Impressionist, actor and all-round shape-shifting funny man.
Welcome to WatchMojo UK and today we’ll be counting down the top 10 best of Steve
Coogan.
For this list, we’ll be looking at the exemplary films and tv series from this multi-talented
comedian’s back catalogue.
We start with Coogan’s first proper feature film and leading role - which he wrote along
with Henry Normal.
He plays Simon Garden, a well-intentioned probation officer who finds himself framed
for murder.
A classic example of a British film, with dry humour and relatable archetypal characters
aplenty, it shows off Coogan’s leading credentials - and ultimately capitalises on his slightly
weedy persona.
Boasting a superb supporting cast, with some genius dialogue, it’s an excellent early
effort.
Now for something a little different.
Produced by, written by, and starring Coogan, and based on the book "The Lost Child of Philomena
Lee", this film sees Steve showcase his range.
Coogan plays a journalist determined to reunite Judi Dench's character with her son.
Both of their performances are stellar throughout, with Coogan proving that he's more than just
a funnyman.
It was nominated for four Oscars.
Good effort.
“Curb” isn’t your average show.
You’re expected to improv with some of comedy’s heavyweights, but Coogan handled the heat.
Yep, Coogan featured on the show as Larry David’s therapist who ultimately ends up
in hot water after giving him bad advice.
Of course, Larry isn’t one to let anyone off lightly.
The episode is littered with brilliant back-and-forths
between Coogan and David, with Coogan’s socially-awkward aloofness slotting right
into the show’s chaotic formula.
Carrying on with the improv theme, Coogan plays an over-inflated (and really rather
annoying) version of himself in this 2005 film-within-a-film.
Starring alongside Rob Brydon, who plays a similarly skewed variant of himself, the two
constantly bicker, moan and try to outdo each other as they star in an adaptation of “The
Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy”.
It’s tough to keep track of the multi-layered narrative at times, but that ambiguity makes
for textbook Coogan comedy.
Playing a handful of zany characters from the fictional town of Ottle, “Coogan’s
Run” was a big milestone for Steve, allowing him to show off some of his already established
characters in a sketch/sitcom setting.
With six self-contained stories, the series allowed Coogan to run riot with his character
creations, which included the likes of salesman Gareth Cheeseman, repairman Ernest Moss and
the ever popular Paul and Pauline Calf.
Lavish, lewd and straight out of left-field, each episode is 30 minutes of captivating,
ridiculous comedy.
Undoubtedly one of Coogan’s more complex characters, and one that effortlessly carries
its own series, the eponymous Tommy Saxondale is a guy with anger issues who owns a pest
control business.
From ripping apart his anger management buddies to ruthlessly speaking his mind to strangers,
Coogan’s Saxondale character is slightly different in the fact that even though his
antics are usually inappropriate, he’s genuinely funny, and quite likeable - unlike some of
his other anti-social misfits.
A continuation of Coogan and Brydon’s fictionalised versions of themselves, “The Trip” sees
the two comedians travel through northern England, Italy and Spain on a restaurant tour.
Although seemingly mundane on the surface, it’s fleshed out with some stripped back,
one-on-one improvised dialogue, with the duo either arguing about an insignificant issue,
complaining about restaurant service or trying to outdo each other with impressions.
Some of Coogan’s film roles have been a little hit and miss - but “24 Hour Party
People” was certainly a success.
Managing to cram some of Coogan’s best comic trademarks into a riveting story about the
Manchester music scene in the 70s, it's got style and sophistication in spades, and a
killer soundtrack to match.
An extremely intelligent comedy-drama about real-life presenter, journalist and record
label founder Tony WIlson, it’s a faultless leading performance by Coogan, drawing on
his talents from each end of the spectrum.
Featuring a legendary ensemble cast, this series is a satirical masterpiece featuring
mock news slots fuelled by comedy sketches.
Steve's one of many comics on the show, playing everything from a pool security guard to a
witch doctor.
His most memorable character by far though is clueless sports correspondent Alan Partridge.
“The Day Today” gave Coogan’s Partridge a platform, while his audience got a taste
of what his calamitous character had to offer.
And speaking of which…
It’s impossible to pick just one of Partridge’s spin offs.
From his disastrous “Knowing Me, Knowing You” chat show, to his fly on the wall search
for a second series in “I’m Alan Partridge”, the character allows Coogan to tap into a
unique stream of consciousness and make everyday things simultaneously infuriating, relatable
and hilarious.
Alan’s narcissistic personality has not only given us countless classic moments, but
an endless list of quotable dialogue to go with it.