The Man

I'm still formulating my thoughts on Michael Jackson ( it may take me some time to work out how I feel about the whole thing, as complicated as it is), but did want to get to this other matter. I've already formulated two lists to rank the attractiveness of women (both "active" and "historical"), and felt that I ultimately ought to even things up with a list of men. I can't really speak for the attractiveness of men, but can say whether or not they are admirable. When someone reaches the pinnacle of admiration, we call them "The Man". Who is the man? Where to start...

The inaugural members of this list shall be two actors who I deeply admire, and who I think are admired by many others: Silver screen tough man Charles Bronson and horror icon Vincent Price.

Charles Bronson

What sets Charles Bronson apart from more critically acclaimed and commercially successful actors known for actioners? He has toughness in spades, of course. He has it in body and in spirit, whereas other actors frequently have it merely in one or the other. Bronson also has a certain endearing bearing, as well as a worn, craggy face loaded with character. He came from the coal mines of Pennsylvania and made it through the second world war before becoming an actor, and it shows in his manner and countenance.

Then of course, there are the roles which made him famous. Foremost is that of Paul Kersey in the Death Wish films. Kersey was a mild-mannered man who worked with his mind, but who turned to violence out of anguish and frustration in a time when millions of Americans highly identified with such. Millions more who didn't admired the lethal effectiveness of his vigilanteism. Of course, he had many other great roles in classic films over a long career- House of Wax, The Magnificent Seven, One Upon A Time In The West and countless others which showcased not just his toughness but his legitimate range as an actor.

Vincent Price

Price was a very diffent kind of actor. Few would call him tough, but most acknowledge the gifts he did have. They remember the voice and the eyes made for chilling turns in a thousand horror films distinguished chiefly by his charms. He was indeed quite charming, and possessed of great humor, though his villainous roles often made precious little use of the later. He frequently called upon his great capacity for playing creepy and sinister, however, and that capacity elevates him to his status as the man.

He too first made his name in House of Wax, albeit in a more prominent role. Prior to that film, he appeared in films such as Laura as a more conventional leading or supporting actor. After, however, he appeared primarily in genre films, sometimes of dubious quality. He was heard to say on one occasion that he was paid to act, so he acted. Such candor is to be applauded.

Some of his films may have been of a lesser grade, but Price himself always delivered, from his early horror roles in House of Wax and The Fly to his Poe collaborations with Roger Corman to his late films such as Theatre of Blood and The Abominable Dr. Phibes. Recently I've been thinking very much of his contribution to the legendary Thriller video, which is more appropriately called a short film. Truly, Vincent Price is the man.

More will be coming as I become conscious of their status.