The best of James McAvoy
In the summer of 2011, we saw a young version of Charles Xavier a.k.a. Prof. X in X-Men: First Class. Following in the footsteps of Sir Patrick Stewart was James McAvoy, who brought a more fun-loving and wilder side to the often conservative monk-like Charles. McAvoy has made a name for himself in a number of romantic dramas and his star is probably the brightest that Scotland has given us in the last few years.
McAvoy made his first professional film debut as a 16-year-old in 1995 and has gradually become one of Scotland's most respected actors. The actor first became familiar to international audiences in the 2005 fantasy film, The Chronicles of Narnia. Since then, he has followed up with riveting roles that have placed him in a league of extraordinary thespians.
Bollywood Queen
This was the first major film for McAvoy after finishing drama school and a retelling of Romeo and Juliet with a few twists in the plot. First of all, the young lovers do not die and they are living in modern-day London. McAvoy is a young Scottish guitarist who meets an Indian girl in love with the movies. Their unusual romance is a mixture of two cultures and brings a touching rendition of Shakespeare's tale.
The Last King of Scotland
McAvoy was cast as a young medical doctor named Dr. Nicholas Garrigan who decides to leave Scotland after finishing his studies. Dr. Garrigan is sent to Uganda in the early 1970s during the reign of the dictator, Idi Amin. He becomes the personal physician to the dictator who has a fascination with all things Scottish. Eventually, Garrigan discovers how psychopathic his boss is and gets tortured before fleeing Africa.
Penelope
A film produced by Reese Witherspoon with a fantasy romance theme. McAvoy speaks with an American accent as a charming con man who falls in love with a cursed beauty. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder and love can break a curse, then watching McAvoy charm Christina Ricci from her spell is worth it.
Becoming Jane
There was certainly some very strong chemistry between Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy in a biopic about the famous author, Jane Austen. McAvoy had an Irish accent as Thomas Lefroy, who fell in love with a 19-year-old Jane Austen. Part Romeo and Juliet and part Northanger Abbey, Becoming Jane told a story of an author who broke her own heart on her way to literary greatness.
Inside I'm Dancing
Probably the most challenging role for McAvoy is this one. His character, Rory O’Shea, is developmentally challenged and tries to live an independent life. He's also angry and against the system he needs to help him but refuses to play by the rules.
Atonement
There was stunning chemistry with Kiera Knightley and McAvoy in Atonement. When his character, Robbie, is accused by the younger sister of his love interest, he is sent to prison and later joins the British Army for his freedom. A very tragic tale in how much a lie can ruin the lives of many. Even the one who told it.
X-Men: First Class
McAvoy’s young Charles Xavier is an arrogant mutant who loves to use his telepathic powers to influence people to do what he wants. Between treating Mystique as a pet and trying to teach Erik about forgiveness, McAvoy made Charles Xavier look both arrogant and idealistic.
The best is still yet to come. McAvoy is only in his early 30s and already has amassed half a lifetime's work of memorable roles. He has a sweet toughness to him that blends well in any type of genre. McAvoy shares the distinction with Fassbender of being an actor's actor. Most of his loyal fans find McAvoy to be a serious performer whose motivations lie in perfecting a craft rather than cultivating celebrity fame. He is also one of Scotland's most respected native sons along with Ewan McGregor.