Recently Jeff Wells at Hollywood Elsewhere posted some musings on the career of Ewan McGregor. He’s gone from an indie darling and an up and comer to a guy whose presence in a smaller film indicates that it’s probably bad, and who seems to only appear in actually terrible big budget movies. What happened to Ewan? Wells speculates that the Star Wars prequels broke him; the actor’s descent certainly can be traced to around that period.
It began around then but it continues today. McGregor has joined the cast of Angels & Demons, the prequel to The DaVinci Code. McGregor will be playing a ‘Vatican insider’ who helps Tom Hanks as he investigates some bunk or other for two excruciating hours. It’s obviously a good paycheck for him, but I wish that Ewan was using stuff like this and The Island to make better little movies*.
Also cast in the film is the gorgeous Ayelet Zurer, who will be playing Hanks’ romantic interest. She’s playing an Italian scientist who helps Hanks as he takes on – ready for it? – the Illuminati.
I want to see a third film where Hanks investigates how the Eternal Jew took down the World Trade Center in the name of Zionism.
*Here’s hoping I Love You, Philip Morris isn’t a stinker and reverses the trend.
26 comments
I tried reading "Angels & Demons" a couple of years ago after hearing it was superior to Code, but I put it down after getting about 2/3 through. Never picked it up again.
Unless you're Robert Anton Wilson, the Illuminati shouldn't be a subject of your novels.
I remember Ewan McGregor in Shallow Grave and Trainspotting and ponder what could have been. Can anyone direct me to a good film he's made since?
I suspect he's losing interest in acting, since he spends most of his time these days riding around the world on his motorbike making (very good) travel documentaries.
"Can anyone direct me to a good film he's made since?"
Poor Stay… It's not as bad as you think.
Velvet Goldmine is great too. But man, if you peruse his filmography since then, it is a total train wreck. I do think The Island is much better than most of the other giant summer turds we are forced to sit through. Next to Armageddon it looks like Casablanca.
I guess I am fucking retard because I liked some of his most recent flicks…a lot. Sue me, I fucking liked The Island and I love Big Fish.
He was making shit before Star Wars, what about "the Pillow Book" borefest.
Any word on Cassandra's Dream? I thought the trailer looked fantastic. Maybe when I get older, bitter, and more cynical I'll join the hate train on Big Fish by god damn I like a little sap now and then.
The problem isn't Mcgregor. See: Moulin Rouge. The man is a movie star. It just seems like he only gets to work with the big successful directors on their 'off' days. And that trend has continued for almost a decade.
I will consume you all!
I will expel you all!
When he was younger he had a lot more energy on-screen. I don't think he cares too much about his career at the moment – he'll probably come good as an older actor after dropping off the map for a while.
Been a fan of McGregor's from day one. I felt he was the best part of the prequels. Loved his take on Obi-with the slightly sly Alec G. impression! Anyone who didn't dig Velvet Goldmine, either hates rock n' roll or is a bit of a homophobe. Also got admire any actor not afraid to show his cock. (Don't see Brad Pitt or George Clooney waving their ding-a-ling <did I just type that?!>) I thought Down With Love was awesome.
Make a couple average movies and now all he produces is shit??? HELLO BIG FISH and MOULIN ROUGE. Beaks you are faggot douche and always will be.
I can't believe no one has mentioned Black Hawk Down or Young Adam. Both solid films.
Beaks didn't post this article, xxxposer. Unless your last sentence was some random non sequitur meant to be read with a tinge of irony. But, I doubt that.
Ewan needs to bury the hatchet with Danny Boyle and reteam with him for a new film. And while we're at it, get John Hodge back in the mix as well. Perhaps that will revitalize him and give his career a boost.
I'm a fan of the film "Young Adam", also. Ewan plays quite the bastard in it.
Ewan was great in Cassandra. Secondly, this is just an excuse for Devin to put yet another bullet into his childhood. Is that fucker dead yet, Dev? Got over the pain of collecting all that Star Wars merch?
I agree with those about Moulin Rouge and Big Fish.. great work by Ewan in good movies. Even in the latest Star Wars, he and Ian McDiarmid were the best two in the film. His final scene "You were my brother Anakin" was tops!
What are all these fat-Devin jokes about? Anyone have a picture so I can be in on the joke?
Devin's obesity shouldn't even really be an issue. Nick is just as fat or fatter, and I'm sure the other writers on the site are fat too. It's Devin's fucking FACE that's the issue. Nevermind that if you're a fat movie critic, you have to look like pre-King Kong Peter Jackson. No, it's that disturbing look in his eyes. Whenever G4 asks him to be a talking head on the program, they put Devin's picture on the main headlines, and it's like being stared down by a convicted pederast once you load the page.
I'm optomistic about "I, Lucifer"…based on the fact i enjoy the book though.
Bridger Adventures is a complete abortion.
It's funny, after Danny Boyle dumped Ewan for Leo on THE BEACH, both hit the skids. Would love to see a reunion.
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