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Bill Murray's finest films

We celebrate the actor's 63rd birthday.

Happy birthday, Bill

This weekend marks the 63rd birthday of one of Hollywood's greatest comedy actors, Mr Bill Murray.

To celebrate, we run down what we humbly consider to be the five finest performances of his career.

[Bill Murray to Rock The Kasbah]



Zombieland

"My make-up guy taught me how to do this: corn starch, you know… some berries, liquorice for the ladies. It suits my lifestyle. I like to get out and do stuff."

It's a truth universally acknowledged that Bill Murray's appearance in Zombieland is one of the best cameos of all time. Though he has only a few minutes on screen, the actor's part is wonderfully self-referential, with nods to Ghostbusters, Garfield and Murray's love of the leaf. Just perfect.

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

"I'm going to find it and I'm going to destroy it. I don't know how yet. Possibly with dynamite."

A controversial choice, this, as there were many who didn't enjoy Wes Anderson's slightly strange, highly stylised follow up to The Royal Tenenbaums. But others, like us, enjoyed its quirky charm. In a part that was literally written for him, Murray is in turns bizarre and brilliantly funny as the eccentric oceanographer out to take his revenge on a shark, while the subdued performances of the stellar supporting cast allow him to shine.


Ghostbusters

"Alright... let's show this prehistoric bitch how we do things downtown."

Murray's name will always be synonymous with this fun-filled franchise which came to be iconic of the 80s. As paranormal investigator Peter Venkman, Murray is at his deadpan best with wisecracks, snide quips and snarky one-liners aplenty - though his wooing technique perhaps leaves something to be desired. Nevertheless, it's a classic for a reason.


Groundhog Day

"I'm a god, I'm not the God. I don't think."

In Groundhog Day, Murray took a film that could have been saccharine and schmaltzy in the hands of a lesser actor and turned it to gold, producing possibly the most endearing performance of his career. The role of wise guy weatherman Phil Conners, forced to travel a torturous road to redemption, is perfectly pitched for Murray's gruff exterior.


Lost In Translation

"The more you know who you are and what you want, the less you let things upset you."

Murray took something of a curveball part in Sophia Coppola's warm, witty story of unlikely love and friendship. Eschewing his usual comedy stylings in favour of something a little more serious and stylish, Murray's performance is poignant and pleasing, proving his talent for pathos.

Murray will next appear alongside Matt Damon, George Clooney and John Goodman in The Monuments Men, due for release in January 2014.



What did we miss? Tell us your favourite Bill Murray movies…