We take a trip to the west coast for this installment of great movie characters. Writer/Director Lisa Cholodenko’s Laurel Canyon takes aim at the music bizz and the many oddball free spirits who inhabit this bottom-line world. Her muse is Ian McKnight, a charming lothario who fronts a Brit rock-n-roll band.

McKnight’s singing ability is matched only by his skills of seduction. Both Frances McDormand and Kate Beckinsale fall under his spell. He possesses the voice, looks and confidence to make women – young and old – weak in their knees. McKnight defines the rocker persona with a “fuck you” attitude and even rides a cool motorcycle.

In the following scene, Ian – portrayed by Alessandro Nivola – and his lover/producer Jane (the brilliant McDormand) ponder the inclusion of a tender ballad on his latest album. Notice how he controls the scene, eventually flipping an irritated and stressed Jane. “No, I’m not fucking kidding,” he says. Carefree, yet persuasive words from the unflappable Ian McKnight.

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