Saturday, March 27, 2010

Pretty Boys and Rugged Men

by Jo Robertson


In the world of Hollywood there used to be a standard for the leading man in film. Straight nose, high cheekbones, thick hair of whatever color, and sculpted mouth. Think Alan Ladd, who by all accounts was so short (a measly five foot six inches) that he wore lifts and often had to perform on raised platforms to appear taller than many of his leading ladies.

Then the standard for good looking men turned to the rugged, skewed looks, a tad off from perfection. Often the separate features of these men are odd, too large noses, crooked smiles, too angular jaws. But there’s an appeal about them, nevertheless.

Take Nathan Fillion of ABC’s Castle. Now, that man has a nose. Really, it nearly takes over the man’s face! His eyes are droopy at the corners and his lips are rather thin. Yet thrown together as they are, his features are appealing, interesting, captivating. At least to me.

As you may know, my husband, Dr. Big, is a large man – six foot, four inches. But more than height, he has big features. His head is leonine. When we shop for hats we can never find one in a size large enough to fit his head. His hands are huge, easily twice the size of mine (and mine aren’t dainty by any means). There’s nothing perfect about his facial features. And yet, for a man his age, the features all work together to form a rather nice-looking gentleman.
Besides, he has a lovely head of hair which has always been my main weakness in a man.


Consider Eric Bano, Aunty Cindy’s personal favorite. The man has Dumbo ears! I'm sorry, AC, but it's true. Look!

And while no one could reasonably argue against Orlando Bloom's looks, isn’t he just a little too pretty?

Some men, like fine wine, get better with age. George Clooney, anyone?

Richard Armitage, FoAnna’s not-so-secret love is movie star handsome, but he does have a rather sharp nose and thin lips. I suppose that’s why he plays Sir Guy Gibson on Robin Hood so well.

And what about heroines? Too many blonde-haired blue-eyed cuties? Dark-haired, green-eyed vixens? Do we prefer the heroine whose features are untraditionally attractive? Or the classic looks we normally read about in books and see in movies? Cute classical or interesting?

I’ve been wondering about this a lot because the standard set by Hollywood, for example, is realistically impossible. Regular men and women simply don’t look like that!

What about you readers? What do you like in your leading men or women? Pretty boys or rugged men? Sleek attractiveness or next-door-neighbor prettiness? Examples, please.
When you read about heroes who set your hearts thumping, who do you picture?

78 comments:

Nancy said...

Jo, I'll go with rugged men and classical women any day.

Interesting post!

Nancy said...

Ooh--I get the rooster? EXcellent. Many, many things to be done around here.

Helen said...

Well done Nancy keep him busy

Jo
Very good post I too am with Nancy I like the men rugged and tall some of my favourites are Cary Grant Robert Redford Harrison Ford I gotta say I too think George Clooney has got better with age and for me Hugh Jackman love him.
One thing that for me is a must is height I think Mel Gibson is a rugged looking guy but by all accounts he isn't that tall.
For the actresses I like them girl next door normal I think Sandra Bullock is one of the best looking actresses I really don't like Angelina Jolene not a fan of hers Deborah Kerr to me was a classical looking actress and another favourite of mine was Maureen O'Hara.

Have Fun
Helen

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Nancy, when was the last time you got the chook? Ages ago, isn't it? Congratulations!

Jo, what a fun post. And you know how endlessly fascinated we are by gorgeous boys. That's why the cabana boys go around looking perpetually nervous.

Actually I must say I'm in the odd but interesting camp. I agree about Richard Armitage having a very thin mouth and a sharp nose. But when he kisses his heroine at the end of North and South with such overwhelming tenderness and restrained but powerful passion, well, who cares about his nose? And by the way those thin lips seem to be doing all the right things!

I've always had a very soft spot for Kenneth Branagh who a friend of mine very fondly calls letterbox mouth. Seriously, his lips make RA's look like Angelina Jolie's. Yet, there's something about him...

Alan Rickman, yeah - although that voice gets me whatever he looks like. David Boreanaz has a very heavy brow and very deep-set eyes - still works. I had a huge crush on David Bowie when I was a teen. Then he had his teeth fixed and we no longer had that cheeky, snaggle-tooth tiger grin but the perfect row of white. Nah, no longer did it for me.

I think sometimes the perfection is in the imperfection.

jo robertson said...

Whooooot, Nancy! A Bandita captures the golden one. Whatcha gonna do with the fellow on a Saturday? Play or work?

jo robertson said...

Interesting, Nancy, so you like the men with rugged features, but the women more classical?

Don't care for those pretty-boy looks?

jo robertson said...

I guess it depends on what you mean by tall, Helen. For me, anyone under 6'1" is short because all my sons and husband are over six feet.

Interestingly enough, I never liked to date tall men. I liked to dance and dancing with a tall man when you're only 5'4" is pretty hard. Yet, I married one!

jo robertson said...

Oh, I adored Deborah Kerr too! Such perfect features.

Have you seen Sandra Bullock in her award-winning role? I hear it's very good -- The Blind Side?

jo robertson said...

LOL, Anna! I must admit that Richard Armitage is growing on me since I started watching Robin Hood. I loved the character he plays who's so flawed and yet so clearly wants to be a better man.

And yes, I am totally fascinated by men, nearly as much as they likely are by women. I've always claimed men are the much simpler sex -- so I love a story that shows a man's complexity and actually makes me believe it!

jo robertson said...

Agreed, Anna! I fell in love with Richard Branaugh when I heard him talk about his commitment to making Shakespeare accessible to everyday people, as it was back in the day.

As Iago in Othello (my fave Shakespeare play!), he's brilliant.

And in "Much Ado About Nothing," when he says "I do love nothing in the world so well as you," to his used-to-be wife Emma Thompson, I just MELT!

jo robertson said...

Anna said, "I think sometimes the perfection is in the imperfection."

I agree! I used to love Lauren Hutton's space between her two front teeth. It added such a beautiful flaw to her.

jo robertson said...

Duh, my fingers got away from my brain. Of course, I mean KENNETH Branaugh, which I've probably spelled wrong.

Helen said...

Jo
I am 5'6in and my hubby is 5'5in my son is 6'2in I really like men that are at least 6' tall LOL. Sandra Bullocks new movie is one I want to see but I will wait till it is on DVD or box office to see it. I am hoping to take Jayden to the movies on Monday to see How To Tame A Dragon but at the moment he is telling me he doesn't like dragons LOL and there really are no other kids movies out here till Easter holidays so we may have to wait and see

Have Fun
Helen

Unknown said...

Congrats Nancy on getting the rooster today! He spent yesterday doing laundry with me so he may want to do something different today!

I will have to say I go more for the rugged men, like cowboys! Although I wouldn' turn Nathan Fillion down, he could leave his shoes under my bed any day!

Jane said...

Congrats on the GR, Nancy.

I can appreciate both pretty boys and rugged men. Like Aunty Cindy, I'm also a huge fan of Eric Bana. I thought he was hotter in "Troy" than Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom. Eric is tall, dark and handsome and has a certain ruggedness. For pretty boys, my current crush is Matt Bomer from "White Collar." He's very pretty and his features are perfect.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Gerard Butler

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Oh YOU want details?

I like the rugged look of the man, in fact I really don't go for sleek looking men. Give me one that says, "I'm a man, I know I'm strong, sexy, willing to do the heavy work."

Yep...Gerard Butler, Clive Owen, Russel Crowe, Kurt Russel, The Rock, Vin Disel

I want my men to look like MEN

Tawny said...

Mmmm, I'll take my men any way I can get them. LOL ;-) Actually I prefer dark haired heroes, but am okay with either rugged or pretty. Nathan Fillion for example, exudes a little boy charm that's almost pretty, even though his features are so strong. Johnny Depp is definitely pretty with those sharp cheekbones and dreamy dark eyes. Orlando Bloom, even though he's grown up from his Legolas pretty days, is still a pretty boy and I'd take him in a heartbeat.

As a hero, I mean :-D

Kim in Baltimore said...

When I read a medieval, I think of Henry Cavill from Showtime's The Tudors (he plays Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk).

When I read a Regency, I think of Colin Firth, the immortal Mr. Darcy.

When I read a Victoria, I think of a young Jeremy Brett, the classic English actor who brought Sherlock Holmes to PBS (Robert Downey Jr. is a close second).

When I read a contemporary with a military man, I just go the exchange and watch the cute young sailors, soldiers, airmen, and marines (I was just at Kaneohe Bay today and spotted some very cute Marines!)

Laure said...

It's always fascinating to hear a good hot guy discussion, what floats others' boats,lol.

I've never really understood a lot of the popular heartthrob types. Brad Pitt bores me to tears, Johnny Depp I've always found a bit creepy.

I'm a major Robin Hood junkie and must say I love the pic of Richard Armitage you found. I do love his wonderfully complex Sir Guy and find he's even better looking off stage. But I'm a Robin girl all the way. While Jonas Armstrong is a tad on the average side with an oddly pointed chin, something about him gets to me every time. Sparring with Gisbourne or that mischievious grin at Marian... yummy.

Laure said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dianna Love said...

Jo -
I’ve always gone for earthy in heroes. As for actors, it usually depends on the role the guy is playing. I do think George Clooney and Sean Connery just got better with age. In some instances, Richard Gere has, too, but I’m not always a fan of his. I’m not a major fan of Vin Diesel but will not forget him from the Pacifier. I honestly don’t remember the movie that much, but in the “extra” parts he was walking around off camera holding the baby in the pouch on his chest and feeding it and kissed the top of its head. There was something very sexy about a man like him caring for that little baby (this from a woman who has never been a mother – lol). I like all those rugged heroes mentioned before and preferred to date men who were at least 6’ but didn’t make that a requirement (although, my hubby is 6’1”). I think confidence is a powerful attraction in a man. I’ve met some dynamic men who aren’t anywhere close to 6’ who were very attractive because of that persona of being capable and exuded a quiet power (like the husband of a Bandito I know “g”).

As for women, I do like the Sandra Bullock type. I’ve liked Ashley Judd in some roles and Penelope Cruz who can be so funny and competent.

Got up early to write, but decided to stop by to visit. Have a great day!

Buffie said...

Great post, Jo!

Personally, I like them all!! No, I'm not just saying that, I truly do like them all. For me, it's the whole package. Looks and personality. And most times personality makes the hero look even better!

Buffie said...

Oops, forgot about the heroine. That one's easy -- she always looks like me ;-)

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

I like both hero and heroine to be not so perfect. Rugged works real well for me on the men and not quite perfect for the ladies. I love for the heroines to be just a tad heavy, or skinny as a rail, or uncontrollable hair. Anything that makes them more like me....LOL. My BF isn't tall but has startling blue eyes and a classic aquiline nose. Yum

If either hero or heroine have bright eyes they have my vote. In reading and life the eyes have it.

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

Oh my, I made a pun, where is Anna Campbell???

jo robertson said...

Ah, Helen, there must be some tall genes lurking in the gene pool of your family history to get such a tall son!

Dragons are a mite scary for little ones, aren't they. Next week is Spring Break here, so I'm taking my grandkids to see DIARY OF A WIMPY KID because I read the books to them.

jo robertson said...

LOL, Virginia. Nancy turned me on to Nathan Fillion in Firefly, where he plays a space cowboy. Now I'm in love too! He's so young and cute and so, well, ruggedly cowboy-ish!

jo robertson said...

Jane, OMG, doesn't Matt Bomer have the most beautiful eyes? Do you think they're contacts or is that the real color?

jo robertson said...

Lurv your "details," Suz!

Yummy on Gerard Butler. I just read a review of his new movie with Jennifer Aniston -- THE BOUNTY HUNTER -- where they said he was really good in that role. Anyone seen it? I fell in love with him when I first saw 300.

jo robertson said...

Yeah, yeah, sure, sure, Tawny. Only as a hero. Of course.

Johnny Depp's acting is what amazes me, the wide range and deep characterization he gives his roles.

I expect he might be a bit hard to live with, though. Of course, I'd just be looking, right? Any more and you'd scratch my eyes out, tee hee.

jo robertson said...

Kim in Hawaii said, "When I read a contemporary with a military man, I just go the exchange and watch the cute young sailors, soldiers, airmen, and marines."

Oh, you lucky girl! Another great reason to visit or live in Hawaii!

jo robertson said...

Glad you like the pic, Laure. I thought it was much more interesting that his usual Guy Gisbon gear.

I do enjoy the Robin character, although he's a bit too boyish for me.

jo robertson said...

Another strike for old age!

That would be Guy Gisbourne!

Sheesh! Old age sucks royally!

jo robertson said...

Have a productive writing day, Dianna!

I agree that confidence is very attractive in a man. I accepted a second date with my husband because, while he wasn't traditionally good looking, he had a lovely, lovely voice and was so self-assured I just had to explore that venue LOL.

jo robertson said...

Have a productive writing day, Dianna!

I agree that confidence is very attractive in a man. I accepted a second date with my husband because, while he wasn't traditionally good looking, he had a lovely, lovely voice and was so self-assured I just had to explore that venue LOL.

jo robertson said...

Ah, Buffie, so many men, so little time!

Don't you think we may initially be attracted by the "look" of a man, but there has to be, as you say, the rest of the package for us to stay attracted?

jo robertson said...

Hrdwrkdmom said, " I love for the heroines to be just a tad heavy, or skinny as a rail, or uncontrollable hair. Anything that makes them more like me...."

LOL at that comment. If they're too perfect I can't identify with the heroine either.

Oh, no, don't get Anna started on the puns!

jo robertson said...

Karyn/Drew, congrats on blogging over there!

Maybe it's all those lovely accents that attract you, Karyn! They certainly do it for me.

Buffie said...

Don't you think we may initially be attracted by the "look" of a man, but there has to be, as you say, the rest of the package for us to stay attracted?


Oh yes, of course we are initially attracted by the look!! As you all know there are plenty of hotties out there that have me at first glance. But after that I really need see their personality shine through. That's why books are so great -- we get the image of the hero but also the inner workings of his emotions and thoughts.

Cybercliper said...

I love the men rugged. A guy I've always enjoyed watching in the movies and can do both the pretty boy and the rugged type is Billy Zane - Titanic-Tombstone-Sniper-but he didn't seem to get a lot of notoriety. Benjamin Bratt as well.

catslady said...

I too go with the rugged usually. Too pretty (models) usually don't excite me. Love Nathan and Hugh (although he seems to play both). And I too love the accents - Yul Bryner was a favorite.

Donna MacMeans said...

Yay, Nancy on snagging the rooster!

I like the rugged looking men, hands-down. You've got some great ones on the blog.

Heroines...guess I don't really think too much about how they look - just how they feel.

Love the pics - inspiration!

jo robertson said...

Donna, looks like the rugged men is hands down fave, so you're in good company!

You don't think about how your heroines look at all? That's interesting. I generally have a vague picture of her, height, hair, coloring, the eyes are important to me metaphorically.

jo robertson said...

BTW, Netflix just delivered THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE and I'm enjoying Eric Bana's very fine posterior. Cough, cough. And the story line, of course!

jo robertson said...

Catslady, Yul Brenner was a favorite of mine too. I think actually he's the only bald man that I thought was pretty sexy!

jo robertson said...

Hi, Cybercliper! Rugged men for you too? I agree about Billy Zane; he deserves more attention than he's gotten. Boy, can he play a wicked bad guy!

jo robertson said...

Buffie said, "That's why books are so great -- we get the image of the hero but also the inner workings of his emotions and thoughts."

And book heroes never disappoint us like real-life men. We're always assured of the HEA!

Nancy said...

Helen, thanks. I do plan to keep him very busy, though the day didn't start well. He tried his "come to me, my lovely" routine on the dog, who snapped at him, and then he came whining to me. Really, he should've known better.

He's just strong enough to run the vacuum, so we've had him doing that. Despite some ominous mutterings about "my friend the dragon."

Nancy said...

Anna, thanks. I haven't had the chook in a while. The dog is, as the saying goes, not best pleased to have him now.

If we're going to talk hero voices, I don't think anyone has ever had a better one than Gregory Peck, whose smooth but not slick baritone adapted so well to so many roles.

Where are all y'all watching Robin Hood? I love Robin Hood, just as a general rule, though I haven't seen this incarnation, but it's not on any channel we get.

Nancy said...

Jo, definitely work for the rooster today. After he finishes vacuuming, there's laundry to be done and picking up to do before the boy's girlfriend visits next weekend.

No, pretty-boy heroes don't much do it for me. They used to, when I was much younger, but my taste has evolved.

Daniel Craig and Gerard Butler are two of the best attributes of the Lara Croft movies, and both of them are more in the rugged line.

By classical actresses, I mean not girlishly pretty, the kind of looks that mature well.

I note your comment re: Dr. Big and his height. The dh thinks he's taller than I am, a matter of some dispute. When we go out tonight and I put on heels, it'll be game over on that one. I've only twice dated guys who were significantly taller than I am. I've noticed, however, that most of the really tall guys I know are married to women under 5'6". I've never figured what's up with that, but I'd call it a trend, and it's reflected in today's comments as well.

Nancy said...

Virginia, the rooster may wish to do something other than laundry, but so far he hasn't managed to become the boss of us. Laundry's next on his list. *g*

Unknown said...

Hey Everyone!

Aunty is baacckk! Didja miss me?!?! Or did you notice I was gone? :-P

What a great blog to come home to! YUMMY Pics, Jo! THANX BUNCHES!!! And I will admit my Ever-lovin Eric has 'funny' ears, but that's part of what makes the package so luscious! Obviously, I like my heroes with 'rugged' or not-quite-perfect features. And since my DH is very tall (as in 6'5" or 1.97 meters), I do favor the tall, lanky guys. ;-)

drooling,
AC

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, welcome back, Aunty Cindy!

Drew-Karyn, love your post over on the Borders site. What fun! Two places where I can drool, uh, intellectualize over pretty men!

jo robertson said...

Welcome back, AC! I knew you'd appreciate the loverly Eric Bana. I just finished watching THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE (when I'm supposed to be writing) and I must admit, he's quite a long drink of water in that movie!

jo robertson said...

Nancy said, "I've noticed, however, that most of the really tall guys I know are married to women under 5'6". I've never figured what's up with that"

It must be the luck of the draw because I honestly was looking for a fella around 5'10". I used to feel guilty for snatching up a tall one when my daughters reached 5'11" and I realize how hard it was for them in high school to find guys tall enough. My baby daugter married a 6'5" so their kids will likely be quite tall!

jo robertson said...

Aunty Cindy, who's the mysterious "M" under which you posted your comment? Did you bring a cabana boy or two back from the Caribbean with you?

jo robertson said...

Nancy, the Robin Hood I'm talking about ran on BBC. I think it's in hiatus right now, or maybe it went off the air. This one starred Richard Armitage.

Buffie said...

BTW, Netflix just delivered THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE and I'm enjoying Eric Bana's very fine posterior. Cough, cough.

I think I watched that scene over and over and over again. Ahhh, it was such fabulous scenery *VBG*

Nancy said...

Jo, we get BBC America, so maybe Robin Hood will appear there.

Thanks.

Pat Cochran said...

I join the group in favor of tall,
dark, rugged men. Honey and David
Boreanaz both fit that general description.

Pat Cochran

Pat Cochran said...

I must amend my previous statement
in that Honey's hair used to be dark!
It's now a beautiful silver color!!

Pat C.

Tawny said...

Jo said: Johnny Depp's acting is what amazes me, the wide range and deep characterization he gives his roles.

Definitely!!! Good looks are nice, but good looks and immense talent? Oh yeah, thats why I love this guy.

He brought me to tears in Alice in Wonderland. 3D, quirky funny movie and I'm tearing up in random scenes at the depth of pain he's able to convey to show the Hatter's confusion and insanity. He's just that good.

*sigh* I think I need to go to the movies this evening. I really do.

jo robertson said...

So Johnny was super in ALICE, Tawny? I've been dying to see it, but didn't want to be disappointed. But, really, he's been so good in everything, what're the odds?

jo robertson said...

I'm ready for my movie-fix too, Tawny!

Keryn, your blog on Borders was great! And I loved those piccies!

jo robertson said...

So, now I've given you a third name, Karyn -- Drew, Karyn, and Keyrn. Little did you know, tee hee.

Seriously, you're a natural blogger, girl. No need to be nervous!

jo robertson said...

Ah, Pat, I remember the day my husband sported a full head of thick chocolate hair, quite lovely. And now, though still thick, is more white than silver.

jo robertson said...

According to Karyn, Nancy, Robin Hood only ran the three seasons. I bet you can get it on DVD. It's worth it just to see Armitage and whoever plays the Sheriff of Nottingham. He's got great comic timing!

jo robertson said...

Tee hee, Buffie. Pause. Rewind. Play. Pause, rewind, play.

And Eric's acting wasn't bad either!

Louisa Cornell said...

Late to the party and we are talking about MEN??? For shame!

Congrats on the GR, Nancy. He THINKS he's a rugged movie star hero!

I like the rugged type, with the little flaws that make them look "normal" for lack of a better word.

Richard Armitage? DEFINITELY! Was there ever a more tortured hero than the character he plays in North and South? SIGH. Now you've made me have to go in search of Robin Hood.

Speaking of Robin Hood, did you know another of my FAVS - Matthew MacFadyen is playing the Sheriff opposite Russell Crowe in Ridley Scott's take on Robin Hood? Looking forward to that one.

Viggo Mortensen(sp) Yep!

The name escapes me know, but the Serbian guy on Gray's Anatomy - not your pretty boy average guy handsome, but there is something SMOLDERING about that guy!

Johnny Depp. Hello!

Hugh Jackman. That's all. Just Hugh Jackman!

I like heroines who look like they could live nextdoor to me. Women like Sandra Bullock. Then again I have chosen some rather ethereal beauties as models for my heroines. The heroine of my second book - Madeline Carston - a half gypsy woman trained as a proper governess - would be perfectly portrayed by Liv Tyler. She just has that look.

jo robertson said...

Hi, Louisa! We always say, better late than never. It's not even seven here on the Left Coast LOL.

I'm very eager to see the new Robin Hood movie with Russel Crowe. He's such a great actor and although he's looking older now, it'll be fun to watch, I think.

I didn't realize Matthew MacF. would be playing the Sheriff! That's quite a role reversal, don't you think. Matthew's sooooo purty!

jo robertson said...

I can't wait to see all the Bandita and Bandita Buddies' books turned into film so we can comment up the yin yang on who plays what role.

Won't that be fun!

Susan Sey said...

Hey, Jo, chiming in late here just to say I'm totally with you on the Eric Bana thing! I don't get why people (sorry, AC) think he's attractive! He looks like a turtle to me. That long skinny neck & that pointy upper lip? Turtle.

On the other hand, I think Russell Crowe and Benecio del Toro are both hot, & they aren't what you'd consider classically handsome, so who am I to judge? :-)

jo robertson said...

Hi, Susan, glad you had a moment from the kiddies to stop by.

See, I've been watching Eric Bana in TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE and -- probably because his ears are covered LOL -- he's kinda growing on me.

Good thing we don't all like the same kind of guy. Major, major cat fight!

Anna Campbell said...

Snort, Susan! I have the same trouble with Jeremy Northam who was Mr. Knightley in the Gwynneth P Emma. He looks like a gopher to me!

Anna Campbell said...

Louisa, Matthew M as the Sheriff? Now that's some interesting casting. He has an amazingly deep voice - lovely! I must admit I find Russell C attractive too - something about his intensity on screen appeals to me.

Tawny said...

So Johnny was super in ALICE, Tawny? I've been dying to see it, but didn't want to be disappointed. But, really, he's been so good in everything, what're the odds?

Jo, just for you (with no self-interest at all) I went back to the theater tonight to watch Alice in Wonderland again. And yes, I can say without bias (ha) that Johnny was most excellent. If you're a fan of Tim Burton's work, you'll love this movie!

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