So, we all know that women love a good Cinderella story.
Are you aware that men have the same Cinderella fantasy and that it just goes a little differently?
It struck me this morning as I was digesting the remains of Wanted.
Why did I go see Wanted? Just like every woman in America over the age of thirty, I too am nuts for whatever James MacAvoy does.
Yes, he's short.
Yes, his nose is big.
Yes, his skin is pasty.
Nonetheless, his acting is AMAZING and he's had some GREAT parts in all kinds of GOOD movies.
Some not so good, but let's move on.
James MacAvoy is every man's fanasty cinderella character (Julia Roberts a la Pretty Woman). In Wanted and The Last King of Scotland both, he plays a disenfranchised youth. He is aware of what everyone expects him to do, yet he rebels and his life is quickly transformed.
He's suddenly rich or gets instantaneous access to what the rich have.
He meets all kinds of beautiful women.
He often gets them.
He thumbs his nose at conventional work and gets to kill people.
He feels sorry at first
but gets over it.
He suffers.
He triumphs.
He gets away.
Thus, Wanted will do well at the box office. Men will cheer when they watch the final scene. Women will wonder when he is next picking up another Jane Austen role...
