In my previous post on crushes, I talked about my Classic crush: Gregory Peck. This time around it’s going to be about the crushes that are rather Obvious; the literary men that women worldwide have pinned many dreams on, men who are so appealing partly because women picked up their pens and made them so. Well, that, and they’re very, very easy on the eyes. I’m talking, in no particular order…
Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, Richard Armitage as Mr. Thornton, and Jeremy Northam as Mr. Knightley.
I’ve yet to meet a woman who wasn’t somehow, in some way, affected by Colin Firth in a wet shirt, strolling the grounds of Pemberley. Me? That wet shirt was all well and good, but he wouldn’t have gotten to me if not for the gaze he leveled on Elizabeth as she played the piano and sang for an otherwise mostly unappreciative audience. What was even in that look? Longing? Admiration? Warmth? Whatever it was composed of, the combination was heady. And it kept me coming back for more. Now, I know there have been other Darcy’s, but for me, Colin is the one.
I’ve already posted about Richard Armitage as Mr. Thornton, but how could I not mention him here, again? How is it possible that I went through so many years not knowing about this movie, this character, this man? I’ve certainly been making up for lost time recently, but I’ll always remember that it started with North and South and four painfully beautiful words: “Look back at me.”
There’ve been other Mr.Knightley’s, and recently at that, but in my eyes there is only one: Jeremy Northam. To be honest, I can’t tell you if the rest of that adaptation of Emma was successful because Northam held my exclusive attention. That last proposal scene, oh, I’ve watched it over and again, and I never tire of his hesitance or the ridiculously sweet arch of his eyebrow (which he also used well as Ash in Possession.)
How about you? Do you have any Obvious crushes? Once again, name drop in the comments!
For me it has to be Mr Knightley but played by Jonny Lee Miller please
Crushes? Just one. I’m definitely faithful: one at a time!
Though, It’d be hard to resist JLM/Mr Knightley’s warm tenderness … But I’d resist.
Have a look at my blog. I too posted about crushes yesterday!
Lovely blog!
I absolutely agree that Jeremy Northam is the best Mr. Knightley! He completely embodies the character, and gives so much subtlety and depth through his acting. He is unfortunately a rather underrated actor, I think — so talented in acting AND singing! — but I suppose a life in the spotlight wouldn’t suit him. <3 <3 <3
I watched Gosford Park pretty much just to hear him sing. He has a lovely voice.
Wow! I’m in the minority with Northam’s Mr.Knightley!
Maria – Oh, Mr.Thornton would be my absolute pick (as would RA in general!) Loved your post!
Yep, agree with all the above.
But my biggest personal crush is James McAvoy. I’ve had a thing for him since the TV show “Shameless” but when he played Robbie Turner in the adaptation of ‘Atonement’.
OH. MY. GOD. That library scene – wooooooooo. Lovely.
I would have to agree with you on James McAvoy. I’ve had a crush on him since Children of Dune. It grew to an overwhelming level on Becoming Jane! I will always have a special place for Colin. I thought he did an excellent job on Pride and Bridget. Even though a ton people did not like the remake of Pride I thought Matthew did a decent job as Darcy and LOVED the raining scene between him and Elizabeth. Not a big fan of Kiera though. Hugh did a good job as Edward, but since the whole scandel with him I have a hard time finding him attractive.
Gonna have to add Alan Rickman as Colonel Brandon in Sense & Sensibility. I know everyone loves Edward and Willoughby (for a bit) but it’s all about the Colonel for me and the scene where he brings her mother to Marianne and she stops him as he’s leaving and tells him thank you. The look on his face gets me every time.
“Look back at me.”….*dies*
Oh, my gosh, yes. Alan Rickman is a god among actors, and loved him in that part. We see him cast as bad/flawed men so often, it was wonderful to see him as the best man of all.
Danielle – Oh, boy! Here I go again, having to admit that I’ve never seen Atonement. I liked McAvoy in Penelope, though!
Allie – I watched the Kiera version of P&P with this strange detachment, maybe because I have so much love for Colin’s adaptation, and I’m with you on Kiera. I’m not a Hugh person, either, so his role didn’t do much for me.
Angie – I was just talking about Rickman the other day! You’re not alone.
And, yes…*dies* 
Oh my, those are all my crushes you’ve just listed out. The perfect man IS Colin Firth. I have to agree with Allie, don’t let the original BBC adaptation distract from the fact that Matthew did a pretty good job at playing Mr Darcy.
Love love LOVE those three…swoon!
S – Aren’t they wonderful?
Love your picks one and all. Love me some Colin Firth and LOVE Richard Armitage. That voice is what practically sends me over the edge each time…*swoon*
I am so with you on his Voice, Michelle!!
HECK YEAH! I have a weakness for men in cravats… especially Thornton! (I enjoy the others as well.) Not only must they wear cravats, but have that brooding stare. *sigh*
Natalie – Ah, yes – the brooding stare. I’d say the first two up there have made a science of it.
Okay, so here I am backing you up!
I think Colin Firth is a very nice person and a very talented actor. But, I don’t think he’s particularly good looking or attractive and I just don’t understand why other people are so taken with him. (Here is the actual backing up part.) I don’t think that Jeremy Northam is good looking, but I find him insanely attractive. Maybe it is the eyebrows.
Tricia – Yay! The power of the eyebrows. *grin*
I’m with you when it comes to Jeremy Northam in Emma. Usually I go for the BBC versions (David Rintoul will always be my Mr. Darcy… and that moment at the end where he offers Elizabeth his arm is the most romantic movie moment for me, ever), but Jeremy Northam was just… sheer perfection as Mr. Knightly. Not only that proposal, but when he took Emma down, you could feel his pain at seeing the women he loved behaving so badly and so counter to her nature, it was so well done.
Mr. Thornton, though. Oh. My. Good. Lord.
Sheer and unadulterated love for the man.
How can you not accept the proposal of a man who tells you, “I don’t want to possess you! I want to marry you because I love you!”
*sighs and faints*