Acclaimed actor Mark Ruffalo faces harsh criticism for his latest television role, with Daily Mail reviewer Christopher Stevens delivering a brutal assessment of his performance in the new thriller series 'Task'.
Stevens pulls no punches in his review, characterising Ruffalo's portrayal of an FBI operative as "vodka-soaked" and "entirely unlikeable". The journalist suggests the performance descends into self-pitying indulgence rather than compelling drama.
A Departure from Form
The review notes that this role marks a significant departure from Ruffalo's typically praised performances, describing the character as lacking the depth and nuance audiences have come to expect from the three-time Oscar nominee.
Stevens particularly emphasises the character's constant state of intoxication, suggesting it becomes a tiresome crutch rather than a meaningful character trait throughout the series.
Critical Consensus Building
This assessment aligns with growing critical concern about Hollywood actors transitioning to television roles without adapting their performance style appropriately for the medium. The review suggests Ruffalo's performance feels better suited to cinematic storytelling than serialised television.
The character's unlikeability factor appears to be a particular point of contention, with Stevens questioning whether audiences will maintain engagement with such an unsympathetic protagonist across multiple episodes.
While acknowledging Ruffalo's previous accomplishments, the review ultimately presents this performance as a misstep in an otherwise distinguished career, raising questions about the casting choices and direction of the new thriller series.
