Again, James McAoy (a post and responses from IMDb) -- Part 1

Post from IMDb: Someone please explain to me the fascination. (einhander211)

(einhander211) Because I don't get it. It's probably because I'm a guy, but I don't understand the appeal of James McAvoy. I appreciate that he's a good actor, but he's not very handsome. But most people on here seem attracted to him not because of his acting, but because of his looks. I am tired of the word heartthrob being used in connection with this guy. I can see why women like Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Jude Law. I could see why anyone of those guys would be the lead actor in a romantic movie. But what the hell is James McAvoy doing in a movie like Atonement. Wouldn't that role be more suited to someone like Orlando Bloom. I also don't understand why he was cast in Wanted. He is not the action star type. Let's face it, the guy seems like a dork. If you passed him on the street, not only would you not think of him as tough or cool, you wouldn't give him a second look. It seems like the toughest person in this movie is Angelina Jolie. If you're the lead actor in an action movie and the lead actress is cooler and stronger than you, you're doing it wrong. The recent success and appeal of this tool is harder for me to understand than multi variable calculus. P.S. I expect at least 100 responses to this post, minimum, with 99 being teenage girls telling me to shut the *beep* up. But if there is even one intelligent response it will have been worth it.

Well, for starters, I don't think its fair to call him not handsome...no hes not conventionally handsome, but plenty of girls do find him extremely attractive, myself included. I think we need a broader definition of handsome than what brad pitt and orlando can provide. Also, I began to find him attractive after I had a good dose of his personality. he is incredibly charming, humble and sincere, and anyone who demonstrates those qualities I can't help but like physically...it just seems like the next step. hopefully that was intelligent enough for you.

Well I can't speak for everyone on the board, of course, but I can speak for myself. My fascination with James isn't one thing, looks or talent; it is the combination. The first movie I saw him in (and was aware it was him, unlike in Narnia) was Becoming Jane. I found him a good person for the role, charismatic, and attractive in an unconventional way. That was about all the thought I gave to him. I was then fortunate enough to run into his appearance on Craig Ferguson to promote Atonement while flipping late at night. In the interview he was completely charming, funny, and most of all, real. (I highly recommend looking up all three of his interviews on Craig's show, promoting Starter for Ten, Atonement, and tonight promoting Wanted). He was just so likable, a funny, intelligent person who was just natural, not affected at all by his profession as an actor. These qualities made me more intrigued with Atonement, which I already wanted to see. Upon watching the movie, and seeing the intensity and talent he brought to the movie, I was hooked. I think it makes it better that he can make one fall in love with Robbie without looking like Brad Pitt, whom I would put behind James on my list of heartthrobs. His role in Wanted as an unlikely action star, just further shows his range. I can't say he pulls it off, since I won't see it till tomorrow afternoon, but some reviewers seem to think it proves there is almost no role he can't play. It's not just one thing, it's the combination of so many little things. A pretty face on an inaccessible star, is nowhere near as attractive as James McAvoy. Anyway, it's long but I hope it's an intelligent enough response for you.

I for one, have found James McAvoy to be an excellent actor. That is what first attracted me to him. It was only after I saw his performance in The Last King of Scotland. He is an actual actor, one who puts his heart and soul into the character that he is playing verses just another movie star. When watching James McAvoy on the screen, you forget that you are watching James because you are so involved with his characters. You might think that all of us here are just here because we find James good looking. That fact that you don't find him handsome is okay, however, not only is he good looking, but he, is in fact, a great actor. In regards to Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom, because you brought them up. Both are decent actors and handsome, but you never quite get the feeling that they become their characters like James does. Bloom was good in LOTR and Kingdom of Heaven and Pitt was good in Legends of the Fall,but in other films you never get the feeling that they put 100% of themselves in the character. James is unconventionally handsome, but it's all his other qualities (humble, kind, sweet, cute as all get out) that make women find him sexy. One of these days you guys will understand that it's a whole package thing for us girls, not just outside looks.

As for myself, I was captivated by James' talent. He is a truly gifted actor. He takes my breath away. IF you look at his IMDB profile you see an array of different characters, and if you see these movies you see these characters portrayed brilliantly. You are wrong just a little bit on one thing. Majority of his fanbase are impressed more with his acting abilities, than his looks. Yes, we agree he is an extremely attractive man, but I think what attracts us more is his talent. I for one was blown away by his performance on "The Last King of Scotland." Ever since then, his performances(even the old ones) have never ceased to astound me. I can tell you honestly that at first James to me was just an average looking guy, not one that I would consider a conventional hearthrob. He became attractive to me because of the heart he puts into his work. Like I said with every performance he takes my breath away. I have never felt that way about any actor. I've got something to ask you, though. You're a man, so wouldn't it be a breath of fresh air that an average looking guy or a "dork" as you say is being considered a heart throb? I don't know if you see my point, but I mean, really how many Brad Pitts or Orlando Blooms could you see always winning in the end? James represents the everyman, that's also another thing I love about him. Those are my two cents. Oh and be prepared for a lot of long posts, because it's just starting...

You're right about one thing. You don't get it because you're a guy. You are assuming that the appeal is physical, and if he were a regular joe that we passed in the street, perhaps we wouldn't look twice. But for many women (and yes, I realize I'm generalizing, but roll with it) attraction and appeal come from a combination of many personality traits. As previous posters have stated, he's personable and charming and genuinely seems to care about his fans. He's real, as real as any actor probably could be. And he's a fantastic actor. You said it yourself that he's not what you would expect for a movie like Atonement or Wanted, but he nailed the character of Robbie on the head, and I have no doubt that he does the same with Wesley. Just look at the reviews. So now here are multiple intelligent posts because James tends to attract the people who are going to look beyond the surface. We are smart, educated and opinionated women. You'll be hard pressed to get a "shut the *beep* up" response here, because most of us are more mature than that and can respect that you don't share our point of view. P.S. If you're really having that much trouble with multi variable calculus, PM me. I tutor.

You're showing a lot of prejudice with this, but oh well... I don't understand why women should only be attracted to guys like Pitt (good-looking guy, but I was never into him) or Orlando Bloom (never got the attraction; I don't find him interesting at all), as if we should follow some rules imposed maybe by the media about who's hot and who's not. Like, for example, a male like yourself accepts that women in general like those guys, maybe because the tv shows and magazines tell us on a daily basis that humanity as a whole should worship a guy like Brad Pitt, or Clooney, or Bloom. But then comes a James McAvoy, and the rules change. Yes, he himself admits he's not a typical alpha-male guy, that he was never the Brad Pitt type, but I (and lots of women here) find him way more interesting and intriguing and handsome than most of the men we're supposed to be attracted to. When I first noticed James, it was his amazing acting talent what attracted me. He was magnetic; I couldn't take my eyes off him. Does his talent make him beautiful? Or does his personality, his charm, his voice, his affability, his intelligence? I don't know if there's one quality that makes me feel attracted to him - it's a sum of qualities. And yes, physically, I consider him to be a very handsome man. But I don't have a problem with someone who says "He's not that attractive, but what a wonderful talent!" James, actually, would love this definition. He never entered the business because he wanted to be a celebrity, or just because of his good looks. James is an actor who loves to act, has a deep respect for the profession, and it shows. That's how he'll be remembered years from now, not as a random guy who crashed the "50 most beautiful people" list. And this, my friend, is extremely attractive to my eyes.

Like the other ladies have said, it's about James' combination of charm, skill, and looks. First came my appreciation of his acting range, then came my fascination (not the other way around). I empathize, though. I used to look at pictures of Gerard Butler on IMDB and wonder why girls fancied him. Then I saw him in Dear Frankie and immediately understood. His performance was incredible. The same happened to a friend of mine. She knew of my great interest in James McAvoy but did not understand it. She's the type of girl who goes for the conventionally handsome guy; with her it's looks first and personality later. But I took her to see her first James movie, and all of sudden she was willing to kill James' wife to get to him (don't worry, she poses no real threat). It all has to do with the way James carries himself. He's confident, intelligent, and witty. He's just great. I suggest you see a few more of his movies, and maybe then you'll understand his appeal. P.S.-You boggled my mind when you included Orlando Bloom. How do understand that one? I think he's a crap actor but whatever. I understand Brad Pitt. I liked him in Fight Club and Babel. Johnny Depp is just brilliant. And I liked Jude Law in The Talented Mr. Ripley. But Orlando??? By the way, I'm 17 and I'm not going to tell you to shut the *beep* up.

I agree, he's not classically handsome. But when you factor in his talent (and he IS very talented), his sense of humor (it's seems genuine) and his loyalty to his wife, these are all appealing qualities. In some of his interviews he can be very naughty. He gets this smile on his face that makes him look very mischievous. And at times, he looks like a baby in the face. He's funny off the cuff which is funnier than writing jokes sometimes. If you watch that Jay Leno interview, he can laugh and make fun of himself. His American accent has improved quite a bit, but I have a musical ear so I can still hear a slip or two, but what's the harm. I haven't met him, on the other hand, I just get a sense that he's a decent person and gracious. Listen to how he speaks of his co-stars. He's in awe of most of them. He has quite a few ideas when filming that the directors use which ups the film a notch (although, IMHO, he couldn't save Penelope). I would like to see more of his musical talent, not singing so much, but if he can really play the piano. I look at his childhood and it seems like he got a good, solid old-fashioned upbringing from his grandparents. He's intelligent and educated, but doesn't flaunt it. Most people probably believe he just went to acting school. Believe me, if he's done anything scandalous, it would have been in the press. These things make him attractive to me. He's many things wrapped into this huge talent. I could be very wrong, but for now, don't think so. You can get some idea about people when they're interviewed and he's done a lot of interviews.

(einhander211) I am surprised and delighted that I have received nothing but intelligent responses from my post. I also said in my original post that I admit he is a great actor, and I agree with assessments that he was better than Whitaker in Last King of Scotland, but there are several great actors, and most don't have flocks of women wanting to marry them. Adrien Brody and Edward Norton are two that quickly come to mind. Another thing, I keep reading words like, "charm" "great personality", "intelligent", "real", "charming" and I hate to be the one to tell you ladies, but the fact is that you don't know him. How can you consider someone who you have never met "charming"? Anyone is charming when your only experience with them is hearing them speak lines written by professional writers, or seeing them in 5 minute interviews that are led by professional interviewers. I think we would all be severely disappointed in our favorite actors if we could talk to them at any length in real life. Stephen King once said that the celebrity and the real person are two different people. He's right. I think a better way of assessing a celebrity is to consider their life away from the camera. An example would be McAvoy's latest costar Jolie. (Sorry to bring her up again, but she's a good example) She obviously loves kids, she does a lot of humanitarian work for the UN, she has visited the troops in Iraq as well as the refugees displaced by the war, and her love for both seems genuine. I think she is a kind, loving person. But her numerous and much publicized romances and multiple tattoos, carrying vials of blood, makes me think she's a bit of a freak, and not in a good way. Do any of you have reason to love McAvoy beside the way he appears when he's in front of a camera (and I don't mean looks)? Have any of you met him for more than 30 seconds?

While there are people here who have met him, I cannot say I have had that fortune. Therefore, I will leave that part of the response to them; however, I can comment on the rest of your post. Of course we understand that we can't really know him. We can't know him any more than we know any other actor. I haven't met him, but neither have I met Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Adrien Brody or Edward Norton. We can only compare him to other actors based on the same criteria that you have described. He is charming, intelligent, and real in his interviews as compared to other actors (Charlize Theron's recent appearance on Letterman comes to mind, in which she came off as a bit awkward, stiff, and unwilling to really joke around and let her guard down). We only have 5 minute interviews to go by, but that is all we have for the other "hearthrobs" as well, so I find the admiration to be fair. If he comes off better in that 5 minute interview than another actor, it counts for something. Also, if you want to consider their life away from the camera, I think it speaks volumes about James that he and his wife still live in the same little apartment and drive the same 10 year old Nissan from before he was acknowledged in Hollywood. They don't go out making public appearances for the paparazzi. He doesn't show up on red carpets wearing advertising Armani. It shows that acting is his profession, but celebrity is not his life. Yet another aspect to be admired.

Are you kidding me? You think Adrien Brody and Edward Norton don't have flocks of women fans drooling over them? It's quite interesting that you would mention those two particular actors, both of whom have been described (along with James, I might add) as "the thinking woman's crumpet." And both of them, like James, are not conventionally good looking, but are amazingly talented. I couldn't even begin to tell you how many posts I've read on Adrien Brody's board by men who can't understand why women would find him attractive when he has such a big nose. It's simple...INTELLIGENT women are attracted to their own kind. We're easily bored with the pretty boys and look for something much deeper. James is like an iceberg...4/5ths of his substance is below the surface. With each new role he plays, we are allowed to see a little more of the iceberg, yet we still know there's so much more there that we will never see the full depth of it. It's intriguing and it gives us something to look forward to. I go see every one of James's movies the day they open because I've already been waiting 6 months to a year by the time they come out. I don't do that with any other actor. James is so believable and engaging in the roles he plays that you forget you're in a theatre. When he's on the screen, he sucks you in and holds you captive. When he laughs, you laugh. When he cries, you cry. When his heart breaks, so does yours. And when something bad happens to him you hold your breath until it's over. I just saw Wanted this evening and I don't think I took a normal breath through the entire thing. So, in short, where other actors merely entertain you, James makes you FEEL. It's movie experience at a whole other level. The nuances of his facial expressions and body language are endless and change with every role. I can watch his movies over and over and never tire of him. As for you, Einhander, I can only think of one reason a man would take the time to get on James's board and post something like this...your wife or girlfriend thinks he's hotter than you and you're struggling to understand why. I hope you've found your answer in these posts. As for his fans being stereotyped as drooling teenage girls, well let me just say that James's range of fans is as broad as his talent. Women of all ages (I'm 48), races and nationalities love James, not just teenagers. On screen and in interviews (and from what I understand from people who have, indeed, met him) he's totally committed, uninhibited, vulnerable, humble and very real which means he knows who he is and isn't afraid to be himself. That kind of confidence is what makes him not just attractive, but incredibly sexy. Okay, I'll admit...his beautiful baby blue eyes don't hurt any, either. So, if you're feeling a little doubtful about the depth of your own attractiveness (and I sense that you are), get out of the gym and immerse yourself in real life. Then maybe...just maybe...you'll find who you really are and what you have to offer a woman, besides looks and money. Best wishes.

einhander211, I want to ask you if you have seen any of James' work? Personally for me, I don't think I like him for his looks at all. I think I liked his acting so much, that I started appreciating everything that came with it - his dorky looks, his non-hero physique, his quirky delivery. Because I know the exact moment where I fell in love with James McAvoy - it was the day I watched Atonement. Before that, I'd noticed James for a couple of years and the only movie I'd seen was Narnia. The movie as a whole was such a disaster that I found it hard to appreciate anyone at all - not even Jim Broadbent. Other than that I'd seen James in TV interviews, red carpets etc. - and my thought was "Ohh God..he looks quite arrogant. And God knows for what - not much of a looker; that facial hair creeps me out, and he doesn't really have big stuff to his name". Frankly, that impression of mine was part of the reason why I didn't watch "The Last King of Scotland" for a very long time. It was on my list of to-watch movies, but I kept pushing it down in favor of other films. And then, I had seen several people talk/post about how amazing he was, and I remember rolling my eyes the same way when people squeal about Miley Cyrus(ugh). I went to see Atonement with a friend, and to be honest, I had no idea about the plot, cast or anything whatsoever. The only thing I knew is my friend badly wanted to see this Bafta/Oscar-nominated movie, and I played along. When I reached the theater, I saw the posters for the first time, and I went in my head "Ugh...it has this guy?! Ahh...well, will have to sit through it". It didn't help that I'm not a huge Keira Knightly fan either. And then.......the first half hour of the movie changed everything for me. I had a serious bias against this not-so-good-looking, obnoxious, scrawny actor. And within minutes of being on screen, he captured my imagination. He played his role with such conviction, that I could not help but feel enormous empathy for his character. After the first half hour, I'd totally forgotten my prejudiced impressions that I'd carried for a couple of years. Robbie Turner came to life for me, and I wanted nothing short of justice for him and to help him find love and life. When I came out of Atonement, I was like..."wow..this guy is good", and my friend said "Yeah, he is...he was very good in LKOS" as well. Having seen Atonement, my interest definitely got piqued and I wanted to test the hypothesis that he was no one-film wonder. So I ordered a bunch of his earlier movies. And wit each movie, I have fallen in love with him even more. It did help that 3 of those had a romantic angle - Atonement, Becoming Jane, Penelope....and he does act really well, and makes you feel like a little girl with a big crush. A couple of scenes in "Becoming Jane" are beyond brilliant. I saw him in "Wanted" last night - and he makes you believe in Wesley Gibson. What's impressive about James is his acting pervades all genres, and he makes the viewers believe in every single role he does, whether it's a serious drama like Atonement or chick-flick like Penelope, or period romance/comedy like Becoming Jane, or even action. Frankly, I really doubted if he could pull off the Wanted role. That, by far seemed the hardest - but he does it but such grace and aplomb. To cut a long story short, I think his fascination comes about when viewers see him doing so much justice to every single role, that he makes you empathize with every character he plays, and you end up falling in love with the character. As an extension of which, you fall in love with James. As far as heartthrob is concerned, I know that being a guy you'll never have the same reaction as girls will, but I have seen James' acting being appreciated by men as well. They clearly won't "oooh" and "aaah" over it, but it's the only reason men will ever agree to watch movies like "Becoming Jane" and "Wanted"!! I know this because it has worked for me

Hey, I won't tell you to shut the *beep* up. You're entitled to your own opinion, of course, and I agree that he is a very good actor. I disagree that he is a "tool" and don't see why you had to bring that up later on. A little jealous, perhaps? The names that you listed with regard to romantic comedies are already mainstays, which is why you could see them playing lead roles. In my honest opinion, 75 percent of that list bores me (Johnny Depp being the only actor that I admire in that list, talent-wise). It's like seeing the same perfect movie with the Greek God-esque male. It may be interesting and fun at first, but after awhile... it gets TIRED. They may be pretty, but they are also sculptures that don't move or talk, metaphorically speaking. I am sick of the majority of those actors, due to the simple fact that I enjoy a little variety, something off-beat and intriguing. James brings something new to every part he plays and that's what I love about his acting. He doesn't just recycle the same "smouldering look" or smirk and I highly doubt he would accept a role that didn't challenge him, a role that simply let him rely on old backstory and motivations. Personality plays a huge role in attraction, period. I cannot be strongly attracted to a shell of a man with no substance. You could argue we don't know him, but from what I HAVE seen... I think he is very talented and sexy. He may not be "perfect looking", but perfect appearances with what I call "lazy acting" are boring--- which is why I couldn't care less about Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom and Jude Law. James is very good-looking, anyway, I mean have you seen those eyes?! Btw, since you brought up Angelina's humanitarian work.. you should know James has done some, as well. He helped out with Red Cross in Uganda, which is more than a lot of people can say. [http://youtube.com/watch?v=S4aVIK2DzkI] Not to mention all the support he gave the family he met on the set of Atonement (their child was ill, I forget the details...) Also, he's obviously not super extravagant and lives a simple lifestyle in comparison to a lot of celebs, and it's not because he doesn't have the money. Alright, those are my "justifications". I hope this helped you to understand and one thing I have learned is even the person you find least attractive is someone's heartthrob.

It's possible you don't quite understand it because you're a straight male, but I'll do my best to explain. Someone commented on my blog once that they loved James because he had the sexiness of Gerard Butler but he was also adorable like Billy Boyd. James isn't all looks. At lot of people think it's looks but that's the easiest way people can convey why they find him attractive. James has a personality that a lot of women are drawn to. You may not have seen it in Atonement but a lot of women do. In some parts he's vulnerable and lovesick, in others he was a little dangerous and sexy (like when he gave Cecilia the letter), and in other scenes he was very masculine, like those actors from the 1930s (kind of like John Barrymore). The scene where he shined his shoes, or when he walked in his army uniform with all the weariness in the world were classic examples of this. In some ways James is a very modern actor with a very classic way about him. Jimmy Stewart and John Barrymore were not classicly handsome, but they had the same vulnerability and intelligence, and in Barrymore's case, cheekiness that one can find in James. And honestly, women are allowed to have ecclectic tastes in men. I find Johnny Depp attractive, but that has more to do with the man himself, than just his looks. I also find unconvential men like Paul Dano or Bill Nighy attractive, so go figure. I only find Brad Pitt attractive when his work is interesting, like Fight Club or the upcoming The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. If he's in crap I'm not drawn to him. It isn't really dorkiness you see in James, it's gentlemanliness. You feel that Angelina is tougher in the film than him, and perhaps that is the point of his character. Wesley is meant to be a weakling who overcomes his own fears to become someone braver. If you cast Brad Pitt in it, it just wouldn't be believable. James McAvoy is an exceptionally brilliant actor, and perhaps you haven't been exposed to enough of his work to realise that. I recommend you watch The Last King of Scotland or Macbeth or even Shameless.
P.S. I expect at least 100 responses to this post, minimum, with 99 being teenage girls telling me to shut the *beep* up. But if there is even one intelligent response it will have been worth it.
Deciding that all the responses will be from teenagers, and that they will be unintelligent is pretty rude. You claim James doesn't have conventional looks. What makes you think the women who like him will be conventional teenage girls who mindlessly drool over him? That's not accurate or fair.