Sigh… we’ve been so lacking in Michael Fassbender love for so many months. Is it my fault? Did my Fasslunacy simply peter out, in a normal ebb and flow of crush-dom? Or was Fassbender actively trying to turn off his Fass-girls? I tend to think it was a little of both. One, this is The Year of Cumberbatch and my other crushes had to fall by the wayside so I could devote more attention to Benedict. Two, the bloom has been off the rose with Fassbender for most of 2013. He just wasn’t around, and then when he was, he was just surly and petulant. He whined about Oscar campaigns in an interview he was doing to promote the most Oscar-worth performance he’s ever given (as Epps in 12 Years a Slave). I’m just not that into him these days.
So imagine what I thought when I saw his new GQ UK cover, for the February 2014 issue. YIKES. If I may fly the tattered old Fass-loonie Flag for a moment… this is a horrible look for an attractive man. Fassy has shark teeth, a sexy smile, beautiful blue eyes and a jawline that makes women weak in the knees (amongst other places). Why did GQ try to make him look like a pasty, exhausted undertaker? But… this IS GQ UK – they’ve been doing absolutely awful editorials lately. Think of Tom Hiddleston’s crazy pimp coat or Cumberbatch’s ladies’ turtleneck. Whoever styles for GQ UK’s cover shoots needs to be fired.
I haven’t seen any excerpts from the cover story yet, but there are these new quotes from Fassy’s interview with Empire:
Fassbender, who plays plantation owner Edwin Epps in the film, admitted he had a ‘lump in his throat’ when he spoke to the young actress who plays the daughter of slave Patsey. He told Empire: ‘She was so sweet, that little girl, because we did the scene and I come running out, screaming and yelling, and she got really frightened and started crying. I was like “This is make-believe, we were playing pretend and everything’s OK” and we took her out of the scene.’
‘After that I was getting ready to go back into the scene again and I was…getting into the headspace, pacing around a bit and she stood in the doorway. And she goes “Are you OK?”’
The actor went on: ‘I almost started crying. I had a lump in my throat. I was like, “I’m just getting ready” and she was like “OK”. And then she just sat down and watched me, like she was there to support me. It broke my heart.’Despite the challenging conditions, Michael said he had no qualms about playing abusive plantation owner Edwin Epps in Steve McQueen’s slavery drama, based on the real story of Solomon Northrup, a free man who was tricked and spent 12 years in slavery.
“It’s ‘Whatever, Steve, whatever you want’. Because he changed my life literally in 2007. I owe Steve everything,” he said. “He really is very demanding and he pushes, and he’ll do that with each of the actors and each of the crew members. But then he’s also very nurturing and supporting.”
I’m fine with this interview as long as we’re all acknowledging that this interview is part of Fassbender’s Oscar campaign, even though he bitched and whined about campaigning. There’s no shame in it – I’ve been wanting him to do more press in support of the film for months now, and I’m glad he’s finally talking and promoting at long last. I wonder what changed his mind?
By the way, Fassy has been nominated for all of the big awards thus far – Golden Globe, SAG and Independent Spirit nominations have all come in. I believe he’s going to get his first Oscar nomination soon enough. But at the end of the day… will Jared Leto simply run the better Oscar campaign?
Photos courtesy of GQ UK, Fame/Flynet.
I think he just doesn’t photograph that well. He looks much better in action, which is why I watch X-Men: First Class whenever it’s on. But I love a man in a suit. Hot.
I disagree. I think he is extremely photogenic but in ‘real life’ often looks sleazy and rather ordinary.
Though we can definitely agree that this particular photo is ugly!
Tee hee hee hee! Good one 🙂
I’d say he looks best on film, then in posed shots, then in candid shots. I think he has a good understanding what angles work for him – whoever was responsible for this mess probably should have stepped back a bit and let him do his thing.
IMO, he’s not a good looking man. He looks older than his age, is short, has a bad build and is slightly balding. IMO, its not the photograph.
I know fassy looks older than his actual age of 35 but damn this cover ages him So every much.
He’s only 35???! I don’t believe that for one second. Obviously his real age and his Hollywood age are two different things. I’d put him at 40+
Brits and the Irish tend to look older than they are. I’ve been in England for 8 years and I still cannot believe how early faces become lined. There are some lovely, age-defying people of course, but generally ageing in the face is fast-tracked here.
Denise, I think it’s more to do with how fierce we Americans fight ageing. It’s not all Botox either — we have a whole industry dedicated to fighting ageing (as if it’s as bad as cancer). A few decades back and we Americans looked our age too.
What is that an anaconda in his jeans?
MTE
And it’s trying to get out!
He looks older in that shoot.
He always looks way older than his actual age to me. The lines in his forehead are very deep. His skin always looks dry and dehydrated. Like there’s too much alcohol and nicotine use.
He is not aging well, that’s for sure. I love him so much though!
Yeah, guys don’t like to take care of themselves, skin-wise, for whatever reason. My twin is the same way–he has really dry skin, which is why he gets a lot of zits, but he still won’t put lotion on or anything–even when I tried to give him the more ‘manly’ scents that I had (like mint), he wouldn’t put it on. But yeah, he’s a pale Irish dude who probably smokes like a chimney—he better put them cigarettes down soon. Besides the disgusting smell that follows you EVERYWHERE, it ages you horribly.
Who cares how old he looks? That bulge is mesmerizing!
Kitten, Celebitchy has turned me into a PERVERT of the highest order. Every time I go out somewhere, whether it’s just grocery shopping or wherever, I’m always looking at a dude’s crotch before his face. I feel like one of those dudes who you *know* is staring at your butt when you walk away.
Awful. And that accessory he is wearing on his hand is ugly too. Is that a ring of some sort?
It’s like they’re posing him as the shadiest jewelry salesman ever. He should have a speech bubble coming out of his mouth, saying “and something for the laaaaaady?”
LMAO @T. fanty true dat girl.
Fanty – Yes!
Then he takes you to a back room to show you rare and exclusive jewels from the “Queen’s collection”… when your back is turned, he slits your throat and bakes you into pies…
Oh wait I think I’m mixing stories.
@Mia,
I think that works here, too.
I would not have known that was Fassy.
Not the best picture if him… but he’s still hot!
That black sweater pic is so casually sexy~captures the essence of Michael. GQ cover is insulting and unflattering in every possible way. Watch MF in Shame, he is unforgettable.
So because he doesn’t want to tap and lick a-hole for some silly award he’s petulant kid? He behaves on set and promotes his movies, he can’t win if he was to eager people would tell him to chill out. The way you women talk about these famous guys on this site you’d think you actually had a relationship with them.
Promoting a movie is part of the job. And he did sound terribly whiny.
Fassbender did promote the movie, with lots of interviews, appearances at the openings at Telluride, Toronto, and NYFF, on television (with another Graham Norton appearance scheduled soon, clearly for the UK opening of Twelve Years.) All of that is promoting the movie. Go beyond that, as in attending lots of parties, and you are promoting yourself. Leto is running a good campaign of self-promotion, which unfortunately included bashing Fassbender, his chief competitor. Fassbender has been more honest than most in saying that he was hurt when he wasn’t nominated, after months of campaigning; then he said that he was an actor, not a politician. I’m not sure why that sounds whiny. Sounds rather like a frank appraisal of his circumstances to me.
As for the GQ, not my favorite look by a wide margin, but not a tragedy either.
Isn’t this his second GQ cover promoting this film? The first one Kaiser said he sounded dumb for going off on banks. Wasn’t he on David Letterman and John Stewart ? Didn’t he go to all the festivals promoting the film? Can you find the quote where he is whining and bitching about promoting the film?
@Lucretia
THANK YOU. This was going to turn into another f-cking debate about how supposedly “whiny” Fassbender is for choosing NOT to go to parties and kiss the asses of people in the Academy. The Oscars have turned into this stupid award show for ass-kissers than for actually praising talented people. I hope Fassbender wins for his amazingly terrifying portrayal of Epps so everyone can stfu.
This is exactly what I was saying the last time these people got their flip-flopping panties in a wad over his not campaigning. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t, JFC. His campaign is his part in the movie, and if people think kissing ass is somehow more important than that I don’t know what to tell them, but I have yet to see any evidence of “petulance” and “whining” in any of his interviews–which he’s done plenty of, by the way.
Thank you Side Eye <3
He sat back, focused on work, and let the leads get their shine (which given the natural white washing Hollywood does was nice to see).
He's stated several times how swept away he got with awards during the Shame promotion so I get him not wanting to fall down that rabbit hole again.
This campaign, or lack thereof, isn't contingent on putting down his peers-he's letting the work speak for itself.
As for the picture, meh, but he's still gorgeous to me.
To everyone above, I also think that he, Brad, and Benedict are staying away from the main promotions of the film. They’re not the leads–did you guys read that clusterf*ck that happened in Italy–the 12 YAS posters with BIG pictures of Brad/Michael with Chiwetel (in a way smaller picture) on the bottom of the poster? Those posters would’ve been a cool idea IF they had used all of the main actors i.e. made bigger ones of Lupita, Chiwetel, and maybe Alfre Woodward, and had been distributed equally.
But anyway, I think that he’s trying not to get caught up in all that hype again, but also because HE. IS. NOT. THE. LEAD. Neither are Brad or Benedict. We’ve barely seen them–but the media makes it seem like they’re the leads. I received Solomon Northup’s autobiography for Christmas (my non drunk Grandma gave it to me), and in the flap it has a little blurb that says that the book’s being made into a movie–this is exactly what it says: “…….starring Brad Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Chiwetel Ejiofor”–the LEAD of the movie is listed last–for the BOOK. God.
Can you imagine how much worse it would be IF Michael, Benedict, and Brad came out to more film festivals and things like that???
That book blurb is ridiculous. Shame on them.
I saw that poster & was appalled. What is wrong with everyone? This is Solomon Northrup’s story, for God’s sake. How you can have a huge Brad Pitt-head looming over a tiny Chiwetel Ejiofor figure at the very bottom of the poster — well it’s just absurd.
It’s ridiculous, Convent. And it’s not even that the book has a reworked cover, so that it is a movie poster–my book has a painting of two chained hands reaching up, and on the very top of the book it says ‘Now a Major Motion Picture’—it says that on the front and back of the book, and then it has that blurb–otherwise it’s about Solomon, not the movie. So I don’t understand it.
Well, I kind of can. Where I live, they don’t show any ‘black’ or minority films at all–unless you’re someone huge like Denzel Washington (and that’s if he’s in an action movie, a blockbuster)–they don’t show your films. If it wasn’t for this site I wouldn’t have known anything about this movie, because none of the movie theaters (not even ones four hours away) were carrying the movie. I just saw on Amazon, that it’s already out on DVD/Blueray, but it’s like 40 bucks right now and I don’t want to pay that much.
And yeah–those posters were ridiculous. It’s reasons like that why they stayed away, from the red carpets. And they always do this–the media. Focus in on the white actors (when they’re not the lead). I guess you get used to it after a while, but I would’ve hated to be either one of them (Michael or Brad)–it’s not their fault, but I would feel guilty by association–because they automatically have it *that* much easier in their careers because they’re white.
Like I said before–if they had made posters like that for ALL the actors, with the little picture of Chiwetel on the bottom (as a banner of sorts), then that would’ve been so cool. Wasted opportunity.
Thank you @Mark! I totally agree with you, I never know with this site. I see people torn apart for campaigning then torn apart for not campaigning , I’m just thinking “sheesh give them a break, they can’t do anything right can they?”
It’s a little out of control honestly some of the negativity is not necessary. I just wonder how long Benedict has before this site turns on him.
I watched 12 Years A Slave yesterday and I have to say holy sh*t. The way that story is told. Chiwetel, Fassbender, I get it. When I read the reviews that said “it stays with you”, I didn’t quite understand. Now I do. Even just reading about the young girl had me crying just now. I didn’t find it overwhelming violent, it was all the emotions portrayed on Chiwetel’s face, the journey he took us on. The horrifying knowledge that in our time, it could be any of us – even now, with human trafficking being the big business it is today.
I felt the same. Powerful movie. Tremendous acting.
It’s been more than a month since I have seen it and I am still thinking of Patsey.
I have seen the movie and yes, it does stay with you. I just finished the book and it too will haunt you. His description of Patsey after the beating is heartbreaking.
I think the stylist must have hated him a little. Ugh.
Thats what went through my mind – he looks like Tim Roth.
Tim Roth is hotter than Fassy.
Tim Roth was good looking, but he looks ROUGH….
I almost commented earlier that this guy looks like Tim Roth, & then thought “No, I’ll sound like I’m hallucinating.” I’m glad I wasn’t the only one who saw that!
I would still do him in a hot minute! Cumberbatch just doesn’t have that dirty pervy quality that does it for me. I would drink tea with Benedict and the rest with Fassy!
I’d drink tea with both of them… and then do other “fun” things with them as well too, lol.
What was he doing in NYC (the papped photos)? That bulge is very distracting…
Ew. I hate the slicked down hair. Not a good look. He looks much better in action.
I don’t know many men that look good with slicked down hair. Unless they’re still boys…. (i.e. The Outsiders).
Weren’t they called Greasers in that movie? (because they greased their hair so much). Not a good thing!
@Secret Squirrel
*side eyeing you for having a picture of MY husband, possibly shirtless*
Yes, the Greasers were the poor kids, the Socs (socials) were the rich ones–but I’m pretty sure they all greased their hair. Maybe the Socs has access to higher quality cancer inducing chemicals.
Points for an Outsiders reference- not a great look for Fassy. Ewan McGregor would make it work
Wait, wait–so the little girl that Epps was carrying around, that was his and Patsy’s daughter?? I wish they could’ve put that in the movie, the mother-daughter relationship.
I didn’t even catch that, wow. Things make a lot more sense.
Wow, that’s a terrible picture of him. GQ seems to be on a mission to make hot guys look like creepy, middle-aged aliens.
Its called being artistic, and it you are understanding the picture, then they aren’t doing it right! Both TH and BC were in the same boat of “WTF” photos. GQ isn’t exactly taking the mainstream approach of actually highlighting their subjects in their best light! (its hard to make TH or BC look bad in pics, but well done to GQ, they have now managed the trifecta!).
I’m picturing the GQ photographic choreographer dancing about in tights throwing autumn leaves in people’s faces then claiming it is the artistic representation of life passing them by. I would just smack that shite down where he/she stood…
I’m not a Fassbender-ite I must admit (only just recently watched “Shame” and thought it was pretty Meh actually) and this picture does nothing to sway me. I’m conflicted as to how old he looks compared to his actual age. Its nice to see someone in the industry not mucking around with their face, but I also think he looks a LOT older than he really is and that is not a good thing long term for his career.
Every time I see photos of Fassbender wearing those hideous sunglasses, I cringe. There’s something odd about them (maybe too retro or feminine – not in a good way) and they’re really unflattering. Bottom line: if he’s going to cover half of his gorgeous face, it should at least be with better sunglasses.
I hate them too. They remind me of something an old grandma would wear.
I think the cast and crew has already won; Twelve Years A Slave is a classic and needs no validation in that regard. MF will do fine : Christopher Plumber won an Oscar in his 80’s after decades of award worthy roles.
Wouldn’t surprise me if Fassbender start campaigning-for McQueen. Don’t get me wrong- I think that the promotion for 12YAS was probably the most dignified and restrained approach to promoting a film this Oscar season; however, entertainment shows like Entertainment Tonight are touting American Hustle like it’s the greatest movie ever, while giving 12YAS a dismissive nod.
I saw American Hustle and wasn’t impressed at all, especially since O’Russell did a rotten job directing it. The characters weren’t likable except for fleeting moments (Adams and Lawrence), with the exception of Jeremy Renner’s character; the only sequence that worked or crept towards good/great was the sheik’s reception and that was, what, 10-15 minutes long? And O’Russell’s visualizing the concept ‘from the feet up’ came across as fetishistic towards Amy Adams’ feet.
Given that entertainment shows want the award season to be star-studded and the Oscars as not a repeat of the year when DDL, Javier, Tilda and Marion swept the Oscars, they are campaigning hard for the movies that are ‘star-studded’ rather than exceptional or challenging. Fassbender may not be able to do much, but his presence, especially if it’s on behalf of McQueen, will give some shine to 12YAS. Naturally, Pitt will have to get in campaign mode too, but like before-with McQueen and the rest of the cast as a collective.
Aww, I was looking forward to seeing American Hustle–to see my current dong in lust–Christian Bale. So the performances were good–directing was shitty. I don’t know if I like David O. Russell–I don’t think he ever really took responsibility for freaking out and screaming at all those extras–when George Clooney says something bad about you, then you know it’s bad. Clooney is the king of deflection and spin.
But I do think that, by default, they’ll get some press. Because come on, even if Michael and Benedict don’t go to the Golden Globes–Brad and Angelina will (since Brad is nominated as one of the producers, along with Dede Gardner and Jeremy somebody–I’m not sure if there are any other producers). And we all know how much the Golden Globes loves the Brange. They nominated Angelina for ‘The Tourist’ in a musical or comedy category, despite the fact that her film was a ROMANTIC THRILLER (not sure if that’s a real genre)–because they wanted them there.
But it would be nice to see Michael and Benedict there, so I can have FOUR hot guys to look at, and pray to God that Angelina doesn’t wear a sack dress, and lust after whatever Lupita’s wearing. Because I am definitely watching the Golden Globes this year–usually I catch it on youtube. I’ve seen the movie, and I will be upset if they don’t win.
I couldn’t believe that Leo didn’t win last year for ‘Django Unchained’–I saw the movie, and that was the first time I’d ever really, truly been impressed with Leo. How he made a vicious, heartless, mandingo fighting slave owner completely charming amazed me. Before then, besides ‘Gilbert Grape’, I had never been impressed with him. Don’t get me wrong, I thought he was an amazing actor–I just kinda took it as ‘whatever Leo, do you job’ 🙂
When you see ‘American Hustle’, will you please let us know what you think? *no spoilers please*
Will do, Sloane.
My bad if I dropped some spoilers. However, if you want to see American Hustle, see it.
This is the first David O’Russell movie I’ve ever seen and the accolades didn’t match what I saw. Plus, I’m not a big fan of Bale or Cooper and neutral on Lawrence. I do Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner, who, despite being the stronger elements of the movie, are seemingly taking a back seat to the so-called names, in terms of promoting it.
OK, I’ve now seen ‘American Hustle’, and it’s exquisite!
The soundtrack, the pseudo history, the clothes, the HAIR, the shoes, the screen shots composed of painterly juxtapositions, the bitingly witty dialogue, the pin turning plot twists, all of Louis C.K.’s scene stealing performances, the gut clenching suspense, Christian Bale’s jelly belly & masterful comb-over, Amy Adams’ lighter than air yet cynical centrifugal role and her magnificent natural breasts, all the natural breasts for that matter, Jeremy Renner’s pompadour, (Oh and did I mention the HAIR!?), of this movie all combine in an effortlessly sublime soufflé of a movie!
Run, don’t walk, to immerse yourself into this nearly transcendent experience.
Sloane, I LOVE Christian’s pot belly–I laughed so hard when I saw it in the trailer. It reminds me of my parents too–my dad is in his late thirties and is just starting to gain weight (he was like Angelina Jolie– stick skinny, and LONG), and he’s in complete denial about it. He’s getting a pot belly, and my mom likes to come up behind him, rub his stomach and call him ‘her fat boy’–HA!
He’s giving me a Ralph Fiennes vibe on the gq cover there.
Complete agreement that this cover photo looks terrible. I think he photographs well. But the other pics make up for the lack of hotness in the first photo. Although I adore him (and told my husband if he ever knocked on my door I would say bye-bye to my hubby) he seems so boring.
Some people really have no idea what the difference is between regular media promotion and an actual Oscar campaign. The vast majority of an actual Oscar campaign is done by doing meet-and-greets and going to public and private parties to sway/charm voters. That means months spent in LA.
Michael Fassbender looks like many a creepy character straight out of ‘Twin Peaks’.
http://www.boomtron.com/2012/08/criminal-minds-ray-wise/
http://twinpeaks.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Images_of_Windom_Earle?file=Windom-Portal.jpg
http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/1943ydoi89luhjpg/ku-xlarge.jpg
I like the comment about a person’s real age and his Hollywood age. Yes, this man is definitely over 35. The lines on his forehead, the slightly sunken cheeks (from gravity and fat diminishment), etc. make him look like he’s 50. I’m not kidding. Granted, he may not have had the Hollywood treatment to make him look younger than his years, but 35 does not look like that. My last comment is that I’d like a Hollywood age, too, although I am a New Yorker not in the entertainment industry. I somehow feel that I’m entitled to one.
He’s actually closer to 37 than 35 as his listed birthday is April 1977.
Um yes, 35 absolutely looks like that … especially if you’re from Ireland, or even the UK overall for that matter. My husband is Irish. I lived there. Trust me, there are men (and women) who are a lot younger than 35 and look like this. Overall, they drink hard, smoke and definitely don’t wear sunscreen. 🙂 Just try watching British TV sometime – you’ll see, they don’t have the same Hollywood types on TV there. Lots of actors look like regular people, wrinkles and bad teeth and all. Think about it … Ricky Gervais. Even Christian Bale. Gorgeous as he is, he’s got some real wrinkles, character. He’s only in his 30s.
Christian Bale is 39–I’m not sure if he smokes or not, but I’m amazed with how well his body’s held up. He’s lost and gained tons of weight several times–for American Hustle I read he put on about 40 pounds–I saw this really cute interview with Jennifer Lawrence, she said she flipped him off and said ‘whatever’, when she saw him after the post production of the film, with all of the weight off–she said he told her that ‘he has trouble keeping weight on’…..
But I’m surprised he doesn’t look a lot older than he really is—he’s HOT. Sibi Bale is one lucky b*tch–has a hot husband, who made a point, early on in their marriage to say that while he was working with some gorgeous women, his wife was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen (this was a radio interview he did for ‘Harsh Times’–the interviewer was going on about how hot Eva Longoria and some other chick was, and Christian agreed with them, and then said the thing about his wife), and a hot husband who backs HER up, not his crazy, nutty relatives, who just want his money.
Given the perpetual cloud cover why would you wear sunscreen? Ye’d end up with rickets from lack of Vitamin D! 😀
You are so right about UK TV – British actors on soaps and TV dramas look normal. EVen the most glamorous characters look like regular people you would find in your local pub or fancy wine bar. To be honest I like it like that.
Agreed. I really enjoy watching anything from the UK as people are not plucked and pulled into non-human forms. Plus, they seem to be okay with various weights on people. Totally like looking at real human beings vs Hollywood’s Barbie & Kens….
I LOVE British, European, Aussie, & Kiwi cinema and TV! I cannot recommend ‘The Returned’ highly enough!!!!!!!! – http://www.buzzfeed.com/jacelacob/your-next-television-obsession-is-the-returned-sundance
Man, he looks 20 yrs older than what he is. Yikes.
I don’t get the fascination with this guy except all I see is a walking giant penis man now. I can’t even enjoy his acting. Thanks a lot for reducing him to a dick.
Quite a beautiful reduction, no?
I’m sorry, I just have nary a use for a giant walking dick. I know too many of those in real life.
lol! I take your point, gg.
Everyone’s saying he looks old in the shoot/in general…I don’t know…I kinda like it. He has that dirty scruffy look that literally almost no one can pull off.
Getting old is not the problem here, getting creepy is! I mean, if this character in the photos were my neighbor, I’d move!
Still hot. Ugly hot bur I’d hit it.
Christian Bale may say his wife is beautiful in an interview, but I’d heard that he had an affair with Anne Hathaway during their Batman film, but immediately ended it when Sibi came over stateside. So even if he publicly praises her, he could still be cheating on her with other women. That’s the true test of a faithful husband, no?
Well, for one—it’s a blind item. So we don’t even know if it could be possibly true–because 99% of them are completely made up with a tiny bit of truth. From what I hear, Sibi was with him, on the set the entire time. So who knows? It’s just blind gossip bs. By your logic, everyone in Hollywood could be cheating, because their spouse is away, and *someone* said they were. The fact about it is–we don’t get much news about the Bales.
I think that if they had an affair on the set, it would be HUGE news, at least worth a tabloid cover or two, because Christian is hot and private, and Anne is a goody two shoes theater geek, who already has some scandal behind her (her con artist boyfriend–she got off scot free with that one). So I tend to believe that if there was any truth to it, we’d hear about it.
Maybe the real story is that they couldn’t stand each other. Who knows? Neither of them would be unprofessional enough to say anything to the press.
With his longgggg torso and flat feet he reminds me ofthe Geico gekko.