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A Caveat from Beatlemania for Richard Armitage Fans
A ‘caveat’ is a warning; in this post I draw from lessons of the past to issue one to the present future. (Please note – this piece ought not to be misinterpreted as criticism, but rather as one person’s observations; a footnote to the otherwise wonderful phenomenon of RA enthusiasm).
When I was 15 years old I went to see Lenny Kravitz perform at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia (I was young, don’t judge). Well, what a waste of time that turned out to be. It was virtually impossible to hear dear Lenny amidst all the screaming going on. Unlike my fellow audience members, I had actually gone to the show to hear the music, not to whip myself up into a high pitched hysteria. While comparisons between this scene and The Beatles’ early concerts might be a stretch, at the time I did wonder if this was what Beatlemania must have been like, albeit on a milder scale. This experience provided me with some insight and sympathy for The Beatles’ decision to stop playing live. If no one can hear you and your performance is effectively reduced to the status of a pantomime – what is the point?
Which brings me to Richard Armitage and the amazing phenomenon of his enthusiastic fan base. What parallels, might you ask, can be drawn between the Beatles and this humble actor? Just bear with me, as I attempt to flesh this one out.
When I read online discussions about this man, it nearly always centers on his exterior qualities; his appearance and voice. Although I admit I am not a connoisseur of RA fan blogs and forums, when I have ventured into this world, it is a rare treat to see a genuine comment or appraisal of his intrinsic qualities and talent. When a seldom utterance of this type is encountered, it is often presented within the context of his physical appeal (I know there are plenty of examples that contradict this – there are definitely thoughtful RA fan commentaries out there, but I can only speak to my own overall observations – and I acknowledge that the Spooks Fan Blog has dabbled heavily in this territory as well).
I am sure it is not necessary to point out to readers of this blog that this bloke is a bloody fine actor, and although RA fans know this too, for some, it seems to be completely overshadowed by their interest in his other, quite frankly, less interesting features. The guy is ridiculously handsome, no doubt, and while I am sure his appeal to fans goes beyond this, in my experience it is rarely reflected in the internet chatter I have seen; why? Sometimes I wonder if his abilities as an actor are merely incidental to some quarters of the RA fan community – and thus his appearances on TV are little more than opportunities to gawk and perv (I’ve seen numerous fans report that when watching DVDs of shows featuring RA, they always fast forward to the parts when he is on screen).
Consider this – how might online discussions of RA be viewed if the genders were reversed; if he was a woman and his fans were mostly men. Entertain that thought for a moment and it all starts to look a bit murky, perhaps a bit unsavory, and certainly not very PC. Imagine if it was your physical appearance, more than any other aspect of yourself, that garnered all the attention? It might be flattering at first, but ultimately (as I am sure RA himself could testify), it is not all that gratifying. This is a situation with which many women can identify, and one that some have fought hard to over turn – to be recognised as a person of character with qualities and abilities, not just a piece of totty.
I am not saying that fans’ appreciation of RA is restricted to his physical appearance, to his status as television totty, or that they should not discuss his splendid looks. What I am pointing out, however, is that the pendulum seems to have swung too far in this direction, and his talent and intelligence as a performer is being sorely overlooked (one need only watch Spooks 8.4 to see one example of that talent on brilliant display).
One could argue that Brad Pitt has suffered somewhat from this kind of predicament. His image as a Hollywood heart throb (through no fault of his own) has undoubtedly obscured recognition of his acting ability. Brad Pitt has been able to temper this image, to some degree, by his wise choice of roles and directors who can see past the glitz – but in the public sphere, the name Brad Pitt is more synonymous with being Hollywood “hot stuff” than with being a fine Hollywood performer.
It would be a shame to see RA suffer a similar fate. Or even worse, the superficial aspects of fan fervor went so far as to influence RA to prematurely decide to move from in front of the camera to behind it – something that he has expressed a strong desire to do. The Beatles saw no point in performing if they could only be seen and not heard. One gets the impression that some fans see RA on screen but aren’t really seeing the performance. This is their loss. I honestly hope it does not become, for quite different reasons, our loss too.
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Thank you for the thoughtful comments everyone! I wasn't sure how people would respond. I was slightly concerned some might misinterpret what I had written. Sometimes I can come across as a stick in the mud when I don't mean to.
@mesmered – I would love to see RA on the big screen to do some meaty roles. One reason I say that is – RA has this quality that reminds me of leading Hollywood men from an earlier era. I would love to see him do something of that style and quality. The problem is these kind of films/roles are few and far between.
@Mulubinba – I agree, from what I've seen I think most fans are discerning and balanced in their RA appreciation. You also make an good point about The Impressionists, though. Interesting how a simple "squirrel beard" can demote appreciation of this production. That exemplifies what my post is about, really. I'm not particularly a fan of impressionism, aesthetically speaking, but that show gave me new found respect for the ground those artists broke.
@Deb – You are right to point out that there are people from all walks of life who participate in the forums – I don't think I was implying there wasn't smart, articulate people on there. If I did, that was not my intention. I appreciate that much of the discussion is tongue in cheek. I enjoy the light hearted discussion on RA's looks too. Nat's RA fan blog combines this subject with humour brilliantly – I love it! So I'm not saying this kind of talk ought not happen. I just wonder if the balance has tipped too far in the "totty" direction? An open question, more than a statement. If that's what people like and enjoy on the forums, then I guess there is nothing wrong with it. For me personally, however, too much focus on that stuff is not to my taste. So perhaps the forums aren't suited to me. On one particular forum I went to, it just felt a bit too seedy, to be honest.
@tyme – I was initially attracted to RA for his physical appeal too (saw Dibley first). It's not too often that an actor, or any man for that matter, would drop my jaw in quite that fashion – so I was intrigued by my own response at first (I literally had a "who the HELL is THAT?" moment). But I had no idea who he was at that point so it wasn't until he joined my favourite TV show (Spooks, obviously) that I learned about about his career and came to appreciate his acting. I've been watching Spooks since it started and Lucas North is the most fascinating character on the show to date – RA really stepped up to the plate for that one.
@MillyMe – Thanks for your comment MillyMe! Couldn't agree more, as an actor he is the complete package for sure!
Personally I hope he never goes to the big screen. I think his intellect and talent are too good to be wasted on the vagaries of a sex-hungry female fan base. If he must go to the big screen then I hope it is to direct as he appears to have a very creative and analytic brain. Has anyone ever really listened to an interview, read Vulpes Libris . . . this man thinks and should be admired for that, his humility and his acting ability.
That's not to say his fine features aren't admirable . . . but the other stuff is what I find most attractive.
Great post and I agree with a lot of what you have said. I think N&S; started RA's popularity, but the role of Guy of Gisborne was the catalyst for the thud factor and Spooks production have cashed in on the fact that he does have a strong following of female fans. (Rupert Penry Jones I suspect was used in a similar way). In fairness, I do believe that many fans are very discerning and are attracted to RA because he plays such interesting characters and he plays them well. I've just been revisiting Sparkhouse and continue to be bowled over by his performance. I also love The Impressionists – a portrayal where RA wears wigs and false facial hair. It was a beautiful work (imo) but not well regarded amongst the wider fanbase because of the looks factor.
I could go on for hours, and in fact have done so in numerous posts since I have been blogging. RA worship is strong, there is no doubt, and he has a fanbase that not only appreciates his looks but has a tendency to be possessive and protective, Things can get very intense and I admire the man for being able to keep his life so private. Let's hope it continues, but I suspect that he will end up directing and doing more voice work as opposed to front of camera work. (Just my 2 cents :) )
I think you'll find, if you were to actually talk with most of the people who post about RA's physical attributes and ask what has drawn them to him as a fan, it will be because a particular performance – John Thornton, Guy of Gisborne, Harry Kennedy, Lucas North, John Standring, Claude Monet – has touched them. Not the actor's looks in the first instnace – but the performance. And, you're forgetting, possibly, the enormous appeal his current voice work has where he is not actually visible. The thing about most fan forums, at least the RA ones, is that they're places, really for fantasy for the most part. They are places for people to safely indulge themselves – and many of their comments are made with a tongue placed very firmly in its cheek. If you were to check the membership of most forums you'd find many professional and academic members, many mothers and grandmothers – articulate and intelligent people. But, just once in a while, they find a place where they can just chill. They recognise at heart that the actor whose drawn them there is a bloody, BLOODY fine actor and getting stronger with each performance and a heck of a nice fellow. But just for a little while they let themselves be teenagers for an hour or two. It's a bit like flopping down on the lounge with a box of chocolates after a day dealing with 'real life'.
I have written, re-written and re-re-written my comment on this thought provoking post.
Here goes…
Richard Armitage is a fantastic actor!
I have laughed at, cried for, been amazed by, cringed at, been swept away, scared for, angry at, disappointed in and fallen in love with the characters he has portrayed.
Initially, yes I was attracted to him for his physical features. He is tall, dark, handsome and has lovely shoulders…
But after seeing him in his various roles and more importantly seeing/reading/hearing interviews with him, I discovered happily there is a an interesting, intelligent and thoughtful PERSON behind the actor's mask.
I've been having a blast with the polls and have been surprised at how thought provoking some have been…do I vote for the performance of RA or the character he portrayed…sometimes it is one, sometimes the other.
The other part I have enjoyed of the poll has been reading the comments of the bloggers and other fans. We are(in varying degrees) a smart, artistic, funny bunch! The boiler suit scene for me is more about the hilarity of him standing there in just black socks then about seeing his behind…this is not a defensive statement…it is the truth!
I have also been more inclined to check out fansites for Richard, Matthew Macfadyen, Rupert Penry-Jones, etc. because here in Canada they are not known. So I go to the net to check up on upcoming projects to look for.
I am in North America – I know what Brad Pitt's next project will be without even trying because of the media saturation. I am not saying this is good or bad, it is just the way it is for me.
@Skully, thank you for this!
As an English woman who has lived in Norway for almost the past quarter of a century, I feel slightly out of touch with the wider tv and film world. The choice of British series we get to see seems quite haphazard. I am a very new RA-admirer, having been awakened to his amazing talent when I received North and South at Christmas. I subsequently became aware that I must have seen RA in the Vicar of Dibley's A Handsome Stranger episode, Malice Aforethought, Miss Marple and George Gently and a couple of episodes of Robin Hood series 1, all without realising that this was the same actor. Only after North and South did I first have the urge to google an actor and find out more about him. In hindsight I would say that he inhabits each role completely without drawing attention to his own person to an unusual degree. For me he's the whole package as an actor. I love his looks. Tall, dark and handsome does very nicely for one daily surrounded by blondes! I am fascinated by his performances and the intelligence and incredible talent that create them. And I like what seems to be his personality as revealed in interviews. Last but not least, he's from Leicester! My husband and I and our three boys lived there for 2 years about 15 years ago. To me his accent is East Midlands, not Northern as many make it out to be. A lovely and unassuming Leicester lad made good! Way to go, RA!
** I'm very much enjoying reading everyone's comments and learning what you all appreciate about RA beyond the handsome face. This is the kind of balanced appreciation that I've been missing. I should clarify that it's more the forums where the balance seems askew.
@Violet – Haha, I know! It's just bad timing, honestly! I only started this blog a few weeks ago and then I was invited to join in the RA Fanstravaganza, so most of the posts thus far have been about LN/RA. I'm looking forward to restoring the balance in the coming months. How's this for blowing my cover – I totally have a massive crush on Ros!
@TeeTotallyNot – Glad you liked the album cover! I thought it was appropriate for the post. You raise a relevant point about the media. I really don't envy anyone in the public eye today, it's so hard to have any control over your image.
@Servetus – Thanks Servetus! I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who has been thinking about this. I enjoyed your post too (tried to comment but there was no comment box!). I think perhaps that the RA fan community has gotten so large, that inevitably it's going to splinter off into "sub-communities" that will cater to the different kind of RA discussions that the diverse range of fans will be interested in.
@Ragtag – RA not good looking in the traditional sense? Oh, HERESY! Just kidding ;) I understand what you mean. I would say he's good looking in the classic sense, not necessarily a contemporary one – which is an odd thing to say considering his appeal to our contemporaries!
Personally, I think Brad Pitt had the hot stuff label well before Jolie.
I wrote this post a few days ago, and I was going to hold off from posting it until after the Fanstravaganza, but in the end I thought it might be a timely thing to "put out there". I really wanted to do some posts that focused on some of RA's best scenes in Spooks – but it was near impossible to find any actual footage of Spooks on youtube that was not a bloody fan video! I gave up!
@Jennifer – I don't think the majority of the fanbase is like this. I think most fans have a well rounded appreciation. The internet chatter, however, in my experience, is tipped more dramatically in one particular direction.
Almost took your post literally! However, a spooks blog merely about Lucas North/RA? Now YOUR cover is blown!
About a year ago I saw the second half of Spooks S7 and found RA´s face ´typically average English´ (whatever that means). Didn´t go for his looks, but was instantly hooked with the story and the locations (running through underground tunnels and the small streets of old London). I remember his long look over the car boot with the tools in it, thinking that was very striking. Then I found Robin Hood on YT and thought ´Who is THAT? Where did they hide him?´ and ´Guy of Gisborne looks like a hunk?!´ I then discovered I had seen him in many appearances, and never recognized him. RA is a cameleon in his roles (actor with thousand faces). As a viewer you don´t see the man first, he hides behind the character and blends in with the rest of the ensemble. He takes acting seriously, yet with an ironic twist. He acts with all those micro expressions, too rarely seen in tv-series. RA has a classic appearance like in classic movies, yet it is ´very now´. That´s all interesting to notice, and the main reason for me to keep following his work. It´s not about the destination, but ít´s about the road.
Great post again (love the album cover too :D) and to the wise wimmins before me – many's the night I've had many of these thoughts too..
Despite the odd hour spent pausing a DVD and just staring at his face, or re-playing one of his "micro-expression scenes" forever :), I'm actually more enthralled by the characters he creates than his physical attributes (not that I mind, mind :). I think his face, body, and voice are the tools of his trade, and he uses them magnificently. It’s actually rather funny that he should think of himself as – I wouldn’t go as far as saying “ugly” but maybe “flawed”, physically. And yes, I too think BBC/Sky et.al. are cashing in on his apparent sex appeal and already existing fan-base. And there is a potential danger of getting cast in eye-candy roles (to which he would still bring depth) but I don't see him taking too many of those. I seem to remember an interview I read/heard where he said he'd keep taking the roles that come along because as a "working actor", you never know when the phone stops ringing (I also remember Ray Winstone voicing a similar opinion, another actor I greatly admire). That was years ago though and by now there would be no need to worry about a lack of offers.
I read the interview on Vulpis Libris too, and was even more enraptured for he has a beautiful mind. And it is refreshing to see someone so gifted in every regard being so down-to-earth.
I do admit to occasional gawping, or producing the odd wallpaper playing on his physical attribbutes. After all, he is insanely hot. But when I look at the pictures, the character lives in my mind, and it’s the flicker of an eye, a change in the tone of voice, a gesture, that make the man and his creations so fascinating. For his beauty is way more than skin-deep.
As for big roles on the big screen – I’m torn between wishing to see him land one (please no "Hollywood" flick though) and hoping that day will never come.. because it might corrupt what we’ve got here. I still think Charlie might have been his role.. and while I can’t wait to see what he achieves as a director I certainly hope he stays in front of the camera for another year or two (not to speak of all the books I’d love him to read for us – he creates worlds with his voice in a way I‘ve never thought possible.
As often, I’m rather inept at putting into words what really goes through my mind without the help of pictures, but this time there are none. Except in my head :D
I'm so glad you brought this up; this is such a smart post. While, as you concede, his fans are a complex group and it's hard to generalize, it's often difficult to find high level, in depth discussion of what truly makes him great. It's fine if what people really appreciate about him is his appearance, but there is a great deal more, and it would be a shame if the intensity of fan admiration pushed him toward less visible activities.
OK, this is so thoughtprovoking that I am going to move the rest of this to my own blog. Thanks for the push to think about this.
Hmmm, I don't think i'd be the only one to say this but RA is not that good looking 'in the traditional sense'. As interesting as the parallel to beatlemania is (and all the thoughtprovoking comments I'll try to find time to read later) that kind of fan worship is for kids infatuated with singers. Brad Pitt's problem was strongly influenced by his very very public private life with Ms Jolie wasn't it?
As for RA as much as I and the other bloggers squee about him, correct me if i'm wrong here blogger buddies but I thought this was a verbal expression of our appreciation for his lovable (Thorton) interesting (Guy) and faithful (Standring) characters. Strictly speaking RA's physical qualities are nothing to squee about for me. Before watching N&S; I saw promos for VOD and RA didn't appeal enough for me to rent that DVD. I even watched 10 minutes of so of RH when it was still the 1st season, saw RA and thought "Glum guy looks like Viggo Mortensen. Nothing special" and switched channels. My point is…what's my point again? I forget.
I can only say that if that is what you think the majority of his fanbase is like, you have been hanging out in the wrong forums.
I can see where a person has the desire to act because of their love for drama and art and I can also see when a person desires a career in acting but without that loco fans. Joe Armstrong (BBC Robin Hood's Allan A Dale) is a fine example of what I just said.
I would not wish the Justin Timberlake or Elvis or New Kids on the Block craze (whoever, you see what I am getting at) on anyone. It would drive me completely over the edge. I do not wish that on RA.
As humans we tend to look at the aesthetic value and run with it. What draws me to your forum is that it is an honest to goodness 'all hail' Richard Armitage as the artist that he is and nothing is said about his personal life in a disparaging way. I boycott magazines all because it makes its money from slandering the name of famous people who work to entertain us… it's demeaning and usually untrue. While I do think RA IS hot totty, I'm more interested in this man's art form. Being a visual artist myself, as well as a writer, my observations of his work intrigue me. The fact that he looks like he just fell from heaven is just a bloody bonus. I really do hope RA always has the luck in this fickle business, to choose the roles he wants and that he one day ends up behind the camera too… If he gets too over exposed, I'm afraid I will have to leave him behind like I have Brad Pitt in the past. As soon as they become a 'craze' I lose interest.
Every now and then an actor comes along that has a screen presence that totally blows you away. Henry Fonda was my first and RA is my latest and only a few in between.
@Avalon – I wouldn't wish it on anyone either. Fortunately RA seems to have dealt with the media side of things wisely, from what I have seen.
@RedShoeArtist – I boycott magazines too. It's always exasperating when the same people who criticise magazines for being too sordid, are the same people who buy the bloody things!
@Servetus – Thanks. Perhaps it was more ignorance than courage ;) I was weary about it, but my interpretation of franstravganza was apparently broad, and I'm not one to shy away from speaking my mind. I guess it's the scholar in me, she has an uncontrollable compulsion to dish up food for thought!
Thanks, Skully. I originally closed comments because I didn't want to argue about how I felt. (That's why me + richard is a blog and not a forum … ) but I did open them up if you have anything you want to say. I am happy to keep coming back here, though.
I am really pleased that you had the courage to raise this issue during the Fanstravaganza. Way to go.
Late, as always, to posting. Not enough hours in the day to devote to "surfing" all the really GOOD blogs available. Which made one week of the 365, with all RA bloggers together, so very good.
Just some things I'd like to throw out for comment, and stifle me, argue, or bring other perspectives to my personal, but open to all thoughts…
1. Scully commented on Mr. A's chameleon characteristics, in fitting himself within roles. Can I try to expand that?
1. Physical charteristics-Face:
From two? camera angles,Mr. A's face appears long, lean and acquiline. Full face, obviously, the brow is wide, but also, the view across the cheekbones is wider than expected. Chameleon?
2. In some roles, he appeared very long and lanky. (Harry and Thornton). In others, I was more conscious of shoulder breadteh (Gisbourne and Lucas.)Losing weight for initially for Lucas' return from a "Russian dead"? Costumes (Gisbourne?) building up on hauling around a broadsword- try that, anyone! Lucas, and bulking up after losing that stone (is that 14 pounda, MillyMe?)
2. Voice
Reluctantly, after accessing Clarissa on the computer, I have to agree with Servetus – middle baritone voice. Just one role, but listening to various interviews, will concede! Please, Servetus, comment at some point, on how a trained voice can sound so low-register, and hit the higher register, on your "micro-exspressions" blog. (he still sounds low baritone to me, but is that a quality/tone/timbre of voice? Question…
3. What attracts any to a specific actor?
Shamefully, physical appearance, (which, for me, is either rugged (Liam Neeson comes to mind) or acquiline – no guesses who…
4. And VOICE, dismissing about half the world's male population – no tenors need apply. Personal bias…
5. Acting and (would that encompass screen charisma, as well?) But nothing can (can it?) engage a "fan" long without, that "acting talent". Open to discussion.
Finally, I hope Mr. A goes to expand directing/producing aspirations. Also hope he does not completely retire from the front of the camera. That bone structure will survive grey hair, and even balding (think Sir Sean), and there's still a long potential career of "trying on" diverse characters.
And I hope, for once, have properly proofed the lousy typing.(After all these year of keyboarding!) But there's bound to be a typo there,
Slainte,
Skully – I wanted to revisit your posts on RA fan fervour given the recent BAFTA phenomenon. For many months the RA fandom has behaved with “sedate propriety” and even poo pooed the media articles written about the AA and fan image. I’m not sure if you are a member of any of the RA forums but if a journalist were to secretly sign up to read the BAFTA 2010 threads on the AA or C19, they would immediately see that the image they have painted is true….lol. Fingers crossed they never do read the threads!!!!
Haha! Well if it is true then no one has a right to complain about it being mentioned in the press! I don’t visit RA forums so I’m not getting much sense of the “BAFTA phenomenon”. Am I right in thinking that a simple tuxedo is mega fuel for the fervor? Tuxedos don’t do it for me… but I must say, in the words of the good Doctor (who) “bow ties are cool”.
RA in the black tie is indeed mega fuel for fervour and gushing. The AA and other forums are truly living up to their media reputation ….lol. Some waited for 10 hours on the red carpet to see him. BTW, RA took off his bow tie towards the end of the awards presentation, so did Peter Firth. As this is a Spooks fan blog, I should mention he sat with some of the cast. He and Miranda Raison were photographed together and I have to say made a stunning couple!
10 hours? Blimey! That’s dedication for you.