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The 2022 Danish movieSpeak No Eviltook the entire psychological horror genre by storm. It brought forth such harrowing elements of fear that people still remember it to this day. Adding to this, an American adaptation of the same, directed by James Watkins and starring Scottish actor James McAvoy in the lead, was recently released.
But as soon as the movie hit theaters, several fans started worshipping his murderous character, Paddy. While the entire premise is quite disturbing, even the actor feels his character is anything but a beacon of alpha masculinity.
Even James McAvoy Agrees Why the Public Should Stop Glorifying HisSpeak No EvilCharacter
James McAvoyhas time and again proved his versatility as an actor with several diverse roles he’s taken over the years. While initially considered a lead player in the romantic genre, the actor shocked everyone when he took on his iconic role inSplit. The horror movie not only solidified his acting prowess, but also perfectly presented how he could easily tackle such roles.
The same happened again when he took on the role of Paddy in James Watkins’Speak No Evil.In the movie, the actor plays a murderous character who stops at nothing for what he wants. While the actor played the role to the best of his abilities, he even agreed that he often distances himself from people like Paddy. By such people, he means those who are overly boastful.
However, despite this, he found playing the character quite interesting on screen and appreciated how he got to explore several kinds of masculinity in the movie. He added viaSlash Film:
I really enjoyed examining and getting to play somebody like that. But you’ve got two kinds of versions of masculinity in the film. You’ve got this kind of beta masculine, then you’ve got this kind of alpha masculine, and I’m sure there’s a version of alpha masculinity, which is also okay and nice and in some way great, but this is a very toxic version of it.
The actor also agreed that this masculinity projection can be appealing to a vulnerable section of individuals. This also helps him understand why some youngsters online are drawn to radical views and charismatic but harmfulpersonalitiesonline. Even on social media sites like Reddit, there is a rising trend of users who are idolizing his character.
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This is mainly for the fact that Paddy has an old-school attitude and a complete disdain for technology. But even McAvoy added that Paddy embodies a very toxic form of masculinity.
James McAvoy Recalled Being Booed on Stage
James McAvoy has done some amazing work in the industry. From playing Professor X to his most recent role in James Watkins’Speak No Evil, the actor has consistently proved that his talents are not confined to just one genre. However, even an actor like him had to go through some tough times early in his career.
During an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast viaNews Week, the actor detailed how he was booed while performing in the play titledOut in the Open. The scene that enraged some audience members had McAvoy kissing another actor. He added:
I did a play called Out in the Open, and in the opening scene, myself and another Scottish actor had to make out as two men because they were in love with each other and I got booed a couple of times by a couple of older gentlemen, and then they walked out as well. And that happened more than once in that theater.
In the same podcast, he also revealed another major event that happened almost 2 decades ago. He added that he could have played Tom Riddle in the firstHarry Pottermovie. Further, the makers hadalso offered him a very large amount of moneyto keep him on a retainer. When he detailed this to his agent, she advised him against the opportunity. He then got on boardOut in the Openinstead.
Sakshi Singh
Articles Published :1435
Sakshi Singh has written over 1,300 entertainment articles, mostly about Netflix shows and reality TV. She’s spent the last two years covering everything from surprise engagements to shocking eliminations and previously wrote for Essentially Sports in their Netflix Junkie division. A self-proclaimed reality TV addict, Sakshi has watched all 48 seasons of Survivor and never misses a new dating or competition series. She loves watching how strangers meet, fall in love, team up, or betray each other - it’s the mix of strategy and drama that keeps her hooked. When she’s not glued to a reality show, she’s usually watching a crime thriller or tracking the next big streaming hit.
