I actually read Water for Elephants a couple of years ago. (I’m not as much of a reader now, as my attention span has reduced along with technology. I get books on the iPad and end up watching movies on Netflix instead. I tried to read The Help a couple of weeks ago, but ended up putting it down. Is it racist to only have the black women speak in poorly rendered slang or am I reading too much into that book?)

Water for Elephants was an incredible read and I was so excited to hear that was being made into a movie with Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson. I pictured someone younger than Reese for Marlena, but Reese’s acting ability will surely help her carry that role. Circus star Marlena is regal and wounded, and young Jacob comes along to provide some respite from an abusive relationship with her cruel husband, played by Christoph Waltz.

This trailer makes it look like the film really does justice to the book, and I love that they’re using the same premise of the having it retold by the protagonist as a 93 year-old nursing home resident. (Hal Holbrook plays the other version of Robert Pattinson.) Also, I just checked IMDB and James Frain is in it! I just squealed a little.

I won’t give away anything more about the film, which is out in the US on April 15. It’s so nice to see a good trailer and get jazzed for a new movie.

About 10 years ago I watched the very cheesy Natalie Portman film Where The Heart Is a couple of times (ok, I owned it) due to her dark and brooding co-star, British actor James Frain. His character reminded me of a guy I used to date in that they both were tall with angular features and had a sort of quiet depth. In hindsight I’m sure the guy I dated wasn’t all that thoughtful and was just depressed, but there was something about Frain that struck me as familiar and compelling. I remember consulting Frain’s IMDB page at the time and hoping for more leading roles for him, but I didn’t see him in much and he kind of dropped off the radar for me.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago and I was more than delighted to see Frain on True Blood as the conniving vampire Franklin Mott*. There’s a new spark in his eyes to go along with his scruff, and he’s hotter to me at 42. Frain may not be as buff as True Blood’s other fresh male meat, Joe Manganiello, but I know who I’d prefer to throw me down on the bed. (Although not necessarily tie me there in a wedding gown – as foreplay maybe.) A smoking hot body
only goes so far, but Frain has a kind of rock star attitude that makes him magnetic. Maybe I’m just confused by this guy’s superb acting ability, but I don’t care.

Frain has been married for the last six years to writer/director Marta Cunningham. I cannot find any information on whether they have children. Here are links to a fansite with a biography of Frain and a a Facebook page for fans.

Thanks to everyone who requested a gratuitous James Frain post. We’re more than happy to oblige.

*I haven’t watched The Tudors, where Frain starred as Thomas Cromwell. I’ll definitely rent the first season on your recommendations.

Below is a compilation of Frain’s scenes from True Blood so far. [via AboutJamesFrain.com] Its NSFW as there are F bombs. “Watch me type motherf*cker.” There are also spoilers for past episodes here. And here’s a link to an interview in which Frain discusses his character on True Blood. It also has potential (mild) spoilers.

NOTE BY KAISER: This dude is creepy as hell! Why do you find him hot? In obscure British stuff, he always plays the psycho killer. For good reason- he has serial killer eyes! Also: He looks deathly and corpsey.

Header: Frain on September 2009. Credit: WENN.