Eric Bana is the cover boy for the September’s Men’s Health Magazine. It’s a great shot of him – that man can wear a suit like nobody’s business. I’m not sure about the scruffy facial hair, though. If it was an outright beard, I would be all over it. But it looks like Eric hasn’t shaved in a few days, and really needs a razor. Maybe that’s what’s “cool” for men now. So many male stars are sporting that facial hair look. Blech. I mean, I’d still nail it the wall… but afterwards, I would ask Eric to shave.

The cover interview isn’t all that interesting. Maybe my theory about Eric Bane is right – I tend to think that he’s one of those really talented actors who gives horribly boring interviews. There are worse things to be, of course. Like the object of Barbara Walters’ affection, when she accosts you to get naked again. Instead, Eric spends the interview talking about his love of New York, Australia, cars, and a good tailor:

On New York in the 1980s: “I loved New York, even back then. It was such an overwhelming animal. I loved the energy and attitude of the place.”

On America: “It’s great for being productive and creative.”

On his wardrobe: In Australia, Bana’s everyday wardrobe is jeans and a T-shirt. “I’m usually grossly underdressed,” he says happily. But Bana has come to admire tailored clothing. “When someone is a good craftsman, I appreciate it,” he says, naming John Varvatos, Calvin Klein, and Gucci as a few of his favorite labels. “I guess it comes from appreciating design when it comes to cars.” But you won’t catch him in an expensive suit at home in Melbourne. That’s his Hollywood uniform. “I think everyone in my local café would literally stop talking if I walked in wearing a suit,” he says with a chuckle. “They’d laugh at me.”

On driving (and crashing) race cars: “It’s something you look back on and realize how lucky you were. But I’ve crashed before and I’ve chased since. I guess what makes this one significant is the fact that I really convinced myself I would never crash because I was driving that car (1974 Ford Falcon XB Coupe). If it were any other race car, I wouldn’t have been bothered at all.”

On questioning authority: “Australians are bred to be antiestablishment. We’re wary of authority.”

Eric’s style advice for men: Avoid a generic look by seeking out understated features, like contrast lapel stitching or a colorful lining. “When I look at an item on the rack, there needs to be one distinguishing feature that makes it pop,” says Bana. “I look for a detail that I know I’ll appreciate 5 years from now, not just at that moment.” Side vents and subtle patterns, such as a tonal windowpane plaid, offer interest without looking flashy. “I love a slim-fitting suit,” says Bana. “Tom Ford is a favorite.”

[From Men’s Health]

I hope Eric’s publicist tells him to stop talking about his damn cars in interviews. When I hear a man talking about cars, my eyes glaze over. Maybe that’s because I was at the mechanic yesterday, so it has me annoyed. For men, their eyes glaze over when women talk about purses. How cool would it be if Eric Bana started talking about purses in an interview? How much would you love it?

Here’s Eric Bana outside the Ed Sullivan Theatre for the ‘Late Show With David Letterman’ in New York on July 27th. Images thanks to WENN.com .

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