The Rise of Michael Fassbender and his Cultural Relevance

It’s no secret that I am obsessed with Inglorious Basterds. All my friends know that I have an obsessive nature to begin with, and moreover a distinct fascination with World War II history, which is what catapulted the historically inaccurate but brilliant film to the top spot on my favorite films list. Well, to be fair it has been tied with Pride and Prejudice, despite the fact that they are polar opposites. They’re really on opposite spectrums, which is exactly what I like. I was first introduced to X-Men: First Class and Shame star Michael Fassbender’s work in Basterds, as he played a British soldier and film expert. His performance was meant to be almost silly at first, along with Mike Myers’, as they played on as many British linguistic and phrase stereotypes they possibly could. So, while I enjoyed his performance, I wasn’t exactly wooed, like I was with Christoph Waltz’ brilliant portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa of the SS.

However, my tune began to dramatically change as I watched the feature film Jane Eyre starring Fassbender and Alice in Wonderland’s Mia Wasikowska for the first time. As a devoted fan of the classic Charlotte Bronte novel, I had extremely high expectations for who was cast as the beloved Mr. Rochester, and the performance that would be given. Rochester is a cold and complex man fueled, driven, and captivated by his past and the mistakes he has made. This anti-social and closed-off mentality is what links and bonds him and the young Jane Eyre almost immediately after they meet. These nineteenth century novels feature such complicated and unpredictable characters that I have no choice but to be impressed when an actor successfully pulls off such a performance. Fassbender has a dark and deep quality to him that mirrors his old Hollywood type handsomeness and air of intellect. Basterds made me aware of him, but Jane Eyre made me a fan.

And now Fassbender stars in the two films I am most excited for this season: NC-17 rated and Steve McQueen directed drama Shame, and the Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung centered film A Dangerous Method. He has already received rave reviews for his portrayal of a sex addict named Brandon Sullivan in Shame, which costars a favorite actress of mine, Carey Mulligan, as his sister. The film follows his character as he explores his own darkness, and is another example of a gritty well-received film that deserves such star power and talent. A Dangerous Method, which costars another favorite of mine, Keira Knightley as a hysteria patient, and Viggo Mortenson, will show his character Jung struggle with his relationship with his mentor Freud. He will also struggle with the theory of psychoanalysis, and sexual infidelity in a time when the outright enjoyment of the carnal act was frowned upon. Essentially, it will be a story about human urges and desires, taking its queues from Freud’s theory of the “id” and the “superego,” the angel and devil on each shoulder. It is evident, with his recent project choices, that Fassbender enjoys playing characters that are at war with themselves. Rochester versus his painful past, Jung versus his desires and conflicted beliefs, and Sullivan versus his addiction.

It is refreshing to see audiences embrace such a diverse actor in a business filled with heartthrobs and fads. I can already draw comparisons between Fassbender and British acting treasure Colin Firth, who has played an assortment of different characters, many also at war with themselves. Fassbender is on the fast track to the A list, and will no doubt be appearing in numerous high profile films in the future.

Photos Courtesy of flickr.com (brixton21).

Steve Buscemi: One of the Most Prominent Actors of Our Time....and Ghost World

The other day I was watching Ghost World, one of my favorite films (despite the list being fairly long. Some might say endless, but alas this is untrue.) Whenever I feel the need to be inspired, I watch either this film or The Virgin Suicides. Yes, a big part of that is that I adore Thora Birch, who plays the main character Enid, especially in that outfit near the end of the film wear she is wearing a bright red dress, matching tights, Mary Janes, a scarlet headband, and bright bleeding red lipstick. It is a perfect contrast to her pitch-black hair and black-rimmed glasses. And I love it. Absolutely cannot get enough of it. In fact, you’ll probably catch me wearing that exact same outfit (minus the black hair and glasses…maybe) pretty soon. I’ll just have to introduce some black accessories to the ensemble. Anyways, I’m way off topic. As you can guess from the title of this article, Steve Buscemi is in Ghost World, and he plays a character so perfect, I can actually imagine that he is just like Seymour in real life. Seymour is the object of Enid’s affection, and enjoys Rag Tag Blues, Big Bands, and the haunting “Devil Got My Woman” by blues legend Skip James. So I definitely relate to him, which made me love the film even more.

Buscemi’s performance in Ghost World got me thinking about how many of the films I have thoroughly enjoyed that he’s been in. The list is actually quite long. He’s most notably appeared in numerous Joel and Ethan Coen films, such as the immensely successful The Big Lebowski, critically acclaimed and Oscar winner Fargo, and the R-rated musical Romance and Cigarettes co-starring The Soprano’s James Gandolfini, Academy Award darlings Kate Winslet and Susan Sarandon, and Weeds’ Mary-Louise Parker (whose performance is wildly eccentric and all kinds of wonderful). Add to that critically acclaimed films such as Quentin Tarantino’s first two highly successful films Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, Paris, Je T’aime, and Monsters Inc., to name a few. In fact his entire resume is impressive, featuring him doing voices for animated films and hosting and acting on SNL. Despite having played supporting characters throughout the majority of his career, Buscemi has managed to both impressive critics and ultimately land a starring role on HBO’s hit series Boardwalk Empire. It would appear that audiences are harboring a new appreciation for his work. And rightfully so. He has a way of drawing viewers in, whether it be as a creepy and crude character, or a lovable and shy character.

Buscemi is one of those actors I can see winning an Oscar eventually, which would no doubt be well deserved. He is one of the most hardworking actors in the business and audiences don’t seem to be tiring of him anytime soon. I adore eccentric and offbeat characters, so I really appreciate Buscemi’s performances. Now Ghost World won’t be for everyone, but if you tire from Christmas films this month, pick up a copy and give in a try. Scarlett Johansson also costars. And maybe in the process, you’ll pick up a love for Indian 60s music, green hair dye, Rag Tag records, and fake 50s diners. Who knows. It could happen.

"You're a beautiful young girl, I couldn't imagine you'd have any interest in me except as an amusingly cranky eccentric curiosity." -Seymour (Ghost World).

Photos Courtesy of Flickr (@zellaby and @csyncratic).