Sunday 19 January 2014

GUESS WHO #1

We took a short break for six months. But we're back. We're not going to do a preamble any more, it is literally going to be a 'guess who.' So...

Guess who?



Wednesday 24 July 2013

Max Irons.

We've decided to include a One To Watch category on this blog for those actors who haven't got a huge back catalogue, but who we definitely want to see more of. So instead of praising their talents, we're just going to appreciate them as the eye candy that they are.

The first in this category is Max Irons.

We first saw him on a One to Watch list years ago when his greatest claims to fame were his father, Jeremy Irons, and his career as a Burberry model. Jeremy Irons made a cartoon lion sexy in The Lion King  so it's hardly surprising that it is hereditary. As for the modelling he fits the Burberry stereotype perfectly- posh, multi-talented and strikingly handsome.

Since then he has appeared in a number of films. He cracked Hollywood with his turn in The Host and Red Riding Hood and is currently on our screens as the charming, passionate and intense Edward VI in The White Queen.
However we feel he earns his right to be on Illustrated Eye Candy because it was his appearance in Dorian Gray that really caught our eye. He can't have been on the screen for more than a minute but we waited till the credits to see just who that possessor of God-given bone-structure was.

And god-like is the way we like to describe him. With his small eyes, pout and unbelievably sexy voice we feel that he's one to watch purely because there is no way someone like him could be ignored.

So... who drew it better?



Friday 5 July 2013

Christopher Walken.

We thought that a bit of appreciation should be given to some actors from the older generation, and which golden oldie is better than Christopher Walken. Everyone has seen him in a film (or at least a certain music video with Fatboy Slim), and his hair is as recognisable as his voice. A perfect example that they just don’t make them like they used to anymore…

We first saw Mr Walken in Catch Me If You Can as Leonardo DiCaprio’s (sigh…) struggling father. His “There were two mice” speech is iconic and his father-to-son talk in the pub is heart-breaking; a performance that won him a Bafta and had him nominated for an Oscar. But that's the thing about Walken, he pops up in films and says a few speeches in his usual voice and manner, and it just works. Always has done and always will do. In Pulp Fiction he appears for one short scene yet his is one of the most remembered characters from that film, and the story he tells about the watch is noted as one of Walken's best. 
But of course, when he was younger he was able to prove that his acting skills were good enough to support a film in the leading role. In the Deerhunter he's graceful and tormented; he's a serious actor who carries the film amazingly. And man is the Russian Roulette scene good!
And now, a little bit of admiration for his voice. Like Michael Caine and Sean Connery, Christopher Walken has a voice that never changes in films and as a result is instantly recognisable. It is as much a part of him and his acting as his mannerisms and the way he holds himself (he trained as a dancer so there's always something very graceful about him). And it's because of this that his speeches are so famous. 
Because he's been around so long we decided that one of us should draw a picture of him young, and the other of him now:


Monday 24 June 2013

Heath Ledger.

Heath... Where to begin? His acting? His death? That smile?

He was the embodiment of the Australian stereotype; cool and laid-back with a charming character. And as soon as he popped onto our screens as the blonde-haired Urlich von Lichtenstein he became tagged as a actor to watch. He always looked wild and unruly and, unlike most Hollywood actors nowadays, was never afraid to appear a little less than perfect in order to properly portray a character (have a look at 10 Things I Hate About You- that hair should not be allowed yet we all fall in love with him). And he was just so damn handsome.

The first film we saw him in was 'The Four Feathers.' It's a great film and his portrayal of Harry Faversham made him a well-known name in our house. And Heath in a flat-cap is a sight to behold.

When actors die young it is usually their death that makes them famous and their image, as opposed to their short-lived acting career, lasts forever. James Dean being the classic example of this. Heath Ledger, however, showed his potential from the word go and just continued to go above and beyond. Whether you watch Two Hands (One of his earliest. It's a great dark comedy with Rose Byrne,) Ned Kelly, or Brokeback Mountain you see the character not the actor. But it wasn't really until his fatal portrayal of the Joker that his genius and skill became blindingly obvious to the world. His diaries of that period have recently been released and they are just harrowing.

His death was and still is one of the saddest events to occur in the acting world, but at least he will be remembered for all the right reasons.

So...who drew him best?





If you have any suggestions for future posts please add to the comments below.



Wednesday 19 June 2013

Eddie Redmayne.

With the release of Les Mis Eddie Redmayne has been on everyone's radar recently. He's beautiful, he's intelligent and the boy can sing. What more could you want?

He's been on our radar since his performance as Angel Clare in 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles.' Together with the 'Pillars of the Earth' he has become a known actor in our house. Our parents have remembered the name, sending us magazine clippings of his interviews or modelling shoots.

As with many British actors he comes across well in interviews. Despite the fame that Les Mis has bought he always finds something to criticise, whether it's his large lips or copious amounts of freckles.

His hoards of female fans swoon over his public school accent and his bizarre features. Because, let's be honest, he isn't your stereotypical Hollywood man. Luckily he's grown into his features (just watch him in 'Savage Grace.' The costumes are also beautiful.) He's too skinny, too short and too ginger. He's beautiful more than handsome, but we totally appreciate this.

His modelling career has left him with a fantastic sense of style with Alexander McQueen velvet slippers and Burberry trench coats. And here at Illustrated Eye Candy a well-dressed man will earn you points.

As an art-historian, I personally love that he demonstrates that you can take a degree for the love of the subject and not because you intend to pursue a career in the field.

Lastly, his performance of 'Empty Chairs at Empty Tables' still makes me cry. His singing face is terrifying, but at least it shows his passion.

Here are our portraits in praise of the Redmayne.




So guys... Who drew it better?

The Appreciation of the Male Form

Welcome to our little blog.

For years we have discussed the pros and cons of certain actors and practised our artistic skills attempting to portray the beautiful faces that grace our screens.

And so we plan to use this small space on the internet to share our thoughts and drawings.

We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.