Tag: Actors

Emma’s HOT List

Emma17 Comments

I have created my own list of hotties.  (Warning: Some are SUPER-HOT!)  Some are rising stars, while others  have been making their mark in TV/film/etc., for years.  Not only are these gents good-looking, they’re good actors!

Aaron Eckhart 

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He’s not just Two Face, but an actor of MANY faces and facets.  Aaron grew up in Cali,  was raised Mormon, and attended BYU (where he met director and close pal, Neil LaBute.)  They both come from a similar background, and have collaborated often.  LaBute operates outside the mainstream, working on topics he likes.   Aaron is  unafraid to take on unusual projects; he’s gained lbs. and changed his hair/looks for many roles.

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This is a screen shot from Possession (one of my fave films of ALL time!)   In it Aaron plays an underappreciated American researcher (post-PhD) in London who happens upon a JUICY secret (at least in the field of Romantic poetry).  He joins up w/ an icy Brit Womens Studies prof (Paltrow) to get more info…   Too bad no REAL poetry experts look like him- LOL!!!

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I smile a lot in public because I tend to look too serious. 
Adrian Lester

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Wow, check out those EYES!!!  Like many performers of the “old days”, Adrian Lester can sing, dance, AND act onstage and onscreen.  He’s a BIG talent (physically, too- he’s around 6’4″) who has a rather soft voice.

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After I saw him in Primary Colors, I wondered why he wasn’t in more (big) films.  Fans of the bard can check him out in Branagh’s musical film Love’s Labour Lost and As You Like It.   His smile is VERY sweet!

Chiwetel Ejiofor 

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With a (Nigerian) name like that- you’re gonna have a nickname (Chewy)!  This young actor (under 35) can pretty much play ANY part, as the song goes.  He’s done Shakespeare (screen/satge), played a transvestite (Kinky Boots), and acted opposite Denzel (Inside Man / American Ganster)!

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He made a HUGE impression w/ Dirty Pretty Things, a smart, sensitive view of immigrant, working-class London.  He played a Nigerian immigrant (and former doc) who worked days driving a cab and nights at a hotel.  Chewy based this character partly on his OWN immigrant father (who was a real-life doc).  Unfortunately, he lost his father in a car accident when he was 11 y.o.  The scars on his forehead are a reminder of that.

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He disappears into roles like few other actors can, which makes him valuable to any film, but it also makes it difficult for him to become a star. 

I enjoy every role that I’ve seen him perform. His acting seems effortless and his interaction with colleagues is a beautifully timed dance.

A superb artist and I believe he will win that Oscar one day. A magnificent actor!

-Fan comments from IMDB

Christian Bale

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Welsh-born Bale has appeared in Shakespeare, dramas and comedies demonstrating a versatility, depth and range that has made him one of the best reviewed actors today and one of the most popular actors on the Internet.

-IMDB 

Though born in Wales, he calls himself British (as he didn’t grow up in Wales).  Christian grew up onscreen; his 1st movie role was at age 14 in Spielberg’s Empire of the Sun.  He trained for 10 weeks in dancing and martial arts for the dance sequences in Newsies (1992) and Swing Kids (1993).   

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Since it’s holiday season, check out Little Women w/ Winona Ryder, Claire Danes, and Kristen Dunst.

An actor should never be larger than the film he’s in.  

–Spin magazine, March 1996
I only sound intelligent when there’s a good scriptwriter around.  

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In American Psycho, Christian tackles a very, very EVIL businessman consumed w/ his own desires.

It’s the actors who are prepared to make fools of themselves who are usually the ones who come to mean something to the audience.

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I don’t think I was particularly in need of superheroes. I never had any fascination with Superman or Spider-Man or a Batman kind of character. If it happened at all, it was imagined characters that I had invented. My dad was a role model for me. He was a fascinating man. There was intrigue and entertainment growing up with him. He gave me an edict that I still pursue: Life should never be boring.
Denzel Washington

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Man gives you the award, but God gives you the reward.
To keep him out of trouble, Denzel’s parents sent him to The Boys and Girls Club; he’s now one of their spokespeople.  A couple of weeks ago, I saw Denzel’s first film, a comedy called Carbon Copy (opposite George Segal).  Not only did he look in FAB shape, he was confident and easy with the lines, actions, etc.  When Denzel is attached to a film, people all over the world take notice.  Some guys just have the “it” factor!   

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Did you know one of Denzel’s twins, Katia, is now at Yale university?

On Oprah, Julia Roberts commented that “working with Denzel (on The Pelican Brief) was like working with The Beatles.”  Dir. Ed Zwick uses a lot of close-ups on him, because “even when he’s not saying anything, the audience is looking at him.”  His wife in Crimson Tide, Vanessa Bell-Calloway, told People that “Denzel has wit, style, and intelligence.”  But the coolest thing about this big Hollywood success is that he’s willing to help young actors!
Dylan McDermott

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My theory about actors is we’re all walking milk cartons.  Expirations dates everywhere.

After a very troubled childhood/family life, Dylan and his lil sis were adopted by his step-mom (actress/writer/feminist icon Eve Ensler).  She encouraged him to go to acting school and Fordham.   She also turned his life around.   He had become a hard drinker and was constantly in fights. At age 23, he quit drinking.  He also changed his name from Mark to Dylan in tribute to Eve.

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This is a shot from The Mistress of Spices– a terrible film I suffered through just to see Dylan.  In order to NOT alienate her Bollywood fans, Aishwarya Rai DID NOT kiss Dylan on the lips in Gurinder Chadha’s rom com film.  Boy, talk about missed opportunity! 

Hugh Dancy 

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In Elizabeth I, a great UK miniseries I previously wrote about, Hugh goes toe-to-toe w/ Jeremy Irons and Helen Mirren.  Not bad for a guy just who’s just 33! 

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Who better to rescue a damsel in distress?  LOL… Daniel Deronda is about a young man- sensitive, caring, and highly intelligent, but haunted by doubts about his identity.  Is he a British gentleman like his adopted father?  And why is he drawn to the Jewish faith?

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Hugh is not just a pretty face; he graduated from Oxford University with a degree in English Literature & Language and speaks French fluently. 

My dad is an academic but there was never any question of me following on that route. I’m thick.

Ioan Gruffudd

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Isn’t he looking sophisticated in this pic?  Ioan starred in Amazing Grace, and had a bit part (as Tony Blair) in Oliver Stone’s W.  He’s done TV, historical stuff, action- you name it!  An interesting fact about Ioan is that his first language was Welsh; he’s a bilingual, multicultural guy.   

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You don’t need blue eyes to be a hottie- warm brown ones can work, too.  Did you know Ioan starred on a TV show (Horatio Hornblower) a few years back?  It’s now sold in the US.  You may have seen him in Wilde opposite Stephen Fry; he had gorgeous long hair then!

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I’m looking forward to seeing one of his (older) films- Solomon and Gaenor.  It’s a youthful love story between a Jewish boy and a Catholic girl in Ireland. 

Jimmy Smits

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Where else can you find cheekbones like that!?  His height and striking looks (his heritage is Puerto Rican) make him a major presence onscreen.  Jimmy Smits has been making his mark since the late 1980s, when he was cast on LA Law.  Too bad he didn’t take the offer to star in CSI: Miami.  (I’d rather watch him than David Caruso ANY day!)  He grew up in one of the toughest neighborhoods of Brooklyn (Bushwick), and can be seen in ads for the charity NY Cares.  

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Here is a pic from The West Wing, where Jimmy played Matt Santos, a serious, sympathetic democratic presidential candidate w/ a young fam.  Hmmm… sounds familiar. 

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Sometimes art imitates life!  Like our future prez, Jimmy is someone who transcends race.  He’s played Latino characters (from many backgrounds), but also characters that weren’t race-specific. 

Toby Stephens

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I like this longer hair A LOT!  Toby is possibly the hottest Bond villain (aside from fellow Brit Sean Bean.)   Speaking of Sean Bean…  He and Sean acted in Sharpe’s Challenge (shot in Rajasthan, India).   Speaking of India…  He’s acted in English AND Hindi (alongside Aamir Khan in The Rising).

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Like mom, Dame Maggie Smith (above w/ bro),  Toby has an unmistakeable (posh) accent, confidant gait, large expressive eyes, and a wide smile.

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In The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Toby plays a kind country farmer who falls for his new neighbor, and becomes a father figure to her little son.   This character is VERY sweet and gentlemanly!

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Toby took on the challenge of Mr. Rochester- a very “changeable” romantic hero who’s “larger than life.”  Now he has MANY more fans!

NEW Movie Review: Oliver Stone’s “W”

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Josh Brolin stars as George W. Bush in this Oliver Stone biopic that traces the head of state’s rise to power from a privileged alcoholic to a born-again Christian whose belief in religious destiny helped move him to the top ranks of political power.  -IMDB synopsis

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Before I saw Josh Brolin’s (quite respectable) performances in American Gangster and No Country for Old Men, I thought the best thing about him was his wife (the fabulous Diane Lane)!  In W, he gets to stretch his acting repertoire (with help from several veteran actors).  The accent, mannerisms, and mistakes of W are on display here.  But Oliver Stone doesn’t create a (overly) negative picture of the president.  My mom commented that the film made her feel “a little sorry for Bush.”

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The heart of this film is the father-son relationship; W never feels like he measures up to H.W. (played with great ease/conviction by James Cromwell).  The grande dame of the Bush family, Barbara (Ellen Burstyn), gets a couple of good moments in the film.  She’s great- I wanted to see more Barbara!  Jeb and other family members are barely there; I wanted to know more about the siblings.

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Believe it or not, W was called “elitist” and “Eastern” when he first ran for office in Midland, TX (his family’s adopted hometown)!  Laura Welch (Elizabeth Banks; she did a fine job in Seabiscuit) was a registered Democrat when she was introduced to Bush at a barbecue.  Laura is as we’d imagine her to be, but her character is not deeply explored.  She’s your typical sweet, supportive, pretty Southern girl.

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Once Bush enters national politics, he’s supported by “Vice” Cheney (Richard Dreyfuss), Condi Rice (Thandie Newton), Colin Powell (Jeffrey Wright), Donald Rumsfeld (Scott Glenn), and “genius boy” Karl Rove (Toby Jones).  My mom wanted to see more of Condi.  I wanted to see more of Dreyfuss and Glenn; they are solid veteran actors, but under-used here.  That’s just sad!  Dimunitive Brit actor, Toby Jones, gets a few interesting moments with Brolin.  Jones has played sneaky political types many times in his acting career.

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I was surprised that the first 20 minutes of the film were so dull.  It showed Bush as a young man acting the fool.  He drinks too much, can’t keep a job, and so forth.  My mind wandered off to other things.  I really liked the two long-ish scenes Brolin had with Stacy Keach (who played an Evangelical pastor from Midland).  Brolin commented in an interview that quitting drinking was one of the things he admired about W.  Unfortunately, there isn’t much to admire about this film.  We already know a lot of the things this film covers!  This is a different Oliver Stone than the one who made Born on the Fourth of July and JFK.  Those movie stays in your mind, unlike this one.

The Duchess

Emma4 Comments

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A chronicle of the life of 18th century aristocrat Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, who reviled for her extravagant political and personal life. She is a vibrant beauty and celebrity of her time. But she is trapped in an unhappy triangle with her husband and his live-in mistress. She falls passionately in love with an ambitious young politician, and the affair causes a bitter conflict with her husband and threatens to erupt into a scandal.  -IMDB synopsis

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Is it me, or are the movies (in general) becoming too simple, predictable, and just plain dull?  I’m not feeling strongly about most of the (mainstream) movies these days.  Many people I know feel the same, too.  However, I went last weekend to see two new films: The Duchess (with a group of ladies from NYBAP) and W (by myself; my mom saw it before me, and said it was interesting).  Though I wasn’t “wowed” by either of these movies, I recommend you see them (when they come out on DVD).  Below is a review of The Duchess; I will soon write about W as well. 

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There is no denying that Keira Knightley has a strikingly beautiful face; she reminds you of Brooke Shields as a very young woman.  She has gotten a lot of exposure, and grown as an actress since making a big splash as a teen tomboy in the Bend it like Beckham.  Not all the projects she’s chosen haven been hits, but I’m sure she’s learned a lot from them.  In The Duchess (based on actual events), Keira plays Georgiana, an independent-minded young lady who becomes the Duchess of Devonshire in 18th century England.  Her husband, the Duke, is played by Ralph Fiennes (his family is distantly related to British royalty).  He is always interesting to watch, both as a hero and villain.  Unfortunately, in the first half of the movie, he comes across as a rather cartoonish villain.  Subtlety is one of the main things missing from modern pictures!         

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G (as she is called by family and friends) goes from being a bubbly teen girl to a troubled married woman before you can say “corset.”  Her husband is nothing like a girl expects- he’s distant, uncommunicative, and has many affairs.  He becomes even colder when G fails to provide a (male) heir.  Her mother, played very well by Charlotte Rampling, says that women must bear many burdens.  (Divorce was very rare at that time.)

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G’s closest friend, Lady Elizabeth Eshton, is one of the bright spots in her life.  Hayley Atwell, who plays Lady Elizabeth, is a well-developed character who brings (much-needed) depth to this film.  She’s a “woman of the world” who has lived through many trials; she cares deeply for her friend.  While Keira is thin and light on her feet, Hayley is very curvaceous and earthy.  G is a wide-eyed “people-pleaser”; Lady Elizabeth is tougher.  She observes others closely with her small, dark, curious eyes.

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G, though unloved by her husband, becomes a popular fashion icon.  The hairdos, costumes, and (especially) jewels in this film are gorgeous.  She also gets involved in politics, supporting men like Lord Fox (who spoke against slavery, among other injustices).  A young lawyer, played by Dominic West, from G’s girlhood is Fox’s right-hand man.  He has strong feelings for G, even after several years apart.  G is torn between her duty (as wife, mother, high society figurehead, etc.) and desire to experience real love. 

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This film does a good job of re-creating 18th century high society and laying down the (often unspoken) rules of the day.  If you are familiar with that stuff (like me), then it won’t be a biggie to you.  (You’ll be bored, honestly!)  I felt sorry for Ralph Fiennes because he’s (obviously) capable of more subtle acting.  He was too much of a baddie in The Duchess; I don’t think many husbands of that day acted like the Duke.  (I won’t give it away, but he does some heinous stuff.)   There was an (obvious) lack of chemistry between Keira and Dominic; if you want to see real sparks of young love, check out Atonement.  Keira looks great with James McAvoy in that film; they feel like a real couple.  There are some bright moments here and there, like the (unusual) friendship between G and Lady Elizabeth.  The sets and scenery are fabulous, and there is a great moment of drama involving G and one of her children.  It wasn’t a great film, but it wasn’t a bad way to spend two hours.  

Movie Review: “Becoming Jane”

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I first saw this movie (based on the biography of Jane Austen by Jon Spence) on You Tube.  I thought it was okay.  On first glance, I enjoyed the music and scenery (actually Ireland, not Hampshire).  I saw it again, and was very surprised by the superb acting, especially by the younger actors.  There were a few moments, involving Tom Lefroy’s wild behavior that seemed a bit extreme; aside from that, I have no complaints.  This is a beautiful, intelligent movie that I highly recommend to all JA fans!

Warning: My review has MAJOR spoilers!

Anne Hathaway plays the 20 year old Jane who, over one tumultuous summer, falls in love with charming lawyer-in-training Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy).  Tom was sent to the country to stay with his cousins by his uncle, a high court judge.  This uncle, upon whom Tom relied, disapproved of his wild behavior (gambling, boxing, carousing with women, etc.)  Tom is also a great pal of the eldest Austen son, Henry (Joe Anderson, a very cute/blonde young actor).

Did you know Anne did her senior thesis at Vassar on JA’s works?  She takes her role seriously here.  Anne’s take on Jane seems well-researched; she never looks out of place.  She learned to write and play paino like JA did!  Upon first meeting Tom, Jane is not impressed.  In a letter, she calls him “insolent, arrogant, impudent, insufferable, impertinent.”   He is bored with this new “rural” set of people, and thinks he’s above them.  Shades of Mr. Darcy!

The Austen parents, James Cromwell and Julie Walters, are grounded in life’s realities, but they married for love.

“That girl needs a husband. But who’s good enough? Nobody!” -Mrs. Austen laments

Father is more sensitive to Jane’s wishes; mother is more of a realist.

“Jane should have not the man who offers the best price, but the man she wants.” -Rev. Austen

I liked Cromwell very much in this role; it really suited him.  (He can currently be seen as George H. W. Bush in Oliver Stone’s biopic W.)

“I will not marry without affection, like my mother!” -Jane to Mrs. Austen

“Affection is desirable.  Money is absolutely indispensable!” -Mrs. Austen to Jane

Another great supporting character is Jane’s beloved older sister Cassandra (Anna Maxwell Martin).  She is the shy, sweet, obedient girl in the family.  But her fiancé, the young parson-to-be, Mr. Fowl, dies overseas of yellow fever.  Cassie, who feels very deeply, never thinks of another man.  (This would later become the impetus for Persuasion.)  Anna suits her role very well; she had been in many period dramas, including North & South and Bleak House.

Henry, who also has a sub-plot, is pursued by their elegant, widowed older cousin, a French countess by marriage.  Eliza is the voice of the experienced, worldly woman in Jane’s life.  The countess uses her beauty, charm, and (especially) money to gain Henry’s interest.

“Sometimes affection is a shy flower that takes time to blossom.” -Mr. Wisley to Jane

As you may know, Jane received a few marriage proposals over her short life.  One such offer comes from the tall, quiet, socially awkward Mr. Wisley (Laurence Fox) who will inherit the property of his childless, wealthy aunt, Lady Gresham (Maggie Smith).  (Wisley is loosely based on Harris Biggs, a man who proposed to the real JA when she was 27.)

Laurence Fox is the son of actor James Fox and cousin of the lovely Emilia Fox (who appeared as Miss Darcy in the popular Pride & Prejudice miniseries).  Laurence recently played Cecil in the new version of A Room With A View.  Mr. Wisley slowly grows to admire Jane’s independent spirit.  Lady Gresham brings to mind Lady Catherine from P&P, though she is a bit more humane.

Tom Lefroy was believed to be the one love of Jane’s life.  Below is a pic of the real Tom!

The young couple are ill-suited for each other, according to the prevailing thought of the day.  Though Tom seems like a free-wheeling, carefree guy, Tom is from a poor family in Limerick who depend upon him for support.  (His mother married his father for love, and they had many children.)  He’s the kind of young man who must marry for money, or wait until he has made some on his own.  But, like Jane, he has a non-conformist side.

Tom recommends that Jane read Tom Jones to learn more about the world of young men.  He never says anything negative about her desire to be a novelist.

“If you wish to practice the art of fiction, to be considered the equal of a masculine author, experience is vital.” -Tom advises

“I think that you, Miss Austen, consider yourself a cut above the company.” -Tom comments during a public assembly (dance).

“Me?” -Jane replies with surprise.

 “You, ma’am. Secretly.” -Tom observes wisely.

The main reasons to see this movie: James (and his very fine eyes- a great compliment in JA’s time), the terrific chemistry between him and Anne, and the gorgeous music.  James (the more I see of him, the more I want to see!) is full of energy, empathy, grace and style in this film.  He sinks seamlessly into his character, and these costumes look (especially) good on his frame.  He’s one of those (rare) young men who’s not afraid to look vulnerable.  His eyes are very expressive.  Anne calls him “a legend in the making” on the special features.  Check out Becoming Jane ASAP!

Emma meets Richard Belzer (L&O: SVU’s Det. Munch)!!!

Emma3 Comments

This evening, I went to a book reading/signing at the Barnes & Noble at Lincoln Center (66th St & Broadway) for actor/comedian Richard Belzer’s latest book, a mystery novel that blends real life, fiction, and humor- I Am Not A Cop!  Richard was HILARIOUS!  He’s very quick with his humor, but also very approacheable. 

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He has played Detective John Munch (on various shows) since 1992.  But the producers initially “wanted a Jason Priestley type” for Munch on Homicide: Life on the Street, a smart, gritty police drame set in Baltimore.  (This comment got BIG laughs from the audience!) 

Reading from his book
Reading from his book

“I hope you’re enjoying this.  I am.  I mean- how many times do you have a famous actor read to you?”

Richard’s glamorous-looking wife (Harlee) and two dogs (Django and Bebe) were also present.  (He is the spokesman this year for the North Shore Animal League.)  The dogs were walking about the room; people thought that was cute.  They were well-behaved (for the most part).  Did you know “the Belz” (as some fans call him) spends his time away from NYC in France? 

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A question re: SVU stunts

A young lady asked if he had a stunt double; Richard instantly fell on the stage!  LOL!!!  “Of course I do,” he said, pretending to be injured after getting up.  “But some actors have a need to do their own stunts.  Meloni does a lot of his own stunts.”   

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L&O: SVU cast photo
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Jerry Orbach

When asked about his great chemistry with Jerry Orbach (they worked together on Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order crossover shows), Richard said: “He’s one of the people that I never heard anything bad about.  We shared a dressing room whenever we’d do crossover shows.  And did you know he was voted as one of the top 100 performers on Broadway?  Think of that- out of all the thousands of performers who’ve appeared on Broadway.  You know- he was New York.”  Very sweet! 

Chatting and signing books
Chatting and signing books

Richard, unlike Det. John Munch, has a much more positive tone to his voice.  He looked very relaxed, even when an older gentleman made an odd/rambling comment.  I liked how he related to the audience, and took the time to chat a bit and pose for photos.

Chat with fan
Chat with fan

Another SVU fan asked if there are any plans for Munch to have a love interest.  Richard asked one of the show’s directors (sitting in audience); he said “no” firmly.  Richard would like to have a girl, though.  (I thought he and Jennifer Esposito had GREAT chemistry when she was on; too bad her character died!)  

A few people commented that they wanted to see more of Munch, because he wasn’t very prominent last season.  (I agreed!)  Richard replied that he was “very flattered” but liked to have freedom to do other projects that were of interest to him, too. 

With his dog, Bebe
With his dog, Bebe

Richard read a few pages from his book; he said he’d been writing for a long time.  His plan is to get 2 more novels published soon; one is already completed.  When asked about his motivation/influence, he said he admires (pulp mystery writers) like Dashiell Hammett.

Me and Richard!!!
Me and Richard- one of the actors I’ve watched for a LONG time!!!

I took a pic for the young lady ahead of me in line, so she took one for me- YAY!  She looked excited because SVU is her mom’s fave TV show, and she’d be able to give a COOL b-day present.

Now the BEST part… my little chat with Richard: 

Me: “It’s really great meeting you.  If you have some pull… could you maybe get Andre Braugher to guest star on SVU?  That’d be great!”

RB: “You know, nothing would make me happier.  He used to beat me in chess.”

Andre REALLY should be famous!
Andre REALLY should be famous!