A Guest Post from HelloKitty

Firstly I want to thank Mel for letting me do something for the Celebration week “Thank you”.
I made this fan art on my favourite scene, its romantic and funny.
I absolutely love when James Strang says “what?” when he knew what Anne said “what does it mean?", just to get extra time to think of something without “blowing” his cover.

Haha I Love James Strang <3

HelloKitty

 Xxx

Thank you, HelloKitty for your hard work in creating this post, and being such a dedicated fan of this blog and "The Abduction Club".  What a lovely piece of fan art! It is really beautiful and that quote is so sweet!
And some exicting news is that HelloKitty has also agreed to do some more posts- sometime in the future so look out for her contributions.

A Close Encounter

Thank you to hellokitty (A lovely AC fan and reader of this blog), for emailing me in regards to a funny moment she recently picked up while watching the film.

In this scene Strang and Anne move to the side to allow for the passing of a man on the staircase. If you look very closely you can see that Strang's hair comes in close contact with a candle above- it seems as though Strang is quite oblivious to the candle as we see his head come closer and closer to it until he appears to get quite shock (presumably at the heat of the candle) and quickly turns around to see what it was.

Be sure to take a closer look at this when you next watch the film!

What do you think- is this great acting or is Matthew Rhys really unaware of his proximity to the candle?

Have you come across anything funny or unusual while watching the film? Or would you like to share your thoughts about the film? You are most welcome to leave a comment below (you can even remain Anonymous if you like) or email me at tristans_isolde@hotmail.com

Love,

Mel xx

What's in a name: James Strang

The first name: James

The name James meaning "he who supplants" has become quite common since the 13th century particularly in England. In the 16th and 17th Centuries the name became even more popular as King James VI succeeded Elizabeth I and united the crowns of Scotland and England.

In the case of The Abduction Club it is quite possible due to the close proximity between Ireland, Scotland and England that James may have also been a popular name in Ireland, therefore giving our James Strang the name.

I think the name James suits Strang really well, however I suppose I would have liked a more Irish-sounding name for him, maybe the Irish variant- Seamus/Shamus but perhaps that wasn't all that common back then and the fact that Seamus Strang sounds quite funny.

The last name: Strang

The surname Strang is one of English heritage however there is also some information which suggests a Scottish ancestry. The name was first recorded in the late 12th century which interestingly enough makes it one of the earliest surnames recorded, which is said to suggest that it was a name associated with those who had status. Over time the name has been recorded with several different spellings including; Strang, Strange, Stong, Strong and Stronge.
The name has been found to originate from the pre 7th century word strang which later in medieval times became strong which was appropriately given as a nickname to those who had great physical strength. It is also thought that given the type of humor of the time that it could have also been given to individuals who were greatly lacking in strength. I think that would have been hilarious- imagine seeing a small, extremely thin man whom had the nickname Strong!!!

The family crest shows two identical lions, one above the other on a read shield with the family motto above reading "stet fortuna domus" which is of Latin origin and means, Let the Fortune of the House Stand.

In comparing the name of James Strang and Garrett Byrne, I think that perhaps when looking at the meanings and origins that Garrett's name fits his character and the time period and setting better.

What do you think?

Spot the similarity

Today I was uploading a few new screencaps to the Abduction Club fanpop page (which can be found here) and happened to notice something rather... similar and between 3 of the pictures.

Ohh Strang hahaha we still love you no matter what face/faces you pull!
What was the first thought that came into your head when you saw Strang's face? Can you think of a funny caption for any of these pictures?

Much Love,

Mel xx

Actor Profile; Matthew Rhys

NAME: Matthew Rhys Evans

BIRTHDATE: November 8, 1974, Wales, UK

ABDUCTION CLUB CHARACTER: James Strang



Matthew and Ioan



The first time I ever saw Matthew Rhys in a film was The Abduction Club, but I had previously heard of him as an actor and that was only because he is Ioan Gruffudd's (Fantastic Four, Amazing Grace, King Arthur) best friend, whom he lived with for almost 10 years. Matthew was also one of Ioan's best men at his wedding to Alice Evans, yes the stunning actress who played Catharine in The Abduction Club.

Matthew's first language is Welsh and he was educated at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Melin Gruffydd, Whitchurch, Cardiff. His full name is Matthew Rhys Evans although he is known professionally only by his first and second names (Matthew Rhys).

Matthew is know for his work in films such as The Edge of Love, and is particularly well-known for his role in the TV series Brothers & Sisters.

Have you seen Matthew in anything other than The Abduction Club?