12
Getting the Lust Object right
Posted by Denise on April 12, 2008 under Lust Objects, TV/MoviesOkeydoke, who pushes your buttons, hmm? Many authors put up photos of actors or models as inspiration for their characters when they’re writing. I never do that - I can’t. I have to admit, when readers ask which actors I think could play my characters, I have to say I simply…cannot. There’s something about trying to put a real face to my imaginings that brings me right down. It destroys the magic of the perfect fantasy.
Of course, that doesn’t mean I don’t don’t use bits of people, just bits. 
Trey’s (GIFT OF THE GODDESS) beautiful red-gold colouring was inspired by a gorgeous girl modelling sexy lingerie in a magazine. Surprised? She had the most glorious hair and skin. Then I added a dash of David Wenham, just for me. (An Aussie actor, he was Faramir in Lord of the Rings and he’s worth a whole post all by himself. The Thinking Woman’s Crumpet. *sigh*)
But there isn’t a man in the world beautiful enough to measure up to my mental image of Jan, let alone Mirry.
Have a look at this selection (not mine) and tell me what you think. Mind you, I adore Johnny Depp, but that’s as much for the person he is as for the looks. He’s just so interesting, you know? In a totally cerebral kinda way. (And I have a bridge to sell you.)
Johnny Depp and Pierce Brosnan make Romantic Novelists’ hearts throb
Members of the Romantic Novelists’ Association have voted Johnny Depp as the
Number One Perfect Romantic Hero in a poll to mark Valentine’s Day.
According to these authors, a romantic hero should be gorgeous, deliciously sexy, intensely masculine and have a commanding presence.
‘We should be qualified to judge,’ one writer commented. ‘After all, we
create these heroes on paper every day.’
The top ten male celebrities voted the Perfect Romantic Hero were:
1. Johnny Depp
2. Daniel Craig
3. Sean Bean
4. Richard Armitage
5. Hugh Jackman
6. Colin Firth
7. Alan Rickman
8. Pierce Brosnan
9. George Clooney
10. David Tennant
A second poll, taken by members of the RNA bravely admitting to being ‘over a certain age’, voted for male celebrities over fifty who’ve ’still got it’. Remarkable for his appearance on both polls, Pierce Brosnan took the crownfor the over fifties by a huge margin.
The top ten Over-Fifty Perfect Romantic Heroes were:
1. Pierce Brosnan
2. Harrison Ford
3. Ranulph Fiennes
4. Bill Nighy
5. Liam Neeson
6. Sam Neill
7. Sean Connery
8. Peter O’Toole
9. Clint Eastwood
10. Omar Sharif
What do you think? Did they leave anyone out?
PS You only need to look at the pictures to see who does it for me!
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You just have to include Keith Hamilton-Cobb, he had all of that gloriously long hair, when he played Teir on the T.V show Andromeda,& he wore a tank top muscle shirt made out of see through chainmail, YUM!!!! Very, very alpha, oh my!
I love those lists, but would like to add Adrian Paul and Gerard Butler to them. These two are very fantasy worthy (not to mention drool worthy). I wish I was going to RT this year because I’d get to see Adrian up close. Yummy!!!
Wow, Daphnie! I just checked him out. Guy has the best body, but particularly love the dreads! He also has a tremendous intensity and personal dignity - well, in the pics I found, anyway. And then I went to YouTube and checked him out there. OMG, the chain mail muscle shirt. Hubba hubba! Note to self: Catch up with Andromeda. Soon.
Dani, I just knew someone would leap in with Gerard Butler on a platter. Ooooh, the mental image.
Funnily enough, I didn’t particularly enjoy 300, despite the endless supply of beefcake and testosterone. It just didn’t connect with me on an emotional level. But there’s one scene where Leonidas is looking out over the city at night, his queen asleep in the bed behind him. He’s naked, with his back to the camera and the weight propped on one hip, like a classical Greek statue. It simply took my breath away. Erotic poetry. And I can’t find a still image to show you, dammit!
And Adrian Paul, all that dark intensity. Very nice! He’ll have a great time at RT, I bet! And so will the attendees. Ah well, maybe next year…
How is Richard Gere not in the still hot over 50 list? I agree with most every one on the first list, especially the top two. The new James Bond is just about the yummiest thing since Belgian chocolate. But David Tennant? That I don’t get.
Daphnie, oh give me Keith and Kevin (Sorbo) together and I will just be happy as clams. Love that scene in Kull where Kevin walks across the room in just a towel. Can you say, rewind, slow-mo, rewind, slow-mo, rewind, slow-mo - ack, the finger is stuck! Oh and a yes on Gerard, for certain. I liked him in Lara Croft myself. But Denise, you knew EXACTLY what picture to put up to get me to run my mouth on this blog. David Wenham’s Faramir, holy God on the mountain. And yes, I agree - I typically use bits and pieces of people to create characters, but his Faramir, in appearance, personality, emotion - he was truly the inspiration for my Jacob of Vampire Queen’s Servant. Couldn’t help myself.
Okay, now I’m supposed to go to sleep - with these guys in mind, as well as my wonderful husband breathing beside me, how can I NOT have good dreams! :>
How could David Tennant not be on the list? As Dr Who he has an answer for everything, he could park his TARDIS out the front of my place anytime.
I also love Hugh as Wolverine, there’s just something about a man who has knives in his kuckles.
Sami - yeah, weird about Richard Gere. I simply don’t see how you could leave him out.
As for dear David. That’s really interesting. He’s cute, such an expressive face, and I love him as the Doctor, but he’s too slender for a woman accustomed to more - ahem - substantial men. Like My Beloved. I don’t want my guy to be skinnier than me, I want to feel small and feminine. What can I say? I’m a goil.
I like a broad chest and good shoulders and biceps and muscles and… *cough cough* Stopping right there.
I suspect it’s generational. DD (18) and I differ on Dr Who (I MUCH prefer Cap’n Jack, especially all that sexual ambiguity, yum) and also on Robin Hood. To me, Robin looks about 12. Gimme Richard Armitage as the smouldering Guy of Gisborne. Every. Single. Time. See above. That Maid Marion is a mad woman. I want to reach right through the screen and grab her by the throat and shove her into Guy’s arms. Silly wench.
Oh Joey, you should have seen Wenham as Diver Dan in Seachange. Every woman in Australia wanted to be Sigrid Thornton. But he’s not only gorgeous (and in a very different kind of way) he’s also a highly gifted actor. Intelligent and sensitive. In Gettin Square he played a total deadbeat, thick as a brick, snivelling and whining and greasy, but cunning as a sewer rat. He’s brilliant. And yes, every time I read the scene where Jacob walks into the vampires’ ballroom in full evening dress, it’s Wenham I see. But then I knew because you’d told me.
And Kevin Sorbo. Ah, takes me back to Xena. DD, who at that stage would have been struggling to reach Xena’s kneecap, used to practise her little girl kicks and punches. I used to practise other things - with Kevin. heh heh
Welcome, Shona! And congrats on your recent publication! If you like David Tennant, did you see him in Casanova? He was absolutely terrific. I have to say I was convinced.
As for Hugh, he’s one of my all time favourites. And like Johnny Depp, it’s partly because of the personality, the values - or at least the media portrayal thereof. But as Wolverine, OMG. That scene where he’s struggling towards Jean and bits of his skin are getting flayed off. Ooooh… He’s in such terrible pain and he’s so determined to save her. He loves her so much… *sigh*
So, of course, I couldn’t resist giving the X-man a role in The Amorous Adventures of Alice. I was particularly intrigued by his, um, hair. So was Alice.
Hmmm interesting topic Denise — great for research
There are certain actors who inspire me as a writer in their looks (ie I came across a picture of Gerard Butler as Beowulf that was ‘exactly’ how I pictured my hero…after I wrote my hero not before) For me it’s the characters they play that inspire me. Richard Armitage has the most expressive eyes but while I adore his character in North & South, I’m not fond of Guy of Gisborne (sorry Denise, I think Jonas Armstrong suits as Robin Hood and doesn’t look 12 to me - again the the eyes and the attitude). Since I write fantasy, seeing David Wenham as Farmamir and Viggo Mortenson as Aragon was very hero worthy. Oh and Joey agree about both Keith and Kevin. And 300 was a visual spectacular - being told in a very ’story-teller’ fashion, the emotions are kept at a certain distance but at the same time, it’s right there– Leonidas muttering ‘My Queen’ sent shivers down my spine. Not to mention David Wenham being in it too.
ooh and forgot to say Liam Neeson in a kilt - yummy. And as for Richard Gere, I think he looks better the older he gets.
O.M.G! Joey, you just had to mention both of them together, didn’t you? Now thats enough to make your upper lip sweat.
Denise I didn’t realize that he was on you tube, lord he’s hot. He’s hot enough to make all kinds of interesting body parts go pity-pat.
Ah yes Denise, I think we’re on the same wavelength. Although I’d probably swap Liam for Hugh
You know, Eleni, I really do think it’s a generation thing. Cos I’m guessing I’m way way older than you. *sigh* These days, all attractive men under 35 look like they’re 12 to me. Policemen are getting younger every day. Ditto doctors and plumbers. It’s very sad.
Thank heavens for my imagination, where I’m as young and taut as my heroes.
You’re spot-on with 300. It was the Queen I felt the most identification with. And David Wenham looked fabulous, all ripped and muscled in his leather loincloth. Wowsers. Mind you, I suspect he was trying not to laugh a lot of the time. Some of his lines were pretty incredible. But he’s a total professional and it would have been worth a heap of money I guess.
Daphnie, be warned - YouTube is a Terrible Trap! Everyone and everything is there. It’s absolutely amazing. I’m having to exercise Severe Self-discipline because I have edits due next week. Unfortunately, I’m not very good at it. *droop*
Great minds think alike, Lyn. heh heh Liam’s great, but Hugh? Ooooh yeah, gimme! Gorgeous body, EXACTLY what I like, nice guy in RL and there’s something about him that’s incredibly endearing. I think it’s that from some angles his nose is too long, so he’s not perfect. Which is soooo boring.
I have to say, I like so many men from that list. Colin Firth… well I don’t think I ever recovered from seeing him in Pride and Prejudice. And can you get more romantic than Alan Rickman in Truly Madly Deeply or Sense and Sensibility. As for men who do it for me and aren’t on the list, well I have to agree with Adrian (I envy Joey’s visit to RT so much) but I’m surprised nobody has mentioned Keanu Reeves, who I’ve always loved in his more romantic moments like the Lake House. Even his awkwardness sometimes strikes me as very real, because romance does have its awkward moments and everything doesn’t always go wonderfully well.
From the 50+ Patrick Stewart and his gorgeous voice have melted my insides since Star Trek the next generation, and seeing him on stage has only increased the yearning. He has real magnetism. Some people have it and lose it, and some keep it forever.
I also have a soft spot for a real Greek statue, (OK he’s Poseidon god of the sea), but a perfect specimen of mature manhood (the only link I can come up with is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poseidon_of_Cape_Artemision
but lifesize and amazing). Usually I like a bit more than pure looks in my men, but then again, eye candy has its uses.
Elaine, I totally agree, it’s the characters they play that make them so dang appealing. Would I go ga-ga over Kevin Sorbo as Kevin Sorbo (even though he might be a heck of a guy)? Probably not the way I do when I see him as Kull or as Dylan Hunt. Denise had a perfect example in David Wenham. Would I have seen Jacob in him as the stuttering monk in Van Helsing? No. Jacob and Faramir were brothers of the soul, in the character I envisioned. I should send David a thank you for that (smile). Seriously, I guess that’s why some characters in books live forever in our minds, cherished and enhanced by our imagination. Our romance heroes aren’t going to screw around on their wives with 18 year olds and get caught by the paparazzi, or make some totally asinine comment about politics to ruin them forever in our eyes!
LynTaylor, why do we have to trade Liam for Hugh? Let’s take them both (wicked grin). And I forgot entirely about Keanu! Love some of the characters he’s played. Sorry that his next movie seems to be one of those train wreck things that actors seem to feel they need to do to prove their worth to their peers (some kind of dark crime drama with Forest Whitaker). I’d much rather see him as the type of character he played in Matrix, Constantine, Walk in the Clouds, etc.
Sadly, I agree with Denise on the young issue, though I admit I have an ongoing joke about retaining Leonardo DiCaprio and Orlando Bloom as my tasty and devoted young love slaves. Chuckle. But Hugh in the scene with Jean, and the way he just saunters across the kitchen in X2 toward Iceman…holy crap. Daphnie, what was that about sweat? I do like David Tennant’s intensity and soulful eyes, though… ;>
Well, you all got me started on one of my favorite things - heroes. So now I’m going to be good and go do yard work and do some more editiing. Oh, sadly I won’t be able to see Adrian in person - ended up NOT being able to go to RT (sniffle), but reflecting this conversation, he’s probably better off as forever Duncan McLeod, dancing with Elizabeth on the Eiffel Tower, in my mind (smile). Have a wonderful day!
Oh yes, Joey, I really appreciate the view that you would rather think of them as that character. It’s the character one fantasizes about rather than the actor. That’s why I’d rather know less about them in their private lives. Knowing that Russell Crowe threw a phone at a hotel employee doesn’t entirely ruin my perception of his animal magnetism (talk about sexy) but it certainly took some shine off my appreciation. I know that all the Golden Era Hollywood stars misbehaved a lot, but I don’t know the particulars and I don’t care. I’ll take a helping of Gary Cooper in his twenties (well, in his thirties, forties etc. too), another of Cary Grant, and mix it up with some Tyrone Power, thank you very much. Variety is the spice of life. And to get away from the white bread theme, Mr. Denzel Washington, if you please, and a side order of Chow Yun Fat. I notice too that having hit my forties (not at a run, more like at a reluctant crawl), I don’t appreciate the pretty boys as much, but I’ve got a whole lot more appreciation for the men.
An important point, Susan - the Voice! I’m particularly sensitive to voices. I’d love to have a husky contralto, for instance, instead of a girly chirp. (BTW, I have done one podcast, and even though it’s very amateurish, you can hear the chirp-chirp quite clearly. Depends how curious you are.
)
But back to the heroes… I think Alan Rickman is wonderful and it’s mainly that fabulous voice. It gets me even when he’s playing nasty old Snape in Harry Potter. And Patrick Stewart, oooh yeah! Like dark chocolate and fine brandy. You may have noticed that most of my heroes can sing. In my next book for Berkley the hero is a baritone and his voice is magic. Literally. Gives me hot chills.
And on Poseidon. Yep, looks like they could have modelled the Leonidas character on that statue, beard and all. A truly beautiful creation.
Tasty and devoted young love slaves huh? Joey, what a truly EXCELLENT concept. Definitely has the cabana boy idea beaten hands down.
And there’s definitely something about keeping the fantasy untarnished. Yep, Susan, you’re right, who wants to know our hero threw a little kid tantrum? Unfortunately, it still gets to me though. I used to think a particular Aussie sportsman was just gorgeous, the guy was poetry in motion to watch. But in RL, he was immature and pouty and treated people badly (or that’s how the media portrayed him) and it turned me right off. He’s still beautiful, but he leaves me cold.
In the interview I did with Mirry, I asked him if his story was over, being somewhat Tired and Emotional at the time, and he said -
Of course, he’s speaking for me. And Adrian and Elizabeth, on the Eiffel Tower. And all readers and writers really. *sigh*
Susan, I’ve always had a bit of a thing for Clark Gable, especially as Rhett Butler. “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” Gosh!
Gene Kelly is another and I felt personally bereft when he passed away.
LOL! Yes Denise. I’ve always pondered over Hugh’s nose. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it though, because as you said some shots it looks as gorgeous as ever and others, meh! LOL
Now someone mentioned Leonardo De Caprio. I’m one who NEVER found him the least bit attractive. That was until I saw him in Blood Diamond. Hallelujah and pass the gin, the boy grew up LOL. Oh and is it just me or does he have a serious case of the Mc Steamy’s (Eric Dane) going for him?
By Lufra, people, your comments have been such a revelation to me.
You may already know I watch almost no TV and very few films, so I’m woefully behind lust-object-wise. I didn’t know about McSteamy, or about Keith. But now I do, courtesy of you all and YouTube. I’m a happy, happy girl. 
Also found clips from Blood Diamond. You’re right, Lynn, young Leonard has grown right up. Fabulous acting, even in the short clips, and he had the accent perfect. Brilliant work.
Denise, I’m reading and nodding. All great choices. What about Clive Owen? Can’t see if he’s no 10 as my computer has the pic covering the text there, but I’d definitely vote for his inclusion.
Annie
Hi Denise,
An impressive list - though I have to say Daniel Craig just doesn’t do it for me at all. But another to add to the list - Rodrigo Santoro (Karl in Love, Actually, also appeared in Lost) Truly droolworthy.
Hugs
Serena
xx
I’m giving my vote to Clive Owen as well. He is one fine specimen of a man.
D
Annie, I’m nodding too, about Clive Owen. Omar Sharif was number 10 - that’s a real pest about the picture. Seems to have something to do with the resolution of the screen and I don’t know enough to fix it. Will have to speak with my techie mate. *sigh*
Hi Serena, yes, Daniel Craig is interesting. Seems to affect women one way or the other, with not much in between. I really enjoyed the physicality he brought to Bond and - let’s face it - his body in general. Not so crazy about the face though. And yes, Santoro is beeyootiful. Yum!
Have to agree, Danielle. In many ways it’s an odd list, isn’t it? I really think there are some notable omissions. Go figure.
Since I saw someone talking about Clark Gable and Gene Kelly, I’d like to add my choice of Cary Grant. He has got to be one of the best looking men in that age as far as I’m concerned. I’ve had the biggest thing for him since I was a little girl watching Opperation Petticoat and Father Goose with my grandmother (she loved Cary). Don’t get me wrong Clark and Gene are very good looking and I like them both, but Cary wins in my book hands down.
I just looked up Keith Hamilton-Cobb (I’m behind on the reading the blog, I’ve been working on research the last few days) and I think I’m in love. Simply… in love. He DOES have the most amazing eyes. And hair. Because hair is a big selling-point for me on guys as lust objects. Perhaps it’s the fact that I know how much work long hair is, and I have a lot of respect for them, perhaps it’s the fact that they are comfortable enough in their masculinity to have long hair, but something about it just… yumm.
Okay, I wasn’t going to say anything, because I didn’t want to cast a pall in any way, but Kevin Tod Smith passed away in ‘02, and if he hadn’t he was on his to to being huge, and OMG was he ever smokin! He played Ares on Xena, and he also had a role in Riverworld, & he was beyond fantastic. He was so gorgeous, it would be criminal not to mention him here. You can check him out on you tube, check out the video clips King of Kool, Bad to the bone,& no one needs to know. There are clips of him in various roles. I’m just sayin’.
Jen, that’s pretty funny, you liking hair. I thought it was because I’m a superannuated hippe that I adore a man with longer hair. My Beloved still has thick wavy blond (also grey - ahem) hair almost to his shoulders. And a beard. It’s always been longer than mine. Hang on a sec -
Um, not the beard! Duh!
Oh my goodness, Daphnie, you are so totally right! I do remember thinking that Ares was drop-dead gorgeous, but now I look at the videos on YouTube. He was a beautiful man (and not only on the outside, that’s clear), but with long hair and a beard and moustache, he’s overwhelming. In fact, he’s EXACTLY how I think of Kate’s pirates, especially Harley, the bad boy. (Well, they’re all bad boys, but you know what I mean.) It’ll be his face I see while I’m writing the next chapter. Hmm, perhaps more of Harley should be featured…
What a tragedy that he had to die so young. And he was a Kiwi too. I hadn’t known that.
Don’t mind me… I’m just sitting here creaming my jeans over all these hunkalicious men you are all talikng about
And what is attractive to an over 40 is definately different. I really hear you when you say how you now appreciate MEN as opposed to the youngins. Mature bodies just do it for me and add a little grey too the temples… *fans self* or Parick Stewarts bareness? *thud*
Tastes do change, Pamela. DD (18) and I have various differences of opinion, especially re David Tennant and the actor playing Robin Hood. Overall though, I brung her up right - she’s very discriminating!
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