a slow start and yes it's certainly not for the faint hearted. But, the ending and Vaughn's performance make this one well worth a watch (you can find it on Netflix currently). 

And, this brings us to this year. In 2019, Vaughn had a key supporting role in Stephen Merchant's sublime WWE-themed comedy-sports-drama Fighting with my Family. For someone who actually does very few movies, Vaughn certainly chooses his projects carefully. When he's not writing and/or producing such compelling and entertaining, high-concept comedy-dramas, he's taking on key supporting roles in similar projects by other amazing filmmakers. Here he's playing the wrestling coach, whose character actually shares a lot of emotionally-deep and morally complex scenes in the movie (like at the petrol station), and yet again creates another memorable character for audiences. It's a sign that an actor is talented when they can choose such good projects as well as make their own ones too. 

So, Vaughn's career is a fine example of how being a household name can be disadvantage, especially in getting people to actually respect you for the talent you are. Vaughn has endured (whether intentional or not) criticism and/or a lack of praise for his outstanding dramatic performances as both a lead and supporting character in an array of some of the best comedy-dramas of the past decades, alongside his comedic talents. To be known as the "funny man" when you can pull the dramatic weight of scenes better than some of the "greats" in the industry is a big injustice. But, perhaps what's more impressive than the amount of talent and big names he's worked with over the years, is his eye of creating/making such compelling and entertaining stories that not only make audiences laugh but also go "hey, that's exactly what I'm feeling/going through" as they look up at the cinema screen or glance at the TV. Vince Vaughn shows that to make light of the heavy is an important life mantra as well as a film slogan. But, most of all he proves we can never judge a book by it's cover and that if you work hard, success will come your way.