We all know Daniel Radcliffe as the famous wizard Harry Potter, but after his time at Hogwarts was up, he quickly had to change his image and show the world he was more than just the Boy Who Lived. Actors often struggle with being typecast, playing the same parts over and over again, and very few make it past the young adult film genre. Daniel Radcliffe is an actor who proved he had more for the big screen than "foolish wand waving" and "silly incantations." Here are five of Daniel Radcliffe's best non-Potter moments (this does not include the work he has done for television or stage).
5. The Dogwalker - Trainwreck (2015)
"There are no small parts, only small actors" is a famous acting line. Daniel Radcliffe proves this statement to be both true and false. At a reported 5'5" (thanks, Google), Daniel Radcliffe plays a talented dogwalker in one of the smallest, yet funniest, parts the film has to offer. The Dogwalker gives Radcliffe about four minutes of screen time, but he manages to use those four minutes with an expert display of humor and wit. In this film, Radcliffe shows he can be comedic and doesn't mind poking fun at the Sundance film style he expertly adopted after Harry Potter.
4. Arthur Kipps - The Woman in Black (2012)
Fresh off the film set of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, Daniel Radcliffe began filming an equally dark, but more challenging film, The Woman in Black. Radcliffe plays a young lawyer assigned to document the contents of an old abandoned mansion. It later turns out the mansion is haunted by the vengeful spirit of a woman, and the film soon becomes a ghost story of survival. In this film, Radcliffe proves he can fight his enemies with more than a wand, and his acting isn't dependent on his supporting actors, as much of the screen time is just Radcliffe.
3. Maps - December Boys (2007)
Believe it or not, Radcliffe wasn't only playing one orphan during his time as Harry Potter. In December Boys, he plays one of four orphans that share a December birthday. Because of this common trait, the four boys get to celebrate with a weekend at a beach cottage in Australia. In this film, Radcliffe truly shows his separation from Harry Potter. He proves he has a gift as an actor that is not common; he proves he has versatility and depth. Radcliffe portrays a much less fortunate orphan and proves he is able to tug at our heartstrings in this moving film.
2. Allen Ginsberg - Kill Your Darlings (2013)
Kill Your Darlings tells a story of love and murder, and it stars two of Hollywood's most amazing young actors. Dane DeHaan and Daniel Radcliffe portray the young beat generation greats Lucien Carr and Allen Ginsberg respectively. In this film, Radcliffe branches out to dramatic and LGBT film. The sexuality of the actors (both straight) does not interfere with their portrayal of the poets, because they expertly create a relationship on screen that is believable. In this film, again, Radcliffe proves he can play a part, usually taboo and ignored, with professionalism and beauty.
1. Manny - Swiss Army Man (2016)
His newest film, Swiss Army Man, has Radcliffe playing a human version of the multi-purpose tool to help his new-found stranded friend get home. At times funny, at times existential and always heartwarming, Radcliffe shows he is not only a multi-purpose tool, but a multi-purpose actor. He teaches movie-goers multiple lessons in this film while also teaching his companion, Hank, how to find his way home and how to find out who he is. This film will stand out as a masterpiece of an achievement in Radcliffe's career for years to come. The film will transcend generations for the laughs, tears and lessons it has to offer.
