So, shall we talk about Tavington?The Patriot
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The Patriot
Because someone had to do it, and Hilary gave me permission. So, shall we talk about Tavington?
So, shall we talk about Tavington?
Wildevine
Well, aside from the fact that I still think Tavington would be abusive in a relationship (see "in a relationship" thread from the zone) I just can't believe how freakin gorgeous he is in this. There are teeny moments in other films when I see a whiff of Tavy. Like on the beach in Passionada. His shirt is open a bit and I'm thinking as I watch it- change the shirt to white poet, make the hair long, there's Tavy.
He was shockingly evil. Just after the "shaving scene" there is a shot of him with black powder smoke in the air. Such total malevolence. I have read interviews where Jason says that playing that kind of evil is catharsis. It's the way to get out the built up aggressions. That man must have a hidden life. The most believable character I've ever seen. Mel who? I didn't even notice the other actors.
Janet.
He was shockingly evil. Just after the "shaving scene" there is a shot of him with black powder smoke in the air. Such total malevolence. I have read interviews where Jason says that playing that kind of evil is catharsis. It's the way to get out the built up aggressions. That man must have a hidden life. The most believable character I've ever seen. Mel who? I didn't even notice the other actors.
Janet.
Janet -- yeah, there's an obvious attraction there, though why in this case more so in the general female viewership. Reminds me of older discussions we've had on the seductiveness of "bad boys", when it's obvious that in real life we'd give a guy like this an extremely wide berth. Personally I think it has to do with the fantasy a lot of women have-- that attraction to something so exciting, so different from ourselves, yet at the same time hoping that they can be redeemed, which at it's heart is contradictory, because should you succeed, that person no longer resembles the individual you were attracted to in the first place.
Unless of course, you preference runs to brutal, calculating, murderous over-achievers.
On the up-side, when he isn't burning down churches there are fleeting moments of vulnerability -- which is enough to ensure he doesn't fall into that trap of becoming a two-dimentional carboard cutout, like what happens with a lot of Hollywood villains. It takes real talent to ellicit that kind of empathy, even within the confines of a character like Tavington, and I think Jason succeeds quite well at this.
Other reasons to like Tavy -- them baby-blues, the ruffled shirt opened at the chest ....
and he absolutely kicks ass with that mane of his.
I still wouldn't want him pissed off at me though.
Unless of course, you preference runs to brutal, calculating, murderous over-achievers.
On the up-side, when he isn't burning down churches there are fleeting moments of vulnerability -- which is enough to ensure he doesn't fall into that trap of becoming a two-dimentional carboard cutout, like what happens with a lot of Hollywood villains. It takes real talent to ellicit that kind of empathy, even within the confines of a character like Tavington, and I think Jason succeeds quite well at this.
Other reasons to like Tavy -- them baby-blues, the ruffled shirt opened at the chest ....
and he absolutely kicks ass with that mane of his.
I still wouldn't want him pissed off at me though.
You mean Stumpy?Mel who?
Lookit at all the Tavington discussion! My take on the success and appeal of the character is pretty simple.
1. Jason is clearly the handsomest man in the movie.
2. Jason is obviously acting the hell out of his character.
3. Jason's costuming kicks six different kinds of ass.
It's a recipe for success, particularly considering the fact that the movie is tripe. Jason, Tom Wilkinson, and the beautiful setpieces are really the only reasons to watch TP.
And, of course, Tavington is a man that, in reality, any civilized person would fear and avoid. But that's the beauty of fiction...villains can be as villainous as possible, and there's no risk to the viewer. Flamboyant villainy is highly entertaining, as anyone who has watched and enjoyed either Basil Rathbone or Alan Rickman in their respective versions of "Robin Hoods" could tell you. Or, for that matter, anyone who ever found Iago to be the most fascinating character in "Othello". Oh, man...wouldn't Jason make the most fabulous Iago?
But I digress.
As I was saying, flamboyant villainy is fun. And if the villain is gorgeous, in the bargain? Bonus!
1. Jason is clearly the handsomest man in the movie.
2. Jason is obviously acting the hell out of his character.
3. Jason's costuming kicks six different kinds of ass.
It's a recipe for success, particularly considering the fact that the movie is tripe. Jason, Tom Wilkinson, and the beautiful setpieces are really the only reasons to watch TP.
And, of course, Tavington is a man that, in reality, any civilized person would fear and avoid. But that's the beauty of fiction...villains can be as villainous as possible, and there's no risk to the viewer. Flamboyant villainy is highly entertaining, as anyone who has watched and enjoyed either Basil Rathbone or Alan Rickman in their respective versions of "Robin Hoods" could tell you. Or, for that matter, anyone who ever found Iago to be the most fascinating character in "Othello". Oh, man...wouldn't Jason make the most fabulous Iago?
But I digress.
As I was saying, flamboyant villainy is fun. And if the villain is gorgeous, in the bargain? Bonus!
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Thong of thunder
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Re: Wildevine
There were other actors in that film???Wildevine wrote: I didn't even notice the other actors.
Janet.
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Thong of thunder
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Malfoy Grandma
Re: The Patriot
That is a really fine quote. I want to hear more about our loveable/hateable Colonel. I do NOT know why!Minuet wrote:Because someone had to do it, and Hilary gave me permission.
He is indeed a fine example of the refined but completely evil villain that I absolutely adore! He proves that one does not have to be a noisy mindless thug to accomplish evil ends - in fact, quiet décorum is far more impressive, don't you think?
Naturally MG - I presume you feel the same way about a certain Malfoy Snr? <lust>
Naturally MG - I presume you feel the same way about a certain Malfoy Snr? <lust>
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Malfoy Grandma
Tavington, Lucius, and company
Once more I am the blushing old Grandma! You people are really leading this staid and corsetted elderly woman into wickedness! Of course I feel the same about Lucius, as we older people are allowed to say of gorgeous young men who are younger than their youngest son! I hate these vomitted confessions. I actually prefer these very young fellows with long hair. That is sick, is it not?-
Thong of thunder
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Re: Tavington, Lucius, and company
Malfoy Grandma wrote:I feel the same about Lucius, as we older people are allowed to say of gorgeous young men who are younger than their youngest son! I hate these vomitted confessions. I actually prefer these very young fellows with long hair. That is sick, is it not?
I could nevver go with a lad with short hair!
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Malfoy Grandma
Tavington and poetry!
Well, I might as well confess! I am just finishing yet another novel which no one will buy but who cares! And in it I include several poetry pieces, which I hope will become songs for a film! (Picture here delusional Grandma!" Thought you Tavington fans might enjoy my poem/song about our beloved Colonel!The Swordsman, my hard-mouthed lover,
has looked too long
at men dying under his sword,
seeing death in their eyes.
Now holding me strongly
in muscled arms
he sees the power of life
his flesh holds
in my melting eyes,
and lives to kill another man
tomorrow.
Oh, well!