Ewan McGregor

So Ewan McGregor, a Scottish actor that made his big break as a Jedi. You’ll recognize him from the newest Star Wars movies as Obi-Wan Kenobi. However, the newest Star Wars editions morally offend most people, so I won’t try to sell you his talent based on those.

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 Unlike the last few actors I’ve written about, Ewan isn’t a super intense method actor, but I’ve still been blown away by some of his movies. By far one of my favorite movies that McGregor has done is “Trainspotting”. Interestingly enough, this was the third or fourth movie he was in, and it was a pretty good success. The movie’s based on a novel, and it centered around the life of Ewan McGregor’s character and his heroin habit and his attempt becoming sober.

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I won’t lie to you, the movie’s pretty dark. If you’ve ever read “Fight Club” or any of Chuck Palahnuik’s books, this movie has a similar kind of dark comedic feel. It definitely paints addiction differently than any other movie I’ve seen. The characters love to get loaded; it’s heavily romanticized, but at the same time, it’s such a mundane and casual thing.  Anyway, my favorite part of McGregor’s performance in this movie is that he is very understated. Some aspects of the movie are directed and produced to seem silly and provide a much-needed comic relief, but there remains a realness in the performances of all of the actors. By the end of the movie, you’ll feel a sense of shock that while you watched this movie through the eyes of McGregor’s character, you had your heart broken, and you laughed, but you didn’t necessarily realize the entire impact of the the narrative, that is until the last scene. I would highly suggest seeing it. If anything, it’ll be the best PSA you’ve seen.

A few other movies I would recommend, I think really show off Ewan’s unique talent. The best way to describe his acting is believability. He’s never really been a character that is entirely revolutionary, but in every movie I’ve seen him, I’ve just believed it.

Another dark, pretty alternative movie is “Velvet Goldmine”. It’s based on glam rock of the 70s and alludes to one of David Bowie’s stage characters. McGregor’s character is loosely based on Iggy Pop and Lou Reed. It’s VERY drugs, sex, and rock and roll. (Christian Bale's in this one too, yo)

More recent war-type movies would be “Black Hawk Down” and “Men Who Stare at Goats”. Just, see “Men Who Stare at Goats”… Really… You won’t be mad.

Finally, "I Love You, Phillip Morris" is a must-see.  All you need to know is Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor fall for one another. If that didn't sell you, this nutty story is based on one that is absolutely true. DO NOT read a plot summery before you watch the movie. If you ruin the end for yourself the movie won't be worth it. I laughed and cried and then laughed again and then cried again.

Well that’s all kids. Definitely check out some Ewan.

PS,  watch “Moulin Rouge” obviously the new one Ewan’s in… Alone, in a closet, with earbuds... Don’t tell your friends, and it can be our secret.