SHOWBIZ 7s: ‘SNL’s’ Will Forte’s awkward comedy classics

Will Forte is an SNL actor and the costar and writer of “The Brothers Solomon,” which comes out in theaters this week. It’s a goofy-looking tale of two socially inept brothers who try to get laid in order to provide their dying father with a grandson.

There’s a long-standing Hollywood tradition of awkwardness as comedy, and we asked Forte to give us seven of his favorite examples.

1. Dustin Hoffman in “The Graduate.” This is an easy choice. In Benjamin Braddock,Dustin Hoffman creates one of the best awkward characters of all time in one ofthe best movies of all time.

2. Patrick Dempsey in “Can’t Buy Me Love.” This is a real sentimental favorite.I’m not sure this one would be on my list if I wasn’t a teenage kid whenthis movie came out. But Patrick Dempsey is so great as Ronald Miller -- an awesomelyawkward guy who gets caught trying to buy his way into the popular crowd. For somereason, this really hit home with the awkward teen in me.

3. Peter Sellers in “Being There.” I’m not somebody who throws the word brilliantaround, but his performance as Chance the Gardener truly is brilliant. It’sone of the most masterfully subtle performances of all time.

4. Mark Hamill in “Star Wars.” When most people think of Luke Skywalker, they thinkof a cool, confident Jedi master. But before he found the force, Luke was justa nervous, awkward Tatooine farmboy. And for that, he makes my list.

5. Peter Sellers in “The Party.” Peter Sellers again and -- spoiler alert -- he’sgonna make one more appearance before this list is complete. But this movie’splot is so simple -- an Indian actor accidentally gets invited to a fancy partythat he wasn’t supposed to be invited to -- but that’s all you need withPeter Sellers. That guy could make anything funny.

6. Steve Martin in “The Jerk.” This is probably my favorite movie of all time. AndSteve Martin is my all-time comedy hero. And Navin R. Johnson is the reason why.”He hates these cans!”

7. Peter Sellers in “Dr. Strangelove.” Peter Sellers is all over this movie, butmy favorite character he plays is President Merkin Muffley. And the scene wherehe has to call the Soviet premier, Dimitri, and inform him about all of the bombsheading his way is my favorite scene in any movie. I could watch it on a loop forthe rest of my life.