Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

By Emily Hubbard

A masterclass in ensemble comedy that’s as ridiculous as it is hilarious 

• 4.5/5 Cameras 🎥🎥🎥🎥.5 
• Directed by: Adam McKay
• Starring: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, et al 
• Where to find it: Sky Cinema/ Now TV 

No Copyright Infringement Intended 

Adam McKay is somewhat of a legend when it comes to comedy. Having started his career in the 1990s as a head writer for Saturday Night Live, the filmmaker has gone on to make some of the funniest movies of recent years, including Step Brothers and The Other Guys, along with 2022 Best Picture Nominee Don’t Look Up. However, it’s his feature film debut, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, that cemented him as a true star in the increasingly crowded world of comedy blockbusters.

Set in the 1970s, and a tongue-in-cheek commentary on attitudes in that era, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy follows its’ titular character, played by Will Ferrell, a news reporter who, along with his team, clash with new female co-host, Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate).

Few comedies stand the test of time, but almost 20 years after its release, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, is still widely considered one of the best comedies of the 2000s, and a large reason for this critical acclaim lies within the strength of its cast. Movies with large ensemble casts usually struggle to hit the mark, with numerous famous faces competing for even the smallest amounts of screentime, but with Anchorman, Adam McKay manages to strike the perfect balance. Anchorman’s titular character, Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell), is a clueless, chauvinistic clown who despite his obvious flaws still manages to climb his way to the top. In spite of his awful nature, you can’t help but be charmed by Ron Burgundy, in what has become perhaps Will Ferrell’s most recognisable role to date. As previously mentioned, the ensemble cast of Anchorman are all equally as strong, with 2 of Burgundy’s news crew, Steve Carell’s Brick Tamland, and Paul Rudd’s Brian Fantanta being particular highlights (although it is worth mentioning that any film that includes Paul Rudd is going to get a pretty high rating from me).

Another strength that Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy possesses is that it doesn’t take itself seriously, and because of this is a genuinely funny movie. From the plot to the dialog, to the over-the-top 1970s aesthetic that every scene is dripped in, Anchorman is a film that on paper, should be garbage, but has somehow beaten the odds to become a titan of comedies. Perhaps the biggest reason for this film being so recognisable is its quotability and how ingrained it has become in modern pop culture, with it boasting lines that I had been saying years before I was even aware of the film. Or perhaps Anchorman’s success is down to the insane amount of celebrity cameos included in the runtime, including a western-style showdown between Burgundy’s crew and rival news reporters.

All in all, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy provided the blueprint for how to make a timeless comedy classic that many studios have tried, and failed, to replicate in the years since its release. A stellar cast, absurd plot, and even more absurd dialog have left the world with a movie that not only stands the test of time but also introduced us to the mastermind that is Adam McKay.