It’s also Matthew Goode.
From the very first line to that indelible image of Matthew Clairmont brooding on an Oxford bridge, Matthew Goode has us captivated. I’ll admit: when I first heard he was cast as the lead, I was a little skeptical. Sure, he’s a great actor, but doesn’t he seem a bit too British, too studious for our French, 1500-year-old, former architectural engineer/warrior/crusader/scholar/spy/scientist/vampire. But there is nothing about this performance that hits a wrong note. Matthew Goode is killing it as Matthew Clairmont, dispelling all naysaying with every measured delivery, intense stare, and thoughtful countenance. I’m so sold on him that I actually began picturing him AS Matthew as I re-read the books, and I never do that with adaptations. He’s that good(e).
It got me thinking: I’ve always known Matthew Goode was a good actor, but have I missed the mark completely in truly appreciating his goodeness? Is anyone else sick of this spelling of goode? Sure, I loved him as Tony in The Crown, and I remember thinking he was cute in Chasing Liberty, and he was perfect as the editor, Sidney, in The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I very much remember him in Imitation Game. I loved his George Wickham (especially because he was opposite my favorite Darcy, Matthew Rhys) and the two of them together on The Wine Show is pure happiness. But what have I missed?
What’s Goode?
What goode Goode roles have I been missing out on? What should I be falling in love with that I’ve stupidly overlooked waiting for Sam Heughan to get cast in something decent?
The Hattan Garden Job
What’s that? A funny, British heist film with Joely Richardson? I want to eat it with a spoon.
Brideshead Revisited
Look, I have no excuse for not having seen this. It came out during my “never leave the house years” and the book is one of my favorites (mentioned in this post), and it also stars Emma Thompson. I love Charles Ryder. Something tells me that I am going to love him even more after I watch this adaptation 700 times in a row.
Stoker
WHAT THE HELL IS THIS AWESOME SHIT?
Birthmarked
I love this premise. I love Toni Collette. And I will love Matthew Goode in those crazy glasses.
By my account, that’s a comedy heist film, an overwrought period piece, a truly creepy thriller and a quirky, dark, family comedy. HE CAN DO IT ALL!
I am fully on a very late Matthew Goode train, and I need more. What are your favorite Goode roles? And don’t tell me to watch Downton Abbey – I stopped when Dan Stevens was killed off, and I am never going back. Don’t forget to RSVP for our A Discovery of Witches LIVE Hangout, A Hangout of Witches, on Feb 5th.