Skip page navigation

Marta Taggart

Date Movie? Nah, Date Substitute!

Sometimes leaving the house is just too much trouble. Instead of going out on a date, here are some movies (or rather actors) that make a perfect date night in. These actors won’t judge your baggy sweatpants or un-coifed hair, I promise.

Matt Damon as Jason Bourne in The Bourne Identity

Why? When you’re dating him he might just save your life. Sure he may be a killing machine, but this just makes things exciting. He can also drive you around in a Mini through tiny European streets, even down stairs if you’re in to that type of thing. As an added bonus, he can wash, dye and cut your hair if you ever need a style update. Sure, the new cut might be a little awkward, but hey, he’ll still love you.

Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy in Pride & Prejudice

Why? First he may screw everything up and make you and your sisters miserable, but in the end he’ll change his ways. He’ll save your family’s reputation and make your sister happy again. His faithfulness and patience will make you swoon.

Daniel Craig as James Bond in Casino Royale

Why? He’s complex, darling, very complex. This 007 has cool and useful gadgets; he has a defibrillator in his car. He will buy you a beautiful dress before a big night out and if the night doesn’t go so well, he’ll sit with you in the shower as you cry about it. Oh, and one more thing: speedo!

Colin Firth as Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones’s Diary

Why? He’ll like you just as you are. It may be a bit hard to read him at first, but this guy is worth getting to know. He’ll overlook any terrible meals you cook, poor outfit choices and times you say things you don’t mean. Plus he can beat up any terrible ex-boyfriends you have lurking in the wings.

Paul Bettany as Peter Colt in Wimbledon

Why? His self-deprecating and honest internal monologue is utterly charming (why couldn’t we hear this in real life?). His competitive edge and play are sexy; you don’t need to be a tennis fan to enjoy this one. Peter Colt is close to his family and a realist, two things that can be hard to find.

I think I’ve got my bases covered with these, but if not let me know in the comments or with a well timed scoff.

Marta Taggart is an occasional Film.com contributor. Her gentle musings are cathartic like a warm blanket on a rainy day.


comments