Jim Carrey "comes out" at Sundance

Based on a true story, Carrey plays cop-turned-conman Steven Russell, who falls in love with his cellmate Phillip Morris (McGregor) and escapes four times from the Texas jail where he is being held in a bid to be with his partner.

For Carrey, one of Hollywood's biggest box office draws in mainstream comedies such as "Liar, Liar" and "Bruce Almighty," taking the role in an independent film like "Philip Morris" could prove to be a real gamble.

Carrey, 47, risks losing the audiences that flock to his mainstream comedies such as "Yes Man," which has grossed about $100 million at U.S. box offices since its December release.