Dec
Julianne MacLean Talks Heros
Yesterday I blogged about how fantasizing about hunky men can help the writing process, and I promised to give you the scoop on who some of my favorite heroes are, and why I am drawn to them. I’ll stick to actors for now…
First, at the top of the list (the permanent list) has to be Gerard Butler, who is best known 
for Phantom of the Opera. Behold his magnificence….
It doesn’t hurt that he’s a Scottish Highlander in real life, and has a deep, manly voice to go with the gorgeous, rugged physique. And yet, at the same time, there’s a boyish charm beneath it all, and a genuine vulnerability that woos just about any hot-blooded female in his path. Comments anyone? Anyone?
The rest of my list fluctuates, depending on what films I’m seeing.
At the moment, I’m into an actor who many of you might not have heard of (yet), but those of you who have seen Band of Brothers will know who I’m talking about – Damian Lewis.
There’s just something about this guy that pushes my buttons, and he obviously pushed 
other people’s buttons too when the mini series aired, because he received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance. He’s not the classic tall, dark, handsome type, but there’s a depth of passion and a whole lot of integrity brimming behind those eyes, while at the same time, he can do villainy at its worst. I love his intensity, whichever way it goes for any given role. My, what an actor. The man has talent to burn. And some of his qualities will definitely show up in future heroes I write about.
Now - a brief mention for Michael Sheen, who played Tony Blair in The Queen, with Helen Mirren. I would like to see more of this guy….
Okay, maybe I’m being a bit predictable here… The obvious big hunk of manliness at the box office currently is Daniel Craig as James Bond. I love that the filmmakers opted to take a chance and break the mould with a very different persona for 007. Our newest Bond is not the typical suave, debonair English gentleman. Craig is rough around the edges, and to be honest, a little scary sometimes.
He’s a bad boy, through and through, and if you enjoy seeing an actor do something outside the box, try watching The Mother, a British film he made a few years ago. Don’t read the back of the DVD. Just take it home and let the plot surprise you. Has anyone seen that one? If so, I’d love to hear your comments.
I’ve only just now realized that all the men on my list are Brits. Hmmm, what does that say about me?
Tomorrow, I’ll dish about some of my romance novel hero favorites, and would love to hear some of yours as well. (This will be tough. There are so many to choose from….)
Julianne, you are so RIGHT about Gerard! Lord that man is something else. I think his greatest appeal (besides those eyes) is the fact that he doesn’t seem to take himself too seriously. I like that.
And I have a thing for Brits too.
December 27th, 2006 at 1:32 amYou made me get out my own inspiration pictures! Great way to start the morning
December 27th, 2006 at 10:08 amIt’s so cold and windy here in in Northern Cal, but thanks to these inspirational pictures I feel all nice and cozy
December 27th, 2006 at 10:58 am*Sigh* Gerard Butler as hot as the sun…
Oh wow…what a great way to start the day! Gerard Butler is indeed a hottie…*sigh*… I still don’t see the appeal of Daniel Craig, but maybe I’ll change my mind after I see Casino Royale.
December 27th, 2006 at 12:09 pmI love Matt Damon.. I think he’s great.. I wasn’t too sure about Daniel Craig, either, until I saw him in Casino Royale.
ahhhh… So good!
December 27th, 2006 at 12:40 pmAndrea and Laura, I keep hearing the same things about Daniel Craig. To tell you the truth I have been avoiding this new Bond movie like the plague because I want to keep my idea/image of Pierce Brosnan as the modern Bond intact. Am I making sense?
December 27th, 2006 at 12:55 pmGerard Butler is one of my favourite actors too. Have you seen him in the independent movie Dear Frankie? It’s a brilliant movie!
Other favourites of mine include Hugh Jackman, “Sawyer” and Sean Bean. Those are the more rugged men. Admittedly I also have a soft spot for the main character of Michael in Prisonbreak. (and as an aside, anyone else ever think how the actor Dominic Purcell - Lincoln in the same series - would make a perfect James Mallory?)
I’ve not seen the new James Bond, but I think Craig can pull it off. Yes, he’s not the polished, suave Bond we’re used to.. but he’s not meant to be since this is in the beginning of his career. I personally look forward to see how our favourite secret agent started out and became the man that we know.
December 27th, 2006 at 2:36 pmEmily, I just keep hoping that Dominic Purcell will lose that shirt of his! They keep taunting me with having it slowly come unbuttoned, and then they button him up again! lol.
December 27th, 2006 at 3:51 pmWell, for the ones that I can think of, most of my favs are Brits or British citizens as well. . . Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Gerard Butler, and David Duchovny as well. Well, he’s the only American. Funny. . . guess it’s the accents. LOL
Lois
December 27th, 2006 at 4:00 pmI have to confess, until I joined the Avon Ladies message board I have never heard of Gerard Butler.
I wanted to know what all the fuss is about, so I took my Christmas money and went DVD shopping. I got Phantom of the Opera and watched it just last night. WOW! I guess I have to go back to amazon and order a couple of more DVD’s.
The Mother is on my wishlist and I also loved Daniel Craig as James Bond. I actually think he fits wonderfully as an earlier Bond. So it made sense that he played in the first Bond book, where 007 is still a bit rugged and rough around the edges.
Julia
December 28th, 2006 at 2:09 amHey guys - Its so fun to hear who all your favorite actor-heroes are. And Julia - welcome to the glorious world of Gerard Butler! If you want to see lots of tidbits about him, go to http://www.GerardButler.net, and there are clips from interviews he has done, and all kinds of great pictures and info.
So has anyone seen Band of Brothers - no one commented on Damian Lewis. He is definitely my wild card choice.
And Isabel - I like Pearce, too. My favorite of his movies is The Thomas Crown Affair. I love when he is shirtless and jean-clad in the Caribbean, and pours wine while holding two glasses in one hand. Its the little things….VBG
Julianne
December 28th, 2006 at 8:36 amJulianne.. I just watched that movie again last night! It is so so so good. He’s great in “Evelyn”, too. He’s also so so so good in Laws of Attraction, another fav. hmmm…. might have to watch that one tonight.
December 28th, 2006 at 8:56 amOh I love the Thomas Crown Affair and I just ordered Laws of Attraction, I hope it gets here for the long weekend, as well as Elizabeth, Attila, The Mother and Layer Cake.
Did I order too much?
Julia
December 28th, 2006 at 12:00 pmI am looking up The Mother and Layer Cake…what a title! I am very curious… are there any other movies and or books we are missing out on with great heroes?? :O).
December 28th, 2006 at 9:13 pmWell my world has been crazy this week, with me and the kids and hubby off of work and school, we’ve been doing a lot of family things together.
Thanks Julianne for blogging with us again, I am so looking forward to february, cause then the torment…self inflicted that is…of NOT buying new releases will be over! lol.
As for the hunks of manflesh, I mean eye candy, I mean…sexy brits… I MEAN…lovely looking lordy lordy, look who’s 40! Hubba hubba! Well, Gerard is my favorite too, so you have excellent taste.
I too am a visual person, and it definately helps me to form a character when you have a visual reference, at least for me.
Hope you had a good Christmas!
Michelle
December 29th, 2006 at 3:21 ammaybe with yahoo messenger
January 13th, 2007 at 11:34 pm