Ewan McGregor Breaks Down More Of His Most Iconic Characters | British GQ
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ก.ค. 2022
- Part Two: Ewan McGregor breaks down his most iconic characters, from Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars and the spin-off series of the same name to Renton in Trainspotting, Emmit Stussy in Fargo and Christian in Moulin Rouge.
Watch GQ for part 2 of Ewan McGregor's characters: • Ewan McGregor Breaks D...
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It still baffles me how he wasn't nominated for an Oscar for Trainspotting. His performance is truly iconic.
An OSCAR for such a movie? Yeah, right.
@@DaveMcIroy It was nominated for screenplay that year.
@@martincurran4985, I know, so?
@@DaveMcIroy I just don't get what your saying. What's your point?
@@martincurran4985, this is already to complicated for you? Did the movie get an OSCAR?
I really appreciated what Ewan said about Episodes 1 to 3 - they meant a lot to the generation of kids (like myself) that grew up watching them. The 70/80’s trilogy may be superior films but I don’t have the same relationship with them as I do to the prequel trilogy. Childhood nostalgia is a powerful force…
I grew up watching Anakin and Obi wan trilogy and I've never understood this huge hate. I'm so happy to see them together again
@@ilaryp The hate comes up to the comparison of craftsmanship of the OG trilogy. I still think the writing and the acting is atrocious, but in fairness, Lucas' ineptitude at writing and overreliance on bluescreen kinda makes that inevitable. Time has shown though, that most of the hate was ill-deserved and we've come around to realizing that they have their own charm. I can't hate on the Prequels anymore because I see in the Millennials/Zoomers the same magic in their eyes that we had for the OT and it actually warms my heart so I've gotten over it and I think most of my people have too.
i'm surprised kids grew up liking the prequels. i mean why would you? i grew up watching the original 3 on telly regularly, they became part of the culture because they were enduring. so this is a bit of a mystery to me
That's just poor parenting 😂
They are not superior films. Not at all. Especially not compared to Ep.3.
No amount of nostalgia or empty hatred can change this.
Trainspotting is one of my all-time favourite films, and Ewan just makes the whole thing come together. He's really believable as an addicted 20-something just trying to break free. I don't think I could imagine anyone else in that role. His portrayal of the ravages of addiction, the behaviours, moods, and changes in physical appearance it causes were spot-on.
i almost threw up when he ate the drugs from the poop toilet
@@Derek_Keenan he didn’t eat it
I think the sequel is even better.
Addicts are fictional. You mean someone that could be told of in story as an addict?
@@bunk95 Clearly you have never known an addict personally. Addiction is real, and one of the most terrifying things to watch someone you love suffer through.
06:25 "I meet the generation we made them for. I meet the young people who were kids then, who, for them, our star wars films were their star wars films" I loved that answer. That's another reason to believe that the prequel trilogy are not bad films
they can still be bad films. They are still bad films. They're just bad films we grew up with and love in spite of their flaws
The same might happen with sequels...but we cannot realize that still
Nah they were good films. Revenge of the Sith, for me, is second only to Empire, out of all 9!
@@brentmeistergeneral6074 Well then you are lost!
@@DannyMB24 what if I grew up loving the prequels but now I hate all of them and actually everything not just star wars what's wrong with me help
Ewan is pure talent with such versatility. While I am a huge fan of his acting, I wish he did more musicals to highlight his singing. I was surprised to find out he was heavily drinking and smoking prior to Moulin Rouge. His voice sounded so clear and crisp, especially when he hit the high notes. "Your Song" is an example of his vocal prowess in case you're wondering.
My wife and I danced to that at our wedding reception
@@darthpayback Excellent choice! 👍
Your voice can do pretty incredible comebacks once you start taking care of it! I'm sure he took great steps to make sure that he wasn't doing any unnecessary harm to his throat in preparation for the role.
He sings a little bit in "A Life Less Ordinary" and "Down With Love". But yes, more full-on musicals with him would be great.
One of the best actors of our generation and often overlooked
Well said!
Not overlooked at all, he keeps getting jobs from top directors and writers in the industry, always working.
@@vb8428 Absolutely true, his incredible versatility is well known.
I think the commenter meant that he's overlooked by a not of people who watch movies, who would not think of him if they were asked to name the best actors they can think of.
Agreed - Ghost Writer is a classic.
If you follow his filmography, I think you can tell he just plays whichever role or project that interests him without a specific agenda. For such a well-known actor his filmography is so indie and absolutely fun to watch if you're a movie fan, because they all have different tones and style. For example, I've never watched a movie like "The Pillow Book" in my life, and "Velvet Goldmine" is also one of the boldest movies I've ever watched. Then, there are quieter movies like "Beginners" and some of the weirdest romantic movies, like "Down with Love" and "Perfect Sense."
TL;DR it's quite hard to beat his filmography.
It further highlights his versatility. His role in "Velvet Goldmine" is so underrated. It deserves to be discussed similar to how his roles in Trainspotting and Star Wars are often discussed.
Beginners is freaking amazing!!!
This is what I’ve always loved about Ewan. The sky was the limit for him post-star wars, but you find that he just has such a grounded filmography that resembles someone who deeply cares for the characters he takes on.
He really knows how to pick them! Velvet Goldmine is brilliant, I wish it was talked about more. Pillow Book is so unusual but just captivating--and Beginners, Down With Love, and I Love You Phillip Morris, are just wonderful films I could rewatch any day.
A Life Less Ordinary
Moulin Rouge was groundbreaking but underrated. I think a lot of people don't give it a chance because it seems crazy but it's really a very carefully crafted movie with a ton of rewatchability.
Another person who doesn't know what underrated means. It was popular when it came out... which shows your age. And your ignorance.
It's my favourite of his movies. Such a unique, special movie.
I watch it a thousand times! I'll never get tired and still crying. 🤣
it’s amazing, one of my fav movies !
I watched it for the first time about 10 years ago and fell in love. I watched it over and over. Definitely one of my favorite movies. I have the biggest crush on him.
I've never picture Obi Wan when I think of Ewan, it's always Mark "Rent Boy" Renton. God, Trainspotting is such a masterpiece of a film and Ewan's performance was outstanding.
One of the best book adaptions IMHO ❤
0:27 Trainspotting/T2
5:36 Star Wars 1-3
8:38 Fargo
10:51 Moulin Rouge!
Love this, I was extremely disappointed that Trainspotting and Moulin Rouge were left out of the first part, so glad to see them here. Ewan’s filmography has such a wide variety and he’s an under-appreciated actor!
They are his two best films
Not by the industry because he still keeps getting to work with many auteurs
Ewan in Moulin Rouge falls out of too many people’s radars. To me he was awesome in it.
@@opwave79 that’s his best role
@@opwave79 dont think i've seen Moulin Rouge-but Trainspotting was iconic
Ewan is one of the most talented and versatile actors of our time, he gets better and better as he gets older and deserves much more praise and recognition than he gets. I'd say Shallow Grave, Velvet Goldmine, Doctor Sleep and Down With Love are ICONIC as well!
down with love is one of the best movies I've ever watched and so ahead of its time!
and Christopher Robin too 🥺
Obi wan kenobi series? Sorry i cant take that one with a straight face.
@@harryg2453 no one mentioned it
@@harryg2453 That is your problem, noone asked.
there's really something magical about Trainspotting. It's ridiculously disturbing and terrifying, but at times it's incredibly hilarious and then ends up inspiring. All along the way it is fueled by one of the best soundtracks in movie history.
McGregor played his part to perfection. Total respect to him and I do think it's his best performance.
Nicely put 👌
@@followtheboat thanks!! It's straight from the ❤
"clearing gutters, getting by... living ahead the day you die" the end isnt inspiring its just depressing and destructive. Still my favourite movie of all time
It’s a truly iconic meeting of great acting, music, script, direction, editing and everything else that goes into a movie. Absolutely defines that part of the nineties
its one of the best movies of all time. Its not only a feeling while watching it, but the accuracy of the characters is spot on.
I love Ewan's Scottish accent, it's like he shoots words and he does it really fast
Yeah it’s a nice Scottish accent to listen to . Born in Perth 👍
yes hes got a great scottish accent, not too posh, and pronouces every word so well. perth? well a better version of the scottish accent that lanarikshire - shity sounding glasgow
Obviously he's incredible as Obi Wan, but my favorite non Star Wars performance of his was in Doctor Sleep. He was brilliant in that movie. It doesn't get enough love
Yeah that was overshadowed unfortunately as far as Ewan Mcgregor movies go
i agree, ewan's performance is incredible and also tragically underrated (just like the movie itself). the scene of dan and his father at the overlook's bar is absolutely heart-wrenching
I agree wholeheartedly! One of my favorite movies and doesnt get enough attention I think!
I still think he did an excellent performance in "The Impossible". That phone scene was a phenomenal acting moment, he wasnt even nominated
EXACTLYYYYY
I was thinking the same, Tom Holland and Ewan were both amazing.
That's an underrated movie period, the way her hospital scene is done.. *shudders*
I’m glad that Ewan Mcgregor brought up the whole acting in front of a green screen thing. I remember when the marvel movies first started coming out some of the actors were saying how they were thriving under these types of environments. I.e walking around a green screen and delivering lines to tennis balls etc. but it was really cool to hear how Ewan wasn’t a huge fan of it and how it presented certain challenges in giving a believable performance.
He's just one of those actors who is great to watch no matter what he's in. Trainspotting remains one of my personal most influential films (and books) of all time.
+ Wonder why "The Island" wasn't mentioned. Great Sci Fi film
I can't understand how his performance in Trainspotting can't be taken seriously, I swear he did one of the best I've ever seen, an Oscar would have been the least he should have had for all what he did, a great actor without a doubt!!!
Between him and Michael Fassbender, I can’t with the lovely voice and accent and handsome face 😍
Trainspotting & Moulin Rouge are such amazing films & he gave fantastic performances in them. He was certainly my favourite part of the SW prequels and I have a huge soft spot for Christopher Robin & Beginners too. He seems to pick interesting and varied roles rather than playing it safe so his stuff is usually worth a watch.
Down with love was a classic that I loved. Ewan played “Zip” and his voice as that character was iconic!!
Agreed. I rewatch it every year. He's such a hottie in it
you know he’s an amazing actor when he needs a part 2 to break down all of his iconic performances
I don't have many favourite actors but Ewan McGregor is one of them. When he showed up in Shallow Grave and then Trainspotting we could tell he would become a relatively famous actor, but never in a million years, I thought that he would become a thoughtful and intelligent movie star capable of creating great characters in and out of Hollywood.
Watching Shallow Grave and then Trainspotting on video tapes (lol) was a big part of my teen years.
His two characters in Fargo were so different I forget he was playing both of them at times. He doesn't get nearly enough credit for his role in it; and the fact the show is fantastic also helps.
He had two parts ? I just finished season 3 a few weeks ago
@@claystaggs8908 See? You didn't realize he plays both Emmit and Ray Stussy, right?
Exactly!! Fargo is an amazing show overall but s3 really was my favourite season, I was shocked when I realized he played both, but I was so invested in the story that it didn't matter no more
T2 Trainspotting is one of the best sequels of all time. Would have liked to hear him talk about Shallow Grave, such an underrated film.
100%
It deserved more recognition, I wonder if they do a T3?
Yeah, it’s not really underrated at all. Under-seen maybe.
If they do T3 it should be about old age after another long break.
Ewan has the most beaming smile, and I can't help to smile with him whenever that jolly smile pops up :-) He seems like such a nice and happy person
I also really liked his performance as Father Patrick in Angels and Demons. The movie was meh but he was excellent. I was really impressed by his ability to play an insidious character given that he'd usually played 'good guys'. Also Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, he was wonderful in that too.
I liked him as father Patrick, too! Ewan is amazing
Great Character
Shame Christopher Robin wasn't mentioned it was a great movie and Ewan was fantastic in that role.
He did SUCH an amazing job on Moulin Rouge, it’s a shame he didn’t get an Oscar for it.
He should of at least been nominated
In fairness they give out one Oscar a year for best actor so its pretty tough competition.
@@mintybadgerproductions he should of at least been nominated
who won that year?
@@Derek_Keenan for leading Role Denzel Washington (which he deserved as Training Day is one of his best roles) and for supporting (which Ewan probably would of been nominated for) Jim Broadbent
It wasn't until Ray disguised himself as Emmitt that I actually realized he was playing both parts in Fargo.
I wish he talked about I Love You Phillip Morris with Jim Carrey. He was incredible in that movie.
Yes! He was so clean and glowing in that, as the love interest.
Look at Ewan McGregor name checking my ex husband and his book ICED. So so proud. 🥰🥰
Love me some Ewan McGregor. What an amazingly talented actor. Absolutely loved seeing him back as Obi Wan!!
i wish they let him talk more about some other memorable roles, but he never fails to impress us. he's such a fantastic actor with so much talent and he's extremely versatile. so grateful i saw moulin rouge and it opened my eyes to his cinematic universe.
I wish Ewan had been asked about Beginners, it's one of my all-time favourite films and he's great in it.
Wish they would have talked about The Impossible. He's amazing in that. The phone call scene is one of the best scenes in his career.
That movie makes me cry like a little baby each time still, and that phone call scene, uuugh! omg it kills me lol
Ewan is one of the best actors of his generation. Either in US or UK. And also a great bloke, easygoing, disciplined, honest, funny, and a family man. A TRUE GUY.
I'm Brazilian, and everytime I have to write or talk in English during my work, I always start with "Hello there!" (because of him)
(Until now, no one has ever replied with another hello there... sadly)
Hello there! Lol and a hey yall from southern usa😅
He was SO GOOD in Moulin Rouge!! I am in love with Christian…. He should have AT LEAST been nominated for an Oscar and then won
someone's made a mistake about 8:56. Fargo season 3, which Ewan was in, was released in 2017 by FX and the show was created by Noah Hawley. You guys have put there the information for the Coen Brothers' Fargo (1996) which the show is based on
Yup you’re right
He was great in 'The Men Who Stare At Goats' too. It would have been cool to hear him talk about that one
My personal favourite McGregor performance is Danny Torrance.
Absolutely
It should have been a series
I actually first saw Ewan in the Star Wars prequels and loved him in those, even though the movies get incredibly memed they were still great and Obi-Wan is his best role in my opinion and my brother and I still quote “Hello there” constantly
Glad he did this. I have always stayed out of the Star Wars prequel arguments because films are such a personal subjective experience and we as humans feel the natural desire to form groups in any social dichotomy. However, Ewan did a fantastic job in them, and the fact he greets fans with a smile is always a sign of a good person. Imagine a world where people you have never met feel they know you and are comfortable just walking up to you and striking up a conversation even if you are having a bad day... he has a reputation as always being willing to take a few minutes to chat with a fan.
Velvet Goldmine (1998) needs more appreciation! He is OUTSTANDING in that bloody masterpiece!!
Moulin Rouge still is one of the most beautiful movies ever. Thank you for playing that role
Trainspotting is one of my favorite movies of all time. It is so incredible I can’t say enough good things about it.
My dad once told me he would show me some zombies when I was about 11 years old because I was interested in the Walking Dead TV show. He then took me to the bus station in Kilmarnocks' town centre.
Trainspotting gotta b his best movie that he ever acted in . it’s something about that era it’s really a deep feeling . I can’t find words to describe it .
Shallow Grave, Lipstick on your collar and velvet goldmine. So many good roles, such varying characters
That scene in trainspotting ,when Renton is in his room in pain, is so freaking realistic, that it moves me every time I watch it
I know, it’s chilling. How Ewan never received an award( bafta, golden globe or Oscar) for that performance is boggling
T2 Trainspotting is such an underrated film, it works as the perfect companion to the original.
It's a good movie, but I'm satisfied with how the original ended. I personally didn't need the sequel. I'm glad you enjoy it though.
soo true!! it's my favorite movie ever I don't get why so many people don't like it, like obviously it's not going to be The Original but they handled the nostalgia in such a good way
I don't agree but I'll still watch it because it's better than NOT having another movie with those characters.
Yesss, I think it's a great movie in his own right.
The problem with T2 is Begbie. While in the first film his character did give a little comic relief via dark humour. In T2 he is this characatur of a terrible low level criminal. Almost like the scousers in lock stock. But in Trainspotting it doesnt work. Its such a disservice. Ruins the film for me.
It means so much to me to hear him talk about meeting people that were kids when the prequels came out. I love those films and Im so so glad that he does and that he is proud of them.
I understand you can’t talk about every iconic movie for some actors like Ewan McGregor, who have been in a lot.
And a lot of people have already commented on fantastic performances by Ewan in other films like The Impossible etc.
However I do think his role in Black Hawk Down was amazing. His portrayal as the jaded soldier behind a desk but then wide eyed and eager Ranger on the battlefield was fantastic. And as a veteran can confirm that if your chain of command learns that you can touch type, you’ll for sure be stabbed with nothing but admin 😆
I need a part three about The Island, The Impossible, Robots, and Angels and Demons please!
The fight with Maul, right from waiting behind the red barrier, through "Noooooo", and up until Maul is split in two, that was the most intense emotional acting I had ever seen. Then a few years later came "You were my brother Anakin", and I knew I was watching something so extraordinarily special, but also something a whole generation before me would never understand. "Anakin, you're breaking my heart" was a close second contender. All of this is right up there with "but I can carry you". And we love you for it Ewan
When his voice almost cracks on "brother". Heartbreaking!
Trainspotting was fantastic. An absolute one of a kind. So perfect for the time.
I love how hes so awesome they had to do a multi part episode
Arguably the best actor of our time. Only a couple like Day-Lewis or DeNiro are as good
The backlash the prequels got was so gut wrenching, but the love that people have for them now is wonderful
The sequels made people appreciate the prequels much more
Diznee made people see there could be worse
I laughed and scorned the mindless criticism of the prequels. I always knew people would wake up someday. And I have to thank Rian Johnson for the debacle that brought so many to their senses.
Trainspotting 2 is really underrated
I absolutely love the way that ewan talked about the trilogy. The way that ewan strikes a balance between honesty and pride for his work is so incredibly commendable.
So many actors will talk about a film that they were in that gets critically panned and not even acknowledge it. How am I supposed to believe anything you say if you’re gonna look me in the eye and pretend that everything went as planned?
At the same time, so much work by himself and people he admires, and the way he talks through the reception, the ambition, and possible mistakes made along the way by himself or others is very refreshing.
What an intelligent, earnest man!
They're at least original and sensible and entertaining. 3 things these last few movies can't possibly claim.
His voice did not change. So unique and beautiful, his accent is cool
Growing up I’ve always admired Ewan McGregor. My favourite Ewan McGregor film roles for me will have to be Mark Renton from Trainspotting and Of course Obi wan Kenobi from Star Wars.
Ewan is a really really great & versatile actor. So many iconic roles. Wish he talked more about some of his other characters like I love you philip morris , Doctor Sleep or even Velvet Goldmine
They missed his #1 role! He played Ewan McGregor in The Long Way Down and The Long Way Down. Excellent films. Charlie Boorman co-stars as Charlie Boorman, his good friend and fellow motorcycle enthusiast. Highly recommended.
*Round
I came to see if they’d talk about these films! Best!!
I love you Philip Morris is underrated
In the 90’s, I totally ripped his Trainspotting look for my own. Still sporting the buzz cut/sideburns look to this day.
Choose life.
Choose a Job
He and JLM were incredible in both Trainspotting and T2, by far Ewan's best films.
I just adore him. Multifaceted, humble, talented, and handsome. I love Moulin Rouge and Big Fish, I can watch them over and over. Big fan.
Ewan is one of my favourite actors , not only for his acting but also for his personality and his attitude . Also I'm a Calgarian!!
Trainspotting is a masterpiece
Great man
Love his work
He tells everything with such passion and attention to details. That just warms my heart
I grew up with the original trilogy on VHS and then the prequels in theaters. I recognize parts of the prequels that didn’t age well, like some of the blue screen shots, but none of the actors deserve any hate. The Kenobi series on Disney+ was cool to see, glad he did it.
Everything aside and just Trainspotting alone is genius.
the real ones came for part 2!
Moulin Rouge is my jam! Still obsessed with that movie and Evan’s voice! 😍
I could listen to Ewan talk about anything for hours. I forgot how much I loved the guy until obi wan came out recently
Amazing voice and beautiful accent!
Moulin Rouge was got me into loving Ewan! 💙 He is such an amazing actor!!
So many other great projects he's done I'd love to hear him talk about, but this was great.
Trainspotting was one of my favourite movies, still is. And sequel was really good too, which is a rarity nowadays
"Oh, I Don't Think So" ...My favorite line from Star Wars. My favorite actor from the Star Wars Universe without a doubt. He made the prequels. Just my opinion obviously.
trainspotting is my all time favourite film! i loveeee the soundtrack (blur!), story, actors… wow. what an experience :)
and i love the book too!
i've been a fan of ewan ever since i saw trainspotting and just to see how far he's come is amazing
Trainspotting is my favorite movie of all time! The second is Donnie Darko!
I was never a star wars fan. My aunt was though and she dragged me to every movie. This was when people were camping outside to get tickets. We went at a 6am movie showing and still could only get seats in the 1st row. But these are the memories I look back on after my aunt passed from battling cancer. So thank you
I watched trainspotting early this year, completely changed my view on films. I also watched shallow grave and 28 days later, Danny Boyle immediately became my favourite director. I’m now doing film studies in college.
He is one of the better directors, no doubt about it.
Doctor Sleep was dope
7:25 Wow, redoing the entire movie's dialogue with ADR must have been such a stressful task
You guys did an amazing job with all three films!! All time favorites 1-3 no doubt
Ewan has been my favorite actor for decades... Keep up the great work, brother, thankyou for the memories 👍👍👍👍
Missed Big Fish here.
In part 1
Although I am a Star Wars fan, I was a fan of Ewan in the 90s, WAY before he was in the prequels. I liked him in A Life Less Ordinary (Danny Boyle) with Cameron Diaz. Had a great soundtrack.
Omg yes !!! When I mention this movie people have no idea what I’m talking about ! Love it
@@cherylstewart3816 Same! it's a time when the kooky films DID go under the radar, there was no social media to bring attention to it. If you say who was in it and what the film was about, with that dance number, people will think you're explaining a dream. 😄 That was back when my mum and I just went to see whatever was out. You had the trailer (maybe) and a poster, and that was it!
Everyone keeps mentioning Obi-Wan but Christopher Robin got me right in the feels. Very underrated performance, he brought a piece of my childhood to life.
T2 is a severely underrated movie. Maybe I think that because I, as many, aged with it and felt with it.
I love Ewan McGregor, but unfortunately because of my age, becoming a fan after Shallow Grave (arguably one of if not his best film) and seeing him ride a motorbike across the world with one of his best mates means I find it a bit harder to sustain my disbelief in movies where he plays against my perception of "type". But I always root for him as if he were a mate, despite never meeting the chap. Funny how fame works, innit?
Trainspotting was one of the greatest films ever made. The characters were real. How Danny Boyle made a heroine addict look like a hero was not an easy task.
Heroine addicts are fictional. Someone lied about as ______ is also able to be lied about as ________.
The trainspotting acting and scenarios are so authentic , Its unbelievable
6:24 YES I love this, he describes it perfectly. There are a lot of us...we're everywhere.