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Post by snacky on Feb 1, 2014 7:30:01 GMT
I only started watching Murdoch Mysteries a few months ago when old episodes started filtering onto cable in the U.S. It combines a lot of elements I like - costume drama, steampunk gadgets, angsty romance - and MM instantly became my favorite show. I'm amazed that a show with such a great cult recipe has yet to take off in the U.S.
I didn't recognize Yannick Bisson at first, despite his signature succulent kiss. But eventually it sunk in that I'd seen that guy play romantic heroes before. I'd watched him on High Tide in the 90s, Sue Thomas in the early 2Ks, and a few cheesy movies. I even remembered that Mutant X episode he was in. Out of curiosity I confirmed those memories on YouTube, and I found Nothing Too Good for a Cowboy. Yannick usually plays nice, soft-spoken yet manly guys. I liked the characters he played, and in a way this acting history enriched his portrayal of Murdoch. I gave him credit for depths that weren't in the script.
Yannick is obviously a sporty guy, so I assumed that the person behind all the Perfect Men was something like the shallow, self-absorbed jocks that make nerd girls feel bad about themselves in high school. I figured in real life he was a vain womanizer whose non-working hours were filled with football, beer, and cruel humor at the expense of those who didn't have his luck in life. This impression was reinforced by his work for Christian Conservative producers who seeded their shows with anti-liberal messages: the sort of messages I normally associate with beady-eyed hucksters who try to convince me that corporate robber barons deserve outrageous paychecks because they work "extra hours on Saturday". I regarded Yannick as mere eye candy, and I was impressed he managed to memorize the big words in his scripts.
As you can see in another thread, I've been looking around for Nothing Really Matters to see Yannick in a different type of role. I've had no luck with online stores or distributors, so tonight I wandered over to Yannick's Twitter feed to see if he mentions anything about it.
Wow, was that Twitter feed a surprise. It seems like Yannick is a great guy in real life. He's a devoted husband and father. He takes his responsibilities seriously. He cooks and builds stuff, loves dogs and kids. He speaks French, and that's inherently sexy. Far from being a conservative wingnut, his views seem tolerant, kind-hearted, and intelligent. On top of all that he has a serious Star Wars geeky streak. He even recommended one of my favorite books ("The Windup Girl"). I have the urge to recommend half a dozen books to him.
Damn you, Yannick Bisson! It's unfair that you not only got the cute genes, you got the good person and smart genes as well. You're a bona fide role model for men. Where were the guys like you when I was growing up? Heck, where are they now?
While I do appreciate eye candy as part of casual entertainment, I'm not the celebrity-worshipping type. I don't want to contribute to a world where celebrities get out-sized attention, while poverty and political oppression barely get a sliver of mindshare. But it's really hard not to fangirl someone who sets such a terrific example as a human being.
So this is my post of appreciation and respect. If I ever have a son, I'd want him to turn out like Yannick. He may also be one of Canada's greatest cultural ambassadors. I'm tempted to move to Canada to see if he's just a prominent example of average Canadian good guy style. If they are a dime a dozen, I want one.
I also have a feeling Yannick will age like fine wine - getting better as he gets older. Keep it up, Yannick - you've earned your fans.
/fangirl.
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Post by snacky on Feb 3, 2014 22:41:36 GMT
That's the impression I got from his Twitter feed and interviews. Ugh, why didn't all the guys from his generation turn out that way? Maybe we can hire the Dolly the Sheep guy to clone him. >.>
In the U.S. there is a lot of discussion of "modern manhood", and whether men are irrelevant, and how men can adapt to feminism and shifting gender norms. There's even a "men's rights movement" to glorify the worst kinds of sexism and whine about oppression.
Dear U.S.-in-search-of-modern-manhood, I have two words for you: Yannick Bisson. He knows what it means to be a man in a world where women are treated as equals. It's not impossible to be a good man. Yannick makes it look like a breeze. Like he's having fun.
/fangirl.
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Post by snacky on Feb 7, 2014 0:03:16 GMT
Things that make Yannick Bisson manly (besides what I've already mentioned):
1) He is quick to give his wife credit and make sure she knows why she is special. She came up with the smartest and best ideas for designing the house, she contributed the most beautiful genes to the kids, etc.
2) He is secure enough that he doesn't always have to be in charge. His wife has the con of the "starship Bisson", lol. He talks about love.
3) He expresses how lucky he feels and how grateful he is for what he has, and he feels obliged to pay it forward. He supports causes that genuinely help people.
4) He says women are at their most beautiful when they are pregnant. Whether he actually thinks that or not, he obviously considers what will reinforce women's self-esteem.
5) He gives wise advice on how to separate what "nourishes" you from business. And he realizes men need nourishing.
6) He's a man of action when it comes to doing the right thing. He doesn't just reserve his energy for sports and building stuff, though he does those things, too.
7) He loves his dogs. And whales.
8) He didn't do the self-absorbed celebrity drinking-and-drugs tailspin even though the temptations were all around him - especially when he worked in L.A.
9) He jokes about being a dork and trying to be more hip/edgy. That not only makes him seem comfortable with himself, it wins much empathy from anyone whose real interests got in the way of being cool. That's the majority of the population if the success of The Big Bang theory is any indication. He's one Wil Wheaton tweet short of being a dork super hero.
10) He puts the work in to stay healthy and in good shape without taking resentment of those sacrifices out on everyone else. Even if he vents to his family, they seem like a great support system - his daughters think he's the best dad ever. Moreover, he doesn't project his own self-discipline on everyone else, re: fat-shaming or trying to dictate what regime everyone else has time for. He will find what's already beautiful in the people around him.
I'm sure I'll come up with some more if I give it some thought.
Yes, I have too much time on my hands. And I'm kind of sad about the lack of real men in my own country.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2014 9:31:25 GMT
Well said, Snacky! Love the list and your highly perceptive observations.
However, I don't think that Americans have the monopoly on confused men who could take a few hints from those who are happy in their own skin. Just remember Corey Monteith, the Canadian star of Glee who overdosed last summer. I guess the grass always looks greener on the other side!
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Post by snacky on Feb 16, 2014 19:25:33 GMT
Well said, Snacky! Love the list and your highly perceptive observations. However, I don't think that Americans have the monopoly on confused men who could take a few hints from those who are happy in their own skin. Just remember Corey Monteith, the Canadian star of Glee who overdosed last summer. I guess the grass always looks greener on the other side! Good point, and you did also gift the US with Justin Bieber. But, seriously, I don't think America produces good men at all anymore. They aren't even modeled on TV except for religious shows. I think it's just not in our parenting skills or education system anymore. Even if Canada has it's own share of jackasses and cads, there's something there that's doing things right. |
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Post by hoodin on Sept 25, 2014 2:51:00 GMT
I agree with all the above comments about Yannick. I too got the impression that he has decided what is important to him in life, and has put his energy and love in those areas.
-GOLD-
Also,I came across a TV series Yannick made "Gold". It is a 20 episode series set in the 1860's, in the New Zealand gold fields. It is produced by a Canadian and New Zealand company. From the back of the CD: It's the feverish times of the 1860's. On the chances of striking it rich, gamblers, innocents, rogues and speculators head to the gold-filled rivers of New Zealand. Among then are brothers Johnny and Connor Rogan, who've made the long journey from Canada, lured by the chance for a better future. When they settle into the small town of Dunstan, their doubts of instant wealth begin: while many are looking for the elusive metal, few know of its whereabouts.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is focused on Johnny Rogan (Yannick), and some of the colorful characters that he comes across. Something that surprised me, was Yannick's horsemanship. I come from a horse training/ranch background and I appreciate a good horseback rider when I see him. You can clearly see it is Yannick riding, and not a double or a stuntman. He does not balance on the horse's mouth, and knows how to not interfere with a horse's motion when running full out. He balanced above the horse's back ever so slightly allowing the horse free forward momentum without hitting or bouncing on it's back. He has natural balance and center of gravity that helps prevent a horse from taking an awkward step, or hurting itself. He can post a trot gently and not bounce away on a poor horse's back. He is extremely athletic.
In the intro to Murdoch...they show a right profile of Detective Murdoch along with some tools of his trade. In the intro to "Gold" they focus on the left profile of him. He is absolutely delightful in this role. I have never seen a role that afforded him such opportunities for exuberance, sadness, romance, hysteria, laughing out loud, crying, staggering around drunkenly etc. His hair is so curly, and he can "rock" a mullet like I've not seen in awhile. Actually it is very appropriate for the time and area the movie is set I
n. No wonder Murdoch has to put something on his hair to make it straight. I've also seen the video of him directing a Murdoch segment, and his hair is indeed quite curly, especially on top. At times, he looks so vulnerable, and then again he is tough as nails. He has a wide range of emotion. He does a first rate job too. When you see an actor, acting...and you are reminded that he is acting...he is not doing his job. However, Yannick just draws you in with such honesty and those eyes.
The film was released in 1991 which means it must have been filmed in 1990. That meant that, he had to have been 19, and was newly married. I am impressed that a movie company would trust an entire film to be made with a 19 year old as the lead. When you see the film, you will see what I mean. He was also awaiting the arrival of his first daughter. That is a lot on anyone's plate. He seemed to have quite a high level of maturity in the film, which he had to have in real life, in order to draw on for the film.
I found his performance one of the best, if not THE best I have seen by him. It is so refreshingly innocent and honest. He approached the world with a wide eyed honesty, and expected everyone else to be the same, which of course they were not. It is not the best film in the world, but a very enjoyable film. I would definitely recommend it to anyone. If only to enjoy his performance (if the genre is not to your liking).
I found the DVD on Amazon.ca.com. I took the 4 disk set assuming the film quality would be better, however it is also available in the 2 disk version. (I do not know if there is a difference between the 2 disk and the 4 disk version. Because it is not a new movie, you can get it used from 99cents on up. I got one from Amazon Prime that was $1.49 and was brand new, still in it's wrapper. You do have to pay postage however. Still a bargain.
I found it a very enjoyable experience to watch this movie !
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Post by snacky on Sept 25, 2014 3:22:58 GMT
I agree with all the above comments about Yannick. I too got the impression that he has decided what is important to him in life, and has put his energy and love in those areas. -GOLD- Also,I came across a TV series Yannick made "Gold". It is a 20 episode series set in the 1860's, in the New Zealand gold fields. It is produced by a Canadian and New Zealand company. From the back of the CD: It's the feverish times of the 1860's. On the chances of striking it rich, gamblers, innocents, rogues and speculators head to the gold-filled rivers of New Zealand. Among then are brothers Johnny and Connor Rogan, who've made the long journey from Canada, lured by the chance for a better future. When they settle into the small town of Dunstan, their doubts of instant wealth begin: while many are looking for the elusive metal, few know of its whereabouts. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is focused on Johnny Rogan (Yannick), and some of the colorful characters that he comes across. Something that surprised me, was Yannick's horsemanship. I come from a horse training/ranch background and I appreciate a good horseback rider when I see him. You can clearly see it is Yannick riding, and not a double or a stuntman. He does not balance on the horse's mouth, and knows how to not interfere with a horse's motion when running full out. He balanced above the horse's back ever so slightly allowing the horse free forward momentum without hitting or bouncing on it's back. He has natural balance and center of gravity that helps prevent a horse from taking an awkward step, or hurting itself. He can post a trot gently and not bounce away on a poor horse's back. He is extremely athletic. In the intro to Murdoch...they show a right profile of Detective Murdoch along with some tools of his trade. In the intro to "Gold" they focus on the left profile of him. He is absolutely delightful in this role. I have never seen a role that afforded him such opportunities for exuberance, sadness, romance, hysteria, laughing out loud, crying, staggering around drunkenly etc. His hair is so curly, and he can "rock" a mullet like I've not seen in awhile. Actually it is very appropriate for the time and area the movie is set I n. No wonder Murdoch has to put something on his hair to make it straight. I've also seen the video of him directing a Murdoch segment, and his hair is indeed quite curly, especially on top. At times, he looks so vulnerable, and then again he is tough as nails. He has a wide range of emotion. He does a first rate job too. When you see an actor, acting...and you are reminded that he is acting...he is not doing his job. However, Yannick just draws you in with such honesty and those eyes. The film was released in 1991 which means it must have been filmed in 1990. That meant that, he had to have been 19, and was newly married. I am impressed that a movie company would trust an entire film to be made with a 19 year old as the lead. When you see the film, you will see what I mean. He was also awaiting the arrival of his first daughter. That is a lot on anyone's plate. He seemed to have quite a high level of maturity in the film, which he had to have in real life, in order to draw on for the film. I found his performance one of the best, if not THE best I have seen by him. It is so refreshingly innocent and honest. He approached the world with a wide eyed honesty, and expected everyone else to be the same, which of course they were not. It is not the best film in the world, but a very enjoyable film. I would definitely recommend it to anyone. If only to enjoy his performance (if the genre is not to your liking). I found the DVD on Amazon.ca.com. I took the 4 disk set assuming the film quality would be better, however it is also available in the 2 disk version. (I do not know if there is a difference between the 2 disk and the 4 disk version. Because it is not a new movie, you can get it used from 99cents on up. I got one from Amazon Prime that was $1.49 and was brand new, still in it's wrapper. You do have to pay postage however. Still a bargain. I found it a very enjoyable experience to watch this movie ! I'm curious about this because I didn't find Yannick a particularly good actor in High Tide - but maybe it's all about the context/material. I know that he did a lot with martial arts when he was younger, so he was that kept him in all-around good shape. It's cool he got the chance to study horsemanship, though: that's always good for an actor's later career. He did rock that mullet, lol. |
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Post by hoodin on Sept 25, 2014 4:07:46 GMT
I'm curious about this because I didn't find Yannick a particularly good actor in High Tide - but maybe it's all about the context/material. I know that he did a lot with martial arts when he was younger, so he was that kept him in all-around good shape. It's cool he got the chance to study horsemanship, though: that's always good for an actor's later career. He did rock that mullet, lol.
-------------------------------------------------
Wasn't he supposed to be sort of a cool dude or something on High Tide? I never really watched much of it. He is a completely different type actor in GOLD though. You would not think it is the same actor. It is like the director allowed him to just be him, and play the part, without any expectations of trying to appear super cool, or to fit any particular mold. I do find it interesting that both Murdoch and Gold liked his facial profile. Oh yes, the GOLD mullet is different from HT too. Not too many hair products in those days. The movie was a pleasant surprise though.
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Post by snacky on Sept 25, 2014 5:08:05 GMT
Wasn't he supposed to be sort of a cool dude or something on High Tide? I never really watched much of it. He is a completely different type actor in GOLD though. You would not think it is the same actor. It is like the director allowed him to just be him, and play the part, without any expectations of trying to appear super cool, or to fit any particular mold. Yeah, I think the type of character he was playing may have gone against his personality, as much as he obviously admired and respected Rick Springfield. |
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Post by hoodin on Oct 8, 2014 4:33:34 GMT
I'm curious about this because I didn't find Yannick a particularly good actor in High Tide - but maybe it's all about the context/material. I know that he did a lot with martial arts when he was younger, so he was that kept him in all-around good shape. It's cool he got the chance to study horsemanship, though: that's always good for an actor's later career. He did rock that mullet, lol. ------------------------------------------------- Wasn't he supposed to be sort of a cool dude or something on High Tide? I never really watched much of it. He is a completely different type actor in GOLD though. You would not think it is the same actor. It is like the director allowed him to just be him, and play the part, without any expectations of trying to appear super cool, or to fit any particular mold. I do find it interesting that both Murdoch and Gold liked his facial profile. Oh yes, the GOLD mullet is different from HT too. Not too many hair products in those days. The movie was a pleasant surprise though. I just saw a TV movie "Never too late to say goodbye" (adapted from an Ann Rule book). Yannick Bisson played the brother of Rob Lowe.The movie was released in 2009. I never thought about it, but when they are together, YB and RL can easily pass for brothers, except for eye color. RL combed his hair like YB does, and they are kind of built the same. YB has a much better physique, and that was evident, even from a non biased observer. RL looked a little thin and his face looked kind of haggard. Anyway, YB did a fantastic job. He is so understated and quiet in his approach to most roles, that you see him as the character, and do not even realize he is acting. Also I saw a tweet on YB's twitter account from his daughter Brianna. She had put several photos into a collage of her and her Dad. What a pretty child she was, and I was so touched by how "hands on" he was as a father. He was on his hands and knees, and had her on his back playing horse-had her on his shoulders playing airplane, and had suds all over the place giving her a bath. She looked to be under a year old in those. He had the same haircut and facial hair in them that he had when he played "Johnny Rogan" in GOLD. He looks really good when he doesn't shave for about 10 days. The timing would be right too, because that would have made him 19 or barely 20. I don't remember what the occasion for the photo collage was. Also on his twitter account he took a photo of his nephew Phillipe, and his sister and brother-in-law. My goodness YB's sister is beautiful. They really look alike too. Genetics have always interested me, and they both certainly resemble his mother. He tweeted a photo of his mother too. How refreshing to know what a family man he is, and that is so rare in the "Hollywood Crowd",(that he does not run in.) He had to have been raised by a family that taught him respect and responsibility. He said that his KISS (keep it simple stupid) approach to raising his kids was, don't dis-respect, don't disobey, and don't lie. ( I hope I quoted that correctly.) |
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Post by hoodin on Oct 10, 2014 15:41:17 GMT
Wasn't he supposed to be sort of a cool dude or something on High Tide? I never really watched much of it. He is a completely different type actor in GOLD though. You would not think it is the same actor. It is like the director allowed him to just be him, and play the part, without any expectations of trying to appear super cool, or to fit any particular mold. Yeah, I think the type of character he was playing may have gone against his personality, as much as he obviously admired and respected Rick Springfield. I just saw a TV movie "Never too late to say goodbye" (adapted from an Ann Rule book). Yannick Bisson played the brother of Rob Lowe.The movie was released in 2009. I never thought about it, but when they are together, YB and RL can easily pass for brothers, except for eye color. RL combed his hair like YB does, and they are kind of built the same. YB has a much better physique, and that was evident, even from a non biased observer. RL looked a little thin and his face looked kind of haggard. Anyway, YB did a fantastic job. He is so understated and quiet in his approach to most roles, that you see him as the character, and do not even realize he is acting.
Also I saw a tweet on YB's twitter account from his daughter Brianna. She had put several photos into a collage of her and her Dad. What a pretty child she was, and I was so touched by how "hands on" he was as a father. He was on his hands and knees, and had her on his back playing horse-had her on his shoulders playing airplane, and had suds all over the place giving her a bath. She looked to be under a year old in those. He had the same haircut and facial hair in them that he had when he played "Johnny Rogan" in GOLD. He looks really good when he doesn't shave for about 10 days. The timing would be right too, because that would have made him 19 or barely 20. I don't remember what the occasion for the photo collage was.
Also on his twitter account he took a photo of his nephew Phillipe, and his sister and brother-in-law. My goodness YB's sister is beautiful. They really look alike too. Genetics have always interested me, and they both certainly resemble his mother. He tweeted a photo of his mother too. How refreshing to know what a family man he is, and that is so rare in the "Hollywood Crowd",(that he does not run in.) He had to have been raised by a family that taught him respect and responsibility. He said that his KISS (keep it simple stupid) approach to raising his kids was, don't dis-respect, don't disobey, and don't lie. ( I hope I quoted that correctly.) Interesting fellow.
On another front. I did my very first tweet ever to YB. Asked him where he learned to ride a horse so well. He tweeted back GOLD and NOTHING TOO GOOD FOR A COWBOY. I sent a second tweet to him asking if he screens all the daughter's boyfriends? He said...Like Mikaela says, I know how to throw an axe. Got 2 direct answers from him. Like I said, most of you have had better responses and better interactions with him, but it made me feel very special. I'm probably older than most of you on this board, but he definitely made my day!
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Post by murdochsaussiefan on Jan 18, 2015 13:24:49 GMT
I have become a fangirl of Yannick very quickly...let's say I have been one for just on two months now. How can you not have a very large crush on the man! (Do you think 53 is too old for a crush?) Follow him on Twitter and I find that he is just like any of my other friends and he seems not to be A CELEBRITY...you know what I mean!
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Post by snacky on Jan 18, 2015 17:44:37 GMT
I have become a fangirl of Yannick very quickly...let's say I have been one for just on two months now. How can you not have a very large crush on the man! (Do you think 53 is too old for a crush?) Follow him on Twitter and I find that he is just like any of my other friends and he seems not to be A CELEBRITY...you know what I mean! Welcome, and lol. Well, don't stalk the poor guy, he's married. But I did post that because I think he's a great role model, and an alternative to what's usually given as a role model for American boy-men. |
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Post by murdochsaussiefan on Jan 18, 2015 22:53:36 GMT
I have become a fangirl of Yannick very quickly...let's say I have been one for just on two months now. How can you not have a very large crush on the man! (Do you think 53 is too old for a crush?) Follow him on Twitter and I find that he is just like any of my other friends and he seems not to be A CELEBRITY...you know what I mean! Welcome, and lol. Well, don't stalk the poor guy, he's married. But I did post that because I think he's a great role model, and an alternative to what's usually given as a role model for American boy-men. |
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Post by murdochsaussiefan on Jan 18, 2015 22:56:02 GMT
All of my favourite actors are married (I am not sure though about Nathan Fillion) and I have the policy I can still look but can't touch.
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