Jim Carrey replaced Woody Harrelson as Joe Biden for Saturday Night Live season 46, but does he actually deliver a better impression? As the U.S. presidential election intensifies, Alec Baldwin will continue to portray Donald Trump, and may potentially keep his guest star gig for another four years. If Biden emerges victorious, though, Carrey will presumably keep his job pending any scheduling conflicts.
Harrelson is known for portraying comedic characters in feature films, though he's not necessarily known for his celebrity impressions. However, according to the actor, an Elvis Presley impersonation changed the course of his life as a teenager, and led to opportunities in the entertainment industry. Harrelson rose to fame as Woody Boyd on Cheers, and later starred in mainstream feature film comedies such as White Men Can't Jump, Kingpin, Semi-Pro, and Zombieland. He's also hosted SNL four times, most recently in September 2019.
Harrelson prioritizes the Biden persona with his SNL impression but doesn't quite capture the specifics of certain mannerisms. For example, he brings lots of energy to the various performances and physically looks like Biden with his prosthetic teeth and big smile, but doesn't pay much attention to the subject's vocal rhythm or pitch. In fact, Harrelson essentially uses his own speaking voice, and makes steady references to Biden's reputation for being out of touch with new societal norms, or for being too up-close-and-personal during interactions with colleagues. Overall, Harrelson pinpoints Biden's sense of male bravado and attempts to be youthful and lively. In contrast, Carrey's SNL impersonation locks into specific personality traits and establishes Biden as cantankerous politician with anger management issues.
Carrey's Biden impression on SNL feels like an amalgamation of past characterizations. With the facial mannerisms, there's a touch of Fire Marshall Bill from In Living Color, and there's a bit of elderly Clint Eastwood in the physical demeanor. What's unique, however, is Carrey's ability to match Biden's vocal rhythm and physical movements. Whereas Harrelson uses his own speaking voice, Carrey pinpoints his subject's vocal pitch and pays more attention to the smile. Harrelson's Biden grin is stiff and calculated; Carrey's Biden grin looks almost painful at times, but he still manages to perfect the annoyed Biden grin. In comparison to some of Carrey's zaniest characters from the early '90, the Biden SNL impression requires more non-verbal finesse and more control of the facial muscles.
Biden is a tricky impersonation subject because he's a 77-year-old politician who tries to present a youthful image. Harrelson's impression is mostly about a specific physical vibe; a big politician smile and noticeable tan. With Carrey, he takes a contrasting approach by conveying a weary demeanor. His Biden is tired, fed up, and trying desperately not to say anything controversial. Harrelson's Biden on Saturday Night Live revels in the spotlight; Carrey's version is calm like a bomb.
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