It is pretty clear to me now – acting talent in the UK, and Scotland in particular, is just better. They’re better at action, with accents, with charm… I really think they are just better actors. And recently, Atonement confirmed my hunch. Atonement was breathtaking and heartbreaking. Saoirse Ronan is amazing in her role, as are Kiera Knightley (what a dress!!) and James McAvoy.
Aside from Wanted (a terrible film, although he got publicity and props for kissing Angelina Jolie), James McAvoy has been in excellent movies and nominated for awards in several of them. I didn’t recognize his comedic annoying role in Wimbledon was played by the same man as his principled passionate role in Becoming Jane.
He is talented, no question; a compelling cameleon with accents, nuanced feeling, looks and gravitas. And should he be cast as Kurt Cobain, I think he would do an amazing job.
Really, I think he has talent on par with Leonardo DiCaprio (Basketball Diaries), Russel Crowe (3:10 to Yuma) and the late Heath Ledger (Dark Knight).
And beyond these strong men of action and drama, I believe McAvoy has a gift for comedy as well. In fact, I would love to see him paired with Emily Blunt in a quirky romance – it could even be titled ‘Esquire’ … imagine the possibilities.
