#everything about eddie redmayne's character

[eddieredmayneargentinablog]

New Article:

Eddie Redmayne On How His Emcee in Cabaret Is a Shape Shifter.

The Olivier and Oscar winner talked with Playbill about coming back to the stage, and whether he's coming to Broadway.

Playbill, by Talaura Harms, October 16, 2023.

While a few fortunate Broadway theatregoers were able to catch the recent Olivier Award-winning revival of Cabaret, the majority of us are anxiously awaiting its Spring 2024 arrival on Broadway. And even more, we are anxiously awaiting the casting news to see if one, both, or neither of its Olivier-winning stars, Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley, will come with it.

While we impatiently tap our feet as we wait to hear, we've at least had the cast recording to keep us company. Released in January 2023, the album features Redmayne as The Emcee and Buckley as Sally Bowles. 

Playbill got the chance to catch up with Redmayne recently to chat about his wild, weird performance and, basically, harass him about his 13 year (and counting) absence from the Broadway stage.

Redmayne made his Broadway debut in 2010 when the Donmar Warehouse production of John Logan's Red transferred from the West End. The two-hander starred Alfred Molina as artist Mark Rothko and Redmayne as his assistant. Redmayne earned an Olivier and a Tony for his performance. 

Redmayne says, only partly in jest, that one of the reasons he hasn't returned to Broadway is because Red was perfect. "It was one of the greatest experiences of my life—working with Fred Molina on a play that I loved, and with Michael Grandage," he says. "It went so well that I was like, 'I don't think I'm ever going to do a Broadway play ever again. It's never ever gonna go as well as that.'"

Following Red, he returned to the West End for another production with Grandage, a short run as the title role in Shakespeare's Richard II. Then his film career took off. His 2012 performance as Marius in the Les Misérables film set musical theatre hearts aflutter. Then in 2015, he was awarded an Oscar for his role as Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything and garnered another nomination the following year for The Danish Girl.

He did not return to the stage until the 2021 West End revival of Kander and Ebb's Cabaret. The chance to create The Emcee anew was too good to pass up. "The abstract nature of the character—the fact that does the character even really exist? Is it a figment of the imagination? I mean, it's so ripe for interpretation," says Redmayne. "And the show is so beautifully constructed, but yet it allows for interpretation. That was the appeal."

The Emcee is so ripe for interpretation because the character only exists in the Kit Kat Club and not within narrative story of Cabaret. The diegetic Kit Kat Club numbers comment on the action of the plot—chanteuse Sally Bowles' relationship with English writer Cliff during the Nazi rise to power in Berlin—but the Kit Kat Club songs are not a part of the action. 

And this new immersive production takes that meta-theatricality to new heights—London's Playhouse Theatre has been transformed to look like a '40s Berlin nightclub, with performers interacting with he audience during the preshow. 

Redmayne's initial actor's instinct was to create a backstory for The Emcee, but in the end, his attempts simply were not supported by the text. So, he tried something else. "What was very liberating about playing this role was that I approached it, ultimately, in a very different way—which was throwing clay at a wall in big kind of broad gestures and then trying to refine it as it were," Redmayne explains. "Then, as we began to run the show, making sense of a psychology through it—working backwards, and working with the understanding that there's an abstraction to the character."

But Redmayne was excited about shaking his process up a bit. He'd only done film for the 10 years prior to Cabaret, and he was ready to dive into stage work again. In the months leading up to Cabaret rehearsals, he even enrolled in a training course at Lecoq (formally, L'École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq), a physical theatre school in Paris. "I was working with actors aged 18 to 60 from all over the world. It was huge improvisations, the whole thing was in French, and there were these two French doyennes of Lecoq's training going 'No!' and it was kind of brutal, but it was exactly what I needed," he says, laughing. "It took me out of my head. I felt so much more physically free to humiliate myself. By the time I came into the rehearsal room for Cabaret, the experience was one of release in some ways."

So with his newfound physical freedom, and the idea of The Emcee as an abstraction unclouded by a backstory, Redmayne was ready to create his character. The vocal performance is almost otherworldly. Redmayne explains the genesis of his sound: "There was this idea of a shapeshifter. That was something that [director] Rebecca [Frecknall] and Tom Scott, our production designer, talked about—that my version of The Emcee could puppeteer this group of Kit Kat dancers and conjure these characters. But, ultimately, when fascism arrives, he is able to get out absolutely fine. He can shape shift his way out of that situation. And I wanted vocally for that to translate as well."

Working with Musical Director Jennifer Whyte ("She had brilliant ideas," he adds), Redmayne created different voices and sounds for different songs. In "Tomorrow Belongs to Me," he sang live over his own recorded harmony lines. "So, in that, there was a delicate side. Then there was the raucous, quite nasal version of The Emcee in 'Willkommen.' And then, particularly within 'I Don't Care Much,' I wanted you to hear him move from one voice into the other within the same song. So he's sort of demonstrating to the audience the power he has in his passivity, just to keep changing the versions of himself," explains Redmayne, then quickly adding,"That sounds bloody pretentious." (Clearly Mr. Redmayne does not understand how hard we can nerd out about a vocal performance.)

Musical theatre is in Redmayne's blood, he says. His first job, after all, was playing a workhouse boy in a West End production of Oliver! And he was a choral scholar in his years at Cambridge. And returning to Cabaret after years in film was a particular joy for him. "I do think that music and singing jumps synapses into people's souls and you connect emotionally in a beautifully honest way," he says. 

But he's more proud of just being involved with this particular production. He's been back to see every new cast as they arrive in the West End. "Rebecca has created a version of the show that champions individuality," he says. "Getting to watch a production that you've been in, but in a completely different interpretation—having seen all of The Emcees and Sallys and seen the breadth and brilliance of their voices—I just feel proud to be a part of something that keeps living."

And, of course, we asked if he'll be coming to Broadway with Cabaret in the spring. Of course we did. "You know more about it than I do," said the shape shifter, easily getting out of that one.

The Rebecca Frecknall-directed production of the Tony-winning 1966 Broadway musical, currently running at London's Kit Kat Club (a.k.a. the renovated Playhouse Theatre), officially opened December 12, 2021. It currently stars Jake Shears as The Emcee and Rebecca Lucy Taylor as Sally Bowles. Mason Alexander Park and Maude Apatow just completed their three-month runs in the show. 

Cabaret is slated to arrive at the August Wilson Theatre this season. Dates and cast are to be announced. 

Photo by Marc Brenner

#eddie redmayne #eddieredmayne #redmayne #cabaret at the kit kat club #the emcee #cabaret2021 #broadway #playbill #october 2023

[lunatheseus]

actors who were born to act and what I think about them

Cillian Murphy : GOD he's such a phenomenal actor. From Watching the Detectives (with Lucy Liu) to the Dark Knight Trilogy to Peaky Blinders (and Oppenheimer ofc), Cillian is able to embody every character that he plays. His Oppenheimer performance blew me away, and his ability to play morally grey and complex characters is unparalleled. On top of that, he's also just a very humble and down-to-earth human being and its incredibly admirable. I also love his almost naïve point of view when it comes to modern day slang...(what's a meme?) its adorable.

Eddie Redmayne: As a Fantastic Beasts fanatic, I absolutely adore Eddie Redmayne. He IS Newt Scamander in a different font and no one can convince me otherwise. He doesn't seem to be as well-known as other actors but his performances still leave me wanting more. Eddie also plays Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything and James in The Aeronauts (and his co-stat being Felicity Jones in both movies! But that's for another day). These two movies stole my heart honestly and they make me feel whole but also empty every time I watch them again. Now that I think about it, Eddie is probably most well known buy his part in Les Mis, but I personally don't know much about that. The fact that he was an art history major makes it so much better! Anyway, Eddie is also a very down-to-earth and humble person, and I love his attitude when he interacts with fans.

Sam Claflin: Once I dipped my toe into The Hunger Games fanbase/arena, there was no turning back. Sam Claflin, playing Finnick Odair, the complex pretty boy, really peaked my interest when it came to his acting range. And oh boy was the rabbit hole endless. Sam's performances in the movie adaptations Love, Rosie and You Before Me were devastatingly beautiful in the most gut-wrenching way. His role in playing Mycroft in Enola Holmes was amusing but also incredible when alongside Henry Cavill and Millie Bobby Brown (That trio will forever be legendary in my opinion but that's for another day as well). Anyway, I also watched a trailer (can't seem to remember the name of the movie), but in it, Sam was playing a psycho murderer, and to me it really showcases his range of acting abilities.. I won't say Sam Claflin is one of those actors who can play all types of characters, but there is an element in his performances that are really compelling, and draw the audience in. Just, in the way he breathes and talks (and the way that he is almost always cast to play an American and has to hide his accent) makes him a very eye-catching actor. He's also very funny irl.

Florence Pugh: I'm adding Florence Pugh because how can I not. She's in so many phenomenally directed movies, and she's incredible at micro-expressions that I can't help myself. Her performance in Don't Worry Darling, Black Widow, Little Women, Hawkeye, and Oppenheimer completely blew me away. Her little pout also changes so much about the scene once she pulls it out. Outside of her acting career, I also admire her attitude towards the industry. From refusing to go on diets to being willing to be intimate onscreen, Florence Pugh has balanced her personal opinions and her work so well. Her accent work is also phenomenal.

#oppenheimer #oppenbarbie #cillian murphy #tommy shelby #peaky blinders #thomas shelby #newt scamander #fantastic beasts #eddie redmayne #les mis #harry potter #the hunger games #sam claflin #finnick odair #actor #hollywood #dark knight #florence pugh #marvel #little women #dont worry darling #ranting #tw ed rant #rants #rant post #rambles #ramblings

[tomcprior]

Get to know me...

Tom Prior is an exceptional talent in the realm of acting and filmmaking. 

After graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 2012 he has brought his undeniable presence to notable films such as "The Theory of Everything," where he portrayed the role of Robert Hawking, the son of Eddie Redmayne's character. His performance in "Kingsman: The Secret Service" showcased his versatility and ability to play an action hero. He left a memorable mark on television audiences with his appearances in the British ITV series “Endeavour."

Tom Prior delivered an extraordinary lead performance in the highly acclaimed and multi-award winning film "Firebird" (2022)”. Set against the backdrop of the Soviet Air Force during the Cold War, Tom's portrayal of love and connection in the face of adversity transcended the boundaries of traditional storytelling. His acting earned him a Breakout Performance nomination for the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA), 

Through his multifaceted contributions to “Firebird," as co-writer, a producer and later the music supervisor, Tom showcased his ability to craft compelling narratives that has touched the hearts of audiences worldwide. Firebird secured numerous accolades at the 60+ international film festivals it played at. 

His captivating performances on screen and stage are just a glimpse into his profound journey of self-discovery and his quest for truth and adventure.

With a newfound understanding of the inter-connectedness of body, mind, and spirit, Tom's acting talent has soared to new heights. 

Tom's artistic expression continued to evolve as he took on the role of Private Love in "Blood on The Crown" (2022). Through his performances, he not only entertained audiences but also shed light on profound truths.

Even on London's prestigious West End stages, Tom's commitment to self-discovery and personal growth shone brightly. His magnetic presence in productions such as "Tory Boyz," "Prince of Denmark," and "Romeo & Juliet" captivated audiences and reflected his deep exploration of the human condition.

Tom's passion for exploration has led him beyond the realms of traditional training and into the depths of meditation, the mysteries of quantum physics, and embarked on many transformative experiences with indigenous tribes working with consciousness expanding medicines including Ayahuasca, San Pedro and Bufo (also known as the God Molecule).

In his ongoing search and curiosity for truth, he actively shares his learnings influenced by Shakespeare, Rumi, Rupert Spira, Eckhart Tolle, Mooji, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Ramana Maharishi, and A Course In Miracles.

Tom now coaches and speaks about these deep insights into reaching liberation from the limitations of the mind. His quests have taken him to the far corners of the Earth including Rwanda, Uganda, Bhutan, Nepal, Brazil, Cambodia and Antarctica. 

Instagram 

https://www.instagram.com/tompriorthesecond

Tom’s IMDB Profile: 

#tomprior #mooji #nondualism #coaching #theory of everything #firebird #firebirdmovie #actor #filmmaker #lifecoach #spirit #spirituality #spiritual development #holy spirit #spiritual awakening #bufo #rumi #shakespeare #kingsman the secret service #mentalhealth #menshealth #eckhart tolle #rupert spira #dr joe dispenza #a course in miracles #one mind #one heart

[illegallyexisting]

THOUGHTS HAVE BEEN GATHERED.

CABARET!!!!!!

Cabaret has to be my favorite musicals, even from someone who isn't all that into them in the first place. I ended up discovering it after I was on a cross-country road trip and "Money" (from the 1998 revival) came on my Spotify and I was ENTHRALLED with it. Then I went onto YT and listened to the rest of the 1998 Revival songs and??? Oh my GOD!!!!! THEY'RE SO GOOD!!!!!

All of the actors and actresses do such a good job projecting their emotions in the songs, even if its something silly like "Perfectly Marvelous" or "It Couldn't Please Me More." It's all done so well, and stuff like the "Tomorrow Belongs To Me" reprise HAUNTS me, even the first one, dear god.

And then I watched the 1993 revival on YT after realizing it is in fact on there, and I was even MORE stunned. It's WONDERFUL and TERRIFYING and OOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!! I feel like it does such a good job differentiating the first act with the second, primarily because most of the first act is just,,,, Silly. Hell, even "Wilkommen" is a simple goof and it is done WONDERFULLY. I love the beginning of it with the drums and cymbal crash to the calm but intriguing beginning, to the introductions of the cabaret girls and boys (and Herrman) and the end of it!!

But Now I'm done talking about the older versions of it (and maybe I will talk about them on another post), its time for me to discuss Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club!

The newest version and one that I actually saw myself! :3

Again, all of the actors and actresses did such an AMAZING job, and so did the orchestra!!! I love Eddie Redmayne as Emcee, Gayle Rankin as Sally Bowles, and Ato Blankson-Wood as Clifford Bradshaw. They are all fantastic as their characters. Okay, yada yada, actors are amazing. The story:

Clifford Bradshaw is a writer hailing from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, wanting to finally find a place or anything- SOMETHING to write about. He eventually meets a man known as Herr Ernst Ludwig and he sets Cliff up to rent out a flat from Fraulein Schneider, and also recommends him to The Kit Kat Club. Cliff ends up going, and meets the one and only Sally Bowles.

I'll summarize it quickly: Everything grows from there. From both Cliff and Sally's rushing passion for each other, to Fraulein Schneider and Herr Schulz's sweet love, and to the inevitability of Herr Ludwig's "politics."

God, "What Would You Do?" is such a powerfully sad number, with Schneider pleading and asking what would Cliff do in her situation? Because he can do what he has been doing, and move. To France, back to his home, to wherever. But what can she do? Someone she loves dearly could be horrifically affected and even killed but what can she do? She can survive as she did through multiple events, but what then? Goddddd it is done so well, I swear.

The ending is absolutely haunting,

(SPOILERS FOR THE NEWEST RENDITION OF CABARET!!!!!)

In "Tomorrow Belongs To Me," Emcee starts singing and rising on the platform in Herr Ludwig's outfit, and the cabaret workers all slowly place small wooden figures, all resembling each other onto the outside spinning stage. They are all in the same, dull, grey-brown work outfit, with nothing differentiating them. At the end of "Finale" and as Cliff is on the train out of Berlin, there are other passengers, all in the same, dull outfit. And as it fully sets in what Cliff is doing, he steps on. Entirely going full circle of the beginning of "Tomorrow Belongs To Me."

(SPOILERS OVER!!!!!!)

The best I have to say about it: it was haunting. It sent chills throughout my body, the end was horrifying and tragic in such a simple looking way.

Cabaret is such an amazing musical and I recommend watching and listening to whatever you find about it. You will not be disappointed.

#cabaret musical #cabaret #musicals #musical #andys ramblees #broadway #cabaret at the kit kat club #the kit kat club

[bespokeredmayne]

Introspection

Eddie Redmayne is nothing if not thoughtful about his career choices, + they can’t be easily reduced to accurate sound bites, headlines or 140-character social media posts without destroying the context or reeking of clickbait.

In this interview with Pete Hammond of Deadline, Eddie re-examines his role in The Danish Girl from the perspective of a changing industry + world. Because his comments on the role have been misquoted or taken out of context so frequently in the past, I’ve transcribed that section of the interview (which starts at 13:20). The rest of the interview focuses on The Good Nurse, the Oscar, and other career matters.

PH: That [The Danish Girl] was so brilliantly done…there was so much care that went into telling that story, the transgender side of it, as well. Do you think it could be done now? I mean, the way the business is changing and the way people are talking about now that some actors need to be that person in some ways to play it. It seems like the business is changing.

ER: Yeah, I think that it has changed, and I think that you could make The Danish Girl now, but it would be a trans actor playing the part. I think it’s such an interesting discussion and one that about who plays what now. On one hand I believe in freedom of artistic expression and that actors should be able to play everything and anything. On the other hand, there are communities — marginalized communities — that have not had a seat at the table in our industry for a long time, and I feel like until there is more of an equilibrium there, there are certain parts I shouldn’t be playing. What those parts are is a question I kind of wrestle with if a script comes, on and one-to-one basis. It’s an interesting and important moment, but I don’t have sort of set rules about what you can or can’t do. What some of the trans people who criticized the movie said is when the trans community are so misunderstood and you, as a cisgender actor, are playing then a trans woman — and trans women are women — and then I arrive on a red carpet as Eddie, a cis male, for those people that don’t know any trans people that reaffirms what can be a dangerous idea that trans women are actually men who get dressed up as women. Which is just absolutely not the case. And so I understand that argument, and I think it’s really — it’s right.

PH: Wasn’t your first professional job playing Viola in Twelfth Night?

ER It was…opposite Mark Rylance playing Olivia in Twelfth Night. I was at an all-boys’ school, so I did start playing lots of women. But the point I go back to, and lots of my trans friends, actor friends, would not want to be restricted to playing trans characters either. But the point that’s important is until there’s more of a level playing field — it’s the same in journalism, there’s a big discussion about trans people now but it’s very rare that you see a trans journalist talking about it or trans people interviewed about it…So it’s a complicated moment.

#eddie redmayne #the danish girl #pete hammond #deadline #trans roles #the good nurse #awards season #awards buzz #oscar winner #oscar nominee

[devious-little-milkmaiden]

All the Movies I Watched in 2023

This is a very long post so buckle up! (And I'm sorry. I love movies.)

Ticket to Paradise (2022)

5/5. I expected this movie to be a bad cash-grab, but was surprised to find that it had plenty of redeeming qualities. Maybe that's attributable to the charm of Julia Roberts and George Clooney. A lighthearted watch that's enjoyable if you allow yourself to relax and not treat every movie like it has to be a cinematic masterpiece.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)

4.5/5. I am so, so ready for a Knives Out, Sherlock Holmes-esque series. This movie was so, so entertaining, and presented a mystery that was different from the first in Knives Out, yet equally enjoyable.

Signs (2002)

4.5/5. Mel Gibson, Rory Culkin, and Joaquin Phoenix are absolutely amazing in this movie. Definitely one of Shyamalan's stronger films, but the ending is weak and doesn't support the weight of the rest of the movie. The concept of combining a tragic backstory for characters in a horror/thriller movie certainly isn't new, and by all accounts this movie could suffice without it, but I think it is a good contribution to its depth and themes. I was watching this in class and when M. Night Shyamalan appeared someone said, with full sincerity, "Who's that random Indian?" 🫥

The Theory of Everything (2014)

4.5/5. I love Eddie Redmayne, and his performance was pretty good. This biopic suffers from the pitfall of refusing to portray their subject as a human (someone who makes good and bad choices), opting instead to paint them as a god-like figure (insisting that they are incredibly moralistic even if it's clear that they aren't), which I think takes away from the intelligence of the film. There's no harm in showing Stephen Hawking as a normal person, and I think more biopics should have a little less bias. Good soundtrack.

Where the Crawdads Sing (2022)

2.5/5. It was fine. It was hard for me to stay invested or care about the characters. Pretty cliche, and didn't have much nuance considering the plot. I think you could live without ever seeing this movie.

Twilight (2008)

2/5. A great movie to play in the background while doing something else. That baseball scene is fantastic though. Romance is bad. I'm pretty sure Carlisle Cullen is Lestat. Alice Cullen's hair is my everything.

Senseless (1998)

2.5/5. This movie is bad, but somehow I can't help but love Marlon Wayans' surprisingly vulnerable performance. He has an effortless charm. David Spade and Matthew Lillard are two of my longtime favorites, and both of them give a solid delivery in their respective typecasts.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

4.5/5. More children's movies should take themselves seriously!!! More children's movies should treat their primary audience with respect and intelligence!!! Children are more intelligent than we give them credit for!!! Thank you to this movie for understanding that. The animation was incredible, such a beautiful watch. I've said this before and I will not be quieted: Puss is Zorro's fursona.

The Lost Boys (1987)

3.5/5. "AAA THEYRE COMING AAAA" I love Keifer Sutherland, and I wish there was more of him in this movie tbh. Kind of boring. I think this could be remedied with more Keifer Sutherland.

Grease (1978)

2/5. I honestly do not get the appeal of this movie. I like Sandy and love Frenchie, but the musical aspect is a little underwhelming and the story is (and I'm sorry) just godawful. I'm referring less to its problematic aspects and more how frustrating it is, misunderstandings and such.

LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

5/5. Peter Jackson Gets It. His love for the book series and the world of Middle Earth is just so evident in this movie's intricacies and imagination, yet it also strays away from the book in ways that I think are really good, such as some of the dialogue choices (Frodo's a little bit meaner in the books, which I don't think would make him very likable if we were actually hearing it be said.) I want to live in Bag End SO BAD.

LOTR: The Two Towers (2002)

5/5. Legolas, my beloved. A bridge between the first and last installments that doesn't feel plot-deprived. Balances perfectly between mounting the tension for the final installment and also maintaining its solitary plot points. I want to include my Letterboxd review because it's ~sO fUnNy~

LOTR: The Return of the King (2003)

5/5. Man. Wow. I cry. I cry. I cry. Literally cannot even give a review bc of the overwhelming mixture of emotions I feel when I think about this movie.

The gayest installment of the series, though that's a hard trophy to hold considreing the competition.

A League of Their Own (1992)

5/5. I do not think it is so bad to be a stereotypical underdog sports movie if you can approach the convention with a story as entertaining and genuinely as heartfelt as this. Very funny. Geena Davis!!!!! Geena Davis!!!!!!! Many of these women are lesbians in real life and although that was conveniently left out of the movie... you can still tell. I was scared that the conversation between Geena Davis and Tom Hanks meant a stupid romance subplot was going to happen, but thankfully this movie has too much dignity for that.

Suburban Gothic (2014)

2.5/5. I didn't really enjoy this movie because there wasn't a single strong aspect of it that I could rely on to forgive it. All of the characters were unlikable, the plot was strange and inconsistent (and I was upset because I was looking forward to it in this aspect). However, Jeffrey Combs is his usual amazing self and the humor is pretty good at times.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (rewatch) (2016)

3.5/5. I watched this when it came out and it was one of my favorite movies. It still holds a special place in my heart for the surprising breach of conventions it makes. Newt, as a leading man in a big-budget film, is shy, sensitive, and polite. I love him to death. (This is the movie that started my love for Eddie Redmayne) However, considering that it is a big-budget blockbuster, it's only allowed to go so far with its breach of conventions.

It's very beautiful to watch. The romance between Newt and Tina actually feels like a romance, which I find is surprisingly hard for movies to do. It's also the strongest installment in the series, and it goes downhill from there.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (rewatch) (2018)

3/5. I wanted to like this movie so bad when I first watched it, and I do, sort of. I love everything in this movie that replicates the last movie: Newt's characterization, Tina's characterization, the visual effects, the beasts!!!!!, the time period, the worldbuilding, the sophisticated air. I also love the addition of Newt's brother and Yusuf Kama (William Nadylam is just incredible!). And that's where my love for this movie ends. Everything else annoys me. Like, I understand that Queenie loves Jacob so much she'd do anything for him, but I find it hard to believe she'd be convinced by Grindelwald. She's smarter than that. And, I don't really care about the Dumbledore, Lestrange, and Credence Barebone/Nagini storyline. They just aren't that captivating. This is where the series starts to tip from an equal balance between the beasts and 1920s Wizarding World Politics into more WW Politics, which makes me sad.

Fantastic Beasts:The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)

2/5. This movie makes me so fucking mad. Out of all the movies in the series, this one is the worst. It's not even about Newt Scamander anymore! If you wanted to make a Dumbledore/Grindelwald origin story, just make a separate movie series! I wanted to see beasts! I wanted to see Newt travel the world! Goddamn this movie for taking that away from me, and every other Scamander fan!!!! The last shot of this movie is of fucking Albus Dumbledore, for christ's sake!!! I just don't care!!! Fuck this!!! WHY.

I'm actually so sad.

(J. K. Rowling can't write for shit and she's a TERF. Neil Gaiman can write for shit and is a trans ally. Coincedence? I think not.)

I think Mads Mikkelsen is great as Grindelwald. He delivers a sophisticated and somewhat sinister performance to this movie that I think does more service to it than Johnny Depp's campiness, which isn't really right for this type of movie. If the stars had aligned differently, I would have liked Mikkelsen to play Grindelwald from the start. But not even that could have saved this shit movie.

The Power of the Dog (2021)

5/5. Beautiful and visually captivating. Very nuanced plot that I will not pretend to understand in its entirety, though I'm sure a rewatch would do it justice in that regard. This is not a movie you want spoiled, so look it up with caution. Jane Campion? More like Jane CHAMPION. Definitely recommend.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

4/5. Maybe a controversial take, but I actually really enjoyed this movie, as someone who hasn't read the book. Maybe I would enjoy it less so if I did read the book, (which I do eventually plan on doing) and I understand people's complaints about the movie. I don't think this movie (and the Hobbit series as a whole) should be considered with the same judgment as the LOTR series: despite being made by the same director, their appeal and intended demographic is vastly different. While LOTR's appeal was more based on its faithfulness to the books and authenticity, and intended demographic is more longtime LOTR/fantasy fans (nerds), the Hobbit trilogy's intended appeal is more of a meatheaded likability intended to appease more widespread audiences (everyone who's not a nerd). I don't think it lives up to LOTR, and I do think a singular movie should have been made more in the vein of LOTR (faithfulness to source material and avoidance of blockbuster stereotypes), but this movie is still fun. The performances are good and overall I can't hate this movie.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

4/5. This is probably my favorite in the Hobbit series. The romance between Kili and Tauriel is pretty solid. Bard is fantabulous. Smaug is an absolutely terrifying villain. Bilbo is a Chad. The story never feels stretched out or annoying. I dunno, I just like it. :)

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)

4.5/5. Again, I don't expect anybody to agree with my opinions on the Hobbit trilogy. I just find them fun. This one is heartbreaking. But still fun!

Mikey and Nicky (1976)

3.5/5. Very interesting to watch this as a Columbo fan.

I expected this movie to be kind of boring, and while there are some slow bits, it's very entertaining throughout. The tension simmers on the back burner for almost the entire movie until the end, when it boils over and everything catches on fire. I think it's good that there are moments where the tension takes a backseat to let some of the other themes develop, particularly regarding the character development and relationship between Mikey and Nicky. I also love this movie's concept. Def recommend.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

4/5. I didn't expect too much from this movie, and found that it was good. Very entertaining. Johnny Depp is wonderful as Jack Sparrow (this is the type of movie where his campiness is appreciated). I love pirates. I'm so annoyed about the "You like pain? Try wearing a corset." Line sm. Like... they're called stays in that time period, for one thing. Secondly, they shouldn't hurt if you're wearing them properly. Like my god that line was so written-by-a-man it hurts. Orlando Bloom and Kiera Knightley were great. Fun.

Spiderman: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

5/5. If people have told you to watch this movie, go watch this movie. If people haven't told you to go watch it, I'm telling you right now. Animation is gorgeous and it maintains and elevates all the appeal of the first movie. The diversity just exists in this movie, because this movie understands that diverse people just exist. PLEASE go watch it.

Bridesmaids (2011)

4.5/5. This is a movie for the girls who are morally grey and fear they may be a bad person and are just trying their best to trudge through a burned out existence. Emotional aspect is just as strong as the comedic aspect, and they transition in and out of each other really well. Just... skip the bridal dress scene.

Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)

5/5. One of the most entertaining and lovable movies I've ever seen. A good watch for when you need to clear your head and just relax.

In the Heat of the Night (1967)

5/5. Intelligent and revolutionary-for-its-time movie that still has modern relevance. Sidney Poitier deserved an Oscar for this, and I'm really sad he didn't get one. (However he did get a British Academy Award for this movie.) Love the concept, though I do wish the racial aspect had been carried through to the end, as it kind of drops off in favor of the murder-mystery aspect, culminating in a resolution that's essentially just "I guess I'm not racist anymore because you're really good at solving crimes." I think Virgil deserved a better end to his story.

Rango (2011)

5/5. This is one of those rare children's movies that feels older, mostly because it takes itself seriously and delivers on that 100%. Animation is wonderful.

War of the Worlds (2005)

3/5. It's sort of fun, but so annoying and underwhelming that it's not even worth it. Tom Cruise's character is supposed to develop but we never really see that. Dakota Fanning screams so much. I was pretty scream-y when I was a little girl, but not even I screamed that much.

Pride & Prejudice (2005)

4.5/5. Maybe I do believe in love.

I think this is like the Hobbit trilogy version of book adaptations: not totally faithful to source material but pretty enjoyable. Had me sobbing.

I always get a little annoyed when period pieces feel like they have to sacrifice historical accuracy in costuming and customs in favor of appealing to a modern audience because I think audiences are smarter and more open-minded than they give us credit for.

Stand by Me (1986)

4/5. Even though this isn't really horror, you can definitely tell it's a Stephen King movie: self-insert writer character, set in the pacific northwest or northern east coast, gratuitous 1950s-ness, psychopath bully, and bad parents.

This movie has so much heart behind it. It's such a genuine and heavy portrayal of boyhood and the emotional topsy-turviness of male adolescence. I can't say female adolescence because there's hardly any women in this movie at all. I think it's fine if it's a boyhood-centric movie (but when did boyhood mean that women don't exist?) but it is by no means a commentary on adolescence as a whole.

Clue (rewatch) (1985)

4.5/5. Witty humor and a well-crafted mystery. Very fun, even if it falls short in some of its intended appeal. You know what never falls short? Tim Curry.

Batman Begins (2005)

3.5/5. My least favorite installment in the Dark Knight trilogy. Just not as appealing as the other two in terms of tone and storytelling ability.

The Dark Knight (2008)

4.5/5. My FAVORITE installment in the trilogy. What can I say about this that hasn't already been said before? I'll tell you: YEAAHHH GARY OLDMAN!! I LOVE GARY OLDMAN!!!!

This movie is THE quintessential neo-noir movie.

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

4/5. Again, what can I say that hasn't already been said before?

SPOILERS: I'm so glad Gary Oldman didn't die because I was almost certain he was going to. Also I love when Batman reveals his identity to Gordon by quoting what Gordon said to him when he was a kid, and of COURSE Gordon realizes because that's just the amazing person he is.

Apostle (2018)

4.5/5. I get that not everybody thinks this movie is good, but I can't help but love it. I think part of it is that it holds a lot of personal appeal (that being Michael Sheen, in case my 10,000 Good Omens posts didn't allude to that).

Here's a list of stuff I liked:

Michael Sheen

Dan Stevens (Now I know he'll never leave me.)

The solid romance subplot.

Michael Sheen

Religious symbolism.

Cults.

Solid historical accuracy in terms of clothing.

I liked this movie up until the very end, where it kinda feels underwhelming. I didn't like the supernatural aspect, which kind of undercut the themes of the movie.

1917 (2019)

5/5. I made a whole slide presentation on why this movie is amazing so I think I'll just link it here.

If you don't want to read all of that, just know that this movie is, a) incredible with historical costuming, b) an effective anti-war film, c) soundtrack is wonderful, d) it will rip your heart out and you will like it. You will like it.

Young Guns (rewatch) (1988)

3/5. A classic slightly-historically-accurate cowboy movie of the eighties. Keifer Sutherland :). Kinda gay. It's a bit boring and forgettable, and the romance aspect isn't that good. If I ever gave it another rewatch, I think I would just turn it off after Billy shoots that traitor, turn it back on for the peyote scene for a laugh, and then turn it off again.

Master and Commander (2003)

4.5/5. My rating may lead you to believe that I like this movie somewhat, but not very much. However, I love this movie so much I can hardly put it into words. There's just something about it. I didn't know I was starving until this movie fed me, to be dramatic. I love how precise it is with historical accuracy. I love the characters. I love the strings duet. I love James D'Arcy. I love Paul Bettany and his flightless birds (GOD I love him in this movie. Doctor characters in period pieces are always my favorites). I love bros. I want to live in this movie, it's so cozy. I want to be a sailor for the British Royal Navy in 1812 so damn bad.

I would recommend this movie. It happens to fit in a personal niche of mine, so I think it's the greatest thing ever, but I understand that not everybody has that same niche lol.

Pride and Prejudice (1995)

5/5. Maybe an unpopular opinion, but I prefer this miniseries to the 2005 movie. Maybe it's just because of its intense historical accuracy and closer allegiance to the book (if 2005 is the Hobbit trilogy of P&P adaptations, this is the LOTR trilogy), but this series really makes the book come to life. I think it's mostly because it has way more time to tell the story. Jennifer Elhe is so good as Elizabeth: her sly glances and clever deliveries have made me, a straight girl, fall hopelessly in love with her. Colin Firth falls in love. Just look:

I can't breathe. Look at him.

Damn this series is good. Definitely recommend 100000000%.

Surf's Up (2007)

4.5/5. So damn funny. A good story about penguins surfing to Green Day. A fun relaxer.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

4.5/5. A Christmas classic that I had never seen before. It has charm. It has a Good Omens reference 44 years before it was published ("angel" being confused to mean something gay)

Off Track (Ur Spår)

3.5/5. A Hallmark-y Swedish drama-comedy about an alcoholic single mother who is trying to turn her life around for her daughter, her ex-husband and his new wife, her brother (an amateur athlete training to compete in the Vasa race--a cross-country skiing competition), and his issues with his wife and their inability to conceive. It's not the greatest movie ever made, but what it does have is heaps of heart. Lisa is a character with so much determination, and it's incredibly satisfying when (spoiler) she crosses the finish line--the final person to do so--and she is given a celebratory wreath and the announcer calls her the true hero of the race. I cried. She's been at the bottom of the rank with every chance to turn back, but she endures, just as she does in life. Love her. Her brother on the other hand is sorta scummy and remains scummy throughout the entire movie. It's very easy to not root for him because his arc never really has a resolution. Klara deserves better.

Man of Steel

3.5/5. It's enjoyable. Henry Cavill is perfectly cast as Superman. Love how much of a sweet country boy he is. I kinda hate the way Lois Lane is written, but at the same time she has her moments.

Final Thoughts: I've watched a lot of really popular, big-budget blockbuster movies this year (e.g. LOTR series, Dark Knight series, Pirates of the Caribbean, etc.). In the past I would have avoided movies like these because I always assume that I won't enjoy these types of movies. However, I think this year I was less over-assumptive and was able to sit back and enjoy movies without expecting every single movie to be the greatest thing I've ever seen.

I watched a lot of "dudebro" and male-centric movies in 2023, and though I enjoyed a good number of them, I'd like to watch more movies that are female-centric/feminist/have a good portrayal of women in 2024. I think I enjoyed male-centric movies like Master and Commander because of their nuanced characterization, mostly stemming from the fact that they were written by men and about men. (I don't think it's a bad thing to enjoy movies that celebrate masculinity, like Master and Commander, as long as it's not misogynistic in its celebration.) Some of the movies I watched that feature women are written by men, and therefore the women were underdeveloped and fall into the misogynistic storytelling pitfalls that portray women as stereotypes (whether conscious or not), which is why I'd like to see more movies written by women and about women, to see an honest and nuanced portrayal of women.

#tricia’s 2023 at a glance #knives out #glass onion #george clooney #daniel craig #julia roberts #signs #mel gibson #joaquin phoenix #m night shyamalan #eddie redmayne #the theory of everything #daisy edgar jones #where the crawdads sing #twilight #kristen stewart #robert pattinson #marlon wayans #david spade #matthew lillard #puss in boots #puss in boots the last wish #the lost boys #keifer sutherland #grease #lord of the rings #lotr #lotr trilogy #peter jackson #elijah wood

[newt-and-salamander]

I posted 302 times in 2022

That's 141 more posts than 2021!

66 posts created (22%)

236 posts reblogged (78%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@scamanderishredmayniac

@occamyeggshells

@eddieredmayneargentinablog

@love-arrogance-naivety

@elisha-am

I tagged 293 of my posts in 2022

Only 3% of my posts had no tags

#fantastic beasts - 201 posts

#newt scamander - 155 posts

#fbsod - 116 posts

#eddie redmayne - 66 posts

#theseus scamander - 52 posts

#tina goldstein - 43 posts

#newtina - 31 posts

#fbcog - 30 posts

#fbawtft - 30 posts

#fanart - 29 posts

Longest Tag: 138 characters

#but they need to give a lot of answers and being most plot lines to an preliminary ending so they can stop after this film if they need to

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Headcanon:

When his brother was born, it was Theseus who decided that “Newton” was too toplofty a name for such a shy, quiet child. He started calling him “Newt” and somehow this nickname stuck with him when they grew older and Newton didn’t shed this certain awkwardness he had already possessed as a child.

Some things changed, though. It has been a long time since Newt referred to his brother as “Thes”.

127 notes - Posted January 8, 2022

#4

Newt and Tina travelling together

132 notes - Posted February 6, 2022

#3

Theseus: I'm so worried about Newt.

Tina: Why? Everything is fine!

Theseus: But he might be up to something stupid!

Jacob: ... oh, there you are! Hey, what's wrong? You two look devastated.

Tina: ... we are very worried about Newt.

134 notes - Posted January 14, 2022

#2

Newt, after his return from WW1, talking to his mother: ... and Sylvia has the most beautiful eyes, you should see them, they are sparkeling like diamonds! And she's such a nice girl, actually the friendliest of all of them, and I think she was always happy to see me ...

Theseus, who has overheard that, smirking: Sounds like you should ask her out for dinner, Newt.

Newt: I don't think that would be a great idea.

Theseus: C'mon, don't be shy, you obviously like her a lot and it's time you get yourself a girlfriend!

Newt: ... Sylvia is literally a Ukranian Ironbelly.

Theseus: Please forget everything I just said. Don't take her out for dinner.

Newt: You know, the longer I think about it, the more I like the idea ...

Theseus: The more I think about it, the more I hate it, actually.

Newt: Well, that has never stopped me.

Theseus: Newt, NO. Besides everything else, you are going to lose your job.

Newt: ... this idea is getting better and better. Do you think -

Theseus: NO!!

Newt: ... do you think there's enough room for a small dragon in the Ministry's cafeteria? - Hey, where are you going?

Theseus: Calling a lawyer. And a healer.

Newt: I don't think somebody will get hurt.

Theseus: A mind healer.

190 notes - Posted April 10, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Just watched SoD, it's almost 4 am and I am happy and overwhelmed. Here are just some first impressions in the order that come to my mind, so massive spoilers below the cut!!

Newt is the sweetest and kindest human being this world has ever known.

Jacob too!

I seriously thought for a few seconds Jacob would become Supreme Mugwump. XD (It would have been really epic though.)

Basically everything Jacob said was hilarious, I just love him so much!!!

Mads Mikkelsen just was so so so so so good! Of course Grindelwald had much more screen time than in the previous films so it was easier, but still he managed to bring a depth and some kind of ... likeability to Grindelwald's character. I liked that very much.

I also appreciate how clear they made that Dumbledore was in love with Grindelwald (Although this can't be called a secret, really. :D)

Albus had no secrets left, it was really about Aberforth?!?! Whew, I mean, I thought it could be coming, but still ...

Also: What's wrong with the Dumbledores? Ariana is an Obscurus, Aberforth's son is an Obscurus ... And how did both brothers manage to make such grave mistakes in only one summer?

I don't feel like after everything that happened in SoD, Aberforth has the right to still be so angry and cold against Albus (as shown in HP).

Newt was really lucky he wasn't killed in his first scene. :0

In general I was surprised by the really lighthearted tone of the film - even in the more dramatic scenes I was never really afraid someone would die.

THIS FILM HAD WIZARDS ON ROOFTOPS, I AM HAPPY.

Newt was so happy and excited so many times, so I am very happy and excited now!!! How cute was it when he met Lally and they were basically both fangirling about each other???

Newt saying "She is" when talking about Tina, omg!!! And them finally meeting again!!! (Damn Lally, bad timing!!!!)

I'm not really content with the explanation they gave for Tina's absence, though. I mean, Theseus is head auror too, and he seems to be able to go and do where/what he wishes.

Can we talk about the wide grin on Theseus face when he witnessed just how much in love Newt was in the end?? Maybe that's even my favourite moment! Him just being so happy for Newt and looking out for him and EVERYONE BEING HAPPY FOR A CHANGE!!!

Ok, maybe my favourite scene was Jacob being happy and closing his eyes so he won't see Queenie before the wedding ceremony and he's GETTING MARRIED TO QUEENIE AAAAHHHHH!!! I must say I had lost hope for the two of them!

Will Newt and Tina kiss offscreen now?!?!?

Dumbledore, whyyyy didn't you go into the bakery? Isn't it actually a bit impolite to just wait around in the street and walk away??

Newt practising his speech as best man *-* I love it how clumsy he was during every situation he was in a kind of leading position.

How did Aberforth and Credence establish the mirror connection???

I'm a bit confused and so, so tired.

How did Aberforth even find out Credence was his son??

Maybe Credence doesn't have to die. We know that Newt can separate an Obscurus from its host, so maybe he can save him?

Wtf they did break the blood pact by ACCIDENT???? NOOOO, I'm not happy with that!!! That's to ... easy and random.

Just for the record, snow is not the usual weather in Berlin (but then there always seems to be snow everywhere in the FB films XD). I rather liked wizarding Germany btw. The architecture and the little details like the signs and the stamps (a cliché that always works because it's funny and also still true I'm afraid).

The scene with Theseus and Newt in prison was a bit random but super funny, so I'll allow it. XD But I'm still disturbed that they just stunned Theseus and dragged him away and everyone was like ... it's alright, we can look for him later. (It's also not very healthy to hang upside down, but Thesues can manage it ... because. Because he's epic and very handsome and I like him very much.)

The brothers finally, finally bonding!!! Not talking, though. But who needs to talk anyway.

Bunty was great! I'm happy that she was not helpless in her love. She's still in love with Newt and he has no clue and she knows it's in vain, but she's not jealous or bitter but makes a deliberate decision to help. She definitely deserves more credit.

See the full post

271 notes - Posted April 6, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

#tumblr2022 #year in review #my 2022 tumblr year in review #your tumblr year in review #looks like I haven't missed it after all #my year in review #Instagram

[monstraduplicia]

watched all the fantastic beasts movies recently for the first time and the thing about them is. theyre bad. theyre so bad like the og harry potter movies are at least fun and magical and have a lot going for them but these films were like. what if marvel made harry potter. like so many of the sets were obvious cgi and so many of the characters (bc every film had too many characters imo. not everything needs to be a Team) were poorly written. literally the only stand out aspects were newt (eddie redmayne does a fantastic job and you really fall in love with his character and root for him) and then jude law as dumbledore like jacob the muggle guy is funny but they dont give him enough to do imo. also all the women are written terribly theyre so one dimensional and boring, the second film is def the worst and i think thats mainly due to how much screen time johnny depp gets bc the guy was giving a terrible performance like wife beating aside the man cant act anymore. also the plot was just stupid but w/e. anyway. if you see me reblogging gifs no you dont <3

#also can we talk about gay dumbledore #bc watching the third film and five minutes in jude law is talking to MADS MIKKELSEN and says 'because i was in love with you!' #to say i screamed is an understatement i was expecting gaycoding or queerbaiting not full on canon #txt

[hellomynameisbisexual]

“back for a minute. i’m bi. congrats for forcing an 18 year old to out himself. i think some of you missed the point of the show. bye,” the British actor wrote.

His declaration came following months of relentless speculation, discussion and obsession from fans around the actor’s sexuality.

Heartstopper premiered on Netflix earlier this year as a streaming adaptation of Alice Oseman’s graphic novel of the same name. The series follows two boys in high school, Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Connor) as they fall in love and navigate friendships, coming out and questions of identity. The series was praised for its sweet and warm depictions of young love— particularly the exploration of Nick’s bisexuality—and for its diverse cast of queer and trans youth.

But until now, unlike many of his castmates, Connor hadn’t publicly identified his sexuality. And many fans seemed to take issue with that absent label, particularly when images of Connor holding hands with actress Maia Reficco circulated in September with suggestions that the actor was straight playing gay—despite bisexual people who date other genders definitely being real! Connor temporarily left Twitter due to the public scrutiny and accusations that he was “queerbaiting.”

Ultimately, this entire situation shows a fundamental flaw in our cultural expectation of what makes for “good” queer representation onscreen and off, and how we still have some work to do in its understanding of identity and representation.

What does queerbaiting mean?

The notion of queerbaiting is pretty nebulous these days, with fans quick to use it in reference to everything from Harry Styles’s magazine covers to Madonna’s TikTok.

But in its origin, queerbaiting was meant to describe a marketing technique, often for a piece of media, that hinted at queer content, but didn’t actually follow through. For fellow members of my very specific generation on Tumblr, the prime example is Supernatural, a show that teased a central gay relationship between Dean and Castial, but didn’t pay off until the series’ end. Or the BBC Sherlock series that features its fair share of longing glances between Watson and Holmes, but no actual acknowledgement of anything queer going on.

But it’s a lot more complicated when we start talking about real people. Were Queer Eye stars Jonathan Van Ness and Antoni Porowski queerbaiting when they teased a new brand partnership with language and social media posts that hinted they were dating last month? Is a straight—or at least apparently straight—actor queerbaiting when they play a queer character?

To put it simply: no! A straight or straight-passing actor playing an openly queer character is not queerbaiting! It’s a whole different thing, and the fact that that term has continually been tossed around shows fans’ fundamental misunderstanding of what’s going on here. The entire situation with Connor highlights a reductive sense of identity politics when it comes to queer (or not) actors and the portrayal of queer characters. In 2022, it’s not as simple as queer actor playing queer = good, straight actor playing queer = bad.

When straight playing gay is okay

Yeah, there have been some pretty egregious examples of straight/cis (or apparently straight/cis) actors playing queer or trans characters (hi, Eddie Redmayne), but there are a slew of actors who are celebrated for playing queer despite all indications that they’re straight. Fans cheered when director Rian Johnson described Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc from the Knives Out films as being queer. And Cate Blanchett (who my partner described as being married to the most boring-looking man in the world) is garnering rave reviews and Oscars buzz for her climactic turn as a lesbian in Tár—just as she did a decade ago in Carol.

Those two know what they’re doing, have stated who they are and have also demonstrated a fondness and allyship to queer folks again and again (just look to Blanchett’s many interviews on the subject and Craig’s noted adoration of gay bars alongside wife and fellow frequent player of gay, Rachel Weisz).

“I will fight to the death for the right to suspend disbelief and play roles beyond my experience. I think reality television and all that that entails had an extraordinary impact, a profound impact on the way we view the creation of character,” Blanchett told the Hollywood Reporter in 2018.

Blanchett’s comments speak to the ideal world I and many others aspire to when it comes to representation in film: queer actors can play straight just as a bisexual actor can play gay or a straight actor can play bi, so long as they’re doing it right. I like to optimistically think we’ve moved past an era of queer people only getting cast (and paid) for queer roles.

But one key thing separating Criag and Blanchett from Connor is age. He’s 18. I don’t know about you, but when I was 18 I thought I was a very different person and used very different labels to describe myself than I do 10 years later. At that time in my life I leaned toward avoiding labels altogether, because I didn’t know which one quite fit.

One of the great things about the progress we’ve made as a culture in LGBTQ2S+ representation is how we don’t have to put people into neat boxes any more. Genders change. Sexualities change. The words we use to describe them and ourselves are constantly in flux. It’s an exciting time to be a young person, because ostensibly you don’t have to have all of the answers right away. You don’t have to “come out” as straight or gay or anything until you’re ready. It’s part of the reason young people are increasingly identifying as non-binary: why stick to one gender and box yourself in?

It’s the sort of utopia so many of our queer and trans ancestors who came before us have fought for. Or so it seems: what happened to Connor shows that fans haven’t moved as far forward as maybe we’ve hoped.

I ran a fandom Tumblr account for years, so I understand how important and meaningful it can feel for the person who made your favourite piece of media that reflects your identity to also reflect your identity themselves. But it’s more complicated than that, and we’ve got to remember that performers are real people—and in this case a young person just coming into adulthood with this huge spotlight on him. Give them time, give them grace and celebrate the fact that they get to figure this out on their own.

When they’re ready, they’ll tell us.

#kit connor #biphobic #biphobic gay people #biphobia #bisexuality #bisexual community #lgbtq community #lgbtq #bi #support bisexuality #pride #bi tumblr #bisexuality is valid #bisexual #bi pride #bisexual nation #bisexual pride #bisexual education #bisexual youth #support bisexual people #bisexual men #respect bisexual people #bisexual rights #queer baiting

[le-panicked-frog]

ok, i've got my grandmother over right now, so i have Things To Say;

Afford trans people the same respect you would afford cis people.

shocking, right? look, whenever my grammy comes over we always end up on the subject of queer rights, because i'm literally the only queer person she knows and apparently it's my responsibility to educate her. and the fun Topic Of Debate today was eddie redmayne in 'the danish girl' - namely that he thinks he made a mistake on taking on the role. and i agree.

do i think that queer roles should always be played by actors of the same passage of life and the same experiences? no, actually. that's what led to kit connor being outed before he was ready. i do think that there should be people who have at least similar experiences directing, writing, and helping in other ways, but the actors don't need to have those same experiences, or out themselves for a role.

but trans characters should be played by actors of the right gender. and that doesn't mean their assigned-at-birth gender, that means their *actual* gender. now, does this mean i hate eddie redmayne? no. does this mean i think he shouldn't've taken the role? yes. does it mean i think he doesn't look absolutely fire dressed as a woman? no. should he have rejected the role regardless? yes.

when people see transwomen played by cis men, or transmen played by cis women, it enforces the idea that trans people are just playing dress-up. people seeing eddie redmayne in 'the danish girl', regardless of how good a job he did, will leave with the idea that transwomen are just men underneath the makeup, hormones, surgery, etc., which leads to the problem of transwomen being seen as predators, leading to the problems with trans people being refused entry to the correct bathrooms because people worry about 'men dressed as women coming for their children.', as well as violence towards trans people.

and my mother was saying how the actor's assigned gender matches the character's assigned-at-birth gender, and i had to try to explain that that's not the point. they dressed a cis man up as a woman with some makeup and wigs, etc, they absolutely could've dressed a cis woman up as a man, and then - tada! she was played by a woman all along, as she should've been, because transwomen *are* women.

and i spoke to my mother and asked if she'd be comfortable with a character who is a cis woman being played by a cis man, and she said that no, it would make her uncomfortable. and that's the point. a transwoman being played by a cis man should make you uncomfortable, just like a cis woman being played by a man would make you uncomfortable.

and she was saying how i'm not affording her the time to process this and i'm not allowing her to ask questions, and you know what? no shit! i'm not teaching a class! it is not and should not be my responsibility to educate you on this, you can do your own research, just like i have had to! it is exhausting to be constantly debating my rights and existence every time i see these people i care about, and i'm just a kid! why is it up to me to explain everything to them? they've said that they ask me because they know i've done this research, and i've "got the answers" - why can't they just do their own research???

basically, i'm tired and frustrated and i kinda forgot where i was going with this, but it shouldn't be my responsibility to, as a child, educate fully-grown adults, and i shouldn't have to explain to them that transwomen *are* infact women and should be afforded the same respect as cis women.

#long post #trans #transgender #eddie redmayne #the danish girl

[eddieredmayneargentinablog]

New Article and Video!!

"BEST PERFORMANCES: Eddie Redmayne Taps Into His Dark Side"

The Golden Globe-nominated star of The Good Nurse talks playing one of America’s most notorious serial killers.

Interview by Lynn Hirschberg

Photographs by Jamie Hawkesworth

Styled by Sara Moonves

01.09.23

Eddie Redmayne is the sort of actor whose talent across stage and film precedes him. Having won Academy, BAFTA, Tony, and Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards for dramatic roles like Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything and Shakespeare’s Richard II, he also has a certain cross-generational appeal for his leading role as wizard Newt Scamander in the Fantastic Beasts series. Redmayne has now put his natural charisma and deep sense of performance to work for a darker role in Netflix’s The Good Nurse. His portrayal of the real life serial killer Charles Cullen who murdered dozens, if not hundreds, of patients earned the British star a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Below, Redmayne discusses preparing for the grim role and his attempts at being a cool dad.

In The Good Nurse, you play Charles Cullen, a nurse who may have killed as many as 400 people, making him the most prolific serial killer in American history. Are you a fan of true crime dramas?

I’m not. I know the world is obsessed with true crime, but I have a slightly moral opinion of fetishizing killers. Our film is not just about this monster—it’s about the hero who stopped him. And she stopped him by using compassion and empathy rather than through violence. That felt like an important message.

No one knows exactly why Charles Cullen killed all those people. Was that frustrating for you?

He never expressed why, and when I read the script, I was like, “Why?!” It’s a human instinct to need to know why, so we can look at the murderer and go, “Well, he had this happen to him, and I’m nothing like that, so it would never happen to me.”

You’re so likable as a performer and as a person. Was it hard to take on the mantle of a sociopathic serial killer and live with that every day?

One of the things that I found intriguing about it was that, speaking to the real Amy Loughren, who Jessica Chastain plays, Charles Cullen was a kind, generous, open-hearted, brilliant nurse who saved her life. And then there was this other person who was a monster. There were various reasons he was able to get away with this for as many years as he did, but one of them was that he was kind and gentle and self-deprecating and, at times, sort of invisible. So it was interesting to try and find this empathetic man, and then the other version of him, who was weaponizing that empathy.

You went to nursing school to prepare for the role.

Jessica and I went to nursing school for two weeks, which I found hilarious. The older you get the more you romanticize education. You go, ‘Well, maybe I want to go back to university. Maybe that would be a wonderful thing to do.’ And then you do go back, as we did, and quite promptly, you turn into the 15-year-old version of yourself. I was leaning back in the classroom. I couldn't really concentrate. It was all science, and none of that made any sense to me. When I was practicing with needles, I succeeded in injecting my finger. It was a disaster.

Early in your career, what was your first love scene?

It was in a film called Savage Grace. It was based on a true story. The character I played was gay, and his mum, played by Julianne Moore, tried to sleep with him. There ended up being a ménage à trois with another man, played by Hugh Dancy. It was definitely one of the more surreal experiences of my life. And it turns from incest to violence. My early work! [Laughs] Before I found tweeds and period dramas.

You have two young children. Have they seen the Fantastic Beasts films?

No, they haven’t. They've seen a bit of the trailer. They both asked, “Daddy, are you a wizard?” Which is tricky because one of the perks of the job is that you get to do these cool things and be an interesting dad. You want to say yes, but you also don't want to lie to your children, so in the moment, I said, "Sort of.”

---

#Eddie Redmayne #eddieredmayne #redmayne #w magazine #january 2023 #jamie hawkesworth #best perfomances 2023 #new magazine cover #Youtube

[lunatheseus]

actors that I see everywhere and recognize and what I think about them

Ana De Armas: I was debating on putting her on my "actors who were born to act and what I think about them" post because I absolutely think so after watching her performances, but I'm sticking with my original experience of recognizing her in Ghosted (with Chris Evans). I first saw her in No Time to Die (James Bond), and thought she was totally badass and funny. Then she started to gain traction for her Marilyn Monroe movie: Blonde. That was when I started watching clips of Knives Out (Also with Chris Evans) and the Night Clerk. I'm also impressed at her knack for action movies... like- dang you go girl. On top of that, Ana is such a funny person, especially in interviews with her costars, and I love her general attitude towards life and her acting career. She's definitely a trailblazer in her field and I can't wait to see what she does next.

Domhnall Gleeson: Ever since i was young, I've been seeing this man EVERYWHERE, and I mean everywhere. I'm talking Harry Potter, Peter Rabbit, Star Wars, and Goodbye, Christopher Robin. It really makes me appreciate the work that all of these actors, whether mega famous or not, put into these movies. I just find it really funny to see him play a goofy farm owner's husband in one movie, and then watch him be the evil right hand man to Kylo Ren in another. What a range!

Felicity Jones: Ah, another Star Wars actor. Felicity normally plays more serious characters. I've seen her in Rogue One, The Aeronauts and The Theory of Everything (with Eddie Redmayne AHHH), The Amazing Spiderman 2, and Inferno (the third movie to one of my favorite movie trilogies that I'll explain another day). She's an incredibly versatile actress with so much to offer. I remember watching Inferno, seeing her, and thinking: Huh, she looks terribly familiar... and I was right.

#ana de armas #ghosted #chrisean rock #star wars #kylo ren #rogue one #felicity jones #bill weasley #james bond #rant #rant post #tw ed rant #personal rant #ranting #rambles #movie rant

[daylightbird]

I've been thinking about Oscars 2023. Here's some of my predictions:

I think Thirteen Lives and Elvis will be nominated for best picture, best editing, and some other categories.

Ron Howard (Thirteen Lives) and Baz Luhrmann (Elvis) will be nominated for best directing.

Everything Everywhere All at Once also has chance for being nominated for best picture, best editing and maybe for best original screenplay.

I think Top Gun: Maverick can be nominated for one or two technical category. For example: best sound mixing. In my opinion, there's a small chance for being nominated for best picture. I say it because the Academy seems to dislike action movies.

Probably Austin Butler (Elvis) and Brendan Fraser (The Whale) will be nominated for best actor.

The Whale can be nominated for best makeup and hairstyling. Maybe Elvis too.

The Conference (German movie) can be nominated for best international feature film. (Best picture? Small chance)

Eddie Redmayne can be nominated for best actor for his character in The Good Nurse. This one it's very unlikely to happen, but it would be well deserved.

What do you think? What are your predictions?

#best movies #oscar #oscars #the oscar's goes to #prediction #nominates #oscar 2023 #elvis film #austin butler #the whale #everything everywhere all at once #top gun maverick #best films #brendan fraser #the good nurse #oscars predictions

[mrs-dr-reid]

Because I’m bored, imma give y’all a basic rundown of all of my OCs that I actively write for. There’s 15 of them, so this is probably gonna be in two parts, because I have face claims for all of them, and I’d like to provide visual aid for each one (and tumblr limits the images on a post to 9). We’re also gonna go by fandom because that makes it easier for me.

1. Elaina Granger is the very first OC I ever made so many years ago I honestly don’t remember when I made her up. Her full name is Elaina Marie Granger-Potter as of the end of the series, and she’s the younger sister of Hermione Granger by about 10 months. As one can probably tell based on context, she eventually ends up with Harry Potter. I rewrote the ending of the series out of spite, so Ginny ends up with Dean and I renamed two of Harry’s kids (James Sirius was a good name, the other two needed to be changed for my own sanity). My face claim for her is Emilia Clarke.

2. Rose Fletcher is from the Marauders Era, and she came to be because I got really addicted to Marauder POVs on TikTok, and wanted to make a character for that time period. Her full name is Rosalind Artemis Fletcher, and she eventually ends up with Remus Lupin (the very popular Andrew Garfield fancast applies here). Continuing with me rewriting the series out of spite, Remus doesn’t die in Deathly Hallows and they grow old together and become kick-ass grandparents when their son and daughter start families of their own (unfortunately Teddy does not exist in this universe, but I think I replaced him with a grandson from either their son or their daughter). My face claim for her is Sarah Bolger.

3. Gemma Silversmith is from the Fantastic Beasts era, and I thought her up way back when the first FB movie came out because I fell in love with Eddie Redmayne’s cute little face the second I laid eyes on him. Her full name is Gemmadine Florence Silversmith, and she eventually ends up with Newt Scamander. She went to Hogwarts for the first 2 years of her education, but then her dad got a better paying job at MACUSA, so she transferred to Ilvermorny in her third year and became friends with the Goldstein gals. She meets Newt when he brings his animal shenanigans to New York, and during the war they dance around their feelings like the world’s worst mating dance, then once the war is over they get married and start a family. My face claim for her is Lilly James, but imagine her with borderline silvery blonde hair.

4. Adri Carmichael is in the Criminal Minds universe, and I created her because I too quickly became obsessed with Dr. Spencer Reid and his stupid perfect face. Her full name is Dr. Adrienne Ember Reagan Carmichael, and she’s a member of the BAU alongside her eventual husband Spencer Reid. I decided when I was developing her to make her a slightly smarter female version of Spencer, so she has a Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (which is slightly better than eidetic), she can read 20,500 words per minute, and she’s 10 months older than Spencer so she graduated high school at 12-ish as well. She also has 3 PhDs and 2 BAs, and the whole team (aka Derek) always jokes that she’s a female Spencer but with better hair. They eventually have a daughter and a son together, but the daughter is born around the middle of season 11 and is about a year old when Spencer gets sent to prison, and the son isn’t born until after the events of the season 15 finale. My face claim for her is Amanda Seyfriend.

5. Liddy McCormick is in the 9-1-1 universe, and I made her because Evan Buckley stole my heart WAY too fast. Her full name is Lydia Pearl McCormick, and as previous statements would lead you to assume, she eventually ends up with Evan Buckley. She works at station 118 as a paramedic, and she learned everything she knows from Chimney and Hen because they instantly adopted her as their work child on her first day. Her and Buck start dating in the aftermath of his lawsuit and all that drama, so Taylor remains just a friend, and the whole “I kissed Lucy, Taylor move in with me” thing turns into “Lucy keeps flirting with me when you’re standing right there, wth” and it gets sorted out. My face claim for her is Chloe Grace Möretz.

6. Mal Byers is the first of three OCs in the Stranger Things universe, and I thought her up because Dustin Henderson stole my heart with his precious face. Her full name is Mallory Kay Byers, she’s the youngest Byers kid and Will’s younger twin sister, and as one can ascertain from context clues, she’s the girlfriend of Dustin Henderson. They start dating while Dustin is away at Camp Know Where, and she helps him and Suzie with Cerebro from Hawkins. She gives him Planck’s Constant instead of Suzie after he sings Never Ending Story for her to help her calm down from the barrage of information she gets thrown at her, because I decided she’s kinda missing in action for most of Season 3 because she gets a nasty stomach bug right before Dustin gets home and she���s stuck in bed the whole time the gang is running around dealing with the Upside Down shit. My face claim for her is Raffey Cassidy.

7. Carrie Brown is my second ST OC, and I came up with her because my Joe Keery obsession was reignited full force after I watched Free Guy. Her full name is Carrie Beatrice Brown, and she ends up with Steve Harrington. She’s the go-to babysitter for the Party, and she’s best friends with Nancy. She’s kind of the third wheel around her and Steve all the time until they break up. She gets stuck staying with the kids and Steve when the Byers’ and Nancy go to get the Mind Flayer out of Will, then after their group goes to torch the Demodog tunnels, Steve asks her out, and they start dating. The whole bathroom confession in ST3 with Robin changes to him admitting that he thought he was in love with Nancy, but he’s actually in love with Carrie, and he’s terrified that once she goes off to college, they’ll be done for. But she only ends up going to a school half an hour away from Hawkins, so she comes home on weekends and for holiday breaks, so their whole plot line in ST4 pans out as Steve trying his damndest to figure out how to tell her he loves her, and while he still tells Nancy about his “six kids in an RV” dream, Carrie is the person he imagines as Mama Harrington and there’s no weird “will they won’t they” thing with Nance. My face claim for her is Olivia Cooke.

8. Kim Anderson is my final ST OC, and I thought her up because I fell in love with Eddie Munson’s stupid perfect face WAY too quickly. Her full name is Kimberly Jillian Anderson, and as one could ascertain, she’s in a relationship with Eddie Munson. I decided I wanted her to be the polar opposite of Eddie so their relationship wouldn’t make much sense to anyone outside of their friend group, so she plays soccer, her family is on the more affluent side, she’s blonde, she’s popular, and she’s top of her class. She’s a normal senior while Eddie’s on his second do-over, so she’s 18-19 while he’s 20-21. And because the ending of ST4 pissed me off, I’m rewriting it out of spite so both Eddie and Kim go into the Upside Down to distract the Demobats, but Kim employs a trick Carrie shows her, and turns multiple cans of Aquanet hairspray and a lighter into a redneck flamethrower. They still get nibbled a little bit when the Aquanet runs out, but not bad enough that they both die, so they both make it out and hole up in Kim’s family’s cabin on the outskirts of town until Hopper shows up and exonerates Eddie. So the conversation Dustin has with Eddie’s uncle changes to him being told that Eddie is still alive, he’s just laying low until the chaos dials back a little. My face claim for her is Lili Reinhart.

9. Christine Frampton is an OC I made for the Bridgerton universe because I fell in love with Benedict Bridgerton’s stupid beautiful face way too fast even though Simon and Anthony were right there. As one can probably guess, she ends up with Benedict Bridgerton. She returns from France with her family after the events of season two after being there for the last 4 years for her father’s job, meaning she missed her social debut by a few years (she’s 25). She grew up next door to the Bridgerton family, so she was very close with Daphne and Eloise as well as the eldest Bridgerton brothers, especially Benedict. When she returns, her mother decides that she’ll be making up for her missed debut that season, and Benedict has no idea what to do with himself because according to him she grew even more beautiful while she was gone. Both of them slowly fall in love over the course of the season, but both of them are oblivious to the other’s feelings because duh. They finally get their acts together at the end of the season and get married. My face claim for her is Ellise Chapell.

A reblog is coming with the last 6 very shortly!

Tagging a couple of moots that are a part of these fandoms: @libraryofloveletters, @leossmoonn, @boldlyvoid, @stranger-nightmare, @homoose, @meganskane

#logan speaks #logan writes #logan shitposts #logan is bored #original characters

[bespokeredmayne]

The role he couldn’t leave behind: Eddie Redmayne and Motor Neurone Disease. A Fan Interview

Now heaped with acting awards and acclaim, Eddie Redmayne is frequently asked for insight into his craft — how does he research and transform for his roles, disappear into his characters and then shed them?  But a decade ago, as he wrestled with the unique physical complexities and the gravitas of portraying an icon, Dr. Stephen Hawking, Eddie hadn’t developed a “process” or “method” on which to lean. So he took a deep breath and, with the guidance of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, he immersed himself in the cruelties of everyday life with MND.

(GIFs by sirredmayne)

He was connected with clinics and invited into homes of patients unable to care for themselves, struggling to communicate, breathe — like that of the unforgettable Glenn Phillips.

Eddie learned the nuances of the specialized healthcare and technology that simultaneously encumbers and enables. He touched flesh and muscle, cruelly atrophied. 

By every measure, the film, “The Theory of Everything,” was a success. Eddie’s career, already on the ascent, soared. But it wasn’t only the awards and new opportunities that had changed his life.

In 2015, he eagerly became a Patron of the MND Association to help heighten awareness of its global research and support of patients and families throughout the U.K. Even before the honor and in the 8 years since then, he’s been consistent in his devotion, speaking eloquently of the ravages of the disease, making appearances at events, shivering and shuddering through two Ice Bucket Challenges, lending his image and voice to public awareness projects. 

His connection to the Hawking family has endured, too. Eddie wrote the foreword to Dr. Hawking’s final book, Brief Answers to the Big Questions, and at the professor’s funeral in Cambridge in 2018 read a passage about Time from Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament: 

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.” 

Each year, for Eddie’s birthday on Jan. 6 (just two days before Dr. Hawking’s birthday, which is always noted), he now gives his blessing to a fundraising campaign organized by fans in his honor, supporting his patronage of the MND Association. 

Earlier this week, reaching out to fans, Eddie agreed to share his thoughts about his commitment to the MND Association and his gratitude for fans’ efforts. 

Charlotte Aguilar: 2023 marks a decade since you first began immersing yourself in the world of MND patients and carers, and you still find yourself deeply involved with helping to raise awareness of the disease. Why was this a role you couldn’t shake?

Eddie Redmayne: Firstly, a massive thank you for organising this. It means a great deal. The preparation for playing Stephen was a long one and as well as being able to spend a proper amount of time with Jane, Stephen and their wonderful family, I was also introduced to hundreds of people living with MND. It is a disease that I saw in all its detail and brutality and those people I met and their courage had a profound, lasting impact on me. 

CA: Of course, your relationship with Stephen Hawking received the most attention connected to The Theory of Everything, but how were you impacted by your encounters with others in the MND community? How does what you learned from people like Glenn Phillips, whom you studied and later visited with your Oscar, stay with you in how you view life?

ER: Well, Glenn was just a brilliantly charismatic man — a passionate cinephile. He was also very open with me about the horrid tolls of the disease. He lived alone, and I remember visiting his house on a sweltering day. His doors were open to let in the air but covered with fly nets. I remember him being very concerned about keeping the fly nets in place. He reminded me that with MND you feel everything (of course), but there were parts of his body he was unable to move. So if a fly or a wasp landed on him he had no way of shooing it off. It was a specific but horrible detail of living with the disease, which of course I hadn’t preempted.  

CA: During the height of the COVID pandemic, you became involved with the MND Association on a different level, helping with creating awareness among Members of Parliament about the special needs of patients. Why was that important to you?

ER: The people who run the MNDA are brilliant, and I have long offered my support to them. During the pandemic, I was astonished to hear that people living with MNDA were not automatically placed on the ‘most vulnerable’ list here in the UK. It felt important to me to hear the discussion and witness the response from the politicians when challenged on this.  

CA: There have been huge bursts of attention for MND that fade — the Ice Bucket Challenges, the popularity and acclaim for The Theory of Everything, and sadly the loss of a number of well-known MND sufferers. Why is it important to keep the disease top-of-mind with the public at all times?

ER: Of course there are many extraordinary causes out there in the world vying for the attention and compassion of the public, looking for their support. Because statistically MND affects a smaller proportion of the population than some other diseases, investment in research and finding a cure can be less forthcoming. From my personal experience, having spent time with Stephen, Glenn, and a host of families, researchers, and specialists in the field, it will always be a cause that I put my support behind.

A sad postscript — a jolt of reality from June 8, 2017:

Please consider honoring Eddie’s patronage of this exceptional organization with a donation in his honor or by sharing our JustGiving page:

#eddie redmayne #2023 birthday fundraiser #mnd association #stephen hawking #glenn phillips #the theory of everything

[naughtygirl286]

So we went to see Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore this past Tuesday and much like the previous movies this one was pretty good too. I enjoyed it but there are a few things about it. the title is not specific to Albus Dumbledore but its in reference to pretty much the entire Dumbledore family as in they have secrets not just him.

The visuals and production design and everything were of course Fantastic (pun intended) the creature designs and animation and everything was amazing as you would expect from the Harry Potter/Wizarding World series.

As for the acting it was great Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander continued to impress as this character and he plays this role so well. I felt Jude Law was excellent as a young Albus Dumbledore and Dan Fogler as Jacob Kowalski is probably one of my favorite characters in this whole series probably I just think he is funny and I find him kinda relatable being he is the regular person caught in the middle of all this. as for the character of Grindelwald I think I and many others would have liked to have seen Johnny Depp continue in that role I would have liked to see what he would have done with it. as for the Grindelwald we had in this there wasn't really anything wrong with Mads Mikkelsen I like him and liked him in all the stuff I seen him in. When he plays a villain he plays a very good villain I won't take that away from him and he does an amazing job in this but still I would have liked to have seen what Johnny Depp would have done.

alot of people have been saying this is the end of the series and if it is then I think it had a good end it was a very happy ending I thought and of course this isn't the end of the story being these are prequel movies and it all leads into Harry Potter many years later.

One odd thing about this movie I felt was its release. To me it didn't feel like a spring/early summer movie this felt more like something that you would go see like mid to end of November. which was like I said kinda odd..

other then that I thought the movie was pretty good I enjoyed it if if you have been following this series and liked the previous then chances are you'll probably like this one too.

#Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore #Fantastic Beasts The Secrets of Dumbledore #Fantastic Beasts #Fantastic Beasts3 #Fantastic Beasts 3 #The Secrets of Dumbledore #Wizarding World #the Wizarding World #Harry Potter #Shannonj286 #NaughtyGirl286