I thought I would make a tribute to one of the greatest actors of our generation, Matt Smith, as we say goodbye to the eleventh doctor.
This is a work in progress as I'll be adding videos, links, pictures, and other media to the site. I thought I would begin by including some of my favourite quotes from Matt's time on Doctor Who.
Here is my thank you note on Google+:
Twenty two years ago I stumbled upon an actor I liked very much. His name was Leonardo DiCaprio. Two years later I came across Kenneth Branagh and Ewan McGregor and they also became my favourite actors. Then it was a long while to 13 years ago when I added Russell Crowe to my list. Although I only stumbled upon Matt a little over a month ago, he is also now one of my favourite actors.
There is a certain joy for a cinephile when you discover another talent. I was reluctant to watch any Doctor Who. The few attempts I made at the reboot were futile and I almost gave up. Then I watched Matt in the 11th hour and fell in love with him on the spot. I didn't know it until about five episodes in, but as soon as I knew there was an insatiable appetite to devour everything he has ever been in. I watched all three seasons/series of Doctor Who in 2-2.5 weeks and then all his movies and tv shows in four days.
I just rewatched The Rings of Akhaten, because I love the music and speech at the end. As I sat down to watch it again, I noticed the emotional journey I go on in the episode. There are moments when I feel like The Queen of Years staring up at our raggedy doctor and feeling that blind faith and trust in this extraordinary man. There are other moments when I feel like Clara, a young woman who is embarking on this adventure with a mad man in a box and there are other emotions as well.
Although it is easy to say we are meant to see and feel all of these things, I think most of it is due to Matt. He somehow exudes the courage of a strong leader, the soulful thoughts of a professor, the tenderness of a parent, the unpredictable nature and silliness of Jack Sparrow, and the romantic tendencies of a great partner. It is so easy to believe that we would get in the Tardis with him.
When I compare him to other actors I admire but are not necessarily on the favourite list, I think it is these nuances in his performance. It's the way he is always acting even if the camera isn't necessarily focused on him. It's the way his eyes are so expressive, soulful and searching. It's in his breath, gestures, body language, and all the rest.
He's the perfect acting partner as he treats everyone with equal respect whether it is a child, young adult or senior. Everyone has their moment to shine with him.
I have to admit when I started watching after the announcement was made that Matt wasn't coming back I wasn't sure how it would affect me. I had no idea when I was done that I would be counting down the days or months to the next two episodes, dreading and looking forward to Christmas, and also hoping that How To Catch a Monster comes to TIFF just so I could see this beautiful gift to the world once more.
From the interviews and videos I have seen, Matt seems more than simply a great actor. He seems like a genuinely fascinating person with admirable qualities.
A part of me is so delighted that Matt is moving on and that hopefully more will be able to enjoy the true gift he has to share. Another part of me would have liked the opportunity to tune in each week to see him. I think for the most part I am just happy for him .
So as we say goodbye to our mad man in a box and raggedy doctor, we can also thank him for all the new experiences and adventures we are about to join him on in his ongoing successful career.
There is a certain joy for a cinephile when you discover another talent. I was reluctant to watch any Doctor Who. The few attempts I made at the reboot were futile and I almost gave up. Then I watched Matt in the 11th hour and fell in love with him on the spot. I didn't know it until about five episodes in, but as soon as I knew there was an insatiable appetite to devour everything he has ever been in. I watched all three seasons/series of Doctor Who in 2-2.5 weeks and then all his movies and tv shows in four days.
I just rewatched The Rings of Akhaten, because I love the music and speech at the end. As I sat down to watch it again, I noticed the emotional journey I go on in the episode. There are moments when I feel like The Queen of Years staring up at our raggedy doctor and feeling that blind faith and trust in this extraordinary man. There are other moments when I feel like Clara, a young woman who is embarking on this adventure with a mad man in a box and there are other emotions as well.
Although it is easy to say we are meant to see and feel all of these things, I think most of it is due to Matt. He somehow exudes the courage of a strong leader, the soulful thoughts of a professor, the tenderness of a parent, the unpredictable nature and silliness of Jack Sparrow, and the romantic tendencies of a great partner. It is so easy to believe that we would get in the Tardis with him.
When I compare him to other actors I admire but are not necessarily on the favourite list, I think it is these nuances in his performance. It's the way he is always acting even if the camera isn't necessarily focused on him. It's the way his eyes are so expressive, soulful and searching. It's in his breath, gestures, body language, and all the rest.
He's the perfect acting partner as he treats everyone with equal respect whether it is a child, young adult or senior. Everyone has their moment to shine with him.
I have to admit when I started watching after the announcement was made that Matt wasn't coming back I wasn't sure how it would affect me. I had no idea when I was done that I would be counting down the days or months to the next two episodes, dreading and looking forward to Christmas, and also hoping that How To Catch a Monster comes to TIFF just so I could see this beautiful gift to the world once more.
From the interviews and videos I have seen, Matt seems more than simply a great actor. He seems like a genuinely fascinating person with admirable qualities.
A part of me is so delighted that Matt is moving on and that hopefully more will be able to enjoy the true gift he has to share. Another part of me would have liked the opportunity to tune in each week to see him. I think for the most part I am just happy for him .
So as we say goodbye to our mad man in a box and raggedy doctor, we can also thank him for all the new experiences and adventures we are about to join him on in his ongoing successful career.
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