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Why Is Will Ferrell Funny?A video slide show.

By Josh Levin
Posted Thursday, March 29, 2007, at 6:15 PM ET

Click here to launch a video slide showClick the launch module to the left for a video slide show on the secrets of Will Ferrell's comic genius.

In Blades of Glory, Will Ferrell plays a raven-tressed, crotch-grabbing figure skater named Chazz Michael Michaels. It's not a stretch for Ferrell to swaddle himself in spandex and become an "ice-devouring sex tornado." Like Anchorman's Ron Burgundy, Chazz radiates over-the-top machismo. Like Ricky Bobby of Talladega Nights, he's a down-on-his-luck sports hero. And like, well, every character Will Ferrell has ever played, he flaunts his hairy, paunchy body without a hint of shame.

It's undeniable that Ferrell's performances hit a lot of the same notes. But look more closely at his oeuvre and you'll see a comic actor whose most prominent trait is his flexibility. Compared with someone like Vince Vaughn, a talented comedian who infuses every role with manic shtick, Ferrell's versatility is a wonder to behold.

Click here for a video slide show on the secrets of Will Ferrell's comic genius.

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Josh Levin is a Slate associate editor. You can e-mail him at .
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