This film was a break with tradition in a number of ways for comic actor Jim Carrey. The star of 'Ace Ventura,' 'The Mask' and 'Liar Liar' was known as a gifted and funny performer, but he wasn't an obvious choice for gritter roles. There are funny moments in 'I Love You Phillip Morris', but it's a black comedy with many darker moments.
The studio took a risk by casting Carrey in the lead as gay con artist Steven Russell, but it was a risk that paid off. Carrey showed unexpected depth and charm in the part, which opened the door for him to expand his acting repertoire. In real life, the Canadian has been in relationships with many famous women including Renee Zellweger and Jenny McCarthy. In the movie, he's so convincing that you'd never doubt that he was attracted to men if you had no prior knowledge of him.