It seems like Ewan McGregor took the year off during 2010, with the exception of all that “I Love You Phillip Morris” controversy. Never fear, fellow fans: Mr. McGregor has two new movies coming out within the next few months.
In “Beginners,” McGregor stars as Oliver, a man who learns that his father (Christopher Plummer) is not only dying of cancer, but is also gay. Melanie Laurent (“Inglorious Basterds”) co-stars as McGregor’s love interest. It hits theaters on June 3.
When you begin watching the trailer for “Perfect Sense,” it looks like a run of the mill boy-meets-girl story. By the end, however, it seems like apocalyptic-romance is a more appropriate label. Co-starring Eva Green (“Casino Royale”), it doesn’t have a release date as of yet.
Happy Birthday, Ewan! In honor of this Scottish actor’s special day, I’ve complied a list of my “Top 5 Greatest Ewan McGregor Films.” They are as follows…
5. “Trainspotting” (1996)
McGregor plays Renton, a drug addled low-life living in Edinburgh, Scotland. Make that a heroin addicted low-life, until Renton and his buddy Sick Boy decide to kick their nasty habit. In short, it’s a story of dealing with the pains of life and the choices we make.
4. “Big Fish” (2003)
Directed by Tim Burton, “Big Fish” traces the life of Edward Bloom, a dying man who is recounting his life to his son, Will. McGregor plays a young Bloom during flashbacks, putting all the pieces together for Will and making him realize the man his father really is.
3. “Down With Love” (2003)
McGregor stars as Catcher Block, a playboy journalist living in New York City during the 1960s. Renee Zellweger plays Barbara Novak, a down to earth woman thrust into the spotlight after her book, “Down With Love,” becomes a huge success. It’s a cutesy comedy reminiscent of something from the 60s, like “Pillow Talk.”
2. “Velvet Goldmine” (1998)
Co-starring Christian Bale and Jonathan Rhys Meyers, “Velvet Goldmine”is a homage to glam rockers like David Bowie and Iggy Pop. McGregor stars as Curt Wild, a 70s rock star who seriously influences the career and lifestyle of Brian Slade (Rhys Meyers) during his own rock career. Ye be warned, there’s tons of glitter and Oscar Wilde quotes involved.
1. “Moulin Rouge” (2001)
Baz Luhrmann’s film is arguably McGregor’s most well-known role, so there’s no way I could leave it out. McGregor stars as Christian, a poet living in Paris who is in love with love. Christian meets and very quickly falls for Satine (Nicole Kidman), a beautiful courtesan who has dreams of becoming an actress. The film is all about the bohemian ideals: truth, beauty, freedom and love. It also shows off McGregor’s singing chops, which are pretty impressive. Check them out here:
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."
I’m always happy to find a new Ewan McGregor project and even happier to spread the word about it.
McGregor’s latest film, “The Ghost Writer,” directed by Roman Polanski, is a tale of politics, intrigue and suspense.
McGregor plays a ghost writer hired to pen the memoirs of former British Prime Minister Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan). Shortly after the Ghost starts his job, he discovers that his predecessor died in some sort of tragic accident and Lang is accused of committing a war crime. As Lang is being investigated, reporters flock to his seaside home, harassing Lang, his wife and his personal assistant. The further he gets into his work, the Ghost discovers more and more things that don’t add up. He begins to suspect that Lang’s former ghost writer unearthed a connection between Lang and the CIA. The Ghost begins to question whether the writer’s death truly was an accident, or whether Lang had him killed for discovering his secret.
The film is based on Robert Harris’ novel, “The Ghost,” and co-stars Olivia Williams, Kim Cattrall and Timothy Hutton.
“The Ghost Writer” is set for a limited release on Feb. 19 and will be expanded in March. For now, check out the trailer here:
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