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James Spader makes comeback in new crime drama

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Actor explains why he gave the green light to The Blacklist.

CREATING memorable characters is both a blessing and a curse to James Spader.

Roles like Alan Shore in Boston Legal and the The Practice, or Dr. Daniel Jackson in Stargate, have earned him praise and fame. But when he takes on a new part, such as the mysterious and creepy Raymond Reddington in the new drama The Blacklist, which debut last night in the United States, Spader does his best to make people forget his past work and see him as someone new.

"People seem to have short memories when it comes to pop culture, but I think it does help if you're able to, whatever you come up with next, that it be a departure and that the world be very different," he says. "I think obviously with the television series, one has to be cognisant of that. I think that's probably why, if you've done something for a period of time, it's prudent to do other things before you then jump into something else again that you're going to do for a period of time."

The role in The Blacklist is a major departure. His character is a super criminal who has eluded capture for years. One day, he decides to give himself up to the FBI and offer his assistance in tracking down other super criminals. His only stipulation is that he work with rookie profiler Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone).

Spader explains that it's clear from the opening episode there's a past between the two of them to which the profiler isn't privy.

Even devoted Spader fans may have to look twice when they see him on the show; Spader has a nearly shaved head.

The lack of locks make him look different than past characters and fit the nature of his character. Spader explains that Reddington would have wanted to keep his life simple during the 20 years he was on the run.

"He's moving from place to place very quickly. I thought he should have a haircut that he can do himself if he cares to or he can go to some barber shop in a little town in Cambodia and they can cut his hair in 10 minutes," Spader says. "I just thought it was streamlined. And his clothes are like that, too, in that he looks well dressed, but (in) travelling clothes. You know, he wears clothes that he can go from a bank to a cave and he's dressed accordingly." – The Fresno Bee/McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

All decked up

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WHITE seemed to be the colour of choice for many A-list fashionistas at the 65th Emmy Awards, held at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.

Elizabeth Moss, Emilia Clarke, Kerry Washington, Julianna Margulies, Malin Akerman and Taylor Schilling were some of the stars who opted for white gowns for TV's biggest night.

While these ladies exuded an ethereal glow in their white ensemble, it was Rose Byrne in blush pink that got our vote for best dressed of the night. Byrne's halter top and skirt combo from Calvin Klein showed enough skin (hello abs!) without being too tarty – a perfect example of simplicity meets sexiness.

Rose Byrne – AFP

Michelle Dockery continued to rock the colour-blocking trend with a two-tone dress by Prada. Everything about this dress was divine – from the raised hemline at the front to the bow-like detail at the back.

Another actress who picked burgundy was Kaley Cuoco. The Big Bang Theory star went glam with an A-line ball gown from Vera Wang.

Kaley Cuoco – AFP

Yellow might be a tough colour to pull off (you don't want to be called Big Bird by Joan Rivers the next day, do you?) but Anna Faris looked chic in her pleated Monique Lhuillier number. On the red carpet, Faris told E!: "I am very bright and bold. I love the bold colour and how gorgeous the dress is." Can't argue with that.

Anna Faris – AFP

When Claire Danes arrived on the red carpet, there was a flurry of chatter on Twitter – no, not about her nude-coloured dress with a plunging neckline but about her new bob. Later, it was revealed that Danes didn't cut her hair; it was a faux bob.

Claire Danes – EPA

After that hair-citement, attention was turned to her Armani Prive number which featured a tulle bodice that was embroidered with shimmering paillettes. The Homeland star, who also took home the Best Actress In A Drama Series trophy, definitely hit home run in that daring dress. – Gordon Kho

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

Selasa, 24 September 2013