Ewan McGregor makes his directorial debut in this drama based on the book of the same name by Philip Roth.
McGregor also stars in the film as Swede Levov, a hardworking hometown hero in 1960s America. But of course, what happens behind closed doors isn’t always known. American Pastoral looks at the troubles under the surface of the idyllic life enjoyed by the Levovs. From family politics to outright anarchy, Swede Levov must deal with it all.
To get you in the mood for American Pastoral, we’re celebrating all things Ewan McGregor, so read on for three of our favourite McGregor films available on Blu-ray.
Trainspotting
This 1990s classic launched Ewan McGregor on the path to stardom, and is even due for a sequel in 2017.
Trainspotting tells the story of a group of working class Edinburgh men, who’s vice-fuelled lives get more and more out of hand. The group’s leader, Renton (McGregor), decides that enough is enough, and attempts to turn his life around. However, it’s not that straightforward, and going cold-turkey soon throws up its own problems. Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller and Robert Carlyle also star alongside McGregor.
Special features include audio commentary by director Danny Boyle, deleted scenes, interviews with the cast, a making-of feature, and much more.
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
McGregor shows that his acting skills are (literally) out of this world in the first episode of the Star Wars prequels.
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace introduces us to the Star Wars universe, as a young Obi-Wan Kenobi (McGregor) and his master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam neeson) are sent to negotiate a peaceful end to a trade blockade. Upon arrival, the two Jedi Knights soon realise that there’s much more at stake than a simple trade agreement. Dark forces are at work, with an ancient evil lurking in the shadows, pulling the strings.
The Blu-ray comes with audio commentary by George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, and interviews with the cast and crew.
Big Fish
Ewan McGregor stars alongside Albert Finney, Billy Crudup and Helena Bonham Carter in this heart-warming story about the strained relationship between a father and son.
Will Bloom has never quite seen eye-to-eye with his father Ed because of his over-elaborate stories, which he believes are based on lies. When Ed is told he doesn’t have long left to live, Will travels to be by his side. As Ed recounts more fantastical anecdotes, Will, a journalist by trade, decides to look into them. As he dives into his father’s past, he soon learns more about the man, and begins to understand why he’s such a storyteller.
The Blu-ray features audio commentary by director Tim Burton, who talks you through the making of Big Fish.
