Beauty Break: Ewan in Blue
Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 4:00PM GQ is selling blue as the color of the moment. I tend to wear purples and greens -- not "The Joker" saturation levels, mind -- and browns but whatever Ewan McGregor sells I'm eager to buy so perhaps if I ever go shopping again, it'll be blue blue blue.
Just looking at Ewan McGregor raises my melatonin levels. In 2005 I placed him on a ten favorites of the decade list as my least analytical choice. I just respond to him is all. I wrote...
He rises up jubilantly. I don't care if this sounds cheesy or sentimental but Ewan makes me feel and smile.
Some actors we relate to as identity surrogates. We want to be them or see the story through their eyes. In the case of McGregor I find I'm always the other characters. I'm always with him. In the 90s when he first came to fame I was rooming with him in a conspiratorial way, painting words on his body, rocking out like a lustful fanboy at his concerts, or killing time and brain cells with him in illegal ways (just like his co-stars in Shallow Grave, Pillowbook, Velvet Goldmine, and Trainspotting) On this last: he's the only actor for whom I would dive into a toilet bowl.
I'm only sharing this to set up the quintessential film in my personal history with Ewan McGregor: Moulin Rouge! The apotheosis for me is probably the "Elephant Love Medley" scene. Like Nicole Kidman's 'Satine' I usually start out trying to resist him (my critical/cynical self usually in control). As he keeps battering away at my defenses with his unique spark, humor, and openheartedness (both as character and actor), I eventually start to cave. I resist, I complain, I explain all the reasons why not. But before long I am totally his.
It still applies. More New Blue Ewan after the jump.
Related: Favorite MacGregor Performances | Beginners on My Top Ten List | Interview with Mike Mills (Beginners) with much praise for McGregor
Beauty Break, Colorology, Ewan McGregor
Reader Comments (17)
A beauty break indeed. I have the same physical and emotional reaction to this actor as you do and he is without a doubt my most enduring crush. For a few years, I was worried his career was going off the rails a bit, but lately it's been so lovely seeing him in projects that are worthy of him and his talent (i.e., Beginners and Ghost Writer). I hope this nicely paced trajectory he is on brings us more rewarding pictures and performances.
I've loved him since ever. I suppose I always will.
Oh, I just bought a plaid shirt like the one on the right picture. I'm pretty sure mine is cheaper, but now we're closer :)
Reading your blog, some time ago I found out we're the same age, which probably makes me old around here, but in such a good company...
nice job, GQ. couldn't imagine a better match for Ewan's dreaming baby-blues
I can't understand why he never gets any credit for his performances.
He's brilliant in Beginners!!!
I'll never be able to dislike him as long as he has "Trainspotting" on his CV.
Ewan is one of those rare individuals who looks as good out of his clothes as he does in them. I think he is the true art house stud of our times. He is a truly gifted actor. And oh, THAT VOICE. If loving Ewan's wrong,I don't want to be right.
Ewan McGregor is ugly and charmless and I don't ever, ever squeal inside like a pre-teen girl when you do a post about him. Not ever.
<sigh>
The most underrated actor of our time. Shameful.
I didn't just lick my computer screen. Nope.
I just don't this Hitler haircut.
Don't get the Hitler haircut
He's not my cup of tea as a screen presence but these photos do a lot for understanding Nathan's fatal attraction for the man.
He's just always so gosh-darn LIKABLE!
PS - At first I mis-typed that is "Lickable" then changed it, but realized that that works, too!
If i was in Satine in Moulin Rouge, the Elephant Love Medley wouldn't have even happened because Christian would've had me from Your Song. It's impossible to not fall in love with McGregor when he's singing.
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