Ben Stiller sees himself in latest character Roger Greenberg.

The actor, usually best known for his comedy roles, claims the part he plays in 'Greenberg' is a departure from his normal work and thinks he has a connection with him.

He said: "I think there are elements of Greenberg in myself. There is also elements of people I know. It's sort of reductive to talk about him in that way because I think he's a guy who is very complicated.

"He comes off that way a lot of the time. But I had to find a connection with him that wasn't about that."

The movie, which tells the story of a New Yorker who moves to Los Angeles to house sit for his brother and assess his life, and Ben believes director is directed Noah Baumbach has created a type of character often underrepresented in cinema.

He said: "I actually ended up really caring a lot about the character because I think Noah's showing a plight and a struggle that a lot of people go through in life that isn't shown in movies a lot of the time."

Discussing his move from comedy movies such as 'Zoolander' and 'Meet The Fockers' to more serious roles, Ben claims he was waiting for the appropriate project.

He told British TV show 'Talking Movies': "I think it's great to be able to do different things. I've been looking for something that's like this, to find the right script with great filmmakers. It doesn't come along that often."

'Greenberg' - which also stars Jennifer Jason Leigh, Dave Franco and Greta Gerwig, is released in March and April.