5 Favorites: Ewan McGregor

With "Haywire" being released this past Friday, and "Perfect Sense" getting an American release in February, plus "Jack the Giant Killer" and "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" also coming out this year, I'm looking at Scottish born actor Ewan McGregor this week. His "Beginners" co-star, Christopher Plummer, may be vying for an Oscar this year, but I'm giving Ewan the favorites, because he deserves it.

5. Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

Say what you want about the Star Wars prequel trilogy, but the one thing George Lucas got right was hiring Ewan to play a young Obi-Wan Kenobi. McGregor made Obi-Wan the most sympathetic character of the trilogy, and put tremendous heart into, what became, a very complex character. I picked "Episode II" because this was the film where he became Obi-Wan, doing a spot on impression of Sir Alec Guiness.

4. Moulin Rouge! (2001)

I am actually surprised at this pick. I hate this movie! I hate director Baz Luhrmann's choices. He's a spastic director who makes films that are bright, hyperactive, and unintelligable. Ewan McGregor, on the other hand, is the one person in this film who didn't seem to do a ton of coke between takes. He's calm, funny, and talented. I was pleased to find out that he could sing, and well at that. His love-struck Christian is a naive, sweet individual trying to save the damsel in distress. Which brings me to the point, that anyone who can act like they're in love with Nicole Kidman that much, has to be a good actor. Right, Tom?

3. Down With Love (2003)

McGregor plays Catcher Block (man's man, ladies' man, man about town), a journalist, and playboy, in this wonderful homage to the Rock Hudson/Doris Day sex comedies of the 1960's. I love everything about this film. It's goofy, fun, and full of incredible wit. Ewan is incredibly funny and charming in this, and proved he was every bit as good at comedy as he was drama.

2. Big Fish (2003)

Tim Burton cast Ewan as a young  man named Ed Bloom (played older by Albert Finney), and the film focuses on Bloom as he recalls the incredible story of his life to his son (Billy Crudup), on his death-bed. Watching this film is pure magic, and McGregor is a large part of that. He's got a boyish smile that melts your heart evertime you see it. His earnest and humble nature makes you realize that you don't care if his stories are true, because he's having so much fun being part of the tale that's being told.


1. Trainspotting (1996)

If that picture doesn't say it all, I don't know what will. McGregor plays Renton, a heroin addict, trying to kick the habit. His portrayl is fearless, and pitch-perfect. This is the first film I remember ever seeing him in, and I never shook how it left me in wide-eyed awe. From Ren's beautifully shot overdose, to an unbelievably disturbing detox scene, to the infamous toilet dive, McGregor doesn't miss a beat. You become invested in his successes and failures, and root for him, even as he's ripping off his friends from one last score.