MovieChat Forums > James Norton Discussion > Stunningly gorgeous, yes but more than t...

Stunningly gorgeous, yes but more than that...


...immensely watchable. The film business is swimming with gorgeous men but James Norton has this watch-ability that's hard to describe. He has a subtle, nurturing charisma that sneaks-up on the viewer. He draws you in and you just want to watch him.

I've found myself routinely tuning in to repeats of "Grantchester" and even though I know exactly what happens in each episode, I just want to watch him go through the motions. I've sometimes fallen asleep to it. His face is hypnotic and unique. I love his tousled, red hair. He's beautiful but not typical, compared to the male leads we've been exposed to over the past decade. He's like a male Julie Christie, a solid stand-alone star, like a Robert Redford. My goodness, I hope we all see a lot more of him. I'll be looking for it...

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I agree. More than anything he has amazing screen presence and that wicked smile of his turns me into a puddle.
I adore him, and hope to marry someone just like him :-)

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He has tremendous charm (unlike someone like Jamie Dornan for example). Unfortunately, he kind of looks like other actors: Sam Reid in " Belle" and Tom Hopper in "Northmen." In photos they look quite similar. It will be fun to see what kind of career he ends up having, although it will be hard for him to top the one-two punch of Tommy Lee Royce and Sidney Chambers. I hope he doesn't end up in crappy Hollywood movies. This current crop of thirtyish British actors are outstanding: attractive and well trained. They have invaded our shores (TV, movies), and aren't we enjoying it?

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He certainly does resemble a young Robert Redford; although, I find James Norton more attractive. I've only seen his portrayal of Sidney Chambers in Grantchester, and from the beginning, I was riveted by the actor's hypnotic presence and quiet reserve. As Sidney, James is pensive, often pontificating, and frequently internalizing the events surrounding him. Norton sensitively portrays an altruistic, highly intuitive spiritual leader who overlooks his own personal and spiritual demons to minister to the needs of his congregation and pursue justice. It was a pleasure to watch this character develop throughout the first series and I look forward to seeing him continue to evolve in series two. I am eager to check out Norton's other work as well, most notably, his role on the BBC series Happy Valley (which I am thrilled to see he will be returning to for a second season!), Death Comes to Pemberley, and a film Bonobo, just to name a few. If his work on Grantchester is any indication, I am confident James will go on to a highly successful career in television and film and I look forward to what the future has in store for him.

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