{"conf": "movies", "generated_at": "2026-04-26T08:00:02.954878Z", "threads": [{"num": 1, "subject": "introduce yourself to the movie conference", "response_count": 182, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "Mixu", "date": "Wed, Oct 23, 1996 (09:20)", "body": "It is the Finnish Eccentric once again. Basically, I occasionally find myself watching movies. Not often, but occasionally."}, {"response": 2, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Oct 23, 1996 (12:49)", "body": "Welcome home mixu!"}, {"response": 3, "author": "plitton", "date": "Wed, Nov  6, 1996 (13:12)", "body": "I rarely go to the movies; I'm just looking for something great to watch, so I won't waste my time."}, {"response": 4, "author": "plitton", "date": "Wed, Nov  6, 1996 (13:12)", "body": "I rarely go to the movies; I'm just looking for something great to watch, so I won't waste my time."}, {"response": 5, "author": "Sting", "date": "Fri, Nov  8, 1996 (12:13)", "body": "Movies are cool!!"}, {"response": 6, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Nov  8, 1996 (15:04)", "body": "Welcome Kevin! Feel free to post in some other topics."}, {"response": 7, "author": "Donna", "date": "Sat, Nov 23, 1996 (11:23)", "body": "Movies are my obession old and new Love this site Terry"}, {"response": 8, "author": "cindy", "date": "Thu, Nov 28, 1996 (18:06)", "body": "I love to watch movies. All kinds old and new."}, {"response": 9, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Nov 28, 1996 (18:10)", "body": "What's the last movie you saw?"}, {"response": 10, "author": "Kennebec", "date": "Thu, Nov 28, 1996 (21:54)", "body": "Love the movies, but rarely get to see them. Did see \"Independence Day\", um it was okay but basically a rehash of \"War of the Worlds\". The last movie I saw was the new version of \"Romeo & Juliet\". I Thought it was very violent, had some flaws, but I found it interesting."}, {"response": 11, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Nov 28, 1996 (22:08)", "body": "Same response here to Independence Day. The New Yorker has an article that says the Bard is this years Jane Austen. There are quite a few Shakespeare based movies now. I haven't had a chance to see any of them yet. Perhaps when they get to the video store."}, {"response": 12, "author": "smckern", "date": "Sun, Dec  1, 1996 (15:31)", "body": "Love movies - I go to them all the time... I also get out heaps of videos, but the movie experience is the greatest!! Has anyone seen Ransom yet?"}, {"response": 13, "author": "joshd", "date": "Thu, Dec  5, 1996 (15:18)", "body": "Haven't seen Ransom, but I did catch the trailer--which was pretty much enough., Why the studios feel they have to give away crucial plot twists in the trailer, I\"ll never know."}, {"response": 14, "author": "Mixu", "date": "Tue, Dec 10, 1996 (09:26)", "body": "Because, for the ever-increasing number of movies, there's nothing else to show than a single plot twist and some FX. At least in Hollywood-movies. Sad, isn't it?"}, {"response": 15, "author": "clueless", "date": "Wed, Dec 11, 1996 (14:14)", "body": "yeah, but they're still awesome"}, {"response": 16, "author": "Howell", "date": "Thu, Feb 13, 1997 (07:55)", "body": "Hi! My name's Howell Parry, and I live in Manchester, UK. I'm a big fan of all sorts of movies, especially Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg and various other action / horror / thriller / scifi movies. I'm making a \"no-budget\" (i.e. we're just using a camcorder!!) scifi B-movie at the moment with some friends here in Manchester - the movie's called \"Foiled\". I'm going to create a new topic about it in a moment. Howell (parryh@finnigan.co.uk)"}, {"response": 17, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Tue, Apr  8, 1997 (09:34)", "body": "howdy! I'm a movie-a-holic from Dallas TX. Spent most of my college and med school days in the cavernous darkness of nearby theatres absorbing everything from the latest releases to the oldest of oldies (elected myself \"bad movie reviewer\" for the UT film committee--did I mention we members got into campus movies for free?--which meant I \"had\" to see EVERYTHING released!). Now that I'm an actual dayjob wage earner, I am forced to be more selective in my viewing habits, but I'd wager I still see more mo ies than the average bear! There's also a great video place here with tons of foreign films and independent flicks. Let me get back to you with a topic, perhaps!"}, {"response": 18, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Apr  8, 1997 (23:02)", "body": "I just got my satellite dish cranked up after years of inactivity. So it's movie catchup time around here. I'm watching something with Dan Akroyd and Lilly Tomlin right now. Jack Lemon as a possible ex-Nazi. I have over 20 movie channels to choose from."}, {"response": 19, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Mon, Apr 14, 1997 (14:58)", "body": "My ex-beau (who will hereafter be referred to as rat-bastard)(not that I'm bitter) was hugely supportive of dish over cable (tho he ended up saddling me with cable as an Xmas gift and now I'm an addict)--do you agree? (it's ok to agree with rat-bastard) Is it the greatest? I think I would only end up with less breathing time (see slacker topic). But it sounds pretty cool. I adore the AMC lineup."}, {"response": 20, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Mon, Apr 14, 1997 (15:05)", "body": "Where can I pick y'all's brains about movie trivia? I started to in some other topic...now where was I...well, since it's just me and terry anyhow, let me ask you (and I'm casting no aspersions here--I don't necessarily expect YOU to know): (1) in what movie did Jerry Lewis shriek \"Oh Laaaadeeeee!\" (Oh Lady!)? and (2) in what movie did Jerry Lewis interrupt from the audience probably Dean Martin in the midst of a song that went something like \"Who's my little hoozit? Who's my turtle dove? Who's my sno kie-ookum? Who is the one I love?\" to the great joy of the rest of the audience and as a boost to Dean Martin's character's career. Wow, that reads like \"this is something up with which I will not put\"!"}, {"response": 21, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Apr 14, 1997 (23:30)", "body": "I give up, what movies?"}, {"response": 22, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Tue, Apr 15, 1997 (09:14)", "body": "You are soooo funny terry. I humiliated myself in front of my hopelessly hip video store clerks axing those very same questions and thought maybe this would be a less-embarrassing format...are there NO Jerry Lewis fans out there? Not that I'm a fan, mind you, it's just those 2 queries are driving me bananas!"}, {"response": 23, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Fri, Apr 18, 1997 (08:53)", "body": "So I don't know where else to post this--the best plot synopsis ever. It's for THE MOLE PEOPLE (BW 1956): Archeologists go down a hole in Tibet and find albino Sumerians served grudgingly by mutant slaves in the dark. WOW! If you have to reveal the plot of a movie, that's the way to do it! I'd sure watch that!"}, {"response": 24, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Apr 19, 1997 (00:53)", "body": "That's a spoiler?"}, {"response": 25, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Mon, Apr 21, 1997 (13:23)", "body": "You're right, when it's that good, it doesn't need a spoiler alert. And it doesn't need a review, either--who cares about acting or cinematography when you have albino Sumerians, mutant slaves, and a hole in Tibet!"}, {"response": 26, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Apr 22, 1997 (23:30)", "body": "You have a point there."}, {"response": 27, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Wed, Apr 23, 1997 (09:14)", "body": "OK, so back to intros: failed to make it to the movin pitcher show last weekend but still aiming for Grosse Pointe Blank (any recs?) and thinking about The Saint (tho I'm hesitant because I was addicted to Roger Moore's as well as the books and just can't fathom---VAL KILMER?!?!? What were they thinking???). Any other suggestions?"}, {"response": 28, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Apr 24, 1997 (16:17)", "body": "I'm not the one to ask since I've been to so first first run movies lately. I guess you've seen Fargo right?"}, {"response": 29, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Fri, Apr 25, 1997 (08:05)", "body": "Yup, you betcha! I really enjoyed it, but I'm a Coen fan so that doesn't count. I'd never really enjoyed Frances McDormand, but I'm a huge fan now (I et a lotta popcorn at the show....)."}, {"response": 30, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Apr 25, 1997 (09:21)", "body": "Now, who is Frances McDormand?"}, {"response": 31, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Mon, Apr 28, 1997 (08:21)", "body": "She's Marge, the pregnant detective; Joel Coen's wife and winner of the best actress Oscar this year. She's played mostly character role-type-stuff (don't pin me down, I only have vague memories of seeing her emote in minor roles) as far as I know--hey! why don't I USE this internet thing, research it, and get back to you?"}, {"response": 32, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Mon, Apr 28, 1997 (08:24)", "body": "And I ADORED GPB!! I'm usually a little leery of recommending movies, especially to folks whose taste I haven't quite figgered out, but if you like black comedy, this is sort of grey. ish. Oh heck , I laughed, I cried, it became a part of me!"}, {"response": 33, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Mon, Apr 28, 1997 (08:49)", "body": "Wow, she actually has web sites dedicated to her! So she's been in a lot of Coen flicks--I don't remember her in Raising Arizona or Miller's Crossing; she was certainly interesting in Blood Simple (if you haven't seen it, rent it!). I'll have to think again about Primal Fear...oh yeah, she was in it. I didn't see Lone Star. She was nominated for an AA in Mississippi Burning, which I also didn't see. Right now she's in Paradise Road, which I will definitely not see. (is it really necessary to relate his whole filmography to whther or not I've seen the movie in question?!?!). She's also been on Twilight Zone and Hill Street Blues. I'd give you the link but I'm too embarrassed (I haven't learned html yet, after all my brave talk last week!)."}, {"response": 34, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Mon, Apr 28, 1997 (08:51)", "body": "Wow, she actually has web sites dedicated to her! So she's been in a lot of Coen flicks--I don't remember her in Raising Arizona or Miller's Crossing; she was certainly interesting in Blood Simple (if you haven't seen it, rent it!). I'll have to think again about Primal Fear...oh yeah, she was in it. I didn't see Lone Star. She was nominated for an AA in Mississippi Burning, which I also didn't see. Right now she's in Paradise Road, which I will definitely not see. (is it really necessary to relate his whole filmography to whther or not I've seen the movie in question?!?!). She's also been on Twilight Zone and Hill Street Blues. I'd give you the link but I'm too embarrassed (I haven't learned html yet, after all my brave talk last week!)."}, {"response": 35, "author": "ssor", "date": "Sun, May 18, 1997 (23:39)", "body": "This is a test, only a test"}, {"response": 36, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, May 19, 1997 (00:08)", "body": "Welcome back Ross."}, {"response": 37, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Mon, May 19, 1997 (08:27)", "body": "Hi Ross--Come back and tell me what you've seen and what you recommend!"}, {"response": 38, "author": "LorieS", "date": "Fri, May 23, 1997 (17:06)", "body": "Hi. Enjoyed your babbling in the dark, aubrey (and was glad Terry answered now and then to keep you sane). Did you really like GPB? My husband laughed out loud at that one (we just saw it last week at a second-run house near us), but he was the only one in the theater (and I sure wasn't laughing). Cutesy idea, but too bloody to be funny for me. Anyway, I too love AMC and wish I could get Turner classics on my cable system for free. While I'm an old movie buff, my era of specialization is silents through the 40's, so I don't know the answer to your Jerry Lewis inquiry. Terry, you seem like the guru so how does one see all the topics? And then see only the new ones the next time? I'm so confused. I started out in the Austen conference, and I've learned nothing!"}, {"response": 39, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, May 24, 1997 (10:11)", "body": "Are you running in the shell or on the web? I need to know this first before I answer your question. Have you set up your conference list?"}, {"response": 40, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Sun, May 25, 1997 (09:26)", "body": "Hey Lorie--glad to see you here too! Sorry I haven't been around much this week but I'm back. Going to see Addicted to Love (my beau dumped me a few months ago and I'm still in the mood) today--I'll report back."}, {"response": 41, "author": "LorieS", "date": "Wed, May 28, 1997 (16:29)", "body": "Terry, I believe I'm running in the web. Sorry, this is all very new for me since we just got net access at work (and yes, I'm doing this at work). I have set up a conference list, but it seems like in some I get only topics where people have responded to me (like here), and lose the old messages. However, in the Austen topic I clicked once on \"All\" instead of new, and now I always get all, not just new/responses. Any ideas? Thanks!"}, {"response": 42, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, May 28, 1997 (17:31)", "body": "I think the Austen conference has undersgone some customization. I'll look in to this."}, {"response": 43, "author": "LorieS", "date": "Thu, May 29, 1997 (16:38)", "body": "Thanks. By the way, things in this conference seem to work correctly. I see only new stuff in the threads I've been in. However, do I just click on \"All\" to see all the threads mentioned above? Thanks yet again for helping a newbie."}, {"response": 44, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, May 30, 1997 (08:39)", "body": "That's right, 'all' will show you everything."}, {"response": 45, "author": "LorieS", "date": "Fri, May 30, 1997 (15:43)", "body": "Thanks. Not that I've seen any movies lately, but it's good to know."}, {"response": 46, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, May 30, 1997 (19:52)", "body": "I'd like to see the Lost Word . Has anyone else seen this?"}, {"response": 47, "author": "yoda", "date": "Thu, Jul  3, 1997 (03:27)", "body": "i`m looking forward to see the new film called Men in Black In Holland it`s not playing at the moment did anybody saw the film. How was it ??"}, {"response": 48, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Jul  3, 1997 (07:05)", "body": "Not yet, and that was the Lost World, which I did end up seeing."}, {"response": 49, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Thu, Jul 24, 1997 (14:27)", "body": "Everyone who's seen MIB gives rave rvws; I wil see it this wknd maybe, and give you a report!"}, {"response": 50, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Jul 25, 1997 (09:36)", "body": "Anyone seen Contact?"}, {"response": 51, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Sep 24, 1997 (11:26)", "body": "Nope. I did see the 1st first run movie I've seen since ET. Okay, SLIGHT exaggeration but usually we do the $1 movie thing. I saw Wishmaster. Kinda cool, Linda Hamilton was the star... I think. I'm not so great with celebrity names. Comes from having no tv and not seeing very many movies. NPR makes it hard to place faces and names together."}, {"response": 52, "author": "legaffe", "date": "Sun, Oct 12, 1997 (11:19)", "body": "Is Linda Hamilton still buffed out like she was in Terminator?"}, {"response": 53, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Oct 13, 1997 (09:45)", "body": "If that was her, she still looks really good."}, {"response": 54, "author": "Mavric", "date": "Fri, Oct 24, 1997 (11:42)", "body": "I luv movis new and old. I like 'Jerry MaGuire' and 'Gone With The Wind'!"}, {"response": 55, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Oct 24, 1997 (14:37)", "body": "Welcome Walter!"}, {"response": 56, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Oct 24, 1997 (14:40)", "body": "Do you prefere GWTW in it's original form or colorized enhanced?"}, {"response": 57, "author": "Blondie", "date": "Sat, Oct 25, 1997 (03:37)", "body": "Hey there - Flicks are chilling!!!!"}, {"response": 58, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Oct 25, 1997 (09:02)", "body": "Why, hi there blondie!"}, {"response": 59, "author": "ledfords", "date": "Mon, Oct 27, 1997 (23:19)", "body": "The Star Wars trilogy is still my favorite. Can't wait for the prequels to be released!! Anyone have any good tidbits of info about them?"}, {"response": 60, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Oct 28, 1997 (08:49)", "body": "No but may the Force be with you in your search for more information."}, {"response": 61, "author": "gud", "date": "Fri, Nov  7, 1997 (21:42)", "body": "Hey everyone, I am somewhat of a movie buff as well. The last to movies that I've seen are L.A. Confidential and Devil's Advocate. I HIGHLY recommend either! Kevin Spacey was really good in LA and there were also some very talentd young actors. It was 2 1/2 hours long, but worth it. Paccino was amazing in Devil's Advocate (as usual), and although I'm not a big Kionu fan, he didn't do a bad job. Both screenplays were phennomenal! In LA they introduce tons of angles that you never think will all come togethe , but somehow in the end they do. Devil's Advocate on the other hand is intense, with some extremely creative ideas. I think out of all the movies out right now, these two are must sees!"}, {"response": 62, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Nov 10, 1997 (12:34)", "body": "GATTACA is another (from the girl usually relegated to the $1.75 theatre)"}, {"response": 63, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Nov 11, 1997 (18:36)", "body": "I never go to the movies, and rarely rent them (I have an exhaustive cable TV schedule to keep up with) but I did love \"Before Sunrise\" with Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, and the \"Jean de Florette/Manon of the Spring\" series, as well as \"Cinema Paradiso\" (very charming, but subtitles are frustrating). On my must-rent list are Washington Square, Wings of the Dove, and Portrait of a Lady (all out now)."}, {"response": 64, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Nov 11, 1997 (19:20)", "body": "Before Sunrise was a fabulous movie. I could definitely see this again and again."}, {"response": 65, "author": "soleil", "date": "Wed, Nov 12, 1997 (01:52)", "body": ""}, {"response": 66, "author": "soleil", "date": "Wed, Nov 12, 1997 (01:53)", "body": "I am confused. How do you do chat rooms?"}, {"response": 67, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Nov 12, 1997 (09:51)", "body": "What do you mean?"}, {"response": 68, "author": "Alicia", "date": "Sat, Jan 10, 1998 (18:11)", "body": "Hi! I'm a huge movie buff. This is the first time posting in the movie conference. I'm usually in the drool conference. Movies are my life practically. There's nothing else that I know more of than movies."}, {"response": 69, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sat, Jan 10, 1998 (22:25)", "body": "Hi Alicia!"}, {"response": 70, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Jan 10, 1998 (22:33)", "body": "Good, then you must see a lot of them, Alicia. Looking forward to many reviews."}, {"response": 71, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Jan 10, 1998 (23:02)", "body": "Great that you're expanding your horizons Alicia. Love it that you're joining the movie conference. What a breath of fresh air!"}, {"response": 72, "author": "pip", "date": "Wed, Feb 25, 1998 (11:31)", "body": "I've been lurking in drool long enough! Time to get some serious movie chat going."}, {"response": 74, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Feb 25, 1998 (14:57)", "body": "Wow, another adventuresome drooler, we won't hurt, will we, kitchenmanager?"}, {"response": 75, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Feb 25, 1998 (17:15)", "body": "not until you wander over to the sex conference or on our virtual couch!"}, {"response": 77, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Wed, Feb 25, 1998 (19:55)", "body": "and we all know how much you loathe those punishments *wink*"}, {"response": 78, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Feb 25, 1998 (20:04)", "body": "Now there'd be a movie worth talking about...."}, {"response": 79, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Wed, Feb 25, 1998 (21:11)", "body": "no kidding, I'd go see that on opening night!"}, {"response": 81, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Thu, Feb 26, 1998 (20:05)", "body": "LOL!!"}, {"response": 82, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Feb 27, 1998 (10:59)", "body": "I webcasted from 6th street last night. What a blast!"}, {"response": 83, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Mar  2, 1998 (09:17)", "body": "and what was the occasion???"}, {"response": 84, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Mar  2, 1998 (09:55)", "body": "I was just there. Meeting with my property manager of the future at a little psychedelica club."}, {"response": 85, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Mar  2, 1998 (17:08)", "body": "LoveJoy's???"}, {"response": 86, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Mar  2, 1998 (17:48)", "body": "Ya know, I don't know what it's called, they had all these 3d dayglo tripped out paintings all over the wall and a \"cave\" in the back."}, {"response": 87, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (21:44)", "body": "my kind of place! btw, how'd your meeting with the attorney go? didja have good negotiations?"}, {"response": 88, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Mar 10, 1998 (11:20)", "body": "All's going good so far!"}, {"response": 89, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Tue, Mar 10, 1998 (12:04)", "body": "good deal!!"}, {"response": 90, "author": "suzanne", "date": "Wed, Mar 11, 1998 (20:01)", "body": "Hi I'm Suzanne, and I do locations for movies. They call this location scouting."}, {"response": 92, "author": "Hal9000", "date": "Thu, Mar 12, 1998 (01:48)", "body": "Hello to all I am new to this and do not know what is going on yet so please bare with me here."}, {"response": 93, "author": "Hal9000", "date": "Thu, Mar 12, 1998 (01:50)", "body": "By the way what is all this hype about the movie Titanic..? Isn't this about done enough..? How many times will people pay to see the same thing with more affects thrown in????"}, {"response": 94, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Mar 12, 1998 (07:29)", "body": "I think you'll lose your citizenship if you don't see it."}, {"response": 96, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Mar 13, 1998 (16:35)", "body": "You and me both, wer! Welcome Suzanne and Hal9000. What location are you scouting now, Suzanne?"}, {"response": 97, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Mar 13, 1998 (17:45)", "body": "I likes the movie Titanic but with prices $7 a show there's no way I need to see it multiple times! The effects were great but I really enjoyed the little love story."}, {"response": 98, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Mar 15, 1998 (15:08)", "body": "Can't go see it--it's too sad! I cry during the Celine Dion video on MTV."}, {"response": 99, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Mar 16, 1998 (11:28)", "body": "it's really not that sad. a few tears but no sobbing."}, {"response": 101, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Mar 17, 1998 (14:42)", "body": "in general? to see a movie? or for a specific purpose?"}, {"response": 103, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Wed, Mar 18, 1998 (15:00)", "body": ":-) Welcome Suzanne and Hal9000. Please make yourselves at home here - and bring in a better couch for the movie theatre, cos ours is a bit worn out."}, {"response": 104, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Mar 18, 1998 (17:24)", "body": "lotsa roguh housing going on while the lights are out!"}, {"response": 106, "author": "Christopher", "date": "Sun, Mar 22, 1998 (11:24)", "body": "Anyone wanna talk about Titanic, the movie?"}, {"response": 108, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Mar 23, 1998 (10:09)", "body": "hi christopher! how'd ya find us?"}, {"response": 109, "author": "EEK", "date": "Wed, Apr  1, 1998 (12:14)", "body": "I am a big movie fan, I think I could run my own movie theatre with all the movies I buy or I could build one with all the money I have spent on going to see the movies. Keep me updated, I am new here."}, {"response": 110, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Apr  2, 1998 (16:44)", "body": "Great, glad you're checking in! Come back often and post lots!"}, {"response": 111, "author": "EEK", "date": "Fri, Apr  3, 1998 (11:49)", "body": "I will try my best to visit as often as I can. My project is almost over, but I am enjoying the topics. Thanks for making me feel welcome!"}, {"response": 113, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Fri, Apr  3, 1998 (16:19)", "body": "hi movie-lovers. anyone seen LA Confidential? I guess that's a silly question, or maybe it's not. Anyway, I caught it last weekend, and it was *superb*! People even clapped at the end! It was excellent, really really good - not what I expected from a Hollywood movie at all. One thing, though. Why did Kim Basinger get an Oscar? Best Chest in a Hollywood Movie?"}, {"response": 114, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Apr  3, 1998 (21:23)", "body": "Leave it to Mike to come up with that one! What a babe connoisseur. I haven't seen LA Confidential, but it's next on my list of movies to see."}, {"response": 115, "author": "suzanne", "date": "Thu, Apr 30, 1998 (13:54)", "body": "intorduction to the movie conference ."}, {"response": 117, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Apr 30, 1998 (16:02)", "body": "Welcome!"}, {"response": 118, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Jun 24, 1998 (01:25)", "body": "Oh boy, I'm sicker than I thought . . . I'm even seeing green now!"}, {"response": 119, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Jun 24, 1998 (01:26)", "body": "It's gone now . . . I swear I saw green all over the place!"}, {"response": 120, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Jun 30, 1998 (21:36)", "body": "feeling better this week?"}, {"response": 121, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Jul  1, 1998 (01:34)", "body": "Top form, thanks!!!! I never let illness ruin my health."}, {"response": 122, "author": "MaryBeth", "date": "Wed, Jul  8, 1998 (20:03)", "body": "Hi. I watch a lot of movies, both in the theater and rented. I just want to know other people's opinions of different movies, that's all. That's what this is for, isn't it?"}, {"response": 123, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Jul  8, 1998 (22:26)", "body": "You bet, Marybeth! Welcome and feel free to post your movie reviews in any of the relevant topics."}, {"response": 124, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Jul  8, 1998 (23:14)", "body": "Absolutely!"}, {"response": 125, "author": "riette", "date": "Thu, Jul  9, 1998 (01:25)", "body": "And join us in the other conferences too. It's great fun, and we're always looking for new opinions and faces."}, {"response": 126, "author": "riette", "date": "Thu, Jul  9, 1998 (01:25)", "body": "See Terry? I'm on a mission from God."}, {"response": 127, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Fri, Jul 10, 1998 (08:10)", "body": "with a full tank of gas and a half a pack of cigarettes..."}, {"response": 128, "author": "riette", "date": "Sat, Jul 11, 1998 (01:27)", "body": "but I neither drive, nor smoke. Oh! You?"}, {"response": 129, "author": "kristen", "date": "Tue, Jul 14, 1998 (23:13)", "body": "Hi!"}, {"response": 130, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Jul 15, 1998 (01:12)", "body": "Hi! Are you here to stay or is this going to be a one night stand?"}, {"response": 131, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Jul 17, 1998 (21:08)", "body": "I feel used already..."}, {"response": 132, "author": "riette", "date": "Sat, Jul 18, 1998 (00:54)", "body": "ha-ha, And you've only been back one day!! Did you have a good time, girl?"}, {"response": 133, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Jul 19, 1998 (11:49)", "body": "Oh yeah! We just relaxed and did our girl stuff all day and let our sugar daddy take us out to dinner every night! It was nice to just not have to cook for a week."}, {"response": 134, "author": "riette", "date": "Sun, Jul 19, 1998 (15:35)", "body": "Hmm, sounds wonderful! I too have a short holiday in sight, and I can already not sleep at night, I'm so excited."}, {"response": 135, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Jul 20, 1998 (22:32)", "body": "Your trip to Boston??"}, {"response": 136, "author": "riette", "date": "Tue, Jul 21, 1998 (05:31)", "body": "No, that will happen later this year - unless my sister gets here first, because she's planning a trip to Namibia for October, and we might arrange it so that she comes here for two weeks at the same time, in which case it's unlikely that I will go to America this year. We'll be spending too much money! No, we're going to the Lake District in England for six days - fly next Wednesday evening. We're going to stay at a cottage there with my husbands three best friends from university; I love them all, they are very nice people, and they all see me as a pet, so they spoil me. Don't mind that at all every once in a while!"}, {"response": 137, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Jul 21, 1998 (06:11)", "body": "Is your sister on the net too? What's she like?"}, {"response": 138, "author": "riette", "date": "Tue, Jul 21, 1998 (07:12)", "body": "Sonja has internet and e-mail, but her working hours are akward. What's she like? Physically or personaility wise? Physically, being my twin, she looks like me, but a PRETTY version - probably because she came out first, I lie to myself to make me feel better! And she is VERY VERY funny. She is also kind, intelligent and warm. She would be much loved if she were to come here. She might come around October when she has a few weeks off."}, {"response": 139, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Jul 21, 1998 (12:16)", "body": "She must be a world class beauty indeed. And what part of the world does Sonja habitate? That would be very, very cool if she joined us ... seeing the interaction between the two of you. Is she as chatty as you?"}, {"response": 140, "author": "riette", "date": "Tue, Jul 21, 1998 (12:49)", "body": "Sonja lives in Boston now - married an American - which Mum is very pi$$ed off about. Don't think she'll ever 'forgive' us for flying off such a long way from the nest - we three are very close. Not sure if you or the others will enjoy the interaction between us - that part scares me a little; scared we'll scare you away. We just have too many private jokes and stuff between us, and we'll just end up taking the whole place over - though we won't mean to. It will cause a certain amount of trouble and friction, because we feel strongly about the same things, and have the same opinion on literally EVERYTHING, even though we don't really mean to. (That is the bit that is identical between us). I don't know if that sort of thing will be fair on the rest of you. There's a good chance she'll be visiting me soon, and I'll introduce her then - we can see how it goes. And yes, she is as chatty as me. If you want I can post you a picture of her, and you can put it into my topic in 'Babes', so you and the others can see what she looks like."}, {"response": 141, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Jul 21, 1998 (15:28)", "body": "Absolutely, and having her on would more than likely double our pleasure. I can't imagine any discontent over two of you! The picture would be great. So you're identical twins, wow! I have some cousins who are identical twins and they're both super folks (Barney and Muriel), she's a schoolteacher with a big family and he's a multimillionaire shipping magnate / travel tour businessman."}, {"response": 142, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Jul 21, 1998 (20:20)", "body": "ummm... problem with the 'identical' part (unless there was a SERIOUS operation in their past!)"}, {"response": 143, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Jul 21, 1998 (20:47)", "body": "Identical wasn't what I meant. Anyway, do you and your sister email each other now? I try to keep an email going with my sister, but we've been lagging and I can't seem to get her attention into this."}, {"response": 144, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Jul 22, 1998 (01:28)", "body": "We e-mail about twenty times a day! Whenever she's got a minute at work or when I've got a few minutes, and when I wake up in the morning there will be a LONG mail on my screen. We miss each other like he\ufffd\ufffd. But in a way I suppose it is better for us to be apart."}, {"response": 145, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Jul 22, 1998 (05:42)", "body": "Wow, the way you two communicate, it would be *very interesting* to see you online together here. I'd say twenty emails a day is a prolific correspondence. What do you talk about mostly?"}, {"response": 146, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Jul 22, 1998 (06:31)", "body": "And it doesn't even feel like we talk to each other alot! Weekends we phone our brother on my mum's phones, and drive him crazy. ha-ha! I am not sure what we talk about, really. Infantile nonsense, I think. We laugh alot."}, {"response": 147, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Jul 22, 1998 (06:33)", "body": "Do you have only the one sister, Terry? Is there a big age difference? Are you close?"}, {"response": 148, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Jul 22, 1998 (08:45)", "body": "We're pretty close, except we don't communicate as well as we should. I need to pick up the ball here. She's five years younger than I. There's probably a picture of her under alice something at http://www.spring.net/~terry/albumjpg"}, {"response": 149, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Jul 22, 1998 (12:22)", "body": "Yes, I found her . . . along with some other interesting photos . . . She looks nice, though I can't make out that much of her face. It's a very nice photo. Why don't you communicate well - do you live too far away from each other?"}, {"response": 150, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Jul 22, 1998 (13:11)", "body": "with my brother it's not the distance of the body... it is the distance of our minds..."}, {"response": 151, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Wed, Jul 22, 1998 (13:40)", "body": "where does he live, Stace? SA?"}, {"response": 152, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Jul 22, 1998 (14:45)", "body": ""}, {"response": 153, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Jul 22, 1998 (14:45)", "body": "She's in Calif."}, {"response": 154, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Jul 22, 1998 (15:07)", "body": "There are 4 of us kids, and one still lives w/Mom & Dad, we live on the same street as my parents, another lives around the corner, and my sister is 2 miles down the highway. (The apple doesn't fall far from the tree around here.) It's great for all our kids."}, {"response": 155, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Jul 22, 1998 (17:20)", "body": "Hey, maybe we should start a 'family' conference where folks could talk about their families? topics could be mom, dad, sister, brother, kids, etc. etc."}, {"response": 156, "author": "riette", "date": "Thu, Jul 23, 1998 (01:16)", "body": "Love the photo, Terry! A family conference? Why not? But leave the dad-topic out."}, {"response": 157, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Jul 23, 1998 (18:54)", "body": "all dads aren't unsavory Riette... mine is pretty neat."}, {"response": 158, "author": "riette", "date": "Thu, Jul 23, 1998 (19:36)", "body": "T'was a joke."}, {"response": 159, "author": "riette", "date": "Thu, Jul 23, 1998 (19:38)", "body": "If I thought ALL dads were unsavory, I would never have had kids."}, {"response": 160, "author": "riette", "date": "Thu, Jul 23, 1998 (19:38)", "body": "Not with a man anyway!"}, {"response": 161, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Jul 23, 1998 (19:38)", "body": "oooh! now THAT would've been interesting!"}, {"response": 162, "author": "riette", "date": "Thu, Jul 23, 1998 (19:38)", "body": "oitificial inseminiotion"}, {"response": 163, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Fri, Mar 12, 1999 (09:50)", "body": "Hello springers! I love movies, too, but in the last couple of years missed nearly every single one I wanted to see (notable exception being Mars Attacks!, which is one of the most intelligent folms ever made). Actually, it's strange to show up here, 'coz yall be yapping away about stuff that might never even be released over here, and if, then with a bad translation and worse title to match. I collect film on reels (e.g. Super8, Normal or Standard 8, 16mm, etc.), and film family and friends with my Super8 film camera. Maybe one day I'll make a short movie... But it'll be in Super8, because I'm a very analogue personality, I'm afraid."}, {"response": 164, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Fri, Mar 12, 1999 (09:52)", "body": "Oh, sorry, forgot this here: Is there anybody interested in the same thing? Swap, trade, chat. Please check http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/collecting/24 ."}, {"response": 165, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Mar 12, 1999 (15:59)", "body": "Cool, I'll check out your topic in the collecting conference."}, {"response": 166, "author": "Smantha", "date": "Wed, Oct 20, 1999 (15:40)", "body": "Ok,hi.The last ling I saw posted her was in March.So if your looking here,hi."}, {"response": 167, "author": "Smantha", "date": "Wed, Oct 20, 1999 (15:41)", "body": "Ok,hi.The last thing I saw posted her was in March.So if your looking here,hi."}, {"response": 168, "author": "Smantha", "date": "Wed, Oct 20, 1999 (15:41)", "body": "Ok,hi.The last thing I saw posted here was in March.So if your looking here,hi."}, {"response": 169, "author": "Smantha", "date": "Wed, Oct 20, 1999 (15:45)", "body": "Opps.Why did I do that?"}, {"response": 170, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Oct 20, 1999 (15:50)", "body": "Magic! At least you did not contradict yourself *smile* (It happens to all of us at one time or another!!!)"}, {"response": 171, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Oct 20, 1999 (22:06)", "body": "Welcome, Samantha! Welcome, Samantha! Welcome, Samantha! :-)"}, {"response": 172, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Sat, Oct 23, 1999 (15:01)", "body": "Oh, look, everybody! Samantha and Autumn both have a hickup! hickup! hickup!"}, {"response": 173, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Oct 26, 1999 (09:06)", "body": "Howdy Samantha!"}, {"response": 174, "author": "wolf", "date": "Thu, Feb 10, 2000 (20:32)", "body": "hi samantha!"}, {"response": 175, "author": "judy", "date": "Tue, Jul 18, 2000 (17:31)", "body": "Is it too late to join in ? I'm just taking time out from drool,stretching my wings and wanted to say hello."}, {"response": 176, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Jul 18, 2000 (18:06)", "body": "welcome!!"}, {"response": 177, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Jul 25, 2000 (16:05)", "body": "Hello, Judy!!"}, {"response": 178, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Wed, Jul 26, 2000 (04:56)", "body": "It's never too late, in fact, you're right on time, Judy."}, {"response": 179, "author": "Claptonia1", "date": "Fri, Jul 28, 2000 (08:58)", "body": "Hi all, I love movies! I am a huge Geoffrey Rush fan and I can't wait for quills to be released, has anyone else heard the buzz about it?"}, {"response": 180, "author": "Carys", "date": "Sat, Sep  9, 2000 (13:25)", "body": "Hey there! I'm just out of lurkdom and ready to partake of the Spring. I LOVE movies, hey I live vicariously, through the movies that is. I have a degree in art history and did take film studies courses. Consequently I'm a little more informed than the average fan, but hey, please don't hold that against me. Michelle, I've read a bit about Quills. It's based on a play about the internment in a madhouse of the Marquis de Sade toward the end of his life. I also noticed that you have a topic for Rush at the drool conference. I seems that nobody ever posts there. Michelle, I say post there. Why not?!? Colin Firth is not the center of the universe -- not even at drool. That is one conference that definitely needs shaken out of its complacency. I say other women should demand their right to drool and the powers that be there be damned. Much of that last paragraph was in defense of friend of mine who posts at drool. She's a sweet woman but a doormat. I've told her as much and she agrees. I won't mention her name. I've lurked there for some time and those in charge are not nice people; however, she is. I say post on that Geoffrey Rush topic. And who the hell is Stephen Dillane anyway? And who the hell cares?"}, {"response": 181, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Sep  9, 2000 (13:52)", "body": "I say other women should demand their right to drool and the powers that be there be damned. No one is preventing anyone from posting at the other topics at Drool. Much of that last paragraph was in defense of friend of mine who posts at drool. She's a sweet woman but a doormat. I hadn't noticed that we had any active posters who acted like doormats. and the powers that be there be damned. Do you customarily go to other people's homes and insult them? Hosts (generic) do this voluntarily and expend quite a bit of effort and time/money on keeping the site active and worth visiting. Sorry that you don't like, but maybe Drool is not for you."}, {"response": 182, "author": "Carys", "date": "Sat, Sep  9, 2000 (15:08)", "body": "Possibly, and that is definitely worth pondering. But if you think that a website is your home -- you need to get out of the house or get a life. Nah, what you need is to lighten up. Since you obviously have trouble grasping the concept that message boards are supposed to be fun you should run back to your little world there at drool. Go back to your little sandbox and leave the other conferences to grown-ups who know how to take a joke. Furthermore Karen, I think you owe the people at the movie conference an apology for bringing your whining and sniffling over here. You are probably not adult enough for that so I shall do it for you. I apologize for the ugly scene warranted by the humorless Karen and my having to stoop to this level by her inability to have some fun poked at her. I hope things improve from this point onward."}, {"response": 183, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Sep  9, 2000 (16:57)", "body": "anyway......welcome to the movie conference!! i don't get out to see movies as much as i'd like so my comments on them may be a bit dated! oh, and i like geoffrey rush, he's good!"}, {"response": 184, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Sep  9, 2000 (21:22)", "body": "Hello again, Carys! (Does Carys remind anyone else of a certain Namibian we all know and love?!) The last good movie I rented was House of Yes , with Parker Posey. It's one of those quirky indie films with weird situations interspersed with clever dialogue."}, {"response": 185, "author": "sociolingo", "date": "Sun, Sep 10, 2000 (09:30)", "body": "We sat down and watched a really wierd, I think 1970s, fantasy film called Labyrinth. It had David Bowie in it as the goblin lord and was really a tale about how a girl wished her baby brother to be taken by the goblins, and then when it happened had to fight her way through the labyrinth to rescue him. SAome bits were good and funny, and there were some very nice special effects, but I got a bit bored with it ....I think it can go out to the nearest charity shop..."}, {"response": 186, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Sep 10, 2000 (09:44)", "body": "i liked that one! (labyrinth)"}, {"response": 187, "author": "sociolingo", "date": "Sun, Sep 10, 2000 (10:32)", "body": "Bits of it I really liked ...but I felt it dragged in the middle. I did like the ending and it was a nice gentle film. Maybe I was just too tired that night to appreciate it!"}, {"response": 188, "author": "sociolingo", "date": "Sun, Sep 10, 2000 (10:33)", "body": "(Hey, Wolfie, go look at education and cultures conferences please ...I'se getting lonely in there... *grin*)"}, {"response": 189, "author": "Carys", "date": "Mon, Sep 11, 2000 (17:24)", "body": "Hey guys! I'm so sorry for the bad intro to your conference. But I'm a loud-mouthed broad and make no apologies for it. Except I just did. That's only because you're such nice people! Besides being flamed and returning the favor are part of life on the internet. Sometimes you just meet up with people bring out the worst in you and you with them. She's gone back to her conference and as she noted it's not really the place for me. So be it. I can respect that. I remember seeing Labyrinth. I really enjoyed it. I don't know if my son, Alun, is old enough for it though. He's eight but I think it might be better to wait about 2 years or so. The role in Labryinth was really a good one for Bowie. He always seemed so other-worldly that roles such as that and The Man Who Fell to Earth really suited him. It's really funny that I worry about my son seeing Labyrinth. All this summer he's been pestering my husband and me to take him to see Gladiator. Over my dead body. That is not a movie fit for any child. Alex, my husband, says that it's a movie for grown women where they can slober and grovel over Russell Crowe's thighs. I think he might be just a tad insecure. Glad to be here!"}, {"response": 190, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Sep 11, 2000 (20:58)", "body": "i had heard that the gladiator was a good one. maggie: i haven't seen labyrinth in a while so i can't remember if it drags or not!!"}, {"response": 191, "author": "sociolingo", "date": "Tue, Sep 12, 2000 (03:13)", "body": "Yup, I really enjoyed Gladiator. However, I definitely wouldn't take a youngish kid. I sat and squirmed in my seat at the beginning - it was SO gory that I really wondered if I was going to be able to stay!!! Having said that, the violence is appropriate for the story, and as a young friend of mine said to me 'if you use a sword, it gets messy!'. The music is great and really adds to the film, I think some of it has become popular in it's own right in the UK too. For me the extreme violence made me feel uncomfortable, and I spent quite a bit of the film with my eyes shut. However, the bits in between more than made up for that - excellent storyline. Funnily enough there was a Roman weekend on TV recently and seeing the 'real' gladiator story and discussion on Roman warfare tactics made me realise again how good the film had been ....and having seen the film, added to my enjoyment of the TV programmes."}, {"response": 192, "author": "Carys", "date": "Sat, Sep 23, 2000 (12:33)", "body": "The documentary sounds interesting. Some great background for the movie. I did take my son to see Chicken Run and Fantasia 2000. He liked them both. I think I liked Chicken Run a bit than he did though. That pretty much is because I got all the film references in the movie, such as the Great Escape, Stalag 17, etc. He liked a lot of the new Fantasia. His favorite segment was the first one. The music was the Pines of Rome and it used computer animation of whales. It truly was breathtaking. He also liked the one holdover from the orignal film, The Sorcerer's Apprentice with Mickey Mouse."}, {"response": 193, "author": "sociolingo", "date": "Sat, Sep 23, 2000 (15:30)", "body": "We (husband and me) went to see Chicken Run ...and enjoyed it on the same level as you Carys. I have yet to go and see Stuart Little ..... movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 10, "subject": "Foiled - B-movie in production in Manchester, UK", "response_count": 1, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Feb 13, 1997 (23:44)", "body": "When will this be released and how would we get to see it? How are you handling distribution? movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 11, "subject": "What movies have you been seeing?", "response_count": 329, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "Amy", "date": "Sat, Feb 15, 1997 (17:08)", "body": "I rented Total Eclipse last night, a biographical account of one part of Arthur Rimbaud's life. I don't know if I will see it again for another 10 years, but I am pretty sure I am glad I've seen it once. http://us.imdb.com/M/title-exact?Total%20Eclipse%20%281995%29"}, {"response": 2, "author": "geekman", "date": "Sat, Feb 15, 1997 (17:16)", "body": "Amy, you've been busy here all the while I've been viewing this conference. Now I know why things kept changing. :-) Now, I have recently seen, Persuasion (again), Shine , Romeo + Juliet and GP and JN's Emma . :-)"}, {"response": 3, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Sat, Feb 15, 1997 (20:46)", "body": "I just got home from seeing Shine and liked it very much. Some wonderful performances there and fabulous music. I loved the whole Rach 3 sequence, starting from when he was working on it with his teacher (great job here by John Gielgud) and the concert itself was amazing! But I must disagree with my friend (and little brother) Ian and say that Geoffrey Rush does not deserve the Oscar. It was a good performance but he was only in half of the movie! Now if they could split it between him and Noah Taylor (the adolescent David) I might go for it. ;-) But that will never happen, so I continue to believe that Ralph Feinnes (*sigh*) will win the Oscar."}, {"response": 4, "author": "Becks", "date": "Sun, Feb 16, 1997 (04:30)", "body": "What have I seen lately---hmmmmm All of the Oscar contenders, except for Breaking the Waves. Portrait of a Lady, Hamlet, Everyone Says I Love You. I really loved Hamlet and Everyone....Both really entertaining, and worth the money."}, {"response": 5, "author": "winter", "date": "Sun, Feb 16, 1997 (14:00)", "body": "i've been on a HUGE movie-kick this past week; seeing films for the second time, renting a film though i'd seen it twice before... trainspotting (rented) life is sweet (rented; seen it twice before) the english patient (my 2nd viewing) secrets & lies (my 2nd viewing) hamlet (that's this afternoon--my first time) and of course...P&P2 gets popped into the VCR (i watch it as i fall asleep occasionally)"}, {"response": 6, "author": "Luba", "date": "Sun, Feb 16, 1997 (15:52)", "body": "Hi, Luisa here.Back again! Recently I saw films I don`t think I will forget that soon. Breaking the Waves is one of the most moving and interesting love stories I have seen in years. Well, apart from ours truly P&P2...Very different altogether. This one was about immortal and all-consuming love with a huge tenderness and spiritualtity. Loved it! I also saw Secrets and Lies. Made me laugh, cringe with embarassment and gasp. Well the normal stuff that makes a movie exciting, I guess. Brenda Blethyn is very, very good. Shine was wonderful and I have to agree that the younger, adolescent actor deserved some recognition for his touching portrayal. Geoffrey Rush was good, but the movie is not all about him. The Mirror has two faces is one movie I would advise as a great comedy about love and hazzard. Left me in a jolly great mood. :-)"}, {"response": 7, "author": "Carolyn", "date": "Mon, Feb 17, 1997 (06:46)", "body": "I just saw \"Fools Rush In\" this weekend. I really like it. Matthew Perry & Selma Hayek have a good chemistry together. And it was very funny. Star Wars--special edition--Still great after all these years and the new special effects just enhance the story, and don't distract from it."}, {"response": 8, "author": "amy2", "date": "Mon, Feb 17, 1997 (11:25)", "body": "Instantly forgettable: VACATION IN VEGAS. Save your money! I highly recommend: THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD with Rene Zellwegger & Vince D'Onofrio. Awesome! A powerful romance that is the story of Robert E. Howard, the man who created CONAN. Saw SHINE this weekend. Was not blown away. The lesson: playing piano drives you to madness?? (Cheryl?)"}, {"response": 9, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Mon, Feb 17, 1997 (12:17)", "body": "Amy2: Saw SHINE this weekend. Was not blown away. The lesson: playing piano drives you to madness?? (Cheryl?) Now, now Amy, this is the conclusion you came to from seeing the film? ;-) Replace \"playing piano\" to \"living with a controlling, manipulative father\" and I'll agree with you! For the record: Learning to play the piano does not drive one to insanity. There, I feel better having defended my beloved piano."}, {"response": 10, "author": "Inko", "date": "Mon, Feb 17, 1997 (17:22)", "body": "\"living with a controlling, manipulative father\" Good for you Cheryl. That's what I got out of \"Shine\" too, it was the father not the piano playing that did the harm. Still liked the movie, though, even though the father was such a monster, albeit a believable one considering everything he'd been through."}, {"response": 11, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Tue, Feb 18, 1997 (11:19)", "body": "I just saw Primal Fear which was excellent, I think Edward Norton deserves the oscar for Supporting Actor. A Time to Kill, Matthew McConaughey (gorgeous) and I just saw Trainspotting, Ewan McGregor is to die for, drop-deap gorgeous, the best scottish actor of his age group. Oh and I just saw A very Brady Sequel."}, {"response": 12, "author": "amy2", "date": "Tue, Feb 18, 1997 (11:34)", "body": "I am of course being facetious. But you have to admit that having young David actually HIT THE FLOOR after playing the Rach III kind of conveys the impression that this piece can drive you to madness. I saw the film with my sister & brother-in-law, two accomplished pianists, and they agreed. I didn't like the \"Hollywood\" version of having David go mad right at the pivotal moment. If this actually happened in real life, I will eat Cheryl's Steinway!"}, {"response": 13, "author": "Dina", "date": "Tue, Feb 18, 1997 (14:30)", "body": "I saw Shine and Sling Blade recently. Well written, well acted but very hard to sit through. Just kept shaking my head. Boy, have I had an easy life. The Whole Wide World is also very good. Take a hanky. Looking for time to go see Hamlet Got to see some good stuff at the Sundance Film Festival (aka: The Wear Black and Use Your Cellular Film Festival). Best of show: House of Yes I think Miramax bought it so look for it this Summer."}, {"response": 14, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Tue, Feb 18, 1997 (17:05)", "body": "Amy2: If this actually happened in real life, I will eat Cheryl's Steinway! According to my Australian source, Ian, and every newspaper article printed in the country about the movie that he has read, it is TRUE!!! Amy, I do not happen to own a Steinway at the moment, but I do have a fine Yamaha. While I shall mourn its loss, it may be worth it to see you eat it...would you like some catsup or perhaps a fine dijon to accompany it? ;-)"}, {"response": 15, "author": "elder", "date": "Tue, Feb 18, 1997 (19:08)", "body": "Oh, Cheryl & Amy2 -- please do not start this fine repast until we can all be present to watch. And what wine goes best with a Yamaha piano, pray tell? :P"}, {"response": 16, "author": "bernhard", "date": "Tue, Feb 18, 1997 (20:35)", "body": "maybe saki instead of wine"}, {"response": 17, "author": "JohanneD", "date": "Tue, Feb 18, 1997 (20:42)", "body": "and teriyaki sauce ;)"}, {"response": 18, "author": "Ann", "date": "Tue, Feb 18, 1997 (22:46)", "body": "Served over some nice white steamed rice."}, {"response": 19, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Wed, Feb 19, 1997 (01:06)", "body": "hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee ;-)"}, {"response": 20, "author": "cassandra", "date": "Sun, Feb 23, 1997 (15:16)", "body": "Everyone says I love you, HAmlet(why didn't KB get nominated???), the Crucible, Evita, and Portrait of a LAdy. I also should confess that my friend(she's a major TIm Dalton fan-he's her one and only JAmes Bond) dragged me kicking and screaming to the Beautician and the Beast. If you're ever suffering from insomnia, watch/rent that one! What happened to Dalton-Scarlett was bad enough, but this one? A few weeks ago, Wuthering Heights was on TV and he was so wonderful in that-dark, brooding... Oh and if there is any justice in the world, Ralph Fiennes will win the Oscar for the English Patient. Besides EMMA2 and my first viewing of Casablanca, seeing TEP was the only time I ever cried in a movie theatre. The tissues were flying. The woman next to me could barely stand up after it was over. The cave scene-I will come back. I'll never leave you. oOOH BABY!"}, {"response": 21, "author": "Pandora620", "date": "Sun, Feb 23, 1997 (22:51)", "body": "I'm sure you have all seen Barry Lyndon long ago but I rented it today. It is so great. Everything was so authenic from the Georgian period. I didn't remember that it was an Acadamy Award winner in 1975. Also heard Restoration was from the periods we are interested in. I don't know a thing about it. Anyone know anything about it? Will see The Madness of King George for the second time tomorrow."}, {"response": 22, "author": "kate", "date": "Sun, Feb 23, 1997 (23:19)", "body": "] Restoration Haven't seen it, but its from the 1670s (ie the Restoration of the British monarchy after the civil war), and about 140 years before our period."}, {"response": 23, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Sun, Feb 23, 1997 (23:24)", "body": "I just got home from seeing The Empire Strikes Back. My whole family went, four die hard fans and my sister-in-law who has never seen these movies before! (too young, it seems...;-p) Well, afterwards she said \"Oh no! Darth Vader is Luke's father? And poor Han Solo! And who is \"the other?\" And now I have to wait three weeks to find out what happens next?\" I said, \"Oh honey! We had to wait two years!\" It's fun seeing these movies in the theater again, and Empire has always been my favorite of the three. I may have to go see it again! ;-)"}, {"response": 24, "author": "kate", "date": "Mon, Feb 24, 1997 (08:32)", "body": "Cheryl I went on Saturday too. Every one went crazy when Yoda said \"No there is another\" In fact everyone went crazy every time some key line was said, or some key character appeared. (Han, R2D2 and Yoda got the biggest cheers) The best bit was just before Han was about to kiss Leia for the first time some guy yelled out \"DO IT Han!\" It brought the house down..."}, {"response": 25, "author": "Tracey", "date": "Mon, Feb 24, 1997 (12:37)", "body": "I saw Cold Comfort Farm this weekend. In the wake of Emma3, it was really interesting - there are quite a few parallels between KB's characters in these 2 films. And, The Madness of King George! Watched that for the first time 2 weeks ago, and was totally bowled over! It really should have won Best Picture when it was nominated; what beat it? Forrest Gump?"}, {"response": 26, "author": "Ann", "date": "Mon, Feb 24, 1997 (17:34)", "body": "Forrest Gump also beat Shawshank Redemption which was clearly the best picture of that year. I was very depressed that oscar-night."}, {"response": 27, "author": "Becks", "date": "Mon, Feb 24, 1997 (17:44)", "body": "I was so angry that S&S was beaten by Braveheart last year. ALthough it was a good film, S&S was much better."}, {"response": 28, "author": "bernhard", "date": "Tue, Feb 25, 1997 (00:21)", "body": "and Braveheart won for makeup, too \"let's see is that blue on the left and red on the right, or red on the left and blue on the right?\""}, {"response": 29, "author": "Amy", "date": "Tue, Feb 25, 1997 (00:23)", "body": "But Braveheart was a fine movie."}, {"response": 30, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Tue, Feb 25, 1997 (00:41)", "body": "Ann: Forrest Gump also beat Shawshank Redemption which was clearly the best picture of that year. I was very depressed that oscar-night. Ann, I felt the same way! Shawshank REdemption was a remarkable movie, riveting, very moving...definately the best movie of the year!"}, {"response": 31, "author": "Tracey", "date": "Tue, Feb 25, 1997 (08:44)", "body": "I stayed up 'till 2 am last Friday watching Shawshank Redemption on Flix and I agree - what a great film! By the way, have you ever read the Stephen King story it's based on, Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption? A really good piece of writing, and translated into film very well, just like his short story The Body, which became Stand By Me (love that movie!)"}, {"response": 32, "author": "Amy", "date": "Tue, Feb 25, 1997 (09:32)", "body": "Stand By Me is wonderful."}, {"response": 33, "author": "Amy", "date": "Tue, Feb 25, 1997 (09:34)", "body": "Did anyone else find the Ken Burn's film on Jefferson a disapointment? It showed on most PBS stations last week. It didn't seem so compelling as Civil War or even Baseball and I love Jefferson. Maybe there are not enough colorful and knowledgable people to talk interview -- no Shelby Foote. Is Dumas Malone dead now? He is or was probably boring. Horrible generalization I know, I hope I am wrong."}, {"response": 34, "author": "maud", "date": "Tue, Feb 25, 1997 (13:47)", "body": "Speaking of the Regency period I rented Princess Carabou last night. A wonderful story and strong cast, including Kevin Kline, Stephen Rea, Wendy Hughes and John Lithgow---I recommend it. Also Anna Chancellor is in it!"}, {"response": 35, "author": "Ann2", "date": "Tue, Feb 25, 1997 (14:31)", "body": "Is there anybody out there at all familiar with the work of Dennis Potter? 'The singing detective' and 'Pennies from Heaven' ? Now they(Swedish TV2) have sent 'Karaoke', a very fine and heart-tearing piece staring Albert Finney and in a smaller part Anna Chancellor; they are both very good. And it is now followed by the last film he wrote before he died, 'Cold Lazarus' about how the author from Karaoke has been frozen for hundreds of years and scientists in the future are getting into his memory. One scientist played by Ciaran Hinds !"}, {"response": 36, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Tue, Feb 25, 1997 (16:25)", "body": "Those of us who are in the thralls of a new Star Wars addiction may enjoy this David Letterman, Top Ten signs that you are obsessing over Star Wars : 10. Your poodles are named \"C,\" \"3,\" \"P\" and \"O\" 9. You won't sleep with your wife unless she says, \"Help me, Obi Wan, you're my only hope\" 8. You spent $10,000 trying to Rogaine yourself into Chewbacca 7. You're continually stunned when the President makes major decisions without consulting Mark Hamill 6. Your favorite pickup line: \"Would you like to handle my light saber?\" 5. You keep referring to your lawn mower as \"that crazy droid\" 4. You spend most of your days trying to use \"the Force\" to open a can of pears 3. You once saw an eggplant that looked kind of like Darth Vader and almost had a heart attack 2. Your sex life is strictly \"Han Solo,\" if you know what I mean 1. You like Yoda so much, you voted for Ross Perot"}, {"response": 37, "author": "Susan", "date": "Tue, Feb 25, 1997 (23:56)", "body": "#33 Amy, I taped Burns's Jefferson, but haven't watched it yet. I'll let you know what I think when I do. TJ is by far my most favorite historical character. There's an excellent biography out on him by Fern something (can't remember her last name) -- it's huge, but reads like a novel. I recommend it highly. #36 Cheryl, those are great. Even though I've watched Star Wars enough that I don't need to see it again, I can still remember enough to appreciate the humor. Thanks for sharing!"}, {"response": 38, "author": "Carolyn", "date": "Wed, Feb 26, 1997 (06:42)", "body": "#33 Amy, I watched Burn's Jefferson, and was disappointed also. Our local station was able air an interview with Ken Burns after the first episode. I do not know if it was available to other PBS stations. PS--I did get kind of choked up during the Tristam Shandy quote piece."}, {"response": 39, "author": "Amy", "date": "Wed, Feb 26, 1997 (06:56)", "body": "I liked hearing about his ideas for the university. I'd like to read more about that."}, {"response": 40, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Wed, Feb 26, 1997 (08:35)", "body": "I started to watch Jefferson, but I too found it extremely boring. I really do prefer A&E's Biography specials. Speaking of what we have been watching. Last nite on one of our PBS stations in Boston, they repeated Prime Suspect 3. And who was in it but Ciaran Hinds and Mark Strong. I personally liked MS in this, he is much balder as he has a very close haircut and well CH really did nothing for me. I have seen this series before but watching it again is great fun. Oh yeah, David Thewlis is also in his one and he totally reminds me of Rod Stewart."}, {"response": 41, "author": "amy2", "date": "Wed, Feb 26, 1997 (15:53)", "body": "Speaking of the makeup in BRAVEHEART -- I didn't see the film, so can someone please explain to me why a Scotsman is wearing the blue makeup of A PICT? Thank you."}, {"response": 42, "author": "Donna", "date": "Wed, Feb 26, 1997 (16:07)", "body": "It is \"war paint\" Amy. It does have a lot of unexpected violence that I really didn't want to see."}, {"response": 43, "author": "Ann", "date": "Wed, Feb 26, 1997 (16:56)", "body": "Where would they have gotten the blue pigment? It is fairly rare in nature."}, {"response": 44, "author": "kate", "date": "Wed, Feb 26, 1997 (17:06)", "body": "From their local face paint store of course."}, {"response": 45, "author": "elder", "date": "Wed, Feb 26, 1997 (18:49)", "body": "Kate -- I believe you must be right! And most likely this store had a sale on blue face paint. :-)"}, {"response": 46, "author": "Donna", "date": "Wed, Feb 26, 1997 (22:41)", "body": "indigo-(natural source-anil) a plant that yeilds blue dyestuff.:-)"}, {"response": 47, "author": "Elaine", "date": "Thu, Feb 27, 1997 (11:10)", "body": "Ha anyone read why Hamlet received so little attention from the Oscar nominations? I thougt K. Branagh was a favorite of theirs."}, {"response": 48, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Thu, Feb 27, 1997 (12:22)", "body": "Elaine I have searched hi and lo looking for why it was snubbed. but to no avail. For anyone who has seen it, it is the most glorious adapations of a Shakespeare play. Filmed in Blenheim Castle and part of Denmark, it is visually stunning. Branagh just looks amazing. I would see this movie again and again and again and again and again. Wait until you see the costumes which did indeed get a nomination, they are so beautiful."}, {"response": 49, "author": "Tracey", "date": "Thu, Feb 27, 1997 (13:04)", "body": "My husband and I are going to see it this Saturday night. I do have one slightly \"unelevated\" question, though: is there an intermission, or does the RFF (Rear fatigue factor) become an obstacle to enjoying the film?"}, {"response": 50, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Thu, Feb 27, 1997 (15:59)", "body": "at the 2:30 hour mark there is a 10 minute break, just enought time to use the ladies and gents and get a drink. I advise not to get a drink for the first half as you will probably have to use the loo during that time."}, {"response": 51, "author": "amy2", "date": "Thu, Feb 27, 1997 (20:25)", "body": "I know that Picts used blue body makeup, but the Scots? This doesn't seem historically accurate to me. Anyone?"}, {"response": 52, "author": "Inko", "date": "Thu, Feb 27, 1997 (20:31)", "body": "Maybe the cold made them blue!! It's bitter up in the north! Just being facetious - don't know the answer!;-)"}, {"response": 53, "author": "Ann", "date": "Thu, Feb 27, 1997 (21:27)", "body": "I believe Russians used blue war paint as well."}, {"response": 54, "author": "Susan", "date": "Fri, Feb 28, 1997 (00:31)", "body": "Ha anyone read why Hamlet received so little attention from the Oscar nominations? I haven't seen Hamlet yet, but heard that Branagh was considered to have been hamming it up quite a bit and that it was WWWWAAAAAYYYYY too long."}, {"response": 55, "author": "amy2", "date": "Fri, Feb 28, 1997 (10:36)", "body": "The industry was surprised at the snub to Branagh and HAMLET too. Don't know why they chose to totally overlook this -- maybe they found their Academy \"epic\" in THE ENGLISH PATIENT, and didnt' need to look any further. . ."}, {"response": 56, "author": "JohanneD", "date": "Fri, Feb 28, 1997 (11:25)", "body": "A MAJOR oversight from the Academy, utterly vexing, this production is of epic proportion the like we haven't see in a very long time. Worth every minute and every penny. Riveting and many more superlatives..."}, {"response": 57, "author": "Dina", "date": "Fri, Feb 28, 1997 (12:42)", "body": "Claudia - A little late but.... Restoration is about an English physician (Robert \"Dope head\" Downey Jr.) who is asked to the Palace to help the King with some \"healing\", because it seems he has quite and knack is a dedicated Dr.. He is asked to stay and be the King's physician. He lives at the palace and becomes quite decadent. The King asks him to marry his mistress and they go live in Surrey off the Thames. He falls in love with her, but she loves only the King. The King finds out and our boy is banished. Thus, the beginning of his Restoration . Great costumes (last year an Oscar?) and sets. I saw Sling Blade this past week. I thought Shine was hard to sit through....The violence is not really seen and Dwight Yokam's character has a potty mouth, but Billy Bob Thornton's acting is incredible !!!! I think he deserves the Oscar (though sentimentally I want Ralph to win and realistically Jeffery Rush will win it). I say GO SEE IT!!!!"}, {"response": 58, "author": "Pandora620", "date": "Sat, Mar  1, 1997 (19:30)", "body": "Dina and Kate, thanks so much for your comments on Restoration. Ann, re your #53 - are you into Russian History? Comment sounded like you were. Pre 1917 Russian history is my passion and has been for many years. Cheryl, your comments are always SO witty. Enjoy them and ROTFL. Forgot to say that Anthony Calf (our own dear Col. Fitzwilliam) was in Madness of King George. He was rather nondescript and sullen. Not at all agreeable as our Col. was."}, {"response": 59, "author": "Ann", "date": "Sat, Mar  1, 1997 (21:08)", "body": "No, I'm not into history, but I have a mind like a steel trap when it comes to trivia."}, {"response": 60, "author": "Hilary", "date": "Sun, Mar  2, 1997 (17:28)", "body": "Ann2, I consider 'The Singing Detective' one of TV's finest programs. I only saw a little of \"Karaoke', but did catch 'Cold Lazarus' and thought it interesting and good. Did you ever see the interview with Dennis Potter shortly before he died? Now that was one of TV's finest interviews."}, {"response": 61, "author": "Ann2", "date": "Mon, Mar  3, 1997 (09:01)", "body": "I'm glad Hilary to share this experience with one friend from Pemb! Interview with Dennis Potter no I have not heard anything about that but shall keep my eyes open as they have sent Karaoke recently and directly followed by \"Cold Lazarus\".You would have liked Karaoke, Hil.It was sad and funny and Albert Finney did this great love scene. Did you see that; in the hospital!? And did you not love when he said goodbye to his old agent friend:' I'll even cake tare '.?"}, {"response": 62, "author": "Hilary", "date": "Mon, Mar  3, 1997 (20:49)", "body": "NO, I must have missed that part. What a pity. The interview was extraordinary apart from what he said with regard to his work, because it was basically en-edited: therefore long, rambly, and included him smoking like a train, asking for medication, talking about death approaching. Very unusual."}, {"response": 63, "author": "Ann2", "date": "Wed, Mar  5, 1997 (01:38)", "body": "Hil I taped this interview yesterday comming back from a journey and just happened to catch sight of it's being aired in the paper...Looking forward to it"}, {"response": 64, "author": "winter", "date": "Sat, Mar  8, 1997 (01:38)", "body": "hi all... just came back from catching an evening feature of 'smilla's sense of snow.' it was pretty good-- nothing spectacular. gabriel byrne and julia ormond were cast appropriately, and you can see the chemistry definitely kicking in in some scenes. they've been going out in real life since then, and so there you have it. one thing that i wnated to share with you all was the trailer for 'paradise road', movie set during WWII. IT FEATURES JENNIFER EHLE! I was pretty proud when they announced her name along with Glenn Close, frances McDormand and Julianna Marguiles. That says a lot about the exposure she's gotten since P&P2. anyway, the movie i think is about a large group of women (allied--US, Brit, etc) who are taken into an internment camp by the Japanese. Kinda like a female version of empire of the sun, i'm guessing. anyway, they start up a choir during their time in internment, and learn about life, each other, etc... comes out this spring. (anyone in the l.a. area want to catch it sometime?)"}, {"response": 65, "author": "kate", "date": "Sat, Mar  8, 1997 (10:03)", "body": "Winter I saw this trailer ages ago and couldn't remember what the film was called. It does look really good. Also reminiscent of \"ATown Like Alice\", which will be very familiar to the Aussies, but perhaps not everyone else."}, {"response": 66, "author": "Inko", "date": "Sat, Mar  8, 1997 (12:41)", "body": "Kate, I love \"A Town Like Alice\" - read the book first and later saw the movie. Of course, Nevil Shute is also one of my favorite authors!! \"Paradise Road\" also reminds me of the TV series \"Tenko\". Did anyone see that?"}, {"response": 67, "author": "elder", "date": "Sat, Mar  8, 1997 (14:32)", "body": "\"A Town Like Alice\" was a wonderful movie. It was my introduction to Bryan Brown, and I found him quite attractive. And a good actor, besides! I ought to read the novel sometime, but I seem to have a list of books longer than the number of days in a year. Maybe in my next lifetime!"}, {"response": 68, "author": "Donna", "date": "Sat, Mar  8, 1997 (16:42)", "body": "Tenko liked that on very much,but this reminds me of \"Playing for Time\" with Venessa Redgrave,watched both seires and movie when aired. Tenko hasn't been on A&E for a while."}, {"response": 69, "author": "jwinsor", "date": "Sun, Mar  9, 1997 (04:50)", "body": "the movie i think is about a large group of women (allied--US, Brit, etc) who are taken into an internment camp by the Japanese. Kinda like a female version of empire of the sun, i'm guessing. anyway, they start up a choir during their time in internment, and learn about life, each other, etc... The plot is based - very loosely, I'm afraid - it's been pointed out that it's a dramatization, not a documentary, on something that actually did happen during WWI. 600 Dutch, Australian, and British women and children were interned for 3 1/2 years by the Japanese in a series of prison camps on Sumatra. Thirty-seven percent did not survive. During their internment, as a way to rise above their inhumane conditions and dehumanizing experiences, a group of the women formed what became known as a vocal orchestra. Two of the women wrote down from memory classical orchestral works and arranged them for womens' voices which became the instruments, singing on a series of neutral syllables. The concerts given by this \"orchestra\" was instrumental in maintaining morale among the internees. The concerts ceased when 19 of the 30 singers had died. One of the survivors and singers in the vocal orchestra later attended Stanford University, and 40 years later decided to donate her copy of the music to the University's music library. The archivist of the library was interested in having some record of how the music would have sounded, and approached the director of our local women's chorus about preparing a few sample pieces to be recorded for their archives. The chorus agreed to do this, and thus began a project that took over our lives for the next 4 years. In the process we sang the music of the vocal orchestra for the first time since it was sung on Sumatra in a concert which was attended by the original conductor and 8 of the original singers who were still surviving and came from their current homes in England, Australia, Indonesia, the Netherlands, and the United States. The original concert led to a series of concerts, recordings and a documentary film which was shown on PBS. Some of the survivors have also had books published about thier experience. Many of us who were a part of re-creating this moving real-life experience have very mixed feelings about what \"dramatic license\" will have been taken with the story when it reaches the movie theatres in the name of making it a \"commercial\" success."}, {"response": 70, "author": "bernhard", "date": "Sun, Mar  9, 1997 (10:17)", "body": "Oh, Joan, is this when you cam eto San Antonio? I am awed."}, {"response": 71, "author": "Ann2", "date": "Sun, Mar  9, 1997 (11:54)", "body": "Many of us who were a part of re-creating this moving real-life experience have very mixed feelings about what \"dramatic license\" will have been taken with the story when it reaches the movie theatres I can understand that. This must have been a very revolting experience for your choir and you were able to transfer some hints of it in this account ,Joan."}, {"response": 72, "author": "jwinsor", "date": "Mon, Mar 10, 1997 (01:07)", "body": "is this when you came to San Antonio? Right. :-) And also to honor composer Kirke Mechem with a program of his works for women's chorus. This must have been a very revolting experience for your choir Really, the best word for it was \"inspiring\"- what those women were able to accomplish though starving, ill and malnourished and living in subhuman conditions, yet maintaining their connection with \"civilization\" and rising above all of the squalor in this way. The name of the PBS film was \"Song of Survival.\" I find it difficult to imagine how they settled on a title like \"Paradise Road\" for such an experience!"}, {"response": 73, "author": "Susan", "date": "Mon, Mar 10, 1997 (07:22)", "body": "Joan, this topic interests me greatly because my father was a Japanese POW for 44 months. How people can rise above such things is a source of endless astonishment and admiration! What an honor for you and your choir! I can't wait to see this movie."}, {"response": 74, "author": "Kali", "date": "Wed, Mar 12, 1997 (04:25)", "body": "Kathleen's copy of A Fatal Inversion is going around this group like it's a disease. If you like Jeremy Northam, or if you're just into really twisted mysteries, I suggest you get your hands on a copy. Those of us who've seen it agree that it's REALLY worth it...;)"}, {"response": 75, "author": "Susan", "date": "Sun, Mar 16, 1997 (00:02)", "body": "Has anyone seen The Crucible or Portrait of a Lady who is willing to share their opinion? I am interested in both, but have not heard first-person accounts of either."}, {"response": 76, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Mar 16, 1997 (21:02)", "body": "I saw the world premiere Saturday night of \"Still Breathing\" which is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. The audience was held spellbound by this remarkable love story. It starred Brendan (Encino Man) Fraser and the lovely Joanna Going (both of who I get to meet in person). It took place in San Antonio and LA and had some really cool twists and turns and emotional moments. Since, this was the world premiere, everyone in the theater a free CD with the entire soundtrack of the movie. The only pressing there will ever be of this CD. The movie had a remarkable soundtrack, specifically the \"Berceuse\" by Chopin, which was the soul of the film, as well as Verdi's \"La Traviata\" and the Jim Cullum Jazz Band playing Louis Armstrong. I met Paul Mills along with the cast and production company at a fabulous party after the movie that went into the wee hours, it was quite an experience. Highly recommended. I predict good things for this movie."}, {"response": 77, "author": "jane", "date": "Sun, Mar 16, 1997 (22:11)", "body": "Terry, I didn't know you were part of the arty scene in Austin! Sounds like fun, and I'll look out for the movie. Now I'll tell you about the premiere party I went to last week. I was in a fantastic modern hotel in Munich with my boss, on a business trip of course.. The huge atrium of the hotel had been decorated in white with black spots. Turned out to be the German premiere of \"101 Dalmatiner\". Not a kid in sight, just lots of cool looking Germans dressed in black (with a little white and red visi le) smoking cigarettes like crazy. Claudia Schleiffler (sp?), the supermodel, was the MC. I usually don't go to parties that I have not been invited to, especially when everyone is speaking a language I don't understand, but my boss really wanted to wander in so we did. I did not eat or drink anything, however, out of respect for the hosts and my questionable status. There was a really wacky fantasy fashion show with dalmation-inspired clothes worn by very gorgeous giant models. The grand door prize as a white Macintosh with black spots, of course. I can't believe that I just confessed to my Austen friends to crashing a party---not even Wickham would go to a party without a proper invitation."}, {"response": 78, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Mar 16, 1997 (22:16)", "body": "Claudia Schieffer! We'll have to move this discussion to celebrity lusts in 'drool'. If Claudia Schieffer was there, it was worth crashing. Good work."}, {"response": 79, "author": "winter", "date": "Mon, Mar 17, 1997 (00:18)", "body": "hey! i just caught \"cinema paradisio\" on bravo tonight. i had seen this so many times before, but this was when Colin Firth was not part of my vocabulary. so... imagine my surprise when i see this again, and the actor (don't know his name) who plays the old salvatore/\"toto\" (the main character) is the spitting image of colin firth!!! older, but just as dreamy!! a colin clone who speaks italian! i'm sure livia would just love that!"}, {"response": 80, "author": "Anne3", "date": "Mon, Mar 17, 1997 (09:33)", "body": "Susan: Has anyone seen The Crucible or Portrait of a Lady who is willing to share their opinion? I am interested in both, but have not heard first-person accounts of either. I saw The Crucible last week and was very disappointed. I thought that both Arthur Miller and Nicholas Hytner blew the opportunity to make a really gripping film. As I remember it, the play was a tense human drama, but Miller sabotaged his own work by opening it up for the screen--the addition of so many new characters and scenes detracted from the central moral dilemma of the hero. And Hytner, who is primarily a stage director, still has a lot to learn about film directing (although I like his irst movie, The Madness of King George ). It makes me nervous because Hytner's next project is a film version of a novel I absolutely adore, The Object of My Affection by Stephen McCauley, and I'd hate to see him mess it up."}, {"response": 81, "author": "kate", "date": "Mon, Mar 17, 1997 (10:22)", "body": "I quite enjoyed the Crucible, but as I have said before, I was in a production of it at school, and I was really interested in what they had done to it. Portrait of a Lady. Don't bother. I found it long, dull, and depressing. She should have KNOWN that any character played by John Malkovich was going to be trouble. There is supposed to be all this sexual tension, and I just didn't get it at all. Very disappointing, because I really like Jane Campion. But I went last night to see HAMLET. It's fantastic. I cried (even though I knew what was going to happen) The incredible depth of the ideas expressed, which came across so clearly. Branagh really made Hamlet a real and believable person, caught up in complex events beyond his control, frustrated by his own fears and doubts. It also made the Ophelia/Hamlet relationship make sense to me in a way it hadn't before - when he realises she's dead and cries \"I loved Ophelia\" you can really believe it, even though he treated her so badly. Go and see this film. But make sure you're in a comfortable seat. The first half is 2 1/2 hours, the second half 1 1/2 hours. And Derek Jacobi was great too. Jack Lemmon was awful, but he's only on the screen for about 15 minutes."}, {"response": 82, "author": "Becks", "date": "Tue, Mar 18, 1997 (00:58)", "body": "Yes, I didn't like Portrait of a Lady or the Crucible. What talent, and completely wasted. DDL is nowhere near droolable in this one! Kate, JM gives me the willies too! And Hamlet is one of the most exciting films I've seen in years. Everyone-go see it! And add Sling Blade to your list--it didn't hit me till after I left the theatre. There are so very few films that stay with you, and this movie certainly does."}, {"response": 83, "author": "winter", "date": "Tue, Mar 18, 1997 (01:16)", "body": "saw \"marvin's room\" this afternoon. it was good. i really didn't think too much of it-- i mean, no one stood out, no spectacular performances. but perhaps, because of the mood of the film, no one was supposed to have stood out. leonardo di caprio was a little TOO attractive, to play his character-- his looks definitely were a distraction. but i'm not complaining!"}, {"response": 84, "author": "Becks", "date": "Tue, Mar 18, 1997 (01:38)", "body": "Winter, besides the helicopters, what is Oscar week like? See anyone? Who are they predicting will win?"}, {"response": 85, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Tue, Mar 18, 1997 (01:50)", "body": "Kate, you must join us over at the Kenneth Branagh topic at Drool...we are all agog over Hamlet , have tons of pictures, but not the elusive undershirt pic yet...:-("}, {"response": 86, "author": "winter", "date": "Tue, Mar 18, 1997 (01:56)", "body": "oscar week is like living in the middle of an obstacle course. they have to set up scaffolds for the press, bleachers for the fans (you can sit on them, but get there on saturday or sunday if you want a seat), they've got people with walkie talkies all around looking like the secret service, catering trucks, satellite trucks vying for spaces on the parking lot, and those big gold statuettes get hauled in. all this, and i'm trying to just drive into my garage without getting into an accident or being block d. it's exciting, because you feel the 'electriciyt' of it all, because 364 days a year, the shrine is a real dump. you'd be surprised at how unglamorous it looks in real life. but also local residents get to short end of the stick because getting in and out of your street becomes a 10 miniute nightmare. everyone's hidden in their limos, so i never see people, but i always hang about for a half hour or so, just in case i get lucky. as for winners, i predict a sweep for the english patient (but ralph fiennes won't even be there :( )"}, {"response": 87, "author": "Ann", "date": "Tue, Mar 18, 1997 (13:15)", "body": "Some people say that he will be at the Oscars. The play he is in must have given him time off."}, {"response": 88, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Tue, Mar 18, 1997 (14:54)", "body": "I thought I had the undershirt one. Well anyway, I saw SHINE, didn't like it. But I have been watching a movie my aunt videotaped THE FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX with James Stewart, Ernest Borgnine, Dan Duryea, Ian Bannen, Sir Richard Attenborough. Its about 2:45 mins long, but I only have seen 1:30 of it will finish tonite. Was very good. Beginning reminded me of TEP."}, {"response": 89, "author": "Amy", "date": "Tue, Mar 18, 1997 (18:00)", "body": "I love that movie, Laura. Have you reached the part yet where they all learn what the designer really designs?"}, {"response": 90, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Wed, Mar 19, 1997 (09:55)", "body": "Model Airplanes!!!! But he got it to fly. I figured he must have been a genious. I felt bad because Ian Bannen's character who was jewish kept giving Dorfman a horrible time. I thought the movie was wonderful. I kept getting very thirsty."}, {"response": 91, "author": "Donna", "date": "Wed, Mar 19, 1997 (12:27)", "body": "I just watched Babette's Feast. I loved it. It is about gratitude,faith,love,scarfices,commitment and choices you name it is there."}, {"response": 92, "author": "Amy", "date": "Wed, Mar 19, 1997 (13:37)", "body": "I kept getting very thirsty. __ LOL, Laura. Those cracked lips. Made you want to rush up to the screen with pitchers of water."}, {"response": 93, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Wed, Mar 19, 1997 (14:35)", "body": "Not just cracked lips but skin, oh god they looked like there were melting. I don't know when you saw it last but the beginning is just like THE ENGLISH PATIENT."}, {"response": 94, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Wed, Mar 19, 1997 (14:42)", "body": "I saw Secrets and Lies last weekend and liked it very much. It was overflowing with emotion and had some marvelous performances. Wasn't brother Maurice Rosencrantz in Hamlet ? (Or was that Guilderstern?!)"}, {"response": 95, "author": "Quarky", "date": "Wed, Mar 19, 1997 (15:32)", "body": "Just watched Spellbound last night after a lapse of many years. The attrraction between Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck is ... well, spellbinding. If I ever take my friends advice, I would only have my head examined by the likes of an Ingrid Bergman. Very good tense story line with some dream sequences by Salvidor Dali."}, {"response": 96, "author": "kate", "date": "Wed, Mar 19, 1997 (18:22)", "body": "Cheryl, yep, maurice was Rosencrantz.... or possibly Guildenstern ;-)"}, {"response": 97, "author": "winter", "date": "Wed, Mar 19, 1997 (19:41)", "body": "don't remember which one maurice was, but he was BRILLIANT!!! i know i keep mentioning it, but \"life is sweet\" , another mike leigh flick, has got him as a real slime ball sleaze, who makes a pass at alison steadman (mrs. bennet from P&P2). really hilarious. please rent it if you haven't already seen it.. it's just one of those movies that constantly get overlooked. i'm getting dragged to see 'private parts' tomorrow. it's part of a deal. wish me luck. anyone seen it?"}, {"response": 98, "author": "LKenn", "date": "Sat, Mar 22, 1997 (10:52)", "body": "Winter - haven't seen \"Private Parts\" yet and really don't desire to, but I too agreed to see it as part of a \"deal.\" My husband accompanied me to TEP which he moderately enjoyed, so I told him I would go to PP. The reviews have been great but I'm not much of a Howard Stern fan."}, {"response": 99, "author": "Luba", "date": "Sat, Mar 29, 1997 (05:53)", "body": "On Thursday, I saw The English Patient. Man, what a truly marvellous film! I cried, laughed at some point, and for the rest of the time, was completely enraptured with the photography, the music, the actors,sp.Juliette Binoche and Kristin Scott Thomas, and small poetic details, like the seduction scene with the candles in the courtyard, the murals in the church, etc. I just loved it, it left me with a deep feeling of peace, though it`s so sad in a way. Poor Colin Firth, I felt so sorry for his character. Such a nice guy, didn\ufffdt deserve to be cheated on...oh well... :-)"}, {"response": 100, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Sun, Jun  7, 1998 (16:47)", "body": "Last night I saw The Truman Show . Everything you may have heard or read about this film is true. You will never think of Jim Carrey the same again. I have never liked Carrey, and studiously avoid his films, but on the other hand, I will pay to see anything directed by Peter Weir, so I went last night. I want to see it again. It was enchanting. Carrey blew me away. And the music was spellbinding. I can't wait to buy the soundtrack! Go see it. Tell me what you think."}, {"response": 101, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Jun  7, 1998 (20:42)", "body": "Charlotte, I will put this on my must-rent list. Anything that can be described as \"enchanting\" winds up on my list!"}, {"response": 102, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Jun  8, 1998 (02:42)", "body": "Sounds great. I'll check it out."}, {"response": 103, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Fri, Jul 10, 1998 (15:38)", "body": "I saw Armageddon last night. Enjoyed the ride. I've been a longtime fan of Bruce Willis, but last night I fell in love with one of his costars. I have spent the entire morning searching the web for a photo of him, without success! So if anyone ever comes across an image of William Fichtner, could you please email it to me (cbridges@esri.com)? He also starred with Jodie Foster in Contact , and in Quiz Show , and Strange Days . You think with that kind of resume, I would be able to find at least one image of him on the internet! sheesh! :) If you saw Armageddon , he played Colonel Sharp, the nemesis of Bruce Willis's character."}, {"response": 104, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Jul 10, 1998 (22:27)", "body": "From http://www.armageddon.com Commander of the overall mission is no-nonsense Colonel Willie Sharp, played by William Fichtner (\"Contact\"). \"I don't want to use the term 'straight man,' but he's going to complete the mission no matter what it takes, no matter what it costs,\" says Fichtner. Fichtner declares that Touchstone Pictures' \"Armageddon\" has been his favorite film experience to date and credits the crew as well as the technical advisors for his having had such a good time. \"Being around people like Joe Allen and Chuck Davis [from the Department of Defense] and the other astronauts was like having a virtual encyclopedia of space. I also spent some time up at the Niagara Falls Air Force Base where my sister is a major and with the pilots at Edwards when we were there. For most of them the dream is to qualify for NASA. I watched those guys and they're not kidding. They're the real deal.\" http://www.movies.com/armageddon/Main/TheMovie/prodnotes/index.html"}, {"response": 105, "author": "riette", "date": "Sat, Jul 11, 1998 (01:30)", "body": "I am defenitely going to see that movie if and when it comes to Switzerland. My sister says it's fantastic."}, {"response": 106, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Jul 11, 1998 (19:28)", "body": "Believe me, it will come to Switzerland."}, {"response": 107, "author": "riette", "date": "Sun, Jul 12, 1998 (01:36)", "body": "Yes. When you have all long forgotten about it. Then I rave about it in here, and you will all think me slow! So be warned!"}, {"response": 108, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Jul 13, 1998 (10:30)", "body": "Thanks, Terry. I had found that link, but was surprised and disappointed to see that the Russian astronaut got higher billing than my Colonel! :) No photo to be found at that site. I went to see it again last night. Hoping to rid myself of this juvenile obsession. Didn't work. :)"}, {"response": 109, "author": "riette", "date": "Mon, Jul 13, 1998 (15:02)", "body": "Good!"}, {"response": 110, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Jul 13, 1998 (15:19)", "body": "hahaha! Riette, are you saying \"Good!\" to me, or to Terry?"}, {"response": 111, "author": "riette", "date": "Tue, Jul 14, 1998 (01:24)", "body": "To you! For the juvenile obsession."}, {"response": 112, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Jul 17, 1998 (21:12)", "body": "Charlotte, what role did he have in \"Quiz Show\"? Was he the blond cutie with a name like Van Dorn? Saw \"Bean\" (big snooze), \"Good Will Hunting\" (pretty good, but I can only hear the F word so many times) and \"Conspiracy Theory\" (interesting without being very good, if you know what I mean) this week. When it rains it pours!"}, {"response": 113, "author": "riette", "date": "Sat, Jul 18, 1998 (00:55)", "body": "Saw none of those!"}, {"response": 114, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Sat, Jul 18, 1998 (09:38)", "body": "Autumn, naw, that was Ralph Fiennes who had the starring role of van Doren in Quiz Show . Fichtner had a very minor role as the stage manager. Last night I rented Sphere (big snooze), and Switchback , which was a passable suspense thriller."}, {"response": 115, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Jul 19, 1998 (11:52)", "body": "Wow, how could I not remember Ralph Fiennes?? Must've been early on in his film career... Saw \"Reality Bites\" last night (on TV), and really enjoyed it. I'm not usually big on Winona, but the ensemble cast worked well. My husband and daughters are going to see \"Madeline\" today."}, {"response": 116, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Aug 17, 1998 (18:37)", "body": "OK, I have a big problem--my VCR cut out on the last 5 minutes of \"The Usual Suspects\" (Kevin spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Suzy Amis) and I missed the exciting conclusion. Spoiler, please!! Who is Kaiser Sozay and how does this film end???"}, {"response": 117, "author": "jgross", "date": "Tue, Aug 18, 1998 (02:45)", "body": "Autumn, Sandrine Bonnaire is Keyser Soze. And your beauty eclipses hers. Your VCR is nasty....what was it thinking when it did that to you? Seriously, the following will spoil the surprise ending for anyone who hasn't seen the movie, so don't read this if you want to experience some day one of the greatest surprise endings in film history: Film Review: \"The Usual Suspects\" MA in Disability Studies Centre for Psychotherapeutic Studies University of Sheffield Yaara Di Segni Garbasz December 1996 The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist' (\"Verbal\" Kint, The Usual Suspects, 1995). The greatest trick the mysterious criminal overlord, Keyser Soze, ever pulled, was to convince the world that he was just a pathetic, harmless cripple. A truckload of gun parts is hijacked in Queens, NY. Five suspects: Michael McManus, Todd Hockney, Dean Keaton, Fred Fenster and Roger \"Verbal\" Kint, are arrested for the night and questioned. A sequence of crimes involving the five follows, reaching its climax when a ship docked at the San Pedro Harbour, explodes leaving 27 charred bodies, a dying man in a hospital and no sign of the presumed cargo of $91 million in cocaine. \"Verbal\" Kint is arrested at the harbour and released the next day with total immunity due to pressure from high up. Special Agent Dave Kujan of the United States Customs Department is not willing to let the matter drop. He is convinced that Dean Keaton, a corrupted ex-cop who, according to Kint's testimony, was shot at the harbour before the explosion, is alive. For Kujan, who has been after Keaton for years, this is a quest. Kujan is convinced that Kint knows something, and is determined to find out. In a cluttered police station, \"Verbal\" Kint, the pathetic cerebral palsy victim, tells Agent Kujan his version of the events that started with the line-up in New York six weeks earlier and ended with the explosion at the harbour the night before. As Kint tells his story, new details emerge. He provides Kujan with an explanation to the name \"Keyser Soze\" screamed by the dying man at the hospital. The body of an Argentine criminal washed down to the beach provides an explanation for the missing cocaine. As the story unfolds, Agent Kujan becomes convinced that Keaton is no other but Keyser Soze, the mysterious overlord criminal, and that Kint is lying in his testimony on the death of Keaton/Soze. As Kint limps away from the police station to his freedom, Agent Kujan has a short moment of satisfaction. His questions are answered. But his satisfaction lasts only for minutes, as he suddenly realises his terrible mistake. Kujan rushes after Kint, but it is too late. Outside, a no longer limping and semi-paralysed Kint lights a cigarette, steps into a car driven by Soze's middleman, the lawyer Kubayashi, and drives away."}, {"response": 118, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Aug 19, 1998 (13:17)", "body": "Wow!!!! What a mind-blowing ending! I may just have to rent that one now and fast-forward to the end to see it for myself after all! Where did you get this review, Jim? Have you been rummaging through filing cabinets at the sanitarium again??"}, {"response": 119, "author": "jgross", "date": "Thu, Aug 20, 1998 (21:18)", "body": "Mia Farrow's sister called me to ask if I wanted to go see \"The Purple Rose of Cairo\" with her. A harsh light shone on the wall, I talked into the phone receiver forgetting it was packed with cocaine, and the white stuff blew all over the place, I coughed, \"Stephanie, I'll be right over.\" We got to the theater and entered without my car. The movie started, Jeff Daniels looked at us and of course motioned for us to come in. We stepped into the film. I immediately took refuge in the projectionist's ear , by calling out to him, way up there in the projection room, \"Hey Ziegmund, could you splice in 'Shock Corridor'?\" I saw what I heard---his own voice negotiating an attractive YES! I barely had time to rewire my future or fuse with a rental rectal android---there we were, me and Stephanie, shuffling down the corridor looking for the heart of Saturday night. She helped a man zip back up, brushed his hair, spoke to him in wall-to-wall lumberjack talk. I lost her and scooted around the corner, into a ro m that had thousands of folders of information on open shelves above the lobotomist's wide and delicious sketches of a Thai Buddhist monastery. I went through all the usual suspects until I came to a folder labeled \"Kubayashi\". When I opened it, Stephanie walked into the room with a straightjacket that she said used to belong to Keyser Soze. I asked her how she knew. Kevin Spacey walked in and shook my hand, slapped me on the back, began apologizing and edging us out to the door and back into the corr dor. I looked back, but he was gone behind the closing door. Jeff grabbed the file out of my hands, perused its wrenching innards, and said, \"Oh I knew it would end like that.\" He gave it back to me and pushed me outa the movie. No Stephanie to be seen. I went home alone, although my car kept me company. What was in the file folder was the review you read, Autumn. I couldn't piece together how all the new information got in the folder and how all the old information got out, but the Kinko's guy, wh scanned it onto a diskette for me, said, \"Sir, if Marie-France Pisier, Isabelle Adjani, Jacqueline Bisset, Marie-Christine Barrault, Nathalie Baye, Juliette Binoche and Isabelle Huppert all like you, you'll do all right. If they don't, you'll starve and be known as a dope.\" So anyway, what I actually did was, I went to the 'Internet Movie Database', one of those 3 websites that I gave the url to, in another topic, and searched for 'The Ususal Suspects', then within that, I clicked on reviews, and I think it was about the last of some 20+ reviews, because it was the only one that gave away the ending."}, {"response": 120, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Aug 20, 1998 (21:37)", "body": "You skimmed through 20 movie reviews for me?? What a prince! Had you seen this film before, Jim? Saw \"Flirting with Disaster\", which was marginally funny, and \"Chasing Amy\", which had its moments, but all in all pushed the envelope of good taste too much for me to endorse it. Watched \"The Vanishing\", a Dutch film, which was disturbing and dramatic, in a mildly interesting way. It's definitely been a lukewarm rental week."}, {"response": 121, "author": "jgross", "date": "Thu, Aug 20, 1998 (23:12)", "body": "I'd skim 120 and just ask, \"What do you mean, is that all?\" You're worth it. I did see \"The Usual Suspects\" when it first came out, but get this, Autumn, I couldn't, when you asked and everything, I couldn't even remember how the darn thing ended. And so many of those crazy reviews would tease the reader by saying, \"Who was Keyser Soze? Was it 'Verbal' Kint? Was it Mephistopheles? Was it agent Kujan? Was it Keaton? Or Kubayashi? Was it that Hungarian survivor who died in the hospital? Was it Kenneth Starr? Was it Osama bin Laden? Perhaps Trigger or Lassie?\" I saw those movies you mentioned, all of 'em, on their initial run in the theaters......\"Chasing Amy\" would've made my week, though, movie-wise. It, I wanted it to push my envelope some more---I wish it had gone on another 4 hours or so. Your comments are really interesting, no matter what they are. I love to listen in to your train........of thought."}, {"response": 122, "author": "riette", "date": "Fri, Aug 21, 1998 (01:20)", "body": "Serial Jim. Going to see Lethal Weapon 4 today. I loved the other Lethal Weapon films, so I'm quite looking forward to it. But this is very old news for you, huh?"}, {"response": 123, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Aug 22, 1998 (13:15)", "body": "You enjoyed \"Chasing Amy\", Jim? I thought the roommate \"Banky\" was terrific--I'd love to see him in something else. He was responsible for some of the most clever and funny moments in that movie. But there was just zero chemistry between the girl and the guy (I've forgotten THEIR names already!), and he seemed so repulsed by her it was incredulous that a couple days later he decides he's in love with her. I saw this guy's first film, \"Clerks,\" which I absolutely loathed as it was so insipid and un-fun y. I didn't realize this film was one of his until she makes that reference to the girl having sex with the dead guy in the convenience store bathroom, and then it clicked. What films have YOU been seeing lately, movie man??"}, {"response": 124, "author": "jgross", "date": "Sun, Aug 23, 1998 (02:35)", "body": "\"Blade\" hatched an egg for me. The shell cracked when my eyes touched it, and there wasn't anything inside. Within its own genre (action/vampire) it was okay, cuz I didn't expect too much. The archnemesis was a good contrast to the usual action movie nemesis. Society looked like it acted the same, even though half of the power-structure was controlled by vampires. The opening nightclub scene got real intense with tension building and building and then all out action mayhem. The film was speeded up to show how fast vampires move. I don't know what it needed---lotsa stuff. Will see \"Your Friends and Neighbors\" sometime this week. I expect much from it, though....I won't walk in the theater for it anticipating little, like I did for \"Blade.\" Seemed like most of what was going on in \"Chasing Amy\" was discord, to you, right? Same with me. He, Holden, took an immediate liking to her, Alyssa, but she had to overcome her own bias for lesbian exclusiveness. Even while she was doing that, she was having a great time with him. He definitely got to her, she admits to him while saying she wants to find the....well, here she is saying it herself: Alyssa: I've given that a lot of thought, you know? I mean, now that I'm being ostracized by my friends, I've had a lot of time to think about all of this. And what I've come up with is really simple: I came to this on my terms. I didn't just heed what I was taught, you know? Men and women should be together, it's the natural way---that kind of thing. I'm not with you because of what family, society, life tried to instill in me from day one. The way the world is---how seldom you meet that one person who gets you---it's so rare. My parents didn't really have it. There was no example set for me in the world of male/female relationships. And to cut oneself off from finding that person---to immediately half your options by eliminating the possibility of finding that one person within your own gender.....that just seemed stupid. So I didn't. But then you come along. You---the one least likely; I mean, you were a guy. Holden: Still am. Alyssa: And while I was falling for you, I put a ceiling on that, because you were a guy. Until I remembered why I opened the door to women in the first place---to not limit the likelihood of finding that one person who'd complement me so completely. And so here we are. I was thorough when I looked for you, and I feel justified lying in your arms---because I got here on my own terms, and have no question that there was someplace I didn't look. And that makes all the difference. [she snuggles into him and closes her eyes. Holden stares at the ceiling] Holden: Can I at least tell people that all you needed was some serious deep-dicking? [she hits him with her pillow. They kiss, deeply---the calm before the storm] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- That scene was all pretty convincing for me (chemistry was in flow and fluid---heat was going back and forth). But the movie did have alotta storms. I couldn't understand why his character would fall for such a bias against what she was doing in high school (her past, which was past). I liked Jason Lee (Banky) alot, too. Ben Affleck (Holden). Joey Lauren Adams (Alyssa). I think Kevin Smith (director) was trying for a movie about a stormy relationship with powerful conflicting forces pushing up into their faces. The dialogue and characters made me feel the atmosphere, and it felt like what I could walk into in alotta different places around town, here. They felt closer to my real life than characters in soooooooo many movies. I wondered why so many people didn't react to it like I did. I wondered why it didn't take off like \"sex, lies and videotape\" did, or \"The Crying Game\" or \"Trainspotting\"---they all started out small and gained momentum and got acclaim. I guess \"Chasing Amy\" had the effect of repulsing as much as pulling people into it. It's a real luxury, Autumn, to hear your take on these movies you see. Somehow your viewpoint is a living thing regardless of how it turns out. It's fun to travel back through a movie by way of your reactions and interpretations.....something has to happen.....whatever this might mean, it brings a peculiarly festive glow to my face which I can feel going on in, and that impresses me."}, {"response": 125, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Aug 24, 1998 (21:01)", "body": "I can tell you really appreciate cinema verite! It is truly the \"seventh art\", as the French say (though exactly what the first 6 are is unclear). I appreciate and understand your defense of \"Chasing Amy\" (indeed, your opinion seems to prevail amongst my circle of friends), and I think you characterized it perfectly when you talked about the in-your-face conflicting forces driving them all together/apart. I have never heard of \"Blade\" or \"Your Friends and Neighbors.\" I am not big on the horror/sci-fi genre, so I'll skip the first (especially since you panned it!) I'd be interested to know what the latter is all about and read your review."}, {"response": 126, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Tue, Aug 25, 1998 (23:58)", "body": "What's your three favorite Vampire flicks, Jim?"}, {"response": 127, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Aug 26, 1998 (01:05)", "body": "'The night of the Hermit' 'The true confessions of a justified boat maker' 'Nightmare on Sorewilly Street'"}, {"response": 128, "author": "jgross", "date": "Wed, Aug 26, 1998 (10:29)", "body": "Goin' around the city, easing on the gas, crossin' over a dry river under a drunk moon, then feeling that displacement of the black clock, no sense of time.....but still finding myself going down that long narrow Old Cemetery Road, I just wanted to say to ya, wer, it's a giddy good feeling hearin' from you, and now I wait for your car, just sitting here, motor purring, now it's off, WHAT A THIRST I feel comin' on.... in park in the dark. ___________________________________________________ Hear are sum 5 vampers that're ma faves, with \"Vampire's Kiss\" coming way out on top of the others: Vampire's Kiss (1988) [Nicolas Cage, Elizabeth Ashley, Jennifer Beals, Maria Conchita Alonso] Near Dark (1987) [Adrian Pasdar, Jenny Wright, Bill Paxton] Andy Warhol's Dracula (1974) [Joe Dallesandro, Udo Kier] Nadja (1994) [Elina Lowensohn, Galaxy Craze, Suzy Amis, Martin Donovan, Peter Fonda] The Addiction (1995) [Lili Taylor, Christopher Walken] ____________________________________________________ Plot Summary for Vampire's Kiss (1989) A publishing executive is visited and bitten by a vampire and starts exhibiting erratic behavior. He pushes his secretary to extremes as he tries to come to terms with his affliction. The vampire continues to visit and drink his blood, and as his madness deepens, it begins to look as if some of the events he's experiencing may be hallucinations. `Vampire's Kiss' (R) --reviewed by Hal Hinson (Washington Post) \"Vampire's Kiss\" is a one-of-a-kind movie, proving -- for all time, perhaps -- that singularity can be as much of a curse as it is a blessing. What it also proves is that it is possible for a person to stay in New York too long. Take Peter, for example: young, well-to-do, handsome, a successful literary agent by day, womanizing bar crawler by night -- a dictionary-definition yuppie. As yuppies go, Peter is one of the stranger ones, particularly as Nicolas Cage plays him. One night, he picks up a sultry number in a red dress (Jennifer Beals) who proceeds, once they're in bed, to satisfy herself by feasting on his jugular. Almost immediately he begins to feel run down and anxious. Little tensions become gargantuan. When his secretary (Maria Conchita Alonso) is unable to locate a contract, he jumps up on top of her desk, shouting madly and wagging his forefinger in her face. Mirrors, too, become something of a sore point. Gradually, as his behavior grows more and more erratic, Peter becomes convinced that he has turned into a vampire. He hasn't, though -- not really. Of course, metaphorically, he's been a kind of parasite for years, preying on young women, using them and disposing of them. It's on this symbolic level that the picture sets up camp. But using words like metaphor and symbol is a stretch in this context. It makes the picture appear to be up to something, and it's not -- at least not something worthwhile. Directed by Robert Bierman, \"Vampire's Kiss\" is stone-dead bad, incoherently bad, but it goes all the way with its premise -- and when I say all the way I mean all the way. You've heard of actors making a strong choice and going with it? Well, see it in the flesh! Stomping, snorting, his hair hanging over his eyes like a curtain of foppish dementia, Cage acts as if he has been taking hits off of Dennis Hopper's gas mask. There's no way to overstate it: This is scorched-earth acting -- the most flagrant scenery chewing I've ever seen. Part Dwight Frye in \"Dracula,\" part Tasmanian devil, Cage makes the previous champ -- Crispin Glover in \"River's Edge\" -- look like Perry Como. If Bierman had been able to create a compatible comic atmosphere the movie might have become an instant cult classic. And even with Cage, you have to fight your way through the uncertainties of tone, the funereal pace and the inept staging to find any enjoyment. Still, you're not exactly sure if the material is meant to be funny or is laughable merely by default. Cage makes sure that we're never bored, though. In one scene he gobbles down a live pigeon; in another, he converts his sofa into a makeshift coffin by turning it upside down and lowering it down on himself. No amount of description can prepare you for these mad excesses. They have to be seen to be believed. _______________________________________________________ Nadja (1994) This ultra-hip, post-modern vampire tale is set in contemporary New York City. Members of a dysfunctional family of vampires are trying to come to terms with each other, in the wake of their father's death. Meanwhile, they are being hunted by Dr. Van Helsing and his hapless nephew. As in all good vampire movies, forces of love are pitted against forces of destruction. `Nadja' (R) By Hal Hinson Washington Post Staff Writer September 22, 1995 Early on in \"Nadja,\" Michael Almereyda's insanely brilliant fantasia on the Dracula legend, the protagonist confesses over drinks with a stranger that she has no job, no interests, no skills. \"I'm not really good for much of anything,\" Nad"}, {"response": 129, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Wed, Aug 26, 1998 (10:43)", "body": "intriguing choices..."}, {"response": 130, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Aug 26, 1998 (11:19)", "body": "I feel so inadequate knowing that Salem's Lot is the only (pseudo) vampire movie I've seen..."}, {"response": 131, "author": "jgross", "date": "Wed, Aug 26, 1998 (11:26)", "body": "But that's a LOT. See, that's the one, it's the one that drank the blood of all the other vampire movies ever made. Guess that jus' means ya ain't got no mo inadequacies, Stacies."}, {"response": 132, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Aug 26, 1998 (11:30)", "body": "*smile* thanks"}, {"response": 133, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Wed, Aug 26, 1998 (11:46)", "body": "*wide-eyed* that's the only one, Stacey? if'n we lived closer, I'd suggest we start having Beer and Blood nights..."}, {"response": 134, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Aug 26, 1998 (12:51)", "body": "sounds like a winner! (nope. probably not the only one but I've been feeling pretty confident lately... so, nothing to bemoan!)"}, {"response": 135, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Wed, Aug 26, 1998 (12:55)", "body": "*thumbs up*"}, {"response": 136, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Aug 26, 1998 (12:57)", "body": "bottoms up!"}, {"response": 137, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Wed, Aug 26, 1998 (13:24)", "body": "it's my turn to buy the next round, isn't it?"}, {"response": 138, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Aug 26, 1998 (14:37)", "body": "oh! you're thinking THAT kind of bottoms up... oh well... sure... yea, your turn to buy!"}, {"response": 139, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Wed, Aug 26, 1998 (17:59)", "body": "naw, actually I was talking about the plane ticket and hotel room..."}, {"response": 140, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Aug 26, 1998 (18:01)", "body": "Groovy! when ya coming? (to Colorado, that is...)"}, {"response": 141, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Sep 11, 1998 (10:35)", "body": "OK, let's hear some fresh reviews...come on, Jim, I know you've been seeing 'em: Rounders, Simon Birch, Next Stop wonderland. Talk to me!"}, {"response": 142, "author": "jgross", "date": "Fri, Sep 11, 1998 (11:26)", "body": "I do like to talk to you. No doubt about it. Rounders and Simon Birch hit town today. I'll be all over 'em. Next Stop Wonderland I fell asleep during, about 20 or so minutes from the end. These 2 main protagonists still hadn't met yet and it was over an hour into the movie, even though time and again, like about 10 times, it was being telegraphed that they would meet.....like they would pass each other and then the camera would be on his face with him wondering about what it was that he just saw. The stuff that was going on in the meantime was dorky AND wonky. I fell right to sleep out of impatience, plus I'd had this big deli sandwich and 2 beers out in the car right before I walked into the theater, plus I was already a little tired. I woke up during the last 10 seconds of credits, the movie went dark, I stood up, turned around, the place was empty. I was glad to see a pack of messages left for me. They were placed in my sleeping left hand. Written by the people who watched the movie and noticed me sound asleep. Their notes to me were full of hate. Like it was the best movie they'd seen in centuries. One said: \"I hope Rounders comes round and smacks you a good one for me.\" Another said: \"You probably had sex with Clinton and now I bet you want to apologize to us and everyone else for it.\" Another said: \"I hope you like the way I emptied my soda can on your head.\""}, {"response": 143, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Sep 11, 1998 (12:08)", "body": "Ha-ha!! I hate it when my fellow theatre-goers turn on me! I heard NSW was a lot like \"Sliding Doors\", but that didn't mean a whole hell of a lot to me because I didn't see that, either. So, it's wonky, eh? One of the local candidates running for office was described by the newspaper as \"wonkish and nerdy.\" I had to laugh! Of course, I'm voting for him. He's not going to have to worry about making any apologies, I sense."}, {"response": 144, "author": "jgross", "date": "Fri, Sep 11, 1998 (12:36)", "body": "I bet he was in NSW. I do like that actress, Hope Davis; she was pretty good in \"The Daytrippers.\" She's good in NSW.....and I wonder what did happen when she and Alan Gelfant finally do meet up....what if it was like Ellen and Newland....ack! wonk wonk wonk.... It was compared to \"Sleepless in Seatle\", here. I compare it to sleeping soundly in Austin."}, {"response": 145, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Fri, Sep 11, 1998 (13:38)", "body": "(I actually, *gulp*, finally saw Titantic and Good Will Hunting this past week...)"}, {"response": 146, "author": "jgross", "date": "Sat, Sep 12, 1998 (00:30)", "body": "alotta people in Titanic gulped.... and they kept gulping when they saw good Will hunting.... hunting underwater for them with an underwater harpoon gun.... then again, they mighta just been seein' things as they were losing consciousness.... maybe they were seeing a movie that was showing around that time in Waterworld"}, {"response": 147, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Sep 13, 1998 (20:51)", "body": "Wer, we had a deal!! No seeing Titanic, remember?? Oh well, at least it's still my claim to fame. What did you think of Good Will Hunting? Jim, heard high praise for \"Daytrippers\"--what did you think? Another sleeper? (double-entendre, there!!)"}, {"response": 148, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Mon, Sep 14, 1998 (00:00)", "body": "Zoe made me watch it, her mommy bought it for her...sorry, Autumn... Will Hunting is very much like you-know-who, but much smarter... didn't care for the ending much, but it was a decent flick..."}, {"response": 149, "author": "jgross", "date": "Tue, Sep 15, 1998 (21:30)", "body": "Rounders left me and didn't come back. Left me wanting more. More than it could give. Lotsa things just didn't come off and could have. They were there waiting to happen. What it gave me was good, just not near enough. It's funny trying to talk about a movie without giving anything away. Don't wanna ruin anyone's movie-going experience. If a person wants to watch a film that's gonna be great, this isn't it. Unless you're not me, which is the case with many people I've run into in my life (they're not me.....and that worries me.....when I was a kid I used to think everyone was me, thought like me, felt like me....which never happened, but I could convince myself otherwise.....but it too astounded me when I found out for real that other people were actually not me.....that took alot outa me). Rounders would be a great flick for someone wanting to get feeling for what it's like to gamble at cards. I missed half of what the narrator said about playin' cards. And the narrator says alot in this movie. What I did catch was pretty interesting, though. Here's the most interesting thing: they, professional card players, get tons of information by observing minute details in what's going on in another player's face and other body language and nonverbal behavior. Alotta that gets explained. Movies like Rounders are great learning experiences. They take you way in, way into the story, a good story. But it's not enough if you want more'n some learnin'. Unless you're not me, and if ya liked Rounders for more'n I liked it for. If schools could teach stuff like Rounders taught cards, look out, kids."}, {"response": 150, "author": "jgross", "date": "Tue, Sep 15, 1998 (21:54)", "body": "'Simon Birch'. Yeah. I mean, okay. See, it was good, but it felt too Norman Rockwell directed, for me. But it was good, no doubt. Simon definitely falls into that 2% of the population who are unattractive people. But by the end of 'The Elephant Man', I felt John Merrick was attractive. There were some great scenes in 'Simon Birch'. It's just amazing to see someone feel things so different from what other people around them are feeling, and then to see that person be soooooo true to theirself. Simon has TREMENDOUS strength of character. There's this other thing that happens that I haven't really seen before: he will do something amazing (I'm really only thinking of one scene in particular), and after it happens he'll be alone with his friend and talking about himself in a self-congratulatory way like 12-year-old kid would do it, instead of being in awe of what he did or real quiet about what he did. That humanized him for me. It was funny. I really liked the little guy. But I bet tons of churches and their church members all over the place are telling each other to go see the darn thing or asking each other if they've seen it yet. Cuz it's got sorta heavy religious overtones. But that didn't ruin it for me. It's held in check and tempered well enough by story and characterizations that would work and hold up under any conditions. Still, too Norman Rockwelly, for me, for it to be a great movie."}, {"response": 151, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Sep 16, 1998 (21:16)", "body": "I've heard alternately that \"Simon Birch\" is heartwarming and touching, and sappy and overly sentimental. Have you read John Irving's \"Prayer for Owen Meany?\" It was soooo good, I'm sure the movie doesn't come close. For one thing, Vietnam isn't even in the movie, is it? Damn Hollywood. \"Rounders\" sounds like something I'll skip. I don't need a primer on poker, I want to be entertained!! And there's a narrator?? (*shudder*) I hate the feeling that I'm being read to in place of just being shown. You know, I didn't realize there was such a resemblance between MD and LD till you mentioned it, wer...both \"golden boys\" (remember all the hype surrounding Brad Pitt a few years ago?) Saw \"The Truman Show\" tonight. It was a very interesting premise and Jim Carrey gave a terrific performance. However, it wasn't executed/developed as well as it could have been, I thought--I can't say I'd even recommend it, but it was thought-provoking (in a \"Future Shock\" sense). What else is playing?"}, {"response": 152, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Wed, Sep 16, 1998 (21:19)", "body": "I can recommend \"Smoke Signals\". But you may not want to listen to me...\"The Truman Show\" is one of the best films I've seen all year. I adored it. :)"}, {"response": 153, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Sep 16, 1998 (23:13)", "body": "Really! Tell me what impressed you so much, Charlotte. Maybe I just didn't \"get it.\" What is \"Smoke Signals\" about?"}, {"response": 154, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Sep 16, 1998 (23:36)", "body": "I haven't seen a movie in a long time! Maybe this weekend. Maybe Smoke Signals?"}, {"response": 155, "author": "jgross", "date": "Thu, Sep 17, 1998 (03:11)", "body": "Didn't know 'Simon Birch' was based on a book (then again, I don't know much). Prolly said so, somewhere in very beginning (which I missed) or in the credits. Barb, one a my sisters, really wanted me to read Irving's 'Prayer for Owen Meany'---and that was about 5 years ago or so. But it had like more'n 50 pages in it, and every page had a whole buncha words on it. That'd wear me plum out.....make me into plum pudding, betcha a plum. Some day I gonna have ta sit down by somebody who's readin' one a them thick books, take a good long look at 'em in action, and just try'n figger out how they maybe do it. Do you guys actually read every page, or do ya skip hunks of 'em at a time?"}, {"response": 156, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Sep 18, 1998 (16:19)", "body": "Ha-ha, Jim! Actually, my eyes glazed over at a lot of the Reagan-bashing in that novel. But if the reading gets you down, I bet they have it on tape at the library. My husband \"reads\" lots of good books this way in the car."}, {"response": 157, "author": "jgross", "date": "Sat, Sep 19, 1998 (00:36)", "body": "Maybe I could hitch a ride with him and while he's switching the tapes, I could ask him about you. Wonder how he'd describe you...."}, {"response": 158, "author": "jgross", "date": "Sat, Sep 19, 1998 (06:12)", "body": "'One True Thing' [Meryl Streep, Renee Zellweger, William Hurt] Saw it at 30 minutes after midnight. Got out 2 hours later. Felt good at the very beginning to be in a movie where people were really relating to each other, like compared to the people in 'Rush Hour' and 'Slums of Beverly Hills' and 'The Governess'. Then right off I could see that they weren't relating at all. But they did a good job of being unable to apprehend each other. I think the problem for me with it was that each person stayed who they were too relentlessly, I guess like they were supposed to. I was starting to think just now that the emotions need to deflate, break down, give way, let go, so that incoming change can impart its fresh new turnaround, and affect that penetrated place inside where instincts wave in the badly needed and inconceivable conduit to other possibilities. Sure is fun to see Meryl Streep flesh out each latest persona, as she once again makes this one distinct and capable of being touched and felt. This family of father, mother, daughter, and son, was struggling with what each person felt the other's intentions were for them---the daughter was struggling more than anyone, and she made the others struggle, and the mother said how she learned to deal with the struggle she had had over the years with her husband, who has tremendous influence over everyone, and it turned into a movie-long process for the daughter to learn to look differently at the hold he's had on her and on the others."}, {"response": 159, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Sep 21, 1998 (11:18)", "body": "Jim, (it is Jim, isn't it?) It's time to say that I enjoy your reviews immensely. Each one is a poem. So do you recommend \"The One True Thing\"?"}, {"response": 160, "author": "jgross", "date": "Mon, Sep 21, 1998 (16:23)", "body": "I actually wouldn't recommend it. Yet I feel that lotsa people will like it enough to where it sure could've been recommended to them, and lotsa people could have the experience I had, which was that I was glad I saw it because I'm interested in the subject matter and I'm interested in what Meryl Streep and William Hurt and Renee Zellweger did in the acting department (even though all of them have done much better in other films, imho, but Meryl Streep did some pretty good work this time around....the others I was okay with except I wanted more from them than I guess they felt they could give for the scenes they were in). I'd recommend a film if it seems like a great movie, or if it just gets to me really really really well in some sorta special way. This movie wasn't like that for me. But I had my reasons for why it held my interest alright. That's the best I can do as far as being totally honest with you, Charlotte. Did it sound like I was just equivocating, or did it sound like I was making some kinda sense on some level?"}, {"response": 161, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Sep 21, 1998 (19:13)", "body": "The latter. Poets always make sense, even if it takes awhile. :)"}, {"response": 162, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Sep 21, 1998 (21:02)", "body": "Absolutely! I love the way Jim throws out a lucid, straight-forward response occasionally just to let us know he's not a whack-job. But if he posted like that all the time, it would frighten me! Sounds like a lot of people struggling in that film, Jim. That wears me out to watch it, like an Anne Tyler novel. I don't want to work that hard, even for Meryl Streep. (Did you ever see her in \"House of Spirits\"?) Are we to understand that you have seen \"Rush Hour\", \"Slums\", and \"Governess\"? I'd be interested in hearing your comments on those as well."}, {"response": 163, "author": "jgross", "date": "Tue, Sep 22, 1998 (01:04)", "body": "Yeah, that one (One True Thing) might be a bit wearing for ya, Autumn. Didn't see \"The House of the Spirits\". But do like to see Meryl up against people who are real different from her and who are powerful in their own way, like Clint Eastwood and Shirley MacLaine. Jeremy Irons does impress me. But then so does Winona Ryder. Glenn Close is hard for me to swallow, personality-wise, and at the same time I really like her and know that she can make a movie that much better than if she's not in it. Alotta this kinda stuff depends on the movie and also of course on my personality and just my likes and dislikes. I saw \"Rush Hour\" at 5:57 p.m. It wasn't as good as \"The Negotiator\" or \"Snake Eyes\". \"Rush Hour\" was going for comedy. I dunno, Chris Tucker just doesn't have what Eddie Murphy has. The story didn't carry very well. Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker were trying to do take-offs on each other as they got more into who-and-where they were with each other as partners. It was just an ok picture, I guess. \"Slums of Beverly Hills\"---I wish I knew something about directing & filmmaking, so I could say what this one could've used more of. Quirky and well-drawn characters made me care about whatever in the heck was gonna happen to them. Wanted Marisa Tomei to have been given the chance to explode more, like she did at moments during this certain odd dance she does with Natasha Lyonne (there's that special city again). I like it when she kinda loses control, Marisa, that is---it's a unique kind of humor that makes me feel just great inside. Natasha Lyonne was pretty interesting at times---that kind of person she was, was somebody I wondered about, somewhat put-off by her, but mostly really wanting to be that guy living next door to her so I could be around her alot. Just don't know what that movie needed, to be more what I wanted, doggone it. \"The Governess\" was just plain too stuffy for me. The lead male needed somebody much better in there. Minnie Driver just doesn't have enough to carry a film, or at least not that one. I really grooved on how she did what she did when she was getting new ideas, and would share them so generously. Her enthusiasm during a moment when a discovery was coming over her was really something to see, because for one thing she was actually making some world-breaking findings that could just come to her because she had a better scientific mind than the scientist. Plus Minnie was combining so much in her life, like photographic aesthetics and chemistry and sex and business enterprise and fun. She was pretty human, and she could look over the layout of a room and tell what's been going on, just by closing in on certain things as she surveyed the room---and her mind was extremely quick and knowing and very very nicely unpresuming. I dunno, maybe the way the repertory setups in the incidents weren't wide open enough, often enough. The drama in it needed more situational spark, if ya ask me."}, {"response": 164, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Sep 23, 1998 (16:43)", "body": "Well, with those lackluster reviews I won't be seeing any of them, even on video. There are too many other good ones to rent out there! I have never seen Marisa Tomei in anything and never heard of Natasha Lyonne (!)."}, {"response": 165, "author": "jgross", "date": "Wed, Sep 23, 1998 (21:22)", "body": "Both Marisa and Natasha were telling me, before breakfast, that they've heard of you, Autumn. Their faces flushed with excitement. Then that look of longing....so deep and true....hard to take that, just sitting there at the same table with them, observing their frank starker emotions. It was so weird---the next thing I knew, they both looked over at me and and asked (demanded, almost) impatiently: \"So Jim, you know, don't you? When IS Autumn's first film coming out?!! Nothing will keep us from attending the world premiere!\" I didn't want to let them down, their image of me, plus my image of their image of me, but I had to come out with it, even though English, at that moment, was so hard to come by, since I was thinking then in French, verrry French, then somehow the anglo words started coming back to me: \"Please don't hurt me or anything.....really honestly I don't actually know Autumn that well. I'm finding out from YOU for the first time that she even IS coming out with a film. I mean, I didn't know she'd even done any stage work.\" Just like that, Marisa I think it was, reached down and pulled the cork outta my leg, and blood came gushing out....I came this close to bleeding to death. When I came to, I was in some tiny health clinic in northern Namibia, surrounded by a bunch of refugee Albanians who stared wild-eyed at me as a intrauterine device was sticking out of my mouth while an underage Eros and an even younger Psyche were at my side trying to blow air into my head through my ears."}, {"response": 166, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Thu, Sep 24, 1998 (12:24)", "body": "I'm so jealous of you, Autumn. How did you earn such lovely tributes from JIm? :) Do you think if I am very good he might someday tell me about the breakfast he had with Kevin Costner?"}, {"response": 167, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Sep 25, 1998 (12:42)", "body": "Charlotte, I think that even if you behave deplorably you couldn't prevent Jim from telling you all about his breakfast encounter with Kevin Costner!! And I bet YOU came up in the conversation!!"}, {"response": 168, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Oct  5, 1998 (14:45)", "body": "Well, I blatantly ignored Jim's subtle warnings and I went to see Simon Birch on Friday. It insulted my intelligence, of which I have more than some, less than most. I will pay more attention to you in the future, Jim."}, {"response": 169, "author": "jgross", "date": "Mon, Oct  5, 1998 (17:07)", "body": "This is a weird thing to say, but it's really hard to tell when a movie just doesn't come through enough, cuz being able to tell feels so subjective---I can't really tell---like with \"Simon Birch\", I don't know if it was a good movie for me or not, and that's me I'm talking about (not even someone else). I know parts of it were real good for me. And I know that overall, for me, it wasn't a great movie. But I can easily see how people across the full spectrum of intelligence could or will say it was the best movie of the year. It's just so weird to get into. Recommending movies is scary. I recommended \"Gross Pointe Blank\" to some friends, saying it was as good as \"Pulp Fiction\". Then they saw it and said, \"Well, I was expecting a little more. It was okay, I guess.\" And then I wondered right away how I could compare it to \"Pulp Fiction\", like maybe I emotionally needed some engaging approval that was very grateful of me for telling them about it. That was scary. So now I just try to see if I can sorta say what I liked and didn't like about a flick, and leave it at that. Yet, I do have this thing that I do with myself---I say to myself that the film was either great or good or okay or not so good. And I'll go like this---\"it was closer to okay than good\"---but I gotta start remembering to include the words, \"for me....not for anyone else, now.\" How do you go about all this stuff, Charlotte, when you talk to someone about a movie you've seen, and they haven't seen it yet? I saw \"What Dreams May Come\" Friday night. And hopefully I can't remember any of it by now. It was like a little less than okay. There were certain scenes in it that broke new ground in special effects. I'd visualized or imagined afterlife, but this movie helped me see it like it read, when I'd read of afterlife. It was just a 10 minute part of the movie, though, that dealt with that one part of afterlife I was interested in. Like I wasn't interested in their version of certain other parts of afterlife. And even that one part of afterlife I was interested in, they were managing to make it become more and more too overdone or sappy. But there was a thing or two that they did really well with the parts I liked that motioned out of the moment and went through a revelation for me. As the movie went on and on, I cared less and less about what Robin Williams was doing with his character---he just started looking like a retread---and Annabella Sciorra started looking like she didn't know how to get out of the movie and was stuck there---and Cuba Gooding, Jr. looked like he'd rather be playing some football with Tom Cruise or Ricky Williams (top running back in college football). I mean it's just too bad movies fall apart like they do, when they do---cuz what if they'd been in the hands of a great director and a great screenplay writer.....? So the thing is, with all this, somebody else who saw \"What Dreams May Come\" may want to come over and kick my ass for what I said about it. It's so subjective. People may have well-devised critical criteria for saying what they say about a movie. But me.....I'm a complete ninny. I have no idea what I'm talkin' about. It's just stuff. Just some subjective reactions that this Jim guy had. Is all. I hope no goes by what I say. I just like to talk. Can you imagine how far off I could feel about something that someone else feels about? It's just so far."}, {"response": 170, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Oct  5, 1998 (17:49)", "body": "I have difficulty reviewing movies for people because my scope of flicks is so narrow. I simply like it or not or sometimes really fall in love with the characters or the plot or the music or the projections I make based not solely on what I've seen but how I've internalized it. I saw The Avengers and Mafia! They were stupid but I laughed really hard at times. I cannot say that I'd recommend the films to anyone but I'd probably quote a few lines from one or the other... just to be silly."}, {"response": 171, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Oct  5, 1998 (17:50)", "body": "I guess the real difficulty arises when I see a movie I love. I cannot express just how I feel. I mean it'd be so much easier just to hug someone and say, \"the movie felt like this.\" Or to sob and cry and come to realization after realization and say, \"See how I am now... the movie triggered that response.\""}, {"response": 172, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Oct  5, 1998 (22:29)", "body": "... so much easier just to hug someone and say, \"the movie felt like this.\" I think this is a superb idea, Stacey! Far more eloquent than words. I know it's a long shot, but do any of you get up early enough on Sunday mornings to watch Sunday Morning ? There is a reviewer who makes regular appearances on that program (John something or other) who makes me crazy. His language is so pseudo-intellectual, ridden with references and allusions that are beyond my understanding, a vocabulary that sounds too cerebral to be real, and a philosophy that typically says \"the more vague the better\". I'm always yelling at the TV \"but what does that MEAN!! is it a good book? did you enjoy the movie? what are you really SAYING!\" grrrr. That said, I love the reviews that I read here in this lovely, warm, totally two-dimensional den. What I read here means something to me. The remarks are genuine and sincere, and there is no pontificating and intellectualizing. oops. somebody at the door...i'll continue this later."}, {"response": 173, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Tue, Oct  6, 1998 (01:00)", "body": "Sorry 'bout that. Several hours and a bottle of wine later... The Sunday Morning reviewer's name is John Leonard, by the way. I'm afraid I can't offer much by way of an answer to Jim or Stacey who want to know how I describe movies to my friends. Like you both, I have unpredictable and eclectic tastes. I will simply adore a film that leaves my friends scratching their heads in puzzlement. No one understood why I saw Strictly Ballroom 27 times. Or what I saw in The Fifth Element that made it warrant 7 viewings. No one cries over Peter O'Toole's version of Goodbye, Mr. Chips the way that I do. The best I can come up with is this word: resonance . When a character or a scene touches me on some deep level, something inside me resonates , and I have to watch it again and again just to relive that feeling. Sometimes, it is something so banal as the fact that the leading man makes my knees weak. Like William Fichtner's role in Armageddon , or Alan Rickman in Truly Madly Deeply . But most of the time, it is merely inexplicable. Even if I understand the appeal that a film holds for me, I can't seem to manage to explain it. The best example of this is Nickel Mountain , starring Michael Cole, from \"Mod Squad\" so many years ago. I have yet to meet another person who has even seen this film, much less treasure it like I do. :) So...to summarize...our love of films, to my way of thinking, resides on that intangible plane where words are not always compatible. In that nebulous, inexplicable realm where we also find beauty and passion and love."}, {"response": 174, "author": "jgross", "date": "Tue, Oct  6, 1998 (13:10)", "body": "Yeah, movies really get to us and sometimes they don't. I wish people could listen closely to what I say about them, while at the same time kind of dismissing what I say as pap. I like that balance, if it were only possible, because it seems to me to be closer to what's actually going on, what with the extreme personal, private, and peculiar nature of our response to a film. Is it that we can't really do anything about how another person will tend to let our opinion guide them on whether they should or shouldn't go see a movie? Sometimes our impressions of a movie do affect people's choices and sometimes they don't affect them, right?---and that's just the way it is....it's out of our hands, yes? See, Charlotte, I would feel bad if, for example, I had disclosed here how I had felt about \"The Truman Story\" before you saw it, because it could have affected you to choose not to see it, and if you hadn't seen it, you would've missed a really good movie-watching experience for you. So, I mean, how do you feel about that? Plus, I just thought of something else. Oh this is embarrassing. Ah yes, this is quite embarrassing. My vanity. I'm looking right into it. Um, uh, Charlotte, what's happening is that I've built into my mind that what I say here about movies really affects you, even if you blatantly ignore it (like with \"Simon Birch\"). And my vanity, I think, doesn't want to lose that feeling about myself that that gives to me. Yet, another part of me, my conscience, which I fear may be actually fairly vain as well (have you ever felt that feeling?), I think my conscience feels this feeling of responsibility that says that I should not indulge the vanity of my vanity at your expense, by letting my notions or impressions of a movie sway you, when my notions are so noodle-headed in origin just by their very nature (since they're so subjective in origin). It's probably hard to make sense of what I'm saying right now, so maybe I should let you respond or not, without my adding any further words, for now, so as not to further complicate what may be difficult to communicate. Are you....I mean, is there....is there any wine that you have left, there....oh that would be nice to have a little glass....mmm yesss....ahh, more would be fine.... oh, a full glass....thank you, Charlotte."}, {"response": 175, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Tue, Oct  6, 1998 (15:05)", "body": "Jamie, dear Jamie. Methinks you worrieth too much! Of course what you say here effects my judgment, but so does whatever SIskel and Ebert have to say. So do the reviews of James Berardinelli, my favorite internet reviewer. So do the opinions of my friends. They all go into the messy pot disguised as my brain, where they get stirred and sifted. Then, as we all do, I make my own, independent, decision about whether or not to see the film. I am also influenced by the trailers, to some degree. So, in retrospect, I wish I had NOT gone to see Simon Birch. I would wish this, even if you had loved it. And I am very glad that I went to see The Truman Show, twice, no matter what you feel about it. But (listen up, Jamie's ego), I would sorely miss your input here. Without it, my decision making process would be like a pizza without cheese, fudge without walnuts, peanut butter without jelly, popcorn without salt. In other words...possible, but not nearly as enjoyable."}, {"response": 176, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Oct  6, 1998 (17:56)", "body": "or fudge popcorn without walnutty jellypeanut salted-butter even!"}, {"response": 177, "author": "jgross", "date": "Tue, Oct  6, 1998 (22:40)", "body": "I understand alot of what you're saying, Charlotte---like the part about how you value my reactions to movies because they enter into your decision-making process along with all the other things (trailers, reviews), and then you make your own independent choice. It sticks in my mind that \"Well, I blatantly ignored Jim's subtle warnings and I went to see Simon Birch on Friday\" could imply that if you hadn't \"blatantly ignored Jim's subtle warnings\" then you would have not gone to see \"Simon Birch\". Maybe it doesn't imply that at all. But that's where my confusion stems from. Also, using that same possibly highly inaccurate implication, if I had said something similar or more negative about \"The Truman Story\" as what I'd said about \"Simon Birch\", and if I'd said it before you'd seen \"The Truman Story\", then you would have not gone to see \"The Truman Story\". Even if, after having seen it, you're very glad you've seen it, you might not have seen it if you'd seen something negative from me about it before you'd seen it. \"I will pay more attention to you in the future, Jim\"---that could mean that you might not have seen \"The Truman Story\" in the first place (and may be staying away from it to this day) if you paid more attention to something I said about it if I'd said something negative about it before you'd seen it. And that seems different from what you're saying about how you consider lots of things besides just my thing---also, taking the scenario in this paragraph, if you had considered lots of other things, and then each time you considered my thing, if my thing has the effect on you that it sounds like it does from those words in quotes, then it seems like my thing more determining than the other things, and not just more determining, but also overly determining. It feels like there's a difference going on between valuing my reaction to a movie and using it as a warning system to not see a movie, and sort of reprimanding yourself for not having paid more attention to warnings in my reaction. But you're saying I worrieth too much. And that could imply that it's too common or natural to read a negative reaction as a kind of guide to beware of the movie being reacted to, and to really consider staying away from it....and that to corroborate what you thought my negative reaction was, to 'Simon Birch', by way of saying that you wished, in so many words, that you hadn't done what you did (seen it), is nice way of giving me encouragement---something like that? I think what I'm saying is that I think I've said to other people something similar to what you said to me, and it felt to me like what you're saying it feels like to you. But for some reason, this time around, being on the receiving end of it, it felt different. It felt like my reaction was weighing in heavier than a valued input for you, that it was a 'don't see/warning/guidance system', and feels like something different from just valued input. I can sense how this sort of talk on my part can cause tension, if it feels like worrying too much or overanalyzing or being ridiculous. But what if it actually makes sense....in some valid sense....? What if it's looked at as something that we all go through and isn't exactly smooth sailing.....I don't mean to be a curmudgeon....I mean to inquire into 2 different meanings (that may not be different after all), and I wanted to be clear about how my confusion stemmed from those words of yours that I put into quotes. Here's another notion: we often say one thing and do another. I can tell my friend Gerard that I like to hear what he says about certain things and regard it very highly when considering stuff. But in actuality, I rely very heavily on what he says and just go by it fairly blindly because it makes things easier and also because I like how he thinks and stuff. But I of course tend to withhold from him this truth, and tell him stuff that implies that I'm not concealing the truth that I withhold. He may sense otherwise by certain things that I've told him that I may have forgotten that I've said, but that he still remembers. He may question me about it, and I may be caught red-handed, and then I may admit that I wanted to look to him like I was more level-headed and reflective of many points of input. And he may say back that while he was sensing something was amiss there, before he asked me directly about it, that it was getting to him and making him feel like not what he wanted to feel like---like too much of a beacon or something. The coolest things about a movie don't have to do with whether the movie should be seen or not, it seems to me. Like a movie that I couldn't stand, I wouldn't want to mention it if that was all I was gonna say. If I didn't like a movie, I'd like to say why, and that 'why' is where the value is in my reaction, not in whether it's best to stay away from seeing it. Consumer choice---should I see it or not---can consume us more than we might realize. We might even all agree that i"}, {"response": 178, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Wed, Oct  7, 1998 (00:17)", "body": "Jim, you're starting to sound like the way my brain thinks..."}, {"response": 179, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Oct  7, 1998 (08:10)", "body": "LePlep, can you expound more on the 5th Element? Anyone seen the new Robin Williams movie?"}, {"response": 180, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Oct  7, 1998 (08:11)", "body": "... since you've seen the 5th Element 7 times."}, {"response": 181, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Wed, Oct  7, 1998 (11:10)", "body": "I've also seen it 7 times, or maybe 6 or 8. I've lost track. The Fifth Element is just plain fun (to me). No deep and profound thinking required. Just hop on and go for a ride through a visual smorgasboard. Fine comic performances all around, but especially from Ian Holm (is there anything this man cannot do?). This film contains what must surely be the funniest mugging scene in cinema history. Once you've seen it a couple of times, you begin to feel like you're at a party with well-known friends. You anticipate the scenes you love, and you know the dialogue by heart. I was never one of the Rocky Horror Picture Show junkies, but I imagine that what I feel when I watch The Fifth Element is similar to their rapture. (\"Anybody else wanna negotiate?\")"}, {"response": 182, "author": "jgross", "date": "Thu, Oct  8, 1998 (21:07)", "body": "Is there another Leplep in your life, Terry? I saw \"The Fifth Element\" one time, back when it first came out. But it's fun to think that I'm 2 people, and one of me is going around saying I've 7 times seen Looloo do what she does in that movie. Response 169 had some junk on \"What Dreams May Come\" (Robin Williams new flick) Did you (Terry) see \"The Fifth Element\"? If so, was it for you kinda like what it was for Charlotte? I wonder what feelings you felt, what crazy notions came to you....mmmm.... and it's just fun to fancy you being IN the movie, some character that operated as a go-between between Looloo and the Bruce Willis character, and that now you're checking in with us to tell us what it was like to be in that movie and to be that character.....yeah, and you're singing for us this song that you sang in the movie....that song that you sang that lasted only 31 seconds, or was 21 sec.? Actually, I've never seen a movie 3 times. Only about 5, probably, I've seen twice. I really like the element of surprise---don't know what's gonna happen next.... not that the element of surprise is the 5th element or anything....."}, {"response": 183, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Thu, Oct  8, 1998 (21:38)", "body": "I wanna watch Glory and Nightbreed again...hmmm..."}, {"response": 184, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Oct  9, 1998 (22:34)", "body": "Think I'll take the kiddos to the $2 Sunday matinee of the Parent Trap remake."}, {"response": 185, "author": "jgross", "date": "Sat, Oct 10, 1998 (01:43)", "body": "Don't do it, Autumn. It's a trap. You might not be able to get out of this one. Bet it will test all your mettle. Hope you're at the top of your game Sunday afternoon. If you want to wait, they'll probably release you by Tuesday. Don't carry too much money on you. Carry lotsa candy---that's one of the best bribes. Yeah, if ya bring lotsa candy, you could get out even before all the credits roll. But it's still takin' a chance. You might be pushed into having to become another frantic Indiana Jones. I could start preparing you for it by calling you Indiana. Or would Maryland be a little closer?"}, {"response": 186, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Oct 12, 1998 (13:20)", "body": "Uh oh... did she make it out safely?"}, {"response": 187, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Oct 12, 1998 (20:40)", "body": "Whew--they let me out a day early for good behavior! Actually, it was a pretty cute remake, if a little long by Disney standards (a solid 2 hours). Juliette liked it, Lydia didn't get it, and my sister cried throughout the whole movie."}, {"response": 188, "author": "jgross", "date": "Mon, Oct 12, 1998 (21:44)", "body": "I was sitting behind Lydia---that's the only reason she didn't get it. But she met a great new friend. We messed around alot. Glad you liked the movie enough to not notice what we were doing. Me and Lydia were so lucky---the stuff we got away with! Can't wait till next time. She's really alotta fun. Especially at movies."}, {"response": 189, "author": "jgross", "date": "Sun, Oct 25, 1998 (20:18)", "body": "\"The Mighty\" If you have kids who are like between 9 and 16 (I have several hundred--- thankfully, none of them know who their father is), this movie is for them, and maybe for you. I liked it alot. But almost all because of Kieran Culkin. It's his eyes. They're so much fun. The looks he gives Elden Henson are delicate and mischievous and challenging, and totally alive---they really wake Max up. Elden Henson plays Max (the Mighty), and Kieran Culkin plays Kevin (the Freak). It's based on a book, \"Freak the Mighty\". The movie is \"Simon Birch, Part Two\". So many similarities. But \"The Mighty\" is pretty watchable. There's alotta tough spots they have to get themselves out of, the biggest being their own lonelinesses, their isolated miserable lives. So they discover each other. Kevin has the same disease Simon Birch has. Max has the body and legs and Kevin has the brain, and when they become friends, Kevin is often perched on Max's shoulders, and Kevin gives them both a joined name: Freak the Mighty. The way their friendship begins is like it was conceived with its own birth---I mean they both got impregnated with something that reproduced life for both of them. How they became friends.....um, well, it started out slender and meager, and then it grew on them very naturally and prevailed. They have lots of real adventures. The Kevin character is as precocious as Simon Birch and Will Hunting, and I liked seeing how he, Kevin, would react when he was really provoked, under threateni g conditions, and also under intimate conditions. \"The Mighty\" jerked tears from me during those times when Kevin passed through people's defenses with his facial expressions, his rapier wit, his voice, and most of all his impish delight. Sometimes it happens to me that a character in a film I've just seen will come back to live inside me for maybe 20 minutes at most and vanish forever. Kieran Culkin did that to me as I was driving home. It was like his personality was going on inside me for about 10 inutes. And I wish the movie had more challenges for him, like that one in the bar in \"Good Will Hunting\" where Will and that other student were going at it for a while. Yeah, I woulda liked to have seen Freak (Kevin) and Blade do that in their own way. The kid who played Blade looked kinda interesting. \"The Mighty\" is still a whole other flick from \"Simon Birch\", those two movies have differences that are pretty different. The Max character was compelling good acting."}, {"response": 190, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Oct 25, 1998 (22:52)", "body": "I had already added this one to my rental list based on a review I read in the newspaper--thanks for the affirmation, Jim. Have you met Joe Black yet?"}, {"response": 191, "author": "jgross", "date": "Mon, Oct 26, 1998 (09:11)", "body": "Not yet. Have met him before in other movies, though.....heh-heh...."}, {"response": 192, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Oct 26, 1998 (09:32)", "body": "Do you ever watch Siskel and Ebert, LePlep?"}, {"response": 193, "author": "jgross", "date": "Mon, Oct 26, 1998 (10:39)", "body": "Ebert's personality isn't so appetizing for me. They go over movies I haven't seen yet. And I like to go into a movie with no preconceptions. I'd like to know who's in a movie and whether it won some award and who the director is---I get all that from the Austin Chronicle. I'd like to know if they gave a movie 2 thumbs up. I'd probably like the show ok if I'd already seen the films. Sometimes that's the case and they're okay. Ebert's written reviews are pretty worthwhile reading, if I've already seen the movie. Never read anything by Siskel. Ebert gets into this emotionally stuffy/huffy crusty rigid crotchety and dyspeptic manner when they disagree with each other. I'd rather he just pull the stick out from up his butt. But he doesn't ever pull his pants down and do the deed. So I just switch the channel to the one that's always auctioning off these really different fake beards at ridiculously low prices."}, {"response": 194, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Oct 26, 1998 (12:20)", "body": "I saw ANTZ this weekend. It was ok. Not nearly as miraculous as all the hype leads you to believe. Pretty mundane storyline. A few spectacular images. Excellent animation. But I still think Toy Story is the superior film."}, {"response": 195, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Tue, Oct 27, 1998 (14:40)", "body": "Toy Story is a wonderful wonderful film - \"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO\" :-)"}, {"response": 196, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Oct 28, 1998 (10:53)", "body": "That's right, an all-around fun movie."}, {"response": 197, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Thu, Oct 29, 1998 (17:40)", "body": "Like Aliens?"}, {"response": 198, "author": "jgross", "date": "Thu, Oct 29, 1998 (23:09)", "body": "or maybe like \"Western\"? \"Western\" It was in french, subtitles were in English though (not Afrikaans like last time), so the only person there in the audience who didn't have to read 'em was Autumn, but I dunno if she liked the movie at all (she kept kicking my butt the whole way back to the car, after the show). The center of the story was its own easy going movement. It had its focus on a quirky relationship between these 2 men. A relationship that came outa nowhere and could come apart as easily as it could fumble back together again. These 2 guys were real different from each other and they did stuff together that you just don't see people do. They made it work. It worked real well. I thought I would give people more of a chance after I saw this movie. This one guy would mess up a lot, like it was in him to do that because of how he saw himself and because he sorta didn't know any better. This other guy did well with people, but he was I think somehow truly affected by the guy who messed up, starting with the hospital scene (which was real near the beginning). The one guy was real steady and would give people a chance. The other guy was driven but in a sort of gypsy way, a lost way that was always hoping he would finally find a way to make things work. They really helped each other to realign themselves to each other after each of the many bad episodes they had with each other. It took some doing. But they worked it through each time. You can really feel the struggle they were going through with each other. But the pace and open air of their always changing circumstances could touch you where you were willing to let in their undeveloped but developing small but larger amounts of companionable friendship. You could see them getting to see what they meant to each other. This movie was really well put together. So human, and also so nicely non-big budget, non-Hollywood. A french sensibility with a cool spirit of adventure. With tough situations like jealousy and rejection and dislocation. And self-image taking a big hit sometimes. It's funny how their surroundings and the controlling factors would shift so frequently and with such a swift vigor that made me WANT to trust the road \"Western\" was taking."}, {"response": 199, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Nov  2, 1998 (11:42)", "body": "Went to the $2 movies last night and saw \"There's Something about Mary.\" Turns out there's really nothing about Mary. Laughed in spite of myself a few times--brought out the lowest common denominator in the audience. The humor was pretty base."}, {"response": 200, "author": "osceola", "date": "Mon, Nov  2, 1998 (12:21)", "body": "The discount theater in my neighborhood keeps the same movies for weeks and weeks, and usually it's nothing I want to see. Or there hasn't been anything I want to see in over a month. I can't even remember the last one I saw. I hate being carless. There's a theater up in Round Rock (a suburb north of Austin) that has a lot of competition from a new mega-complex, so they have $2 matinees and $4 admission every night -- and they're all first-run features. It's so far away city buses stop about three miles short of the theater :("}, {"response": 201, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Mon, Nov  2, 1998 (16:05)", "body": "I saw \"Awakenings\" with Robert De Niro and Robin Williams. It was super super super super super *grin*"}, {"response": 202, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Nov  2, 1998 (18:06)", "body": "I agree. I read some critic's remarks lately, to the effect that Robin Williams' \"bearded\" roles always seem to be much better than his \"beardless\" roles. I'm inclined to agree. :)"}, {"response": 203, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Tue, Nov  3, 1998 (15:28)", "body": "Autumn: I *loved* \"There's Something About Mary\" - it is my film of the year, and is up there in my top five films *ever*! - anybody even vaguely thinking about seeing it should definitely go. George: Why are you car-less old chap?"}, {"response": 204, "author": "osceola", "date": "Tue, Nov  3, 1998 (17:10)", "body": "There's something drawing power out of the battery. No, it's not the alternator. To save money, I got a friend of mine to fix it in March because I don't have to pay him all at once, like a garage would expect, but he can't locate the problem. No one can. I also got him to do it because the problem started after he put in a new water pump."}, {"response": 205, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Tue, Nov  3, 1998 (17:28)", "body": "ouch...sounds awkward..."}, {"response": 206, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Nov  4, 1998 (20:02)", "body": "Mike, what exactly did you find likable about \"Mary\"? Some of the stuff with the dog was very funny, but other than that it was pretty gross. I wouldn't think that someone who was into nuclear physics would pick that film to tickle their funnybone! George, too bad about the car. Hopefully you can still get transportation to the nearest video store?"}, {"response": 207, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Wed, Nov  4, 1998 (21:26)", "body": "i loved 'mary', too... yeah, it was dumb, and gross, but that was sort of the point i think... (and i like just about everything ben stiller does)... watching beavis and butthead (doing america and all) currently..."}, {"response": 208, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Fri, Nov  6, 1998 (15:50)", "body": "Whoever said i was \"into\" nuclear physics, autumn? :-) It's the bane of my life :)"}, {"response": 209, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Nov 23, 1998 (20:59)", "body": "ok, i finally saw breakdown. am still waiting to go to the store to rent city of angels... see, george, you're not so bad, i'm lucky to see a movie during it's showtime. but we (read: the whole family) drug ourselves out to see antz, which, IMMHO, was not a show meant for children under the age of, uh, 13...cuz i don't think my 9 year old got it...didn't understand the woody allen routine, nothing--but who'd expect him to. though, on a positive note, the effects were pretty good. and my kids didn't suffer too much from the cursing and all...."}, {"response": 210, "author": "TIM", "date": "Mon, Nov 23, 1998 (21:32)", "body": "City of Angels is excellent. You'll Love it."}, {"response": 211, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Nov 24, 1998 (20:20)", "body": "Saw \"Feeling Minnesota\" (Cameron Diaz, Keanu Reeves) last night. I didn't particularly like, nor would I recommend it, but the dynamics between the brothers were interesting."}, {"response": 212, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Tue, Nov 24, 1998 (20:27)", "body": "I didn't like it either, Autumn. I only watched it because I am a huge fan of Vincent D'Onofrio, and I will watch anything that has him in it. If you can find it, rent \"The Whole Wide World\". It's the true story of the misfit who wrote the Conan the Barbarian stories."}, {"response": 213, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Nov 25, 1998 (05:19)", "body": "I taped the Ice Storm a couple of nights ago, now to find time to watch it!"}, {"response": 214, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Nov 25, 1998 (21:35)", "body": "i watched it the other day-what can i say, it's really out there, but it wasn't too bad...really captured the essence of \"growing up\" for all parties involved-including the adults.... did manage to see feeling minnesota (at least part of it) and what i saw i didn't care for too much. then there's the one with batgirl (her name slips my mind-but she's the gal in the picture on the top left side of babes) and some dude where she's pretending to be kidnapped and i only saw the end. speaking of only seeing the end: i caught the last 10 minutes of contact-but it didn't give a thing away (and for one, i thought jodie wasn't going to come back after seeing the previews). good thing it shows again on saturday at 4:30 central time. will definately see it then. oh, and i saw a movie about a bunch of kids all grown up who went to visit their old camp and found out it was going to close-sorry, old age, you know, (or is this a result of too much sweet n low?) can't remember the title. it had diane lane, elizabeth something (not mcgovern)--from big--and a bunch of other people i can't name. it wasn't too bad."}, {"response": 215, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Nov 29, 1998 (19:54)", "body": "I got \"Contact\" from the library this weekend, wolf, and really enjoyed it. I was afraid it was going to be too sci-fi-ish, but it was a nice brainy mix of science and adventure, with a dab of romance thrown in (the weakest element, I thought). Charlotte, what else has Vincent D'Onofrio done? I had never heard of him before this film."}, {"response": 216, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Nov 29, 1998 (20:52)", "body": "the movie i couldn't think of any of the actors was called excess baggage (alicia silverstone). and i missed contact on saturday. boo hoo! will have to rent it along with city of angels, which, i still haven't seen.. this weekend i caught event horizon, which, to me, didn't make any sense. and i saw a life less ordinary, which kinda reminded me of excess baggage...... charlotte: i've never heard of him either. hi autumn!!"}, {"response": 217, "author": "ratthing", "date": "Sun, Nov 29, 1998 (22:47)", "body": "D'Onofrio was also in one of my favorite movies \"Stuart Saves His Family.\""}, {"response": 218, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Sun, Nov 29, 1998 (22:47)", "body": "Here is the filmography for Vincent D'Onofrio: Abbie! (1999) .... Abbie Hoffman Impostor (1999) .... Hathaway Taking of Pelham One Two Three, The (1998) (TV) .... Mr. Blue 13th Floor, The (1998) Claire Dolan (1998) .... Elton Garrett Newton Boys, The (1998) .... Dock Newton Velocity of Gary, The (1998) .... Valentino Men in Black (1997) .... Edgar Boy's Life 2 (1997) (segment \"Nunzio's Second Cousin\") .... Tony Randozza Nunzio's Second Cousin (1997) Feeling Minnesota (1996) .... Sam Clayton Good Luck (1996) .... Tony \"Ole\" Olezniak Guy (1996) .... Guy Whole Wide World, The (1996) .... Robert E. Howard Winner, The (1996) .... Philip Strange Days (1995) .... Steckler Stuart Saves His Family (1995) Hotel Paradise (1995) Ed Wood (1994) .... Orson Welles Imaginary Crimes (1994) .... Mr. Webster Being Human (1993) .... Priest Household Saints (1993) .... Joseph Santangelo Mr. Wonderful (1993) .... Dominic Malcolm X (1992) .... Bill Newman Salt on Our Skin (1992) .... Gavin Player, The (1992) .... David Kahane Dying Young (1991) .... Gordon Crooked Hearts (1991) .... Charley Warren Fires Within (1991) .... Sam JFK (1991) .... Bill Newman Naked Tango (1990) .... Cholo Signs of Life (1989) .... Daryl Blood of Heroes, The (1988) (as Vincent Phillip D'Onofrio) .... Young Gar Mystic Pizza (1988) .... Bill Full Metal Jacket (1987) .... Pvt. Leonard \"Gomer Pyle\" Adventures in Babysitting (1987) .... Dawson First Turn-On!!, The (1983) .... Lobotomy"}, {"response": 219, "author": "osceola", "date": "Sun, Nov 29, 1998 (22:47)", "body": "Finally, something I want to see a the local discount theater. Saw \"Mask of Zorro\" -- good, light entertainment. That actress Zeta-Jones -- YOW!! Where has she been all my life? Saw \"Snake Eyes\" the next day. The first part of it is visually very interesting. Terrific camera work. The assassination conspiracy plot is really dumb and farfetched (as all assassination conspiracy films seem to be) and so once the great camera work is done and you start paying attention to the plot the film goes downhill. Nicholas Cage and Gary Sinise have done better. But for $1.50 it was worth it. Next week \"Something About Mary.\" Boy,no movies for months and now I'm gorging on them!"}, {"response": 220, "author": "osceola", "date": "Sun, Nov 29, 1998 (22:47)", "body": "Vincent D'Onofrio was also in an episode of \"Homicide\" last year about a man pushed onto the subway tracks and pinned between the train and the platform. It was a really memorable episode of TV."}, {"response": 221, "author": "jgross", "date": "Sun, Nov 29, 1998 (22:47)", "body": "Vincent D'Onofrio Date of birth (location) 30 June 1959, Brooklyn, New York, USA. Notable TV guest appearances 1.\"Homicide: Life on the Street\" (1993) in episode: \"Subway\" (episode # 6.7) 12/5/1997 2.\"Equalizer, The\" (1985) in episode: \"Suspicion of Innocence\" 1987 3.\"Equalizer, The\" (1985) in episode: \"Counterfire\" 1986 4.\"Life Goes On\" (1989/I) playing \"Victor\" in episode: \"Basketball Player, The\" 1990"}, {"response": 222, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Dec  1, 1998 (20:05)", "body": "By George, I think you've got it! I do remember him as the obnoxious guy caught in the subway tracks. All those movie credits and I don't think I've seen but one or two of those films, and none of them memorable. Oh well. Snake Eyes and Rounders are both at the $2 movie place. I'm still saving my pennies for Pleasantville, which is coming in a couple weeks."}, {"response": 223, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Dec 18, 1998 (20:30)", "body": "Saw \"A Bug's Life\" the other night. Really enjoyed it. Forget the morals and the feel good ending... the characters were just hysterical and the outtakes were quite the event (Stick around for all the credits!)"}, {"response": 224, "author": "PT", "date": "Sat, Dec 19, 1998 (12:02)", "body": "Thanks, I'm going to have to see that."}, {"response": 225, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Dec 21, 1998 (16:15)", "body": "saw Star Trek last night (ANOTHER first run!!!! in a month or so, they'll be nothing at the cheapo theatre I ain't seen!) okay... just like an episode only bigger. No real groovy effects (which I kinda expected) I'd save it for a really boring evening."}, {"response": 226, "author": "PT", "date": "Mon, Dec 21, 1998 (16:58)", "body": "Saw Dr. Doolittle on videotape, with Eddie Murphy. It was great."}, {"response": 227, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Dec 21, 1998 (16:58)", "body": "Saw \"Life is Wonderful\" last night. Left the theatre with bubbles of emotion bursting out everywhere and little questions knocking around in my head. I loved the movie. I loved the characters. I was fascinated with the story and pleased with the range of emotions the movie help facillitate in my little head."}, {"response": 228, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Dec 21, 1998 (16:58)", "body": "Stacey, is this the one with Roberto Begnini? \"Life is Beautiful\"? I saw \"Waking Ned Devine\" Friday night. It's no \"Full Monty\", but it is delightful, charming, and hilarious in parts. Hard to find, but worth the effort."}, {"response": 229, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Dec 21, 1998 (16:58)", "body": "yes Charlotte... go see it!!!"}, {"response": 230, "author": "jgross", "date": "Tue, Dec 29, 1998 (00:42)", "body": "This movie, 'The Celebration', has subtitles. But it's a really good movie. At first it takes some getting used to. Some of the characters are not so appetizing. And you wonder what you're really watching. It doesn't seem to be leading to much through about the first half. But it's a really good movie. Because it does kick in. And really says something. And the way it happens has all the threads and pieces fitting together eventually. Emotions and personality tendencies make sense. The acting stays with you long after the pause of time. It's so strange to walk into their situation and be a part of it. You look around the table wondering what's gonna happen next and who's gonna do what. The director is pretty good at what he does. You're just amazed that you've seen what you saw, how it unfolded. And how you, too, were thrown by the turn of events, as it winds its way to reaching a critical mass finally. I just think how it's interesting that we are all really the father. I just made that up, but I think it's really true. But also we're all really the son, too......the sons, and both daughters. This movie, I wish most movies could get to me like this did. It makes me hungry for difficult human subjects that somehow a great director, actors, etc. can skillfully move in and out of tense unsure masterful revealing of what we're really like. Powerful. And it had some cool cinematic camera effects that had just the right understated expressive effect. Gonna be 'best foreign film' oscar winner hands down. I think it did that at Cannes."}, {"response": 231, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Tue, Dec 29, 1998 (10:20)", "body": "Well, I crossed 4 movies off my wish-list over the weekend: Shakespeare in Love Patch Adams You've Got Mail Prince of Egypt Clear leader of the pack was Shakespeare in Love. Delightful, wonderful, enchanting film. All the others could have waited for rental. Hope to see Gods and Monsters this week."}, {"response": 232, "author": "jgross", "date": "Tue, Dec 29, 1998 (19:18)", "body": "Stacey hasn't been here yet, right? I don't think she has. Good --- then I've got a better chance of making it all the way into 1999. Uh, that film, 'Life is Beautiful', I didn't know it was in Italian with subbies (subtitles). A foreign film, and it just happened to win the darn Grand Prix at Cannes. 'The Celebration' was co-winner of the darn Jury Prize at Cannes. So do I now think 'The Celebration' will hands down win 'best foreign film' on Oscar night? Nopers. And how many other great contenders are there out there? What a blowhard statement (\"gonna be 'best foreign film' oscar winner hands down\"). The lengths Roberto Benigni (in 'Life Is Beautiful')would go to win the attentions of his real-life wife's character, and the lengths he would go to preserve the innocent well-being of his son under the worst of conditions, was something else. His lengths involve humor and tremendous imagination. And they involve kids. When he impersonates a school auditor, he does it in front of kids, and she is their teacher. He had to see her and get her attention. He's a slapstick/pratfall kinda guy. But he's much more than that. What keeps sticking in my mind, again and again, is the way he would look when he had to come up with an effective comeback to his son's questions or assertions. Benigni would look up and buy time, with a \"no, uh, uh, no, uh\" or something like that, and then the inspiration would come, and he'd talk to his son like what he was saying was tremendously informational and very deliciously important to get behind on. He's a kid at heart, through and through, so kids are pretty important to him."}, {"response": 233, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Tue, Dec 29, 1998 (20:12)", "body": "\"Life is Beautiful\" is also on my \"to see\" list. Just moved up a couple of notches. Thanks, Jim. :)"}, {"response": 234, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Dec 30, 1998 (18:35)", "body": "Definitely adding \"The Celebration\" to my list, if it evoked that much pathos in Jim (\"Life is Beautiful\" was already on my list). Who knows, maybe it will win an Oscar after all? I plan to rent beaucoup movies in the coming weeks--got a Blockbuster gift certificate for Xmas from my in-laws (thank God it wasn't another pink nightgown!)"}, {"response": 235, "author": "jgross", "date": "Wed, Dec 30, 1998 (19:11)", "body": "I hope you don't wear all those pink nightgowns at the same time, Autumn. oooh, try this: glitter warpaint and tortoiseshell glasses, yeah and a bottle of Ripple....the setting? a late-night candlelight vigil, with you on the piano playin' boogie woogie with your toes.....oh man, I'm gettin' the picture real clear now....yikes but it's a doozie."}, {"response": 236, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Dec 30, 1998 (19:21)", "body": "(*cough*) Actually, I happen to like the taste of Ripple. Not as sweet as Boone's Farm (or my other favorite, TJ Swann), but close! Unfortunately, the piano lessons just didn't pay off for my parents. Perhaps if they'd let me use my toes it would be a different story today, hmm? (I despise pink! I would much prefer a tortoiseshell nightgown to match the glasses.)"}, {"response": 237, "author": "jgross", "date": "Wed, Dec 30, 1998 (19:28)", "body": "You got it, it's in the mail ('you've got mail')."}, {"response": 238, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Fri, Jan  1, 1999 (19:36)", "body": "mmmm...tortoise shell..."}, {"response": 239, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Jan  1, 1999 (20:50)", "body": "watched Misbegotten the other night. had kevin dillon playing a psychopath. was kinda scarey, interesting and sad. no oscar material though."}, {"response": 240, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Jan  1, 1999 (22:50)", "body": "Got \"Eve's Bayou\" from the library, but haven't watched it yet--tomorrow. Happy New Year, springeurs!"}, {"response": 241, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sat, Jan  2, 1999 (02:01)", "body": "watched Bloodsport 3 and Peacekeepers tonight"}, {"response": 242, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Jan  4, 1999 (11:15)", "body": "I saw Life is Beautiful last night. Lives up to all the hype."}, {"response": 243, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Jan  6, 1999 (19:38)", "body": "Double feature at the dollar theatre on SUnday night... Practical Magic (kinda cute and funny but not real lasting) Seige (more tense and difficult that I imagined, I am having some problems getting the thoughts outta my mind... so it rates)"}, {"response": 244, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Jan  7, 1999 (15:06)", "body": "Wer, did those two cancel each other out? I kind of liked \"Eve's Bayou\". Perhaps a lukewarm endorsement, but there it is."}, {"response": 245, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Fri, Jan  8, 1999 (00:00)", "body": "Not really, Autumn...the following night I watched The Relic and Contact, then the next day watched Badlands... (and, yes, these are about the average time that I see movies for the first time after their release...)"}, {"response": 246, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Jan 10, 1999 (11:55)", "body": "Don't feel bad--I just saw \"Contact\" last month, and I've never even heard of \"Relic.\""}, {"response": 247, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Jan 11, 1999 (00:16)", "body": "we saw 'practical magic' at this beautiful old theater downtown, few weeks ago... was the second half of double feature (with 'the wizard of oz', which we actually were there to see, cause we'd never seen it on the big screen)... 'wizard' of course was amazing, 'magic' was terribly disappointing (being a sandra bullock fan,and an aidan quinn fan too, really wanted to like the movie... but it was just awful)... saw 'shakespeare' last week (we saw it twice actually, loved it that much...and we may end up seeing it again)... 'ned devine' was excellent as well... was undeniably a little self-conciously... um, 'adorable' 'cute', whatever... but didn't cross the line all that badly, and we enjoyed it a lot... we saw 'you've got mail' too... to call it a bad movie wouldn't be fair... but it should've been, deserved to be, redeemed just a little by the wattage of the hanks- ryan persona... nora ephron has written a couple of very decent screenplays, this wasn't one... have seen the original, the movie it was based on whatever anumber of times... jimmy stewart's 'the shop around the corner' is a wonderful film, far far (far) superior to this... if you haven't seen it, save yourself the 8 bucks... rent this for 49 cents at your video store instead, you won't regret it... far and away the best film we saw this holiday season was 'henry bloom'... thomas jay ryan is a terrific actor, fashioned an unforgettable character, and the film was successful on every level... one of the reasons i love movies, this one..."}, {"response": 248, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Jan 11, 1999 (09:41)", "body": "I saw Gods and Monsters yesterday. Formidable acting expertise displayed. A little talky, but then I like those kinds of flicks. :)"}, {"response": 249, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Jan 11, 1999 (09:50)", "body": "I can't find any information about Henry Bloom . Could the film you are talking about be Henry Fool ? *sigh* That's not playing in my area anymore, either."}, {"response": 250, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Jan 11, 1999 (23:27)", "body": "yup, 'henry fool' is what i meant cannot imagine where 'bloom' came from (was a movie from the seventies i think, 'bloom in love' with george segal has nothing whatsoever to do with the film i just saw... but um anyway) i really really wanta see 'gods and monsters' james whale is among my favorite directors, and from what i've seen the film looks fascinating some time this week we're gonna see the oscar wilde film (hmm, is it 'wilde'? or is it 'oscar'? cant seem to keep it straight)"}, {"response": 251, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Jan 11, 1999 (23:28)", "body": "(no pun intended i swear)"}, {"response": 252, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Tue, Jan 12, 1999 (23:01)", "body": "okay... watched 'Watchers' for the first time the other night..."}, {"response": 253, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Tue, Jan 12, 1999 (23:02)", "body": "Who was the female co-star with Yule Brenner(sp?) in 'The King and I'?"}, {"response": 254, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Wed, Jan 13, 1999 (09:32)", "body": "Deborah Kerr"}, {"response": 255, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Wed, Jan 13, 1999 (18:00)", "body": "Thanks, Charlotte!"}, {"response": 256, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Jan 13, 1999 (20:16)", "body": "My, you two have been busy! The last film I saw was \"Eve's Bayou.\""}, {"response": 257, "author": "jgross", "date": "Wed, Jan 13, 1999 (20:25)", "body": "I was the one who kept her hair in place.... you can't see me because it was my job, on the crew, to be a master at not being seen (had to work closely with the camera person for best angles) I'm also the one holding Yul's hair outta the way so he looks bald throughout the movie it was a skill that just couldn't be passed on, and now I'm forgotten and uncredited today I just feel worthless and ugly and depressed and suicidal"}, {"response": 258, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Jan 13, 1999 (20:39)", "body": "Jim! Get thee to inner!"}, {"response": 259, "author": "jgross", "date": "Wed, Jan 13, 1999 (20:45)", "body": "some slippage there, with Autumn trying on the slipper it does, though, give me an excellent opportunity to hardly mention that it was me who turns Dr. Batiste on to all those women in \"Eve's...\" I was just playing myself. Again I ask you, although this is the first time, why is my acting footage left on the cutting room floor? ....what with my role being so critical to the action (and I mean action) once more, here I am, more suicidal than I am depressed, though more depressed than I am ugly, though more ugly than I am worthless and I feel incredibly worthless as you would too, if this happened to you ....it's okay, I'll survive (or not)"}, {"response": 260, "author": "jgross", "date": "Wed, Jan 13, 1999 (20:48)", "body": "there you go again, Autumn you're like a regular Cinderella or somebody with your slippers have you tried on the ones made of glass, yet, that the Prince is taking around to lovely young women of becoming qualities?"}, {"response": 261, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Jan 13, 1999 (20:51)", "body": "Nay, I fear my wicked stepmother dost protest too much."}, {"response": 262, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Jan 13, 1999 (20:53)", "body": "Oops, that's \"doth\", and besides, what kind of foundation is that for an alliance between two people--having the right shoe size? I guess empires have been built on a lot less, but I need a little more sympatico between me and my my mate!"}, {"response": 263, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Wed, Jan 13, 1999 (21:47)", "body": "why, Autumn, you've had the power inside of you all along... \"There's no place like love.\" \"There's no place like love.\" \"There's no place like love.\""}, {"response": 264, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Jan 13, 1999 (22:08)", "body": "If the shoe fits, wear it, huh?"}, {"response": 265, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Wed, Jan 13, 1999 (22:11)", "body": "yes, Princess..."}, {"response": 266, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Mon, Jun 14, 1999 (08:33)", "body": "Took Zoe to see Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at Deep Eddy Saturday night, we saw 101 Dalmations there the Saturday before."}, {"response": 267, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Jun 14, 1999 (21:33)", "body": "We saw \"The King and I\" (animated version) recently, it sucked big time, even by Disney standards. S. took a carful of kids to the drive-in last week to see \"Star Wars\", which they all claimed to like. Rented \"Next Stop Wonderland\" (big snooze), \"Love and Death on Long Island\" (interesting w/o being fascinating), and \"7 Years in Tibet\" (a bit slow) recently. Oh, and rented \"Austin Powers I\"--yeah, baby, yeah!!!"}, {"response": 268, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Jun 15, 1999 (14:05)", "body": "oh YEAH, baby!"}, {"response": 269, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Wed, Jun 16, 1999 (09:57)", "body": "They still have drive-ins somewhere??"}, {"response": 270, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Jun 16, 1999 (13:50)", "body": "they do in Englewood (just south of Denver right off Santa Fe and 285)"}, {"response": 271, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Wed, Jun 16, 1999 (16:00)", "body": "Rhein-Main area has one or two, too... Need directions? ;=}"}, {"response": 272, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Jun 17, 1999 (09:44)", "body": "sure!"}, {"response": 273, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Thu, Jun 17, 1999 (12:02)", "body": "Sout of Frankfurt, near or in Neu-Isenburg, lies Autokino Gravenbruch. Showing now: Autokino Gravenbruch Telefon 06102 / 55 00: Matrix, Do-Mi 22, Fr/Sa 00.45 Uhr. Enjoy, Stacey. There was another one to the west, along A66 between Frankfurt and Wiesbaden, but I don't know for sure if that still operates... Been there last year for a fleamarket, and it looked not too operational."}, {"response": 274, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Jun 17, 1999 (15:56)", "body": "they hold flea markets in the Englewood one as well! .ok damn, damn, damn,"}, {"response": 275, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Thu, Jun 17, 1999 (17:45)", "body": "too much coffee today, Stace?"}, {"response": 276, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Jun 17, 1999 (22:24)", "body": "Long time, no see, Charlotte!!!"}, {"response": 277, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Jun 18, 1999 (10:22)", "body": "no coffee perhaps that was the problem Brandon has promised to take me to the Phantom Menace this weekend!"}, {"response": 278, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Jun 18, 1999 (13:29)", "body": "woo hoo!! hi charlotte! alex, i stayed overnight in rhein main last year! no movie seeing for me, though. i just saw great expectations. i must say that that really was a great expectation. i wasn't necessarily impressed. like gwyneth, but ethan doesn't do anything for me. i loved the old lady but was disappointed that she wasn't in the wedding dress throughout the movie (read the book?)"}, {"response": 279, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Jun 19, 1999 (22:01)", "body": "k, i went to the movies and saw two, back to back (kids out of town!).... instinct: very good no matter what the critics say....there were some parts that seemed to slow it up (i was more interested in ethan's (hopkins) life with the gorillas--surprise, surprise)! it has lessons that i think a lot of people could learn from. ap, the spy who shagged me: i dunno, didn't get into it, but did laugh a few times...there was a guy behind me who was funnier than the movie (he laughed the whole time). mike meyers is one talented actor-i esp. was impressed with the scottish character, let's just call him fat b. oh, luved mini-me, and mr evel was particularly funny along with his whole entourage. we're renting rush hour and beloved....i'll review them later *grin*"}, {"response": 280, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Jun 20, 1999 (18:04)", "body": "rush hour didn't interest me very much....i like chris taylor in the fifth element but didn't find him funny in this one...seemed like he was trying to emulate eddie murphy in beverly hills cop and i just wanted him to be himself! beloved was emotional....i am still confused about certain parts of the film....i didn't understand why beloved haunted the house and came back and then left again...perhaps it had to do with coming to grips with the past...usually i am very sensitive about a movie's underlying theme...maybe i should watch it again!"}, {"response": 281, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sun, Jun 20, 1999 (18:17)", "body": "or maybe you just didn't have enough popcorn..."}, {"response": 282, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Feb  7, 2036 (06:27)", "body": "i finally saw Episode 1. loved it. every bit. When the screen went black and after\"... galaxy far, far away...\" came up I was smitten but when the John Williams music started pulsing. Oh I just got so excited! Like being seven again! I was honored to know obiwan as a young Jedi knight and am compelled to discover the turning point which made young Anikan's future what I know it will become. And do I know Luke's mother now? I believe I do. Oh I just really loved the whole damn thing. I wish Episode Two were released already... dum... da da dum..."}, {"response": 283, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Feb  7, 2036 (06:29)", "body": "(seeing as it's 2036, I suppose the movie should be out any day now, no?)"}, {"response": 284, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Jun 21, 1999 (19:25)", "body": "We're back from the future."}, {"response": 285, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Jun 21, 1999 (21:29)", "body": "i talked to a lady at work who saw beloved and she didn't understand the whole of it either. she said after the movie, she could hear others who didn't get it. so it wasn't just me. but i must say, the woman who played beloved deserves an award. she was excellent!! on the disney channel, mary poppins is playing and i am gleefully watching it. stacey: i was full of goosebumps listening to the star wars theme and reading the intro. i've been convinced to watch star wars with the additional footage. they said it didn't take anything away from the original."}, {"response": 286, "author": "wolf", "date": "Thu, Jun 24, 1999 (09:38)", "body": "more movie reviews: waterboy--i liked it and laughed most of it, better than AP.... rented stepmom last night--cried, a lot, julia roberts is wonderful even though i'm not a huge fan and susan serandon was most excellent...she has this way of using her face to say things that words cannot. it was a good chick flick. tonight: everafter--finally get to see this one, will let you know..... and don't forget: big daddy comes out tomorrow!!"}, {"response": 287, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Jun 25, 1999 (09:15)", "body": "ever after: nice story. prince henry was ever so dashing. i really disliked angelica houston's character, but i suppose that was the point! am a little girl at heart, so fairy tales are still magical for me. tonight--sliding doors....."}, {"response": 288, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Jun 25, 1999 (11:53)", "body": "you are ms. movie watcher!"}, {"response": 289, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Jun 25, 1999 (11:54)", "body": "B leaves the country on business for two weeks so I'll probably be seeing lots at the dollar theatre ($0.50) coming up soon!"}, {"response": 290, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Jun 25, 1999 (12:24)", "body": "can't wait for your reviews (b's going out of the country?)"}, {"response": 291, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Jun 25, 1999 (13:56)", "body": "Sao Paulo Brazil Loiusville, Kentucky (which seems like a separate country!) Copenhagen, Denmark somewhere in Sweden Hamburg, Germany he leaves tomorrow returns for 48 hours on July 2 Leaves July 4 for Copenhagen returns July 14. quick trips all of em, but stacked together he's outta town for awhile..."}, {"response": 292, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Jun 25, 1999 (15:29)", "body": "i'll say and over the 4th of july too!"}, {"response": 293, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Jun 25, 1999 (16:26)", "body": "yep... no schmancy red white and blue holiday for us... *frown* His parents have a party every year though and that'll be fun!"}, {"response": 294, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Jun 25, 1999 (20:26)", "body": "What are your plans on the Fourth Stace'?"}, {"response": 295, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Jun 25, 1999 (20:54)", "body": "i think the gal will be partying *woohoo*"}, {"response": 296, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Jun 26, 1999 (19:26)", "body": "All-night movie rentals, back to back! ha-ha! Wolf, did you like Sliding Doors ? I loved it!"}, {"response": 297, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sun, Jun 27, 1999 (02:33)", "body": "Stace, tell him to say hi to my relatives in Louisville... saw The Creature from the Black Lagoon in 3D tonight at Deep Eddy..."}, {"response": 298, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Jun 27, 1999 (08:49)", "body": "Wow, the perfect movie to see in Deep Eddy. How was the water?"}, {"response": 299, "author": "stacey", "date": "Sun, Jun 27, 1999 (13:04)", "body": "do your relatives happen to work for GE there?"}, {"response": 300, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sun, Jun 27, 1999 (13:25)", "body": "oh, probaly not but if he runs into a Roland, they'll be a relative..."}, {"response": 301, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Jun 27, 1999 (16:19)", "body": "autumn: i loved sliding doors. i'm especially happy that her choices got her to the right man sooner or later."}, {"response": 302, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Mon, Jun 28, 1999 (05:11)", "body": "We saw Rogue Trader on Friday. Interesting story, awful acting. Ewan McGregor was wooden."}, {"response": 303, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Jun 28, 1999 (08:56)", "body": "I assume this enigmatic 'we' is your fiancee? Or is she your wife yet? Have you two found a place? In England? I think I'll finally see 'analyze this' tonight... purty lonely at home *wimper* *grin* lookit me! throwing my very own pity party... anyone else care to join me?! I also want to see that one with... oh poop, now I can't remember either of their names... two guys... action/scary... nevermind, I'll come back to that."}, {"response": 304, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Jun 28, 1999 (10:16)", "body": "um, two guys, action/scary, does it include very large alligators?"}, {"response": 305, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Mon, Jun 28, 1999 (11:13)", "body": "Or any rabid canines?"}, {"response": 306, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Jun 28, 1999 (11:17)", "body": "ummm... i don't think so"}, {"response": 307, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Mon, Jun 28, 1999 (11:22)", "body": "Too bad. Hey, did anybody see \"Abott and Costello meet the Wolfman\"?"}, {"response": 308, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Jun 28, 1999 (20:48)", "body": "i think that's taking place right here! so stacey, which movie were you talking about?"}, {"response": 309, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Tue, Jun 29, 1999 (06:20)", "body": "sorry, yes, that's Ca and I. we had a place sorted out before she arrived, so we're all moved in and playing at being domestic. Ikea, shopping, cooking and cleaning. Fun. We saw Notting Hill last weekend - quite good, but I didn't think Julia Roberts was particularly suited to the part. Hugh Grant was excellent, though, which surprised me (I'm not a big fan)."}, {"response": 310, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Jun 29, 1999 (09:01)", "body": "Lethal Weapon III?"}, {"response": 311, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Jun 29, 1999 (12:15)", "body": "i don't think I saw three... isn't four out already..."}, {"response": 312, "author": "wolf", "date": "Thu, Feb  7, 2036 (01:24)", "body": "four is out on video...i don't recommend three, it was terrible (immho)"}, {"response": 313, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Jun 30, 1999 (11:04)", "body": "four was pretty funny -- the one where the girls were preg-o right?"}, {"response": 314, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Jun 30, 1999 (20:17)", "body": "Mike, the previews for Notting Hill didn't look very enticing to me. I've never heard of Rogue Trader, maybe it'll be released here later. Ewan MacGregor = Trainspotting? Not sure if it's the same actor. IKEA, LOL!!! Have you hit Bed, Bath & Beyond yet? :-)"}, {"response": 315, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Jul  3, 1999 (18:00)", "body": "just came back from a very packed theatre with kids in the ranges of 6 mo to 80 yrs. the place was packed and they had two screens dedicated to this disney film-yep, tarzan. it was alright. can't say it really, i dunno, kept comparing it to greystoke and christophe lampert. isn't that strange? well, i did, but i was distracted by this man next to me scratching himself. now i don't know if he scratched the goods or not, but the location of his hand was bothering me and i kept leaning the opposite direction and almost was in my daughter's lap!"}, {"response": 316, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Jul  3, 1999 (18:04)", "body": "i watched part of rogue trader the other night-cinemax (no, no, i wasn't finished yet, just had to let you guys breathe after reading my experience at tinsel town today). did you know that was about a real guy? ewan mcgregor (most recently) was obi wan kinobe in star wars (but you knew that). i haven't seen trainspotting either, who all's in it? and autumn, bed, bath & beyond? is this a store i haven't been in yet?"}, {"response": 317, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Jul  4, 1999 (00:06)", "body": "Ha-ha, if you've never been in one then you must be living under a rock! I dunno, maybe they don't have them in the South. Trainspotting is full of a bunch of Scottish guys. That's all I can tell you! Oh, and it was good!"}, {"response": 318, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sun, Jul  4, 1999 (01:31)", "body": "living in the South=living under a rock...hmmm..."}, {"response": 319, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Jul  4, 1999 (12:30)", "body": "hmm...we're only just now getting some of the popular city stores that i've seen on my travels *grin* and that one mentioned above is not here yet....hey, but we have casinoes!! haha..."}, {"response": 320, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Jul  6, 1999 (01:13)", "body": "i saw October Sky tonight. I enjoyed it, feel good movie with those little wet eyes of happiness. Wolf, BB&B is like a Linens&Things all ramped up with Container Store items too! (is that helpful or am I merely confusing the situation?)"}, {"response": 321, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Jul  6, 1999 (10:01)", "body": "what? you know, i think i went into one of those places and it was overwhelming! in fact, i think it was on my last trip to ohio."}, {"response": 322, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Jul  6, 1999 (14:03)", "body": "what! you chose to go shopping instead of watching the corn grow?!?!?"}, {"response": 323, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Tue, Jul  6, 1999 (18:04)", "body": "and both over just leaving?"}, {"response": 324, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Jul  6, 1999 (22:46)", "body": "I want to see the following films that are at the $2 theater: October Sky 10 Things I Hate About You Analyze This Shakespeare in Love"}, {"response": 325, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Jul  7, 1999 (09:46)", "body": "you'll love shakespeare in love (at least i did)....i think the only cheap seats in town here require a weapon. i'd like to see analyze this and october sky. not familiar with 10 things i hate about you, though."}, {"response": 326, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Jul  7, 1999 (11:17)", "body": "that's exactly my list Autumn! cross off the October Sky and 10 Things... I saw OS on Monday night and 10 Things last night. cute. entertaining. certianly worth a dollar definitely not worth $5! Analyze This is only showing at 5:10 and 9:30 -- one's too early for me and the other wouldn't put me to bed until after midnight... perhaps I will save this one for a schedule change! I think I'm pooped out on movies for tonight though... maybe Thursday!"}, {"response": 327, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Jul  8, 1999 (22:05)", "body": "Did see Shakespeare in Love last night, very sweet! My theatre has the same showtimes as yours, Stacey, good thing I don't have to be up early. We've been sleeping till 9:30 ever since school ended."}, {"response": 328, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Fri, Jul  9, 1999 (02:01)", "body": "THE HORROR!!!"}, {"response": 329, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Jul  9, 1999 (13:49)", "body": "*chuckle* awww... WER, we're missing the best parts of the day, huh? movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 12, "subject": "ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEES 1996", "response_count": 13, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "Donna", "date": "Sat, Mar 15, 1997 (13:19)", "body": "ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Tom Cruise Ralph Fiennes Woody Harrelson Geoffrey Rush Billy Bob Thornton Cuba Gooding, Jr. William H. Macy Armin Mueller-Stahl Edward Norton James Woods ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Brenda Blethyn Diane Keaton Frances McDormand Kristin Scott Thomas Emily Watson Joan Allen Lauren Bacall Juliette Binoche Barbara Hershey Marianne Jean-Baptiste ART DIRECTION CINEMATOGRAPHY THE BIRDCAGE THE ENGLISH PATIENT EVITA HAMLET WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S ROMEO & JULIET THE ENGLISH PATIENT EVITA FARGO FLY AWAY HOME MICHAEL COLLINS COSTUME DESIGN DIRECTING ANGELS AND INSECTS EMMA THE ENGLISH PATIENT HAMLET THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY THE ENGLISH PATIENT FARGO THE PEOPLE vs. LARRY FLYNT SECRETS & LIES SHINE DOCUMENTARY FEATURE DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT THE LINE KING: THE AL HIRSCHFELD STORY MANDELA SUZANNE FARRELL: ELUSIVE MUSE TELL THE TRUTH AND RUN: GEORGE SELDES AND THE AMERICAN PRESS WHEN WE WERE KINGS BREATHING LESSONS: THE LIFE AND WORK OF MARK O'BRIEN COSMIC VOYAGE AN ESSAY ON MATISSE SPECIAL EFFECTS THE WILD BUNCH: AN ALBUM IN MONTAGE FILM EDITING FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM THE ENGLISH PATIENT EVITA FARGO JERRY MAGUIRE SHINE A CHEF IN LOVE KOLYA THE OTHER SIDE OF SUNDAY PRISONER OF THE MOUNTAINS RIDICULE MAKEUP ORIGINAL DRAMATIC SCORE GHOSTS OF MISSISSIPPI THE NUTTY PROFESSOR STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT THE ENGLISH PATIENT HAMLET MICHAEL COLLINS SHINE SLEEPERS ORIGINAL MUSICAL OR COMEDY SCORE ORIGINAL SONG EMMA THE FIRST WIVES CLUB THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH THE PREACHER'S WIFE UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL ONE FINE DAY THE MIRROR HAS TWO FACES THAT THING YOU DO! EVITA BEST PICTURE SHORT FILM ANIMATED THE ENGLISH PATIENT FARGO JERRY MAGUIRE SECRETS AND LIES SHINE CANHEAD LA SALLA QUEST WAT'S PIG SHORT FILM LIVE ACTION SOUND DE TRIPAS, CORAZON DEAR DIARY ERNST & LYSET ESPOSADOS WORDLESS THE ENGLISH PATIENT EVITA INDEPENDENCE DAY THE ROCK TWISTER SOUND EFFECTS EDITING VISUAL EFFECTS DAYLIGHT ERASER THE GHOST AND THE DARKNESS DRAGONHEART INDEPENDENCE DAY TWISTER SCREENPLAY BASED ON MATERIAL PREVIOUSLY PRODUCED OR PUBLISHED SCREENPLAY WRITTEN DIRECTLY FOR THE SCREEN THE CRUCIBLE THE ENGLISH PATIENT HAMLET SLING BLADE TRAINSPOTTING FARGO JERRY MAGUIRE LONE STAR SECRETS & LIES SHINE 1996 Nominees Facts Sheet 1996 Nominees Organized by Film Click here to see a list of feature films released in 1996 which were eligible to be nominated for Academy Awards."}, {"response": 2, "author": "Donna", "date": "Sat, Mar 15, 1997 (13:29)", "body": "I thought I could change the arrangement of the list,it didn't work. ;-( Let see how good we are at picking the Winners. Not Who you want to win but Who will win."}, {"response": 3, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Mar 16, 1997 (21:08)", "body": "Good topic!"}, {"response": 4, "author": "Donna", "date": "Sat, Mar 22, 1997 (19:07)", "body": "Best Actor:Geoffrey Rush - I would like to see Tom Cruise win. Supporting Actor:Cuba Gooding, Jr?-he is great,but there is James Woods. Best Actress-Brenda Blethyn Supporting Actress:Lauren Bacall ART DIRECTION CINEMATOGRAPHY- English Patient HAMLET - COSTUME DESIGN MAKE-UP-NUTTY PROFESSOR ORIGINAL DRAMATIC SCORE-SHINE THE PEOPLE vs. LARRY FLYNT-Directing Milos Forman,everybody likes him. BEST PICTURE-THE ENGLISH PATIENT SCREENPLAY BASED ON MATERIAL PREVIOUSLY PRODUCED OR PUBLISHED-SLING BLADE SCREENPLAY WRITTEN DIRECTLY FOR THE SCREEN-SECERTS AND LIES SOUND EFFECTS EDITING-THE GHOST OF DARKNESS VISUAL EFFECTS-INDEPENDENCE DAY SOUND-TWISTER ORIGINAL MUSICAL OR COMEDY SCORE- FIRST WIVES CLUB ORIGINAL SONG-EVITA FILM EDITING-FARGO FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM-DIDN'T SEE ANY OF THESE MOVIES,WOULD LIKE TOO SHORT FILM LIVE ACTION-didn't see any of these I still might change a few of these."}, {"response": 5, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Jan  3, 1998 (09:17)", "body": "Not Oscars, but related: 55TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARD NOMINATIONS BEST MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA Amistad, DreamWorks SKG The Boxer, Universal Good Will Hunting, Miramax L.A. Confidential, Warner Bros. Titanic, Paramount/20th Century Fox BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA Helena Bonham Carter, \"The Wings of the Dove\" Judi Dench, \"Mrs. Brown\" Jodie Foster, \"Contact\" Jessica Lange, \"A Thousand Acres\" Kate Winslet, \"Titanic\" BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA Matt Damon, \"Good Will Hunting\" Daniel Day-Lewis, \"The Boxer\" Leonardo DiCaprio, \"Titanic\" Peter Fonda, \"Ulee's Gold\" Djimon Hounsou, \"Amistad\" BEST MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY As Good As It Gets, Sony The Full Monty, Fox Searchlight Men in Black, Sony My Best Friend's Wedding, Sony Wag the Dog, New Line BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY Joey Lauren Adams, \"Chasing Amy\" Pam Grier, \"Jackie Brown\" Helen Hunt, \"As Good As It Gets\" Jennifer Lopes, \"Selena\" Julia Roberts, \"My Best Friend's Wedding\" BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY Jim Carrey, \"Liar, Liar\" Dustin Hoffman, \"Wag The Dog\" Samuel L. Jackson, \"Jackie Brown\" Kevin Kline, \"In & Out\" Jack Nicholson, \"As Good As It Gets\" BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM \"Artemisia,\" FRANCE \"The Best Man,\" ITALY \"Lea,\" GERMANY \"My Life in Pink,\" BELGIUM \"The Thief,\" RUSSIA BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE Kim Basinger, \"L.A. Confidential\" Joan Cusack, \"In & Out\" Julianne Moore, \"Boogie Nights\" Gloria Stuart, \"Titanic\" Sigourney Weaver, \"The Ice Storm\" BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE Rupert Everett, \"My Best Friend's Wedding\" Anthony Hopkins, \"Amistad\" Burt Reynolds, \"Boogie Nights\" Jon Voight, John Grisham's \"The Rainmaker\" Robin Williams, \"Good Will Hunting\" BEST DIRECTOR - MOTION PICTURE James L. Brooks, \"As Good As It Gets\" James Cameron, \"Titanic\" Curtis Hanson, \"L.A. Confidential\" Jim Sheridan, \"The Boxer\" Steven Spielberg, \"Amistad\" BEST SCREENPLAY - MOTION PICTURE Mark Andrus/James L. Brooks, \"As Good As It Gets\" James Cameron, \"Titanic\" Matt Damon/Ben Affleck, \"Good Will Hunting\" Brian Helgeland/Curtis Hanson, \"L.A. Confidential\" Hilary Henkin/David Mamet, \"Wag The Dog\" BEST ORIGINAL SCORE - MOTION PICTURE Philip Glass, \"Kundun\" Jerry Goldsmith, \"L.A. Confidential\" James Horner, \"Titanic\" Michael Nyman, \"Gattaca\" John Williams, \"Seven Years in Tibet\" BEST ORIGINAL SONG - MOTION PICTURE \"Go The Distance,\" \"Hercules\" \"Journey to the Past,\" \"Anastasia\" \"My Heart Will Go On,\" \"Titanic\" \"Once Upon a December,\" \"Anastasia\" \"Tomorrow Never Dies,\" \"Tomorrow Never Dies\""}, {"response": 6, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Jan  3, 1998 (22:47)", "body": "Wow--I didn't see a single one of these movies! But several of them made my \"must-rent\" list."}, {"response": 7, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Jan  4, 1998 (09:57)", "body": "I just saw 'As Good as it Gets'. Highly recommended. See the topic on this."}, {"response": 8, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Jan 13, 1998 (11:59)", "body": "Potential academy choices for 97, let's see how the actual ones turn out: BEST PICTURE BEST DIRECTOR Amistad Woody Allen, Deconstructing Harry As Good As It Gets James L. Brooks, As Good As It Gets The Full Monty James Cameron, Titanic Good Will Hunting Curtis Hanson, LA Confidential LA Confidential Ang Lee, The Ice Storm The Sweet Hereafter Martin Scorcese, Kundun Titanic Steven Spielberg, Amistad Out in the cold: Boogie Nights, Out in the cold: Kasi Lemmons, Paul Ice Storm, The Wings of the Dove, Thomas Anderson, Gus Van Sant, Atom Donnie Brasco Egoyan BEST ACTRESS BEST ACTOR Helena Bonham-Carter, The Wings Daniel Day-Lewis, The Boxer of the Dove Leonardo DiCaprio, Titanic Judi Dench, Mrs. Brown Peter Fonda, Ulee's Gold Jodie Foster, Contact Ian Holm, The Sweet Hereafter Pam Grier, Jackie Brown Djimon Honsou, Amistad Helen Hunt, As Good As It Gets Neil LaBute, In the Company of Men Julia Roberts, My Best Friend's Jack Nicholson, As Good As It Gets Wedding Kate Winslet, Titanic Out in the cold: Matt Damon, Kevin Kline, Al Pacino, Russell Crowe Out in the cold: Emily Watson, Julie Christie, Jessica Lange, Sigourney Weaver BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Kirstie Alley, Deconstructing Harry James Cromwell, L.A. Confidential Kim Basinger, L.A. Confidential Rupert Everett, My Best Friend's Judi Davis, Deconstructing Harry Wedding Anne Heche, Wag the Dog Robert Forster, Jackie Brown Debbi Morgan, Eve's Bayou Greg Kinnear, As Good As It Gets Christina Ricci, The Ice Storm Burt Reynolds, Boogie Nights Gloria Stuart, Titanic Kevin Spacey, L.A. Confidential Robin Williams, Good Will Hunting Topic 1854 [movies]: 1997 Oscar Talk"}, {"response": 9, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Jan 13, 1998 (12:01)", "body": "current grosses: 1. (1) Titanic .......................... $29.2 million 2. (14) Good Will Hunting ............... $10.3 million 3. (3) As Good As It Gets ............... $9.3 million 4. (17) Wag the Dog ..................... $8.2 million 5. (2) Tomorrow Never Dies .............. $7.5 million 6. (4) Mouse Hunt ....................... $5.0 million 7. (+) Firestorm .. ..................... $4.0 million 8. (6) Jackie Brown ..................... $3.8 million 9. (5) Scream 2 ......................... $3.7 million 10.(7) Amistad .......................... $2.7 million"}, {"response": 10, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Jan 15, 1998 (17:57)", "body": "a sickening amount of money!"}, {"response": 11, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Feb 14, 1998 (21:01)", "body": "OK, now it's 1998. Oscar nominees. Oscar Nominations Entered by Michael Delizia (md) on Tue, Feb 10, 1998 (14:36): Here they are. Pick the winners: Best Picture: As Good As It Gets The Full Monty Good Will Hunting L.A. Confidential Titanic Best Actor: Matt Damon, Good Will Hunting Robert Duvall, The Apostle Peter Fonda, Ulee's Gold Dustin Hoffman, Wag the Dog Jack Nicholson, As Good As It Gets Best Actress: Helena Bonham Carter, The Wings of the Dove Julie Christie, Afterglow Judi Dench, Mrs. Brown Helen Hunt, As Good As It Gets Kate Winslet, Titanic Best Supporting Actor: Robert Forster, Jackie Brown Anthony Hopkins, Amistad Greg Kinnear, As Good As It Gets Burt Reynolds, Boogie Nights Robin Williams, Good Will Hunting Best Supporting Actress: Kim Basinger, L.A. Confidential Joan Cusack, In & Out Minnie Driver, Good Will Hunting Juliane Moore, Boogie Nights Gloria Stuart, Titanic Best Director: Peter Cattaneo, The Full Monty James Cameron, Titanic Atom Egoyan, The Sweet Hereafter Curtis Hanson, L.A. Confidential Gus Van Sant, Good Will Hunting Best Original Screenplay: As Good As It Gets Boogie Nights The Full Monty Good Will Hunting Deconstructing Harry Best Adapted Screenplay: Donnie Brasco The Sweet Hereafter L.A. Confidential Wag the Dog The Wings of the Dove"}, {"response": 12, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Feb 15, 1998 (10:33)", "body": "Can't pick any, haven't been to the movies in ages. Last thing I saw was MIB (in the theatre I mean)"}, {"response": 13, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Sun, Feb 15, 1998 (10:39)", "body": "Although Jack Nicholson did a damn good job playing Jack Nicholson in AGAIG, it's still a crime that Kevin Kline got no recognition for his excellent work in not one, but two films last year. But hey, what kind of world would it be if everyone AGREED with the Academy, eh? :) movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 13, "subject": "Still Breathing", "response_count": 18, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Mar 16, 1997 (22:20)", "body": "------------------------------------------------------------------------ STILL BREATHING ABOUT THE PRODUCTION Fletcher McBracken (Brendan Fraser) is an eccentric street performer living in San Antonio, Texas. For as long as anyone can remember, the men in Fletcher's family have had dramatic midnight visions about women -- or rather THE WOMAN who would be their lifelong love. Then it's been up to them to go out and find her. After desperately trying to induce a vision by drinking excessive amounts of coffee and making a giant collage of women's faces -- Fletcher finally gets his vision, a flash of dark eyes, a striking brunette's face and the word, \"Formosa\". Roz Willoughby (Joanna Going) is the woman who matches the face in Fletcher's vision. Roz is a former artist who has chased her dreams to Los Angeles, only to get lost in a sea of disillusionment and cynicism. Encouraged by her friend Elaine (Ann Magnuson) and armed with an evil sense of humor, she resorts to conning wealthy men in the world of Fine Art. We see her talents at work in an elaborate sting in which she cons a Argentinian polo player (Paolo Seganti). As Elaine tells her, \"Don't worry, they always deserve it\"... but Roz isn't so sure. She still has a spark of humanity left inside, but it's fading fast in the LA grind. Next, Elaine briefs Roz on her next \"mark\", a rich eccentric Texan she's supposed to meet at the Formosa Cafe in Hollywood. On an L.A. layover as he heads to the island of Formosa (Taiwan), Fletcher spies an article about the \"Formosa Cafe\" in Hollywood. He goes straight to the bar. Fletcher knows as soon as he sees her that Roz is the woman of his vision. Roz mistakes him for \"The Other Texan\" (Texas musician Junior Brown in his first screen role). Somehow, Fletcher seems different to Roz, although she can't quite figure out why (but some part of him illuminates a vivid dream she keeps having). His persistence and her own confused feelings make it impossible to escape the situation, and Roz soon finds herself in San Antonio with Fletcher, his musician grandmother Ida (Celeste Holm), and all his quirky friends. The more Roz learns about this oddly charming man, the more difficult it becomes for her to maintain control of the situation. Fletcher introduces her to San Antonio, where she seems to rediscover a world of artistic sensibilities and integrity she had long since given up on. While she is at the height of her unsettled feelings, Fletcher confesses his vision. Roz almost lets herself go, until one of the locals reveals that his \"day job\" is as a puppeteer on Alamo Plaza. Convincing herself that his vision is false and she could never be with a mere street performer -- even if he offers true love -- Roz runs back to Los Angeles and starts hunting for another man. Unable to re-enter the empty world she has so recently left, Roz evaluates herself and her life. As difficult as it is for this disillusioned young woman to believe in her own capacity to love and be loved -- she risks her heart and returns to San Antonio -- fulfilling a personal journey that ends with self-realization, romance and redemption. Brendan Fraser and Joanna Going head the cast of STILL BREATHING, a magical romance which was shot on-location in San Antonio, Texas and Los Angeles. Also starring in the ensemble cast are Ann Magnuson, Toby Huss, Angus MacFadyen, Lou Rawls, Paolo Seganti, Michael McKean, and Academy Award\ufffd winner Celeste Holm. The film features an eclectic musical soundtrack that includes tracks from Morphine, Sub Dub, Texas Tornadoes, Louie Armstrong, Augie Meyers, Flaco Jimenez, the cult sixties band, The Feminine Complex, as well as new music from Rita Springer, Junior Brown and Madeleine Peyroux. The film also features the classic jazz music of THE JIM CULLUM JAZZ BAND as well as a mix of Classical, Opera, Blues and Latin music, and a new score by composer PAUL MILLS. STILL BREATHING is written, produced and directed by James F. Robinson. Ms. Marshall Persinger is the producer. Joyce Schweickert is the executive producer and Janet Graham is the co-executive producer. The independently financed motion picture is produced by ZapPictures Inc. in association with Seattle Pacific Investments Inc. \"STILL BREATHING is a romantic drama/comedy updated and twisted around to fit the complicated and dangerous waters of love and ambition in the 90's,\" explains Writer/Producer/Director Jim Robinson. Producer Marshall Persinger continues \"it is a film about urban women who have tried so hard to make it. Forging new lives where maybe you don't get married and maybe you get burned by the system along the way, but you keep trying and hoping.\" \"The title STILL BREATHING has a double meaning,\" says Robinson. \"On one hand, modern life can beat us down so much that about all we can do is claim that we are 'still breathing'. On the other, it's like the antidote to that whole cynical/stress gotta-get-my-share world -- to be still and just breathing -- to break "}, {"response": 2, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Tue, Apr  8, 1997 (09:41)", "body": "meant to respond to the comment in the other topic about trailers that give away the plot--how about REVIEWERS that give away the plot?!?! I stopped reading reviews because they ruin movie-going for me: if I already know what's going to happen, it's just not so much fun. So, this sounds like a great flick (adore San Antone and Ann Magnuson), but unless my Alzheiner's kicks in and I can forget the plot, it'll be another ruined film for me! I wish there was some way reviewers could warn you they're just going to re-hash the plot rather than actually reviewing the performances, direction, cinematography, etc--geez, I don't mean to sound so harsh; you did a wonderful job there, but I wish you could put the plot re-hashment in italics so I could skip it and go on to your own thoughts section. Now you're going to think I'm a meanie--THANKS for reviewing an indie film I might otherwise not know about. Sorry I'm such a stickler."}, {"response": 3, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Apr  8, 1997 (23:04)", "body": "I think you would still enjoy it. The plot wasn't the central focus of this movie, but the characters and the interplay and the music. From now on, we'll put ** spoiler alert ** ahead of reviews or comments that give away the plot. I'm with you on that one, Aubrey."}, {"response": 4, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Wed, Apr  9, 1997 (13:08)", "body": "did my last message make it or not? my server is acting up"}, {"response": 5, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Wed, Apr  9, 1997 (13:09)", "body": "I guess not. Anyway, no time to re-type it all now, just a most abject apology for my snippiness yesterday and I'll write the rest later eh!"}, {"response": 6, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Wed, Apr  9, 1997 (14:13)", "body": "Ha! I snatched another few moments from the jaws of the gummint (I'm sort of a state employee--I shouldn't admit my theiving ways, should I)--what I meant to say was most of my postings yesterday were way too peevish due to my crabby mood. Your review was excellent and I will look for the flick at The Inwood or the UA Cine here in Dallas. I'va actually developed a self-preservation technique for reading movie reviews whereby I blur my eyes until I think the plot re-hashment is done. That kicked in abo t 10 lines into your review, so what with my old-timer's disease and all, I should be ok. And it's not like you were giving away the plot key wherein the chanteuse is revealed to be *spoiler alert* a MAN!!! (if you know what I mean and I hope you do). Please do keep us posted on any movies made in or about Austin! Or any movies that seem cool!"}, {"response": 7, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Apr  9, 1997 (21:19)", "body": "This isn't a movie but there's a new cartoon series on tv which takes place in Austin. Have you heard of it? It's kind a remote Beavis and Butthead spinoff."}, {"response": 8, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Fri, Apr 11, 1997 (12:15)", "body": "Is it that one about their female nemesis--?Darla? or something? I did hear something about a psinoff like that but had no idea it was Austin-related. Cool! What's it called? When's it on? People will wonder what happened to the Still Breathing portion of the topic as we slowly fade in to...something completely different!"}, {"response": 9, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Apr 11, 1997 (21:06)", "body": "Yeah, it's called \"drifting\" in some quarters. Maybe we can get the Still Breathing website to link to here. I'll start another topic for that cartoon series about Austin when I remember the name!"}, {"response": 10, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Mon, Apr 14, 1997 (08:52)", "body": "I was puttering around the house this weekend with The Simpsons on as background noise, when it suddenly slammed me in the face like a bag of hot nickels: terry must have meant King of the Hill! which comes on right after the Simpsons here. It's FABULOUSLY funny, particularly for those of us who grew up here in the Lone Star State and KNOW these guys! I have really enjoyed it and hope that I don't put my usual curse on it by watching regularly. Hank Hill is such an excellent...well, I almost said car cature, but he's not really. Peg his wife is the very picture of a suburban housewife who's branching out a bit. Bobby is such a husky amiable kid, he's the perfect foil to Hank's bluster."}, {"response": 11, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Apr 14, 1997 (23:31)", "body": "You got it. King of the Hill is steeped in bubbaland lore (S Austin). It's a favroite topic on the Sammy and Bob show."}, {"response": 12, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Tue, Apr 15, 1997 (09:22)", "body": "See, I thought it was supposed to be in Austin, but I missed Sunday's episode in the middle of which my sister called asking where is it located because they apparently take a road trip to the Dallas area that somehow indicates their proximity to Big D--I'll have to watch it for myself. Wherever it is, it's sure nuff a buncha bubbas!"}, {"response": 13, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Apr 15, 1997 (22:35)", "body": "I missed Sunday's show too, but they do lots of reruns."}, {"response": 14, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Sep 14, 1997 (05:39)", "body": "October Films has picked this up. These are the folks that distributed 'The Last Seduction', so Still Breathing may still be breathing."}, {"response": 15, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Sep 14, 1997 (05:43)", "body": "Check out these interesting \"crew diaries\": http://www.stillbreathing.com/zappictures/films/stillbreathing/onlocation/diaries/diariescontents.html"}, {"response": 16, "author": "legaffe", "date": "Sun, Oct 12, 1997 (11:20)", "body": "Wonder when it will be coming to Austin again?"}, {"response": 17, "author": "Roctex", "date": "Thu, May 18, 2000 (22:33)", "body": "I liked the movie,it has a cute plot.I cleary did not like the way they portrayed San Antonio as a little town in Texas with a bunch of hillbillies.It was ridiculious and very stereotypical.San Antonio is the 8th largest city in the nation and now larger than Dallas.It has a population upwards of 1.3 million in the city and a metro area of about 1.7 million.The San Antonio/Austin corridor has a population of about 3.1 million and is one of the fastest growing regions in the nation.San Antonio is also a top tourist destination,government,biomedical,manufacturing, headquarter center.It is definately a modern metropolis but does have a beautiful tranquill side to it in certain area's.I don't think San Antonio was portrayed the way it really is an because of this I was disappointed with the movie."}, {"response": 18, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Jun  4, 2000 (18:41)", "body": "Guess that means I should not see it and assume all Austinites are like that?! I am ever eager to learn more about TX and Austin in particular. I have been known to watch deplorable stuff just to look at the location scenery... movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 14, "subject": "Emma Miramax", "response_count": 2, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "LorieS", "date": "Fri, May 23, 1997 (17:07)", "body": "Don't know myself, but did you check out the Austen conference? Or try them at their new location, www.pemberley.com and maybe someone there knows."}, {"response": 2, "author": "legaffe", "date": "Sun, Oct 12, 1997 (11:21)", "body": "Ked, did you ever find out? movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 15, "subject": "The Game", "response_count": 3, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Sep 24, 1997 (11:27)", "body": "You've got me giddy with anticipation! Michael Douglas... was he the guy in Jewel of the Nile about a gazillion years back?"}, {"response": 2, "author": "legaffe", "date": "Sun, Oct 12, 1997 (11:21)", "body": "He was the guy in Wall Street, did you see that Stacey?"}, {"response": 3, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Oct 13, 1997 (09:51)", "body": "oh yeah! Speaking of The Game (conference title)... we went to see it Friday but we were and hour and 15 mins too early so we did the usual -- $ movie and pinball. I finally saw Contact. A fabulous movie! Saturday night, after the hard ride, we downed a pot of macaroni and cheese and headed back to the Super Saver cinema for more pinball and Nothiing to Lose. A very funny, albeit contrived, movie. Everything's worth a $1.75 and when the movies are good, we really feel like we've gotten a bargain! movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 16, "subject": "The Full Monty", "response_count": 23, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Sep 25, 1997 (09:32)", "body": "Haven't seen either of them I'm afraid. \"Monty\" as in Python? I did see a very OLD movie last night -- 1940s \"The Night of the Zombies\" Very typecast roles. 3 Stooges style!"}, {"response": 2, "author": "LorieS", "date": "Thu, Oct  2, 1997 (12:48)", "body": "Well, as to your question, maybe. The phrase \"The Full Monty\" means going totally nude, and the movie is about some out-of-work men who decide to try being strippers a la Chippendales to make some money. So maybe Monty Python was referring to that phrase in a way that we out-of-touch Americans didn't understand?"}, {"response": 3, "author": "Betts", "date": "Fri, Oct 31, 1997 (10:20)", "body": "This is a really funny movie. We took a group aged 16 to 40 and everyone loved it. The dialog is hard to understand at first, but stick with it. It is worth the trouble. Our local art film theater has held this film over several times. A real fun time."}, {"response": 4, "author": "legaffe", "date": "Sat, Nov  8, 1997 (18:00)", "body": "Tell us more Betts!"}, {"response": 5, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, May  6, 1998 (22:08)", "body": "Rented it this weekend, and my mom & I both liked it. It took us about a half-hour to figure out the accents/slang, but from then on it was enjoyable. I was even tempted to re-watch the first part to see if I could get something more out of it! I didn't, but it's the thought that counts."}, {"response": 6, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Sun, May 16, 1999 (17:50)", "body": "Yes! Great movie! Of course a natural hit with the gals, but let's be honest - good, clean fun for everyone! Taught me as much about that region's Brit accent (\"tosser\"), as \"The Commitments\" did about the Irish language (\"Fock\", \"Focker\"). Recommended!"}, {"response": 7, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Mon, May 17, 1999 (14:49)", "body": "tosser"}, {"response": 8, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Wed, May 19, 1999 (17:28)", "body": "tosser yerself, mate! buy another round, willya!"}, {"response": 9, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Nov  6, 1999 (21:42)", "body": "finally saw it. yup. loved it!"}, {"response": 10, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Mon, Nov  8, 1999 (14:43)", "body": "This is one of my all time fave comedies. There are some wonderful double takes in there worthy of a second and third viewing. I watched it on DVD and wish I owned my very own copy."}, {"response": 11, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Nov 10, 1999 (21:01)", "body": "so i should see it again? *grin* i was trying to figure out how to get the AM to do that for a private audience!!! *giggle*"}, {"response": 12, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Nov 10, 1999 (21:08)", "body": "Perhaps you could trade...you do one for him and he'll reciprocate?!"}, {"response": 13, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Nov 12, 1999 (19:47)", "body": "we'd never even get that far! *squeal*"}, {"response": 14, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Nov 12, 1999 (19:52)", "body": "*cackle* I figured as much...! (I kept watching the movie hoping that I would finally see them turn around!)"}, {"response": 15, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Nov 12, 1999 (19:57)", "body": "me, too!! but they did have nice bums *grin*"}, {"response": 16, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Nov 12, 1999 (20:19)", "body": "Indeed! Made ya wanna reach out and touch someone...*tweak!*"}, {"response": 17, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Nov 16, 1999 (21:53)", "body": "My mother and I spent the first half-hour asking each other, \"What did he say??\" We couldn't understand a damn word for the accents, LOL!"}, {"response": 18, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Tue, Nov 16, 1999 (22:02)", "body": "'Tis a challenge. Helps if you've been around people like that, as well. We have Aussie friends who can make noises just like they did and now I am beginning to make English out of them. Scary!"}, {"response": 19, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Mon, Nov 22, 1999 (11:51)", "body": "Oh, girls, you can't tell me you didn't understand that \"T\"-word..."}, {"response": 20, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Nov 24, 1999 (18:01)", "body": "???"}, {"response": 21, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Nov 24, 1999 (18:08)", "body": "(me too, Autumn...)"}, {"response": 22, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Nov 29, 1999 (14:42)", "body": "spill it Alexander... what T word??"}, {"response": 23, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Sun, Feb  6, 2000 (16:20)", "body": "\"Tosser\", of course. Hehe, and you said sp... movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 17, "subject": "The movie I want to see next", "response_count": 109, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Oct 18, 1997 (12:27)", "body": "Hmm, what's playing that's hot?"}, {"response": 2, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Oct 20, 1997 (09:56)", "body": "7 yrs in Tibet but I'll wait for a rainy, contemplative day."}, {"response": 3, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Oct 20, 1997 (17:51)", "body": "Same here, *that's* the movie I want to see."}, {"response": 4, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Nov  5, 1997 (11:21)", "body": "Paul, have you seen 7 Years yet?"}, {"response": 5, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Nov  5, 1997 (14:23)", "body": "Not yet, I want to see it though."}, {"response": 6, "author": "gud", "date": "Fri, Nov  7, 1997 (21:49)", "body": "Hey everyone, I am somewhat of a movie buff as well. The last to movies that I've seen are L.A. Confidential and Devil's Advocate. I HIGHLY recommend either! Kevin Spacey was really good in LA and there were also some very talentd young actors. It was 2 1/2 hours long, but worth it. Paccino was amazing in Devil's Advocate (as usual), and although I'm not a big Kionu fan, he didn't do a bad job. Both screenplays were phennomenal! In LA they introduce tons of angles that you never think will all come togethe , but somehow in the end they do. Devil's Advocate on the other hand is intense, with some extremely creative ideas. I think out of all the movies out right now, these two are must sees!"}, {"response": 7, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Nov  7, 1997 (23:36)", "body": "What do you want to see next, Brian?"}, {"response": 8, "author": "gud", "date": "Sat, Nov  8, 1997 (20:25)", "body": "I heard that Starship Troopers might be the next one to see. I don't think it's gonna win any awards, but the word on the street is great effects and a fairly in your face kinda hardcore style. Lots of shock value in a blockbuster kinda way. I'm not sure it'll be worth my $7.25, but I think the entertainment value will be high."}, {"response": 9, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Nov  8, 1997 (21:04)", "body": "I'll have to check it out, I've heard this. Deserving of a topic???"}, {"response": 10, "author": "gud", "date": "Sat, Nov  8, 1997 (21:44)", "body": "I'm not sure that it deserves it's own topic (how do you start one anyway?), but I would like to hear people's views on blockbusters in general. I hear that they are on the decline. Ya know, spending millions of dollars, getting big name stars, lots of new digitaly animated effects...but not much substance. The newest Batman movie for example. I think the American public is tired of all the hype, and tired of paying $7.00 for crap. They still hold a lot of aesthetic value I must admit, but is that al people want?"}, {"response": 11, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Nov  9, 1997 (00:59)", "body": "Start a topic? Just click on the new topic button. If you're telnetting, you just type 'e' at the prompt."}, {"response": 12, "author": "gud", "date": "Sun, Nov  9, 1997 (19:33)", "body": "New conference button? Am I missing something? There is a Prev topic, Next Topic, Prev Conf, Next Conf, Freeze, Forget, and Help button, but I don't see a New Topic button!?!"}, {"response": 13, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Nov 10, 1997 (11:28)", "body": "Then I'll have to fix that so there is!"}, {"response": 14, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Nov 10, 1997 (12:36)", "body": "Hey gud! Where are you from that movies cost $7.25?"}, {"response": 15, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Nov 13, 1997 (13:34)", "body": "I'm echoing Stacey--here in the Baltimore area it's like $5.50 for first run. Now Stacey, where do YOU live where you see first run for a dollar??? And get to play pinball at the same time???"}, {"response": 16, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Nov 13, 1997 (13:42)", "body": "No, no! First runs are $6.75 in Denver. I see the cheap movies at the Super Saver Cinema in Bear Valley for $1.75 and THEY have pinball. But I liked your idea better -- 1st run for a dollar PLUS pinball."}, {"response": 17, "author": "gud", "date": "Thu, Nov 13, 1997 (23:34)", "body": "1st runners are $7.25 in Ann Arbor, MI...it's pretty rediculous! There is a buck.50 show but the movies are outdated, and there isn't any pinball :("}, {"response": 18, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Nov 14, 1997 (10:11)", "body": "Outdated movies aren't a problem for me but \"no pinball\" ??!?!?! that sucks. Sorry. The Bear Valley (cheapo movies) even has good popcorn! I will count my blessings now! *grin*"}, {"response": 19, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Nov 14, 1997 (11:32)", "body": "I'm going to see a movie tonight. Any ideas?"}, {"response": 20, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Nov 14, 1997 (12:07)", "body": "GATTACA! I really liked it."}, {"response": 21, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Nov 14, 1997 (12:08)", "body": "Are you taking a date? Sometimes, it matters what she likes too. Oh, and I heard Starship Troopers was really good albeit graphically violent."}, {"response": 22, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Nov 14, 1997 (13:47)", "body": "A friend & I are going to the Sat. matinee of either \"Portrait of a Lady\" or \"Washington Square\"--2 possible \"chick flicks\". My husband will much prefer staying home for Notre Dame football. Terry, if you see either of these tonight, please post your review by Sat. afternoon!!"}, {"response": 23, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Nov 14, 1997 (15:39)", "body": "The answer is yes, stacey. so i'll write them down on 3 pieces of paper wad them up and flip them on the table at Satay and let her pick one, and she'll have 2-1 odds on a chick flick."}, {"response": 24, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Nov 15, 1997 (11:25)", "body": "What a prince! My husband would've stacked the deck w/3 Arnold Schwarzenagger movies."}, {"response": 25, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Nov 16, 1997 (22:22)", "body": "She picked the two chick flicks, rejected them, and we ended up watching galactic insect wars. Wild movie with violences, tremendous special effects fo spacecraft, insects and alien worlds, and even some mixed nude shower scenes. Gore alert, however."}, {"response": 26, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Nov 17, 1997 (10:10)", "body": "What a chick! We're going to see that on Wednesday! The one day out of 14 that Brandon will be home."}, {"response": 27, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Nov 17, 1997 (10:57)", "body": "Definitely a guy kind of flick, do you like bugs? Or do you fear them?"}, {"response": 28, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Nov 17, 1997 (11:11)", "body": "Depends on which side of the window they're on. Actually I enjoy bug watching. But I lived in an apartment that used to become infested with crickets. One or two crickets are okay. 1500 on your balcony is disgusting. How was your date??"}, {"response": 29, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Nov 17, 1997 (13:41)", "body": "Great. You'll love this bug movie then, especially to co-ed scenes in the shower."}, {"response": 30, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Nov 17, 1997 (22:26)", "body": "Bugs, aliens and nudity?? Sounds like a naughty melange of genres..."}, {"response": 31, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Nov 18, 1997 (10:57)", "body": "And the effects are on a level with Star Wars and Aliens."}, {"response": 32, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Nov 18, 1997 (11:28)", "body": "Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday!"}, {"response": 33, "author": "jgross5", "date": "Mon, May 18, 1998 (16:53)", "body": "Guess I'll go to Chinese Box or Two Girls & A Guy, cuz I've seen just about everything else. Jeremy Irons, Gong Li, and Maggie Cheung should get me havin' intercourse with the popcorn; and Robert Downey, Jr. is always invigoratingly counterbuff to the typical stud snoods, at least for me. Going to a movie with somebody can take the emotion out of it: I find I don't feel near as much. How does it happen with you.....& you & you, etc.?"}, {"response": 34, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, May 18, 1998 (18:04)", "body": "gotta be in the right mood. I enjoy seeing movies with others but often I prefer to go by myself... depends on if my company in engaging in the sport of pinball!"}, {"response": 35, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, May 20, 1998 (07:44)", "body": "Armegeddon is coming July 1st. I already saw Sudden Impact."}, {"response": 36, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, May 20, 1998 (16:17)", "body": "and?"}, {"response": 37, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, May 21, 1998 (20:00)", "body": "If I go to the movies (rare), I'll go with someone else. But I prefer to watch videos at home alone, undistracted."}, {"response": 38, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Nov  9, 1998 (13:50)", "body": "I read this review so I'd like to see this movie: The Celebration Danish film. Wealthy family disintegrates during the course of the patriarch's 60th birthday celebration. Much in common w/ Lars Von Trier's films on the surface, but especially on a writing level this is far more accomplished and complex. Astounding, just astounding acting in every single role. Gorgeously shot - on an $1800 consumer camcorder. This is so much better than any description of it could make it sound (it's a also a difficult one to discuss without spoilers). I was completely floored. Probably the best film I've seen this year."}, {"response": 39, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Nov  9, 1998 (13:56)", "body": "Since Bob Nagy gave it a rave review I want to see There's Something about Mary Another view: \"have a couple beers, bring that goofy chick, look for the crowd of genxers, and don't be afraid to fart. 'something about mary' is just the kind of serious drama mature audiences of sophistication find enlightening... haha i'm just fucking with you.\""}, {"response": 40, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Nov  9, 1998 (22:26)", "body": "I have been cracking on this movie big-time in another topic here, Terry, but some others seem to like it. Go ahead and waste $2 and 2 hours of your life! I bet you couldn't make Bob Nagy sit through it again."}, {"response": 41, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Nov 10, 1998 (00:27)", "body": "He said he was going again"}, {"response": 42, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Tue, Nov 10, 1998 (04:56)", "body": "(i saw it twice too) (sorry autumn... dunno, guess i have weird tastes... don't get much into modern cinema at all... i prefer the films of the thirties and forties, and when i have a choice, i watch them nearly exclusively... and over and again... it's like admiring a great piece of art to me, i've seen 'casablanca', 'the maltese falcon', etc., over 200 times, easily... but when confronted with modern films, it's the dumb ones that appeal to me most ('honeymoon in vegas', for example... or 'spinal tap', or 'the freshman' oryeah, 'something about mary')... most other films are unsatisfying to me, at least compared to those produced in eras of (real) passion, and literacy)"}, {"response": 43, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Nov 13, 1998 (21:43)", "body": "Ah, you're an enigma, Nick..."}, {"response": 44, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Wed, Nov 18, 1998 (21:20)", "body": "hmmm... (enigma-ramus, perhaps?) (there's compelling data supporting this view, i admit)"}, {"response": 45, "author": "TIM", "date": "Wed, Nov 18, 1998 (21:27)", "body": "The film I want to see next: \" LES ENFANTS DU PARADIS\" I'll have to wait until next summer. Because that is when the Paramount will show it again."}, {"response": 46, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Nov 19, 1998 (08:50)", "body": "You might find it at Vulcan Video."}, {"response": 47, "author": "TIM", "date": "Thu, Nov 19, 1998 (12:50)", "body": "I'll Check and see if they have it."}, {"response": 48, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Dec 16, 1998 (15:44)", "body": "is that one with subtitles? it sounds like \"the babes do paris\" haha, maybe subtitles aren't needed..."}, {"response": 49, "author": "PT", "date": "Wed, Dec 16, 1998 (16:20)", "body": "It has subtitles. It is a good movie even if you don't speak french. If you speak french, it is a much better movie. The english translation of the title is: \"The Children of Paradise\". It was filmed in Paris during the German occupation in WWII. The extras in the movie are members of the french resistance. The movie was their cover for all being together in one place. They hid out by acting in the movie."}, {"response": 50, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Dec 18, 1998 (20:32)", "body": "After all the chit chat surrounding it... I want to see Something About Mary!"}, {"response": 51, "author": "stacey", "date": "Sat, Dec 19, 1998 (01:03)", "body": "and I just got back from Something About Mary gotta say I understand where you're coming from Autumn (but I enjoyed the movie!)"}, {"response": 52, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Dec 21, 1998 (20:29)", "body": "Hey, live and let live, that's what I always say."}, {"response": 53, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Dec 21, 1998 (20:54)", "body": "not live and let die?"}, {"response": 54, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Dec 21, 1998 (21:25)", "body": "Now, Stacey, I have never been and never will be a James Bond fan..."}, {"response": 55, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Dec 22, 1998 (09:50)", "body": "how bout a Beatles fan then???"}, {"response": 56, "author": "PT", "date": "Tue, Dec 22, 1998 (11:25)", "body": "The beatles have something out called, \"live and let die\"?"}, {"response": 57, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Dec 22, 1998 (14:41)", "body": "no, but Paul has a verbatim lyric..."}, {"response": 58, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Tue, Dec 22, 1998 (15:59)", "body": "There are so many movies I want to see next... I may just spend my entire holiday watching movies! Shakespeare in Love Elizabeth Gods and Monsters Patch Adams Thin Red Line Little Voice Central Station and I'm sure I've left out a couple."}, {"response": 59, "author": "PT", "date": "Tue, Dec 22, 1998 (16:11)", "body": "I agree with the sentiment, but I've never heard of any of the movies."}, {"response": 60, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Dec 22, 1998 (17:16)", "body": "You go, Charlotte, and report back here!! \"Sh. in Love\" and \"Patch Adams\" look really good. My husband saw \"Elizabeth\" but didn't care much for it--said it was for people who find \"Masterpiece Theatre\" too taxing."}, {"response": 61, "author": "PT", "date": "Tue, Dec 22, 1998 (18:26)", "body": "Thought the plot was a little thin, did he?"}, {"response": 62, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Dec 22, 1998 (20:56)", "body": "He found it hardly scratched the surface--all dressed up nicely in costuming, but lacking substance. The Elizabethan period is one of his great interests, as are all things relating to the age of the Armada."}, {"response": 63, "author": "PT", "date": "Wed, Jan 13, 1999 (15:53)", "body": "I'm glad to hear that. I was thinking of going to that movie."}, {"response": 64, "author": "osceola", "date": "Tue, Jan 19, 1999 (13:42)", "body": "I've been wanting to see \"A Simple Plan\" for weeks now. But it's only playing at one theater, way up on Research Blvd. Only one bus goes out that far. Being carless sucks. It's like America has no use anymore for people without cars."}, {"response": 65, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Jan 23, 1999 (17:30)", "body": "Sounds like you're being discriminated against, George...maybe if you threaten them with a lawsuit, they'll send someone over to pick you up?"}, {"response": 66, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Mar 26, 1999 (11:49)", "body": "the movie i will be seeing next is city of angels *finally* got the video next to the tv and it's on my must do list for this evening."}, {"response": 67, "author": "Delungy", "date": "Fri, Mar 26, 1999 (23:10)", "body": ""}, {"response": 68, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sat, Mar 27, 1999 (01:35)", "body": "so, how do you feel about fallen angels now, Wolf?"}, {"response": 69, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Mar 31, 1999 (11:40)", "body": "never thought about fallen angels in quite that way. always thought it meant they turned against God. the movie was very well done. i must say that nicholas cage and meg ryan (though i've never imagined them together) did very a wonderful job trying to portrait these difficult characters. i did manage to squirt out a few tears at choice scenes in the movie, but for the most part, i was disappointed."}, {"response": 70, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sat, Apr  3, 1999 (01:02)", "body": "not exactly to turn against God, Wolf, just choose to be different that what God made them to be... (besides, you got to post #69!)"}, {"response": 71, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Apr  3, 1999 (14:04)", "body": "oh yeah, i did, huh?"}, {"response": 72, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sat, Apr  3, 1999 (22:52)", "body": "(that happens so much you don't even notice anymore?)"}, {"response": 73, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Apr  4, 1999 (21:45)", "body": "Took the girls to see \"Bug's Life\" at the $2 movie theater. It was very enjoyable, typical Disney. Also, rented \"Blue\" (French, subtitled), which is a movie only a film critic could love, and \"Smoke\" with William Hurt and Harvey Keitel. Interesting without being fascinating."}, {"response": 74, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Mon, Apr  5, 1999 (00:29)", "body": "just watched \"Great Expectations\" with Gwyneth Paltrow(sp?) and Ethan Hawke(sp?)...what was with all the green?"}, {"response": 75, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Apr  7, 1999 (18:38)", "body": "haven't seen it yet. it was green???"}, {"response": 76, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Apr  7, 1999 (18:39)", "body": "was ethan pip? and gwyneth the old lady in the wedding dress? who played the convict?"}, {"response": 77, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Thu, Apr  8, 1999 (01:27)", "body": "yes...no that was Anne Bancroft...De Niro..."}, {"response": 78, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Apr  9, 1999 (16:40)", "body": "I like Ethan Hawke. My mom and I are going to the $2 movies this weekend to see \"Blast from the Past.\" Where's Jim??"}, {"response": 79, "author": "jgross", "date": "Fri, Apr  9, 1999 (20:27)", "body": "hi just like that, you blasted me into the present say hi to yer mom for me, 'k? tell her how hard i tried to make that flight outa Austin to get to Maryland to go to the movie with you two but that darn Ethan kept Billy Blankin' at my body, so i couldn't even board he stood between me and some of the deepest earthly delight known to the known world my chest was bruising (over my heart) as he asked, \"what's her mom's name?\" I said, \"Uma,\" as he let me have another kickbox kick on the mouth the sorrow of separation pangs me to now make shabby (and tubby) adjustments and go see \"Go\" and \"Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels\" sometime this weekend, alone, dismal, broken, downhearted, crushed, crumpled, and crunched and crypted i mean Ethan is just so different off-screen my lips are swelling bigger than my thumbs"}, {"response": 80, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Apr 10, 1999 (10:53)", "body": "i can't say i'm a big fan of ethan's but he is a good actor. i watched gattaca about three times and i still find it interesting. don't care for uma very much. she was good in gattaca, IMMHO. watched 187 on max yesterday. whew! what an intense and scary movie. it made me think of my dad (as he teaches 7-8th grade english in a tough neighborhood)."}, {"response": 81, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Apr 11, 1999 (16:17)", "body": "I read good reviews for both \"Go\" and \"Walking on the Moon.\" Come on, second run..."}, {"response": 82, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Apr 11, 1999 (22:46)", "body": "i've not heard of either one and i want to watch ever after because i'm a little girl at heart."}, {"response": 83, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Apr 12, 1999 (19:46)", "body": "My girlfriend's husband saw it on a plane and told her that as soon as it came out on video, he was buying it. Isn't that sweet?? She's going to lend it to me. Saw \"The Opposite of Sex\" last night and loved it! What a clever script."}, {"response": 84, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Tue, Apr 13, 1999 (10:41)", "body": "I want to see any movie. I don't really care what. Wouldn't matter which, I always miss those I really would like to see, anyway..."}, {"response": 85, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Thu, Apr 15, 1999 (00:07)", "body": "me, too"}, {"response": 86, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Apr 15, 1999 (22:58)", "body": "I watched \"Burnt by the Sun\" yesterday and really enjoyed it. It's a Russian film based on a true story about one of Stalin's generals who is betrayed by his wife's former lover. It sounds intense, but it was mostly light moments revolving around their family. Alexander, wer--what do you want to see?"}, {"response": 87, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Fri, Apr 16, 1999 (01:42)", "body": "probably not the right answer but, it depends on who I'm seeing it with"}, {"response": 88, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Apr 17, 1999 (11:05)", "body": "of course it does. what would you want to go see by yourself? i'm that way, some films i have to see alone because then i can allow myself to sink into it's fantasy."}, {"response": 89, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sat, Apr 17, 1999 (14:58)", "body": "probably wouldn't go see any by myself..."}, {"response": 90, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Apr 27, 1999 (14:43)", "body": "why? i've seen plenty by myself and it's great! i can cry without reservation!!"}, {"response": 91, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Tue, Apr 27, 1999 (15:43)", "body": "i can't say i've ever gone to a movie on my own. i think i'd feel too sad. but maybe that's just social conditioning :)"}, {"response": 92, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Fri, May  7, 1999 (00:37)", "body": "'cause going to the movie is something to share... if I want to watch something alone, I'll stay home..."}, {"response": 93, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Sat, May  6, 2000 (13:43)", "body": "I didn't know what topic to post this under on the movie conference, but it is just too funny. Roman Holy/Slayer What Saturday Night Fever did for Quiana, Plexiglas dancefloors and bad hair, Gladiator will do for killing Christians. Sitting in my stadium seat listening to an uncouth secular audience raucously cheer Gladiator, I felt like a rabbi at the Nuremberg rallies. But instead of the crowd whooping it up for an unattractive little man who, all for the want of a fistful of Prozac, killed off half of Europe, the audience at Gladiator was screaming for Christian blood. My blood. Using men with bulging biceps, bulging chests and, well, things that were bulging that no Christian woman should ever have thrust in her face, Gladiator will do more for homoerotic Christian mayhem than anything since Caligula first sashayed into the Colosseum. Gladiator, a film that manages to be crafty without craft, is littered with offensive antifamily propaganda and a level of vulgarity not commonly seen outside of Nevada. But what do you expect from a movie featuring an emperor called \"Commodus\" -- Latin for \"toilet\"? Russell Crowe stars as General Maximus, a downwardly mobile Roman who is forced into the most base of all professions -- show business. He entertains at amphitheaters throughout suburban Rome by decapitating Christians with an unrefined swagger too gruff to remind one of any genuine heterosexual males. Indeed, his technique clearly draws on the exaggeratedly robust manliness that can only be found in Women's Professional Basketball. What will every True Christian despise about this movie? Let's start with the vulgar name attached to the project. It doesn't take a cryptographer to unlock the salacious wordplay of the title to this trashy homage to amorality. Of the seven women from Bringing Integrity To Christian Homemakers who attended the screening with me, only one did not immediately pick up on the shockingly lewd subliminal message glaring down on us in twelve-foot letters. As my dear Sister-in-Christ, the 81-year-old Mrs. Helen Floribunda pointed out: \"It really takes a sick, sick secular mind to give a movie a title like that just to get a puerile giggle out of good, wholesome Christians going around town saying 'Glad He Ate Her.'\" Russell Crowe, here working in a Roman Temple Prostitute Superstore, shows that the film's budget was spent on special effects, not fabric. Let's talk about the sick way that the men dress for a minute. Most eschew the modesty of an ankle-length belted senatorial toga for a more racy gladiator miniskirt with leather/armor kick-pleats. It is a \"look\" perversely Jean Paul Gautier in its decedent homoeroticism and sassy mix of fabrics. Of course, there is a sick purpose behind the Carnaby Street altitude of the men's skirts, which are far too short for even a the most brazen female -- such as, say, a Catholic schoolgirl. The skirts provide ample opportunity for the voyeuristic Steadycam operators to brazenly play peek-a-boo with half the cast's crotches. Mrs. Bowers counted 86 salacious \"genital bulge\" shots -- 7 of which were in a decidedly turgid state. In fact, there may well have been more, but Mrs. Bowers was so utterly overwhelmed by how the character Maximus lived up to his name, she simply lost count. Thank the Lord I was proactive enough to pack a moist towelette in my Prada clutch. Yes, the film is prurient. But what can we expect from an amoral smut-mill like Hollywood? With Gladiator, Hollywood has shed any pretense that it has not been co-opted as the Joseph Goebbels of the Homosexual Agenda. The movie is confected of two things notoriously homosexual: (a) sweaty, muscular men impaling each other within moments of meeting; and (b) an exquisite placement of period furniture. This is Dream Works project -- a studio owned by three men who are, not coincidentally, all either Jewish, homosexual -- or both (just don't tell his wife). And the anti-Christian pedigree shows in every frame. There can only be one reason why Gladiator was made. It was conjured to whet the appetite of jaded Americans hungry for better production values in their Christian persecution. In a country anesthetized by virtual killing, what could be more exhilarating than a coliseum full of secular humanists drinking beer and watching real people of the Only True Faith dismembered? You don't need Diana Ross flying out in a helicopter during half-time after that! No doubt, the director hopes that once given a flavor for the buzz that follows watching godly Christians torn into pieces no larger than a Mariah Carey gown, bloodthirsty teenagers from Concord to Carmel will soon corral Pentecostals in high school gymnasiums every Friday night to watch them be mauled by pit bulls and livestock. Russell Crowe and a fellow gladiator use their swords to make a crucifix -- solely to mock the faith of the beautifully costumed Christians they are about to slaughter. History has been filled with Christian persecution"}, {"response": 94, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sat, May  6, 2000 (14:10)", "body": "That is hilarious, Cheryl. Don't know where to put satire, but I am happy you posted it!"}, {"response": 95, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, May  7, 2000 (15:10)", "body": "\"Bringing Integrity To Christian Homemakers\"--ROFLMAO!!! Thanks for sharing, Cheryl!"}, {"response": 96, "author": "wolf", "date": "Thu, Jun  1, 2000 (18:02)", "body": "MI-2 is what i'd like to see next. but i'd be happy with any movie that's been out in the last year or so!"}, {"response": 97, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Jun  2, 2000 (14:21)", "body": "I'd like to see High Fidelity but I'll wait for the video..."}, {"response": 98, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Sat, Jun  3, 2000 (10:27)", "body": "I got a couple of free passes for Mission Impossible 2 this afternoon."}, {"response": 99, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Jun  4, 2000 (19:10)", "body": "Tom Cruise does nothing for me (I'm with Ree on this) but it just might be a guy flick. Report back and let us know if we should raid the cookie jar! My last theater movie was Shakespeare in Love and was the first one in a VERY long time. *shock* I have two Colin Firth movies I have waiting for me and I have not yet seen...I keep going back to Darcy......*sigh*"}, {"response": 100, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Sun, Jun  4, 2000 (19:48)", "body": "Actually didn't make it, work got in the way."}, {"response": 101, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Jun 18, 2000 (14:38)", "body": "also like to see the patriot (new one with good old mel)."}, {"response": 102, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Mon, Jun 19, 2000 (15:35)", "body": "Old Mel is right. Please don't snarl at me Wolf. I just recently re-watched \"Gallipoli\" again and it occurred to me why there are those so taken with him. He was a beautiful young man and he could act. I think Hollywood has been the detriment of him. He hasn't aged well, but worst of all his acting has suffered from the Hollywood influence. On the up side \"The Patriot\" will have a beautiful young man in it, in the form of Heath Ledger."}, {"response": 103, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Jul 15, 2000 (20:52)", "body": "no growling here, cheryl! yes, he could/can act. i remember the mad max movies and how hot he was in those. he was typecasted with the lethal weapons but i loved him and danny glover together and would like to see something else with the two of them (but please not LW 5!!). there are a bunch of movies i want to see next but when will i get to see them? the kid and scary movie....oh, now i can't remember the others. dontcha hate it when that happens?"}, {"response": 104, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Sun, Jul 16, 2000 (15:08)", "body": "Yes, it would be good to see Mel Gibson and Danny Glover together in a movie again. But you're right, please no more \"Leathal Weapon\" movies!"}, {"response": 105, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Mon, Jul 17, 2000 (18:42)", "body": "There's an interesting new Harrison Ford movie coming up, just saw a clip on ET."}, {"response": 106, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Jul 17, 2000 (19:08)", "body": "don't you remember the name???????"}, {"response": 107, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Tue, Jul 18, 2000 (17:20)", "body": "Nope."}, {"response": 108, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Jul 25, 2000 (16:06)", "body": "I think it's called \"What Lies Beneath\", with Michelle Pfeiffer. It's supposed to make you jump in your seat!"}, {"response": 109, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Jul 25, 2000 (21:52)", "body": "oh yeah, i wanna see that too! movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 18, "subject": "Cheap, Fast and Out of Control", "response_count": 3, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Nov 29, 1997 (20:49)", "body": "I've heard nothing but excellent reviews of this movie. I can't remember seeing another movie that had as many ideas in it. This was so fascinating in so many respects, from the exploration of things that are not what they are to the weird apparent egolessness of the four principals, each so completely fascinated by their fields that nothing else much matters, or matters as much. The animals that are plants, the wild that are tame, the mammals that are insects, the machines that behave the way they do because it's in their nature to do so, every one of these things shed light on the contradictions in all of the others. And again and again the question came, though nobody ever asked it directly: what *does* it mean for something to be what it is? What is the isness of an animal that's made out of metal, or out of a hedge? It's a question that's too hard to look at directly, so the movie swirled around it, looking at it from hundreds of different angles. And the four principals, who start out seeming to be peculiar eccentrics, but by the end, all of them shot in tight, screen-filling close-up, are clearly nothing more (or less) than *individuals* -- not like the individuals in the naked mole-rat colony, getting walled off with the snake, we hope -- individuals who if nothing else know quite clearly what they are, even though none of them seems to care much. There were so many ideas expressed in this movie that it's hard to sort them all out, and I think this is made more difficult by the movie's tendency to act as though the ideas can't be sorted out, they're all tangled up together, and the only way to approach the issue is to just jump in and start flailing away. -->"}, {"response": 2, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Sun, Nov 30, 1997 (15:55)", "body": "I saw \"The Ice Storm\" again last night. Second time for me. Simply wonderful film. First-rate acting all around. I was particularly impressed with Jamey Sheridan, in a small but pivotal role. Charlotte"}, {"response": 3, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Sun, Nov 30, 1997 (15:57)", "body": "OOps. Sorry! Wrong topic. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 19, "subject": "As Good as it Gets", "response_count": 15, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Jan  3, 1998 (08:57)", "body": "\"As Good As It Gets\" is as good as it gets! A great date movie. A great movie. Period. Jack Nicholson, Greg Kinnear, Helen Hunt and Cuba Gooding appear in career best roles. Written and directed by James Brooks in what must be a career best for him as well. Awesome, funny, touching, insightful. A great insight into the male dating psyche."}, {"response": 2, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Jan  3, 1998 (22:48)", "body": "What an endorsement--can't wait to rent it!"}, {"response": 3, "author": "LorieS", "date": "Fri, Jan  9, 1998 (12:56)", "body": "Paul, I'm kind of confused. Jack N.'s character is hardly a typical male, is he? The man has serious problems. Actually, none of those people are what I'd consider typical, not even Cuba's less-defined art dealer. Sorry if I'm giving away too much of the movie here (skip it if you haven't seen or want to be surprised). While it might be a good date movie, because it's about love expanding your horizons, it's not what commercials and previous movies are leading people to believe it is. I thought the whole thing was pretty dark comedy, if you can even call it comedy."}, {"response": 4, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Jan  9, 1998 (21:57)", "body": "**** Spoiler Alert **** you may not want to read this if you have not yet seen the movie Roger Ebert said \"This film, co-written with Mark Andrus, creates memorable people, but is not quite willing to follow them down unconventional paths. It's almost painful, watching the screenplay stretch and contort these characters to fit them somehow into a conventional formula--they're dragged toward the happy ending, screaming and kicking all the way.\" And he says the ending feels like a blackout, seconds before more unhappiness begins. One of the \"lost opportunies\" in this film that forcibly stuck to it's formulaic course, despite opportunities to break open new territory. I still have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it."}, {"response": 5, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Jan 10, 1998 (16:12)", "body": "And Cissy Spacek wasn't even in it! *wink*"}, {"response": 6, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Jan 10, 1998 (23:17)", "body": "You must have heard about my celebrity encounter at La Zona Rosa!"}, {"response": 7, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sat, Jan 10, 1998 (23:22)", "body": "how long ago? how does she look?"}, {"response": 8, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Jan 10, 1998 (23:24)", "body": "Long time ago. Great!"}, {"response": 9, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sat, Jan 10, 1998 (23:27)", "body": "that is cool... she's truly among our (texas) national treasures..."}, {"response": 10, "author": "Alicia", "date": "Sun, Jan 11, 1998 (03:51)", "body": "I thoroughly enjoyed AS GOOD AS IT GETS. It's a real movie with a real script and a real director with real acting. It's an old-fashioned movie but with a 90's twist. They rarely make authentic films like this anymore. I enjoyed everyone's performance especially the scenes between Jack Nicholson and Greg Kinnear. Greg is a real constrast from his SABRINA days. This movie is a reminder of what the movies are all about."}, {"response": 11, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Jan 11, 1998 (08:18)", "body": "I agree, Alicia, I must see movie among the current batch. I haven't even seen Titanic yet, but this stands out as the one movie to see currently. And I'm not a big Nicholson or Helen Hunt fan but they turned in *great* performances as did Kinnear. Even the little dog did great."}, {"response": 12, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Jan 11, 1998 (15:09)", "body": "am gonna have to see this one now, since the little dog did great *wink*. Like Nicholson, but not everything he's done. And still have to see the Titanic....."}, {"response": 13, "author": "Alicia", "date": "Mon, Jan 12, 1998 (01:05)", "body": "Yep, I still have to see Titanic too but it's unlikely. I have very little tolerance for long movies. I can't stand it especially in a movie theater. I guess I'll have to wait for it on video. Anyway, I love the dog in AS GOOD AS IT GETS. Very adorable. It has a very good trainer."}, {"response": 14, "author": "LorieS", "date": "Mon, Jan 12, 1998 (17:02)", "body": "Thanks for the Ebert words, Terry, I hadn't seen any reviews. I thought the movie was worthwhile, I just felt betrayed by promos on TV (and the trailer in the theaters, too) that made it seem like a lighthearted romp. Instead, there were all these disturbed people and things never did seem like they would work out for any of them. I guess I should just be happy that the script didn't call for the son to die and the dog to run away. Sometimes it seems like the marketing of a movie is what really bothers me about the film, not the movie itself. Has anyone else been watching VH-1? The TITANIC commercials on that station are like a music video for the much-overplayed-in-my-area song, focusing heavily on the love story, while commercials on other stations are for an action-adventure film (POISEDON TITANIC would be the title, I think)."}, {"response": 15, "author": "LorieS", "date": "Mon, Jan 12, 1998 (17:03)", "body": "Oops. Hard to be a smart-aleck when you can't spell. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 2, "subject": "A Time To Kill", "response_count": 5, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "joshd", "date": "Tue, Sep 24, 1996 (23:05)", "body": "I was pretty stunned at how bad this movie was. I wasn't emotionally involved one bit even from the beginning. ***SPOILER ALERT*** And that whole thing with Kiefer Sutherland was plain silly. Does anyone believe the Klan still blindfolds people like that to take them to their secret hideaway? And didn't it occur to any of the moviemakers that maybe McConaughey and Bullock weren't being entirely ethical when she broke into a doctor's office and rifled through confidential patient records, only to have him reveal them in open court? Just what was it that changed the evil jury foreman's mind, anyway? And why is everyone so sweaty all th time? Apparently it never occurred to anyone--John Grisham on down--that maybe you could think you'd do the same thing Samuel L. Jackson does, *and still think he should be punished.* Astonishingly bad."}, {"response": 2, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Sep 24, 1996 (23:27)", "body": "Too bad. The book was astonishly good and I always thought it would make a good movie. It's really not a made for a movie book like The Firm or Grisham's other books. Do you think this is part of the reason why it bombed so badly. So, Josh, do you think I should: a. go see it anyway? b. wait till it comes out on videotape and rent it? c. wait till it comes to HBO? d. wait till it is the NBC movie of the week?"}, {"response": 3, "author": "joshd", "date": "Sat, Sep 28, 1996 (11:12)", "body": "Tough call. If you liked the book, you might like the movie. The acting is by and large good (despite Keifer Sutherland's scene-chewing), and I gather it's a pretty faithful adaptation. I think most of the problems I had with the movie are things it inherited from the book, so if you didn't have those same problems, I could see how you would enjoy the movie. Maybe it's worth a dollar movie or a cheap matinee?"}, {"response": 4, "author": "rorof", "date": "Sun, Oct 20, 1996 (20:07)", "body": ""}, {"response": 5, "author": "Stefanie", "date": "Fri, Nov 22, 1996 (09:09)", "body": "Terry, I read the book and saw the movie. I must admit that the book was my favorite Grisham book (I've read them all) and the movie was my favorite Grisham adaptation (I've seen them all.) I found the movie to be very good and I would definitely recommend your seeing it. I especially liked the way the closing argument was done. Very moving. -Stefanie movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 20, "subject": "Woody Allen films", "response_count": 13, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Jan 11, 1998 (00:06)", "body": "I like Annie Hall perhaps the best. Purple Rose of Cairo was good too. And there's a \"Midsummer Nights Sex Comedy\". Compliments of the Internet data base. Woody Allen Filmography as Director: What's Up, Tiger Lily? (1966) Take the Money and Run (1969) Bananas (1971) Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex (1972) Sleeper (1973) Love and Death (1975) Annie Hall (1977) (AA) (GGN) Interiors (1978) (AAN) (GGN) Manhattan (1979) Stardust Memories (1980) Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy, A (1982) Zelig (1983) Broadway Danny Rose (1984) (AAN) Purple Rose of Cairo, The (1985) Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) (AAN) (GGN) Radio Days (1987) September (1987) Another Woman (1988) New York Stories (1989) (segment 3) Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989) (AAN) Alice (1990) Shadows and Fog (1992) Husbands and Wives (1992) Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993) Bullets Over Broadway (1994) (there are a few more that I'll dig up)"}, {"response": 2, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Jan 11, 1998 (00:14)", "body": "The Allen films consist of three \"eras\". The first era starts with Tiger Lily up until Love & Death, and is pretty mucxh oddball comedies. Then, from Annie to Zelig, there are more \"serious\" films (including Annie and Manhattan even) The latter third seems to be a more serious Allen, looking at childhood (radio Days), adultery, murder, and \"Big Important Themes Other Than Love But Not So Bergmanesque\" as one critic put it."}, {"response": 3, "author": "Alicia", "date": "Sun, Jan 11, 1998 (03:57)", "body": "Woody is truly one of my favorite filmmakers. I prefer his older stuff to the new. My favorites are The Purple Rose of Cairo and Sleeper. I've seen Bananas, Annie Hall, Manhattan Murder Mystery, Don't drink the water (tv), and a part of Mighty Aphrodite. I'm planning to see Deconstructing Harry. It's unfortunate that his movies don't make money anymore."}, {"response": 4, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Jan 11, 1998 (08:18)", "body": "How was Sleeper? Haven't seen it."}, {"response": 5, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sun, Jan 11, 1998 (15:01)", "body": "(\"sleeper\" was outstanding...) yeah, it's hard to beat \"annie hall\", probably one of the best films, of any kind, ever made... (and among select \"best picture\" winners that really deserved the honor)... \"play it again sam\" really ought to be included among his filmography (even though it was, ostensibly, directed by herbert ross)... woody starred in it, and scripted it from his own play, and it feels every bit a \"woody allen film\"...(and it's quite good, one of his best)... saw \"mighty aphrodite\" (twice) this weekend (liked it a lot, and mira was great)..."}, {"response": 6, "author": "Alicia", "date": "Mon, Jan 12, 1998 (01:02)", "body": "SLEEPER is a lot of fun. One of my favorite scenes is when Woody and Diane K reanact a scene from A Streetcar Named Desire and Woody plays Blanche while Diane plays Stanley Kowalski. It's hilarious."}, {"response": 7, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Jan 16, 1998 (16:08)", "body": "Important piece about Woody Allen in Salon: http://www.salonmagazine.com/ent/movies/1998/01/cov_16woody.html"}, {"response": 8, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sat, Jan 17, 1998 (00:10)", "body": "that was fascinating, terry, thanks for posting it... what do you think? do you agree with that guy's premise about woody? (seemed to me that maybe he was wound just a little tight, at least where woody's concerned... projecting a lot into/onto his work that was never intended- by woody- and then waxing shrill upon discovering the truth, that woody's just as imperfect as anyone else, and just as uncomfortable with/confused by the truth as anyone else, too... also somewhat leery of those overusing words like \"intellectual\" and \"art\", because they are usually neither intellectual, nor capable of recognizing genuine art on it's own merit (must pass some b.s. standard of exclusion... god, how i detest \"art\" snobs)... also- and this is pertinent to the question (somehow)- how could ANYONE prefer \"tender is the night\" to \"gatsby\"? and should such a person be permitted to criticize anything?)"}, {"response": 9, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Jan 17, 1998 (15:55)", "body": "Wow, that last statement really calls his credentials into question, Nick."}, {"response": 10, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sun, Jan 18, 1998 (02:54)", "body": "yeah... he should have his license revoked (or something)..."}, {"response": 11, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Jan 18, 1998 (21:21)", "body": "Isn't there some association that bestowed his accreditation upon him? Or can just anyone call themselves a critic?"}, {"response": 12, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sun, Jan 18, 1998 (23:54)", "body": "think the chief criterion is flunking out of film school..."}, {"response": 13, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Jan 20, 1998 (18:30)", "body": "\u001b[1~\u001b[D\u001b[D\u001b[D\u001b[D\u001b[D\u001b[D\u001b[D\u001b[D\u001b[D\u001b[D\u001b[D\u001b[D\u001b[D\u001b[D\u001b[D\u001b[D\u001b[D\u001b[D\u001b[DAutumn... everyone's a critic\"everyone's a critic\" (add 'har hars' at will) movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 21, "subject": "coming attractions", "response_count": 28, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Jan 11, 1998 (09:30)", "body": "this is from film threat weekly: 1998 BOXOFFICE BATTLES BEGIN The Dark Horizons web site has reported a tentative line-up of film releases for 1998. The release dates for these films may change. January 23rd - \"Phantoms\" vs. \"The Gingerbread Man\" April 3rd - \"Lost in Space\" vs. \"Mercury Rising\" May 8th - \"Deep Impact\" vs. \"Doctor Dolittle\" June 5th - \"Saving Private Ryan\" vs. \"Species 2\" June 19th - \"The X-Files Movie\" vs. \"Mulan\" vs. \"Snake Eyes\" June 26th - \"The Avengers\" vs. \"Virus\" July 10th - \"Lethal Weapon 4\" vs. \"Small Soldiers\" July 24th - \"The Mask of Zorro\" vs. \"6 Days, 7 Nights\" Nov. 20th - \"Star Trek 9\" vs. \"Babe: Pig in the City\" http://www.darkhorzons.com"}, {"response": 2, "author": "LorieS", "date": "Mon, Jan 12, 1998 (17:17)", "body": "Cool info, Terry. Thanks for sharing the site, too. Sure hope those release dates do change -- I don't know how I can miss the opening of \"Babe: Pig in the City\" when my Trekking husband will want to see Star Trek 9! *grin*"}, {"response": 3, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Jan 12, 1998 (20:16)", "body": "Maybe you can find one of those mega theaters where both are playing."}, {"response": 5, "author": "LorieS", "date": "Tue, Jan 13, 1998 (16:13)", "body": "Or maybe they could make Babe3:Pig in Space. Nope, I guess the pig would have to fall in love with Riker or something to get him interested."}, {"response": 6, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (12:27)", "body": "SXSW premier movie. Costs $6 at the Paramount. Friday night. 7 pm. A cellphone guy tearjerker. Four guys. The weekend of their hs graduation. They're leaving town (or not). Small town. Decisions. All of them have decided to go to LA (or not) and whole town's sort of involved. Ticking clock on a bus leaving the Monday morning after graduation. Filmed in Ft. Davis Texas. Dancer Texas, Population 81 which is the name of the flick. Recommended."}, {"response": 7, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (15:46)", "body": "*teary eyed* i miss the SXSW festivals..."}, {"response": 8, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Mar 10, 1998 (10:48)", "body": "Sounds like \"American Graffiti '98\". Retro is really big now."}, {"response": 10, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Wed, Mar 11, 1998 (22:07)", "body": "ok, you got me, what the heck is sxsw?"}, {"response": 12, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Mar 13, 1998 (17:50)", "body": "austin's equivalent to Mardi Gras!"}, {"response": 13, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Mon, Jul  5, 1999 (13:06)", "body": "The next big european movie idea Hollywood will turn into a boring remake? Was a big thing here... Original title: \"Lola rennt\" - \"Lola runs\" ************************************************************* WHUMP-THUMPA-WHUMP-THUMPA-BLEEEEET Review: 'Run Lola Run' -- Get out of the way! Web posted on: Thursday, July 01, 1999 11:23:05 AM EDT By Reviewer Paul Tatara (CNN) -- In the trailer for German writer-director Thomas Twyker's \"Run Lola Run,\" there's a blurb from an apparently over-excited (and widely read) critic that describes the film as being \"post human.\" This may well be the single most frightening piece of \"praise\" ever lobbed toward an art form. You've probably heard of art. It's a way humans can communicate ideas normally difficult to express. Tellingly, they communicate these ideas to other humans. Films, when people invest the emotional energy required to complete the artist-audience transaction, are capable of jarring us into self-examination. Or at the very least, they can encourage us to wonder why we persist in getting so hopelessly lost while trying our hardest to make some sense out of life. MULTIMEDIA Theatrical preview for \"Run Lola Run\" Real28K80KWindows Media28K80K A director can say something worthwhile to an audience by having his characters laugh or cry or dance or throw people off glistening high-rises, if that's what he's into. He or she just has to make sure we care about the characters. \"Post human\" movies aren't about to generate that kind of response. And \"Run Lola Run\" is post human enough to be a big hit. There are many journeys taken in \"Run Lola Run,\" several of which play themselves out three or four times and come to three or four different conclusions. Hair in a hurry Franka Potente plays Lola, a punkish young German woman with bright orange hair. Lola's boyfriend, Manni (Moritz Bleibtreu) calls her up on the phone as the film opens. He's lost a bag of money he was supposed to deliver to a vicious drug lord, and now he needs Lola to come up with 100,000 deutsche marks in the next 20 minutes, or he'll be killed. If she doesn't get to the phone booth before the time is up, he'll take his handgun to a nearby supermarket and try to steal the cash. The electronic score (which sounds like a cross between The Chemical Brothers and a Nintendo kick-boxing sonata) leaps into high gear -- WHUMP-THUMPA-WHUMP-THUMPA-BLEEEEET -- and Lola sets off running. Lola runs and runs and runs. And runs some more. She's heading to the office of her father, an evidently rich businessman who may or may not have a difficult past with his daughter. It's really hard to say because the moments of supposed high emotion are just tossed into the action like paprika sprinkled over a personal computer. Lola's journey consists of dodging and running over various obstacles, some of which are inanimate objects and some of which are people. They all, however, add up to the same thi g in the (very) long run. Twyker kicks the high gear into even higher gear by taking little detours into the lives of the people Lola is ignoring. Each time she bumps into someone, we see a little five-second photo essay on what happens to that person from that day forward (a woman gets her baby taken from her; a man and a woman fall in love and have an S&M relationship, etc.) Then we zip back to Lola tearing across Europe. WHUMP-THUMPA-WHUMP-THUMPA-BLEEEEET. A T.S. Eliot quote that appears before the credits is supposed to imply that there's more here than meets the eye, but all the film ultimately says is that Lola doesn't have any idea what's coming next. This is a scoop. The rest is (quite intentionally) an elaborate video game disguised as a motion picture. It's not ruining anything to tell you that, once Lola gets shot and dies, everything starts over at the beginning. She gets the call, drops the phone and takes off running. Each time, however, there are variations in the action, and the five-second biographies of the human flotsam on the streets are completely different. Then it starts all over again. WHUMP-THUMPA-WHUMP-THUMPA-BLEEEEET. There's no reason to wonder how Lola will respond to the next jet-powered diversion. And, most importantly (in light of the self-imposed laziness under which modern audiences usually operate), there's no reason to care what she does next. She just does it; anticipating how \"cool\" it'll look when it happens is the only reason to watch. It's not that Twyker fails at what he's trying to do. There's always tons of unmotivated flash to keep the viewer rattled, and the revved-up pacing doesn't give you time to wonder what the point is. It works like gangbusters, but so would someone repeatedly shooting a pistol over your head. The visual assault contains enough jarring quick-cuts to hold together a weekend of Lenny Kravitz videos. Forget about applause; Twyker is looking for hyperventilation and pants-wetting. It's Ms. Pac-Man meets Quentin Tarantino. I'll eat my dog if there isn't a Hollywood rema"}, {"response": 14, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Tue, Jul  6, 1999 (00:16)", "body": "I wanna go!"}, {"response": 15, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Jul  6, 1999 (22:48)", "body": "LOL!!"}, {"response": 16, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sat, Jul 17, 1999 (15:31)", "body": "any one else wanna see The Blair Witch movie?"}, {"response": 17, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sat, Jul 17, 1999 (16:30)", "body": "Not here. I want to see My Life So Far. But, the way Miramax is sitting on it and only distributing it to the \"top 10\" markets, I will have to wait for the video!"}, {"response": 18, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sat, Jul 17, 1999 (16:39)", "body": "How about we do it this way...I'll go with you to The Blair Witch, and you go with me to my Life So Far. This way I can be scared and hide my eyes on you for TBW, and you can watch a full-fledged Droolian in action in MLSF."}, {"response": 19, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Jul 18, 1999 (12:38)", "body": "Blair Witch Project, yeah!!! My sister and I are going to see Analyze This today at the $2 movies."}, {"response": 20, "author": "wer", "date": "Sun, Jul 18, 1999 (12:43)", "body": "I know, wrong topic, but I went and saw South Park yesterday afternoon"}, {"response": 21, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Jul 18, 1999 (12:51)", "body": "How gross was it?"}, {"response": 22, "author": "wer", "date": "Sun, Jul 18, 1999 (13:01)", "body": "not an easy question to answer..."}, {"response": 23, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Aug 25, 1999 (17:50)", "body": "ok, i want to see TBWP for S&G's but will wait for video. Have heard good things about MLSF but it's not local yet."}, {"response": 24, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Aug 26, 1999 (09:33)", "body": "huh?!?!"}, {"response": 25, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Thu, Aug 26, 1999 (17:37)", "body": "That be an acute case of megaloacronysm... Wolf, where'd ya say ya works? Oh. Figures. ;=}"}, {"response": 26, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Aug 27, 1999 (09:40)", "body": "lol! thanks for the diagnosis Alexander... any hope of a cure, considering her daily environment and all?! what about theraputic interventions? To at least assure it won't get any worse? (*grin* Wolfie!)"}, {"response": 27, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Fri, Aug 27, 1999 (15:59)", "body": "Huh, first would hafta get hold of that cunning canine... ran away when I flashed that light into her eyes like the real doctors do.... Ooops, I mean like they taught us in, ehr, in, ahem, university - that's where!"}, {"response": 28, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Aug 27, 1999 (21:49)", "body": "Translation: Blair Witch Project (filmed nearby BTW) and My Life So Far , but have no idea who/what S&Gs are...Wolf?"}, {"response": 29, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Aug 30, 1999 (14:52)", "body": "thanks Autumn! well Wolf... WYPBSKATSOTFTOUWAOD... what do ya say? well..."}, {"response": 30, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Mon, Jan 10, 2000 (19:49)", "body": "Life in the Eye of the Hurricane TORONTO\ufffdHe speaks not in sentences or paragraphs but in highly polished sermons delivered with the rhythmic cadences of a gospel preacher. Although he has sight in only one eye, his gaze is piercing. And while his mantelpiece displays a belt attesting to his honorary title of middleweight boxing champion of the world, the fighter once known as \"Hurricane\" because of his punishing left hook now concedes that he finds the sport barbaric. His new passion: gardening. What's most striking, however, is this: Despite having spent 19 years in prison for a triple murder he never committed, Rubin Carter considers himself blessed. \"I would not change one thing in my life, not one single thing,\" he says as he sits in the basement of his tidy brick house on Toronto's west side. \"Remember, everything that went before has made me what I am today. And today I am deeply and seriously in love with myself. I don't want to be anyone but who I am. I am perfect.\" He lets out a loud, theatrical laugh meant to demonstrate his newfound lust for life. But as the conversation continues and the laughter is repeated, it becomes clear that it also serves as a salve for deep emotional scars, wounds that have left him estranged from much of his family, his country and even those who worked hardest to win his release. Still, these are heady days for Carter, 63. His story, chronicled early on in a Bob Dylan ballad, is now movingly portrayed by actor Denzel Washington in the film \"The Hurricane,\" which opens tomorrow in Washington to a full-buzz of Academy Award expectations. Carter has already been to a special screening for President Clinton at the White House, and later this month there will be another at the United Nations to celebrate Human Rights Day. Then, too, there's \"Hurricane: The Miraculous Journey of Rubin Carter,\" the new authorized biography out this month by journalist James S. Hirsch, along with a reissue of \"Lazarus and the Hurricane,\" an earlier chronicle of his fall and rise by Canadian friends Terry Swinton and Sam Chaiton. And yet in the middle of what has become a whirlwind of publicity and celebrity hobnobbing, Carter is intent on not losing sight of his new mission: gaining freedom for others who may have been unjustly imprisoned. His Association in Defense of the Wrongly Convicted, run out of the second floor of his house, has already helped spring a number of high-profile prisoners from Canadian jails with the use of volunteer lawyers and gumshoes and newfangled DNA evidence. \"I'm supposed to be locked up in Trenton State Prison, but I'm here in Toronto speaking to you free, alive and healthy, and the world is applauding without knowing what it is applauding,\" Carter says of his renewed celebrity. \"What needs to be discussed is why do people have to undergo this kind of struggle when it is really unnecessary. The fact is that there are many innocent people locked up in prison, and somebody ought to be held accountable for that.\" Playing the Race Card In the case of New Jersey v. Rubin Carter, it's fair to say there has been no accountability. Most of the prosecutors have gone on to become trial judges and the trial judges have gone on to become appellate judges. The cop who headed the investigation was promoted. H. Lee Sarokin, the federal judge who finally overturned Carter's conviction, was virtually hounded into retirement by law-and-order Republicans who tagged him with the moniker \"Let 'em go Lee.\" Now, however, Hollywood aims to even the score with an inspiring morality play that not only demonizes the Jersey cops and prosecutors and glorifies Carter's saintly resolve but also tells the largely unknown story of a small band of idealistic Canadians who turned their lives upside down to win Carter's freedom. The essential story begins in Paterson on the night of June 16, 1966. Two black men entered the Lafayette Grill and opened fire with a shotgun and a pistol, killing the owner and two patrons before fleeing in a white sedan. Within hours, Paterson police pulled over a white Cadillac driven by 19-year-old John Artis with Carter, the car's owner, in the front seat. Carter was well known to the Paterson police. As a child, he had been sent to reform school for throwing a bottle at a man's head; as an adult, he had served several prison terms for beatings and purse snatchings. Then, once his career as a boxer took off and he started to pick up the black nationalist rhetoric of the time, the brash middleweight began to talk openly of the need for blacks to use guns if necessary to protect themselves from bigoted white cops and judges. The initial evidence from the Lafayette shootings did not point to Carter. Although he and Artis were brought to the bloody scene and later to a hospital where one of the victims was still conscious, various witnesses declined to identify them as the shooters. Their own stories \ufffd that Carter was merely giving Artis a lift home before heading to a mee"}, {"response": 31, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Jul 15, 2000 (20:57)", "body": "oh my gosh, i never came back here and clarified my acronyms!! S&G's are, fill in the blanks as i go, k? S__ts and Grins. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 22, "subject": "Forget the movies!  Just play pinball...", "response_count": 11, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Jan 15, 1998 (18:00)", "body": "Mars Attacks #1 Theatre of Magic #2 and those are the only ones who really rate. The others are so far down it would be a sin to rate a #3. The worst pinball machine -- any one with a sticky flipper!"}, {"response": 2, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Thu, Jan 15, 1998 (22:18)", "body": "(gonna leave that one alone)..."}, {"response": 4, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Jan 20, 1998 (18:30)", "body": "*cackle* *smile* probably a good idea!"}, {"response": 5, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Apr 17, 1998 (15:26)", "body": "a rare disease has apparently stricken down a fair amount of Denver (and surrounding area) pinball machines lately. All our favorites are OUT OF ORDER. So sad. so sad."}, {"response": 7, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Apr 20, 1998 (00:25)", "body": "I'm just trying to be patient..."}, {"response": 9, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Apr 22, 1998 (16:41)", "body": "I said 'trying'!!"}, {"response": 10, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Wed, Dec 16, 1998 (12:34)", "body": "Are there no new pinball games? Has Stacey actually lost the fever?"}, {"response": 11, "author": "PT", "date": "Wed, Dec 16, 1998 (15:26)", "body": "I haven't seen a real pinball machine in years."}, {"response": 12, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Fri, Jan  1, 1999 (17:03)", "body": "then get out more"}, {"response": 13, "author": "stacey", "date": "Sat, Jan  2, 1999 (12:27)", "body": "certainly haven't lost the fever... hit the arcades in Austin a couple of times for grins... most of the movies theaters here are sorely lacking in pinball entertainment but there is a bowling alley down the street that has four working at any given time (just too smoky to inhabit frequently!) and the Campus Lounge has one and so does the Staduium Inn... just prefer to play in a movie theatre-type or arcade to avoid the booze and nicotine"}, {"response": 14, "author": "PT", "date": "Wed, Jan 13, 1999 (15:54)", "body": "Video games abound. True pinball machines are a rarity. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 23, "subject": "Golden Globe Awards", "response_count": 4, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Jan 19, 1998 (02:15)", "body": "MOVIES BEST MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA Amistad The Boxer Good Will Hunting L.A. Confidential Titanic BEST ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA Helena Bonham Carter, The Wings of the Dove Judi Dench, Mrs. Brown Jodie Foster, Contact Jessica Lange, A Thousand Acres Kate Winslet, Titanic BEST ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA Matt Damon, Good Will Hunting Daniel Day-Lewis, The Boxer Leonardo DiCaprio, Titanic Peter Fonda, Ulee's Gold Djimon Hounsou, Amistad BEST MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY As Good As It Gets The Full Monty Men in Black My Best Friend's Wedding Wag the Dog BEST ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY Joey Lauren Adams, Chasing Amy Pam Grier, Jackie Brown Helen Hunt, As Good As It Gets Jennifer Lopez, Selena Julia Roberts, My Best Friend's Wedding BEST ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY Jim Carrey, Liar, Liar Dustin Hoffman, Wag The Dog Samuel L. Jackson, Jackie Brown Kevin Kline, In & Out Jack Nicholson, As Good As It Gets BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM Artemisia, FRANCE The Best Man, ITALY Lea, GERMANY My Life in Pink, BELGIUM The Thief, RUSSIA BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE Kim Basinger, L.A. Confidential Joan Cusack, In & Out Julianne Moore, Boogie Nights Gloria Stuart, Titanic Sigourney Weaver, The Ice Storm BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE Rupert Everett, My Best Friend's Wedding Anthony Hopkins, Amistad Burt Reynolds, Boogie Nights Jon Voight, John Grisham's The Rainmaker Robin Williams, Good Will Hunting BEST DIRECTOR - MOTION PICTURE James L. Brooks, As Good As It Gets James Cameron, Titanic Curtis Hanson, L.A. Confidential Jim Sheridan, The Boxer Steven Spielberg, Amistad BEST SCREENPLAY - MOTION PICTURE Mark Andrus/James L. Brooks, As Good As It Gets James Cameron, Titanic Matt Damon/Ben Affleck, Good Will Hunting Brian Helgeland/Curtis Hanson, L.A. Confidential Hilary Henkin/David Mamet, Wag The Dog BEST ORIGINAL SCORE - MOTION PICTURE Philip Glass, Kundun Jerry Goldsmith, L.A. Confidential James Horner, Titanic Michael Nyman, Gattaca John Williams, Seven Years in Tibet BEST ORIGINAL SONG - MOTION PICTURE Go The Distance, Hercules Journey to the Past, Anastasia My Heart Will Go On, Titanic Once Upon a December, Anastasia Tomorrow Never Dies, Tomorrow Never Dies"}, {"response": 2, "author": "Alicia", "date": "Mon, Jan 19, 1998 (02:28)", "body": "These year's awards were somewhat predictable winnerwise, but it had its surprises when Ving Rhames gave his award to Jack Lemmon and Christine Lahti was in the can when she won her golden globe. Robin Williams getting up for Christine Lahti was a sort of sad attempt to save the show. He said, \"And the best cloning award goes to...in the south we always had cloning, it's called cousins.\"(paraphrase) That's one of his old jokes. Can't he come up with anything fresh? Anyway, I was a very cynical viewer this year. I don't know, movies just don't seem to be the same anymore. I think they get worse every year. That's why I keep going back to the old stuff. Plus, award shows seem to be the most absurd idea in the world. Why the competition between five (six?) contestants. What's the point in suspense? Can't they just choose one person at the spot instead of having several waiting to see if they'll get an award? If they just had winners, then the show won't be so long! That's just MHO. I'm sure I'm just being really crabby. Award shows are entertainment, so it has to be the way it is."}, {"response": 3, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Jan 19, 1998 (02:32)", "body": "A complete list of winners at the 55th Annual Golden Globe Awards, presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association on Sunday night. BEST MOTION PICTURE DRAMA: Titanic BEST ACTRESS DRAMA: Judi Dench, (Her Majesty) Mrs. Brown BEST ACTOR DRAMA: Peter Fonda, Ulees Gold BEST MOTION PICTURE MUSICAL OR COMEDY: As Good As It Gets BEST ACTRESS MUSICAL OR COMEDY: Helen Hunt, As Good As It Gets BEST ACTOR MUSICAL OR COMEDY: Jack Nicholson, As Good As It Gets BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM : My Life in Pink (Ma Vie en Rose), BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS DRAMA, MUSICAL OR COMEDY: Kim Basinger, L.A. Confidential BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR DRAMA, MUSICAL OR COMEDY: Burt Reynolds, Boogie Nights BEST DIRECTOR: James Cameron, Titanic BEST SCREENPLAY: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, Good Will Hunting BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: James Horner, Titanic BEST ORIGINAL SONG: My Heart Will Go On from Titanic"}, {"response": 4, "author": "suzanne", "date": "Wed, Mar 11, 1998 (20:03)", "body": "The English Patient. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 24, "subject": "top ten movies", "response_count": 124, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Jan 25, 1998 (21:32)", "body": "To get the ball rolling, here is Destroyed by Duras (brook@well.com) list: I was thinking more of LISTS of LOTS of films. Here's mine: I saw very little this year due to work on my own projects, so this list reflects the best of a far smaller humber of films than is usual for me: 10 Favorite New Films: Happy Together La Promesse All Over Me The Ice Storm A Single Girl Fast, Cheap and Out of Control The Sweet Hereafter *A Couch in New York *Flirt Lost Highway *=May have been late '96 theatrical releases, technically. Ulysses' Gaze WOULD be at the top of the list except that I listed it last year due to its long road to the limited theatrical release it got. Hon. Mention: Crash, When the Cat's Away, Office Killer Good Highbrow Hokum: Wings of the Dove Biggest Surprise: All Over Me Biggest Disappointments: Kissed, In the Company of Men, Boogie Nights Revelatory Revivals: Contempt, Shivers, Shock Corridor I have not yet see Titanic, LA Confidential, or As Good As It Gets."}, {"response": 2, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Jan 25, 1998 (21:48)", "body": "You've gone out and seen a lot more than me!"}, {"response": 3, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Jan 25, 1998 (22:22)", "body": "That's ok wolf you don't have to submit 10, the above list was to get the ball rolling and get folks thinking. I think that As Good as it Gets would have to be high up on that list."}, {"response": 4, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Jan 26, 1998 (00:18)", "body": "afraid i don't know much re: current cinema... top ten (hollywood) films, alltime: 1) casablanca 2) the maltese falcon 3) the big sleep 4) key largo 5) rear window 6) the lady eve 7) the miracle of morgan's creek 8) the philadelphia story 9) talk of the town 10)adam's rib 10)harvey 10)my man godfrey 10)the thin man 10)duck soup 10)his girl friday 10)the searchers 10)the apartment 10)some like it hot 10)the graduate 10)a man for all seasons 10)bananas 10)annie hall 10)raiders of the lost ark 10)this is spinal tap 10)matewan 10)metropolitan 10)michael collins"}, {"response": 5, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Jan 26, 1998 (09:41)", "body": "\"but it goes to eleven!\" (gotta love spinal tap!)"}, {"response": 6, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Jan 26, 1998 (10:31)", "body": "Terry, You didn't like Good Will Hunting? Given your superb taste, that surprises me!"}, {"response": 7, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Jan 26, 1998 (10:46)", "body": "Well, that was someone else's list I posted. I haven't seen Good Will Hunting yet. Plan to see it though."}, {"response": 8, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Jan 26, 1998 (11:58)", "body": "Ah. Well ask that someone else what he thought of it, ok?"}, {"response": 9, "author": "LorieS", "date": "Mon, Jan 26, 1998 (15:04)", "body": "Nick, noticed a lot of Bogart at the top of your list. Saw \"Dead End\" with Bogie and Joel Mcrea on AMC this weekend. First viewing for me; very 1930's dark social commentary and Bogart was wonderful. I'm not \"someone else,\" but I'd but GWH above AGAIG on my best of the year list. I thought Robin Williams was wonderful in that, better than in anything else recently."}, {"response": 10, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Jan 26, 1998 (15:14)", "body": "I am in total agreement, LorieS. Although comparing GWH and AGAIG is somewhat akin to comparing apples and oranges, I still put GWH first. It's the finist film I have seen this year. But then again, I have not seen them all. Oh wait. I saw ICE STORM, and it is the best I've seen all year, but GWH comes in a very close second! :)"}, {"response": 11, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Tue, Jan 27, 1998 (00:15)", "body": "yeah, i've seen \"dead end\"... excellent picture (and claire trevor was simply beautiful)... bogie was great, basically doing his duke mantee thing; but it's incredibly difficult for me to watch him die (which is why \"treasure of sierra madre\"- one of the best pictures i've ever seen- wasn't on my favorites list)... and- re:\"spinal tap\"- remember... when you've loved and lost like frank has, you really know what life's about..."}, {"response": 12, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sat, Jan 31, 1998 (21:17)", "body": "1. Robin Hood 2. Braveheart 3. Nell 4. Christmas Vacation 5. Family Vacation 6. Uncle Buck 7. The Great Outdoors 8. Better Off Dead 9. The Color Purple (one of my all time favs) 10. ET (and the list will probably go on from here)"}, {"response": 13, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sat, Jan 31, 1998 (21:18)", "body": "10. Farewell My Concubine 10. The Joy Luck Club 10. The Lover (there will be more)"}, {"response": 14, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sat, Jan 31, 1998 (21:21)", "body": "10. Star Wars (the original trilogy) 10. Jurassic Park (but only for the effects)"}, {"response": 15, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sat, Jan 31, 1998 (22:00)", "body": "tell me you're referring to the original (1938) version of \"robin hood\" (\"the adventures of...\")- and not to the kevin costner/christian slater assault-on-the-english-language from a few years back?"}, {"response": 16, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sat, Jan 31, 1998 (22:02)", "body": "actually i was referring to kc/cs. Found the movie to be enormously romantic. Loved the scenery, the music, sean connery. sorry, haven't seen the '38 flick."}, {"response": 17, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sat, Jan 31, 1998 (22:05)", "body": "(sorry 'bout that... don't mean to be such a cinema-snob...)"}, {"response": 18, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sat, Jan 31, 1998 (22:06)", "body": "what? you mean you're not going to berate me for my (poor) taste? *wink* (ps, didja check your mail?)"}, {"response": 19, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sat, Jan 31, 1998 (22:10)", "body": "nope... should i?"}, {"response": 20, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sat, Jan 31, 1998 (22:12)", "body": "yes!"}, {"response": 21, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sat, Jan 31, 1998 (22:39)", "body": "well, don't know where you ran off to, but if no one else told you this today: Happy Birthday!! G-night *smile*"}, {"response": 22, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sat, Jan 31, 1998 (23:21)", "body": "sorry 'bout that... i went to check mail, and (because i still haven't cleaned it out) it crashed on me, and then i got dumped by my hicksville server and then i couldn't get back on because they're having modem problems or something and i had to call and bitch them out but finally got back on and here i am and i guess you've gone so sorry 'bout that again... christ, did i tell you my DOB? well, thanks... been a crummy, gray one though ('cause she's still not talking to me, and it's totally my own fault, which makes it worse)... feel too lousy to even get loaded (which is probably a good thing, 'cause who knows what the hell i would do if i was \"out there\" feeling like this... probably something stupid and irrevokeable...)..."}, {"response": 24, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Tue, Feb  3, 1998 (02:27)", "body": "hey, thanks wer... and i'm tipping a (tangible) jameson's and water your way... hope you're doing well, overcoming and all that... (i'm outa the doghouse, by the way... she's talking to me again... sleeping in the next room, in fact, which is pretty cool... 'course, the relevent question may be: why in the hell am i in this room, cruising the frigging net... listening to natalie, and sipping irish whiskey... while moment after moment ticks by, moments spent, that can never be recovered... knowing that she'll awaken, reach out for me, and will hurt, when she realizes i'm not there... can that be my motivation? who knows...)"}, {"response": 26, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Tue, Feb  3, 1998 (19:14)", "body": "hmmm...not likely, i think... i may end up marrying this one (which means i probably won't be dating for a long time, a few months at least)... that could change, of course, quite rapidly... but even if it did i suspect that we \"fall\" at different levels... my original observation still holds... you're the \"sincere\" type... and despite the pain you're enduring now, you'll be alright, in the end, because when the thing happens for you, you'll value it enough not to screw it up... i can't seem to value anything... (except weaver, of course, and she is safely dead)..."}, {"response": 28, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Tue, Feb  3, 1998 (22:14)", "body": "(yeah, but you're having feelings, and those are real, doesn't have to be anything wrong according to other's ideas of what that is)"}, {"response": 29, "author": "pip", "date": "Thu, May  7, 1998 (15:12)", "body": "Back to the subject at hand...... 1) Wizard of Oz 2) Blue Velvet 3) Bridge Over the River Kwai 4) Lawrence of Arabia 5) A Taste of Honey 6) The L Shaped Room 7) The English Patient 8) A Hard Days Night 9) Some Like It Hot 10) Chasing Amy"}, {"response": 30, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, May  7, 1998 (16:31)", "body": "I haven't heard of the L Shaped Room."}, {"response": 31, "author": "pip", "date": "Fri, May  8, 1998 (10:44)", "body": "Mid-sixties British film with Leslie Caron. Based on a story by Francoise Sagan. Am particularly fond of this era in British filmmaking."}, {"response": 32, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, May  8, 1998 (17:46)", "body": "Great actress and great writer, that's for sure. I'll be on the lookout for it."}, {"response": 33, "author": "MaryBeth", "date": "Mon, Jun 22, 1998 (03:50)", "body": "I thought Jurassic Park was really good. Still watch it up till now. 2. Lion King (Disney) =) 3. Merlin (miniseries) 4. The Fugitive 5. Last Crusade 6. Deep Impact 7. The Rock"}, {"response": 34, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Jun 22, 1998 (09:35)", "body": "I loved Merlin. Great show."}, {"response": 35, "author": "MaryBeth", "date": "Fri, Jun 26, 1998 (22:31)", "body": "I ordered it from NBC. I hope it comes in soon. I'm itching to watch it. Sam Neill was superb in the role of Merlin. It was a fun movie."}, {"response": 36, "author": "osceola", "date": "Mon, Aug 31, 1998 (18:21)", "body": "I assume you've all seen that \"official\" list of the 100 best English-language films in history. What do you think? What's missing? What should never have made the list (like Tootsie -- what were they thinking)."}, {"response": 37, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Aug 31, 1998 (18:21)", "body": "Is this list on a url we can look at somewhere?"}, {"response": 38, "author": "osceola", "date": "Thu, Sep  3, 1998 (12:37)", "body": "Url? Yeah, probably. Hell, it was in all the papers and magazines, or am I the only one around here who still reads those silly old things?"}, {"response": 39, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Sep  3, 1998 (21:46)", "body": "I read it in the Baltimore paper, they wanted everyone to vote on which was \"Baltimore's favorite movie.\" A lot of people were very indignant because there weren't any Baltimore-based films on the list, like \"Avalon\" or John Waters' stuff. I mean, how many people would actually vote for \"Maltese Falcon\", or \"All About Eve?\" Heck, some of the films on that list were silent!"}, {"response": 40, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Fri, Sep  4, 1998 (07:37)", "body": "so, what you're saying, Autumn, is that \"Pink Flamingos\" should have made the list?"}, {"response": 41, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Sep  4, 1998 (22:34)", "body": "Absolutely, if you're asking Baltimoreans to vote for their favorite film, give 'em something to work with! \"Diner\", \"Avalon\", heck, even \"Accidental Tourist\"--those are films that Baltimore can be proud of! As a private citizen, I wouldn't vote for any of the above OR any on the list, but if you're gonna get regional, you've got to include some local color."}, {"response": 42, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Sep 14, 1998 (11:13)", "body": "AFI's 100 Best Films"}, {"response": 43, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Sep 14, 1998 (11:18)", "body": "Hmmm. I'm not sure why that didn't work. But anyhow, here is the URL: http://www.dramaturgy.net/sponsors/Top-100.html http://www.dramaturgy.net/sponsors/Top-100.html"}, {"response": 44, "author": "jgross", "date": "Mon, Sep 14, 1998 (17:49)", "body": "I don't know why AFI still has that list on it's website, because they revised it quite some time ago with the following---this is official and current: 1. The Sequel (1980) BETA video format 2. Walking Down to the Water, Then Walking Back Still All Dry (1980) BETA 3. I Wonder What It's Like to be 98 in 1998 (1980) BETA 4. Loneliness in the Burn Unit (1980) BETA 5. I Found This Head in my Dryer (1980) BETA 6. All the Computers on my Block Are Chasing My Aunt Down the Street (1980) BETA 7. Paranoia Is Licking His Question Mark (1980) BETA 8. Improvisations in the Hall of Death (1980) BETA 9. Oscars Standing on the Blacktop Outside of Cannes (1980) BETA 10. Satan's School for Shy, Blind Girls (1980) BETA 11. Satan's School for Wet Skyscrapers (1980) BETA 12. I Like to Sleep at the American Film Institute (1980) BETA 13. Football Marries Baseball, And Their Kid, Basketball, Bounces 10 Ounces (1980) BETA 14. A Box of Lime Sherbert During Thunder (1980) BETA 15. Approaching the Castle from Behind a Very Old Indian Girl (1980) BETA 16. Glimpses of the Ziz, Using Sad Hours (1980) BETA 17. Footprints Around a Warm Moment, With a Coffagamoonga in Hand (1980) BETA 18. Mang Cheng Po Loo (1980) BETA 19. The Incomplete Cow Towards Maturity (1980) BETA 20. The Man Without A Brain Yet Lives in Me (1980) BETA 21. Where Am You From, Myrtle? (1980) BETA 22. California Dreaming, Idaho Nosebleeds, Pennsylvania Mooning (1980) BETA 23. How to Suffer After Death But Before Birth (1980) BETA 24. Going Out in Waves, Coming Back in Fog (1980) BETA 25. Touring Leftover Bodies Left by the Dancing Wolves (1980) BETA 26. Bureaucracy Calls the Suicide Hotline and Gets a Busy Signal (1980) BETA 27. After World War II We Returned to World War I and Finished It (1980) BETA 28. Side-out and Rotate (1980) BETA 29. To the Sea's Cliff To Jump Off and Scream and Have Fun (1980) BETA 30. Mathematical Love Paint for Your Home Exteriors (1980) BETA 31. Never Mind the Stares, Just Interrupt Yourself (1980) BETA 32. Fat Rock on a Boulder: Love Letter to Pebbles (1980) BETA 33. 47 Life Insurance Agents Live in the House Next Door Every Day (1980) BETA 34. Madame Midget in the Lap of a Truly Seated Woman (1980) BETA 35. Snow, Time to Listen to It Fall (1980) BETA 36. Not the Fly, the Hamster! (1980) BETA 37. The Hunched Hunchback Had a Hunch He'd Be Hunchless Before Dawn, But He Was Wrong (1980) BETA 38. Clark Gable Starring in a Movie (1980) BETA 39. Sure Is Dark in Here, But So Is Your Love, Grandma (1980) BETA 40. Let's Hear It For Goliath (1980) BETA 41. The Rumors with Mutated Spirit (1980) BETA 42. Numbers Really Like You Better Than People Do (1980) BETA 43. Fifteen-Movies-in-One for the Price of Ten (1980) BETA 44. I Walked on Over Into State Government and Couldn't Escape with My Life (1980) BETA 45. Earthworm in a State of Spin (1980) BETA 46. Lost Identity That Only the Dream Reveals (1980) BETA 47. Mom Learned to Talk as Soon as She Hit a Homerun for Sammy (1980) BETA 48. The Blond Crowd Simply Captivated Most of Our Earnest Redheads (1980) BETA 49. Teaching the Children to Eat Filberts Like Zipporah, Moses and Grandma Moses Did (1980) BETA 50. 1708 Was the Best Year Ever (1980) BETA 51. Oaf to Dolt (1980) BETA 52. Call But Don't Answer, Lie Down But Don't Sleep, Coax But Don't Lure (1980) BETA 53. I Wear Clothes Only When I'm Nude and Adorned with Enfeebled Inner Beauty (1980) BETA 54. Watching TV to Make Sure It Doesn't Try Anything Funny (1980) BETA 55. Cartoon in a Trustworthy Bottle of Emotionlessness (1980) BETA 56. My Favorite Middle School Principal was a Stationary Hobgoblin (1980) BETA 57. Nervous and Needy, Broke and Poor, and Uncontrollably Gigantic (1980) BETA 58. Physics in a Yellow Cape, Blowing the Trumpet for Sprites and Ponies (1980) BETA 59. Gotta Go to Work, I Best Be Running Along Now, Bye (1980) BETA 60. All These Other Movies Will Doodle on Your Brain (1980) BETA 61. Primal Life Forces Got Caught By Cookie Cutter Formulas (1980) BETA 62. Flicks Like This Happen All the Time (1980) BETA 63. This Is Only the Book, Wait Till You See the Movie (1980) BETA 64. Please Refine This Film in Your Lab When You Get Home (1980) BETA 65. Now? Hey C'mon, We're Not Exactly Ready--Give Us Another 3 Months, Say? (1980) BETA 66. Wuh-Oh! (1980) BETA 67. Denture Adhesives (1980) BETA 68. Inoperable Brain Tumors Being Hauled Around Iowa in Chevy Trucks (1980) BETA 69. Don't Eat Any Concession Food or We Won't Even Start This Film (1980) BETA 70. You Look Over There, I'll Look Over Here, We'll Find This Movie Yet (1980) BETA 71. The Pawns of Love Strung Up By Their Thumbs (1980) BETA 72. Jiminy Jillickers (1980) BETA 73. So This Gets Pretty Boring, You Say, Like About Half Way Through? (1980) BETA 74. Nothing Clicked and That'll Do It, See Ya Next Time, Or Not (1980) BETA 75. This Is the One to Watch, Here It Comes (1980) BETA 76. We Screwed Up, We're Gonna Start Re-shooting in February, Okay? (1980) BETA 77. Donut Crumbs Settled Evenly in "}, {"response": 45, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Sep 14, 1998 (18:37)", "body": "Hahaha! I'll never understand why #71 didn't get an oscar. The title alone is award-worthy."}, {"response": 46, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Tue, Sep 15, 1998 (23:20)", "body": "#78 for me..."}, {"response": 47, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Sep 16, 1998 (21:24)", "body": "For some reason, #50 almost brought tears to my eyes, but don't ask me why! Hey, Jim, I still have my betamax--guess I'll have to get down to the video store and rent all these movies!"}, {"response": 48, "author": "jgross", "date": "Thu, Sep 17, 1998 (02:29)", "body": "I work there now. I'll let ya have your next 300 rent-free, if you return them on time, or, say, within a week of on time. Can't wait to hear what your voice sounds like, combined with your eyes."}, {"response": 49, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Sep 18, 1998 (16:23)", "body": "Shrill and brown, ha-ha! Actually, I briefly worked for a Fortune 500 corp. in college doing clerical work, and they used to say I had the voice of a telemarketer. Can you imagine me calling you while you're eating your dinner and trying to sell you replacement windows?"}, {"response": 50, "author": "jgross", "date": "Sat, Sep 19, 1998 (05:06)", "body": "I would probably unintentionally begin speaking in French for the first time in my life, and fluently, at that, and I'd ask whether the windows were made in Lyons and whether they are stain glass mosaics of 37 one-minute pastorals that listen gently to the night's tremendous silence, and to the day's calm lake sending blue to the shore."}, {"response": 51, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Sep 21, 1998 (21:05)", "body": "(*taken aback*) Did I tell you about my association with Lyon?? Or did you just take a lucky guess?? Damn, I'd love a window like that one. (*wistful*)"}, {"response": 52, "author": "jgross", "date": "Tue, Sep 22, 1998 (03:20)", "body": "Yesterday, on avenue Berthelot, I happened into the Musee de la Resistance et de la Deportation, and for some strange reason they didn't deport me. But I did run into Klaus Barbie's granddaughter, Barbie, as I was coming out of the unisex rest room and she was going in (I said, \"Ah, j'ai oubli\ufffd de me laver les mains.\" and went back in with her---took a loooonnng time to wash, as she sat down in one of the stalls---and we talked). She had alotta business to take care of in that stall, so we talked quite while. And she was saying, \"L'automne est si gentil en ce moment.\" It being the first day of autumn, and all. And I, just as a sorta inside joke for me, said, \"Ah, ainsi vous savez Autumn, vous?\" She said, \"Autumn Moore?\" I couldn't believe my ears! As she came out of the stall I offered to wash her hands for her. She declined, and washed them all by herself. Then I received this quizzical look from her, and she said, \"Je veux que nous aillent au cathedrale Saint-Jean de La. Il y a des mosa\ufffdques e verre l\ufffd que vous simplement devez voir. Et conjecture ce qui?\" \"Ce qui, Barbie?\" Then she tells me, \"J'ai exp\ufffddi\ufffd un il y a des juste cinq jours d'outre-mer!\" So I ask her, \"\ufffd qui?\" \"\ufffd Autumn!\" This forces another question outta me, \"Mais comment avez-vous obtenu le verre?\" \"J'ai d\ufffdfi\ufffd un ami \ufffd moi plus \ufffdg\ufffd, un artisan principal, de reproduire mon Window pr\ufffdf\ufffdr\ufffd l\ufffd!\" so said Barbie as she, in the next breath, invited me to stay in Lyon and move in with her. There was a little twitch in the left dge of her lower lip. I dittoed that for her. She broke down in tears....her mother used to do the same thing I did, with the ditto. We had dinner and she told me all about herself, except how her husband was a waiter at that restaurant we ate at. He served us and just as I paid the check and his tip, he disclosed his identity. They smiled. Don't think I'll be seeing her again. That was just last night, too. No, Autumn, I wasn't guessing. I just remember you'd said somewhere that one of your parents (is that right?) was from there."}, {"response": 53, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Wed, Sep 23, 1998 (05:18)", "body": "you know, Jim, you really ought to host this conference..."}, {"response": 54, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Wed, Sep 23, 1998 (13:20)", "body": "I second that emotion."}, {"response": 55, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Sep 23, 1998 (16:47)", "body": "Dammit Jim, why didn't you tell me you could speak French? We could've been rambling along in the Parlons Francais topic in the cultures conference!! Ah, now you have to go check it out; I'll be expecting to see your post there. :-) BTW, I think you would make a GREAT conference host for movies--after all, you've seen every one of 'em!"}, {"response": 56, "author": "jgross", "date": "Wed, Sep 23, 1998 (20:35)", "body": "The following is 50 lines: I know, I know, it was just a suggestion ya felt like suggesting, and then here I go with this long spiel.....and we all wonder why.... why, Jim, do you have feel you have to over-respond? [argghh] I think Charlotte would be a great host. I bet Autumn wouldn't want to. Bet Charlotte wouldn't either. But I dunno what I'm talkin' about. It's just I like the situation of only opening something up, some topic and seeing what's there, what's new there. If nothing's going, that be cool. And if something's there, it might rouse me to feeling my way into something. But that's so simple. It's so satisfying like that. Hosting though seems like, well, it would be something extra. More time, energy, thought, responsibility, obligation, and having to learn (in a grinding way) web stuff. Y'know what I mean? And as it is, I like it as it is, for me, since I'm plenty satisfied with what goes on as it has been. The extra regard and attention that a host would give, would maybe set on me as sort of a side-effect. That's actually true, but does it sound like I'm reaching or being fretful or being ill-natured? I do like being free of hosting. Doesn't anyone else? But like I say, it's all here (in movies) that I need or want or like, it's all here for the taking, and there are infinite possibilities ---a person can say anything, start anything going in any topic, and let it fly, wing it. That's how it works for me in all the conferences, too. Anybody can do anything (y'know, within reason), cuz it's so wide open. So I guess I'm sayin' nuthin' except that's more'n enuf for me. To do anything more than that, might (well, it seems it would) be just somethin' I'd kinda sorta regret, would start to not feel so good about, and maybe make me wish I hadn't said anything (like: \"yeah I'll host\"). Hope that don't bugger anybody too bad. But if it does, I unnerstandie. Lest I forget, there once was this venerable wise old sage (Autumn Moore, I believe, be her name), and she said....yes, she said this approximately: \"It's like a part-time job to get around and look at everything there is to read and catch up on and respond to, in these conferences.\" And I'm a very slow reader, and an even slower thinker, and to add something like hosting to the already little I try to limit myself to (cuz I know my limits) would woo me into feeling like it's too much a chore (or a part-time job becoming full-time). Then again, things go to my head in some ways somehow, when I really dunno what I'm talkin' about. Sorry, should I've said this in frenchy, to y'all? (me so thoughtless) If there's one thing I can do, it's go on and on. and on, huh? (I do agonize over that, but as you can see, not enough...)"}, {"response": 57, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Sep 23, 1998 (20:43)", "body": "Agonize no more, Jim, I understand your feelings perfectly. 'Tis true, it would be a chore to me to have to learn all this computer stuff to host, and my life is full of enough chores. So, like you, I enjoy seeing what's going on, the natural rise and fall of interest in various conferences. If just you, Charlotte and I want to talk films, that's fine by me."}, {"response": 58, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Thu, Sep 24, 1998 (08:38)", "body": "can't blame me for trying..."}, {"response": 59, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Thu, Sep 24, 1998 (12:26)", "body": "I'm seriously thinking of 'forgetting' this conference. There is too much danger of falling in love with Jim."}, {"response": 60, "author": "osceola", "date": "Fri, Sep 25, 1998 (11:57)", "body": "If I may be so bold as to GET BACK ON TOPIC, regarding the REAL LIST of 100 best. As much as I loved both Pulp Fiction and Fargo, I question their inclusion on the list just because they are so recent. Seems to me a film should stand the test of time in order to make such a list. Goodfellas, for example, has been out for 9 or 10 years and definitely merits inclusion. IMO."}, {"response": 61, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Fri, Sep 25, 1998 (12:39)", "body": "so, should or shouldn't cult classics have been included?"}, {"response": 62, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Sep 25, 1998 (12:45)", "body": "I haven't seen the list lately--was \"Rocky Horror Picture Show\" on it? I certainly hope \"Sea of Love\" was on it, too--what a great thriller. LOVE Al Pacino!"}, {"response": 63, "author": "jgross", "date": "Wed, Sep 30, 1998 (01:33)", "body": "Top Ten Hindi Movies of 1996 Compiled By Avinash Ramchandani 1) Hindustani (dubbed)[starring: Kamal Hasan, Manisha Koirala, Urmilla Matondkar] Music: A.R. Rahman 2) Maachis [*ing: Tabu, Chandrachur Singh] Music: Vishal 3) Khamoshi [*ing: Manisha Koirala, Salman Khan, Seema Biswas, Nana Patekar, Helen] Music: Jatin Lalit 4) Raja Hindustani [*ing: Aamir Khan, Karishma Kapoor, Johnny Lever, Dalip Tahil] Music: Nadeem Shravan 5) Agni Sakshi [*ing: Manisha Koirala, Nana Patekar, Jakie Shroff] Music: Nadeem Shravan 6) Diljale [*ing: Ajay Devgan, Sonali Bendre, Parmeet Sethi, Madhoo, Amrish Puri, Gulshan Grover, Tinnu Anand, Shakti Kapoor] Music: Anu Malik 7) Saaza-E Kaalapaani (dubbed) [*ing: Mohanlal, Tabu] Music: Ilyaraja 8) Tere Mere Sapne [*ing: Chandrachur Singh, Arshad Warsi, Priya Gill, Simran] Music: Viju Shah 9) Bandit Queen [*ing: Seema Biswas] Music: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan 10)Fareb [*ing: Milind Gunaji, Faraaz Khan, Suman Ranganatran] Music: Jatin Lalit"}, {"response": 64, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Sep 30, 1998 (08:57)", "body": "Wow, getting into highly specialized esoteric top ten lists, leplep! Cool."}, {"response": 65, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Sep 30, 1998 (22:02)", "body": "I never know when he's pulling our collective leg, Terry (see #9)..."}, {"response": 66, "author": "jgross", "date": "Wed, Sep 30, 1998 (22:19)", "body": "And I try to pull your leg, Autumn, but it, before I can even reach over to it, it comes over to me and pushes me off balance.....and I fall over. Compared to yours, the collective leg is so easy, 'cept it doesn't have any of your hairs on it. I have asked Elizabeth Berg about that (left a message). We're playing phone tag right now."}, {"response": 67, "author": "jgross", "date": "Wed, Sep 30, 1998 (22:38)", "body": "http://www.planetbollywood.com/top10f96.html"}, {"response": 68, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Sep 30, 1998 (22:50)", "body": "Oh God, it's for real, Terry! Does Elizabeth Berg know about this??"}, {"response": 69, "author": "jgross", "date": "Wed, Sep 30, 1998 (23:39)", "body": "She knows much more than this. We just got off the phone. She actually cursed me.....well, mildly. She says that starting right now, for probably the next 4 months, she's gonna become an insomniac......until the book is written. I asked her if she's gotten any titles coming to her yet. She said no, but she says she knows the word \"leg\", for sure, is gonna be in it."}, {"response": 70, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Oct  1, 1998 (04:32)", "body": "(thanks everyone for providing the impetus to laughter, seeing as it IS the best medicine, I am feeling oh so much better already) My Top 10 Movies (for today) 1. Jungle Book 2. Gattaca 3. Wizard of OZ 4. Pi 5. Pinocchio 6. Chasing Amy 7. Bambi 8. Stand By Me 9. The Rescuers 10. Indiana Jones trilogy Sometimes my list changes depending on the day of the week and how high my average body temperature has been for the past 48 hours."}, {"response": 71, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Oct  1, 1998 (13:50)", "body": "What, so this is your ovulating list?"}, {"response": 72, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Oct  1, 1998 (13:59)", "body": "nope. Higher than that. Fever. And bite your tongue... that little white pill is supposed to be preventing that ovulating thing!"}, {"response": 73, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Oct  1, 1998 (14:02)", "body": "Ahhh, so it's your feverish list! That would explain \"Chasing Amy.\""}, {"response": 74, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Thu, Oct  1, 1998 (18:50)", "body": "My Indian friend says that Bandit Queen is \"raw and disturbing and very, very violent\". Just thought I'd pass that along. :)"}, {"response": 75, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Oct  1, 1998 (23:25)", "body": "I've only seen five on your list Stace. And a few of them are pretty recent. Since it changes, you can give us updates?"}, {"response": 76, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Oct  1, 1998 (23:34)", "body": "ummm. sure. Suppose that involves remembering the old list... (where's my damn pencil?)"}, {"response": 77, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Oct  2, 1998 (06:22)", "body": "In your pack."}, {"response": 78, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Wed, Oct  7, 1998 (00:22)", "body": "Yeah, I've only seen your #s 1, 5, 7, 9 and 10, myself."}, {"response": 79, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Oct  7, 1998 (10:45)", "body": "oh, I forgot two of the best (must've been the headache!) Excalibur and Clash of the Titans! Probably the only two movies I've ever seen in excess of 15 times each! Oh but wait, there's Beastmaster and Towering Inferno! I wonder if I really liked these movies as much as I now love the fact they transport me back in time to a very comfortable period in my life (?)"}, {"response": 80, "author": "jgross", "date": "Tue, Dec 29, 1998 (19:31)", "body": "I ran over there to Drool, drooled on Nan, and stole this from her (she'll never know).....I bet she's a pretty fun person. Topic 115 of 116 [drool]: Shakespeare in Love SPOILERS!! Response 6 of 72: Nan (nan) * Wed, Dec 9, 1998 (21:17) * 15 lines Just FYI--the National Board of review named Shakespeare in Love one of the top ten movies this year (#5 to be exact). See, I told you it was good ;-) Here's the complete list: 1. Gods and Monsters 2. Saving Private Ryan 3. Elizabeth 4. Happiness 5. Shakespeare in Love 6. The Butcher Boy 7. Lolita 8. Thin Red Line 9. A Simple Plan 10. Dancing at Lughnasa"}, {"response": 81, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Tue, Dec 29, 1998 (20:16)", "body": "Oh dear. I've only seen two of those! So many to see! So little time! So few non-mainstream theatres in my area! Waaaaaaaahhhh!"}, {"response": 82, "author": "jgross", "date": "Tue, Dec 29, 1998 (20:26)", "body": "Now, now, Charlotte, Kevin will be right over to your place to act out each movie that you haven't seen. He's looking forward to it. He has all the scripts, all the actors and directors, and all the locations. He'll be knocking on your door with all of them in, say, 45 minutes? Do be ready. Hope you're not in the middle of anything. He told me he doesn't really like it when you cry alot. But he does like a few tears maybe, if he can lick them while they're still rolling down. He grooves on your cheekbones more than you might know. He does look like he's in a very good mood tonight. No wonder."}, {"response": 83, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Wed, Dec 30, 1998 (12:11)", "body": "Oh my! Do I have time for a shower? Where's that champagne I got for my birthday? Oh oh oh! *stay calm* *breathe deeply* *relax* *giggle*"}, {"response": 84, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Dec 30, 1998 (13:20)", "body": "perhaps you could save that shower for after he arrives??"}, {"response": 85, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Dec 30, 1998 (18:37)", "body": "LOL!! I haven't even heard of half of those films...."}, {"response": 86, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Dec 31, 1998 (03:29)", "body": "are they the ones you have to put down a $50 deposit for???"}, {"response": 87, "author": "bigandblack", "date": "Thu, Dec 31, 1998 (18:06)", "body": "no"}, {"response": 88, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Fri, Jan  1, 1999 (09:49)", "body": ""}, {"response": 89, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Jan  1, 1999 (14:11)", "body": "alllllrighty then.......... ( did no one get my silly little innuendo????)"}, {"response": 90, "author": "jgross", "date": "Fri, Jan  1, 1999 (15:37)", "body": "Is it that $50 is how much people might pay for a total ticket (or whatever they're called) at a film festival, where they might show more obscure films? But you said the word \"deposit\", and that threw me. Is it like, I dunno, like like like if ya go to a real specialized video store and you have to put down a deposit on like a rare video or something? I'm really dense. It's real obvious, your innuendo, Stace, huh? Or is it, like, like if say you have to bribe film companies with a deposit to get an advanced copy of films that haven't come out yet? That's how dense I am."}, {"response": 91, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Fri, Jan  1, 1999 (16:02)", "body": "I got it, Stace, I was just being greedy and keeping it to myself so that no one else would...sorry...hehe"}, {"response": 92, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Jan  1, 1999 (22:54)", "body": "(*utterly clueless*)"}, {"response": 93, "author": "jgross", "date": "Sat, Jan  2, 1999 (07:36)", "body": "Janet Maslin's (New York Times) Top Ten for 1998 Saving Private Ryan Happiness The Butcher Boy Shakespeare in Love Henry Fool The Celebration A Simple Plan The Opposite of Sex Bulworth Western ________________________ Others she admired: Life is Beautiful (\"the year's most stirring surprise\") The General Affliction The Thin Red Line Central Station Hilary and Jackie The Big Lebowski The Real Blonde Beloved Gods and Monsters Velvet Goldmine Men With Guns Lolita Without Limits Hurlyburly ____________________________________ Foreign Films she liked: Live Flesh (Spain) Post Coitum (France) See the Sea (France) Taste of Cherry (Iran) The Mirror (Iran) The Thief (Russia) ___________________________________________ actor's/actress's work that she liked: High Art (Ally Sheedy) Under the Skin (Samantha Morton and Stuart Townshend) Pleasantville (Joan Allen) One True Thing (Meryl Streep and Renee Zellwegger) Dancing at Lughnasa (Meryl Streep) A Price Above Rubies (Renee Zellwegger) Stepmom (Susan Sarandon)---she didn't like the movie, though American History X (Edward Norton) He Got Game (Denzel Washington) Love is the Devil (Derek Jacobi) Permanent Midnight (Ben Stiller) _______________________________________________________________ she called these \"the year's most entertaining genre films\": Out of Sight Ronin Gingerbread Man ______________________________________ these documentaries she liked: Moon Over Broadway (best documentary) The Farm: Angola U.S.A. Arguing the World Wild Man Blues (it's about Woody Allen) Lenny Bruce: Swear to Tell the Truth ______________________________________________ she called these \"attention-getting debuts\": Buffalo 66 Nil By Mouth Pi ________________________________ she liked these comedies: The Big Lebowski (her favorite comedy) There's Something About Mary The Wedding Singer The Waterboy"}, {"response": 94, "author": "jgross", "date": "Mon, Jan  4, 1999 (02:53)", "body": "___________________________________________ 56th Annual Golden Globe Award Nominations ___________________________________________ Picture -- Drama: Elizabeth Gods and Monsters The Horse Whisperer Saving Private Ryan The Truman Show __________________________ Actress -- Drama: Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth) Fernanda Montenegro (Central Station) Susan Sarandon (Stepmom) Meryl Streep (One True Thing) Emily Watson (Hilary and Jackie) ______________________________________ Actor -- Drama: Jim Carrey (The Truman Show) Stephen Fry (Wilde) Tom Hanks (Saving Private Ryan) Ian McKellen (Gods and Monsters) Nick Nolte (Affliction) ___________________________________ Picture -- Musical or Comedy: Bulworth The Mask of Zorro Patch Adams Shakespeare In Love Still Crazy There's Something About Mary ______________________________________ Actress -- Musical or Comedy: Cameron Diaz (There's Something About Mary) Jane Horrocks (Little Voice) Gwyneth Paltrow (Shakespeare In Love) Christina Ricci (The Opposite of Sex) Meg Ryan (You've Got Mail) _________________________________________ Actor -- Musican or Comedy: Antonio Banderas (The Mask of Zorro) Warren Beatty (Bulworth) Michael Caine (Little Voice) John Travolta (Primary Colors) Robin Williams (Patch Adams) ________________________________ Foreign Language: The Celebration (Denmark) Central Station (Brazil) Men With Guns [Hombres Armados] (USA) The Polish Bride [De Poolse Bruid] (The Netherlands) Tango (Argentina) _______________________________________________ Supporting Actress -- Drama, Musical or Comedy: Kathy Bates (Primary Colors) Brenda Blethyn (Little Voice) Judi Dench (Shakespeare In Love) Lynn Redgrave (Gods and Monsters) Sharon Stone (The Mighty) ______________________________________________ Supporting Actor -- Drama, Musical or Comedy: Robert Duvall (A Civil Action) Ed Harris (The Truman Show) Bill Murray (Rushmore) Geoffrey Rush (Shakespeare in Love) Donald Sutherland (Without Limits) Billy Bob Thornton (A Simple Plan) __________________________________ Director: Shekhar Kapur (Elizabeth) John Madden (Shakespeare In Love) Robert Redford (The Horse Whisperer) Steven Spielberg (Saving Private Ryan) Peter Weir (The Truman Show) ________________________________________ Screenplay: Warren Beatty and Jeremy Pikser (Bulworth) Andrew Niccol (The Truman Show) Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard (Shakespeare In Love) Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan) Todd Solondz (Happiness) ___________________________________ Original Score: Burkhard Dallwitz and Philip Glass (The Truman Show) Jerry Goldsmith (Mulan) Randy Newman (A Bug's Life) Stephen Schwartz and Hans Zimmer (The Prince of Egypt) John Williams (Saving Private Ryan) ______________________________________ Original Song: \"The Flame Still Burns\" (Still Crazy) with music and lyrics by Mick Jones, Marti Frederiksen, Chris Difford; \"The Mighty\" (The Mighty) with music by Sting and lyrics by Sting and Trevor Jones; \"The Prayer\" (Quest For Camelot: The Magic Sword) with music and lyrics by David Foster and Carole Bayer Sager (Italian translation: Alberto Testa and Tony Renis); \"Reflection\" (Mulan) with music by Matthew Wilder and lyrics by David Zippel; \"Uninvited\" (City of Angels) with music and lyrics by Alanis Morissette; \"When You Believe\" (The Prince of Egypt) with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz."}, {"response": 95, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Jan  4, 1999 (11:21)", "body": "Wow. Thanks for typing all that in, Jim!"}, {"response": 96, "author": "jgross", "date": "Tue, Jan  5, 1999 (08:49)", "body": "Roger Ebert's top 10 movies of 1998 December 27, 1998 BY ROGER EBERT 1. ``Dark City'' The best film of 1998 was also one of the more obscure. It opened without a compelling campaign, and was yanked before it could find an audience. Now, on video, it's beginning to build a reputation that may eventually link it with ``Blade Runner,'' another slow starter that gained cult status. The movie is set in a noir city run by the Strangers, aliens who use it as a laboratory to study humans. They erase human memories every midnight and shape-shift the city into new configurations for fresh experiments. The hero (Rufus Sewell) is aided by a mysterious doctor (Kiefer Sutherland) to break loose from the mind-wiping, and remembers vaguely an earlier life that may have involved a beautiful young woman (Jennifer Connelly). Meanwhile, a police inspector (William Hurt) tries to make sense of a crime. The closing shots reveal the true nature of all that has gone before. I responded so strongly to the film because it was intelligent, intriguing, darkly atmospheric, and most of all because it was visually breathtaking. Werner Herzog tells us we need new images or we will die. Alex Proyas' ``Dark City'' was visionary in the tradition of ``Metropolis,'' ``The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari,'' ``2001: A Space Odyssey'' and ``Blade Runner.'' It was a daring act of the imagination. So strongly did I feel about it that for the first time I agreed to do a commentary soundtrack for the DVD video, where you can hear me talking for two hours about the film's mysteries and beauties. (I don't get royalties.) Like ``Babe: Pig in the City,'' ``Pleasantville,'' ``The Truman Show'' and ``What Dreams May Come,'' ``Dark City'' started from scratch to reimagine a world. 2. ``Pleasantville'' Gary Ross' film pointed the way to the new freedom that computer-generated images have given filmmakers. He imagined two modern-day young people who are magically transported back in time to the insides of a black and white 1950s sitcom. Nothing ever changes in the sitcom world, but they bring the seeds of the future, and soon color is blooming in the black and white society. One of the pleasures of the film was figuring out what triggered the color shifts. (It was not simply sex, but insight, or change.) Another was to enjoy the wit with which paradoxes were handled in a world closed to space and time. (In geography class, students learned that when you got to the end of Main Street, it just started all over again.) The film stirred debate. Some argued that the stable and predictable 1950s were, in fact, preferable to the social upheaval in which we now reside. Others said the 1950s were, in fact, more revolutionary than today--that reverse time travel could do us some good. Still others said the 1950s were great if you didn't happen to be female or non-white. Whatever you said, the movie got you talking. Not many great entertainments also inspire social introspection. 3. ``Saving Private Ryan'' Steven Spielberg's epic was one of the most involving war movies ever made. Using enormous resources of men and technique, he re-created the landing at Omaha Beach with such power and immediacy that movie battle scenes would never seem quite the same again. His film's opening act is one of the great sustained acts of filmmaking. Then the film fell into more conventional but still thought-provoking channels, as an officer (Tom Hanks) and his men are assigned to venture into dangerous territory to find a private whose brothers have been killed in combat. Saving him is thought to be useful propaganda--but the war looks different at ground level than from the Pentagon. ``Saving Private Ryan'' was a powerful experience. Spielberg knows how to make audiences weep better than any director since Chaplin in ``City Lights.'' But weeping is an immediate response, and this film also embodies ideas. After the immediate experience begins to fade, the implications remain, and grow. 4. ``A Simple Plan'' Three men in a wintertime forest preserve find a crashed plane that has $4 million on board. They figure it's probably drug money, that no one will come forward to claim it, and that it might be a simple matter for them to keep the money themselves. Almost immediately this decision involves them in a crime, and their values, held for a lifetime but never really tested, begin to disintegrate. Sam Raimi's film runs sure and deep. It has an uncanny sense of time and place, and it never rushes as it follows its characters from one fateful decision to the next. There are strong, Oscar-worthy performances by Bill Paxton as the college graduate, Billy Bob Thornton as his unlucky brother, Brent Briscoe as the third man, and Bridget Fonda as Paxton's wife, who gives what seems at the time to be practical advice. 5. ``Happiness'' Todd Solondz's painful and funny film showed desperate people reaching out from the loneliness they were drowning in. Some were obviously pathetic, in apartment buildings that"}, {"response": 97, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Jan  7, 1999 (15:10)", "body": "And Jim's seen 'em all."}, {"response": 98, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Fri, Jan  8, 1999 (00:04)", "body": "he was either in or on the crew of most of them, as well..."}, {"response": 99, "author": "PT", "date": "Wed, Jan 13, 1999 (15:57)", "body": "There's no substitute for experience."}, {"response": 100, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Jan 13, 1999 (20:18)", "body": "Unfortunately, experience is something you don't get until just after you need it."}, {"response": 101, "author": "jgross", "date": "Wed, Jan 13, 1999 (22:25)", "body": "I got all mine just before I needed it. I'm tellin' ya, it was WAY too much too soon. I've been in a tailspin ever since. Down looks like up to me. The scary thing is, I hit bottom a long time ago and yet I feel like I'm still falling. I gonna close my eyes now for the latest rush of vertigo. ooooooo, what a whopper."}, {"response": 102, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Jan 13, 1999 (22:31)", "body": "What was the best movie you saw in 1998? Could be either theater or rental."}, {"response": 103, "author": "jgross", "date": "Wed, Jan 13, 1999 (22:36)", "body": "I rented the theater on September 21 for a special screening of \"Autumn\" that WAS the best movie of 1998 and all the other years leading up to 1998"}, {"response": 104, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Wed, Jan 13, 1999 (23:47)", "body": "and, somehow, the book didn't do the movie justice..."}, {"response": 105, "author": "PT", "date": "Thu, Jan 14, 1999 (11:46)", "body": "Of all the movies I saw in 1998, I'd have to say that I liked Lethal Weapon 4, best."}, {"response": 106, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Jan 15, 1999 (15:30)", "body": "LOL! One of those rare times where the movie is actually better than the book, huh? My favorite was either \"Donnie Brasco\" or \"Trees Lounge.\" Worst movie I saw in 1998--either \"Marvin's Room\" or \"Chasing Amy.\""}, {"response": 107, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Jan 15, 1999 (16:38)", "body": "ooohh. I liked Chasing Amy a lot. But I liked Pi better Did I see Life is Beautiful in 98? If I did that wins. If not, it certianly is the best movie I'll ever see in 99"}, {"response": 108, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Jan 17, 1999 (18:52)", "body": "Let's see a little optimism, Stacey! January's not even over yet."}, {"response": 109, "author": "osceola", "date": "Tue, Jan 19, 1999 (13:46)", "body": "Donnie Brasco was great. I can't believe Pacino didn't even get nominated for an Oscar."}, {"response": 110, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Jan 23, 1999 (17:32)", "body": "Yet he got one for that \"Scent of a Woman\" drivel. Go figure!"}, {"response": 111, "author": "osceola", "date": "Mon, Jan 25, 1999 (12:54)", "body": "I've noticed Pacino gets nominated when he does those over the top acting roles, which I really dislike because he's so much better than that. (Though I have always loved Dog Day Afternoon.) Really good acting is about subtlety, not hamming it up. If you haven't seen Heat, rent it immediately."}, {"response": 112, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Jan 25, 1999 (19:42)", "body": "Autumn didn't mean to sound pessimistic... LIB was just REALLY good! I enjoyed HEAT as well george"}, {"response": 113, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Jan 25, 1999 (22:31)", "body": "I will have to check that one out."}, {"response": 114, "author": "osceola", "date": "Tue, Jan 26, 1999 (12:22)", "body": "It's got Pacino AND DeNiro and was written and directed by the guy who created Miami Vice."}, {"response": 115, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Jan 27, 1999 (20:53)", "body": "Ooooh, I was with you till I got to the end of that sentence, George..."}, {"response": 116, "author": "osceola", "date": "Thu, Jan 28, 1999 (12:18)", "body": "Hey, Michael Mann is really good. I just mentioned \"Vice\" because that's probably what he's most well-known for. He also did \"Last of the Mohicans,\" and \"Thief\" a really good crime drama w/ James Caan that came out in the early '80s."}, {"response": 117, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Jan 31, 1999 (20:17)", "body": "I'm watching \"The Boxer\" tonight (also with Daniel Day Lewis, *pant pant*) and \"Trainspotting.\""}, {"response": 118, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Jan 31, 1999 (20:36)", "body": "can't limit my top ten list to ten....and i caught your inuenndo as i was zipping through the posts, stacey! response #80, i saw three of those films (elizabeth, s-i-love, and saving pvt ryan... and response #91, the films she \"admired\"???? what in the hell does that mean? she liked them but couldn't fit them on her top ten list so she made another list?"}, {"response": 119, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sun, Jan 31, 1999 (23:30)", "body": "think you meant response #93, Wolf... (Stacey? Inuenndo? ???)"}, {"response": 120, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Feb  7, 2036 (00:46)", "body": "\"The Boxer\" was slooooow, but the IRA/Belfast stuff was interesting. \"Trainspotting\" I really enjoyed, once I figured out what the hell they were saying. It's about a bunch of heroin-addicted generation-Xers in Scotland."}, {"response": 121, "author": "jgross", "date": "Thu, Feb  7, 2036 (02:59)", "body": "It all takes place on a train with really deep toilets and spots where dream sequences are forced to jump from a window into the black, swirling water....and.....it ends in a Roy Rogers episode inside the year 1958 (where all gen-Xers suffer severe downstream symptons)."}, {"response": 122, "author": "osceola", "date": "Thu, Feb  7, 2036 (05:13)", "body": "I'd recommend \"In the Name of the Father\" for another D.D. Lewis movie about Northern Ireland, based on a true story. Emma Thompson's in it, too."}, {"response": 123, "author": "wolf", "date": "Thu, Feb  7, 2036 (05:50)", "body": "wasn't he in my left foot? no matter, like him anyway!"}, {"response": 124, "author": "jgross", "date": "Wed, Feb  3, 1999 (17:28)", "body": "I'm in your left foot, Wolfie. I like it here. Sorry you're so swollen. D.D. Lewis is in 'My Left Foot'. That's why yours is as swollen as it is. We're both in here. Me in yours, he in mine, so both of us in yours. Glad ya like him. It helps. I just wish he liked me as much as he likes you."}, {"response": 125, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Thu, Feb  4, 1999 (08:25)", "body": "Ever get the feeling that you wish you had some of whatever Jim was inhaling?"}, {"response": 126, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Sat, Dec  9, 2000 (13:05)", "body": "I don't know if this is exactly the right place to post this, but it does contain a Ten Best List. The National Board of Review has released their \"Ten Best Films of 2000\" list, as well as their year end awards in excellence. So here it is: 1. \"Quills\" 2. \"Traffic\" 3. \"Croupier\" 4. \"You Can Count on Me\" 5. \"Billy Elliot\" 6. \"Before Night Falls\" 7. \"Gladiator\" 8. \"Wonder Boys\" 9. \"Sunshine\" 10. \"Dancer in the Dark\" Best Director - Steven Soderbergh, \"Erin Brockovich\" and \"Traffic\" Best Screenplay - Ted Tally, \"All the Pretty Horses\" Best Actor - Javier Bardem, \"Before Night Falls,\" based on the memoirs of Cuban novelist and poet Reinaldo Arenas. Best Actress - Julia Roberts, \"Erin Brockovich\" Best Supporting Actor - Joaquin Phoenix, \"Gladiator,\" \"Quills,\" and \"The Yards\" Best Supporting Actress - Lupe Ontiveros, \"Chuck and Buck\" Best Ensemble - \"State and Main\" Best Documentary - \"The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg\" Best Animated Feature - \"Chicken Run\" Best Foreign Film - \"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,\" Outstanding Acheivment in Foreign Film - Krzysztof Kieslowski's \"Decalogue\" Series Breakthrough Performance - Michelle Rodriguez, \"Girlfight\" Outstanding Young Actor - Jamie Bell, \"Billy Elliot\" Outstanding Production Design/Art Direction - \"Gladiator\" Outstanding Dramatic Musical Performance - Bjork, \"Dancer in the Dark.\" The board will present actress Ellen Burstyn a career achievement award when it hands out its honors on Jan. 16 at Manhattan's Tavern on the Green restaurant. Kenneth Lonergan, who wrote and directed the critical hit \"You Can Count on Me,\" also will be honored for special filmmaking achievement."}, {"response": 127, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Dec 17, 2000 (22:04)", "body": "I think I've only heard of two of those, and seen none of them. I have a feeling I won't be seeing those titles at my local video store. *sigh* movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 25, "subject": "Romeo and Juliet (90s movie version)", "response_count": 33, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Sun, Feb 15, 1998 (13:13)", "body": "I had avoided going to see this film when it was first released, simply because I never go and see hyped films if I can help it. However, the local arts cinema was playing it for Valentine's Day yesterday, and a big group of us went down and.....*WOW!!!* What a superb film! I was utterly amazed the whole way through at the integration of the original dialogue and manner, with contemporary settings and situations. The two together seemed to cancel each other out, which I thought was amazing. I didn't focus either on the obscurity of the dialogue and sentence construction, nor the incongruity of the dress and background with that dialogue. Simply all that was left was the story, in stark relief. I feel like I understood the film on a somewhat \"deeper\" level than most of my friends who saw it - I can't saw why, and I can't say how, I just \"feel\" it. There was so much more wrapped up in the construction of the film than simply a contemporary Romeo and Juliet, and I felt like I have a vague insight into it - I just can't force it to come out of my brain!"}, {"response": 2, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Feb 15, 1998 (16:45)", "body": "Haven't seen it, but I'll have to see if it's at the rental store!"}, {"response": 3, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Sun, Feb 15, 1998 (16:55)", "body": "You simply *must*, it is amazing."}, {"response": 4, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Feb 15, 1998 (21:07)", "body": "My niece went to the theatre 4 times to see this movie when it was out! Needless to say, it is her favorite movie of all-time. I really should rent it too and see what all the fuss is about."}, {"response": 5, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sun, Feb 15, 1998 (21:20)", "body": "i thought it was truly wonderful (and i'm not a particular fan of the play)... was prepared to hate this film, i must confess, but it won me over rather quickly... decapprio's scene (after romeo slew tybalt) was simply mesmerizing... one of my fav. moments from any film..."}, {"response": 6, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Feb 15, 1998 (21:29)", "body": "I avoided it for the same reason of being hyped up. Now will definately rent it!"}, {"response": 7, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Mon, Feb 16, 1998 (13:48)", "body": "Heheh....strange you should mention Leonardo, because I thought he was the only mis-cast person in the whole film. To me, his playing of Romeo simply didn't hold up - there wasn't enough tragedy involved, something just wasn't quite right. I guess perhaps it was because he's such a pretty-boy, which kinda makes me think that the bad stuff can never be that bad :)"}, {"response": 8, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Mon, Feb 16, 1998 (14:05)", "body": "heard he was, well, gay. can anyone verify this info?"}, {"response": 9, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Tue, Feb 17, 1998 (18:47)", "body": "gay in real life? I don't think so. There are homosexual overtones in the film, between him and his bestest bud, whose name temporarily escapes me (ah! the embarrasment!), though."}, {"response": 10, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Tue, Feb 17, 1998 (19:03)", "body": "Whew! Did rent the film. Lemme see....it was good and loved how they used the language from the play. Was kinda put back in the beginning, trying to figure it all out. Seemed as though everything was moving way to fast and I couldn't keep up with it. But once the \"introductions\" were made, found the rest of the film pretty good. Didn't see it as homosexual overtones really. And it was difficult for me to know that he was his best friend (if it wasn't for the introductions of all the characters, I would never have guessed). Really should've told Romeo via his friend what was going on (after he was banished and Juliet was \"sleeping\"). Would've saved a lot of grief, but then it wouldn't have been a tragedy. And Nick, I think Tybalt set in motion his own death, not Romeo......"}, {"response": 11, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Tue, Feb 17, 1998 (19:08)", "body": "Well, the homosexuality came in when Mercutio(?) found out about the marriage etc. and went bonkers."}, {"response": 12, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Tue, Feb 17, 1998 (19:14)", "body": "Couldn't tell when he went bonkers (wasn't he bonkers to begin with?) When did he learn of the marriage? Was it when Tybalt was attacking Romeo? (BTW, nice to meet you *grin*, you're in England? How's the weather and stuff over there? And what's the time difference? I mean, are you posting in the wee hours of the morning?)"}, {"response": 13, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Tue, Feb 17, 1998 (22:07)", "body": "(by killing tybalt, romeo set in motion his own death, and that of juliet... and i thought decapprio was outstanding, by the way (as always... gay or not, i think he's one of the best young actors alive... he's brando-esque)... his despair, in the aftermath of the slaying, affected me as deeply as anything i've seen in a long while... claire danes was beautiful, too, and nearly flawless, i thought... i think shakespeare would've been quite pleased with this film)..."}, {"response": 14, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Wed, Feb 18, 1998 (21:01)", "body": "sorry, Nick, I tend to disagree with you there, but let me think about it a sec... what set in motion Romeo's death was the plan by the father once Juliet learned she would wed the prince. Had father the forethought to warn Romeo by way of that kid who walked in on Juliet's \"funeral\" none of the tragedy between them would've happened. Or maybe, it just would've been put off a bit. But then, had Romeo the knowledge, he could've waited until Juliet was able to escape, it would've mattered not that Romeo was banished, because they had their love. Yes, Claire Danes is a beautiful young lady. Loved her in \"My So-Called Life\" and am glad to see her moving on and not being trapped in the sitcom thing. Saw her on the cover of some magazine and barely recognized her. Also agree on Decapprio. He was excellent, pretty boy or not. Once he realized what he had done, man, he really captured that in his being. The only part that I didn't like (save the fact that the lovers die in the end) was the beginning. I thought it must've been a joke, but once those \"intros\" were made, the film settled down into the story. Didn't really seem \"present day\" as they advertised, but somewhere in the future. (BTW, hi Nick)"}, {"response": 15, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Thu, Feb 19, 1998 (05:48)", "body": "tybalt's death changed everything... nothing romeo did beyond that point really mattered... the end could be prolonged or abrupt, but everything he did from that point served only to rearrange the details of their end... nothing could've altered the fact of it... romeo had no choice, of course (but to kill tybalt)... it was the only thing he could do, and he was compelled to do it by everything he was... (that's why he's \"star-crossed\")... by killing himself, he did exercise choice, but it was the right one, i think... better to die the quick death, within the flush of living, breathing passion, than to risk the other kind (which is diseased, and probably worse than death)..."}, {"response": 16, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Thu, Feb 19, 1998 (07:04)", "body": "but he was a fool to end his life, Juliet was alive! Romeo was not violent in his nature, but the slaying of his best friend took him right to the edge (which would happen to anyone). He still had choices."}, {"response": 17, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Thu, Feb 19, 1998 (15:05)", "body": "Claire Danes was absolutely amazing! I was completely spellbound by her beauty throughout the whole film, and I think she played the part better than anyone ever could have. She seemed, to me, to understand exactly what was going on with her character and with her character's interactions, which I felt Leonardo missed out on a bit. Romeo is a far more complex role than Juliet, and I didn't feel that he quite had a grip on it. And hey, his sexuality is of no interest to me :)"}, {"response": 18, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Thu, Feb 19, 1998 (15:56)", "body": "Me either. He, too, is beautiful to look at. *smile*"}, {"response": 19, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Tue, Mar 17, 1998 (19:56)", "body": "Has anyone gone and rented the movie? I hope so, it's totally worth it :) Incidentally, there is a crossover here to the \"Babes\" conference, where I've opened a Claire Danes topic...*sigh* *swoon* *grin*"}, {"response": 20, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Mar 18, 1998 (17:25)", "body": "saw it in the theatres... really enjoyed it."}, {"response": 21, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Thu, Mar 19, 1998 (10:41)", "body": "I *need* to see it again. We were sat in the second row of the cinema, so the screen was huge ! :)"}, {"response": 22, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Mar 19, 1998 (11:34)", "body": "Mike, did you hear that Claire Danes is going to reprise the Emma Peel role in the movie version of \"the Avengers\"? Wow, just imagine her in all that black leather...."}, {"response": 23, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Mar 19, 1998 (17:34)", "body": "(somebody needs to pick Mike up off the floor... he swooned, I think)"}, {"response": 24, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Thu, Mar 19, 1998 (17:47)", "body": "Autumn, I didn't need to hear that. I never need to hear that. Claire Danes. Black leather. Someone call an ambulance."}, {"response": 25, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Mar 19, 1998 (17:58)", "body": "*cackle*"}, {"response": 26, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Mon, Apr 13, 1998 (20:59)", "body": "lol"}, {"response": 27, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Tue, Apr 14, 1998 (14:29)", "body": "you girls are evil creatures. and anyway, i have a real-life person to swoon over now :) *swoooooooooon*"}, {"response": 28, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Apr 14, 1998 (15:47)", "body": "Oh, do tell all, Mike!"}, {"response": 30, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Apr 17, 1998 (15:22)", "body": "girl or boy??? (if it's a little green alien I do NOT want to hear about it!)"}, {"response": 31, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Tue, Apr 28, 1998 (18:27)", "body": "i went to see the film again. after you all disagreed so much with my view over leonardo, i decided to concentrate on him a little more (with only some Claire swooning ;) I have to admit that, second time around, he was better. I felt more tragedy from him this time, although I'm not sure why. Can't explain it. He was just somehow \"better\" - I guess that shows how subjective movie criticism is."}, {"response": 32, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Tue, Apr 28, 1998 (19:59)", "body": "yeah yeah yeah, that's the best you can do? sounds like you're trying to passify the leo maniacs *grin*. So c'mon, you really want to talk about Claire, right?? *wink*"}, {"response": 33, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Wed, Apr 29, 1998 (15:33)", "body": "naturally, of course :-)) I had her on my Windows backdrop today, but Bill decided it wasn't a good idea, and I haven't seen her for a couple of hours. I'm rather fed up with Mr. Gates deciding what's good for me and what isn't. Hmm. Claire. SCHWOOOOOn."}, {"response": 34, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Wed, Apr 29, 1998 (20:12)", "body": "David. SCHWOOOOOOOON. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 26, "subject": "Apocalypse Now", "response_count": 10, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Mar 17, 1998 (21:17)", "body": "Can't watch the Vietnam War; same as Titanic, it's too sad because it's true! I prefer escape fiction."}, {"response": 2, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Wed, Mar 18, 1998 (14:55)", "body": "*grin* - you gotta face real life sometime!"}, {"response": 3, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Mar 19, 1998 (11:36)", "body": "I face it every day (*grin*)! I didn't mind that stuff so much when I was in college; as a matter of fact, some guy actually took me to see \"Platoon\" on a first (and last) date!"}, {"response": 4, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Mar 19, 1998 (17:36)", "body": "i dated a guy in college whose favorite movie was Full Metal Jacket. He'd go around quoting from the movie... \"Texas! Only steers and queers come from Texas...\" As a couple, it didn't last long!"}, {"response": 5, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Thu, Mar 19, 1998 (17:49)", "body": "nice guys - you both went to lovely schools. :-)"}, {"response": 6, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Mar 19, 1998 (17:58)", "body": "where'd you go to school Mike? (where did the babe obsession begin?)"}, {"response": 7, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sat, May 16, 1998 (00:40)", "body": "Texas A&M, myself... (in the Corps, too)"}, {"response": 8, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, May 18, 1998 (18:04)", "body": "An Aggie?!?!? I never would've Guessed!"}, {"response": 9, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Wed, May 20, 1998 (01:05)", "body": "yep, shaved head, uniformed everyday, the whole nine yards... (can you tell I got over most of it? of course, flunking out (twice) does lessen the time available for brainwashing...)"}, {"response": 10, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, May 20, 1998 (16:17)", "body": "*laugh* movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 27, "subject": "Good Will Hunting", "response_count": 13, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Mar 23, 1998 (12:36)", "body": "Wow. I'm surprised this topic is only just now getting started! I put this film at the top of the list. It's the very best movie I saw last year. Better than Titanic. Better than As Good As It Gets. Williams is Brilliant, and Matt Damon is electric. I would not compare it to Rain Man, however."}, {"response": 2, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Mar 23, 1998 (18:17)", "body": "I have not seen this movie yet, but it seems like one of those films that is consistently well-liked by every demographic group. I've yet to hear anyone say they didn't like it."}, {"response": 3, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Mar 23, 1998 (18:26)", "body": "I'm willing to put money on a bet that you will like it, too, Autumn. :)"}, {"response": 4, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Mar 23, 1998 (19:01)", "body": "My girlfriend keeps asking me to go see it with her again, she liked it so well..."}, {"response": 5, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Mar 23, 1998 (19:13)", "body": "So what's keeping you from it? I'll be anxious to hear your thoughts after seeing it."}, {"response": 6, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Mar 23, 1998 (19:25)", "body": "My time is limited and she works a really screwy schedule that seldom jibes with mine...."}, {"response": 7, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Mar 24, 1998 (09:18)", "body": "yeah! for the two young authors!"}, {"response": 8, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Tue, Mar 24, 1998 (12:04)", "body": "Hear, hear! Much deserved. I'm so proud of the Academy for recognizing their fresh talent. They were gracious and grateful, and a lot of fun to watch. I hope they write another movie. I'd go see it in a heartbeat."}, {"response": 9, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Mar 24, 1998 (15:49)", "body": "i'm now certianly inspired to see the first one!"}, {"response": 10, "author": "osceola", "date": "Mon, Aug 31, 1998 (18:25)", "body": "I recommend this one to everyone I know who doesn't go to movies anymore because they think Hollywood only puts out stupid movies. Well acted and well written, and I liked the moral of the story."}, {"response": 11, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Sep  3, 1998 (21:48)", "body": "I didn't enjoy this one so much as I thought I would. I guess it got so much hype, my expectations were too high. Robin Williams was fantastic, but the Matt Damon-Minnie Driver pairing lacked chemistry and seemed disjointed. However, everyone I know loved it."}, {"response": 12, "author": "jgross", "date": "Fri, Sep  4, 1998 (13:16)", "body": "I mean if only they hadn't spent so much time with scenes in physics class together acting like contortionists. And the way they'd thumb their noses at Mr. Booplingle, one of the best chemistry teachers that university ever had. Between takes the director kept telling both the leads, \"you fight well for a tailor.\" Y'know, what's that supposed to mean? Right? No wonder it croaked. Towards the end, there was that 15-minute stretch there that brought in the scene that had a buncha interspecies romance goin' on, REALLY goin' on. I really wish that coulda been what the whole movie was about. Plus after they were finally done kissing, Matt and Minnie, well, I just don't think they chose voices that differed enough from each other, so I lost the connection at that point. The character of the voice is everything, and it needs to vary itself, or else most assuredly the director or somebody needs to put some sort of medieval ointment on it to loosen it, relax it, laxative it. They were geezers. I thought I was watching \"Cocoon\". And ya know what really got me: how could both of them have babies by other lovers and then leave them on the home doorsteps of mildly indolent campus administrators! Some of the cereal they ate was unfair, too, especially those bowls of stuff in the middle of the movie when everyone was for sure expecting just muffins and orange juice. The academy award it won for best disaster musical was appropriate, but for all the wrong reasons. The singing only worked well because of the oboe playing (even Siskel and Ebert could see that). I could go on and on with at least 40 more totally accurate points very much worth making, but I hear these lousy loud footsteps getting way wee closer---oh yes, who's surprised by that, it's Donna wanting me NOW to start pouring the wine. \"You got it, babe.\" (her lips are like already drinking it even though I haven't given her the glass yet)"}, {"response": 13, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Sep  4, 1998 (22:37)", "body": "LOL! (at everything between the tailor and the oboe!) movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 28, "subject": "Titanic", "response_count": 64, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Mar 23, 1998 (13:36)", "body": "This is a film that cost $200 million to make, and has already made 5 times that. Have you seen it?"}, {"response": 2, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Mar 23, 1998 (16:24)", "body": "yes."}, {"response": 3, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Mar 23, 1998 (18:38)", "body": "Yes. I think it's overhyped and overrated. Sure, it was good. But who couldn't make a good film with $200 million bucks. I do not think it rated 19 Oscar nominations."}, {"response": 4, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Mar 23, 1998 (22:01)", "body": "lemme know hoe many it actually wins."}, {"response": 5, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Mar 24, 1998 (00:19)", "body": "Haven't seen it but I'm getting pressured to by my better half. :-)"}, {"response": 6, "author": "Clarry", "date": "Tue, Mar 24, 1998 (04:03)", "body": "If you've seen it, what is your favourite part... Mine is when 'Rose' jumps back on the boat. I am proud to admit I actually cried!"}, {"response": 7, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Mar 24, 1998 (15:19)", "body": "*gasp* i SAW the oscars with my own two eyes last night (hooking up a new 10-spin over at the Tinianow's)"}, {"response": 8, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Tue, Mar 24, 1998 (18:06)", "body": "\"I've had this sinking feeling all evening...\" ---- Jack Nicholson :)"}, {"response": 9, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Mar 24, 1998 (21:49)", "body": "yes, a great line!"}, {"response": 10, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Mar 26, 1998 (04:33)", "body": "I bet he was saving that one up all night! Can't you just imagine if he'd lost, and the reporters would ask him if he were disappointed? He'd have used it then!"}, {"response": 11, "author": "pip", "date": "Mon, Mar 30, 1998 (17:34)", "body": "Aside from the ones who won't see it, I think that I'm the only (female) person who doesn't want to see Titanic again. Once was more than enough for me. I didn't cry- I was too depressed and stunned to cry. I found the whole thing to be heartbreaking and nerve-racking. After seeing the dead woman and her baby floating together, and of course after LEO dies, that was it for me. I actually wanted to leave the theatre at that point. Fixed my self a double gin & tonic when I got home."}, {"response": 12, "author": "EEK", "date": "Mon, Mar 30, 1998 (18:05)", "body": "I saw the movie twice and I loved it and I would see it again in a second. The clothing, music, special effects, make-up and actors did a fabulous job. Although I do think Leonardo was a baby for not attending the Oscars. I think it is a movie that is both educational and romantic. I cannot wait till it is out on video."}, {"response": 13, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Mar 31, 1998 (01:49)", "body": "Did you ever see \"A Night to Remember\", made in the 60s/70s? I saw it on video a few years ago, and never cried so hard at a film in my life. when \"Titanic\" came out, I swore I wouldn't see it just because the reality of it is so sad."}, {"response": 14, "author": "EEK", "date": "Wed, Apr  1, 1998 (18:11)", "body": "I have never seen that movie, who stars in it? I guess you would recommend it! I love to cry at movies, I cry so easily, so you can imagine what I was like after \"Titanic.\""}, {"response": 15, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Apr  2, 1998 (03:33)", "body": "I would recommend it if your idea of a good film is a heart-wrenching sobfest! It follows the storylines of several passengers and the crew. I honestly can't remember who was in it (I'm really bad at that!), but it's probably in the cheap section of your video store because it's so old."}, {"response": 16, "author": "EEK", "date": "Fri, Apr  3, 1998 (17:47)", "body": "Thanks I will probably check that out sometime when I need a good break from school =)"}, {"response": 17, "author": "LorieS", "date": "Fri, Apr  3, 1998 (20:32)", "body": "Has anyone seen some of the documentaries being shown on A&E lately re Titanic? I've watched with fascination (and depression). I have to admit I haven't seen the movie -- older, less graphic movie versions have been traumatic enough for me. I don't need nightmares from seeing the new, high-tech version."}, {"response": 18, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Apr  5, 1998 (04:20)", "body": "My husband's been watching & taping them, Lorie, and I try to ignore it when I come into the room but it's like a traffic accident--you just have to look! Sad, sad, sad."}, {"response": 19, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Apr  6, 1998 (22:31)", "body": "shit. I find the fact that my kids have to go home to drug addicits and abusive parents friggin sad. I find that an 86 y.o. disaster is now something I can learn from. Heck. In this case... the Civil War is sad. Conquering of Rome. The way Europeans came onto N America, renamed it and murdered and sequestered the true native peoples. The slave trade. F*** it's all just a sob fest I suppose. (I'm really REALLY sorry. I think I should probably erase this but it makes me feel better to have it down. One of my students ended up in an orphanage over the break. Seems the 'boyfriend' did something to the mother. F*** this. It pisses me off what some of my kids have to go through. just need to cry. Brandon's on a trip. No human shoulders at home. I suppose I should've gone to Venting for this, but the 'sad' remarks kinda set me off here.) sorry."}, {"response": 20, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Apr  7, 1998 (03:33)", "body": "No need to be sorry, venting is really ok. Here, here's this shoulder."}, {"response": 21, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Apr  7, 1998 (22:58)", "body": "thanks Paul. I am actually checking in from school right before I head down to the shelter to see my student. I've been trying to pull transportation strings all day (in between teaching the rest of my class) and I may have found a way to get him back in school here. *fingers crossed* and my apologies again for dumping on all last night."}, {"response": 22, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Apr  8, 1998 (01:04)", "body": "No apologies necessary. I like it that we all trust and confide in each other here. It's hard to find places where cynicism doesn't abound these days."}, {"response": 23, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Apr  8, 1998 (01:55)", "body": "Hope this situation has straightened out, Stacey--there are tragedies all around us, and not all of them are marketable by the entertainment industry. (for the record, I will not see \"Schindler's List\" or \"Amistad\", either)"}, {"response": 24, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Apr  8, 1998 (13:51)", "body": "*laugh* Autumn, I commend you for being so consistent! And about my student... I went to see him at the shelter last night and brought cards the class had made. He is doing fine and in a safe place. The abusive parent is out of the picture and he is getting a lot of TLC down there. Certainly happy news!"}, {"response": 25, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Apr  8, 1998 (18:55)", "body": "It's nice to know that sometimes these stories can have a happy ending. Must be a real weight off your shoulders, Stacey."}, {"response": 26, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Apr  9, 1998 (13:46)", "body": "kind of Autumn. the weight never felt like it was on my shoulders... more in my heart."}, {"response": 27, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Thu, Apr  9, 1998 (13:46)", "body": "OK, i FINALLY went and watched Titanic. It flew by pretty quick. The part that got to me was when Rose died and went back. Since I drove myself, had to put off the bawling episodes."}, {"response": 28, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Apr 13, 1998 (05:40)", "body": "(so... that's how you've been spending your nights? driving yourself to chick flicks? no table dancing in biker joints, cruising boulevards for lonesome sailors, etc...?) will never see \"titanic\", i have determined... don't understand the point of purposely seeing sad (pardon me, \"sad\", i mean) movies- where you KNOW characters you are manipulated into caring about die and stuff... why would one do that to one's self? (wouldn't have seen, for instance, \"terms of endearment\" if someone had only warned me that debra winger was gonna die... i mean, why in the hell would i actually PAY to watch debra winger die?) exception are movies (i.e., \"schindler's list\", \"michael collins\", etc...) where the sadness has a relevent, important point to make... and just what is the point, re:\"titanic\"? (and stacey... whoa... that venting thing was pretty cool... glad the kid is alright... far too few happy endings out there... here... hell, anywhere)..."}, {"response": 29, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Apr 13, 1998 (14:19)", "body": "good question nick, \"what's the point?\" Some people claim seeing sad flicks makes them appreciate their own lives more, some claim it's like having company for your own miserable existence, some just want to be saddened and prefer this means as to reading the daily news. Do you ever listen to sad songs? Is it because you want to be sad for a minute? Or do you just like the song? I have a tendency to write about my sadness and don't use movies as a catalyst or catharsis but I also refuse to watch the evening news. so... To each his own. I certainly don't question anyone's refusal to see a flick (not true, I DO question it, but I am not judging the decision) but I am curious about the circumstances. And I gues I'm also curious about, \"what the point is.\""}, {"response": 30, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Apr 14, 1998 (01:07)", "body": "Glad to see you back, Wolf!"}, {"response": 31, "author": "IronMan", "date": "Fri, May 15, 1998 (15:58)", "body": "Well I have seen Titanic more than 20 times since its been out in theaters and I must say that, even though it is a good movie, I've seen better. For all you action buffs out their that didn't like Titanic, see L.A. Confidential. Now that movie should have won best picture (I've seen it more than 30 times)."}, {"response": 32, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, May 15, 1998 (22:53)", "body": "Wow, you are a true movie fanatic. Welcome aboard.y j ]"}, {"response": 33, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sat, May 16, 1998 (05:44)", "body": "I still haven't seen Titanic..."}, {"response": 34, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, May 18, 1998 (02:52)", "body": "Wow Iron Man, which time did you figure out it wasn't that great? \"LA Confidential\" was a little too violent for me, and I haven't seen \"Titanic.\" Are you gonna see it, wer?"}, {"response": 35, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Wed, May 20, 1998 (06:07)", "body": "maybe, if it ever makes it to cable/satellite..."}, {"response": 36, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Wed, May 20, 1998 (06:08)", "body": "(I only get to see, on average, one new movie a year)"}, {"response": 37, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, May 20, 1998 (12:44)", "body": "It will make it to cable, trust me."}, {"response": 38, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, May 20, 1998 (21:18)", "body": "no videos WER?"}, {"response": 39, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Wed, May 20, 1998 (23:22)", "body": "maybe three or so a year..."}, {"response": 40, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, May 20, 1998 (23:38)", "body": "I thought for sure you had a membership to 'pleasure land' (29th and Guadalupe) *grin*"}, {"response": 41, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Thu, May 21, 1998 (00:19)", "body": "true or not as that may be, renting anything there with the word Titanic in the title is very depressing..."}, {"response": 42, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, May 22, 1998 (20:48)", "body": "LOL!!! (still laughing) *cackle* *giggle* *chuckle* *sob* *giggle*"}, {"response": 43, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Jan 21, 1999 (15:26)", "body": "How did this item get linked to both movies and tv? I screwed up, that's how."}, {"response": 44, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Fri, Jan 22, 1999 (06:07)", "body": "done that, been there! (actually, I think it's on my daily itenerary(sp?)...)"}, {"response": 45, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Jan 22, 1999 (12:27)", "body": "Well, maybe they'll show the Titanic movie on tv someday."}, {"response": 46, "author": "osceola", "date": "Fri, Jan 22, 1999 (16:38)", "body": "I read one of the networks bought the TV rights and will show it in a few years."}, {"response": 47, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Jan 22, 1999 (19:18)", "body": "See, this a leading edge topic!"}, {"response": 48, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sat, Jan 23, 1999 (06:36)", "body": "it's tres cool, as well..."}, {"response": 49, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Jan 23, 1999 (23:33)", "body": "Still haven't seen it..."}, {"response": 50, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Sun, Jan 24, 1999 (02:42)", "body": "me neither"}, {"response": 51, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Jul 18, 1999 (02:39)", "body": "you guys have to see it!"}, {"response": 52, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sun, Jul 18, 1999 (03:23)", "body": "I think I've watched it with Zoe enough for both of them..."}, {"response": 53, "author": "riette", "date": "Thu, Jul 22, 1999 (18:52)", "body": "I hated the Titanic, really - what the heck was all the fuss for?? He can't act, she can't act, but the old lady can act, and she was only on for 2 minutes. The special effects were good, but I thought movies had something to do with the art of 'acting'. No? I guess I'm too old-fashioned. Now, Shakespearre in love (despite Paltrow) . . . THERE'S a movie!"}, {"response": 54, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Jul 23, 1999 (23:24)", "body": "i liked the storyline of titanic... what's the matter with paltrow? i thought she was great in this film. although if i were to compare her with the gal from elizabeth, elizabeth would win hands down. now that girl can act!"}, {"response": 55, "author": "riette", "date": "Sat, Jul 24, 1999 (06:42)", "body": "Yep! Why the hell didn't they use her??? Although, they had Julia Roberts in mind for Paltrow's role at first - I'm just glad THAT didn't happen! I like Julia Roberts, but the role would have never have suited her, she's too good playing yuppies ; at least she had the sense to turn it down. Paltrow is not BAD, but I find she's a younger, imitated version of Emma Thompson as far as acting is concerned. Thompson is a wonderful actress, but her style of acting doesn't look right when it's copied. I wish Paltrow would develop her own style - I think she could do better putting in her own touches. Or, why didn't they just use Emma? Yes, she's too old for the part - but that's what they have computers for, right?"}, {"response": 56, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Jul 24, 1999 (22:03)", "body": "julia roberts? nope, glad they didn't do that!! i don't see emma thompson in paltrow....hmmmmm...."}, {"response": 57, "author": "riette", "date": "Sun, Jul 25, 1999 (06:31)", "body": "Watch 'Much Ado about Nothing' with Emma Thompson doing Shakespeare. Paltrow does a near perfect copy of the part she played in that."}, {"response": 58, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Jul 25, 1999 (15:47)", "body": "didn't care for much ado about nothing...."}, {"response": 59, "author": "riette", "date": "Sun, Jul 25, 1999 (17:39)", "body": "Ye didn't??? I adored it. And Peter's Friends. I love English films."}, {"response": 60, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Jul 28, 1999 (15:26)", "body": "I thought they were asking a bit much of us by casting Emma Thompson as 20 year-old Elinor in Sense and Sensibility . And while I like Gwyneth Paltrow, I'm getting tired of the English accent ( Emma, Sliding Doors, Shakespeare in Love ). I expect it to sound fake so it does."}, {"response": 61, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Aug  4, 1999 (22:31)", "body": "haven't seen emma yet...."}, {"response": 62, "author": "riette", "date": "Thu, Aug  5, 1999 (08:04)", "body": "I though Sense and Sensibility was just stupid - it's so unreal. Even my wildest romantic fantasies don't get ANYWHERE near that sort of soppy feel-good sort of stuff. I didn't see Emma or Sliding Doors; the shorts didn't look that interesting. The accent's GOT to be a put-on! I mean, Autumn, you've been to England - they have a bloody appalling accent unless they put it on!"}, {"response": 63, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Aug  9, 1999 (03:37)", "body": "Oh, Ree, you should rent Sliding Doors , it was quite good. The accent just makes you want to roll your eyes."}, {"response": 64, "author": "riette", "date": "Sat, Sep  4, 1999 (10:00)", "body": "Really? Okay, I'll rent it and report back. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 29, "subject": "Oscars 1998", "response_count": 65, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Mar 23, 1998 (21:56)", "body": "Best supporting actress, tough one Gloria Steward or the lady in Good Will Hunting, yet Kim Basinger gets it! Hmm, well I didn't see that one. What was the name of the supporting actress in Good Will Hunting?"}, {"response": 2, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Mar 23, 1998 (22:01)", "body": "Debra L Scott got it for best costumes in Titanic, will this start a roll? Second Oscar of the Night. Kundun didn't get it. Billy Crystal said, and the best thing is that those costumes are drip dry."}, {"response": 3, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Mar 23, 1998 (22:09)", "body": "Neve Campbell seemed very tense as one of the announcers, perhaps because she had to use \"Michael Bolton\" and \"exciting\" in the same sentence. She looked kinda scarey."}, {"response": 4, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Mar 23, 1998 (22:30)", "body": "Robin Williams was a real obvious choice for Good Will Hunting. Supporting Actor. Titanic for Sound."}, {"response": 5, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Mar 25, 1998 (23:35)", "body": "But let's get serious: how about all those dowdy prom dresses?? Yecchh, I've got better-looking bridesmaids gowns I wouldn't be caught dead in."}, {"response": 7, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Mar 26, 1998 (17:03)", "body": "LOL! that is your cross to bear!"}, {"response": 9, "author": "riette", "date": "Tue, Jun 23, 1998 (18:10)", "body": "I'll bear any cross, as long as it's pointing in a kind of Northerly direction . . ."}, {"response": 10, "author": "riette", "date": "Tue, Jun 23, 1998 (18:11)", "body": "Honestly, I don't know WHAT I'm doing here; I know bugger-all about movies! I'm in bed, sick, and bored as hell, that's why."}, {"response": 11, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Tue, Jun 23, 1998 (22:32)", "body": "Hope you feel better soon, Riette."}, {"response": 12, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Jun 24, 1998 (02:28)", "body": "Thanks, Charlotte, I'm okay - and how do you do? Do you know alot about movies?"}, {"response": 13, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Wed, Jun 24, 1998 (10:40)", "body": "Well, I watch a lot of movies, and I know a lot about the ones I watch. :) But I would not dare to appear on a movie quiz show."}, {"response": 14, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Jun 24, 1998 (13:47)", "body": "That probably means you simply watch a healthy amount - not too many, not too few. And what sort of movies do you prefer - action, drama, comedy? Or just anything that looks interesting? I know little about movies, but when I'm feeling really uptight, and there's no merry-go-around in town, I go see one of these crazy action movies with neither story, nor plot, where everyone just runs around the whole time like silly rabbits; nice way to switch off for a couple of hours."}, {"response": 15, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Wed, Jun 24, 1998 (15:24)", "body": "It's usually not the movie that's important to me, but the star or the director. I will go see anything with Ralph Fiennes in it, regardless of whatever reviews I have read, regardless of the plot or genre or director. Anything. Likewise, I will see anything directed by Peter Weir or Steven Spielberg. I will (and have see anything Kevin Costner is in. Beyond those givens, I will go see a movie that is getting consistently good reviews in the media, or one that friends highly recommend. I am particularly fond of anything that Miramax distributes. I haven't seen a merry-go-round in years! I guess that's why I turned to books and crochet and movies."}, {"response": 16, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Jun 24, 1998 (16:23)", "body": "You HAVEN'T???? Where do you live, girl?? Do you also like the merry-go-round then? Here in Z\ufffdrich the merry-go-around comes every two or three months. My eldest girl, Isa (she's three) is as mad about the rides as me. We usually dump her two year-old sister with Daddy a couple of evenings, and blast a hundred francs or so on the rides. It's getting difficult though, 'cos Elza likes it too, but I really don't think the roller coaster is small enough for her yet . . . It's such a relief to have children as childish as me! Do you have sisters and brothers? I miss my brother and twin sister most when the merry-go-round's in town - sneaking out of my parents' house in the middle of the night with them, and walking 5 km's to the merry-go-round every August is probably one of my fondest childhood memories."}, {"response": 17, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Jun 24, 1998 (16:24)", "body": "ha-ha, how disgustingly sentimental!!"}, {"response": 18, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Wed, Jun 24, 1998 (20:40)", "body": ":) how did sentiment ever get such a bad rep? I have one brother and 2 sisters. we were never close. i have one daughter who has grown up (age 21) and moved to Guam. i miss her, but I am simply loving the freedom of doing whatever I like whenever I like. tonight, I think I will go out to dinner with my best friend and then try and talk her into going to see Mulan."}, {"response": 19, "author": "jgross5", "date": "Wed, Jun 24, 1998 (22:07)", "body": "Sounds like a plan. I think I'll go see 'Wilde' tonight. But first I gotta check the merry-go-round. I like the non-sentiment of seeing kids seeing me coming over when they recognize right away I'm one a them.....forever."}, {"response": 20, "author": "riette", "date": "Thu, Jun 25, 1998 (09:31)", "body": "Sometimes I think having that kind of freedom again would be nice, and at others I'm not sure what I'd (what I WILL HAVE TO do with myself) once the kids are grown up. Sometimes I find it difficult having them, and trying to build my (insignificant) career, and sometimes I can just about wring their little necks (the little one is mischief-ridden!), but I adore going on trips with the eldest one - and I'm looking forward to the day when the little one will be ready too. Isa loves travelling as much as I do (my husband doesn't), and so from time to time we just take a train somewhere, mostly in search of merry-go-rounds!!, sleep over for a night, and return the next da . When we get back we're usually in such high spirits that my poor husband finds it a little difficult to cope . . . so then he just goes very, very silent, and I know it's time to change into an adult again! ha-ha! But I feel if I can remain friends with them while having enough friends of my own, I'll be alright when they go out of the house, and hopefully it will make it easier for them too. I don't know, you'll have to tell me how it works, Charlotte. How was Mulan? I've never heard of it - who's in it?"}, {"response": 21, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Thu, Jun 25, 1998 (10:48)", "body": "We didn't go see Mulan, which is Disney's latest animated epic, getting very good reviews. Instead, we rented two of our favorites: In & Out and The Fifth Element ."}, {"response": 22, "author": "riette", "date": "Thu, Jun 25, 1998 (17:11)", "body": "I saw the Fifth Element, yould you believe!!! It got bad reviews here, but I adored it."}, {"response": 23, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Thu, Jun 25, 1998 (18:38)", "body": "Got bad reviews here, too, but my friends and I were totally captivated. We formed an \"Elements\" club. You had to see the movie 5 times to be a member. :) Last night was #7 for me. I have the sountrack CD, which I keep in the car all the time. I'm getting a new purebred kitten next week, and I've named him Korben Dallas. Bet that made you smile!"}, {"response": 24, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Jun 25, 1998 (21:56)", "body": "ummm... excuse the dolt-like question... besides the name of your future kitten... am I supposed to be familiar with the name Korben Dallas?"}, {"response": 25, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Thu, Jun 25, 1998 (23:21)", "body": "Oh. Sorry! I forgot that others besides Riette would be reading this! No, Stacey. It would only be meaningful if you had seen The Fifth Element ."}, {"response": 26, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Fri, Jun 26, 1998 (00:30)", "body": "So. Speaking of Oscars (lame attempt at avoiding the topic police), :) I recently re-watched Oscar and Lucinda. Has anyone else had a chance to see this exquisite jewel since it has become available on video? It was nominated for one Academy Award, which to my way of thinking was a crime against art. Ralph Fiennes disappears into a character like no other actor I have ever seen. It was a bravura performance that was shamefully overlooked by the masses."}, {"response": 27, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Fri, Jun 26, 1998 (01:35)", "body": "and back to your, um, kitten... what kind?"}, {"response": 28, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Fri, Jun 26, 1998 (02:19)", "body": "He's a Ragdoll ! They are known as the \"gentle giants\". He will continue to grow for the next 3 years, eventually weighing 30 pounds. :) If you are really interested, I've put some photos of what he will look like as he grows on my web site ."}, {"response": 29, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Fri, Jun 26, 1998 (02:27)", "body": "went and looked at both sites..... thanks for the information!"}, {"response": 30, "author": "riette", "date": "Fri, Jun 26, 1998 (02:50)", "body": "Great name for your kitty, Charlotte!! Has he got the personality to cope with it?!"}, {"response": 31, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Fri, Jun 26, 1998 (03:22)", "body": "Dunno. He's still with the breeder. He's paid for, but not ready to come home yet. She says there is a good possibility I can bring him home July 3. But I know he will be sexy and affectionate just like his namesake, as portrayed by Bruce Willis. Thanks for asking, KitchenManager! Us old ladies whose kids have grown and gone can get purty durn excited about our crocheting and our cats. :)"}, {"response": 32, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Jun 30, 1998 (22:45)", "body": "Sorry Charlotte. I did see the Fifth Element but only once so the name did not register anywhere relevant in my brain! Neat pictures!"}, {"response": 33, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Feb  8, 1999 (19:58)", "body": "Oscar Predictions: BEST PICTURE BEST DIRECTOR Elizabeth Neil Jordan, The Butcher Boy Gods and Monsters Shekhar Kapur, Elizabeth Saving Private Ryan John Madden, Shakespeare in Love Shakespeare in Love Steven Speilberg, Saving Private Ryan The Truman Show Peter Weir, The Truman Show BEST ACTOR BEST ACTRESS Roberto Benigni, Life is Beautiful Cate Blanchett, Elizabeth Jim Carrey, The Truman Show Fernanda Montenegro, Central Station Tom Hanks, Saving Private Ryan Gwyneth Paltrow, Shakespeare in Love Ian McKellen, Gods and Monsters Susan Sarandon, Stepmom John Travolta, Primary Colors Meryl Streep, One True Thing BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Ed Harris, The Truman Show Joan Allen, Pleasantville Bill Murray, Rushmore Kathy Bates, Primary Colors Giovanni Ribisi, Saving Pvt. Ryan Judi Davis, Shakespeare in Love Geoffrey Rush, Shakespeare in Love Lisa Kudrow, The Opposite of Sex Billy Bob Thornton, A Simple Plan Lynn Redgrave, Gods and Monsters On a different note, the 19th Annual Razzie Awards nominations are: WORST PICTURE * An Alan Smithee Film: Burn, Hollywood, Burn! * Armageddon * The Avengers * Godzilla * Spice World WORST ACTOR * Ralph Fiennes, The Avengers * Ryan O'Neal, An Alan Smithee Film: Burn, Hollywood, Burn! * Ryan Phillippe, 54 * Adam Sandler, The Waterboy * Bruce Willis, Armageddon/Mercury Rising/The Siege WORST ACTRESS * Yasmine Bleeth, BASE-ketball * Anne Heche, Psycho * Jessica Lange, Hush * The Spice Girls, Spice World * Uma Thurman, The Avengers WORST SCREEN \"COUPLE\" * Ben Affleck and Liv Tyler, Armageddon * Any Combination of Two Characters, Body Parts or Fashion Accessories, Spice World * Any Combination of Two People Playing Themselves (or Playing WITH Themselves), An Alan Smithee Film: Burn, Hollywood, Burn! * Leonardo DiCaprio (as twins!), The Man in the Iron Mask * Ralph Fiennes and Uma Thurman, The Avengers WORST SUPPORTING ACTOR * Sean Connery, The Avengers * Joe Esterhas (as himself), An Alan Smithee Film: Burn, Hollywood, Burn! * Roger Moore, Spice World * Joe Pesci, Lethal Weaopon 4 * Sylvester Stallone (as himself), An Alan Smithee Film: Burn, Hollywood, Burn! WORST SUPPORTING ACTRESS * Ellen Albertini Dow (as \"Disco Dottie\"), 54 * Jenny McCarthy, BASE-ketball * Maria Pitillo, Godzilla * Liv Tyler, Armageddon * Raquel Welch, Chairman of the Board SPECIAL AWARD: \"1998 -- THE WORST MOVIE-GOING YEAR EVER\" (New Category, Dis-Honoring The Worst Movie Trends of The Year) * Gidgets n'n Geezers (58-Year-Old Leading Men Wooing 28-Year-Old Leading Ladies) * If You've Seen the Trailer, Why bother to See the Movie?!? (Previews That Give Away The Film's ENTIRE Plot) * 30 Minutes of Story -- conveyed in Less Than 3 Hours! (L-O-N-G-E-R Movies...Shorter Plotz) * THX: The Audience is Deafening (Movie Sound So Loud It Constitutes Assault w/a Deadening Weapon) * Yo Quiero Tacky Tie-Ins! (Mega-Zillion-Dollar Cross-Promotional Overkill: Armageddon, Godzilla, Etc.) WORST DIRECTOR * Michael Bay, Armageddon * Jeremiah Chechick, The Avengers * Roland Emmerich, Godzilla * Alan Smithee (aka Arthur Hiller), An Alan Smithee Film: Burn, Hollywood, Burn! * Gux van Sant, Psycho WORST RE-MAKE OR SEQUEL (INCLUDING FILMS BASED ON TV SHOWS) * The Avengers * Godzilla * Lost in Space * Meet Joe Black * Psycho THE JOE ESZTERHAS DIS-HONORARIAL WORST SCREENPLAY AWARD * Joe Eszterhas, An Alan Smithee Film: Burn, Hollywood, Burn! * Jonathan Hensleigh & JJ Abrams, Armageddon * Don MacPherson, The Avengers * Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich, Godzilla * Kim Fuller (From an Idea by Fuller and the Spice Girls), Spice World WORST NEW STAR * Barney, Barney's Great Adventure * Carrot Top, Chairman of the Board * Joe Eszterhas (as himself), An Alan Smithee Film: Burn, Hollywood, Burn! * The Spice Girls, Spice World * Jerry Springer, Ringmaster WORST \"ORIGINAL\" SONG * \"Barney, the Song,\" Barney's Great Aventure * \"I Don't Want to Miss a Thing,\" Armageddon * \"I Wanna Be Mike Ovitz!,\" An Alan Smithee Film: Burn, Hollywood, Burn! * \"Storm,\" The Avengers * \"Too Much,\" Spice World"}, {"response": 34, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Feb  8, 1999 (21:47)", "body": "Lemme guess: You didn't care much for The Avengers . :)"}, {"response": 35, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Feb  8, 1999 (21:51)", "body": "Yeah, and that list is way to hard on the Spice Girls, I grabbed it off a website, it's not mine. I didn't see the Avengers, but the above isn't a great recommendation."}, {"response": 36, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Feb  9, 1999 (09:58)", "body": "The Oscars nominations are posted at http://www.oscar.com/ and I hear Bill Murray was robbed. Will someone volunteer to repost those here, please?"}, {"response": 37, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Feb  9, 1999 (10:00)", "body": "Never mind, I'll post them now: Actor in a Leading Role Roberto Benigni in LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL Tom Hanks in SAVING PRIVATE RYAN Ian McKellen in GODS AND MONSTERS Nick Nolte in AFFLICTION Edward Norton in AMERICAN HISTORY X Actor in a Supporting Role James Coburn in AFFLICTION Robert Duvall in A CIVIL ACTION Ed Harris in THE TRUMAN SHOW Geoffrey Rush in SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE Billy Bob Thornton in A SIMPLE PLAN Actress in a Leading Role Cate Blanchett in ELIZABETH Fernanda Montenegro in CENTRAL STATION Gwyneth Paltrow in SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE Meryl Streep in ONE TRUE THING Emily Watson in HILARY AND JACKIE Actress in a Supporting Role Kathy Bates in PRIMARY COLORS Brenda Blethyn in LITTLE VOICE Judi Dench in SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE Rachel Griffiths in HILARY AND JACKIE Lynn Redgrave in GODS AND MONSTERS Art Direction ELIZABETH PLEASANTVILLE SAVING PRIVATE RYAN SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE WHAT DREAMS MAY COME Cinematography A CIVIL ACTION ELIZABETH SAVING PRIVATE RYAN SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE THE THIN RED LINE Costume Design BELOVED ELIZABETH PLEASANTVILLE SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE VELVET GOLDMINE Directing LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL SAVING PRIVATE RYAN SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE THE THIN RED LINE THE TRUMAN SHOW Documentary Feature DANCEMAKER THE FARM: ANGOLA, U.S.A. THE LAST DAYS LENNY BRUCE: SWEAR TO TELL THE TRUTH REGRET TO INFORM Documentary Short Subject THE PERSONALS: Improvisations on Romance in the Golden Years A PLACE IN THE LAND SUNRISE OVER TIANANMEN SQUARE Film Editing LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL OUT OF SIGHT SAVING PRIVATE RYAN SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE THE THIN RED LINE Foreign Language Film CENTRAL STATION CHILDREN OF HEAVEN THE GRANDFATHER LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL TANGO Makeup ELIZABETH SAVING PRIVATE RYAN SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE Original Musical or Comedy Score A BUG'S LIFE MULAN PATCH ADAMS THE PRINCE OF EGYPT SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE Original Dramatic Score ELIZABETH LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL PLEASANTVILLE SAVING PRIVATE RYAN THE THIN RED LINE Original Song \"I Don't Want to Miss a Thing\" from ARMAGEDDON \"The Prayer\" from QUEST FOR CAMELOT \"A Soft Place to Fall\" from THE HORSE WHISPERER \"That'll Do\" from BABE: PIG IN THE CITY \"When You Believe\" from THE PRINCE OF EGYPT Best Picture ELIZABETH LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL SAVING PRIVATE RYAN SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE THE THIN RED LINE Short Film\ufffdAnimated BUNNY THE CANTERBURY TALES JOLLY ROGER MORE WHEN LIFE DEPARTS Short Film\ufffdLive Action CULTURE ELECTION NIGHT (Valgaften) HOLIDAY ROMANCE LA CARTE POSTALE (The Postcard) VICTOR Sound ARMAGEDDON THE MASK OF ZORRO SAVING PRIVATE RYAN SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE THE THIN RED LINE Sound Effects Editing ARMAGEDDON THE MASK OF ZORRO SAVING PRIVATE RYAN Visual Effects ARMAGEDDON MIGHTY JOE YOUNG WHAT DREAMS MAY COME Screenplay\ufffdOriginal BULWORTH LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL SAVING PRIVATE RYAN SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE THE TRUMAN SHOW Screenplay\ufffdAdaptation GODS AND MONSTERS OUT OF SIGHT PRIMARY COLORS A SIMPLE PLAN THE THIN RED LINE OK, you've got it. Now talk amongst yourselves! Oy!"}, {"response": 38, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Feb  9, 1999 (10:16)", "body": "tough choices! when are the oscars, anyway?"}, {"response": 39, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Feb  9, 1999 (10:58)", "body": "THE 71st ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS Airing: Sunday, March 21 [5:30 p.m. PT] What's an actress to do after she's already won just about every major award in Hollywood? Give them away, of course! Whoopi Goldberg, who counts an Oscar among her collection, proves the third time's the charm when she returns to host the 71st Annual Academy Awards. from http://www.oscar.com"}, {"response": 40, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Feb  9, 1999 (13:13)", "body": "and play hollywood squares!! she's a riot..."}, {"response": 41, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Tue, Feb  9, 1999 (13:54)", "body": "Wonderful! I loved her at the Oscars. I'm glad she's gonna do it again! I think she and Billy should alternate years."}, {"response": 42, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Feb  9, 1999 (14:09)", "body": "or do them together!!"}, {"response": 43, "author": "jgross", "date": "Mon, Mar 22, 1999 (20:26)", "body": "The 1999 version: and look, I knew this would happen, too --- Kevin Costner wins the Best Actor in a Foreign Film award (just like 2 years ago when he did it): Best Picture --- Shakespeare in Love David Parfitt, Donna Gigliotti, Harvey Weinstein, Edward Zwick and Marc Norman Directing --- Saving Private Ryan Steven Spielberg Best Actress --- Gwyneth Paltrow as Viola in SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE Best Actor --- Roberto Benigni as Guido in Life is Beautiful Best Supporting Actress --- Judi Dench as Queen Elizabeth I in SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE Best Supporting Actor --- James Coburn as Glen in AFFLICTION Foreign Language Film --- Life is Beautiful Italy Cinematography --- Saving Private Ryan Janusz Kaminski Original Screenplay --- Shakespeare in Love Written by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard Screenplay-Adaptation --- Gods and Monsters Written for the screen by Bill Condon Original Song --- The Prince of Egypt \"When You Believe\" music and lyric by Stephen Schwartz Costume Design --- Shakespeare in Love Sandy Powell Visual Effects --- What Dreams May Come Joel Hynek, Joel Nicholas Brooks, Stuart Robertson and Kevin Mack Film Editing --- Saving Private Ryan Michael Kahn Original Dramatic Score --- Life is Beautiful Nicola Piovani Original Musical or Comedy Score --- Shakespeare in Love Stephen Warbeck Makeup --- Elizabeth Jenny Shircore Art Direction --- Shakespeare in Love Martin Childs:Jill Quertier Sound --- Saving Private Ryan Gary Rydstrom, Gary Summers, Andy Nelson and Ronald Judkins Sound Effects Editing --- Saving Private Ryan Gary Rydstrom and Richard Hymns Documentary Feature --- The Last Days James Moll and Ken Lipper Documentary Short Subject --- The Personals: Improvisations on Romance in the Golden Years Keiko Ibi Short Film (animated) --- Bunny Chris Wedge Short Film (live action) --- Election Night (Valgaften) Kim Magnusson and Anders Thomas Jensen Honorary Oscar --- Elia Kazan Thalberg Award --- Norman Jewison On February 27, the Academy presented Scientific and Technical Awards."}, {"response": 44, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Mar 22, 1999 (23:16)", "body": "And Jim saw every one of them."}, {"response": 45, "author": "jgross", "date": "Tue, Mar 23, 1999 (00:13)", "body": "I saw Nick Nolte, Elia Kazan, and Chris Rock having a very friendly conversation together, and fortunately none of them could figure out how to save private Ryan. Then Bunny came over and finished their conversation for them."}, {"response": 46, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Mar 23, 1999 (10:17)", "body": "And if you really want all the gory details, from film.com: 9:29: Whoopi, in the last of her feathered gowns, says goodnight. 9:25: Harrison Ford turns up to present \"the last Oscar of the century,\" for Best Picture, to Shakespeare in Love. The final tally for the evening: Shakespeare 7; Ryan 5; Life 3. A slew of producers accept the award. The orchestra swells just as Harvey Weinstein is thanking his mom. 9:16: A bespectacled Kevin Costner presents the Best Director award to Steven Spielberg for Saving Private Ryan. He thanks everybody, and dedicates the award to his dad. 9:10: Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn, looking very cute, present the Adapted Screenplay award to Bill Condon for Gods and Monsters, and the Original Screenplay award to Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard for Shakespeare in Love. 9:04: Steven Spielberg gives a dignified tribute to director Stanley Kubrick. 8:55: Jack Nicholson presents the Best Actress award to Gwyneth Paltrow for Shakespeare in Love. She weepily thanks her fellow nominees, her director, her co-star, \"my friend Ben Affleck,\" her agent, numerous family members, and various others. 8:53: \"The sumptuous Uma Thurman\" presents the Best Cinematography award to Janusz Kaminski for Saving Private Ryan. 8:51: Whoopi Goldberg gives a brief thumbs-up tribute to Gene Siskel. 8:48: Jack Valenti arrives to introduce, rather mysteriously, great movie personality General Colin Powell, who introduces clips from Saving Private Ryan and The Thin Red Line. 8:43: Annette Bening gracefully introduces the \"In Memorium\" segment, honoring those who died this past year. Biggest applause goes to E.G. Marshall, Alan J. Pakula, Maureen O'Sullivan, Phil Hartman, Esther Rolle, Akira Kurosawa, and Roddy McDowall. (No Stanley Kubrick; perhaps he'll be honored later.) 8:40: Jennifer Lopez turns up to present the Best Song award to Stephen Schwartz for \"When You Believe\" from The Prince of Egypt. Stephen, alas, didn't bother to show up. 8:34: Catherine Zeta-Jones introduces the final nominated song, \"The Prayer,\" from Quest for Camelot, sung by Andrea Bocelli and an excessively tan Celine Dion. 8:31: Whoopi models the final nominated costume, from Shakespeare in Love, and then presents the Costume Design award to Sandy Powell for Shakespeare in Love. (Sandy, of course, looks fabulously chic.) 8:20: Oscar controversy time: Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro present the much-debated honorary Oscar to Elia Kazan. The planned protest doesn't really come off: most audience members applaud; many stand. (Nick Nolte and Ed Harris were two prominent exceptions.) A frail-looking Kazan hugs Scorsese, makes a brief speech. 8:15: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck amble in to present the documentary awards. The Documentary Short Subject award goes to The Personals: Improvisations on Romance in the Golden Years, directed by Keiko Ibi (decked out in a purple gown; rather weepy speech). The Documentary Feature award is handed out to James Moll and Ken Lipper's The Last Days. 8:10: Lisa Kudrow introduces yet another nominated song, \"That'll Do\" from Babe: Pig in the City. 8:07: Whoopi, complete with blue wig, models a costume from Velvet Goldmine. 8:00: Helen Hunt, sporting Gwyneth Paltrow-esque hair, presents the Best Actor award to Roberto Benigni, who again bows excessively and claims to have \"used up all my English.\" He manages to talk at length, regardless. Helen looks quizzical. 7:55: Val Kilmer has the unusual honor of being completely upstaged by a skittery horse, while introducing a salute to movie Westerns. 7:50: Liam Neeson presents the Best Visual Effects award to the What Dreams May Come people, who look quite grateful. 7:40: Nicolas Cage introduces Norman Jewison, recipient of the Irving Thalberg award. Following the grand tradition of Stanley Donen last year, Jewison performs a spirited dance while accepting his award. 7:35: Renee Zellweger introduces another Best Song performance, \"A Soft Place to Fall\" from The Horse Whisperer. 7:33: An emotional Jim Carrey, asserting that \"winning the Oscar is not the most important thing in the world,\" presents the Film Editing award to Michael Kahn for Saving Private Ryan. 7:25: The obligatory Oscar Technical Snafu happens during, coincidentally, Anne Heche's introduction of the Scientific and Technical Awards. (Sound problems ensue; she handles them gracefully.) 7:23: A bearded Whoopi models a men's costume from Elizabeth. 7:16: John Travolta introduces a tribute to Frank Sinatra. 7:15: Geena Davis (who's changed her outfit since the pre-show) presents Best Dramatic Score to Nicola Piovani, Life Is Beautiful. A mercifully short speech. 7:08: The obligatory fabulous Oscar Dance Number, set to the Best Dramatic Score music. Some tap, some jazz, kinda cool, but a worldwide audience just went to get a beer. 7:06: Andie McDowell and Andy Garcia present Best Musical or Comedy Score to Stephen Warbeck Shakespeare in Love 7:04: Roberto is still talking. 7:00: Sophia Loren introduces clips from"}, {"response": 47, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Mon, Mar 27, 2000 (00:57)", "body": "Well, I watched the Oscars and had a thoroughly good time at it. I also checked in on Harry Knowles comments during the show, as he kept reposting comments. I was happy to see American Beauty get recognition, even though Annette Benning lost. John Long will be happy that Angelina Jolie won something, I was hoping she would mention him because he always mentions her. I like seeing Salma Hayak in the preshow. She's doing something called Time Code: The Yahoo Internet Life Online Film Festival kicked off Wednesday. The big event was Wednesday night's screening of Mike Figgis' Time Code at the Director's Guild theater, which I attended. It's an all-digital multitask viewing experience \ufffd four cameras showing four vantage points, shot in a single \"live\" unbroken take."}, {"response": 48, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Mon, Mar 27, 2000 (00:59)", "body": "Bill Crystal lived up to expectations, he does these shows on autopilot. I thought the American Beauty score should have won, there wasn't much great movie music last year was there?"}, {"response": 49, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Mon, Mar 27, 2000 (01:00)", "body": "And Knowles comments on Angelina Jolie's award: Here comes the Supporting Actress award...Tony Collette in THE SIXTH SENSE... she's wonderful, Angelina Jolie.... nonononono... do not win. You are beautiful but please don't win. This category never goes to the right people. Catherine Keener... Wonderful... go. Samantha Morton.... PLEASE WIN!!! YOU WERE BEAUTIFUL ENTRANCING AND STUNNING!!! God I love her in SWEET AND LOWDOWN... Please win! Chloe Sevigny... what a wonderful performance. DOn'T GO TO ANGEL.... FUCK!!! GODDAMNIT! WHAT THE FUCK! Man.... sigh. Alright alright.... whatever, it's going to be one of those years! shit. She is gorgeous, but man. Sigh.... I can't hate her, it's the category... it's always screwed... How did marisa tomei win all those years ago... It's constantly fucked."}, {"response": 50, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Mon, Mar 27, 2000 (01:04)", "body": "Hillary Swank, the boyish looking one, got best actress. Gweneth Paltrow pressented the Best Actor Award to Kevin Spacey. Best picture American Beauty, ok."}, {"response": 51, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Mon, Mar 27, 2000 (01:21)", "body": "Which gowns did you like the best? (Is vulgarity of the forbidden sort common these days at the oscars? I did not watch since it was tape delayed and we heard all of the winners before the event was telecast here."}, {"response": 52, "author": "dotepp", "date": "Mon, Mar 27, 2000 (01:27)", "body": "I loved the women in their dresses, turning this way and that and looking right at the camera like it couldn't eat them up but it did... I did fall asleep and woke up just before the Warren Beattie tribute which was as disturbing as any of my dreams... Now I want to see Boys Don't Cry and I'm glad I saw American Beauty and was aware of Kevin Spacey's performance. That movie blew me away. Why does everybody have to thankeverybody?"}, {"response": 53, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Mon, Mar 27, 2000 (01:28)", "body": "Too bad Jeremy Northam didn't win supporting actor for the Winslow Boy, and Annette Benning lost in best actress. DeForrest Kelly wasn't mentioned among the departed cuts. George Lucas was totally ignored. But then there *was* something called the Matrix. Classiest act of the night was Michael Caine, he really gave others their credit. The comment to Tom Cruise was pure, unadulterated class. (He told him that supporting actors don't make near as much and it would have got him a pay cut)."}, {"response": 54, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Mon, Mar 27, 2000 (08:03)", "body": "And this topic wouldn't be complete without a box score: Best Picture- AMERICAN BEAUTY Best Director- Sam Mendes, AMERICAN BEAUTY Best Actor- Kevin Spacey, AMERICAN BEAUTY Best Actress- Hillary Swank, BOYS DON'T CRY Best Supporting Actor- Michael Caine, THE CIDER HOUSE RULES Best Supporting Actress- Angelina Jolie, GIRL INTERRUPTED Best Screenplay, Adapted-John Irving, THE CIDER HOUSE RULES Best Screenplay, Original- Alan Ball, AMERICAN BEAUTY Art Direction- SLEEPY HOLLOW Cinematography- Conrad Hall, AMERICAN BEAUTY Sound- THE MATRIX Sound Effects Editing- THE MATRIX Original Score - John Corigliano, THE RED VIOLIN Original Song - \"You'll Be In My Heart\" Phil Collins Costume - TOPSY-TURVY Documentary Feature - ONE DAY IN SEPTEMBER Documentary Short - KING GIMP Film Editing - THE MATRIX Makeup - TOPSY-TURVY Short Film - MY MOTHER DREAMS THE SATAN'S DISCIPLES IN NEW YORK Animated Short Film - OLD MAN AND THE SEA Visual Effects - THE MATRIX IRVING B THALBERG AWARD went to WARREN BEATTY. Annette Bening did not give birth during the Award ceremony!"}, {"response": 55, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Mon, Mar 27, 2000 (08:09)", "body": "And the total blow by blow from film.com The Big Night It's a wrap at the Shrine Auditorium, and we give the show -- well, a solid B for effort. Things moved along snappily (although we're still not sure what Peter Coyote, giving his best impersonation of a headwaiter, was doing at that little desk), and the awards were spread out over a nice variety of films, reflecting the depth of movie offerings this year. American Beauty, as expected, won the big awards, but also well-represented were Boys Don't Cry, Topsy-Turvy, and The Matrix (which had a perfect four-for-four night). And Billy Crystal was at his relaxed best. But -- if you're going to remove the dance numbers, why replace them with interminable musical numbers and endless montages? And why bring out Isaac Hayes only to immediately cover him in smoke? On the fashion front, we liked Samuel L. Jackson's blue velvet jacket, Hilary Swank's goldish gown, and Cher's fabulously understated (for Cher) black velvet dress with a cross dangling at crotch level -- for which she apologized, saying that she had \"dressed like a grownup\" this year. Ah, well -- maybe next year. And, when last spotted, Annette Bening had still not gone into labour. All in all, a professional yet fairly uneventful evening without too many big surprises. (Blame it on the Wall Street Journal poll, which gave all the right answers.) And our favorite moment took place in the pre-show, at which Matt Stone and Trey Parker (of South Park, as if we have to tell you) unveiled their Oscar attire -- a Gwyneth Paltrow-ish pink spaghetti-strapped gown, and a Jennifer Lopez-y sheer green dress (accessorized by chest hair). Blame Canada, indeed. Just in case you missed it, here's the play-by-play as we called it; or click here for a complete list of winners. Complete List of Winners The Tally American Beauty: 5 The Matrix: 4 The Cider House Rules: 2 Topsy-Turvy: 2 All About My Mother: 1 Boys Don't Cry: 1 Girl, Interrupted: 1 Tarzan: 1 9:31: Clint Eastwood gives the Best Picture award to American Beauty. 9:27: Steven Spielberg gives the Best Director award to Sam Mendes for American Beauty. Here comes the semi-sweep? 9:20: Gwyneth Paltrow, with a bad case of bed head, gives the Best Actor award to Kevin Spacey, while Denzel Washington gallantly applauds. In his speech, he acknowledges the \"real beauty\" of American Beauty, and says he's proud to be an actor. And, for the record, says he's speechless and that he loves his mother. 9:07: Roberto Benigni runs around the stage for a while and says he'd like to be a dog, and then calms down sufficiently to present the Best Actress award to Hilary Swank for Boys Don't Cry. After smooching with hubby Chad Lowe, she gives a poised speech. 9:00: Mel Gibson presents the Best Original Screenplay award to Alan Ball, for American Beauty. He thanks, among other things, a plastic bag. 8:55: Kevin Spacey turns up to present the Best Adapted Screenplay award to John Irving for The Cider House Rules, providing us with the rare spectacle of seeing a bestselling novelist at the podium. He provides the first political moment so far, acknowledging the National Abortion Rights Action League. Go John! 8:51: Brad Pitt presents the Best Cinematography award to Conrad L. Hall for American Beauty. So, will this kick off the American Beauty sweep we kept hearing so much about? 8:32: Jack Nicholson, sporting a brush cut and a grim little mustache, gives a rambling intro to Warren Beatty, the recipient of this year's Irving G. Thalberg award. We're pleased to note that Warren's wife, Annette Bening, is still in the auditorium and not in the maternity ward. A nice standing O for Warren, who gives an equally rambling -- but very sweet -- acceptance speech. 8:28: Tommy Lee Jones and Ashley Judd, bringing back unpleasant memories of Double Jeopardy, present the Film Editing award to Zach Staenberg of The Matrix, which is pulling off a nice little technical sweep. He reads his speech from a piece of paper, and is not particularly compelling. 8:22: Julianne Moore and Russell Crowe stroll out to present the Art Direction award to Rich Heinrichs and Peter Young for Sleepy Hollow. 8:15: Edward Norton shows a remarkable lack of enthusiasm for introducing the annual \"In Memorium\" tribute to those who have died, which includes Jim Varney, Robert Bresson, Hedy Lamarr, Garson Kanin, Madeline Kahn, and George C. Scott. 8:10: Charlize Theron and Keanu Reeves present the Best Original Score Oscar to John Corigliano for The Red Violin. He says he's speechless, and then makes a gracious speech. 8:05: Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz (who, coincidentally, have both starred in Pedro Almodovar films) turn up to present the Best Foreign Film award to . . . Pedro Almodovar, for All About My Mother. Cruz gets really excited and jumps around, then the three have a group hug. Almodovar whips out a big piece of paper and thanks a lot of people until the music starts playing. 7:45: A rather emotional Burt Bach"}, {"response": 56, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Mon, Mar 27, 2000 (14:07)", "body": "Hmmm...Lindy Hemming....who is she? Not that many people in the USA spell it that way - of the few families of Hemming of any ilk. Anyone know anything about her? British? (surely was the origin of her name as it was mine via the Danish invasion w a y back...) I am also not much help on the Oscar reports, except that I caught the press briefing after the entire show and Warren Beatty put me to sleep - as he usually does. My fav thing was the actress with the lime-green gown and the necklace I might kill for...Hilary Swank, was she? Looked very classy and most lovely though that color does nothing for any human I am aware of... Fell asleep again...and more than slightly put out house male turned it off and went to sleep - so did I at that point...!"}, {"response": 57, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Mon, Mar 27, 2000 (14:38)", "body": "I was absoulutely thrilled that \"The Red Violin\" won for Best Score. Wonderfully researched, perfect to period music, and it won! Too bad \"The Red Violin\" wasn't nominated as Best Picture. What a lousy slate of nominee's this year; the only one which deserved the nomination was \"The Sixth Sense\". But sometimes the Academy shows sense, such as, by giving the Oscar to Hilary Swank. \"Boys Don't Cry\" was a much better film than 4 of the Best Picture contenders, including the winner. The person who deserved the award won the award. That doesn't always happen. The nights best speech was easily that of Michael Caine, gracious, generous, and classy. Great speech. The worst speech was Kevin Spacey's. What a shallow, self-absorbed little ass he seemed. Such a crashing bore, or should that be boor? Spacey gave the weakest performance of all the nominee', yet he won. Oscar very often gets it wrong."}, {"response": 58, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Mon, Mar 27, 2000 (14:41)", "body": "I almost forgot. The evening's best fau pas was Jane Fonda stating that it was her pleasure to prevent, pause, present this award to Andrzej Wajda."}, {"response": 59, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Mon, Mar 27, 2000 (17:09)", "body": "At the Press Conference later, Kevin Spacey admitted he had gone blank and was just standing there in stunned numbness. I guess that is how he came across! *lol* Jane Fonda - one of my least fav people on the planet, actually..."}, {"response": 60, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Mon, Mar 27, 2000 (22:28)", "body": "Oscar-watching helicopter crashes, two injured LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A news helicopter covering the Oscars developed hydraulic problems and crashed as it tried to make an emergency landing at a nearby airport early on Monday, badly injuring the pilot and a photographer. The helicopter, an Aerospatiale A-Star owned by Fox television station KTTV, was covering the post-Oscar celebrations at the Shrine Auditorium when it developed hydraulic problems shortly after midnight, Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey said. As the 28-year-old female pilot struggled desperately to bring it under control, the helicopter flew to the nearby suburban Van Nuys airport followed by two other news choppers seeking to aid the stricken aircraft. The helicopter crashed and burst into flames on impact. Airport emergency crews, aided by crews from the other helicopters, pulled the two occupants to safety before they suffered any burns, Humphrey said. Steve Howell, who was piloting a KTLA-TV helicopter and followed the chopper, said the pilot, whose name was not released, did a tremendous job in avoiding houses and businesses as the chopper approached suburban Van Nuys airport. ``If you lose hydraulics, it's almost like losing power steering (in a car), but even worse,'' Howell said. ``It's amazing anyone could have survived this crash,'' he added. The pilot and the 40-year-old photographer, whose name was also not released, were said to be in serious but stable condition at a local hospital on Monday. The pilot fractured her right wrist and left leg. She also suffered a large gash to her head as well as pelvic trauma, a hospital spokeswoman said. The photographer suffered one, or possibly two, broken legs as well as multiple lacerations to his face."}, {"response": 61, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Wed, Mar 29, 2000 (04:30)", "body": "Spacey spaced out, Warren Beatty looked pale and feeble, Nicholson looked like the football coach at Fresno State (maybe a role he's doing now?), Gweneth Paltrow looked pissed off, did anyone else think the Peter Coyote newsdesk thing with him wearing a headset was a bit odd?"}, {"response": 62, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Wed, Mar 29, 2000 (04:32)", "body": "Did anyone else see the uttlerly sour look on Bening's face when Hilary Swank won? And I'm still waiting for an explanation on the whole blame Canada thing."}, {"response": 63, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Wed, Mar 29, 2000 (04:36)", "body": "Who was the improbable winner of the night? Michael Caine. There was the comment about his first acting job at 3 being to lie to the rent man about his mother not being home. The Alfie clips. Then the classiest speech every where he tributed the other nominees in fine, fine fashion."}, {"response": 64, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Wed, Mar 29, 2000 (04:44)", "body": "Take out the word \"every\" in the previous response. And substitute \"gave tribute to\" for \"tributed\". You beat someone then you make a speech elevating them and making them feel good and laugh. Did you see Tom Cruise's response. Class all the way."}, {"response": 65, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (09:28)", "body": "The Oscars (impressions): First impression: J Lo's form fitting top was not quite see through. J. Lo on the red carpet: Angelina Joie looked cool but I expected her to be escorted by John Long for Billy Joe Thornton. What was Danny DeVito eating? A carrot? That was funny when Steve Martin sent him down some dip from the stage. Worst dressed and worst singer: Bjork, who wore a huge, limp swan. On second thought, wasn't that Kevin Costner sitting next to Angelina Jolie? Biggest dissappointment: Joan Allen and Ellen Burstyn not winning."}, {"response": 66, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (00:36)", "body": "Maybe that gif will work this time."}, {"response": 67, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (13:42)", "body": "nope, no luck movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 3, "subject": "Emma", "response_count": 153, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "Amy", "date": "Fri, Nov 22, 1996 (09:13)", "body": "Oh, so we all can create new topics. Good. Stefanie, you saw my remarks on the 5-minute A&E promo? Has anyone else seen it? My 7 year old did and very solemly informed me that he had learned of a new movie he knew I would like. Amy"}, {"response": 2, "author": "Stefanie", "date": "Fri, Nov 22, 1996 (09:16)", "body": "Amy, I don't think I did see your remarks on the new promo. What was it like? Stefanie"}, {"response": 3, "author": "LauraM", "date": "Fri, Nov 22, 1996 (11:08)", "body": "Hi I finally found this place. I did see the 5 minute teaser regarding the A&E EMMA, I'm quite afraid that I don't like the person playing Mr Knightley"}, {"response": 4, "author": "Donna", "date": "Fri, Nov 22, 1996 (11:30)", "body": "I agree Laura M. He doesn't look to \"hot\""}, {"response": 5, "author": "Bernie", "date": "Fri, Nov 22, 1996 (11:53)", "body": "I will be watching it this Sunday. I'll definitely make sure that it gets taped!!"}, {"response": 6, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Fri, Nov 22, 1996 (13:58)", "body": "Oh Bernie! Please give us a full review!"}, {"response": 7, "author": "Stefanie", "date": "Fri, Nov 22, 1996 (14:29)", "body": "From what I've seen on the net of Mr. Knightly, I'd have to agree with Donna. It seems that he is closer to a Mr. Collins than a Mr. Darcy. Stefanie"}, {"response": 8, "author": "Becks", "date": "Fri, Nov 22, 1996 (15:43)", "body": "He's a dog, girls!!!"}, {"response": 9, "author": "mich", "date": "Fri, Nov 22, 1996 (16:26)", "body": "First of all I must say I agree with Rebecca but... For those of us who had not seen Colin Firth before P&P, would we have thought him \"hot\" only seeing a promo picture. I cannot honestly answer since I admire him more and more everytime I watch Mr.Darcy give Lizzie the look. I can only say I did not notice him in Circle of friends or Secret Garden. Now I rent them just to catch a glimpse. What are your thoughts?"}, {"response": 10, "author": "Kali", "date": "Fri, Nov 22, 1996 (17:20)", "body": "Mich, Arnessa and I discussed this last night...we decided it was a combination of his acting talent and the role of Darcy that made him attractive in P&P...not to mention the way wardrobe and makeup cleaned him up... - K"}, {"response": 11, "author": "mich", "date": "Fri, Nov 22, 1996 (17:45)", "body": "Kail, But if you had only seen a picture of Firth in a trailer for P&P would you have thought him attractive? After seeing the picture of Mr.Knightly (A&E) we all seem to think the guy rather...unattractive. Could he have the same presence as Firth on screen and we will think differently of him later?"}, {"response": 12, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Fri, Nov 22, 1996 (17:49)", "body": "Let us hope so, Mich. Waiting breathlessly for Bernie's review..."}, {"response": 13, "author": "geekman", "date": "Fri, Nov 22, 1996 (19:04)", "body": "G'day, As the movie version of \"Emma\" has only recently started screening here in Oz I was dismayed to see there was a series being made. So soon, albeit too soon can only lead to unfavourable comparisons. Perhaps Jeremy Northam should have been picked for the role again? Our media says we are \"Austened-out!\" I suggest in the meantime go and see \"Shine\". It's totally different and maybe very confronting but the piano playing is sublime."}, {"response": 14, "author": "kathleen", "date": "Fri, Nov 22, 1996 (20:12)", "body": "Austened-out?! I am all astonishment! I suppose that non-Austeniens could get weary of all the Austen adaptations, but I plan to see them all as many times as possible -- in the theater, and on video as soon as available. As to Mr Knightly, I think we must suspend judgment until we see the latest version. While Jeremy Northam is gorgeous, I am quite certain my heart can be won by a worthy character. (Prior to seeing Sense & Sensibility I would not have assumed that Alan Rickman would make Col. Brandon so much more attractive than Willoughby, but it worked.) A good actor, a good director, a good part -- and of course a marvelously good story. When it comes to Jane Austen, I always want more. Even if it's just a new version of Emma!"}, {"response": 15, "author": "haker", "date": "Fri, Nov 22, 1996 (23:27)", "body": "If you like Alan Rickman, and tear-jerkers, see Truly, Madly, Deeply . It's a wonderful film from the director of the English Patient and starring Emma's Mrs. Elton (Juliet Stevenson)."}, {"response": 16, "author": "kathleen", "date": "Sat, Nov 23, 1996 (08:20)", "body": "Ann -- I recently purchased Truly, Madly, Deeply and I've started the video. I enjoy Juliet Stevenson, even though she's not doing comedy here. And I am certain I shall enjoy Alan Rickman as soon as he comes in for a longer appearance. Now, if I could just stay awake 23 hours a day to see, read, and compute everything I want/need to do!"}, {"response": 17, "author": "geekman", "date": "Sun, Nov 24, 1996 (04:05)", "body": "Now something completely different. How about the \"Three Degrees of Alan Rickman\" ? ]Austened-out?! I am all astonishment! I suppose that non-Austeniens could get ]weary of all the Austen adaptations, but I plan to see them all as many times ]as possible -- in the theater, and on video as soon as available. Kathleen: Well this fanatic isn't but I suppose most Australians are. It took the second screening of P&P2 before people were clammouring for more. Then Sense & Sensibility and Persuasion came on at the same time, and more recently Emma . I for one though look forward to the series. Bernie I would be interested in your review too so I can tell Ostentatious Jane about it. Alan Rickman made a good villian in Die Hard II."}, {"response": 18, "author": "kathleen", "date": "Sun, Nov 24, 1996 (14:00)", "body": "Ian -- I agree w/ your assessment of Mr. Rickman as Hans Gruber in Die Hard . I do not usually watch action movies, and I do not especially like Bruce Willis, but I rented this movie and fast forwarded through all the parts w/o Alan Rickman. My friends laugh at me, but they have their quirks too! So, where in Rosings Park will you be lurking next? Pray, tell us if you spot Lizzie or Darcy."}, {"response": 19, "author": "Amy", "date": "Sun, Nov 24, 1996 (19:30)", "body": "Bernie!!!!!! Full report if you please. You want questions? Would that be an easier way for you to satisfy our curiousity? I will start: does Knightly grow on you? Comment on casting of Frank, Jane, Miss Bates, Isabelle, Mr Elton. I already know I am going to love Emma and Mrs Weston and I have to believe that Knightley has something going for him because our producers know what they are doing."}, {"response": 20, "author": "Bernie", "date": "Mon, Nov 25, 1996 (15:23)", "body": "Once more into the breeches... I was reading an article (on the train on my way home) previewing the two rival costume dramas \ufffd BBC's \"Tenant of Wildfell Hall\" and ITV's \"Emma\". I thought you might be interested in what they said. \"So, with memories of Colin Firth's Mr. Darcy still warm in many a bosom, we are in for another procession of gels in Regency frocks escorted by eligible bucks in riding boots.....So, two rival costume dramas vying for the viewes's eye : which is the more pleasing ? Opinions may depend on what we must call the Darcy Factor . \"For all its multitude of merits, the BBC's P&P has created an unreasonable demand among the nation's women for men in mysterious trousers. Indeed, the day may not be far off when the prime requiremennt of any classic drama will be not so much fidelity to the text but the presence of a hero with all the necessary basic attributes : hot\ufffdcoal eyes (betraying the unseen blaze in the Aga double\ufffdoven of his breast), hair curly\ufffdgoing\ufffdon\ufffdtousled and thighs that can grip a mettlesome mare like a denture\ufffdfixative.\" I was sitting with a very large cheesy grin by this time! Needless to say, I received some very strange looks. \"In this regard, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall has the edge on Emma . It has Toby Stephens and Rupert Graves. It is Graves who comes nearest to the Darcy mould but, alas, he is the villain... Emma is a much prettier affair but rates a much lower reading on the Darcy meter. Mark Strong is a perfectly convincing Mr. Knightley but he is probably too sweet for viewers who prefer their heroes to indulge in occasional outbreaks of nostril\ufffdflaring and boot\ufffdthwacking. As the rakish dandy Frank Churchill, Raymond Coulthard's smile puts one in mind of a piranha doing a Colgate toothpaste commercial.\" (Excerpts from EVENING STANDARD .) So, I will now give you my opinion on both these dramas. I know most of you are eagerly awaiting Emma, but in my opinion if you get the chance to see \"The Tenant of Wildfell Hall\", then do so. (It is a coproduction between the BBC, CBC and WGBH Boston). Starting with Emma . Since I am a JA fan, I knew straight away that I was going to enjoy this production. After watching it, my first reaction was 2 hours and 5 minutes (inclusive of all commercial breaks) wasn't long enough to do justice to JA's story \ufffd oh, for a 5 hour BBC serialisation! (Then again I didn't think 5 hours of P&P was long enough!). Part of the irriatation was the fact that there were so many commercial breaks \ufffd 5 in all \ufffd which tended to jar the continuitiy of the story. Due to the time constraint, the film tended to jump from major incident to major incident, thus cutting some of the finer nuances of the story, and as a result, you didn't get the same impression of character development as you did in P&P. This much said, although I didn't enjoy Emma as much as P&P, I rate it at least as highly as the 2 hour version of \"Persuasion\". (On a sliding scale I'd give P&P2 10 and Emma 8.5/9 ). I thought Kate Bekinsale's portrayal of Emma was excellent \ufffd a much more down to earth version than Gwynneth Paltrow's Emma, which seemed to verge on frivolity at times. Mark Strong's Knightley, though not as handsome as Jeremy Northam's, grew on you as the film progressed \ufffd similar in effect to Ciaran Hinds' Capt. Wentworth. You really do feel for him when he knows he's in love with Emma and yearns for her love in return, yet he feels that she is in love with the undeserving Frank. The scenes where Knightley chastises Emma for her various follies/indiscretions are very well acted. He was especially forceful in the scene where he berates Emma for her callous treatment of Miss Bates \ufffd Emma was most heartily sorry. The supporting cast contained a number of well known faces. Bernard Hepton (Sir Thomas Bertram in Mansfield Park) as Mr. Woodhouse, Samantha Bond (Maria Bertram in MP) as Mrs. Weston, and Prunella Scales (Sybil Fawlty) as the garrilous Miss Bates. All played their parts with the necessary aplomb. Dominic Rowan depicts Mr. Elton as an egotistcal, hypocritical, ingratiating \"sleazeball\" (whose primary mission in life in the first third of the film is to get himself a rich wife). Upon marriage to the ubiquitous Mrs. E, he subsides to a degree of aloofness, which I don't recall in the book \ufffd I always took him to be invariably rude and boorish. Mrs. E portrayed by Lucy Robinson (Mrs. Hurst) is a real hoot. I know that she is meant to have a West Country accent (coming from Bristol) but Lucy's Mrs. E sometimes appeared to come from over the Atlantic! I laughed so much whenever she said anything. Finally, Raymond Coulthard's handsome, blonde Frank Churchill was as much of the fop as I expected him to be, although sometimes that smile of his did grate on my nerves. The description of the Colgate advert ( See above ) is spot on. On the musical score, several duets are sung. Frank, in my opinion has a very good voice. Both Jane and Emma play the piano tolerably well \ufffd Jane better th"}, {"response": 21, "author": "Inko", "date": "Mon, Nov 25, 1996 (16:13)", "body": "Bernie, Thank you so much for your very complete review and the article from the Standard. I loved the article - I remember seeing similar stories last summer in England when they were still filming Emma. In one Andrew Davies commented on the wonderbra effect of the regency dresses, which he seemed to like. By your reviews, I think I just might have to get a back-up set of P&P2, since I am liable to wear the one I have out from daily viewing. I'm looking forward to Emma, though. I think Tenant might only come here next season - it wasn't listed on Masterpiece Theatre for this season, but maybe in late spring."}, {"response": 22, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Mon, Nov 25, 1996 (16:57)", "body": "Bernie, thank you for the wonderful review- can't wait to see it! I feel compelled, however to comment upon your complaint of having 5 commercial breaks in the course of 2 hrs, 5 min. You do not realize it , but you are most fortunate indeed. Here in the US we feel ourselves lucky to have only 5 commercials in one hour! I am sorely afraid that A&E will be snipping scenes again in order to fit in more adverts."}, {"response": 23, "author": "arnessa", "date": "Mon, Nov 25, 1996 (18:49)", "body": "Thanks bunches, Bernie. I can't wait to see the new Emma. You've done more than whet my appetite. I promise to watch the Tenant of Wildfell Hall, too. That newspaper review is classic. Those thighs! Is that the magic ingredient that makes Darcy so (ahhh!) irresistible, after all?"}, {"response": 24, "author": "jwinsor", "date": "Mon, Nov 25, 1996 (21:18)", "body": "Thanks so much Bernie - now we are all, indeed, eager to be savoring such delights!"}, {"response": 25, "author": "candace", "date": "Mon, Nov 25, 1996 (23:00)", "body": "\"...Thighs that can grip a meddlesome mare like a denture-fixative\"??? Giddyup, indeed!!"}, {"response": 26, "author": "Becks", "date": "Mon, Nov 25, 1996 (23:28)", "body": "You are wonderful, Berniie? Does anybody have any idea when \"The Tenant..\" will air here in N.A.?"}, {"response": 27, "author": "Donna", "date": "Tue, Nov 26, 1996 (09:28)", "body": "Cheryl you are right. What could they possibly cut out of two hours. They will ruin Emma. Inko I hope we don't have to wait too long for Tenant,I think we should email PBS to find out when it will be on. Well done Bernie, I can't wait"}, {"response": 28, "author": "Bernie", "date": "Tue, Nov 26, 1996 (13:32)", "body": "Cheryl, I know I should count myself lucky. When I was in the States, I was constantly vexed by the frequency of ad's. Since I have a copy of the Screenplay, I'm going to watch Emma again this weekend to see if any of the scenes were cut. I will report back in due course. By the way if any of you are interested in the \"Making of Emma\" book I'll be more than happy to supply details. I'll be away for the rest of the week at a Conference in Harrogate (more JA connections) \ufffd so will be suffering from severe withdrawl symptoms. See you all next week."}, {"response": 29, "author": "Bernie", "date": "Tue, Nov 26, 1996 (13:47)", "body": "Cheryl, I know I should count myself lucky. When I was in the States, I was constantly vexed by the frequency of ad's. Since I have a copy of the Screenplay, I'm going to watch Emma again this weekend to see if any of the scenes were cut. I will report back in due course. By the way if any of you are interested in the \"Making of Emma\" book I'll be more than happy to supply details. I'll be away for the rest of the week at a Conference in Harrogate (more JA connections) \ufffd so will be suffering from severe withdrawl symptoms. See you all next week."}, {"response": 30, "author": "jwinsor", "date": "Tue, Nov 26, 1996 (23:42)", "body": "] Bernie: ] By the way if any of you are interested in the \"Making of Emma\" book I'll be more than happy to supply details. Please do, Bernie!"}, {"response": 31, "author": "Inko", "date": "Wed, Nov 27, 1996 (16:29)", "body": "Please Bernie - I'd love to have the details of the Making of Emma book, and where it's available - in England, U.S., or Internet. Thanks"}, {"response": 32, "author": "Hilary", "date": "Thu, Nov 28, 1996 (14:15)", "body": "Enjoyed the review, thanks Bernie. I saw the film 'Emma' yesterday! Got some catching up to do in Australia!"}, {"response": 33, "author": "Ann", "date": "Sun, Dec  1, 1996 (23:18)", "body": "So the screenplay for Davies' Emma is available but not P&P2. It's not fair!!!"}, {"response": 34, "author": "Ann2", "date": "Mon, Dec  2, 1996 (09:14)", "body": "Thanks a lot Bernie. OOh I can understand your peculiar face and the effect it had on your fellow passengers, hot-coal eyes and that bit about dentive-fixa- tive, I just gasp and sigh. The entire article is nourishing for I know not how long I will have to wait for for it, ITV Emma that is. Have a comment on the film with Jeremy if you are still interested in him and Gwyneth!? Comparision of Mr B:s Maggot in P&P2 and EMMA As I saw Emma a few days ago, I shall keep to that version. I thought it was so light and full of grace to illustrate how Mr Knightley, - for the first time? - allowed himself to be in love and regard Emma as a grownup equal whom he was permitted to consider a woman and not his little sister. (No indeed not) And Emma responded to that joyfully and tender still unconscious of her heart. In this version the maggot was a relief whereas in P&P2 it is so full of tension. It was a deligthful surprise to me that it was in the film at all. I quite startled and for a few seconds could not place the music. Ann2"}, {"response": 35, "author": "Elaine", "date": "Wed, Dec  4, 1996 (08:29)", "body": "The A&E WEB sight currently features the BEHIND THE SCENES of the making of EMMA, similiar to P&P2 where actors, director, scene writer are interviewed."}, {"response": 36, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Wed, Dec  4, 1996 (13:04)", "body": "Does anyone know when they are broadcasting this behind the scenes stuff? I'd like to see it, but I don't have time to watch A&E all day inthe hopes of catching it! It would take too much time away from the chat room!"}, {"response": 37, "author": "Amy", "date": "Wed, Dec  4, 1996 (14:56)", "body": "]too much time away from the chat room! __ Cheryl, you are too funny (and pathetic!) The one time I saw it was just before 8 am on a weekday. Since classroom does not have commercials, there's time then. I don't know when else the schedule would permit. Maybe other times when there are not so many commercials? Mid-day? I don't know."}, {"response": 38, "author": "Donna", "date": "Wed, Dec 18, 1996 (13:30)", "body": "I just saw the long Promo the on Sunday before/after Biography/also a shorter promo. They are also running \"Specials\" ad. Included in this promo are scenes from P&P2 in a kaildescope type fashion. They go by very fast. What was announced is that \"Specials\" will be on every Sunday at 8:00 and repeated at 12:00. The kids let me know when the promos are on. Airs Sunday Feb. 16th."}, {"response": 39, "author": "amy2", "date": "Wed, Jan  1, 1997 (14:58)", "body": "Hope I'm not too off-topic, but does anyone know if the Gwenyth Paltrow version of EMMA has been released on videotape? I've been trying to find it, but don't know if it isn't out yet, or whether I just got caught in the New Year's video rush. Thanks."}, {"response": 40, "author": "Amy", "date": "Wed, Jan  1, 1997 (15:43)", "body": "re: Emma on video, I don't think so, Amy2. Surely someone would have said something about it? That stuff is never off topic here. Dont' ever worry about that."}, {"response": 41, "author": "Donna", "date": "Wed, Jan  1, 1997 (16:25)", "body": "http://www.tbvg.com/ scroll down to March or April you'll see The English Patient and Emma. \"Whatever\" is the most hated word of 1996 uh. I just read this on my news file. Whatever?. This is my favorite word. Whateverrrr.LOL."}, {"response": 42, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Jan  1, 1997 (17:44)", "body": "They have t shirts at BookPeople that say Whatever"}, {"response": 43, "author": "Kaffeine", "date": "Wed, Jan  1, 1997 (22:34)", "body": "The Jeremy Northam EMMA is scheduled to be released on video in March."}, {"response": 44, "author": "jane", "date": "Thu, Jan  2, 1997 (12:04)", "body": "Kathleen, LOL! The Jeremy Northam version, indeed. I wonder why they just didn't call it \"Mr. Knightley\" instead of \"Emma.\" Jane"}, {"response": 45, "author": "Mari", "date": "Thu, Jan  2, 1997 (16:08)", "body": "Jane, ''The Jeremy Northam version, indeed. I wonder why they just didn't call it 'Mr. Knightley' instead of 'Emma.' Or ''Darcy's Pride'' instead of P&P...."}, {"response": 46, "author": "genie", "date": "Thu, Jan  9, 1997 (17:39)", "body": "Just got a copy of my Critics' Choice video catalog and on the back cover is Emma, the A&E version, for only $14.77. Since I don't have cable tv, I was not aware that Emma2 has been broadcast already. I knew it was on the books somewhere, but...How is it that the tape is available so soon? How was it received by audiences in general, that is those without the discerning taste of present company? If anyone is interested, the number for Critics Choice video is:1-800-367-7765."}, {"response": 47, "author": "Ann", "date": "Thu, Jan  9, 1997 (19:09)", "body": "Critics Choice (1-800-367-7765) also has Valmont ($10.77), The Advocate ($14.77) Hostages ($14.95), and if you really want to watch the movie Firth has disowned: Playmaker ($14.95)."}, {"response": 48, "author": "mich", "date": "Fri, Jan 10, 1997 (10:38)", "body": "I beg you don't spend your hard earned money on the Playmaker, rent it. Mich"}, {"response": 49, "author": "Donna", "date": "Fri, Jan 10, 1997 (11:55)", "body": "Thanks Mich,Valmont is my pick."}, {"response": 50, "author": "carolee", "date": "Fri, Jan 10, 1997 (23:31)", "body": "Genie EMMA is being broadcast on A&E here ( at least in California) on Feb.16th but has already aired on BBC in England. Maybe that's why the tape is already available. Donna, good choice. I loooove CF in VALMONT too."}, {"response": 51, "author": "jwinsor", "date": "Sat, Jan 11, 1997 (01:02)", "body": "Genie EMMA is being broadcast on A&E here ( at least in California) on Feb.16th Did someone not say that the video would not be shipped till 2/17?"}, {"response": 52, "author": "carolee", "date": "Sun, Jan 12, 1997 (02:09)", "body": "Joan, I read that too. I just got the catalog and will try to order today. I'll post what happens."}, {"response": 53, "author": "Donna", "date": "Sun, Jan 12, 1997 (09:13)", "body": "According to the A&E Biography {new name was A&E Monthly} you may order now,but it won't be deliver until Feb.delivery.Allow 3 to 4 weeks delivery. For fast delivery,call 1-800-828-6565,for free catalog,Write: A&E Home Video,Box HV1,235 E. 45th Street,NY,NY 10017"}, {"response": 54, "author": "amy2", "date": "Mon, Jan 13, 1997 (12:17)", "body": "Just saw the Paltrow EMMA yesterday & liked it very much. I can't say this version was particularly true to Austen -- in fact, it played more like Sheridan to my mind. But it was generally pleasant & not offensive. I thought Paltrow did very well for a young (not-Brit) actress."}, {"response": 55, "author": "Hilary", "date": "Mon, Jan 13, 1997 (17:11)", "body": "' it was generally pleasant & not offensive' My opinion too, but isn't that damning with faint praise? It should have been so much more."}, {"response": 56, "author": "gianine", "date": "Mon, Jan 13, 1997 (19:37)", "body": "I am new to the conversation. I'm Gianine and live in Vermont. I haven't been able to see anything. So I buy the videos. The Emma in the Critic's Choice catalog is listed as a 1996 version. Is this the very latest version? How many versions are there. I know of an older one released in 1972. This 1996 version is not the one with Paltrow in it. I am confused can anyone straighten me out? Thankyou."}, {"response": 57, "author": "Amy", "date": "Mon, Jan 13, 1997 (20:59)", "body": "Hi Gianine. Welcome. If the 1996 tape is not the Paltrow version then it must be the ITV/A&E version, a 2-hour TV adaptation that will air next month on A&E. It carries the 96 date because it was broadcast in England in December. See Bernie's review: http://www.bluemarble.net/~amyloo/wwwboard/breeches.html"}, {"response": 58, "author": "gianine", "date": "Tue, Jan 14, 1997 (09:31)", "body": "Thankyou. I have been ease-dropping on your conversations of PP2. I bought the set of videos for myself at Christmas. I have been a great fan of Jane Austen before all the latest hoopla and have been a member of the Jane Austen Society for quite sometime. I have been like a kid in a candy store with all these latest versions coming out. It is a pleasure to find a place where conversation can be had about PP2 and other Videos. My husband thinks I am being ridiculous. Of-course, he has never read any Jane Austen!!"}, {"response": 59, "author": "Kali", "date": "Wed, Jan 15, 1997 (02:20)", "body": "Okay, Hilary and Amy2, I'll have to disagree with you on EMMA (surprise). I thought that mood created was very \"Emma,\" but this may lie in my own personal interpretations of the novel. To me, the book is foremost an exploration of Emma's personality and growth. In this light, the elements of the film fit together rather well. Emma's character - that of a charming young woman who is at once infinitely wise and incredibly dense about relationships - and experience were crafted quite nicely, even if t e richness of the plot was sacrificed for time constraint reasons. The filmmakers were obviously straining to fit everything in. They even found room for Mrs. Elton's strawberry expedition, though the all-important group discussion scenes relating to that event got dissed. Mrs. Elton's need and desire to be the belle of Highbury (vs. Emma) and, particularly, the focus of male attention (for example, her desire to win the position as hostess at Donwell Abbey...), I thought, were perfectly illustrated in those scenes. The writers also axed another favorite scene - the o e in which Mr. Knightley observes Emma, Jane, Frank, and Harriet playing wordgames with the children's alphabets at Hartfield...it not only does Mr. Knightley's powers of intuition and observation credit, but it provides MAJOR clues that something's up with frank and Jane (a very clever idea on Austen's part). Perhaps it isn't a VITAL scene for keeping the action rolling along, but I missed it. I was also disappointed in the fact that some characters, like John and Isabella, became little more than inconsiquential shadows (most people who didn't know the story wouldn't even remember their names, if it weren't for Emma's \"I love John/I hate John!\" conversation with Mrs. Weston, and even then the people who put together the theatre trailer took these lines out of context, leading audiences to believe that \"John\" was George...). Still, I was pretty impressed by the filmakers' ability to fit in almost every important element, even only if gratuitously. Unless we want a six-hour version, some things have to go. I'm interested in seeing how the ITV version, which is even shorter, hits me."}, {"response": 60, "author": "jane", "date": "Wed, Jan 15, 1997 (10:39)", "body": "THE HAIRCUT! THAT GUY REALLY NEEDED THE HAIRCUT!"}, {"response": 61, "author": "amy2", "date": "Wed, Jan 15, 1997 (10:55)", "body": "Jane, are you referring to Mr. Churchill? I guess the thing that got me most about the Paltrow EMMA was the overall tone -- to me, it played more like SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER than Jane Austen. It seemed that the filmmakers went for very light, almost farcical humor rather than exploring the depth of Emma's transformation. I may be out of my element here because EMMA was never one of my favorite Austen novels -- maybe there's too much about her yentalike matchmaking that reminds me of my own family."}, {"response": 62, "author": "Amy", "date": "Wed, Jan 15, 1997 (11:07)", "body": "Amy2, Emma slides in and out of being a favorite of mine. I was enchanted on first reading. But I, too, found the Partlow version way too light, even though I am not one of those people who try to make JA too serious and heavy."}, {"response": 63, "author": "elder", "date": "Wed, Jan 15, 1997 (14:23)", "body": "Amy2 & Amy (also?): I agree w/ your opinions about the McGrath (?) adaptation of Emma, although I grew to like the movie more and more each time I saw it (7 times so far). The novel has become my third favorite (after P&P and Persuasion), but not for a light tone. Emma's actions are not always for the best interest or happiness of the other parties, as she tells Harriet at the end of the movie, but because she thinks she knows better than anyone else how everything should turn out. The movie muddled some of the plot by leaving out many important scenes, but this is necessary in a short adaptation. After all, we feel cheated by not having all the scenes we want in P&P2, which comes in at 5 hours or more."}, {"response": 64, "author": "Elaine", "date": "Wed, Jan 15, 1997 (14:26)", "body": "Oh, I loved the Paltrow Emma . I am always disappointed to find someone who disagrees. Emma was enchantingly light. Didn't the \"very badly done, Emma...very bad\" scene at least make you want to misbehave? Or what about the kiss? You have to admit that Mr. Knightly knows a thing or two about snogging."}, {"response": 65, "author": "Kali", "date": "Wed, Jan 15, 1997 (21:50)", "body": "SNORT, Elaine! ;) You guys, Emma is supposed to be funny! :::) Again, this is ONE INTERPRETATION of the novel. Any single film adaptation is never going to fulfill every reader's expectations, because every reader has a different opinion as to what the book is about. I agree that the Miramax version isn't perfect, but more because of time constraints than a lack of understanding. As far as the \"depths of emma's transformation,\" I don't think that the novel is about anything as heavy as a moron metamorphosizing into a genius...it is about a sometimes silly, though intelligent, girl learning how to prioritize her life. Even in the novel, it takes a good bop on the head in the form of Harriet's plans for Mr. Knightley to snap her out of it for good. And as for Emma's growing appreciation for Mr. Knightley and what he stands for, I think that the Paltrow version does a great deal... n the ball scene and post-Box Hill at Hartfield when Mr. Knightley returns...(BTW, I didn't find Mr. Knightley's reproach at Box Hill at all light or enchanting...it made me want to cringe and cry just like Emma was doing...). The only \"learning experience\" part I really missed was Emma's unguarded speculation re: Jane and Dixon...perhaps Emma's eagerness to gossip about Jane's personal life, and her eventual embarrassment at learning the truth, should have been explored more..."}, {"response": 66, "author": "MaryC", "date": "Thu, Jan 16, 1997 (00:32)", "body": "Was anyone else as fascinated as I was about the differences in the dance scene at Netherfield vs the one in Emma which used the same music? I thought the one in Emma far more romantic and flowing in its presentation. The Netherfield dance was far more stiff and formal in style, even though the same arm movements, etc. were used."}, {"response": 67, "author": "Hilary", "date": "Thu, Jan 16, 1997 (03:41)", "body": "Kali, its so long since I've talked to you in the chat room ........how are you? I basically agree with your interpretation of Emma. She is someone who through her immaturity loves to let her wonderful imagination get away from her, distracting her from seeing her impact on other people, and what is best for herself. I also agree that time was a major constraint for the film makers. But I was disappointed in much of the casting. I thought some scenes that were left out were crucial - like the spelling out scene. I don't think we easily saw Emma's development which is what its all about.`I agree its meant to be funny, but its not nearly as funny as it should be - look at how much about Mr. Woodhouse is left out. I think we shall just have to disagree...... Mary, I was fascinated with the 2 dance scenes too. They each suited the occasion - the Netherfield one was kind of a battle scene interpretation."}, {"response": 68, "author": "Kali", "date": "Thu, Jan 16, 1997 (04:07)", "body": "Oh, so you also thought that leaving out the alphabets scene was a \"blunder\"? ;) I hear ya, Hilary...and I miss you! I hope we hook up in chat soon... --- As for the dances...yeah...in Emma, they choreograph Mr. B's Maggot with such ballet-like movements that you hardly recognize the dance...way different takes on the same steps. Amazing. I prefer the Netherfield take, b/c it is more realistic."}, {"response": 69, "author": "Elaine", "date": "Thu, Jan 16, 1997 (08:19)", "body": "I also preferred the Netherfield version of the Maggot. In Emma the dancers were physically much closer. It seems they were touching each others' waists and Mr. Knightly was making such transparent overtures to Emma and not with just his eyes, even his legs were invading her territory. In P&P Darcy had only the touch of two hands to work with and those amazing eyes. However, once Elizabeth begins to talk this mesmerizing dance does become a delicious battlefield. Imagine how difficult this scen must have been to film, dealing with both the steps and the range of emotions conveyed by the actors. In contrast, the Emma scene should have been a piece of cake."}, {"response": 70, "author": "Donna", "date": "Thu, Jan 16, 1997 (10:27)", "body": "I have only been able to see Emma once. I don't think it was apiece of cake,it just seemed that it was a faster dance and the P&P2 version was much more intense.The reason for the dances are quite different. This is what how I remember it.In Emma it was to show us (Emma) that Mr. Knightly would dance with Miss Smith and that he is a thoughtful person and gentlemen. In P&P2 is was to show us the sparing between Elizabeth and Darcy.How intense he was to dance with her and so many other reasons. Emma was \"l ght and funny\" and P&P2 \"proper and elegant\". I do like both versions equally. It was a nice feeling to hear MrB. and some of the smae steps in Emma. It aslo promoted P&P2. People(in the theater) in general noticed it right away and (I overheard conversations) were delighted to hear and see familar music and steps again.I also got an idea how many people watched P&P2. Two ladies conversing \"Oh that was in Pride and Prejudice\". No, I didn't. You'll have to \"borrow my tape\".LOL!"}, {"response": 71, "author": "amy2", "date": "Thu, Jan 16, 1997 (12:33)", "body": "Kali, you obviously feel strongly about the Paltrow version of EMMA - I by no means thought it was an abject waste of time like DIE HARD XVI. Even though there are a few scattered attempts at dramatic scenes, such as Knightly's upbraid of Emma at the picnic, I still contend that the overall _tone_ of the film was extremely light. The whole thing almost played like drawing room farce to me: Mr. Elton practically knocking Emma down as he taps on her shoulder; the \"try not to kill my dogs\" interpolation; rs. Elton directly addressing the audience at the end, etc. P&P could also be played for the sheer wit of Elizabeth's ripostes, but then we would lose the rest of the story. I fear this was true with EMMA."}, {"response": 72, "author": "Kali", "date": "Thu, Jan 16, 1997 (15:35)", "body": "Okay, Amy2, we'll just have to agree to disagree. I must repeat, however, that EMMA is a much lighter story than P&P, after all, and had this been a six-hour version, I think, it would have necessarily included enough elements so as to become more satisfactory to everyone."}, {"response": 73, "author": "amy2", "date": "Thu, Jan 16, 1997 (16:01)", "body": "How long is the new A&E version? Does anybody know? Kali, if you come to Hollywood, I will have to make you take a meeting with Peter Guber as vengeance. That would be worse than spending the afternoon with Mr. Collins!"}, {"response": 74, "author": "Amy", "date": "Thu, Jan 16, 1997 (18:08)", "body": "The ITV version is only two hours too."}, {"response": 75, "author": "Ann", "date": "Thu, Jan 16, 1997 (21:29)", "body": "According to Critics Choice Video, Emma2 is only 100 minutes long. I just looked at the TV and saw Anne Eliot (Amanda Root)! She's on Mystery in the PD JAmes story \"Original Sin\"."}, {"response": 76, "author": "Kali", "date": "Thu, Jan 16, 1997 (22:06)", "body": "Yeah, Ann, and it's great! I can't wait to see the conclusion of OS tonite! --- Amy2, I live in Stockton and go to school in Berkeley, so I may roadtrip down to take you up on that offer (just to find out who Peter Guber is)...;)"}, {"response": 77, "author": "Anna", "date": "Fri, Jan 17, 1997 (03:51)", "body": "Due to a slow response time on my part I only saw Emma2 (Paltrow/Northam) for the first time last week. Considered as an entertainment in it's own right, without reference to JA or authenticity, I like it very well indeed. However, like Amy2, I think that on the whole it is too light. I find Emma (text) much less light-hearted than P&P; to me P&P has an air of the fairy-tale whilst Emma is far more realistic and darker. We might have to disagree on that point, but there were some things in Emma2 I thought very well done; JN, whilst personally delicious doesn't really fit my idea of Knightley for most of the film, but I thought his return from London and the proposal very well done. I actually liked to acceptance written for Emma here better than that for Lizzy in P&P2; Lizzy's acceptance didn't quite ring true for me. The actress playing Jane Fairfax didn't seem quite right to me, but I only just worked out why; she's too beautiful, even for Jane Fairfax, too exotic,and not really elegant. To me she doesn't look like an english woman of the period at all (note the comment in the making of P&P2 about some actors looking too 'modern'). Emma2 also had an overall different look to both P&P2 and S&S; richer more cluttered rooms, which I suspect is more authentic (at least the clutter). did anyone else notice the quote re colour in Emma on AustenL recently? How they stuck with the style of the regency, but went for colours they thought would appeal to a modern audience? eg red and green at Christmas, bilious green for Emma's dress when she first meets Mrs Elton. As I am both obsessional and literal this takes the film further from the book for me, but considered in isolation give an interesting touch to the movie; I intend seeing it again, and will pay more attention to the use of colour."}, {"response": 78, "author": "amy2", "date": "Fri, Jan 17, 1997 (11:00)", "body": "Kali, come down to L.A. and we will take that trip to Peter! (or at least to Sony Pictures). Anna: I agree with you in that I think Austen's work became more serious in tone as she herself aged. Hence the light-hearted wit of P&P as contrasted with the sense of loss in PERSUASION. I was also wondering about the actress who played Jane Fairfax -- was she even _English_? I thought she was quite exotic as well. The thing that bugged me the most about Emma is the filmmaker's willingness to let her be the butt of so many jokes -- we _know_ she's misguided, but that doesn't make her a buffoon. Ther were parts of this that were a little too similar to CLUELESS for me!"}, {"response": 79, "author": "jane", "date": "Fri, Jan 17, 1997 (12:00)", "body": "Amy2, The actress playing Jane Fairfax, Polly something, I think is English, and is perfect for the role she plays in Enchanted April, a very beautiful and languid upper-upper crust flapper (unless I'm confused about the era). She's also in Restoration, which I haven't seen. They didn't make much use of her in Emma. Jane"}, {"response": 80, "author": "elder", "date": "Fri, Jan 17, 1997 (12:09)", "body": "Jane -- re Polly (Walker?), the actress who played Jane Fairfax in Emma2: she was indeed perfect in Enchanted April (a truly beautiful movie), but seemed too old in Emma2. Perhaps if she had been in more scenes, or had more lines, we could have sympathized w/ her more. Toni Collette, who played Harriet Smith in Emma2, was also too old (and perhaps too large compared to Gwyneth Paltrow). But we did get to \"know\" her Harriet better and, therefore, sympathize more. Anna -- I grew to like this movie more each time I saw it. I hope you have the same increase in enjoyment."}, {"response": 81, "author": "Kali", "date": "Fri, Jan 17, 1997 (21:56)", "body": "Yes...it is Polly Walker, and she is English. --- Amy2 (BTW, thanks for your invite...I'm there!), I don't think Emma was made to look like a buffoon...merely the silly little girl she sometimes is. In the novel, as well, Austen treats Emma as such. Emma is in so many ways a child; allowed to construct views on life without the added benefit of an alert and involved father. Everyone but Mr. Knightley seems to think that she's perfect, and so she goes about her life (and the lives of others) as if her view is the best view (or perhaps ONLY view). When the reality of a situation catches up with her, she either completely misses the point or gets so smacked by it that she's in a state of shock. It would be sad indeed if Emma never got the point...but she does, to our satisfaction and amused relief. The completeness of both her delusion and epiphany is hyperbolic, which entitles us to some heightened impatience, and, I think, greater amusement at her stupidity. Just because Emma is one of the \"mature\" novels, it need not follow that we consider the story and it's themes with utmost gravity. I contend that Austen is of the \"slice of life\" school (Mansfield Park and Persuasion, perhaps, are most infused with what comes close to \"moral lessons\"), in which the characters teach us, but need not be vehicles of anything much larger than themselves as specimens of human nature. Emma, as a novel and as a character, \"teaches\" us about personal growth and aw reness, but it is not a sledgehammer. Juxtaposed with the poor and sick she tends, Emma has no problems other than those she creates for herself. The greatest potential for tragedy in this novel lies in the possiblity that Emma will never grow up. While the real-life implications of her meddling are very real, it is rather clear to me that those whom her actions might affect (Harriet and Miss Bates, for example, and Frank and Jane through her willingness to gossip with Frank), are quite resilient enoug to withstand Emma's immaturity. In fact, I think the Miramax Emma makes more of the consequences Emma's actions than the novel in several instances, most notably of Emma's Box Hill stab at Miss Bates. \"Maturity\" in writing (both tone and content)need not equal greater moralization or greater distinction of \"lessons\" at the expense of humor. I agree that the tone of Emma shows a greater understanding and sharper analysis of the human condition, but I contend that it doesn't dampen the humor of the situation. It is poignantly ironic, and humorous, that Emma \"knows\" everything about everyone except herself. In this instance, Austen's greater understanding takes us beyond the class issue of P&P, the tragedy of misprioritization in MP, and pain of loss in Persuasion, into the study of problems where the romance of politics and sociology dictate there should be no problems. In Emma , Austen penetrates a tranquil and priviledged little world to pick apart the personality of a girl who should be none of us, but in a very real way represents all of us in her faults. Emma reminds us that it pays to engage in reality checks every once in a while, and that it is never too late to t y to learn from one's mistakes. --- Anna, I saw that post on breaking the rules of color, etc., in AUSTEN-L, and I thought it very interesting. I like the idea of tweaking historical realism here and there (but not too much!) to bring something to life in modern eyes. Isn't the exaggeration of reality what gives art its expressive quality?"}, {"response": 82, "author": "Kali", "date": "Fri, Jan 17, 1997 (21:58)", "body": "PS - It's obvious we're getting nowhere on this subject. You all think I'm crazy, and are, I'm sure, ready to lock me up in Bertha Mason's attic! ;)"}, {"response": 83, "author": "mrobens", "date": "Sat, Jan 18, 1997 (07:42)", "body": "PS - It's obvious we're getting nowhere on this subject. You all think I'm crazy, and are, I'm sure, ready to lock me up in Bertha Mason's attic! ;) Nonsense, Kali. I am quite of your opinion, as you know. I feel that Emma is the most complete of JA's heroines. This is due, not to the serious tone of the novel, but to the wonderful way Emma's shortcomings allow us to understand her character. On the other hand, I'm sure Mr. Rochester would be delighted to find you in the attic one day instead of Bertha! Poor Jane wouldn't stand a chance."}, {"response": 84, "author": "Anna", "date": "Sat, Jan 18, 1997 (17:15)", "body": "] You all think I'm crazy, and are, I'm sure, ready to lock me up in Bertha Mason's attic! ;) Never that Kali ;-) What a dull place the world would be if we all thought the same way on every topic!"}, {"response": 85, "author": "Kali", "date": "Sat, Jan 18, 1997 (17:48)", "body": "Thank you, dearest Myretta and loveliest Anna... And Anna, the world would indeed be dull if everyone agreed on everything! ;)"}, {"response": 86, "author": "Elaine", "date": "Sun, Jan 19, 1997 (18:30)", "body": ""}, {"response": 87, "author": "MaryC", "date": "Sun, Jan 19, 1997 (22:29)", "body": "I enjoyed your commentary Kali. Elaine was obviously speechless after reading it ..."}, {"response": 88, "author": "Kali", "date": "Mon, Jan 20, 1997 (03:53)", "body": "Thanks, Mary..."}, {"response": 89, "author": "amy2", "date": "Mon, Jan 20, 1997 (12:49)", "body": "Kali, I had prepared a very elaborate reply, then my modem lost its connection. Drat! I will try to reconstruct: It's my distinct impression that Austen's work grew in depth, and perhaps in disappointment, as she got older. I don't think you can compare the almost giddy, youthful humor of Northanger Abbey to the very real sense of loss in Persuasion. To me, Emma kind of falls midway in her canon as far as seriousness of tone, probably weighting more to the \"fun\" side. I also have to say that I don't think Austen's aim was really to show us that \"little bit of ivory\" she claimed as her palette. Even though she was dealing with the parochial (young English women of good standing) her characters, morality, and themes are so universal that they've stood the test of 200 years. Rather than just presenting Miss Woodhouse to the world & pointing out her particular folley, it seems to me that JA is drawing broader moral implications that might rival even Mary Anne Evans (nee George Eliot). This is just one writer's opinion. Don't hurt me!"}, {"response": 90, "author": "mrobens", "date": "Mon, Jan 20, 1997 (12:52)", "body": "]This is just one writer's opinion. Don't hurt me! Gee, Kali. What a reputation! ;-)"}, {"response": 91, "author": "Kali", "date": "Mon, Jan 20, 1997 (14:24)", "body": "No kidding, Myretta. I won't hurt you...and I didn't mean to imply that Jane Austen doesn't draw any moral implications. She does, as does any writer. However, Jane Austen does NOT present us with moral propaganda, nor does she draw incredibly heavy moral distinctions b/t the \"bad,\" the \"good,\" and the \"proper\" and the \"wrong.\" This is ground we've covered in the irony and morality thread, Amy2. My contention remains that Emma presents a \"life's lesson\" kind of experience through clear eaded humor and astute analysis of a personality. Emma's brain is not an allegory for spiritual revolution. She's a kid who needs to grow up, and finally does. Who can't identify with that?"}, {"response": 92, "author": "amy2", "date": "Mon, Jan 20, 1997 (19:51)", "body": "I don't want to reprise the Irony & Morality thread here, but I _do_ think that Austen was a moral propagandist. She is very clear in P&P, for example, that Lady Catherine's (and Darcy's initial) equation that gentility = wealth + position is wrong; I also think she placed a high value on the proper sort of \"understanding,\" \"sense,\" that her various characters possessed to varying degrees. Even at the very end of P&P, she's trying to put a proper moral spin on the role Lady C. ultimately played in unitin Lizzy & Darcy. EMMA is what it is on the surface, and I think we can all agree to that; however, I also think Austen is pretty clearly trying to tell us \"don't be a yenta!\" Don't meddle in other people's affairs of the heart -- let them fall in love on their own. Now despise me if you dare!"}, {"response": 93, "author": "amy", "date": "Mon, Jan 20, 1997 (20:11)", "body": "I am probably reading too much into Emma, but the very first time I read it, it had lessons for me that go beyond \"growing up\" an \"dont' help e e ,,"}, {"response": 94, "author": "amy", "date": "Mon, Jan 20, 1997 (20:19)", "body": "let me try that again. ...beyond \"growing up\" and \"don't meddle.\" Like so many of Austen's stories, it's about self delusion, which is broader than growing up or don't meddle. Kali and I and some others were talking about this -- again -- in chat, and we all agreed that JA must have done a great deal of thinkt deluding oneself. We wondered if all this pondering served to break her free of the curse of delusion."}, {"response": 95, "author": "amy2", "date": "Tue, Jan 21, 1997 (10:53)", "body": "That is certainly another very important thread in the book, Amy. I also think Austen was a great believer in romantic self-determination; a.k.a., only YOU could make a considered decision as to the person you were to marry. Every time someone else tries to interfere (Darcy with Bingly; Mrs. B. with Mr. Collins; Lady C., etc.) the results are either comical or disastrous."}, {"response": 96, "author": "Amy", "date": "Tue, Jan 21, 1997 (11:19)", "body": "Amy2, re romantic self-determination &tc. See I think that, too, belongs under the heading of \"don't kid yourself; know what you want, making the self-delusion theme, well, more a theme than a thread. But perhaps this is nitpicking."}, {"response": 97, "author": "jane", "date": "Tue, Jan 21, 1997 (13:35)", "body": "I also see the theme of self-delusion in Emma, and would also apply it from the perspective of Knightley. It wasn't until Frank Churchill came around and stirred things up that Knightley faced up to his own great love for Emma, and that he needed to be more than a brother to her. Then there is Mr Woodhouse: not the slightest crack in his self-delusion, and who would want to be him?"}, {"response": 98, "author": "elder", "date": "Tue, Jan 21, 1997 (14:54)", "body": "One of the differences between the idea of \"growing in knowledge of self\" as shown in Emma vs how it is shown in P&P is that Elizabeth doesn't try to \"write\" other people's stories (i.e., she doesn't try to run their lives) the way Emma does with Harriet. Elizabeth is amused by other people, and she enjoys her life, but her potential for doing harm to others is less than Emma's, IMO. Emma could have messed up Harriet's chance for happiness; she is mean to Jane Fairfax (the Mr Dixon idea is hers before Frank ever comes to Highbury); and she insults Miss Bates in a very unkind public manner. I love both of these novels; in fact, I think Emma the more accomplished work of art. I feel that Emma is in greater need of self-knowledge/maturity, than Elizabeth Bennet, however, even though they are about the same age."}, {"response": 99, "author": "Kali", "date": "Tue, Jan 21, 1997 (18:55)", "body": "I would say that self-delusion is a thread, self-awareness being a general theme. However, considering the fact that I DON'T consider Austen a moral propagandist (life as she writes it is more complex than a bundle of moral lessons!), I cannot say that the book is more about self-awareness than it is personal growth in general. Emma is not only deluded - she is careless and sometimes thoughtless and insensitive (gossiping with Frank, her comment to Miss Bates, failing to understand the potentia consequences of her actions), because she does not truly understand the bases of human interation nor the complexity of other people's lives and needs. Overcoming these particular aspects of her character allow her to better understand the workings of society, other people, and herself, as a fully-cognizant human being. She gains: 1) A greater appreciation for Mr. Knightley (both as a potential mate and as a mature, adult friend); 2) the realization that the truth of a matter (Jane and Dixon, Harriet and Elton, etc.) is not always perfectly evident; 3) that she can't know or fully comprehend every situation at age 21; and 4) the understanding that she can't go on living vicariously through the relationships of her friends, as that tendency is unfulfilling and often futile. She needs to get her own life (who doesn't ). She can't be her daddy's little girl forever, which brings up the fact that she could end up like Miss Bates, cocooning herself in self-congratulation for her \"help\" to others, as Miss Bates shields herself from the chill of the reality of her situation through incessant yammering. Emma can't understand her place in society - nor can she prioritize her life based on the options such an understanding presents - until she understands how it functions. She MUST understand that other people are more complex than she often gives them credit for. --- Amy, I think awareness of others and one's proper relationships to them, which in turn spurs an awareness of self, is crucial to the maturing process. People can't be happy - or at least satisfied that they have exhausted all of their options - until they understand the realities of life. I think that's why Austen wrote this book."}, {"response": 100, "author": "Amy", "date": "Tue, Jan 21, 1997 (19:16)", "body": "Kali, you will try to twist this into a growing up book."}, {"response": 101, "author": "Kali", "date": "Tue, Jan 21, 1997 (19:29)", "body": "I'm not twisting anything, Amy. That's essentially what it is. Otherwise, she could have made a Miss Bates the heroine in Emma's place. Also, she would have greatly lessened the diversity of the characters' faults and lessons learned, greatly simplifying both the novel itself and the general notion of what maturity is."}, {"response": 102, "author": "Amy", "date": "Tue, Jan 21, 1997 (19:33)", "body": "Oh."}, {"response": 103, "author": "Kali", "date": "Tue, Jan 21, 1997 (19:35)", "body": "Is that an I-understand-where-you're-coming-from \"oh,\" or an I'm-shining-you-on \"oh\" ?"}, {"response": 104, "author": "Anna", "date": "Tue, Jan 21, 1997 (19:44)", "body": "Amy ] twist this into a growing up book. In my opinion there is no twisting required! Emma is more than just a growing-up book, even Northanger Abbbey is more complex than that, but Emma is a growing up book, amongst other things. Kali ] I DON'T consider Austen a moral propagandist (life as she writes it is more complex than a bundle of moral lessons!) Kali, I agree with you on this point, it's what I meant when I said I considered Jane Austen to be moral but not a moralist in the Irony and Morality topic. In Eric's absence there be no-one in this group to argue the contrary case. Kathleen ] Elizabeth is amused by other people, and she enjoys her life, but her potential for doing harm to others is less than Emma's, Kathleen you have summed up my opnion on P&P compared to Emma much more elegantly than I could have done; thank you. A few days ago Kali (I think) asked me in chat why I find Emma much less light-hearted than P&P; this is the reason. My view of these 2 books is strongly coloured by the way I look at the central character. One could well argue that many people are badly-off at the end of P&P for reasons social and/or financial, whereas Emma ends happily for most. However the happy endings in Emma arise despite Emma's meddling; she inflicts considerable and undeserved emotional pain on Jane Fairfax, Harriet, Miss Bates, Mr Knightley. The happy outcomes at the end come from the grace of Jane Austen alone. So, I find Emma 'darker' than P&P because of the pain Emma inflicts on others and because of the damage that 'good fortune' (in the shape of the author) alone averts."}, {"response": 105, "author": "Donna", "date": "Tue, Jan 21, 1997 (21:19)", "body": "I have read that most writers write about what they know and have experienced.This could be the case with Emma and Persuasion but with Pride and Prejudice what I beleive this was the her dream of the prefect man she would like to have married."}, {"response": 106, "author": "Karen", "date": "Wed, Jan 22, 1997 (00:22)", "body": "After reading through these posts, I think I have figured out why I prefer Emma the least of all of adaptions I have seen. Yes Emma needs to grow up but she lives in a bubble. I never really connected with Paltrows's version of her; I am hoping that Kate Beckinsdale's interpretation will move me more. JA and morality. I strongly believe JA was intensely moral and it is evident in all of her novels. Morality does not have to be preachy or negative. Nor is it simple. If morality were easy to determine, Darcy would have been solely a pompous proud man. Sometimes good people do bad things and bad people do good things. The key was often determining who the bad people were and not judge them but do not have them as initimate friends. Question re ITV/A&E Emma. I posted this one another thread but here it goes. Why are two versions of Emma out so closely together? Is it similar to the Dangerous Liasions/Valmont situation?"}, {"response": 107, "author": "Kali", "date": "Wed, Jan 22, 1997 (00:27)", "body": "I think you're right, Donna... --- Anna, forgive me for recovering this ground, but I'd like to go on record with it...;) The happy outcomes at the end come from the grace of Jane Austen alone. The same could be said for P&P. As far as I see it, had P&P been reality, Lydia would remain a ruined woman, and the rest of her sisters would pay for it in spinsterhood, dependent upon the Collinses for support. To me, this fate is much worse than anything Emma could possibly have brought upon herself. In the case of Emma , Emma is blessed with an unusually small and doting circle of friends. They are hardy, essentially decent people who like and respect her very much, and aren't seriously or permanently affected by any of her childish actions. Emma is rich, well-meaning, and well-loved. And she's a smart girl - she WILL come around eventually, the question is, how long will it take, and how miserable will she make herself before Mr. Knightley gives her the good yelling she needs to makes her realize that she's not as important as she thinks she is? Even at her deepest dispair at offending Miss Bates, at losing Mr. Knightley, and at totally misunderstanding Frank and Jane, her fears are overexaggerated (which is quite natural...especially in young people so used to flying glibly through life without cares). Any heaviness we might feel as readers, it seems, is that which Emma is feeling herself. But then we realize, as Emma does, that the fears are unfounded, we can be happy again, and w resolve to never, EVER again set up ANY of our friends...or gossip...or go on picnics when we're PMSing... ;)"}, {"response": 108, "author": "Anna", "date": "Wed, Jan 22, 1997 (01:08)", "body": "Kali, I think I understand what you're getting at, but we're going to have to agree to disagree on this one. Emma bothers me more than P&P, possibly because it's closer to some of my own unpleasant experiences than any thing in P&P. It's more an emotional response derived from my own history than a rational response, and thus not susceptible to change by argument. You are right about the picnics though ;-)"}, {"response": 109, "author": "amy2", "date": "Wed, Jan 22, 1997 (10:59)", "body": "Well, I think this thread has attained a most excellent level of argument and discourse! I find myself agreeing with just about all of you, though we might be at loggerheads over some particular points. As far as Austen's morality, I think she is a very _subtle_, even a guerilla, moral propagandist. She is not hitting us over the head with a steel bar like a Dickens or an Eliot; however, I think she makes it pretty darned clear which characters & traits she approves of; and which she decidedly doesn't. If Austen had no moral agenda, perhaps she would have conveyed that Lydia's elopment with Wickham was perfectly fine, and that Miss Bates deserved to be dissed in public for being a chatterbox. However, where propriety, sense, and the all-important understanding are concerned, she remains incredibly consistent throughout all of the six novels. One could say that her moral P.O.V. is practically unwavering. I also wanted to say that I too see Emma as more than just a \"coming of age\" book -- the lessons s e learns about herself are certainly just as profoud if not more so than Lizzie's: \"Until this moment, I never knew myself.\""}, {"response": 110, "author": "jane", "date": "Wed, Jan 22, 1997 (14:34)", "body": "From Kali: ). She can't be her daddy's little girl forever, which brings up the fact that she could end up like Miss Bates, cocooning herself in self-congratulation for her \"help\" to others, as Miss Bates shields herself from the chill of the reality of her situation through incessant yammering. First of all, in Miss Bates's defense, I would characterize her as admirable for her ability to appreciate the small blessings of her life. I don't sense self-congratulation here, but rather an cheerful outlook in what could be a really grim situation. Emma could do a lot worse than to be like Miss Bates, in some ways. Granted, Miss B is incredibly irritating, and would sorely try my patience. Next, a comment on all of our relative ages. I do not want to offend anyone or make it seem as though the opinion of a 21 year old is worth more or less than that of someone older or younger. Our ages influence our perspectives, certainly, and may contribute to our differences above? Kali, at Emma's age (but more fun, and nicer) sees Emma in terms of the maturing that Emma needs. I'm older (38) but can still relate to Emma's mistakes: do I need to grow up, or can I interpret the lessons of Emm in terms of perception/self delusion, an issue for any age? When I read Emma first (in my early 20's) I disliked her intensely, and found the whole plot to be irritating and disturbing, as it was clear that Emma was endangering Harriet's happiness most seriously. After another 2 readings I have come to like her much more, and appreciate her human frailty."}, {"response": 111, "author": "Hilary", "date": "Wed, Jan 22, 1997 (14:56)", "body": "I'll go with the self-delusion theme, with Anna's ideas about damage, and I think our age does colour our ways of understanding things sometimes, as jane mentions. I also don't want to forget the comedy in Emma. As for gossip and pms on picnics....wish us luck in Aust in Feb.!"}, {"response": 112, "author": "Kali", "date": "Wed, Jan 22, 1997 (22:27)", "body": "Amy2, \"coming of age\" is not necessarily followed with \"unpoignant\"! I think the benefit of a coming of age story is that so much can be done with it! After all, coming of age is to understand the situations and motivations driving the society around you. It is the most universal rite of passage that any social being experiences. It is a period of time when general knowledge, morality, politics, and psychology begin to gel together in your own mind. This is the time when you become able to build a fr mework of beliefs, knowledge, and ideas for yourself, and in turn use that frame work to conduct your own life. Life's events and experiences suddenly appear interconnected. It becomes evident that life is humorously, bitingly, fittingly, even, ironic (Thanks, Alannis!). It is a wonderful time, full of high highs, and some very low lows. In general, it is a hopeful, positive time, however. Some of the most important discoveries of your life will be made at this time...but not all! Emma is great beca se she recalls to you your own coming-of-age expereinces, while at the same time reminding you that you haven't gotten everything figured out just yet (thanks again, Alannis!)... The experience in Emma is brilliantly conveyed because in so many ways, it is realistic, universal, even commonplace (even though the main character herself is not necessarily someone we can all readily relate to). As I said before in I&M, the value of experience in Austen is not so much the \"lessons learned,\" but the process of learning itself. I think that Austen understood the value of education through one's own experiences - and others' too, but not to the same extent. I DON'T belie e that she was a guerilla propagandist. Her messages and themes come through clearly enough. THe fact remains, however, that they must share space with eachother, within her \"slices\" of life. Jane, rest assured that I was not intending to accuse Miss Bates of being self-congratulatory! I was accusing the alternative-dimension Emma of the future of that fault! ;)"}, {"response": 113, "author": "amy2", "date": "Thu, Jan 23, 1997 (10:59)", "body": "I was thinkig of \"coming of age\" stories in terms of classical mythology/fantasy, along the Joseph Campbell lines. I guess we've just seen so darned many of these in movies & books (STAR WARS, for one; & usually from the Young Man's perspective) that at this point, it bores me completely. I do think EMMA is about a lot more than just a young girl growing up, tho this is certainly an integral part of the story. I'll go with Amy's theme of self-delusion, applicable to all of us AT ANY AGE, as the central trope of the story. As far as Alannis is concerned -- do you think we can start the Alannis Morisette Channel? Cause that's all you hear on the radio these days!!"}, {"response": 114, "author": "JohanneD", "date": "Thu, Jan 23, 1997 (11:29)", "body": "coming of age : in a way, that makes me laugh, since were learning every day whether you're 7 or 77 :)"}, {"response": 115, "author": "Amy", "date": "Thu, Jan 23, 1997 (11:46)", "body": "That is true, too, Johanne, too true. I feel positively 12 many days."}, {"response": 116, "author": "amy2", "date": "Fri, Jan 24, 1997 (11:12)", "body": "Amy, you're ahead of me. Most of the time, I feel old & tired."}, {"response": 117, "author": "Saman", "date": "Fri, Jan 24, 1997 (15:37)", "body": "While searching for something else (a Crowded House article - Hilary ;), I found an interview with Gwyneth Paltrow which you might find interesting. Sorry I can't do those cool link things, but it's at: http://www.theage.com.au/ent/ (Melbourne's The Age newspaper) Sorry if this has already been mentioned, but I don't have time to read through all the above articles. It looks like there are quite a few graphics which I can't see because of my text-only browser. Enjoy."}, {"response": 118, "author": "Saman", "date": "Fri, Jan 24, 1997 (15:38)", "body": "Hey wow - it does those \"cool link things\" automatically!"}, {"response": 119, "author": "Kali", "date": "Fri, Jan 24, 1997 (17:52)", "body": "Thanks, Saman...I'm glad you posted that..."}, {"response": 120, "author": "Hilary", "date": "Sat, Jan 25, 1997 (13:25)", "body": "'coming of age : in a way, that makes me laugh, since were learning every day whether you're 7 or 77 :)' Much what I was thinking while reading. The traditional 'coming of age' that happens around say 18 - 21, is, as Kali says, a very exciting and mecurial time. But it happens just as markedly in many different forms and times."}, {"response": 121, "author": "Kaffeine", "date": "Sat, Jan 25, 1997 (19:25)", "body": "For those of you who share my great affection for Mr. Jeremy Knightly (Kali), I have a new offering. I rented PHENOMENUM tonight - and while I've only just started watching the movie, it was already money well spent - there's a promo for EMMA on it! So I, of course, got out my Snappy and have several photos to post to my Jeremy Northam pages (some sound files too - but it was my first attempt at creating .wavs and I didn't do a great job. Did manage to get \"Try not to kill my dogs\", though)."}, {"response": 122, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Sat, Jan 25, 1997 (19:59)", "body": "Oh Kaf! I like that pose and mischievious side-long glance very well! ;-)"}, {"response": 123, "author": "Kali", "date": "Sun, Jan 26, 1997 (05:45)", "body": "Oh, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!"}, {"response": 124, "author": "JohanneD", "date": "Mon, Jan 27, 1997 (11:15)", "body": "Isn't he a definite contender to an honorary drooling thread here? The demand will certainly rise in next March"}, {"response": 125, "author": "Ann2", "date": "Mon, Jan 27, 1997 (11:57)", "body": "Yes Kaffein,this man undoubtedly has got both looks and a look. I particularly remember how becoming those white shirts are to his skin colour. Certainly worth some drooling space. And his body is rather ligth and pleasing, especially when MrBeveridge\ufffds(?) tune is played.Thanks for pic."}, {"response": 126, "author": "Kali", "date": "Mon, Jan 27, 1997 (13:40)", "body": "Shall we secede and start our own drooling topic, Ladies?"}, {"response": 127, "author": "JohanneD", "date": "Mon, Jan 27, 1997 (13:46)", "body": "Pretty please"}, {"response": 128, "author": "Amy", "date": "Mon, Jan 27, 1997 (13:52)", "body": "Of course, you are welcome to introduce a Northam topic, here. But maybe Kaf's site could use your enthusiasm."}, {"response": 129, "author": "Kali", "date": "Mon, Jan 27, 1997 (13:52)", "body": "Okay, I'm going for it...anything for you, johanne..."}, {"response": 130, "author": "Kali", "date": "Mon, Jan 27, 1997 (13:52)", "body": "We can do both..."}, {"response": 131, "author": "JohanneD", "date": "Mon, Jan 27, 1997 (14:25)", "body": "Pretty please"}, {"response": 132, "author": "amy2", "date": "Mon, Jan 27, 1997 (19:08)", "body": "I just read something of interest in The Hollywood Reporter archives. Apparently, there's yet A THIRD version of Emma in the works -- this from the BBC, and it's another five-part mini-series. It's not scheduled for later in '97."}, {"response": 133, "author": "Amy", "date": "Mon, Jan 27, 1997 (19:14)", "body": "No way! (re 3rd Emma) Why? Why not try MP or something?"}, {"response": 134, "author": "Kali", "date": "Mon, Jan 27, 1997 (21:21)", "body": "I agree, Amy..."}, {"response": 135, "author": "Becks", "date": "Mon, Jan 27, 1997 (23:24)", "body": "I love JA adaptions, but this will mean OVERKILL!!!"}, {"response": 136, "author": "Kali", "date": "Tue, Jan 28, 1997 (01:00)", "body": "Hey, we should produce our own version. We can have, like, ten of each character in this one...it will get it out of everyone's system for good that way..."}, {"response": 137, "author": "mrobens", "date": "Tue, Jan 28, 1997 (07:05)", "body": "I think Emma deserves more than a two hour treatment. I wish it had been the P&P2 team, but I'm open to others."}, {"response": 138, "author": "amy2", "date": "Tue, Jan 28, 1997 (11:17)", "body": "Maybe we should do an adapatation that combines all six hours, and it can run longer than a double feature of GWTW & HOW THE WEST WAS WON!"}, {"response": 139, "author": "amy2", "date": "Tue, Jan 28, 1997 (11:17)", "body": "Maybe we should do an adapatation that combines all six novels, and it can run longer than a double feature of GWTW & HOW THE WEST WAS WON!"}, {"response": 140, "author": "amy2", "date": "Tue, Jan 28, 1997 (11:17)", "body": "Maybe we should do an adaptation that combines all six novels, and it can run longer than a double feature of GWTW & HOW THE WEST WAS WON!"}, {"response": 141, "author": "Mari", "date": "Tue, Jan 28, 1997 (12:04)", "body": "Amy2, I like the suggestion, even three times :)"}, {"response": 142, "author": "amy2", "date": "Wed, Jan 29, 1997 (19:49)", "body": "Sorry -- I was having a lot of trouble with the Spring at that moment. I guess if you really want to make a point, repeat it thrice!"}, {"response": 143, "author": "Susan", "date": "Fri, Jan 31, 1997 (22:57)", "body": "#133 through 135: Is it really possible to have too many Jane Austen adaptations? Bring them on, I say; they're still preferable to most of what else is out there, and besides, don't we need more to talk about?"}, {"response": 144, "author": "Anna", "date": "Sat, Feb  1, 1997 (00:20)", "body": "] we need more to talk about? hence the DDL drool thread... ;-)"}, {"response": 145, "author": "Susan", "date": "Sat, Feb  1, 1997 (00:31)", "body": "Just spreading the drool around..."}, {"response": 146, "author": "Inko", "date": "Sat, Feb  1, 1997 (22:57)", "body": "I was in a bookstore today and saw an article on the new A&E Emma in (dare I say it) Romantic Times. For all those enquiring minds that want to know I bought it to exerpt some of the article here. It's got four very nice photos of the 2 and a half hour production. \"We at RT have seen the critics' screening of \"Jane Austen's Emma\" and assure you it is a fine and authentic production, quite accurately depicting the lifestyle of the period. You will be able to enjoy the lush English scenery much as it was in Ms. Austen's age (1775-1817) in this version, which was filmed over six weeks in the heart of the English countryside. \"Lovers of historic costumes will revel in the splendid 19th century attire designed by Oscar winning costume designer Jenny Beavan.... \"The stately homes featured in the production include Trafalgar Park, former home of Lord Nelson, near Salisbury; Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire; and Broughton Castle near Banbury.... \"The village of Lacock, in Wiltshire served as the fictional village of Highbury.\" (Lacock also served as Meryton in P&P2. When I visited it last summer I had lunch at the Red Lion Inn and saw a letter displayed on a wall from the producers of Emma thanking the village for their hospitality. Shooting had finished about a month before I was there.) The article continues about the food production - had to look lavish and yet still be edible. \"Said screenwriter Andrew Davies, ... \ufffd Emma is a longer book than P&P . An awful lot of it goes on in Emma's head, so I had to find a way to show her thoughts and feelings and at the same time, portray her character so she didn't come over as just an interfering bossy bitch who plays God! In the end, the two elements had the same solution--we filmed her match-making ideas as imagination sequences picturing couples' future lives together.' \"The other major change comes in the latter part of the book which Andrew compressed into one scene. \ufffdThere are 40-odd pages resolving the various strands which I pared down, putting the essential meaty bits of it into one scene at a harvest festival supper. I'm sure Austen devotees will be a bit shocked at first, but I hope they will understand the reasons for it,' he said. \"Sue Birtwistle, ....this time around has joined into artistic collaboration with screenwriter Andrew Davies to co-create \"Emma\" as well as wear the producer's bonnet. And, along with \"Emma\" scriptwriter Susie Conklin, Sue has penned the insightful \"Emma\" companion book, The Making of Emma ."}, {"response": 147, "author": "Donna", "date": "Sun, Feb  2, 1997 (08:57)", "body": "VIDEO RELEASE DATES: A&E EMMA MARCH 7,1997 JN 7 GP VERSION:.......................... APRIL 15,1997 info: http://www.tbvg.com/"}, {"response": 148, "author": "Donna", "date": "Sun, Feb  2, 1997 (09:54)", "body": "JN & GP version....................APRIL 15,1997"}, {"response": 149, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Sun, Feb  2, 1997 (14:41)", "body": "Not until April 15? Rats!"}, {"response": 150, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Sun, Feb  2, 1997 (14:43)", "body": "Ooh Amy! I really like how that outline frown looks against the white background! Cool!"}, {"response": 151, "author": "Amy", "date": "Sun, Feb  2, 1997 (14:49)", "body": "That's the main reason I like while backgrounds -- no transparentizing required."}, {"response": 152, "author": "Angie", "date": "Fri, Feb 14, 1997 (20:15)", "body": "Is there a blunder in the Miramax version of Emma? I was reading Emma recently and in my book it says she falls in love with George Knightly. But, in the Miramax version, Emma says \"I love John...\" Isn't John Knightly her sister's husband? Can someone who has the book also check this out for me? I'm not sure if my book is wrong or if the movie had a blunder. Please E-mail me at narf197332@aol.com if anyone finds out. Thank you. Angie"}, {"response": 153, "author": "candace", "date": "Fri, Feb 14, 1997 (20:57)", "body": "Emma is referring to her brother-in-law when she goes through the \"I love John, I hate John\" dialogue. If I remember correctly, this is a result of Emma speculating on advise that John will give George regarding Harriet and herself. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 30, "subject": "movie locations", "response_count": 21, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "suzanne", "date": "Thu, Apr 30, 1998 (13:58)", "body": "It's a tough business! Movie locations."}, {"response": 2, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Thu, Apr 30, 1998 (14:48)", "body": "There is a wonderful advertisement for the LA Times that frequently shows before the previews in theatres. It shows a director looking at slides taken by a location scout, and finally seeing the images that he wants, only after she has rapelled down a rock tower to get them. As the meeting adjourns, he smirks and asks her, \"So? Where's my river?\" and our final scene is of the location scout rafting down the whitewater rapids of some canyon. Every time I see that ad, I think to myself, \"My god! What a terrific job she has!\" :)"}, {"response": 3, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Apr 30, 1998 (16:11)", "body": "Several films have been produced right here in Harford County (MD), the most recent being at a nearby farmhouse for the Amish movie with Tim Allen/Kirstie Alley (can't remember the title). One of the most beautiful locations, as I mentioned in another topic, was for \"Il Postino\" somewhere on the Italian coast. I'd location-scout there anytime!"}, {"response": 4, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Thu, Apr 30, 1998 (20:43)", "body": "someone actually did a movie on Shreveport's C. Bickham-Dickson Park. I dunno, think it was B-rated!!"}, {"response": 6, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Thu, Apr 30, 1998 (21:47)", "body": "i dunno, it didn't even make it to local theatres!"}, {"response": 8, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Thu, Apr 30, 1998 (21:54)", "body": "ok, well, it didn't attract even more people to the park for the \"i was here\" photo ops!"}, {"response": 9, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Apr 30, 1998 (22:19)", "body": "They did a Sandra Bullock movie in Smithville this summer. They had a big parade down Main street. I went there seeking a job as an extra but got there too late. Got a great massage though. Great location. I think Suzanne worked locations for this movie. Suzanne is new to this, I showed her how to post things earlier today and set her up with CRT."}, {"response": 10, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Thu, Apr 30, 1998 (22:20)", "body": "welcome suzanne!"}, {"response": 11, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Thu, Apr 30, 1998 (22:35)", "body": "Ok. What is \"CRT\"?"}, {"response": 13, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, May  1, 1998 (16:24)", "body": "or \"chronically really ticklish\" depends on the context"}, {"response": 15, "author": "pip", "date": "Thu, May  7, 1998 (15:05)", "body": "How does one get a job as a location scout? Anyone willing to divulge such secrets?"}, {"response": 16, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, May 16, 1998 (04:23)", "body": "This movie was filmed in New South Wales. Rose, Norman, Jane and Honey Lindsay are the characters. It featues Hugh Grant, Sam Neill, Elle McPherson, and other great actors. I just saw the end of it. But not the beginning. And I want to see it all. I missed the opening credits. It was playing on Starz II on the satellite dish (G1 153). Anyone know what movie this is?"}, {"response": 17, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, May 17, 1998 (21:54)", "body": "Is this a quiz, Terry? Or don't you know? If you don't, try this site which cross-references actors & directors: http://www.mrshowbiz.com/reviews/moviereviews/ I have no idea what it is, but I'd like to know the title."}, {"response": 18, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, May 18, 1998 (11:50)", "body": "It's called SIRENS."}, {"response": 19, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, May 20, 1998 (07:45)", "body": "What did you think of it, Charlotte?"}, {"response": 20, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Wed, May 20, 1998 (12:35)", "body": "I couldn't get much behind the plot, but the acting, directing, and cinematography was all first-rate. Sam Neill is always a delight, but Hugh Grant was playing against type, and it showed. Elle McPherson was the big surprise. Held her own with the best of them. I recommend it."}, {"response": 21, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Jun 24, 1998 (01:36)", "body": "On Friday- and Saturday nights they have these really naf sex movies on TV for bored, lonely people. So one night a bachelor friend of ours who work under my husband, rang up and said, 'Switch to SAT1 immediately!' We did, and it was one of these movies; it was located in the music library which my husband runs! (But made before he came, I hasten to add.) We were in stiches, and he'll never hear the end of it at work."}, {"response": 22, "author": "jgross5", "date": "Wed, Jun 24, 1998 (10:07)", "body": "Please take this as calm as you can, everyone. Coincidences don't get much stranger than this. Are y'all sittin' down? Cushion real soft and plentiful around yer butt? Okay. Good. I was the guy in that movie who was in the accident and had to have my left leg amputated, but they amputated my middle leg instead. The surgeon character apologizes to my character, \"It was an accident, I didn't mean to or anything.\" It was when I met that actor's real life wife---about a month before rehearsals started---that we came up with the location for the movie and suggested it to the director who was also in the hot tub with us. 3 people in the tub was just too crowded anyway, so the director got out and ran straight to the music library cuz me and the actor's wife were so enthusiastic about it as a fab location site. But what me and the wife did at that point was, unbeknownst to us, filmed by the cinematographer who was lu king in the shadows. The lighting where we were was perfect for the shot, and that's why you saw that scene in the movie, towards the end (but before the accident, of course). It was her first scene as a professional actor. She went on to become Elle Macpherson, but I didn't....I only became me. All these coincidences in life!! Wouldn't it be such a letdown if they didn't happen? We'd have to lip sync it and try to act satisfied."}, {"response": 23, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Jun 24, 1998 (13:04)", "body": "How very bizarre! If only I had known you back then, I would have recognized you straight away - I mean, for the life of me, I could not work out why the movie had to be called, 'Ficknick in Texas' ! Well, now I know . . .. Thanks for clearing that up! Pity you didn't continue with the acting career though. I found it pretty erotic when you licked Elle Macpherson's nose while doing a hand stand with all three legs touching the ground here and there, and letting out those little squeals of pleasure of yours. I even remember how your lines went: 'Giddyup, Ma'am, giddy-you-up-you-now . . . hmmm . . !!'"}, {"response": 24, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Sun, Feb  6, 2000 (16:14)", "body": "My storage room/cage/office is a movie location for a horror film. I'm shooting it on Super 8, of course."}, {"response": 25, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Feb  6, 2000 (16:37)", "body": "My back bedroom-cum-catchall is its offspring and overflow sump. No matter how much stuff we remove, it fills up again over night. None of the stuff is mine, either. Odd! movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 31, "subject": "Science Fiction Movies", "response_count": 8, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Oct 29, 1998 (09:01)", "body": "____________________________________________________________________ CTHEORY THEORY, TECHNOLOGY AND CULTURE VOL 21, NO 3 Event-scene 68 98/10/21 Editors: Arthur and Marilouise Kroker ____________________________________________________________________ From Robodad to Biobitch ======================== ~Charles Tonderai Mudede~ Almost all sciences owe something to dilettantes, often very valuable view-points. But dilettantism as a leading principle would be the end of science. He who yearns for seeing should go to the cinema... - Max Weber Western science has given us two worlds: a Newtonian world and a Darwinian one. And if we may hazard a broad definition of our last century of scientific discovery it may be described as a series of contests between these two doctrines: physics versus biology, the machine versus the body, space exploration versus molecular research; one leading us to the stars, the other to the cell; one fashioned on inexorable laws, the other tending to statistical probability; one pointing distantly to God, the other haunted by Psyche; one indomitably male, the other undeniably female. And the winner of this contest would win unlimited funding and the complete loyalty of the masses. For many years the Newtonian world had the upper hand in this contest; its elaborate machines promised us answers to all of our questions. Billions were funneled into robotics and space programs; telescopes and probes launched into the sky. But when transmitting back their findings, all they showed us were more bright stars, more spiraling galaxies, more emptiness, more questions. Ultimately, we lost faith in Newton and threw ourselves at the feet of Darwinian science which, wondrously, had managed to grow a human ear on a mouse's back and duplicate an unsuspecting sheep. Over the past twenty years our change of faith, our transition from the Newtonians to the Darwinians, can be traced in a series of dark science-fiction blockbusters: the late 70s through the 80s being the last days of Newtonian dominance, and the 90s marking the rise of our Darwinian world. ~Alien~, 1979, Ridley Scott --------------------------- This film is exceptional not only because it begins a cycle of what James Cameron would identify as \"tech noir\" (~Blade Runner~, ~Terminator~, ~Robocop~), but, more significantly, for the first time in blockbuster sci-fi history an alien is imagined not as a being descending from a higher civilization organized by Newton-like advances in efficiency and armed with sophisticated weapons which neatly vaporize the enemy, but instead, as a bloodthirsty primal creature engaged in some intergalactic Darwinian struggle for survival. Here the battle between the doctrines is clearly represented, and Newtonian science barely escapes defeat--only to be lost in space, drifting among the endless stars. ~Terminator~, 1984, James Cameron --------------------------------- Though ~Terminator~ pretends to be a \"human\" story affirming the honor and dignity of the emotional, freedom-loving human species, we cannot help but notice its admiration and worship of the efficient man-machine; the cyborg with its human flesh exterior and metal skeleton. This creature has no emotions and cannot be confused or distracted--its life has total meaning, total Newtonian function. ~RoboCop~, 1987, Paul Verhoeven ------------------------------- As a regular human, the police officer Murphy (Peter Weller) was only a weak cop with a weak gun trying to enforce order in a city that at all levels (from corporate boardrooms in the sky to small businesses on the street) had spun out of control and become, as one spectator in the movie puts it, \"the heart of darkness.\" But as a man-machine equipped with powerful weapons, he can take direct action and return all the parts of society drifting, as it were, out of their orbits like rebellious planets back into their proper Newtonian places. (It is interesting to note that RoboCop is nearly killed in the same decaying Fordist factory where, seven years later, the T-800 model in ~Terminator 2~, the last man-machine, is to die in a red-hot liquid bath.) ~Aliens~, 1987, James Cameron ----------------------------- Set on a planet colonized by Newtonian humans, who were quickly destroyed by Darwinian aliens, it culminates in a deadly combat between man-machine (Ripley fitted into a cargo loader) and the alien. Again, the Darwinian world loses, but not for long, its time is soon to come. ~Species~, 1995, Roger Donaldson -------------------------------- With the destruction of the last man-machine (Arnold Schwarzenegger) in that sad farewell at the end of ~Terminator 2~, the stage is set not only for the post-industrial era, but also for the she-beast in ~Species~. In this film it quickly becomes clear that the Darwinian world is to be mastered by fecund women--the reproducers, the black widows--and not by rational metal men, as was consistently the case in the Newtonian world. The story is this: human DNA i"}, {"response": 2, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Fri, Oct 30, 1998 (14:19)", "body": "Wow, and I thought these movies were just for entertainment purposes only..."}, {"response": 3, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Nov 14, 1998 (09:07)", "body": "The X Files: Fight the Future gotta luv it!"}, {"response": 4, "author": "TIM", "date": "Sun, Nov 15, 1998 (02:13)", "body": "Science fiction has always been, among other things, a political forum."}, {"response": 5, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Thu, May 20, 1999 (10:42)", "body": "Anybody ever read Savinien Cyrano de Bergerac's books around here? Vintage ain't half the word for these early 17th-century space travel logs, which got him into many a good fight with the authorities, who thought they were ridiculed in these works (one completed, one uncompleted: The Journey to the Moon States and The Journey to the Realms of the Sun). Cyrano actually picks a fight with everyone in these works. Social criticism covered in a Sci-Fi-fable, extremely hilarious. And yes, he is THAT Cyrano, the legendary fencer with the renowned facial features, mathematician and poet, swordsman and philosopher. They made a movie with Gerard Depardieu based on a play written by, was that him? Rostand, late 19th, early 20th century. Not much in that play is based on facts, besides his looks and his fencing, aye, and his tempers."}, {"response": 6, "author": "AotearoaKiwi", "date": "Fri, Jun  7, 2002 (05:13)", "body": "Hi all A good science fiction movie I know of (and Julie)is Dante's Peak - the one about a volcano that erupts and you have lahars, pyroclastic flows and lava flows coming down the volcano all at once. Well, in real life you might have a combination of pyroclastic flows melting snow and thus triggering lahars, but lava flows and pyroclastic flows are not likely at the same time because the magma is either exploding or flowing. This is a movie in which Pierce Brosnan starred, for those of you from Drool and the volcano upon which Dante's Peak was modelled is Mount St Helens. Rob"}, {"response": 7, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Jul  2, 2006 (04:17)", "body": "Anyone seen the new superman movie?"}, {"response": 8, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Jul  4, 2006 (17:45)", "body": "not yet---am gonna wait for dvd, i think :) movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 32, "subject": "Star Wars Episode I", "response_count": 40, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Nov 22, 1998 (10:36)", "body": "The trailer is opening at selected theaters showing Joe Black & Waterboy... http://www.starwars.com/episode-i/news/trailer/california.html Cinescape has pictures from the trailer... Samuel Jackson has a role as a Jedi Knight. This movie may have a $100 million opening weekend. Some folks are paying to see movies where they show the trailer, and then walking out after they see the trailer before the movie starts (up to 80% in some theaters)."}, {"response": 2, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Nov 23, 1998 (07:45)", "body": "To put the *Star Wars* trailer's impact in dollar terms (from NYT): Theaters showing films like \"The Waterboy,\" \"The Siege\" and \"Meet Joe Black\" were crammed with people -- mostly young men -- who paid full admission just to see the trailer and left when the movie began. The trailer was also shown after each movie ended, so a handful of theater owners allowed filmgoers to return with their torn ticket stub. Underscoring the box office impact of the trailer -- and the trailer alone -- were the substantial gains made on Tuesday night over Monday at theaters showing it. At the Mann Theater in the Westwood section of Los Angeles, near the University of California, \"The Siege\" took in $13,000 on Tuesday night; it had taken in only $1,000 on Monday night."}, {"response": 3, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Nov 27, 1998 (20:17)", "body": "so they didn't walk out because the trailer stunk. i'll have to see the film when it's released."}, {"response": 4, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Mon, May 10, 1999 (07:30)", "body": "You guys got all the luck."}, {"response": 5, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, May 11, 1999 (17:22)", "body": "We're really getting close now. It's about a week or two away and already lines are forming at the theaters in Austin. And I lot of previews are outon shows like Entertainment Tonight."}, {"response": 6, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, May 11, 1999 (17:31)", "body": "i thought it released on May 12 -- tomorrow!"}, {"response": 7, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Wed, May 12, 1999 (08:17)", "body": "STOP THIS TALK! Aaaaaaaaaaaaargh! Why must I suffer like this! Don't my trials never end! First this &%$\ufffd?\ufffd#-mess I got myself in, and now THIS!!!!! I wonder what's next... But then, I don't really want to know."}, {"response": 8, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, May 13, 1999 (23:42)", "body": "Harry Knowles, you know the \"ain't-it-cool.com\" guy who paired with Roger Ebert last week, turned down three invites to free Star Wars showings and chose to tough it out in the line. He said he'd be betraying all those folks who've been waiting there for a couple of weeks, to walk by them after seeing the free viewing. They let about 250 folks, mostly from Dell, in to see the pre-screening. I guess the Dell folks rule around here (and they know it). By the way, some newspaper misquoted Ebert as saying Knowles needed a bath so Ebert is inviting him back on the show *sooner*. They're going to be showing Star Wars Episode I around the clock, 24 hours a day, and all showings are booked for weeks. What dya expect in this town full 'o nerds?"}, {"response": 9, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Sun, May 16, 1999 (09:03)", "body": "Aaaaaaarghhh! STOP torturing me, willya! What did I do to make you hate me so much!!! This is *not* fair! *suffering badly* FREEZE this topic!!!! I can't take more....."}, {"response": 10, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, May 17, 1999 (11:00)", "body": "Would some bad reviews cheer you up?"}, {"response": 11, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Mon, May 17, 1999 (15:49)", "body": "patience is a virtue, alexander :)"}, {"response": 12, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Mon, May 17, 1999 (17:11)", "body": "and often, virtue is a patient..."}, {"response": 13, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, May 17, 1999 (21:14)", "body": "Ree is giving lessons in patience (6 months!)."}, {"response": 14, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Tue, May 18, 1999 (13:28)", "body": "Huh? Whazzat mean, Terry? And yes, some bad reviews would be great. But they'd spoil all the fun, so - please not. No, I'll do it like this: When I was a kid, I had no money, so I started trading stuff and doing fleamarkets. The money I earned was too valuable for me to burn it by going to movies. As I was bibliomanic, the natural solution was buying the novelization or the original book the film was based on. This could be reread whenever I wanted, how often I wanted. It would always be there for me, together with all the other books I hoarded. Looking back at that time, it seems to me rather sad and pathetic.- I'll buy the novel. I'll have a case of regression. I'll live through this. I'll survive."}, {"response": 15, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, May 18, 1999 (14:57)", "body": "you're a trooper!"}, {"response": 16, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Tue, May 18, 1999 (17:41)", "body": "That's exactly the problem. When the rebellion finally reaches this solar system, I'll be one of the first put up against the wall..."}, {"response": 17, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, May 21, 1999 (11:51)", "body": "i'd like to find all 12 of the star wars novels. bet they'd be expensive to order due to all the hype. my husband saw the film thurs morning (12:45 AM). he said it was good and all of us are going tomorrow. he explained some of the characters to me but had to shut himself up before he gave everything away. i can't wait. i loved star wars! and still enjoy seeing the videos. btw: i didn't go see the rerelease of star wars with all the added stuff. just couldn't do it."}, {"response": 18, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, May 21, 1999 (16:58)", "body": "it's pretty groovy Wolf -- nothing has been violated IMHO"}, {"response": 19, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, May 21, 1999 (16:58)", "body": "ummm... that's the re-release. I haven't seen Episode 1 yet"}, {"response": 20, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, May 22, 1999 (17:11)", "body": "OK, i've actually seen a new movie! Episode I was cool! can't wait for II!!"}, {"response": 21, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, May 24, 1999 (10:20)", "body": "braggart! the lines here are still unacceptably long... it'll be a while.."}, {"response": 22, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, May 24, 1999 (15:24)", "body": "haha!! (not laughing at you, stacey!) we went at 10 in the morning. got there at 9:30. it wasn't too bad. my husband bought the tickets the day before, which was the longest line at the theatre. i want to see it again!! there was too much to take in the first go around. my husband said he caught on to more the second time around."}, {"response": 23, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, May 25, 1999 (11:14)", "body": "I went at 4 in the afternoon to a half filled Gateway theater and got a middle row seat, there was hardly anone there when I first got there. Enjoyed it, except the racially stereotyped jar jar character. Jar Jar gives aliens a bad name, maybe the alien rights group should picket the theaters . . ."}, {"response": 24, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, May 25, 1999 (11:40)", "body": "jar jar was great! i didn't notice any racial stereotype though...."}, {"response": 25, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Tue, May 25, 1999 (12:18)", "body": "... then you wouldn't be an alien like Terry (or me). Hey, that's true, you *aren't* an alien, because your are a wer-woman, wer-wolf, woman-wolf... Wolf-woman! Arrh, sorry, wolf-lady, Ma'am!"}, {"response": 26, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, May 25, 1999 (12:52)", "body": "haha!!"}, {"response": 27, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Dec 15, 1999 (16:09)", "body": "Since I seem to have killed off this topic the first time, lets see if I can bury it with the following: 19 Reasons You might be a Redneck Jedi if.... 1.) You've ever heard the phrase \"May the force with ya'll\" 2.) Your Jedi robe is camouflage. 3.) You've ever used your light saber to open bottle of Bud Light. 4.) At least one wing of your X-wing is primer colored. 5.) You can easily describe the taste of an Ewok. 6.) You've ever had a land-speeder up on blocks in your yard. 7.) The worst part of spending time on Dagobah is the dadgum skeeters. 8.) Wookies are offended by your B.O. 9.) You've ever used the force to get yourself another beer so you didn't have to wait for a commercial. 10.) You've ever used the force in conjunction with fishing or bowling. 11.) Your father has ever said to you, \"Shoot son, come on over to the dark side...it'll be a hoot\" 12.) You've ever had your R-2 unit use it's self- defense electro-shock thingy to light your barbecue grill. 13.) You have a Confederate flag painted on the hood of your land speeder. 14.) You've ever fantasized about Princess Lea wearing Daisy Duke shorts. 15.) You've had the doors of your X-wing welded shut and you have to get in through the window. 16.) You have a cousin who bears a strong resemblance to Chewbacca. 17.) You suggested they outfit the Millennium Falcon with a redwood deck. 18.) You were the only one drinking Jack Daniels during the cantina scene 19.) If you've ever heard...\"Luke, I am your father.... and your uncle\" *^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*"}, {"response": 28, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Dec 16, 1999 (17:14)", "body": "that was hysterical!"}, {"response": 29, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Dec 16, 1999 (17:25)", "body": "I usually put stuff like that on screwed 163 but it seemed more appropriate here. It was too good to just make the email rounds. Glad you enjoyed it!"}, {"response": 30, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Dec 17, 1999 (09:51)", "body": "Sounds like your typical South Austin Jedi Knight."}, {"response": 31, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Dec 17, 1999 (14:59)", "body": "I though it just might...*grin*"}, {"response": 32, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Thu, Dec 23, 1999 (12:47)", "body": "Ever seen the way cool Episode I LEGO kits? DATSRITE, folks - Lego goes Star Wars! There's the Naboo fighter, the sub, a Tie fighter, a X-wing,... And a robotic exploration kit with which you can build yer own R2D2. That stuff is hot!"}, {"response": 33, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Dec 23, 1999 (12:58)", "body": "How neat! Still have my son's Lego stuff somewhere being stored for future generations. Sounds fantastic. Gotta have that Naboo fighter and the X-wing... I just need a good excuse..."}, {"response": 34, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Dec 23, 1999 (19:33)", "body": "I'll check it out next time I'm in Toys r US. They were pretty cleaned out when I went there the other day."}, {"response": 35, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Wed, Dec 29, 1999 (11:34)", "body": "You'll drop to yer knees, thankin' the benevolent powers that finally combined some of the coolest products, and outspend, wonderin' who to give it to later... if partin' from it at all!"}, {"response": 36, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Dec 29, 1999 (16:54)", "body": "Oooh, you know me better than I thought. *lol* It's the partin' o' the ways with clever inventiveness which gets me every time. Thanks for getting the juices flowing again...*grin*"}, {"response": 37, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Jul 15, 2000 (21:58)", "body": "they've got Star Wars Legos? and i thought the action figures were cool!"}, {"response": 38, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Mon, Jul 17, 2000 (19:42)", "body": "The first photo is out on the website, but it's cryptic."}, {"response": 39, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Apr 30, 2001 (02:42)", "body": "Thsi should be out this summer?"}, {"response": 40, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Jul  2, 2006 (04:18)", "body": "This movie has finally made it to HBO and I just saw it. It was worth waiting for! Another delayed pleasure. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 33, "subject": "Videotape movies - what's out now", "response_count": 68, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Nov 22, 1998 (10:39)", "body": "11/17/98 Video Releases Fire Passion in the Desert TwentyFourSeven A Bright Shining Lie Can't Hardly Wait Dirty Work Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas More Tales of the City Operation Condor 2: Armour of the Gods (which is actually 1986's 'Armour of God') Any of these worth renting at the video store?"}, {"response": 2, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Sun, Nov 22, 1998 (19:59)", "body": "Haven't seen any of those, Terry. BUT...yesterday I rented and watched \"The Opposite of Sex\", starring Christina Ricci, and Lisa Kudrow. I highly recommend this funny, warm, insightful, and memorable film!"}, {"response": 3, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Nov 22, 1998 (20:49)", "body": "I hear that Dangerous Beauty is \"absolutely gorgeous, sexual, sex-positive, engrossing . . . and a true story too.\" Anyone heard of this film, it's not even listed in XL this week."}, {"response": 4, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Nov 22, 1998 (22:15)", "body": "I want to see both of those!! Where is Jim??"}, {"response": 5, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Nov 23, 1998 (07:30)", "body": "I'd really like to hear Jim comment on Dangerous Beauty. Where is that boy when we need him?"}, {"response": 6, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Nov 23, 1998 (10:48)", "body": "I saw Dangerous Beauty in a theatre. It is indeed sumptuous, provocated, beautifully acted, and based on a true story. I read somewhere, however that the filmmakers took many liberties with history for the sake of drama. Can't fault them for that, really. Rufus Sewell fans should be in 7th heaven."}, {"response": 7, "author": "jgross", "date": "Mon, Nov 23, 1998 (18:19)", "body": "I thought that movie was about Charlotte. And it actually took place way in the past, you say? And it's not quite accurate history-wise? Well, the title sure is on the mark. I hate to see movies twice, but this time I may need to."}, {"response": 8, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Nov 23, 1998 (19:07)", "body": "*grin* What a sweetie. We missed you, Jim! And thanks for the lovely thought. Not the same as talking about me over breakfast with Kevin, but almost as exciting."}, {"response": 9, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Nov 24, 1998 (08:11)", "body": "11/24 Video Releases Bang Little Boy Blue Other Side of Sunday Phoenix Dr. Dolittle"}, {"response": 10, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Nov 24, 1998 (08:11)", "body": "12/1 Video Releases Go Now Sliding Doors Almost Heroes The Mask of Zorro Land Before Time VI Last Seduction 2 (Really! Straight to video, starring Joan Severance)"}, {"response": 11, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Dec  9, 1998 (10:52)", "body": "La Promesse Lawn Dogs Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (the Monty Python 'Wind in the Willows,' renamed for video) The Parent Trap Six Days, Seven Nights Sour Grapes Yep, La Promesse! Anyone seen it?"}, {"response": 12, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Dec  9, 1998 (11:04)", "body": "Those were the 12/8 releases, forgot to mention that."}, {"response": 13, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Dec  9, 1998 (18:55)", "body": "The only one of that last batch I saw was--yep, you guessed it--\"Parent Trap.\""}, {"response": 14, "author": "jgross", "date": "Mon, Dec 14, 1998 (21:26)", "body": "I couldn't guess it....I tried for 53 solid seconds. But that's the one I always get caught on. And I'm not even a parent. (pretty apparent, though, isn't it)"}, {"response": 15, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Dec 15, 1998 (23:37)", "body": "Jim--you gonna be in PA over Christmas??"}, {"response": 16, "author": "jgross", "date": "Wed, Dec 16, 1998 (00:28)", "body": "I'm gonna get on the PA and speak occasionally to the whole state at once about mistletoeing with the right one while they ride flying reindeers under that particular plant with the thick leaves and berries. Last year I talked to them about \"Jack Frost\", a whole year before the movie came out."}, {"response": 17, "author": "PT", "date": "Wed, Dec 16, 1998 (16:28)", "body": "Well someone has to talk about the dangers of flying low."}, {"response": 18, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Thu, Jan 14, 1999 (00:56)", "body": "\"Diary of a Seducer\" (not rated) starring Chiara Mastroianni and Melvil Poupaud; directed by Daniele Dubroux http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1572521953/thespring This French film of obsessive love--which takes its title from a book by Soren Kierkegaard--delves into a complicated tangle of philosophy, psychoanalysis, and romance. Available January 26."}, {"response": 19, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Thu, Jan 14, 1999 (00:59)", "body": "\"Schizopolis\" (not rated) starring Steven Soderbergh, Betsy Brantley, and David Jensen; directed by Steven Soderbergh http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1572521481/thespring (widescreen) From the director of \"Sex, Lies, and Videotape\" comes this surreal and experimental film that defies brief description. You might call it an avant-garde look at religion, romance, and the nature of language. Available January 26. \"Fanny and Alexander\" (R) starring Pernilla Allwin and Bertil Guve; directed by Ingmar Bergman http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0792840240/thespring Admirers of Bergman's film have been awaiting this rerelease for a long time. \"Fanny and Alexander,\" an autobiographical story set in Sweden at the beginning of the 20th century, is probably the most accessible and magical of Bergman's oeuvre. Available March 2."}, {"response": 20, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Jan 14, 1999 (08:37)", "body": "1/5/99 Video Releases Disturbing Behavior How Stella Got Her Groove Back Out of Sight Big week this week. 1/12/99 Video Releases Dance With Me 54 Henry Fool Hi-Life Pi The Truman Show Wilde"}, {"response": 21, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Jan 15, 1999 (16:23)", "body": "I want to see \"Henry Fool.\""}, {"response": 22, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Jan 15, 1999 (17:37)", "body": "was it charlotte that gave it such a glowing review? (I know, iknow, what in the hell am I doing in this topic?)"}, {"response": 23, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sat, Jan 16, 1999 (00:21)", "body": "(my thoughts exactly!!!)"}, {"response": 24, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Sat, Jan 16, 1999 (12:09)", "body": "No, it wasn't me. It was somebody else. I'm on the list of those anxious to see it! :)"}, {"response": 25, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Jan 17, 1999 (19:50)", "body": "It was Jim, I think."}, {"response": 26, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Jan 20, 1999 (09:44)", "body": "1/19/99 Video Releases Buffalo '66 Fireworks Love and Death on Long Island Mafia! The Only Thrill Return to Paradise Slums of Beverly Hills Smoke Signals"}, {"response": 27, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Jan 23, 1999 (18:25)", "body": "I want to see \"Love & Death on L.I.\" This week I saw \"Clockwatchers\", which is a would-be film noir about the tedium of office work as seen through the eyes of a temp, and \"Wings of the Dove,\" which started out great and then kind of petered out."}, {"response": 28, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Jan 26, 1999 (10:51)", "body": "1/26/99 Video Releases Cube Kurt and Courtney Marie Baie des Anges Rush Hour Whatever"}, {"response": 29, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Jan 27, 1999 (21:52)", "body": "Marie Baie des Anges? Foreign film, I assume. Anyone seen this one? (Jim?)"}, {"response": 30, "author": "jgross", "date": "Fri, Jan 29, 1999 (23:34)", "body": "Hadn't heard of it either. But I prefer to think that James Berardinelli has. Maybe, though, he writes his reviews first and then goes to see the movie to see if it checks out to be what he thought it would be: Marie Baie des Anges A Film Review by James Berardinelli France, 1997 U.S. Release Date: beginning 6/19/98 (limited) Running Length: 1:30 MPAA Classification: R (Violence, sexuality, profanity) Theatrical Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Cast: Vahina Giocante, Frederic Malgras Director: Manuel Pradal Producer: Philippe Rousselet Screenplay: Manuel Pradal Cinematography: Christophe Pollock Music: Carlo Crivelli U.S. Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics In French with subtitles Some films use a strong narrative to explore themes. Others utilize detailed character development for the same purpose. More rare are movies like Marie Baie des Anges, which attempts to use images and atmosphere to convey emotions and advance the plot. This is the kind of motion picture that will frustrate anyone who looks for a solid storyline, but may fascinate viewers who aren't bothered by this reliance upon the compelling power of well-photographed visuals. In other words, only art house audiences need bother. Marie Baie des Anges is slow moving but hypnotic, and always pretty to look at even when the story strays into the realm of the improbable and the incomprehensible. The film stars the alluring and sensual Vahina Giocante as Marie, a 15 year-old girl who spends her summer wandering the beaches in the South of France. Using her undeniable charms to enflame the libidos of several American soldiers (all portrayed as unflattering caricatures), she enjoys their attention as they take her to nightclubs and ply her with champagne. When she is around them, she feels like a queen. But Marie is a tease, and the GIs soon tire of her. In parallel with Marie's story, the film introduces us to 17 year-old Orso (Frederic Malgras), an outsider who is also spending his summer on the French Riviera. Like Marie, Orso does not feel bound by the conventions of society, but his rebellion manifests itself in violence and lawlessness. Orso is easily one of the most dangerous and uninhibited boys roaming the beaches. Ultimately, he and Marie meet, and, although their initial encounter is unfriendly, they soon find themselves attracted to each other, and embark on a journey to an island paradise. However, reality intrudes. Manuel Pradal, making his directorial debut, treats the film as if it is a canvas, juxtaposing images of incredible sensuality, amazing beauty, and graphic violence. In this movie, a picture is indeed worth a thousand words. The film shows how somewhere as beautiful as the Riviera (and the \"Baie des Anges\" in particular) can conceal great pain and misfortune. Every shot is carefully selected to emphasize the director's vision of how this Eden is a place of contradictions. By carefully choosing the times of day when the lighting is just right, Pradal and cinematographer Christophe Pollock have sought to recreate the Riviera captured in the paintings of Matisse. For Marie Baie des Anges, Pradal has assembled a cast of newcomers and screen neophytes, many of whom came from poor backgrounds. The two leads, Vahina Giocante and Frederic Malgras, have charisma, although Malgras occasionally shows his lack of acting experience. Before landing this role, he lived in a caravan of Russian gypsies north of Paris. Giocante, a dancer for the Marseilles Opera, was only 13 when Pradal chose her to play Marie, and she is a true natural. Already, she has been called \"the new Bardot\" by virtually everyone. In the wake of her stunning debut here, there is little doubt that she will be heard from again. Pradal's attention to visual detail has its pros and cons. On the positive side, it effectively captures the chaos of youth, when girls and boys struggle with intimacy, clumsily learn about the power of sexuality, and feel the sting of rejection. It's not so much love that eventually binds Marie and Orso together, as their unspoken recognition of how much they have in common. Too often, however, Pradal becomes so enraptured with his visual poetry that he lets the thin narrative fragment to the point where it makes no sense. For those willing to endure the frustration engendered by such lapses, Marie Baie des Anges offers a few unconventional pleasures. \ufffd 1998 James Berardinelli"}, {"response": 31, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Jan 30, 1999 (03:58)", "body": "Did you post this before you read this or did you just make up this imaginary reviewer as your new psued, leplep? Which is it?"}, {"response": 32, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sat, Jan 30, 1999 (14:08)", "body": "Because of our posting schedule, his post will take place three weeks after we see it."}, {"response": 33, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Feb  1, 1999 (15:44)", "body": "James Berardinelli is, in my unremarkable opinion, the finest reviewer on the Web, or most any place else. I *always* check his reviews for information on new films, and only very rarely have my on viewpoints differed radically from his. I have only seen him give a perfect score to one film, and that was Schindler's List. James Berardinelli"}, {"response": 34, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Feb  1, 1999 (18:55)", "body": "I will bookmark that one for sure. And how does he stack up the perennial Siskel and Ebert?"}, {"response": 35, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Mon, Feb  1, 1999 (19:44)", "body": "Well, for one thing, he keeps nobody around to argue with him. :) Ebert has visited James' site, and commented favorably on it. I find him equally articulate, discerning, knowlegeable. I think you will agree after you visit his site and check out some films that you have already seen. S&E do not post their reviews in readable form, merely audio. I do not have a sound card, so this is useless to me. Even so, I watch S&E each week, and will continue to do so for the film clips, but for thorough, thoughtful reviews, I prefer James. I have been his fan even BEFORE he had a website."}, {"response": 36, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Feb  2, 1999 (07:32)", "body": "That's too bad Siskel and Ebert don't publish their reviews in text, only audio. I checked out http://www.siskel-ebert.com and couldn't find any written reviews like you said. And I didn't have a sound card in this machine so I had to give up on that site."}, {"response": 37, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Feb  7, 2036 (01:39)", "body": "Wow, great site, Charlotte--we agreed on 4 out of 5 films I clicked on. That's a pretty good ration! I was getting tired of those smug reviews at http://www.mrshowbiz.com ."}, {"response": 38, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Thu, Feb  7, 2036 (02:32)", "body": "Spread the word, Autumn! James is the greatest! Incidentally, which one did you disagree on?"}, {"response": 39, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Feb  7, 2036 (02:42)", "body": "\"Trees Lounge.\" But we were dead-on with the others! It's at the top of my entertainment bookmarks now."}, {"response": 40, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Feb  8, 1999 (19:55)", "body": "2/9/99 Video Releases Antz Clay Pigeons John Carpenter's Vampires Legionnaire (Van Damme!) Next Stop Wonderland Office Killer Rounders"}, {"response": 41, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Feb  8, 1999 (20:28)", "body": "Rented \"Sliding Doors\" and \"Grosse Pointe Blank\" this weekend--both were terrific, especialy GPB. My kind of humor! I haven't laughed so hard in ages."}, {"response": 42, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Feb  8, 1999 (21:51)", "body": "What kind of humor is that?"}, {"response": 43, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Tue, Feb  9, 1999 (22:05)", "body": "(dark?) (i liked grosse pointe blank a lot too)"}, {"response": 44, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Feb 11, 1999 (12:12)", "body": "Wry, dark, clever, a real dry wit--I mean, any film about a hit man going to his High School reunion just has to be a scream! It's on my top ten list now."}, {"response": 45, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Feb 17, 1999 (11:59)", "body": "2/16/99 Video Releases Beyond Silence Fetishes First Love, Last Rites The Governess A Merry War Snake Eyes This Is the Sea Welcome to the Woop Woop Without Limits"}, {"response": 46, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Feb 18, 1999 (14:49)", "body": "Never heard of any of 'em. Rented \"Wag the Dog\" for the weeekend."}, {"response": 47, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Feb 22, 1999 (20:35)", "body": "OK. It's that time again. 2/23/99 Video Releases Digging to China Last Emperor: The Director's Cut Permanent Midnight Ronin Shadrach Urban Legend"}, {"response": 48, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Mar  2, 1999 (10:35)", "body": "Slim pickin's 3/2/99 Video Releases Ever After Slam"}, {"response": 49, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Mar 12, 1999 (09:45)", "body": "3/9/99 Video Releases Dead Man on Campus Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammemeyer Story Slam What Dreams May Come"}, {"response": 50, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Fri, Mar 12, 1999 (10:41)", "body": "Hello everybody! I'm collecting home movies on Super8, Normal8 or 16mm FILMS! That's right, not on magnet tape but on genuine reel-to-reel-film. Is there anybody interested in the same thing? Please check http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/collecting/24 ."}, {"response": 51, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Oct 18, 2000 (20:34)", "body": "what's out in stores now: Toy Story 2 The Green Mile"}, {"response": 52, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Sat, Oct 28, 2000 (21:05)", "body": "9/26/00 Video Releases Black and White * Final Destination The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas * Joe Gould's Secret The Last September Screwed * Waking the Dead Where the Heart Is Center Stage East-West The Skulls Snow Day * U-571 10/10/00 Video Releases Committed * Love and Basketball * Pitch Black Rules of Engagement * Shanghai Noon * Time Code 10/17/00 Video Releases * Keeping the Faith Picking Up the Pieces * Toy Story 2 10/24/00 Video Releases Center Stage * The Patriot * Up at the Villa More Video's I'd like to check out: American Psycho Anna and the King with Jody Foster Bicentennial Man Bob Roberts - I hear this has a tremendous cast. It's got Tim Robbins in Chasing Amy - Ben Affleck Cider House Rules Dangerous Beauty Fight Club From Dusk till Dawn Gun Shy with Sandra Bullock Hanging Up Heat - I hear it's a real character actorfest. Deniro's in it. Hurricane Liberty Heights Lost Highway, David Lynch on the Indie Film Channel Love and Basketball Magnolia Mansfield Park Next Best Thing Ninth Gate Pitch Black - a sf film Prophecy - Christopher Walken horror film. Red Violin Saragossa Manuscript Straight Story Sweet and Lowdown Talented Mr. Ripley The Green Mile Time Code Titus Topsy Turvy, a Mike Leigh movie True Crime Twin Falls, Idaho What Planet are you From?"}, {"response": 53, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Nov  5, 2000 (18:15)", "body": "Of the above, I have only seen three of them. Chasing Amy - HATED it. Very vulgar. Mansfield Park - I really liked it, but Jane Austen would roll over in her grave if she could see what they've done to spice up her novel. Talented Mr. Ripley - Disliked it; Matt Damon's character came off as unwitting and clueless, not malevolent like I believe the author intended. Best rental I've had lately is \"Waiting for Guffman\", another \"documentary\" by Christopher Guest (Remember \"This is Spinal Tap\"?)"}, {"response": 54, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sun, Nov  5, 2000 (18:39)", "body": "Here is a movie to rent, Apartment Zero. We plan to start the AZ discussion on Thursday Nov. 9th at our CF film discussion topic. I hope you will all join us."}, {"response": 55, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Mon, Nov  6, 2000 (08:49)", "body": "Happy Texas should have been on that list, I just saw it and really enjoyed it. About a couple of guys, Jeremy Northam was one, who escaped from prison, faked being gay child beauty pageant managers. It was a fun diversion. I'm going to see Fight Club, when tivo records it in a couple of days. Otherwise I haven't made a dent in the list."}, {"response": 56, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Tue, Nov  7, 2000 (19:19)", "body": "Autumn, have you seen the earlier film adaptation of \"The Talented Mr. Ripley\"? It's a French film from the early 1960's called \"Purple Noon\". It's available in both sub-titled and English-dubbed versions. It's the movie which launched Alain Delon as an international star."}, {"response": 57, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Nov  9, 2000 (19:05)", "body": "No Cheryl, did you enjoy it? I will look for it in the foreign film section and compare the two."}, {"response": 58, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Sat, Nov 11, 2000 (11:22)", "body": "Yes, I did enjoy the film. I saw the sub-titled version in the theater when it was it was re-released about a year and a half ago. Delon is wonderful as Tom Ripley. The director Martin Scorcese admired the film so much he was responsible for the reissuing of a clean, new print."}, {"response": 59, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Apr 30, 2001 (02:33)", "body": "When is Bridget Jones Diary coming out on videotape? dvd?"}, {"response": 60, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Jul  3, 2001 (10:59)", "body": "6/18/01 Video Releases * Panic * The Pledge * Proof of Life * Save the Last Dance * State and Main 6/25/01 Video Releases * The Claim * Dude, Where's My Car? * Unbreakable * You Can Count on Me 7/3/01 Video Releases * Dracula 2000 * Snatch * The Wedding Planner"}, {"response": 61, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Jul 14, 2002 (09:31)", "body": "My video to watch on Directv or dvd hitlist x= seen it AI: A Movie and More? American Pie 2 x America's Sweethearts Amores Perros Antitrust Apocalypse Now Redux Atlantis: The Lost Empire x Battlefield Earth x Blow Bounce x Bridget Jones' Diary But I'm a Cheerleader! Cameron Crowe's *Almost Famous* Center of the World x Chocolat Croupier David Lynch's Mulholland Drive Didn't I Already See This Movie? Donnie Darko Dr. T and the Women Enemy at the Gates Evolution Final Fantasy Finding Forrester Focus From Hell x Ghost World Gosford Park Grateful Dawg HAIKU TUNNEL Hannibal Harry Potter Hedwig and the Angry Inch Hollow Man How the Grinch Stole Christmas I Want My DVD: Finding and lobbying for classics Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back x Jurassic Park III Kiss of the Dragon Knight's Tale K-PAX Legally Blonde Life as a House Made: with Vince Vaughan and Jon Favreau Memento Monkey Bone Monsters Ball x Moulin Rouge My Best Fiend My Dog Skip My So-Called Life boxed set North By Northwest Nurse Betty O Brother Where Art Thou Oceans 11 - Soderbergh remix Original Sin Pay It Forward Pearl Harbor Planet of the Apes a la Burton Princess Diaries Requiem For A Dream Rock Star Sexy Beast x Shrek Spy Game Spy Kids x Startup.com-- documentary State and Main Swordfish The Anniversary Party The Curse of the Jade Scorpion x THE DEEP END The Fast and the Furious The Heist - a david mamet film The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg x The Mexican with Brad & Julia The Mummy Returns The One: Highlander meets Matrix meets Jet Li The Score The Shipping News The Sixth Day Tomb Raider Unbreakable Vanilla Sky Waking Life Waking the Dead x What Women Want Wings of Desire Zoolander"}, {"response": 62, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Jul 14, 2002 (16:08)", "body": "I've seen several of the above, only a few of which I would recommend, though."}, {"response": 63, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Jul 14, 2002 (19:59)", "body": "Which ones did you like Autumn?"}, {"response": 64, "author": "duffuses", "date": "Sun, Jul 14, 2002 (21:50)", "body": "I'm a movie fanatic myself..LOL I watch so many during summer. It keeps me awake while I'm feeding the babies. Nothing better than a good movie and a dripping baby bottle to warm your late nights."}, {"response": 65, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Jul 16, 2002 (00:15)", "body": "Ones on that list I've seen: America's Sweethearts - didn't care for it (and I'm totally in love with John Cusack) Bounce - pretty good, I liked it; did I mention I'm in love with Ben Affleck too? Bridget Jones' Diary - sounds cliched, but the book was sooo much better Cameron Crowe's *Almost Famous* - I really enjoyed this one and heartily recommend Ghost World - Steve Buscemi has done much better--e.g.\"Trees Lounge\" Knight's Tale - cute, the kids liked it K-PAX - even Kevin Spacey couldn't save this one Legally Blonde - an enjoyable light 'n fluffy comedy, a' la \"Clueless\" Memento - fantastic!! Moulin Rouge - visually stunning, but that's about it North By Northwest - a must-see classic! \"Judy, Judy, Judy...\" O Brother Where Art Thou - typical weird Coen brothers film, I didn't get it Shrek - see \"A Knight's Tale\" Ones on that list I'd like to see: Chocolat Gosford Park Life as a House Oceans 11 The Shipping News Waking Life Zoolander Startup.com--(did you like this one, Terry?)"}, {"response": 66, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Jul 16, 2002 (06:05)", "body": "I'll have to checkout Almost Famous, I enjoyed startup.com, I went in thinking been there, done that, but it was still fascinating!"}, {"response": 67, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Jul 16, 2002 (10:34)", "body": "It received a lot of praise, but you know how unpopular a documentary can be--not very entertaining. I'll look for it!"}, {"response": 68, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Jul  2, 2006 (04:19)", "body": "DVD. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 34, "subject": "movies that define their genre", "response_count": 28, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Sun, Dec 13, 1998 (23:34)", "body": "Star Wars. Can enough be said about its impact on filmmaking?"}, {"response": 2, "author": "Ann", "date": "Mon, Dec 14, 1998 (00:11)", "body": "Star Wars. Can enough be said about its impact on filmmaking? } Certainly not. It is the movie that completely changed the industry. Pre-Star Wars no one had ever thought about action figures and marketing tie-ins, now James Bond sells ATM cards. As a result, there are large classes of films that depend on such sales and marketing tie-ins have driven the industry for years."}, {"response": 3, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Dec 14, 1998 (20:14)", "body": "How about \"Airplane\" for inventing the spoof? Movies making fun of other movies."}, {"response": 4, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Dec 15, 1998 (09:50)", "body": "Good one, Autumn."}, {"response": 5, "author": "PT", "date": "Tue, Dec 15, 1998 (13:10)", "body": "Autumn, have you ever seen Hardware Wars? It's a spoof of Star Wars. Came out shortly after."}, {"response": 6, "author": "osceola", "date": "Tue, Dec 15, 1998 (13:19)", "body": "Autumn, I don't think Airplane INVENTED the spoof, but it was very good. I'd give credit to Mel Brooks' movies from the '70s (Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein). The people who did Airplane revived the genre, and did it very well."}, {"response": 7, "author": "PT", "date": "Tue, Dec 15, 1998 (13:27)", "body": "You could even consider Monty Python to be a pioneer in this area."}, {"response": 8, "author": "jgross", "date": "Tue, Dec 15, 1998 (22:02)", "body": "Davy Crockett was a pioneer in this area or a little south of here ---he was pretty funny sometimes and spoofed stuff ---all of his movies, though, were never filmed ---\"a regular spoofer too far ahead of his time\" is what Pauline Kael used to say (to him) ....Davy always agreed with her (also in the third person) ---wait, is that true? ---yep; I double-checked my sources."}, {"response": 9, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Dec 16, 1998 (00:05)", "body": "I don't know, Jim, I've seen one of his movies (Disney!) How ya doin', George? Long time, no see...good point about the Mel Brooks' pictures, I had forgotten about those. Tim, I have never heard of \"Hardware Wars.\" Was it dreadful? Because I thought \"Star wars\" was (oops! Did I say that??)"}, {"response": 10, "author": "PT", "date": "Wed, Dec 16, 1998 (16:30)", "body": "Hardware Wars poked endless fun at Star Wars. If you had any gripes at all about Star Wars, you will love Hardware Wars."}, {"response": 11, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Dec 16, 1998 (16:41)", "body": "Hardware Wars? (autumn called you tim, pt, is that what the t stands for? been curious and wondered why you don't use it) i've never even heard of it (course, when ya live out in the boondocks). now space balls was a spoof on star wars for sure (another monty python gem)!"}, {"response": 12, "author": "PT", "date": "Wed, Dec 16, 1998 (17:23)", "body": "Space Balls was excellent. T does stand for Tim. The system won't let me logon that way."}, {"response": 13, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Dec 16, 1998 (19:19)", "body": "really? wonder why. maybe there's another user with that name or something. so anyway, what the heck is up with hardware wars? hmmm?"}, {"response": 14, "author": "PT", "date": "Thu, Dec 17, 1998 (14:06)", "body": "They use common household items to depict the hardware in the movie. For example an iron is an imperial cruiser."}, {"response": 15, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Dec 18, 1998 (09:54)", "body": "ok, well i'll pass then..."}, {"response": 16, "author": "PT", "date": "Fri, Dec 18, 1998 (13:33)", "body": "It is tremendously funny, start to finish. It only runs 40 minutes. I think you would enjoy it. The special effects are identical to Star Wars except for the actual hardware."}, {"response": 17, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Fri, Dec 18, 1998 (13:50)", "body": "is this the one with the huge beach-ball alien? the scenes with the beachball had me in stitches!"}, {"response": 18, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Dec 18, 1998 (21:39)", "body": "Hey Jim... You musta missed Davy Crockett's films... they went straight to video before being released... touchy topics of course. The Alamo... remember with the John Wayne Look-a-like. And the movie did look-a-lot-like Shane. Or Old Yeller or what was the one with the goose and the Amish family and the war and the little boy... oh yea... Persuasion... no.. something Persuasion. Damn. Can't remember Strong maybe. Simple... Persuasion something anyway."}, {"response": 19, "author": "jgross", "date": "Sat, Dec 19, 1998 (01:31)", "body": "\"Persuasion Mastaba\"? Took place in Egypt? Shot in Morocco? These Amish families that settled on some wavy land next to the Nile? And the little boy and little girl he met at the drive-in theater? Her dad's car had new chrome on it and stuff? And then the mastaba got wiff of them, and it opened up? And out pooped (I mean popped) the mummy? Anyway there was a war goin' on that was tryin' to get alotta the attention, and it (the war) would go around to people and hand out perfume samples, right? I dunno if I'm right about that, cuz I could be gettin' it mixed up with \"Saving Private Ryan\"? But y'know, wars do strange things to people. But anyway, I'm pretty sure the one yer thinkin' of, Stace, is \"Persuasion Mastaba\" If I'm wrong, hope that helped a little to jog yer memory some more."}, {"response": 20, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sat, Dec 19, 1998 (02:36)", "body": "'gentle persuasion', i think the film was called... (starred gary cooper)"}, {"response": 21, "author": "stacey", "date": "Sat, Dec 19, 1998 (04:15)", "body": "Yes!!!"}, {"response": 22, "author": "jgross", "date": "Sat, Dec 19, 1998 (05:19)", "body": "looked it up and whaddaya know \"Friendly Persuasion\" won best film at Cannes that year (1957) 4 Academy Award nominations, too (1956) musta been worth seein'.....never saw it. so it was the Civil War, Quaker family, I guess Anthony Perkins musta been that boy, Gary Cooper and Dorothy McGuire his parents"}, {"response": 23, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sat, Dec 19, 1998 (06:28)", "body": "yup, you're right... seen it couple of times, it's a good film from today's perspective, a little surprising that it won at cannes... from what i remember it was a pretty mainstream hollywood film..."}, {"response": 24, "author": "PT", "date": "Sat, Dec 19, 1998 (13:07)", "body": "Yes, Charlotte, You have the right movie. I'm going to have to see if I can find, \"Friendly Persuasion\", on video. Sounds good."}, {"response": 25, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Dec 21, 1998 (17:16)", "body": "it's no SHANE, but it's damn good!"}, {"response": 26, "author": "PT", "date": "Mon, Dec 21, 1998 (18:00)", "body": "I will definitely have to find it then. Hollywood Video has a good selection of old movies. I'll check there."}, {"response": 27, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Sun, Feb 15, 2004 (06:37)", "body": "The movie that defined the Gangster Opera: The Godfather . The movie that defined the \"cool gangster\" movie: Reservoir Dogs , although more Americans first saw the \"cool gangsters\" in Pulp Fiction . The movie that legitimized the horror movie: Psycho . The movie that brought the cheap, gory horror movie to the big time: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (the first one). I don't think Ed Wood was alive to see this, but he would probably died of envy if he had... The movie that revolutionized car chase scenes: Bullitt . There were better chase scenes in the earlier It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World but these were not taken seriously (as one would expect...)."}, {"response": 28, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Sun, Feb 15, 2004 (06:46)", "body": "The movie that defined the '70's car chase movie: Gone In 60 Seconds , written, produced, directed and starred by H. R. Halicki (sp?). This created the genre from which came Vanishing Point , Death Race 2000 , Firebird 2015 , Smokey and the Bandit , The Cannonball Run , and many others. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 35, "subject": "Sundance", "response_count": 6, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Jan 21, 1999 (10:23)", "body": "Sundance Enters Digital Era by Jason Silverman 3:00 a.m. 21.Jan.99.PST PARK CITY, Utah -- The quick evolution of digital filmmaking -- some are calling it a digital revolution -- will be a focus of the 1999 Sundance Film Festival, which begins here Thursday. Just as 1915 is remembered for The Birth of a Nation, the first Hollywood epic, and 1927 for The Jazz Singer, the first talking picture, 1998 could go down in film history as a watershed for digital film. Three digital movies reached theaters last year, including Bennett Miller's documentary The Cruise, a horror film called The Last Broadcast, and Thomas Vinterberg's The Celebration, a likely candidate for a foreign language Oscar nomination. But unless you were reading indie publications like Res magazine, you might not have known. The New York Times and Roger Ebert, in reviews of The Cruise and The Celebration, did not use the word digital. Thanks in part to the festival's New Media and Technology Center, though, Sundance '99 is taking stock of recent advances in digital technology. During the 10 day festival, the New Media and Technology Center will host numerous events marking the rise of digital filmmaking. Included are demonstrations of Sony digital cameras and Avid nonlinear editing systems; panel discussions on digital cinematography, sound, and editing; a seminar exploring the changing realities of distribution in a digital world; and \"The Digital Shoot-Out,\" a side-by-side demonstration of various formats, including Digital Beta, mini DV, Beta SP, Hi-8, and 35 mm film. According to Ian Calderon, a founder of and senior consultant to the Sundance Institute, the New Media and Technology Center, instituted in 1996, represents but one portion of Sundance's long history of commitment to video and digital filmmaking. In 1981, the Sundance Filmmakers Lab began using video as a \"sketchpad\" to work out problematic scenes before committing them to film. Nearly two decades later, video, Calderon said, is considered \"finished product.\" \"The independent-film community in 1981 considered video second class,\" Calderon said. \"Fast forward to 1999, and digital video is becoming an accepted state-of-the-art technology for independent filmmakers. It can take a while to size up a new technology, but video and digital video are now fully engaged by the filmmaking community.\""}, {"response": 2, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Fri, Jan 22, 1999 (01:10)", "body": "it's a great movie channel..."}, {"response": 3, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Jan 23, 1999 (18:25)", "body": "Our cable company doesn't carry it at present."}, {"response": 4, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Jan 23, 1999 (19:00)", "body": "I get it on the dish out in Cedar Creek but not on our cable in Austin. I don't like having to put in one of those little black boxes."}, {"response": 5, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Jan 27, 2005 (04:14)", "body": "Alexis Ferris and Jeffrey M. Brown are in a condo with as many as 13 people from their crew, trying to relax 18 hours before their film's big premiere at Sundance. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/artsentertainment/2002161821_sundance27.html I talk more about Sundance. See Spring's main page at http://spring.net"}, {"response": 6, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Jan 27, 2005 (04:15)", "body": "PARK CITY, Utah (Reuters) - If sex sells, as the advertising saying goes, the independent film world should be pleased with this year's Sundance Film Festival that features a slew of movies with explicit sexual themes and scenes. Teen sex, elderly sex and gay and oral sex fill a range of movies from dark comedy \"Pretty Persuasion\" to \"How the Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer,\" about three generations of Mexican women. Among the most talked-about early films of the festival, which entered the second half of its 10-day run on Wednesday, was \"Inside Deep Throat,\" a documentary that tells the story of the most famous porn film of all time and includes sexually explicit scenes from the original. Even the films that do not feature sexual scenes or themes seem stripped down to basic human emotions, such as former \"Friends\" star David Schwimmer's portrayal of a drunken casino boss whose life spins out of control in \"Duane Hopwood.\" It seems to be working, so far, for the film distributors who show up at Sundance to acquire movies. Bidding has been hot. Paramount Pictures and MTV Films combined for a $9 million purchase of rap music film \"Hustle & Flow.\" In recent years, the top deals at the festival ranged from $2 million to $5 million. The filmmakers say the sex in their movies is there for a reason, not just to challenge mores in an increasingly conservative United States. \"The sex in our movie is designed specifically to hit on one issue ... underage sex and teen sex,\" said Marcos Siega, 35, director of \"Pretty Persuasions. \"I don't think adults realize how rampant sex is in the culture today.\" Siega's satire follows a high school girl, played by Evan Rachel Wood, who uses sex as a weapon to manipulate others. It has been a hot ticket in the first half of the festival as has \"Garcia Girls,\" which explores the sexual longings of a teenage girl, her mother and her grandmother. THIS AIN'T HOLLYWOOD The low-budget indie arena has always been a place where moviemakers can freely explore sexual mores and norms, and the same can be said for writers and directors more concerned with human nature than Hollywood-style action and special effects. In \"Hopwood,\" Schwimmer's fans from the old television hit \"Friends\" can see him spiral downward through divorce and a lost job due to alcoholism. Continued ... http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=entertainmentNews&storyID=7443106 movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 36, "subject": "guess the grosses", "response_count": 4, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Mar 14, 1999 (08:16)", "body": "Here is the current data: PRELIMINARY BOXOFFICE FOR NORTH AMERICA FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1999 **INTERNET EXCLUSIVE** 1. ANALYZE THIS $4.320 -15% $28.688 SINCE OPENING 2. CRUEL INTENTIONS $2.560 -15% $18.944 3. CARRIE 2 $2.465 OPEN 4. CORRUPTOR $2.075 OPEN 5. WING COMMANDER $1.850 OPEN 6. DEEP END OCEAN $1.770 OPEN 7. BABY GENIUSES $1.390 OPEN 8. OTHER SISTER $1.145 -33% $17.169 9. 8MM $1.070 -47% $28.520 10. OCTOBER SKY $0.820 -15% $18.582 11. SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE $0.760 -15% $66.798 12. PAYBACK $0.685 -37% $74.105 13. MESSAGE IN BOTTLE $0.535 -47% $48.051 14. SHE'S ALL THAT $0.480 -40% $58.312 15. LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL $0.455 -07% $31.319 DOLLARS ARE IN MILLIONS % DENOTES CHANGE FROM LAST WEEKEND NUMBERS ARE MOVED FOR PRIVATE RECREATIONAL USE"}, {"response": 2, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Mar 14, 1999 (08:18)", "body": "Rounders $10 million Simon Birch $5 million My guesses."}, {"response": 3, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Thu, Mar 18, 1999 (23:49)", "body": "my guesses are... more than my lifetime income"}, {"response": 4, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Mon, Oct 16, 2000 (05:08)", "body": "Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at North American theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc. Final figures were to be released Monday. 1. ``Meet the Parents,'' $21.3 million. 2. ``Remember the Titans,'' $13.5 million. 3. ``Lost Souls,'' $8.4 million. 4. ``The Ladies Man,'' $5.7 million. 5. ``The Contender,'' $5.5 million. 6. ``The Exorcist,'' $5.4 million. 7. ``Dr. T and the Women,'' $5.2 million. 8. ``Get Carter,'' $2.7 million. 9 (tie). ``Almost Famous,'' $2.3 million. 9 (tie). ``Best in Show,'' $2.3 million. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 37, "subject": "Movie Queries", "response_count": 14, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Apr 26, 1999 (15:15)", "body": "Ok, you can delete topic 38 as i was trying to correct something in the description and didn't catch it in time. my question: The Truth About Cats and Dogs: starred Janeane Garofalo and Uma Thurman. who played the guy?????"}, {"response": 2, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Mon, Apr 26, 1999 (17:29)", "body": "Ben Chaplin? www.imdb.com"}, {"response": 3, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Apr 26, 1999 (18:28)", "body": "oh thank you mike *hug* i couldn't remember and all my searches produced nothing but 3 million websites that have the words in the movie title in them! thank you thank you thank you *smooch* (ben is such a, shall i say, babe?--yeah, i have weird taste)"}, {"response": 4, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Fri, May  7, 1999 (00:39)", "body": "good thing some of us men taste weird..."}, {"response": 5, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, May  8, 1999 (19:05)", "body": "you got that right!"}, {"response": 6, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Oct  9, 1999 (15:36)", "body": "got another one for you movie buffs, who played the mummy in the mummy???"}, {"response": 7, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Oct  9, 1999 (15:45)", "body": "nevermind, i found it....Arnold Vosloo. he also was in the darkman series...."}, {"response": 8, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sat, Oct  9, 1999 (17:02)", "body": "...and you think he is really Babe material...what is there about him? I have no idea of what he looks like...(lead a sheltered life and all that!)"}, {"response": 9, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Sat, Oct  9, 1999 (18:15)", "body": "What do you think - mucho bandages and the like!"}, {"response": 10, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sat, Oct  9, 1999 (18:25)", "body": "I'm guessing that Wolfie likes to unwrap her presents before enjoying them...! (That, or she has a nurse-fetish that we did not know about...?)"}, {"response": 11, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Sat, Oct  9, 1999 (18:30)", "body": "Nice to see you back, Alexander. I've missed you."}, {"response": 12, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Oct  9, 1999 (21:12)", "body": "oh all right, lemme find a decent pic!"}, {"response": 13, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Oct  9, 1999 (21:21)", "body": "here's a link to just about every scene that arnold was in! enjoy!! http://www.elkhound.demon.co.uk/pictures/imhoteppics.htm"}, {"response": 14, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sat, Oct  9, 1999 (21:27)", "body": "Oh yes, My Dear! I see...BIG guys do it for you!!! And it appears you have enough fur for the both of you...*grin* Actually, the man has definite potential slurpability...! movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 38, "subject": "Movie Queries", "response_count": 0, "posts": []}, {"num": 39, "subject": "South Park:  Bigger, Longer and Uncut", "response_count": 66, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Sun, Sep  5, 1999 (14:08)", "body": "Series starts in Germany TODAY on tv, RTL shows it (23:15 - Riette, do you get that?). Of course translated, and that always loses a lot... Filthy words - how come I simply knew you'd like that? ;=}"}, {"response": 2, "author": "riette", "date": "Sun, Sep  5, 1999 (14:27)", "body": "Yep, We GET that - saw it just as I was having dinner; over the moon about it! Did you see the name of the first episode??? \ufffdgiggling uncontrollably\ufffd CARTMAN UND DIE ANALSONDE !!! Everybody get that?? 'Cartman and the anal probe'!!!! Nothing lost in THAT translation!!! HA-HA!!!!! I'm sure I'll be thinking of you as I watch it...\ufffdgrin\ufffd"}, {"response": 3, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Sun, Sep  5, 1999 (16:04)", "body": "I've seen it already. It's a classic. His butt shoots fire and he starts singing \"I love to sing-a, about the moon-a and the tuna in a June-a\" when the aliens relay commands into his anal probe. Eric Cartman is an ass--a hilarious one-- anyway, so it is fitting."}, {"response": 4, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Mon, Sep  6, 1999 (20:48)", "body": "Somehow I just thought guys were interested in this stuff. Blazing South Park"}, {"response": 5, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Mon, Sep  6, 1999 (22:26)", "body": "Marcia...this stuff is classic. O'O might be offended by your watching it, but crude or not, it is so cleverly done you would almost certainly enjoy it. If you liked Blazing Saddles , you would like this."}, {"response": 6, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Mon, Sep  6, 1999 (22:52)", "body": "I adored Blazing Saddles...so did David. Maybe I should see it with him! Thanks for the comments. I will put it on my must-see list."}, {"response": 7, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Mon, Sep  6, 1999 (23:12)", "body": "Sounds like a perfect idea. If it doesn't work you can blame ME for your wasted couple of hours!!"}, {"response": 8, "author": "riette", "date": "Tue, Sep  7, 1999 (03:55)", "body": "I love the naff animation - it is so hilarious! And excellently naff. And, you were right - it was a HILARIOUS episode. And the little brother called Dildo was a hoot!"}, {"response": 9, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Tue, Sep  7, 1999 (04:26)", "body": "Actually, his name is Ike, but they do call him Dildo sometimes..."}, {"response": 10, "author": "riette", "date": "Tue, Sep  7, 1999 (11:02)", "body": "I know. But he LOOKS like a Dildo - not that I've ever seen one; but that's just how I imagine it must look! And I LOVED the part where the satellite dish came out of Cartman's ar$e - it was stunning!"}, {"response": 11, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Tue, Sep  7, 1999 (14:49)", "body": "Where does Cartman's ar$e leave off and the rest of him begin?"}, {"response": 12, "author": "riette", "date": "Tue, Sep  7, 1999 (15:07)", "body": "\ufffdlaughing like Cartman on the alien's operating table\ufffd I think the ar$e must begin somewhere outside him, because he looks like a little turt to me! And I do have this unsettling feeling that the ar$e must be ME, 'cos Cartman and Co.'s existence depend on people who are willing to watch them!!!"}, {"response": 13, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Tue, Sep  7, 1999 (15:17)", "body": "Count me in. If I'm an ar$e, that's the kind of ar$e I am and want to be!"}, {"response": 14, "author": "riette", "date": "Tue, Sep  7, 1999 (16:12)", "body": "Oh good! But, John, why do you think we are the only 2 people posting in here? I'm beginning to think that I am a buttock and you are a buttock , and together we make up the ar$e that is this topic!"}, {"response": 15, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Tue, Sep  7, 1999 (18:28)", "body": "South Park has a notoriously bad rep among American adults--but most of them don't seem to realize their kids ARE watching. When I do Cartman and Stan impressions (as well as \"Terrance and Phillip,\" SP's \"show within a show\"), my class cracks up--"}, {"response": 16, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Tue, Sep  7, 1999 (18:34)", "body": "(No one wants to admit watching it, perhaps?)"}, {"response": 17, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Tue, Sep  7, 1999 (19:49)", "body": "could be...I'll admit to almost anything I actually do...haven't done anything more illegal that 10 mph over the limit in a long time...and I'm far beyond being embarrassed about most stuff..."}, {"response": 18, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Sep  8, 1999 (03:03)", "body": "Ha, Marcia! Has either of you actually SEEN the movie yet? The shorts looked SOOO funny!"}, {"response": 19, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Wed, Sep  8, 1999 (03:15)", "body": "Yes...It isn't bleeped...I love it."}, {"response": 20, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Sep  8, 1999 (14:11)", "body": "GREAT! Didya see Austin Powers??? Isn't that bit with the turt in the drink astonishing??? But I HATED minnie-me - what an irritating little bastard! I saw it in London a few weeks ago; it was a little embarrassing, because I was with my two best male friends. And you know that misconception that constitutes the english view of women. So, every time one of those nasty bits came on, I couldn't restrain myself, and they'd go in those slightly high-pitched english gentleman voices: 'Ri-ETTE'!!! In the end we were just giggling like a bowl-fish threesome - it was so much fun."}, {"response": 21, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Wed, Sep  8, 1999 (14:25)", "body": "Oh, bee-have!!!! The turd in the drink got to me. I hated Mini-Me also, but I loved the way Dr. Evil used him as an excuse to ignore Scott. Had to buy into a lot of plot weaknesses to get into the sequel--like the unbelievable premise that Vanessa was a fem-bot! Still, laughs a plenty. Mike Myers is reportedly in the process of writing a Sprockets movie for his character, Dieter. I can't wait!"}, {"response": 22, "author": "riette", "date": "Thu, Sep  9, 1999 (03:51)", "body": "The fem-bot was great! It was a pi$$-take of those famous Bionic Woman episodes, and those bionic things always have me rolling on the floor. You're right though - it was a naff movie in many many ways; but I was in GOOD company when I saw it. If I'd seen it on my own, I'd have walked out half-way through, I'm sure!"}, {"response": 23, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Thu, Sep  9, 1999 (05:19)", "body": "I saw it on my own, as usual. And most of the time, for me, that has to suffice for good company. What the hey. Last time I stood alone on a street corner, a police cruiser slowly rolled by, and the cop inside yelled, \"Break it up!\""}, {"response": 24, "author": "riette", "date": "Thu, Sep  9, 1999 (07:25)", "body": "ha-ha! Nonsense! You can't be THAT bad in OR out of company."}, {"response": 25, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Sep  9, 1999 (15:15)", "body": "John plays hard to get. He scares-off too easily! Or he is too picky...?!"}, {"response": 26, "author": "riette", "date": "Fri, Sep 10, 1999 (03:00)", "body": "Picky is good. Nobody should end up with the first person who comes along - you should go for the best. Sometimes that can take a long, long, long time to find. Poor Chris took 44 years to find his best .... and ended up with ME! ha-ha!!!"}, {"response": 27, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Fri, Sep 10, 1999 (04:11)", "body": "Pah-dum-pum! (Rimshot!)"}, {"response": 28, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Fri, Sep 10, 1999 (21:54)", "body": "Yes! Cartman and Co. ARE making an impact! LONDON (Reuters) - The English infants school of South Park is being renamed in a bid to shed the image of the foul-mouthed American cartoon. South Park, the adult cartoon show about a small town in Colorado, has become a cult hit in Britain. A feature film, containing 399 swear words and 128 crude gestures, has also proved a big success. South Park infants school in the genteel southern English town of Reigate is now to be rechristened The Orchards. \"We were aware there was a cartoon called South Park and that it was not a particularly nice cartoon,\" said school governor Alan May r. The new name was designed to encourage children to love their environment, he added."}, {"response": 29, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Sep 10, 1999 (22:08)", "body": "Don't you just love it? They hated it, but bothered to watch carefully enough to count the 300 swear words and 128 crude gestures. That is success!!!"}, {"response": 30, "author": "riette", "date": "Sat, Sep 11, 1999 (00:25)", "body": "No, they LOVED it! Believe me, the English ADORE this sort of thing. It's sort of in that same class of 'funny' as Absolutely Fabulous - the more crude it gets, the better. They probably HAD to rename the school, because would tease those who send their children there to bits. And every fat kid would be thought of as Cartman, while every small kid would be thought of as Dildo!"}, {"response": 31, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sat, Sep 11, 1999 (00:31)", "body": "I am more than delighted to hear this. I was afraid they had swallowed too much starch from that stiff upper lip. And, Dear, you are there, so you would know!"}, {"response": 32, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Sat, Sep 11, 1999 (00:45)", "body": "Although I love much of what's highbrow in British arts and literature, I am also sure that somewhere Benny Hill is raising his glass with pride!"}, {"response": 33, "author": "riette", "date": "Sat, Sep 11, 1999 (13:26)", "body": "Benny Hill stinks!!!! I'm no feminist, but he really stinks. I ask you, has he EVER done something that wasn't appallingly sexist???? I'm glad he got sacked, and I hope they're not paying him ANY pension. \ufffdmean frown\ufffd"}, {"response": 34, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Sat, Sep 11, 1999 (18:41)", "body": "Benny has been dead for about a decade now. Sure he was sexist...and the SP kids are every \"ist\" in the book. Remember Cartman's little song?: \"Kyle's mother is a big fat bitch She's a big fat Jewish bitch She's a big fat, big fat, big fat, big fat Big fat Jewish bitch.\""}, {"response": 35, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sat, Sep 11, 1999 (18:52)", "body": "Not the Israeli National Anthem, is it?! Something to offend everyone, is there?"}, {"response": 36, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Sat, Sep 11, 1999 (19:01)", "body": "And that's unbleeped in the TV version...NOT the movie! Offensive to Jews, women, and the \"equatorially challenged,\" such as myself (actually, I'm not offended...I'm just fat!)"}, {"response": 37, "author": "riette", "date": "Sun, Sep 12, 1999 (03:58)", "body": "I don't mind if they offend Jews, women, gay people, black people - I mind if the pi$$-taking is directed at only ONE group. That is what makes a thing sexist or racist or whatever -sist. Or what??"}, {"response": 38, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Sun, Sep 12, 1999 (04:12)", "body": "Well EEEEEXXXXCCCUUUUUUUSSSSEEEEE MMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"}, {"response": 39, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Sun, Sep 12, 1999 (04:17)", "body": "I remember men taking it in the shorts in Benny Hill's humor, as well. For example, a man and woman are about to go to sleep. Dialogue as follows: Man (Benny Hill): Goodnight, mother of six. Woman: Goodnight, father of one. And yes, he did have scantily clad women with big hooters on his show, and I liked it. If that makes me sexist, it makes every heterosexual male in the world one, also. Many won't admit it under the pressure of an assertive woman who is outraged. I just have."}, {"response": 40, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Sep 12, 1999 (16:41)", "body": "My Dad, the intellectual, would stuff it(his intellect) in the drawer for the duration of BH's show and leer right along with the best of them. You are in good company, John!"}, {"response": 41, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Sun, Sep 12, 1999 (16:55)", "body": "I'm sorry, but my \"dumb stick,\" as Ling Woo on Ally McBeal calls it, takes over and I DO leer (usually by myself, in the privacy of my own home). It's a shame that I have to apologize for taste or lack of taste here. Same for The Man Show on comedy central. Is it sexist? Absolutely. So is Absolutely Fabulous and Sally Jessy and on occasion, Oprah . (who I love) sexist in the women's favor. But I'm not going to bust any women's chops for liking that stuff. I EXPECT hem to. You can expect a certain sort of male not to like Benny Hill. A GAY MALE."}, {"response": 42, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Sep 12, 1999 (17:05)", "body": "Amen! I see absolutely no reason for you to justify the appeal of that show. It is as old as Adam and Eve, and it will continue, I hope, forever. Nothing like being lusted over for an ego-boost. (ducking out of the way as all feminists hurl brick bats at me...)"}, {"response": 43, "author": "riette", "date": "Mon, Sep 13, 1999 (01:54)", "body": "I didn't say it was WRONG for you to like the show. I just said I thought it appalling - not to mention repetitive as far as 'jokes' were concerned. Then again, I've never quite grasped the big-tit-thing that men get so upside down over. Doesn't do anything for me!"}, {"response": 44, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Mon, Sep 13, 1999 (03:15)", "body": "I would have been surprised if it did do something for you. If I love a woman, it doesn't matter if she has them or not. Just looking, though, is another matter. Still, there are many other things that are more important than cup size. But to love someone for their brains, you have to get to know themt. If a person is not first physically attracted, that may not happen."}, {"response": 45, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Mon, Sep 13, 1999 (13:15)", "body": "Physical attraction always comes first. It is possible to grow to love someone without that at first, but it inevitably follows that one finds something attractive about the other. Brains are paramount for me, too. Ree, I think we can equate large boobs with the interest women have in over-endowed men. It is most interesting to look at and to wonder about, but not sure at all what to do with all of it. I am a modest person, and a modest amount is fine, but I do look at the big stuff..."}, {"response": 46, "author": "riette", "date": "Tue, Sep 14, 1999 (02:26)", "body": "Yeah, but with over-endowed men you can't tell until either he has a hard-on or you sleep with him. I don't necessarily want to get that close to a guy when I'm just looking. With girls it's alot more obvious. When I'm looking it's more things like voice and attitude that impress or turn me off. Chris is so much older than me that I cannot agree that physical attraction comes first. The only reason why I went out with him the first time, was because I enjoyed talking to him; I was attracted by the fact that he had lived through and seen things which I had only read in books, plus that he was able to relate this to me in a manner that made it exciting to listen to, and didn't make me feel patronized at all. It was like being with a living epic! He has very nice eyes, and I find him very handsome now, and great in bed, but before I loved him he was no more attractive to me physically than any average man; and I hadn't a clue about the size of the contents of his pants. I only became interested i that when it became clear that this was a man I could be perfectly at ease with. But I don't know how it was for him, of course. I won't ask either; it doesn't really matter. That must sound horribly geeky coming from me, huh?? ha-ha! Never mind, I'll make up for it with foul language elsewhere!"}, {"response": 47, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Tue, Sep 14, 1999 (03:24)", "body": "That makes perfect sense. But you DID take the time to get to know him first. Sometimes people don't take that time, because without something physically attractive to induce them, they didn't figure it worth the effort to know the person. Other than my coworkers (women teachers) who are either married, or much older or much younger than I am, and my friend Debbie--who lives on another island, I don't have a lot of contact with women my own age. I do get to talk a lot to my female students, but that, f course is a no-no, and I treat it as such, no matter how much interest they show. Invariably, once they leave high school, they are no longer interested. Then, neither they nor I are \"forbidden fruit.\""}, {"response": 48, "author": "riette", "date": "Tue, Sep 14, 1999 (07:25)", "body": "Hmmm... Well, I figure that if there is nothing apart from physical appearance to induce attraction for the person on my part, then that makes him a no-no to start with. The impression that physical appearance makes on me is something that lasts about 2 minutes; there's GOT to be something there that's going to be worth MORE than 2 minutes' attention if you're going to be interested in a guy. But I understand what you say about 'forbidden fruit'. That was another thing that was attractive about Chris! ha-ha!"}, {"response": 49, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Oct  3, 1999 (16:14)", "body": "To come back OT my brother saw this movie and loved it! (I, personally, have never been able to get past the \"carpet-eating\" episode of the show and as such, could never watch the \"uncut\" movie)."}, {"response": 50, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Oct  3, 1999 (16:24)", "body": "Autumn, I can't 'stomach' throwing up , and watching cartoons of it is such a turn-off that they lose me entirely. I watch other things when that is on. (Monty Python's \"Meaning of Life\" I avoided like the plague!)"}, {"response": 51, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Oct  3, 1999 (17:17)", "body": "Actually I think that episode was about lesbians... I avoid all Monty Python like the plague! Just never got into it, I guess."}, {"response": 52, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Oct  3, 1999 (17:25)", "body": "Perhaps we are missing something - as I say in my comments on\"Action\" in TV. It may be a guy thing, and uncouth stuff sells big to them. We were just not meant, perhaps, though Ree loves it...!"}, {"response": 53, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Sun, Oct  3, 1999 (19:39)", "body": "What can I say? I'm a guy. I love South Park, Action, Monty Python, and Benny Hill (not to mention Austin Powers and That 70's Show)"}, {"response": 54, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Oct  3, 1999 (19:59)", "body": "There is a lot to like about Monty Python...I made David watch it his first time and he ended up taping everything they ever did! It reminds me of my \"quaint\" ancestors that I imagine inhabited that Green and Blessed Land."}, {"response": 55, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Nov 29, 1999 (14:48)", "body": "Saw my very first episode last night of South Park... on Brandon's computer! evidently there is some site you can download them all from... this was one about the Hooked on Monkey Phonics... I laughed my sicky little arse off!"}, {"response": 56, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Nov 30, 1999 (06:47)", "body": "They were playing the movie at the Wooten barber shop today, just before they played the bootleg Star Wars Episode One tape. Yes, I got a haircut and a neck massage."}, {"response": 57, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Tue, Nov 30, 1999 (14:18)", "body": "...but I bet it was not from a woman! Almost all of our barbers here are women. Massage is part of the service. My Dad used to look forward to that as much as anything else about Hawaii."}, {"response": 58, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Nov 30, 1999 (20:04)", "body": "Haven't found any women barbers that do as good a haricut as these Wooten guys. I've tried a few."}, {"response": 59, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Dec  1, 1999 (19:18)", "body": "Apparently not Hawaii trained american-of-japanese-ancestry ladies...! They are the best"}, {"response": 60, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Dec  2, 1999 (08:27)", "body": "Nope they weren't as far as I know. The Wooten place has a really good movie showing on their vcr usually, to temper the wait and it gives you something to do in the chair."}, {"response": 61, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Dec  2, 1999 (12:46)", "body": "Hmmm...never thought of it that way. I usually watch what is happening to me when my hair is being cut. Probably, because I have to walk around with the results far longer than you have to before the next snipping is done on me."}, {"response": 62, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Wed, Dec 29, 1999 (10:37)", "body": "How South Parkian is getting haircuts, I wonder...?"}, {"response": 63, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Sat, Nov 25, 2000 (23:45)", "body": "Just thought I'd re-ignite this topic with a quote from the movie: shut your *ucking face uncle *ucker you're a cock-sucking, ass-licking uncle *ucker you're an uncle *ucker I must say you *ucked your uncle yesterday! :-)"}, {"response": 64, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Nov 26, 2000 (19:09)", "body": "I seem to be missing all of the educational movies lately. I can see that my vocabulary leaves something to be desired, but how does one pronounce the letter \" * \" ??"}, {"response": 65, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Mon, Nov 27, 2000 (08:06)", "body": "star"}, {"response": 66, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Dec 17, 2000 (22:05)", "body": "ph movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 4, "subject": "The movie I just saw", "response_count": 503, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "Kennebec", "date": "Wed, Dec 11, 1996 (19:00)", "body": "I saw the new version of Romeo & Juliet. It is a modernized version of the classic tale. I must confess that I usually prefer the stage version for Shakespeare. But, nonetheless, I kept an open mind and thought this was well done. Very violent, more so than I think Shakespeare had in mind. There also were some parts that did not adapt well to being modernized. In particular, Juliet's father and mother did not seem to be very good parents. So, I thought the words at the end \"All are punished!\" hardly made any sense. I also felt the symbolism of the water was over done. I did like the image of the false stage on the beach where Mercutio is killed. I also thought the death scene was very effective. I would recommend this movie for people who know this play and don't mind seeing it done differently. My sister in law who is a theater professor really HATED this movie."}, {"response": 2, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Dec 11, 1996 (19:41)", "body": "Last year it was Jane Austen, this year Shakespeare, what classic writer is in the on deck circle for next year?"}, {"response": 3, "author": "joshd", "date": "Thu, Dec 12, 1996 (13:17)", "body": "Wait a sec...Romeo and Juliet DIE? Oh, thanks for ruining it for everyone!"}, {"response": 4, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Dec 12, 1996 (22:20)", "body": "Next time, how about a 'spoiler alert'?"}, {"response": 5, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Mar 16, 1997 (22:01)", "body": "I just saw Still Breathing Saturday: STILL BREATHING TO CLOSE SXSW FILM FESTIVAL AUSTIN, TEXAS, FEBRUARY 1997 -- The SXSW (South By Southwest) Film Festival announced today that it has chosen STILL BREATHING for the closing night of its third annual event. The picture will screen on March 15th at the Paramount Theatre in Austin. Brendan Fraser (Disney's upcoming GEORGE OF THE JUNGLE) and Joanna Going (Fox's INVENTING THE ABBOTS) head the cast of the magical romance, which will have its world premiere at the SXSW Fest. Also starring in the ZapPictures production are Ann Magnuson, Toby Huss, Angus MacFadyen, Lou Rawls, Paolo Seganti, Michael McKean, and Academy Award\ufffd winner Celeste Holm. The film is by first-time writer-director James F. Robinson and is produced by Marshall Persinger. \"We are delighted to have STILL BREATHING close our festival,\" notes director Nancy Schafer. \"Since the film was made principally in Texas, it makes a wonderful closing piece.\" \"We love the idea of having our world premiere in Texas at SXSW, and are honored to occupy the same spot that LONE STAR held last year,\" said Robinson. \"The festival provides a rich forum for independant filmmakers and showcases the terrific city of Austin.\" STILL BREATHING is a lyrical, modern romance about a hopelessly romantic Texas street performer (Fraser) who has a vision of his true love and sets out to find her... only she turns out to be a tough LA con artist (Going) who believes he's her next \"mark.\" STILL BREATHING was recently acquired by Lakeshore International for foreign distribution. Domestic rights are available at this time."}, {"response": 6, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Wed, Apr  9, 1997 (14:16)", "body": "I see you covered *spoiler alerts* months ago in this topic! (see Still Breathing)! Sorry! That IS pretty funny, tho, joshd--like your style."}, {"response": 7, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Apr  9, 1997 (21:17)", "body": "There's a schedule of upcoming showings of Still Breathing on their website at http://www.stillbreathing.com ."}, {"response": 8, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Tue, Apr 15, 1997 (09:18)", "body": "Well, unless I'm going to be in Seattle (wouldn't THAT be nice) or Nantucket (insert your favorite limerick here), I'm fresh outta luck!"}, {"response": 9, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Tue, Apr 15, 1997 (09:19)", "body": "On the other hand, what a totally cool web site! Thanks terry. I almost forgive your anti-Jerry Lewis antics!"}, {"response": 10, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Apr 15, 1997 (22:34)", "body": "Whew, I ducked out of that one."}, {"response": 11, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Wed, Apr 16, 1997 (10:15)", "body": "But now I'm getting confused, running between the Still Breathing topic, which isn't anymore, and What I Just Saw, which is! So the last movie I saw was Liar Liar and now you're all laughing at me and you think I really DO like Jerry Lewis. I thought Liar was pretty funny anyway so there! Hope to see Grosse Pointe Blank and...well now my mind's a blank...I'll tell you Monday if I actually made it to any movin pitcher shows. Actually I guess the last movie I saw was Road to Bali on AMC. Those road mov es are such a tonic! Any recommendations among the current releases? I just heard they're re-releasing Das Boot with an extra HOUR of footage. I might go see that!"}, {"response": 12, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Apr 16, 1997 (21:28)", "body": "You mean Still Breathing isn't still breathing. Yikes!"}, {"response": 13, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Thu, Apr 17, 1997 (13:30)", "body": "it seems to have metastisized and metamorphisized...we have this effect on topics, terry...."}, {"response": 14, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Apr 17, 1997 (23:41)", "body": "I wish I had more time to promote the Spring, I know how I could get lots of folks here, I just don't have the time with my work and commute schedule."}, {"response": 15, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Fri, Apr 18, 1997 (08:26)", "body": "I know I'm telling everyone in my little circle about my fabulous new home-away-from-home! I'm just enjoying the heck out of it!! I noticed there is an Austen retired toipics...do you do that for some of these when they switch like this? Just a thought--retire it and change its name or something? (Let me barge in late and run the show!)"}, {"response": 16, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Apr 19, 1997 (00:56)", "body": "We can \"retire\" topics and even bring them \"out of retirement\" with this here yapp topic."}, {"response": 17, "author": "semtex", "date": "Mon, Aug  4, 1997 (15:54)", "body": "friday evening is saw AIR FORCE ONE, with many flights of fancy, even for a movie about one of the high-tech planes for the president. it was entertaining fare, for almost anyone. very well played, the villain seems to have had more lines than the lead good guy, the pres. all in all, it was eminently worth watching, strictly for the action, for the suspense and for the fine acting by all players. it is worth a trip to the movies."}, {"response": 18, "author": "RASLOR", "date": "Mon, Aug 18, 1997 (22:37)", "body": "On friday opening day i went to see SPAWN. The computer graphics were great and it was an all around good movie. The charicters were well played. The actor that played spawn played him very well. This movie is pretty much like a modern batman movie exept 4 times better. So if you like action movies you will like this one because it is non stop action. Personally i give this movie 2 thumbs up and i think it is definatley worth seeing more than once."}, {"response": 19, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Aug 19, 1997 (08:29)", "body": "You don'thave any more thumbs to give right? I've read quite a few other good reviews of Spawn. It seems like there's a plethora of sci fi movies out now."}, {"response": 20, "author": "LorieS", "date": "Mon, Aug 25, 1997 (15:44)", "body": "Better late than never? I recommend Contact, and I won't give anything away, guys. But it is a fine sci fi movie, NOT an action-adventure sci-fi melange like so many movies. It makes you think and that's wonderful. Anybody seen \"Mrs. Brown?\" I missed it at my local cinema and I'm so upset!"}, {"response": 21, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Oct 15, 1997 (09:54)", "body": "Another Dollar Movie Night: Spawn. Eh. It was okay for a buck seventy-five. The best part was I won a free game in the ritual post movie pinball game!"}, {"response": 22, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Oct 15, 1997 (13:17)", "body": "What's the best sci fi movie you've seen this year?"}, {"response": 23, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Oct 16, 1997 (09:09)", "body": "Contact was good, I struggle to think of any other sci-fi s I've seen. You?"}, {"response": 24, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Oct 16, 1997 (09:27)", "body": "I'd have to agree with Contact, I've only gone out to 2-3 movies in the last few months. And I haven't seen any other sci fi movies."}, {"response": 25, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Oct 20, 1997 (09:58)", "body": "The Devil's Advocate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A must see. Al Pacino is amazing, excellent storyline and fabulous acting all around that made me forget I wasn't watching real life unfold. The THX and great theatre probably helped. Another first run movie! Two in a couple of months -- a definite first."}, {"response": 26, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Oct 20, 1997 (17:51)", "body": "Siskel and Ebert gave it a mixed review, but generally they liked it. They said Keanu Reeves was excellent."}, {"response": 27, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Oct 21, 1997 (10:46)", "body": "For the first time, I also thought Keanu Reeves was excellent."}, {"response": 28, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Oct 22, 1997 (00:51)", "body": "They said that everyone else in the movie had to struggle to come up to his level. Are you going to see/or have you seen \"Seven Years in Tibet\" yet? *That's* the movie I want to see and talk about. I caught some of Richard Gere's comments and he's out making an impassioned plea for the oppression being suffered by the dissidents at Tianman Square. We talked about this some in another topic, it might have been in the 'spirit' conference."}, {"response": 29, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Oct 22, 1997 (12:21)", "body": "nope. not yet."}, {"response": 30, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Oct 27, 1997 (09:53)", "body": "Another $ theatre day. Sunday, when we finally dug out from under our not-so-warm blanet o' powdery white stuff, we headed to Bear Valley to see Conspiracy Theory. I liked it. I have never seen Mel Gibson in the light he put himself in in this movie. Suspense, comedy and of course, conspiracy! AND I won another free game of pinball!"}, {"response": 31, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Oct 27, 1997 (10:40)", "body": "Check out the Ann Bronte movie on PBS tonight, if you can, it will give us something to talk about!"}, {"response": 32, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Oct 27, 1997 (12:14)", "body": "no tv."}, {"response": 33, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Nov  3, 1997 (09:05)", "body": "Another $ theatre night -- Saturday on the wrong side o' town. We saw \"Event Horizon\". A freaky cross between Alien and Hellraiser."}, {"response": 34, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Nov  3, 1997 (09:05)", "body": "Oh and I of course whipped up at pinball and matched for a free game!"}, {"response": 35, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Nov  3, 1997 (09:12)", "body": "Whup 'em up, baybeeee!"}, {"response": 36, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Nov  7, 1997 (12:11)", "body": "GATTACA! A must see. Visually pleasing, emotionally uplifting and gut wrenching plus a really groovy sci-fi/humanitarian plot. Lookit me, going to the first run movies!"}, {"response": 37, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Nov  7, 1997 (13:52)", "body": "Wow. A firstrunner."}, {"response": 38, "author": "legaffe", "date": "Sat, Nov  8, 1997 (17:59)", "body": "Look at her."}, {"response": 39, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Nov 10, 1997 (12:35)", "body": "No pinball machines at the first run theatres though. *sigh*"}, {"response": 40, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Nov 10, 1997 (15:59)", "body": "Depends on which first-runners one frequents (we have 'em in ours)... Friday night, took my daughter and a friend to see \"I know What You Did Last Summer\"- appealed to all of my baser adolescent instincts (I loved it). And it was better than \"Scream\"- which I also loved (what can I say, I'm emotionally stunted)...Last night, my daughter and I watched \"Anne of Green Gables\" (the 1985, Megan Follows version) for the 117th time (fav. scenes- Anne's initial buggy ride with Matthew Cuthbert, through \"the avenue\", and past the \"Lake of Shining Waters\"; and the scene with she and Marilla, after Anne had dyed her hair green). Tonight we'll watch \"Anne of Avonlea\" (for the 117th time, as well). Have to admit, the final scene- where Anne and Gilbert FINALLY get together- always sort of gets to me..."}, {"response": 41, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Nov 10, 1997 (16:19)", "body": "Thank you for showing us your tender side... I feel trusted, special, warm and fuzzy. Okay, maybe not fuzzy."}, {"response": 42, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Nov 10, 1997 (16:38)", "body": "*sigh* Guess I'm easily manipulated (treasure some special Flintstone's moments, too)..."}, {"response": 43, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Nov 10, 1997 (17:13)", "body": "women (young and old) usually have some talent in that area."}, {"response": 44, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Nov 10, 1997 (18:25)", "body": "Quite true. And by the time my daughter begins dating (probably another twelve or fifteen years from now), she will have mastered the art..."}, {"response": 45, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Nov 13, 1997 (13:17)", "body": "Just saw... Boogie Nights. Bizarre. Tarantino-esque. I enjoyed it. AND last night I went to a re-release of the Little Mermaid. WER, you HAVE to take your daughter. It is such an excellent film. The music is fantastic and the characters hysterical."}, {"response": 46, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Nov 14, 1997 (10:12)", "body": "Hey gud? Where'd your nickname come from?"}, {"response": 47, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Nov 20, 1997 (10:22)", "body": "Starship Troopers! Woo WOO! Great flick albeit EXTREMELY graphic. I loved the big huge, plasma hurling beetle bugs! And some truly freaky bug stampede shots. I am proud to say that I watched the entire movie without putting my hands in front of my face (as a shield). I did however, yell out once or twice. Action, cheesy feel-good and GREAT effects! A movie to please both the chick flick lover and hardened adventure critic! While at the theatre we discussed the WORST movie of 1997 (because there were no pinball machines) and came up with SCREAM, ANACONDA and VOLCANO. Any comments from the peanut gallery??"}, {"response": 48, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Nov 20, 1997 (13:32)", "body": "You didn't cover your eyes for the shower scenes?"}, {"response": 49, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Nov 20, 1997 (13:47)", "body": "nope."}, {"response": 50, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Nov 20, 1997 (14:24)", "body": "Just as I thought."}, {"response": 51, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Thu, Nov 20, 1997 (17:03)", "body": "Taking my kids to see \"Starship Troopers\" tonight, probably (assuming, of course, it is showing in a pinball-accessible theater)... Sigh. Have received most undeserved flak from friends due to the fact that I LIKED \"Scream\" (esp. value Drew Barrymore's potential as brunette)...It was supposed to be stupid-it was intended as camp, and certainly succeeded on that level, I thought... Worst movie of \"97 (if it was released this year- I think it was) would for me be \"Little Rascals\"...Having kids compels me to watch these films, and usually they're watchable, but it was as if the makers of this film didn't even try..."}, {"response": 52, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Nov 21, 1997 (11:14)", "body": "Oh good! You are plugged into yet another genre than I! Did you happen to see GOOD BURGER. Sounds like bad movie potential..."}, {"response": 53, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Fri, Nov 21, 1997 (13:45)", "body": "Uhh...what? (haven't seen \"Good Burger\", definitely seems bad, though)"}, {"response": 54, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Sun, Nov 30, 1997 (19:18)", "body": "WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've just seen the most amazing film of my life, and I had to log on to share it with you! \"Planet of the Apes\" - wowwweeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!! Perfectly written, beautifully presented, and with the sort of story that makes you want to scream - it's probably the most profound film I have ever seen. If you haven't seen it, then rent it immediately. If you have - tell me what *you* thought of it."}, {"response": 55, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Nov 30, 1997 (19:45)", "body": "I never saw the movie, but it was certainly a very interesting, thought-provoking novella."}, {"response": 56, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Mon, Dec  1, 1997 (07:00)", "body": "Yeah, I imagine it was a good book. The movie is unbelievable - the scenery is out of this world. I think the whole story has a lot to teach us!"}, {"response": 57, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Dec  2, 1997 (10:49)", "body": "Yeah, it's one of those thinly veiled allegories of life, like Animal Farm and Adventures of Huck Finn."}, {"response": 58, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Wed, Dec  3, 1997 (16:09)", "body": "Do you think that allegories contained within films make them more interesting/intriguing than more standard films?"}, {"response": 59, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Dec  4, 1997 (11:19)", "body": "Definitely more interesting--but not necessarily more entertaining! Sometimes I don't want to work that hard for a movie; I just want a good laugh or a whodunit. I save my cerebral energy for books."}, {"response": 60, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Fri, Dec  5, 1997 (15:39)", "body": "Yeah...I'm generally the same. I often like to watch non-demanding movies (say, Action Films!!) and then spend my time hassling through books. However, I often find that I can't actually read the \"classics\" of literature - I'm struggling through Catch 22 at the moment, and I'm finding it a terrible drag. I may rent the film and see what that's like - at least then I'll have some basis for reading the book again. One film that did NOT make the translation from book to movie, though, was 2001. Neither did 2010 IMHO, but it was better than 2001!!"}, {"response": 61, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Dec  6, 1997 (17:07)", "body": "I saw about 1/2 hour of 2001 on TV and was too bewildered to watch anymore. It's hard to get interested when you have no clue what you're watching means. About Catch 22--it was such a scream!! I was working a college internship where they had nothing for me to do, so I would read every day. The day I brought that book I was constantly howling with laughter; at one point I had tears rolling down my cheeks. My boss thought I was a total flake."}, {"response": 62, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Sat, Dec  6, 1997 (21:06)", "body": "Hehehe...some parts of it have been funny, although I'm not that far in. I'm finding it very hard to get to grips with, though. It seems to be thrashing around without a basis for a story at the moment, and without any reason for what's going on...I need a book to have a point, and a direction. About 2001 - get the book, it really is wonderful. 2010 is a great book too :)"}, {"response": 63, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sat, Dec  6, 1997 (21:41)", "body": "that's kind of the point with Catch 22- and there is no reason for what's going on, which is kind of the point, too (hmmm...could've been a little clearer there)... I enjoyed it a lot, too... really disappointed with Heller's later stuff, though... re: \"2001\"- I thought it was great...thought the opening sequence was astonishing... to this day don't know what it all is supposed to mean (not sure Kubrick knows, either), but it was an extremely well-made, challenging piece of work... don't think you can rea ly approach it as a (per se) film, though... sometimes, you've just gotta do what wm. hurt said, just \"let art wash over you\"...(of course, he was kidding when he said it)..."}, {"response": 64, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Sun, Dec  7, 1997 (06:30)", "body": "Ack! It seems like Catch 22 is going to be very hard for me to read :) No matter - it took me about three months to read \"Far from the Madding Crowd\", when normally a book of that size would take me a day or so at the most :)"}, {"response": 65, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Dec  8, 1997 (13:16)", "body": "Now that's one I could never get more that a few pages into. I did force myself to finish \"Tess of the d'Urbervilles\" though I'm not sure I'm a better person for it."}, {"response": 66, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Mon, Dec  8, 1997 (13:49)", "body": "Hahahah!! *smile* That's often the feeling I get from classic books - I've read it, and I can tell people that I've read it, but did it really mean anything to me?"}, {"response": 67, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Dec  8, 1997 (15:00)", "body": "don't know that Hardy really enjoyed writing novels (because if he did, that sense did not translate)... actually seemed more polemics than literature (though the tragedy of \"Tess...\" is an enduring one, and there's much to recommend \"Jude the Obscure\", as well)... his poetry is quite fine, though, very accessible, and filled with genuine feeling... and yeah, very often \"classic books\" require a great deal of effort... sometimes (Joyce's Ulysses, for ex.) it is energy well-spent... others (anything by Fenimore Cooper, to use a safe example) it is energy depleting..."}, {"response": 68, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Dec  8, 1997 (18:52)", "body": "Wow! Blast from the past with the Planet of the Apes. I enjoyed it many a year ago... Just saw G.I. Jane (dollar theatre heydey with free games by the pinball master!!!) Fairly good movie. Entertaining and a bit involving. No Starship Troopers though!!"}, {"response": 69, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Mon, Dec  8, 1997 (19:01)", "body": "Can't say I fancy Demi Moore as a SEAL, myself :)"}, {"response": 70, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Dec  8, 1997 (23:58)", "body": "I just saw the 'Full Monty' ... recommended!"}, {"response": 71, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Tue, Dec  9, 1997 (06:01)", "body": "Very much so - a very good film, although a few too many naked blokes for my liking *grin*"}, {"response": 72, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Dec  9, 1997 (10:23)", "body": "Another cheap movie night... but we got there between showings and ended up playing pinball for 2 hours missing the next set of movies!"}, {"response": 73, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Tue, Dec  9, 1997 (15:31)", "body": "haha...nice one :)) Oh well, I guess it was still a good night out. I'm having trouble going to the movies these days, as the cinemas around here are either rubbish (awful screen and sound system), or ridiculously expensive (i.e. 5UKP and up) :/"}, {"response": 74, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Tue, Dec  9, 1997 (21:27)", "body": "went to see Flubber and Mr. Bean. Both had their (very) funny moments, but Bean just did his usual routines only in movie format. What can I say about Flubber? Loved it. Actually was howling with laughter there for a while. Think we have discovered the new \"in\" toy (slime will have to be a bit thicker). Want to watch the Titanic, but am worried a bit about being stuck in the theatre for 3 hours."}, {"response": 75, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Wed, Dec 10, 1997 (17:39)", "body": "I didn't bother going to see Bean - the first couple of TV shows were great, but after that it was very boring. Tell us about Flubber, Wolf?"}, {"response": 76, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Wed, Dec 10, 1997 (23:40)", "body": "my fav. bean scene is the swimming pool with the high dive! Flubber: well, Robin Williams is great. Can't remember what the original story line was (The Absent Minded Professor), but it was just a plain fun movie. Showtime was just packed. The little flubber dudes were what helped the movie and the fact that Robin is such a good actor. A lot of work had to go into the interaction with the flubber and the actors. Not really a movie for little kids, but third graders and up would get a kick out of it."}, {"response": 77, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Wed, Dec 10, 1997 (23:51)", "body": "watching \"the maltese falcon\"... now THAT'S a great movie..."}, {"response": 78, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Fri, Dec 12, 1997 (08:37)", "body": "I'm hopefully going to be seeing Tomorrow Never Dies, the new bond movie sometime soon!"}, {"response": 79, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Dec 13, 1997 (18:56)", "body": "Cheap, Fast and Out of Control!"}, {"response": 80, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Dec 14, 1997 (16:12)", "body": "Well??"}, {"response": 81, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Dec 14, 1997 (17:53)", "body": "It was great. To talk about what's in it would kind of be a spoiler. I loved the way you can make your own connections in this movie and the parallelisms. Definitely worth seeing."}, {"response": 82, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Dec 14, 1997 (19:40)", "body": "(ya'll don't jump on me) but, who's in it?"}, {"response": 83, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Dec 14, 1997 (19:47)", "body": "At this time of year, I watch Christmas Vacation and A Christmas Story. Anybody else take part in traditional movie-watching?"}, {"response": 84, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Dec 14, 1997 (22:48)", "body": "Speaking of Christmas, check out our http://www.childrenstory.com Christmas story section and let me know what you think of Katrina's reading of the \"night before christmas\"? ok? Who's in Cheap, Fast and Out of Control? Just some extraordinary folks, not actors. It's a movie about ideas. The four principles are totally absorbed in their passons to the extent that nothing else matters. Animals are plants, wild is tame, etc. there are so many parallels and contradictions. It gets to the very heart of what it means for something to be what it is."}, {"response": 85, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Dec 15, 1997 (19:03)", "body": "More pinball!! Racking up the free games in Phoenix this weekend!!! No movies... but the two are inextricably related in my mind!"}, {"response": 86, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Dec 15, 1997 (20:26)", "body": "quite so..."}, {"response": 87, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Mon, Dec 15, 1997 (20:30)", "body": "hey you!"}, {"response": 88, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Dec 16, 1997 (12:57)", "body": "Wolf, it's not officially Xmas if I haven't seen the Grinch like 10 times."}, {"response": 89, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Tue, Dec 16, 1997 (18:12)", "body": "and heat meizer, cold meizer (or however the heck you spell it)"}, {"response": 90, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Dec 17, 1997 (19:16)", "body": "headin' to the cheap flicks tonight. All alone and can't bear the shopping extravaganzas!"}, {"response": 92, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Dec 18, 1997 (17:37)", "body": "Ah HA! Haven't gone yet. Wanted to check in once more to say, \"hi!\" and give you a hard time."}, {"response": 95, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Dec 19, 1997 (10:01)", "body": "Of course I was 'spectin' you to get the extra added meaning! No movie though. Wrapped presents and sent cards. Found out I'll be living solo for one MORE night so I wanted to get the mundane stuff outta the way and maybe get out and about tonight."}, {"response": 96, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Fri, Dec 19, 1997 (13:42)", "body": "If anybody ventures out tonight to see the Titanic, let me know if it's worth it or should I wait for video......thanks in advance, ya'll"}, {"response": 97, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Fri, Dec 19, 1997 (13:46)", "body": "i think everyone dies at the end, or something (downer)"}, {"response": 98, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Fri, Dec 19, 1997 (13:48)", "body": "Thank you for spoiling it for me (sheesh)-just wanted to hear about the movie, afterall, it took 3 years to make........."}, {"response": 99, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Fri, Dec 19, 1997 (13:50)", "body": "sorry"}, {"response": 100, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Fri, Dec 19, 1997 (13:51)", "body": "(for some reason, i think you rather enjoy spoiling it for everybody *grin*)"}, {"response": 101, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Fri, Dec 19, 1997 (13:55)", "body": "you have discerned the heart of the matter"}, {"response": 102, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Fri, Dec 19, 1997 (13:56)", "body": "yeah, am real perceptive today (ha)"}, {"response": 103, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Fri, Dec 19, 1997 (14:00)", "body": "i'm somewhat perceptive, but trust that to diminish, as the day wears on... (can still distinguish shapes, colors, etc...)"}, {"response": 104, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Fri, Dec 19, 1997 (14:01)", "body": "sorry, but gotta go. might be back later......you?"}, {"response": 105, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Fri, Dec 19, 1997 (14:04)", "body": "doubtful have a good evening don't talk to strangers etc... (seeya)"}, {"response": 106, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Dec 19, 1997 (21:16)", "body": "If you're gonna put out a spoiler, put out a spooiler alert in advance if you care to do so. Like this *** spoiler alert **** The butler did it."}, {"response": 107, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Dec 19, 1997 (21:30)", "body": "Do we really need a spoiler alert for the Titanic?? Certain death is a foregone conclusion..."}, {"response": 108, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sat, Dec 20, 1997 (15:31)", "body": "So how was the movie? Anybody see Titanic yesterday? (Besides the well known fact that everybody dies in the end)"}, {"response": 109, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Dec 22, 1997 (13:34)", "body": "My husband, his sister and his niece went. He's a big historian, so he wanted to see technical stuff. However, he was disappointed that it was just a love story that employed every stereotype imaginable. He did report many tears from the female contingent, though."}, {"response": 110, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Mon, Dec 22, 1997 (18:47)", "body": "hey, thanks, Autumn. Will wait for video so I can bawl at me leisure ;)"}, {"response": 111, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Dec 23, 1997 (16:23)", "body": "Isn't there some other sappy film out right now? You can wait and rent them both and have a sobfest."}, {"response": 112, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Jan  8, 1998 (20:55)", "body": "saw Air Force One. enjoyed it. certainly worth $1.75 However, while at my parents' abode, I watched Mighty Aphrodite. A Woody Allen flick WELL worth the time and cost of a movie rental. Hell, I woulda paid full price!"}, {"response": 113, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Fri, Jan  9, 1998 (04:19)", "body": "though i love both woody AND mira, have yet to see that film (go figure)... fixing to see \"everyone says i love you\", however, in just a few minutes... watched \"emma\" (the gwynneth paltrow vehicle, not the a&e) tonight, with my daughter, and found it WONDERFUL, enough to induce even me to want to read it... taped aforementioned a&e version when it premiered, but have yet to watch it... after seeing paltrow's performance, though, it is difficult to imagine anyone else in the role, even kate beckinsdale (msp., i'm sure), who is a fine actress (esp. excellant in \"cold comfort farm\")..."}, {"response": 114, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Jan  9, 1998 (18:19)", "body": "everyone says i love you was good. Cold Comfort Farm was mighty interesting (I enjoyed it) \"Thars something in the woodshed...\""}, {"response": 115, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Fri, Jan  9, 1998 (18:33)", "body": "watching \"mighty aphrodite\" tonight... my appetite for woody is whetted, now, and i'll probably deplete my library this weekend... \"everyone says i love you\" was far better than i expected (and far better than many critics led me to believe)... the music was interesting, though the seams did occasionally show, but i respect woody for attempting it... highlights for me ranged from the grotesque and fascinating (the dance of the spirits, in the funeral home, which i also found uproarious) to the stylishly funny (the dancing grouchos, performing \"hooray for captain spaulding, en francais, was inspired) to the sweetly beautiful (every re dition of gus kahn's \"i'm through with love\"). also had moments of profundity- woody has finally ascertained the root of one of the ages most perplexing mysteries (political conservatism has it's origins in blocked arteries, you know... always assumed it was spastic colon, maybe, or gas, but that never occurred to me)..."}, {"response": 116, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Jan 10, 1998 (16:10)", "body": "Nick, it starts innocently enought with \"Emma\"...next thing you know, you're watching A&E's \"Pride and Prejudice\" and firthing away! By the way, I preferred Kate Beckinsdale to Gwyneth Paltrow's Emma. But I couldn't stand A&E's Knightly."}, {"response": 117, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sat, Jan 10, 1998 (17:14)", "body": "i shall watch kate's version at earliest opportunity, and report back... must tell you, i'd only seen paltrow before in \"seven\" (and was singularly unimpressed), and was prepared for 2 hours of sneering at her (NOT jane austen, mind you... paltrow... would like to be able to leave this conference alive)... but she won me over, early on... obviously i'm not an austen afficionado, but i thought this movie quite fine, especially compared to most of the drivel emanating from hollywood these days... i loved \"s nse and sensibility\", too (and more than \"emma\", for many reasons, not least among them emma thompson, easily one of the Hottest Babes on the Planet, you know), though to an austenite it probably would inevitably be found wanting... one (other) undeniable fact in favor of \"sense and sensibility\"- it induced my thirteen year old daughter to read jane austen (and that is achievement enough to justify any film)..."}, {"response": 118, "author": "Alicia", "date": "Sat, Jan 10, 1998 (18:21)", "body": "Hello! I rented STRICTLY BALLROOM last Sunday and I absolutely fell in love with it. I've watched it everyaday ever since. I have the video now and the soundtrack and all I do is watch the tape and listen to the soundtrack 24/7. Has anyone seen it? It's become one of my favorite movies of all time: It's right up there with Much Ado about Nothing and A Streetcar Named Desire. I've been trying to find Strictly Ballroom webpages or a Paul Mercurio (he's the actor/dancer in SB) webpage but I've found zip. All i've f und are reviews. Anyway, if no one has seen it, Go rent it! I've really come to love dance movies. I watched Shall We Dance a couple of months ago and I enjoyed it tremendously also. It was the best movie-going experience for me. I'm plannig to see The Tango Lesson. Also, I have to rent Dirty Dancing. Everything is dance, dance, dance for me!"}, {"response": 119, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Jan 10, 1998 (22:39)", "body": "That is very interesting--most people get on a jag where all they see is a certain actor (like Tom Cruise) or author (like Austen), but you have actually picked a theme! I like that idea! Let's see, there's \"Last Tango in Paris\", \"Footloose\", \"Sat. Night Fever\"...am running dry. Can anyone think of anymore?"}, {"response": 120, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Jan 10, 1998 (22:39)", "body": "That is very interesting--most people get on a jag where all they see is a certain actor (like Tom Cruise) or author (like Austen), but you have actually picked a theme! I like that idea! Let's see, there's \"Last Tango in Paris\", \"Footloose\", \"Sat. Night Fever\"...well is running dry. Can anyone think of any more?"}, {"response": 121, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sat, Jan 10, 1998 (23:08)", "body": "\"fame\"... \"flashdance\"... \"a chorus line\"... \"dancers\"... actually seen none of these movies, nor any of those y'all mentioned, with the exception of \"last tango...\", which, really, is descriptive of another type of dance, i think...and could actually be better described as an \"oleo-movie\" (or \"cineme margerine\", as bertolucci himself might say)..."}, {"response": 122, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Jan 10, 1998 (23:16)", "body": "There was one about that Latin fad dance, what was it called? The, uh, Macarena. There was a C grade movie about this but it had great dance sequences. Dance of Love or something like that. I seem to remember taping it but can't find it in my tape collection. The best dancing I've seen was on Steve Winwoods music video \"Higher Love\" but of course this isn't a movie. Great theme!"}, {"response": 123, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sat, Jan 10, 1998 (23:16)", "body": "oh, i have one, \"dirty dancing\".....went kinda nuts on this one by buying both soundtracks.....boy that patrick, he was tres bon....... did see flashdance and chorus line.......liked the first......."}, {"response": 124, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Jan 10, 1998 (23:16)", "body": "Hey, I just got this message: Warning: a comment slipped in ahead of yours at 121! Ya beat me!"}, {"response": 125, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Jan 10, 1998 (23:17)", "body": "And then I got: Warning: a comment slipped in ahead of yours at 123!"}, {"response": 126, "author": "Alicia", "date": "Sun, Jan 11, 1998 (03:45)", "body": "Guess what? Right after I posted my first message I saw STRICTLY BALLROOM yet again. I swear I'm addicted to that movie. I don't think I'll ever get sick of it. I've come to the point where I watch it like a zombie. I just watch, nothing registers in my mind. Isn't that weird? I should move on to other movies. In addition to dance movies, I also like 80's brat pack movies like SIXTEEN CANDLES, THE BREAKFAST CLUB, PRETTY IN PINK, and more. They all have great soundtracks as well. I also just saw SAY ANYTHING, but I didn't like it as much as the previously mentioned films."}, {"response": 127, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Jan 11, 1998 (12:20)", "body": "Better off Dead in that mix too, Alicia? Good 80's sound track as well......"}, {"response": 129, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Jan 11, 1998 (14:27)", "body": "Two Dollars!"}, {"response": 130, "author": "Alicia", "date": "Mon, Jan 12, 1998 (00:59)", "body": "I just saw THE TANGO LESSON. It's a very artsy film. It was nice to watch all the dancing. And enjoyed seeing some of Buenos Aires in the movie. I was born there and I haven't visited the place for 9 years. The film boasts of an awesome tango soundtrack."}, {"response": 131, "author": "LorieS", "date": "Mon, Jan 12, 1998 (17:25)", "body": "Hey, Alicia, you really carry your love of a movie all over the conferences! Don't those tango sound tracks just make you want to go out dancing, tho? Anyway, to add to your list of things to rent, for 80's brat-pack stuff, how about \"The Sure Thing\"? And for dance movies, how about \"All That Jazz\"?"}, {"response": 132, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Jan 12, 1998 (17:44)", "body": "I for one am still waiting for \"Higher Love-The Movie\" starring Stevie Winwood."}, {"response": 133, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Mon, Jan 12, 1998 (21:20)", "body": "Tango sounds sexy...am gonna look for that soundtrack *grin*"}, {"response": 134, "author": "Alicia", "date": "Mon, Jan 12, 1998 (23:30)", "body": "Tango has always been in my blood since I was born in Buenos Aires. I used to watch it on tv all the time but when I came to the US it was completely gone out of my life. I guess now that I've been seeing all these ballroom dance movies recently, it's re-kindled my passion for tango and dance in general. Unfortunately, I have two left feet so I can't dance but I enjoy immensely watching it. One of my favorite annual events is watching the Ballroom Championships on PBS. All this tango talk has really made me nostalgic for Argentina. I guess that's the reason I'm so enraptured with Strictly Ballroom and Shall We Dance? is because of Argentina. I'm getting too analytic here. I guess it's that psychology course I've been taking."}, {"response": 135, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Jan 15, 1998 (17:57)", "body": "well nick? what did ya think about Mighty Aphrodite? Saw Money Talks at the cheapo theatre last night. Worth $1.75 for humor! Reminded me of some of my students... \"Ms. Vura, that's TIGHT!\""}, {"response": 136, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Thu, Jan 15, 1998 (21:39)", "body": "\"mighty aphrodite\" was quite good... the aechylus stuff was a little distracting at first, but became funnier and funnier (i thought) as the film rolled on... and mira was tremendous... planning on seeing \"bananas\" and \"play it again, sam\" this weekend... what is \"money talks\"?"}, {"response": 138, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Jan 20, 1998 (18:28)", "body": "*smile* wer, even if I said 'no'... would it matter? *grin* Money Talks -- silly flick with Charlie Sheen and Chris somebody or another. Completely unfathomable in real life but deals with all the Hollywood topics like love, money and ridiculous coincidence. Saw Alien Ressurection last night. Good effects. Plot still lacking. No pinball *frown*"}, {"response": 139, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Jan 20, 1998 (18:43)", "body": "Can you start giving pinball ratings to movies you see? eg one pinball, two pinballs, ... five pinballs?"}, {"response": 140, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Jan 20, 1998 (18:45)", "body": "*grin* I'm too scattered and inconsistent to rate accurately against other films!"}, {"response": 142, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Feb  3, 1998 (13:57)", "body": "Saw a nice little movie last night, \"Unstrung Heroes,\" with Andie MacDowell, John Turturro and Seinfeld's \"Kramer.\" It's about a young boy coming to terms with his family relationships during his mother's terminal illness, especially with his dad and his two dotty, certifiable (literally!) uncles. It is heartwarming, touching, funny and sad. It is a rare film that can make me laugh and cry! It is a very special movie."}, {"response": 143, "author": "LorieS", "date": "Tue, Feb  3, 1998 (15:12)", "body": "I'll have to rent that now. I've seen the video several times, but never knew anything about it. Thanks."}, {"response": 144, "author": "patas", "date": "Tue, Feb 10, 1998 (10:48)", "body": "Alicia, I am a Tango fan, am trying to learn to dance it, and have a great interest in Argentina. Do you know any news group or conference where tango is discussed?"}, {"response": 145, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Fri, Feb 20, 1998 (14:26)", "body": "I just rented Ghosts of Mississippi. Very good flick. (I'm a big time Whoopi fan)"}, {"response": 146, "author": "pip", "date": "Wed, Feb 25, 1998 (11:27)", "body": "Just saw \"Live Flesh\", a spanish film directed by Pedro Almodovar, based on an english mystery book by Ruth Rendell. FABULOUS!!!! Has anyone else seen it?"}, {"response": 148, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Feb 25, 1998 (14:58)", "body": "No, first I've heard of it, pip. Sounds like something you'd rent at Vulcan Video or catch at the Dobie or Village (our local foreign flick outlets)."}, {"response": 149, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Feb 25, 1998 (17:17)", "body": "Watched Satyricon (Fellini film) and Donnie Brasco over the weekend. Two good and very different (from each other) movies. It had been awhile since I'd seen a Fellini film, but all the old memories came flooding back! And Al Pacino is just excellent. A week or two ago I took myself to Titanic. Rarely do I see first run flicks by myself but this was really calling me. And I throughly enjoyed and recommend it! BTW, Titanic surpassed ET in gross profits already and is catching (albeit not too closely) up to Star Wars!"}, {"response": 151, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Feb 25, 1998 (19:16)", "body": "Same here, Stacey, I just don't see many first runs, but Titanic was spellbinding."}, {"response": 152, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Wed, Feb 25, 1998 (19:57)", "body": "i haven't seen it yet, boo hoo....."}, {"response": 153, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Feb 25, 1998 (20:06)", "body": "Pip, I haven't seen/heard of that movie, but I'm a big fan of Ruth Rendell's writing...you? \"Anna's Book\" was my favorite (written under pseudonym Barbara Vine)"}, {"response": 154, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sat, Mar  7, 1998 (23:44)", "body": "Just saw Michael...really liked it......"}, {"response": 155, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sat, Mar  7, 1998 (23:48)", "body": "hey... are you there?"}, {"response": 156, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sat, Mar  7, 1998 (23:50)", "body": "yes........"}, {"response": 157, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sat, Mar  7, 1998 (23:51)", "body": "you okay?"}, {"response": 158, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sat, Mar  7, 1998 (23:51)", "body": "hmmm....you?"}, {"response": 159, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sat, Mar  7, 1998 (23:56)", "body": "(do you have java?)"}, {"response": 160, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sat, Mar  7, 1998 (23:56)", "body": "jest tarred..."}, {"response": 161, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sat, Mar  7, 1998 (23:57)", "body": "me too, stressed.......wanna talk? or?"}, {"response": 162, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (00:01)", "body": "didn't i tell you that story? about kirt the computer geek screwing up my computer and all? well, he still hasn't fixed it... and last week, he bought an old winnebego, and painted it comouflage colors (with the words \"desert storm war wagon\" emblazoned on the sides), and departed for washington, d.c... (to singlehandedly teach 'em a thing or two, you understand)... so, prospects aren't looking good..."}, {"response": 163, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (00:02)", "body": "sure... whattaya wanta talk about?"}, {"response": 164, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (00:03)", "body": "yes, i remember that....probably see him on the highway when i go to VA next week......."}, {"response": 165, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (00:04)", "body": "what's been going on? (forgive me?)"}, {"response": 166, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (00:07)", "body": "(he'll be the guy with his arms wrapped tautly about himself- in a strait-jacket, you know... oh, and he'll be wearing a pocket-protector)..."}, {"response": 167, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (00:08)", "body": "nice touch"}, {"response": 168, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (00:08)", "body": "*grin*"}, {"response": 169, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (00:12)", "body": "just working a bunch... writing when i can... (working on something substantial, kinda)... very little time for social stuff (though it is quality time, must say)... (fergit it... nothing to forgive) have you been like talking (TALKING-talking) to gypsy?"}, {"response": 170, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (00:14)", "body": "yeah, we share tips on webpages and stuff, why?"}, {"response": 171, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (00:17)", "body": "just wondered... she's sort of flipping out on me, you know... my fault, of course... rather at a loss re: how to handle it..."}, {"response": 172, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (00:19)", "body": "re: flipping out, haven't noticed. have you been to the planet? maybe you should talk to her or something.....no, i don't know anything about it being your fault, what the heck happened?"}, {"response": 173, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (00:26)", "body": "it's bad... (didn't you read \"aftermath of the dragon\", or whatever the hell that thing was called? and the one written after it, which totally chilled my blood... thought maybe it was written by glenn close or something)... i shouldn't have let things go as far as they did... must've been out of my mind..."}, {"response": 174, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (00:29)", "body": "did read those and knew something happened, but think about that time you clammed up on me.....she has feelings and she believed you, she expressed herself the way she knew how..... why have you been so scarce?"}, {"response": 175, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (00:37)", "body": "hello?"}, {"response": 176, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (00:40)", "body": "ouch... suppose i did behave rather badly... hard to explain... i mean, it was just a poetry thing... got out of control... distinctions blurred, and all... flidais says SHE (gypsy) sort of ambushed me... says she's just being dramatic, not to worry about it... hope she's right... (guess i will talk to her, when i figure out what to say)... been scarce because i've been working lots, i guess... have you read \"tale of the planet\"? what the hell is that all about? paula wrote me about it earlier... wondering who she is, in that scenario... you figure it out?)"}, {"response": 177, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (00:42)", "body": "figured out 2 of them, kinda interesting though...recognize the name flidais, does she post at the planet? haven't read any of paula's stuff in a while, course, have been rather scarce there... (you've been avoiding me *wolfy grin*"}, {"response": 178, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (00:51)", "body": "do you think flidais is right? paula still posts, just not as much... haven't been avoiding you... just haven't been on-line much... and i can't seem to go back to the planet... and besides, i haven't written much poetry lately... hard to, from this point of view... been doing mostly prose, nothing planet-friendly..."}, {"response": 179, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (00:55)", "body": "where do you post the prose? would like to take a look... don't know if flidais is right, don't have enough facts, really thought what happened was brought on by the both of you... funny, i haven't written hardly a thing lately either...."}, {"response": 180, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (01:02)", "body": "haven't been posting the prose... sure, i guess i could send you a little... your probably right... hope you understand... (\"hardly\" anything... did notice something posted today, however)..."}, {"response": 181, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (01:03)", "body": "you saw that, huh? hey, it took me two weeks to work on that and it's only part of the whole thing (cuz the rest isn't written yet, and maybe now, it won't need to be)"}, {"response": 182, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (01:04)", "body": "there's nothin' for me to understand, NOMB, unless it involved me in some scandalish way........."}, {"response": 183, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (01:06)", "body": "(hmmmm... sounds like it was taking an ominous shape)... (prose thing is on the way, incidentally)..."}, {"response": 184, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (01:06)", "body": "really? (no that piece was sad and curious and asking for an answer of some sort)"}, {"response": 185, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (01:07)", "body": "just meant, like, being that she's your new buddy and all..."}, {"response": 186, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (01:08)", "body": "(wondering if the next sound i hear shall be my head seperating from my neck)"}, {"response": 187, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (01:09)", "body": "what??? we don't sit up nights and talk bad about you, sweetie, you're silly!"}, {"response": 188, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (01:09)", "body": "re: 186, stuff you're not talking about? why would your head roll?"}, {"response": 189, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (01:13)", "body": "kidding... just needling you... (of course, there's always the glenn close thing, y'know... and she knows where i live)..."}, {"response": 190, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (01:14)", "body": "guess you gotta move! did you give her your number too? gotta change that too, unless you have a deathwish er somethin'"}, {"response": 191, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (01:15)", "body": "oh wait, you do, with all those people livin' in your house, how silly of me!"}, {"response": 192, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (01:19)", "body": "yeah, she has my number... just don't answer the phone anymore (in the daytime)... thank god \"the one\" (remember her?) is at school weekdays... (and sometimes it pays dividends having one's ex-wife around, to answer the phone... been getting at least one hang-up phone call a day, actually)..."}, {"response": 193, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (01:20)", "body": "promise it's not me. so the one isn't, eh?"}, {"response": 194, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (01:21)", "body": "oops, i get it, sorry, too early in the am for me. gotta go, will read your prose....talk to you soon?"}, {"response": 195, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (01:23)", "body": "sure... (but \"the one\" is assuredly \"The One\")... g'night..."}, {"response": 196, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (01:24)", "body": "good! g'night"}, {"response": 197, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (10:34)", "body": "I went to see Good Will Hunting, great flick. With Robin Williams, who I always enjoy seeing in his roles. After this \"feel good\" movie, I was waiting for my date outside the ladies room when my cellular, Pocketnet email started going beep beep beep. It was an email from a Seattle lawyer offering $20,000 for the name spring.com. A bit of a surprise! Anyway, since then I've registered the name spring.net and we may be all going to http://www.spring.net soon."}, {"response": 198, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (15:41)", "body": "woweeeee!! does it cost anything to get a domain?"}, {"response": 199, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (16:14)", "body": "So give us the full story behind the domain saga, terry. Why does this mysterious Seattle lawyer want spring.com, and are we able to get any more money out of them for it?"}, {"response": 200, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (16:15)", "body": "probably wants it cuz he sees how much fun we have and he wants to monopolize the whole thing (dunno, just a guess)"}, {"response": 201, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (18:24)", "body": "It costs $100 to get a domain, what I'm paying for spring.net from the Internic. I may ask for $50,000 and hope for $30k at least. We'll see, I'm looking for a new attorney right now as Mike Godwin just backed out. Too bad, I had high hopes for Mike. Monday morning, I have my work cut out for me in negotiations and finding a lawyer. I hope spring.net is fine with y'all. The Spring needs the money to build the place up, as nice as the spring.com name is and all. You can live with spring.net can't you?"}, {"response": 202, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (21:37)", "body": "sure, as long as all of us come along!"}, {"response": 203, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar  8, 1998 (22:01)", "body": "ok, need some help---am watching the rock on tv (free movie channel) and need to know the guy's name who's holding everyone up in alcatraz....can't think of his name, gimme an answer pleeeeze!!"}, {"response": 205, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (08:24)", "body": "ed harris, had to wait til the end to find out (haven't seen contact) but thanks wer!"}, {"response": 206, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (15:45)", "body": "watched the China Syndrome over the weekend. Must've been the 5th or 6th time I've seen it but wow! did everyone look especially young this time!"}, {"response": 207, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (21:40)", "body": "very good film... (and excellent as liberal propoganda, which is cool with me 'cause i'm a liberal and all)... most memorable for me because of jack lemmon (one of my favorite actors, esp. pre- \"irma la douce\"... i.e., \"mister roberts\", \"it should happen to you\", and especially \"some like it hot\" and \"the apartment\"... \"that's how it crumbles... cookie-wise\"...)"}, {"response": 208, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (21:41)", "body": "boy, am gonna have to rent the whole video store just to keep up with y'all *grin*"}, {"response": 209, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (21:50)", "body": "if you haven't seen \"some like it hot\" or \"the apartment\" (or \"mister roberts\", for that matter), you should do so immediately... well worth the time..."}, {"response": 210, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (21:54)", "body": "like, right now? did see ransom last night, but they cut out all the yucky parts. wait, saw the rock too. man that sean connery-----"}, {"response": 211, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (21:58)", "body": "(like, why not?)"}, {"response": 212, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (22:00)", "body": "cuz then i'd miss out on talking with you, (uhoh, was that a hint er sumthin?)"}, {"response": 213, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (22:28)", "body": "(do know that one... sabbath, right?) (\"paranoid\")"}, {"response": 214, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (22:30)", "body": "*giggle*"}, {"response": 215, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (22:35)", "body": "(\"wipeout\"?)"}, {"response": 216, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (22:36)", "body": "can you drum that out with your fingers? (heard it was just a guy thing, i've tried it but to no avail)"}, {"response": 217, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (22:44)", "body": "(okay... i'm stumped)..."}, {"response": 218, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (22:47)", "body": "you have no fingers? *giggle* (wolf lets out a sly smile-note that she bares no teeth)"}, {"response": 219, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (22:53)", "body": "(hee-haw?)"}, {"response": 220, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (22:54)", "body": "silly goose *smile*"}, {"response": 221, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (23:01)", "body": "(definitely brian wilson)"}, {"response": 222, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (23:03)", "body": "guesso"}, {"response": 223, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (23:07)", "body": "my, are we getting surly?"}, {"response": 224, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (23:09)", "body": "dunno, are we?"}, {"response": 225, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (23:15)", "body": "harumph... (well, you are shockingly off topic)..."}, {"response": 226, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (23:18)", "body": "does that really surprise you, dear?"}, {"response": 227, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (23:23)", "body": "(\"uh-huh\")"}, {"response": 228, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (23:28)", "body": "da da daaaa, da da daaaa, ich liebt du nicht, du liebt mir nicht, da da daaaa"}, {"response": 229, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (23:33)", "body": "(\"ich bin eine berliner\")"}, {"response": 230, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (23:33)", "body": "lol"}, {"response": 231, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (23:40)", "body": "(well, it was a surly laugh)"}, {"response": 232, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (23:42)", "body": "is this a vocab lesson?"}, {"response": 233, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (23:49)", "body": "(does it need to be?)"}, {"response": 234, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (23:49)", "body": "yes"}, {"response": 235, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Mar  9, 1998 (23:59)", "body": "what, are you changing the rules yet again? (\"fragile\"?)"}, {"response": 236, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Mar 10, 1998 (10:46)", "body": "Terry, now you're going to have to update that logo again! Just toss a butterfly net over the whole thing."}, {"response": 237, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Mar 10, 1998 (11:22)", "body": "Right we're spring dot netters. !! Lot's going on behind the scenes right now. Stay tuned !!! My lawyer says mum mum mum right now."}, {"response": 238, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Mar 10, 1998 (11:26)", "body": "Probably advisable to not discuss bargaining strategy right here on the spring!"}, {"response": 239, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Mar 10, 1998 (11:49)", "body": "Yep, that's what he told me!"}, {"response": 240, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Tue, Mar 10, 1998 (12:06)", "body": "imagine that! *wink*"}, {"response": 241, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Mar 13, 1998 (17:49)", "body": "*raises hand shyly* umm... i...um.. saw a movie. Is it okay to um post it here in this topic gone awry? *smile* Saw \"I know what you did last summer\" not as predictable but not that great either."}, {"response": 242, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Mar 13, 1998 (17:55)", "body": "Go for it, quick!"}, {"response": 243, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Mar 16, 1998 (11:30)", "body": "saw \"it's a family thing\" last night on video at the pseudo-rents house. With Richard Dryfuss and James Earl Jones. Billed as a comedy but less than hysterical. Pretty good movie, just don't expect too many belly laughs, it's really not intended to be funny."}, {"response": 244, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Mar 16, 1998 (23:45)", "body": "currently watching \"body heat\", with wm hurt and kathleen turner... (that is one mean broad)..."}, {"response": 246, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Mar 17, 1998 (21:15)", "body": "I just watched the first half-hour of \"House of Spirits\" (based on the Isabel Allende novel), with Jeremy Irons and Meryl Streep. So far so good!"}, {"response": 247, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Mar 18, 1998 (09:45)", "body": "Very good. I saw that and would see it again."}, {"response": 248, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Mar 18, 1998 (17:24)", "body": "loved the book. hate to see movies based on books I really loved."}, {"response": 249, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Mar 19, 1998 (11:33)", "body": "Saw the other half (*sob*), now I'll have to read the book!"}, {"response": 250, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Mar 19, 1998 (17:34)", "body": "no movies lately but since this is where I give the pinball update... 3/17 spent with two pitchers of green beer and the EarthShaker! (now, now ladies, it's just a machine) (NO, not THAT kind of machine... a pinball game!) Sometime in the night, the waitress came by and told us to go up front to get free stuff -- shamrock ears, green necklaces, flashy/blinky pins and free beer. We were to into the game to leave so she brought it all back to us! Stellar performance by yours truly earning 7 free games that evening! And one match!"}, {"response": 252, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Mar 20, 1998 (13:31)", "body": "My husband brought some of those \"blinky ears\" home from happy hour--finally figured out how to turn 'em off! (little clicky thing near light)"}, {"response": 253, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Fri, Mar 20, 1998 (17:12)", "body": "Saw \"Always\" (directed by Steven Spielberg) the other day (Richard Dreyfus(s?), Holly Hunter). Boy did it cheer me up. Was having a bit of a low spirited day, for some reason, and I needed a slightly cheesy \"feel-good\" movie with lots of humour, and by george that turned up :-)"}, {"response": 254, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Mar 21, 1998 (21:08)", "body": "I've never seen it, but I really like Holly Hunter."}, {"response": 255, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Apr 17, 1998 (15:25)", "body": "As part of the birthday extravaganza, we saw a first run movie last night (in a stadium seating theatre no less!) City of Angels. All those who don't want to cry, or struggle with fairness... STAY AWAY! A good movie IMHO!"}, {"response": 256, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Fri, Apr 17, 1998 (20:10)", "body": "I can't wait to see that! While I was out, saw Boogie Nights. WooHoo!"}, {"response": 257, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Apr 20, 1998 (00:25)", "body": "now everyone has seen his penis!!"}, {"response": 259, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Tue, Apr 21, 1998 (20:49)", "body": "*LOL*"}, {"response": 260, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Apr 21, 1998 (21:33)", "body": "Watched \"Il Postino\" the other night--checked it out of the library, actually--and found it very charming. The scenery was breathtaking. I much prefer dubbing to subtitles, they're so distracting...."}, {"response": 261, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Apr 22, 1998 (16:40)", "body": "once i get into the movie, opera or whatever... subtitles are okay by me. SOmetimes dubbing is better, sometimes it's worse."}, {"response": 262, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Wed, Apr 22, 1998 (17:52)", "body": "that's me, too. depends on the film. farewell my concubine had a lot of subtitles and it wouldn't have been the same had it been dubbed. dubbing has a tendancy to not match the mouth movements (obviously) and that bothers me something fierce......"}, {"response": 263, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Apr 23, 1998 (21:35)", "body": "It doesn't bother me as much as hearing two people jabbering away in Italian for 2 minutes and seeing 2 sentences by way of explanation! I just hate dropping my eyes to the bottom of the screen and looking away from the action; it's exasperating!"}, {"response": 264, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, May  6, 1998 (22:13)", "body": "OK, I got another sub-titled one this week: \"Ridicule\", all about the clever wit used by the courtisans at Versailles to get ahead and find favor with the king. I really liked it. Also saw \"LA Confidential\" (good, but a bit violent for my tastes) and \"The Full Monty\". My husband's out of town, in case you haven't already guessed...(he would've hated 2 of the 3)"}, {"response": 265, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Sat, May  9, 1998 (21:57)", "body": "saw \"born on the fourth of july\" this evening. not sure what to make of it. kinda powerful, but also kinda self-indulgent, and all a bit fluffy n apple-pie american."}, {"response": 266, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sun, May 10, 1998 (03:31)", "body": "oliver stone a creator of apple-pie americana? (maybe prepared with extra-RED apples... after all, it's well known, hereabouts, that he's \"one o' them holl'wood lib'rals\"... and a certified member of the \"BLAME AMERICA FIRST\" crowd)..."}, {"response": 267, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, May 10, 1998 (21:01)", "body": "I really liked \"Born on the 4th of July\", it was just about the only Vietnam-era flick I could sit through, actually. The \"apple-pie\" sentiment sort of reflects the innocence of the era's expectation of war, I thought...so ideological and patriotic at the same time (like WW2). And it goes without saying that Tom Cruise could make any picture watchable..."}, {"response": 268, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Mon, May 11, 1998 (19:16)", "body": "too true. tom turns me on more than i think is healthy :)"}, {"response": 269, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, May 11, 1998 (20:49)", "body": "Me too!! :-)"}, {"response": 270, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, May 12, 1998 (00:12)", "body": "I like Deep Impact because no one spoiled it, not Siskel and Ebert, not Aint It Cool News, not Gene Shalit, it was a total surprise. There were still a lot of surprises. And some good performances by Morgan Freeman and Robert Duval. Tense, gripping movie."}, {"response": 271, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Jun  8, 1998 (17:06)", "body": "Chasing Amy. Quick, witty, deep, emotionally draining, uplifting, tearjerking, close to hom (er homE) \"enchanting\" movie. \"Damn that was a great movie\""}, {"response": 272, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Jun 10, 1998 (18:43)", "body": "Saw \"Umbrellas of Cherbourg\" last night. Very interesting!! A restored French film from the fifties, it features the classical story of two young lovers whose timing is off--and here's the interesting part--every word of dialogue is sung. But it's not a musical! They all just sing their lines like I used to sing the psalter in church, using the same 5 notes. A very young Catherine Deneuve is spectacular."}, {"response": 273, "author": "riette", "date": "Tue, Jun 23, 1998 (17:06)", "body": "I saw 'Shadowlands' about a week ago - yeah, I know, I'll probably see Titanic the day my first grandchild is born! Anyway, Mr. C. had to do a certain amount of backside-licking to get me that far (I find the 'getting into' a movie almost unbearable - all that sitting still, I suppose), and I only gave in when the name Anthony Hopkins came up, but I loved it. Especially the bit before it turns sad. The dialogue was wonderful, witty and intelligent (a rare gem in movies, I find. . .), Anthony Hopkins, that hunk-a-man, is as stunning as ever, and his co-star (sorry, I've forgotten her name already) made a strong impre sion on me as well; she was the first actress I have seen acting opposite him without being completely eclipsed by his on-screen charisma. I found her a great deal better than both Jodie Foster and Emma Thompson - even more intelligent somehow. But perhaps it was just the role. Who is she again? Are her other films good as well? I would like to see more of her work, but I don't want to have to sit through 90 minutes if it's not going to be good."}, {"response": 274, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Jun 25, 1998 (20:55)", "body": "hmmm... backside licking from Mr. C convinced you to go to a movie... he must've not been doing it right!"}, {"response": 275, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Fri, Jun 26, 1998 (00:32)", "body": "preach it, sister!!! (oh, the visions...) ((maybe he was, and promised to finish after the movie...hmmm))"}, {"response": 276, "author": "riette", "date": "Fri, Jun 26, 1998 (01:47)", "body": "He does it so right, I just wanna skip the movie altogether and get down to the sex part."}, {"response": 277, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Fri, Jun 26, 1998 (21:57)", "body": "enough visuals already *wink* while i was on \"vacation\", saw The Quick and The Dead, ConAir, Andre, My Best Friend's Wedding, One Fine Day, and that one with Brad Pitt and Harrison Ford. might be a wee bit behind on those flicks but i DID see the Titanic!!"}, {"response": 278, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sat, Jun 27, 1998 (02:40)", "body": "Am watching LA Confidential as I type..."}, {"response": 279, "author": "riette", "date": "Sat, Jun 27, 1998 (07:06)", "body": "Can't have been that interesting then . . . Wolf, I only saw that one with Brad Pitt and Harrison Ford - no, I can't remember the name either. But I thought it was good."}, {"response": 280, "author": "riette", "date": "Sat, Jun 27, 1998 (07:07)", "body": "How was Titanic? An hour and a half is long . . . Seeing the Titanic will be like going to a Wagner opera - just can't face it!"}, {"response": 281, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Tue, Jun 30, 1998 (17:58)", "body": "Try 3 hours, Riette. It goes quickly though. Went to see X Files, The Movie, yesterday! Hot damn, was it good. True to form. Only thing is now I have even more questions."}, {"response": 282, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Jun 30, 1998 (21:40)", "body": "Everest. An IMAX movie filmed before/during/after the tragedy in May 1996 but concentrating mostly on the strength and stamina of the human spirit. I read Jon Krakaur's article in OUTSIDE in August of that year and have heard several NPR interviews/reviews about the film but nothing could describe the beauty, vastness, desolation and love within this film."}, {"response": 283, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Tue, Jun 30, 1998 (22:32)", "body": "i love imax movies. Lemme see, went to see Speed (not with Keanu Reeves) but about man's obsession with fast things (it was in Ohio at the Flight Museum) and something about exploring the ocean depths at the Virgian Marine Science Museum. Both were very good. we don't have imax here yet, but i've heard that it's on its way...."}, {"response": 284, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Jul  1, 1998 (01:35)", "body": "IMAX??? What's that?"}, {"response": 285, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Wed, Jul  1, 1998 (02:12)", "body": "really, really, big"}, {"response": 286, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Jul  1, 1998 (05:02)", "body": "Oh! Do you know, Chris does that really, really big thing when I kiss him. Would that be called and imaxion?"}, {"response": 287, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Jul  1, 1998 (07:31)", "body": "i believe that is an excellent use of the word in verb form!"}, {"response": 288, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Wed, Jul  1, 1998 (07:31)", "body": "quite accurate, imho, also..."}, {"response": 289, "author": "riette", "date": "Thu, Jul  2, 1998 (05:35)", "body": "An imaxation, not a minimaxation? By the way, why did the condom fly through the room? It got pissed off."}, {"response": 290, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Jul  8, 1998 (22:31)", "body": "Saw \"Donnie Brasco\" last night--Al Pacino is always mesmerizing! It's a gangster flick, plenty violent, but with a lot more of the human element than most. And Al Pacino & Johnny Depp on one screen...need I say more? \"Forget about it\"!"}, {"response": 291, "author": "riette", "date": "Thu, Jul  9, 1998 (01:26)", "body": "Al Pacino is a wonderful actor. I saw Devil's Advocate the beginning of this year. Loved it."}, {"response": 292, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Aug  1, 1998 (21:54)", "body": "caught donnie brasco myself, it was good. OK...*rubbing hands together*, went to see Saving Private Ryan, Disturbing Behavior, Dr. Doolittle, A Perfect Murder, and I Know What You Did Last Summer. Saving Private Ryan was so good. If you can sit through the first half hour, you're good to go. Spielberg did an excellent job at making me feel like i was there, lemme tell you. i cried just about through the whole thing and so did the guys who went with. Disturbing Behavior was rather disturbing. Too much of getting you there then having to rush through the rest. Dr. Doolittle, IMHO, is not a kid's movie, but it did make me laugh. A Perfect Murder was good and suspenseful. I Know What You Did Last Summer was something. And there's gonna be a sequel. not that any of you were interested in my reviews....."}, {"response": 293, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Aug  2, 1998 (18:10)", "body": "Thanks for the input, Wolf! My husband really wants to see \"Pvt. Ryan,\" but I've been afraid it would be too graphic. Who's in \"A Perfect Murder?\" We're going to the drive-in (remember those!) tonight to see \"Mulan\"."}, {"response": 294, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Aug  5, 1998 (14:20)", "body": "Damn, why don't I know any of those titles? Except Dr. Doolitttle, because Eddie Murphy is in it, right? I luv him - he is so grossly funny."}, {"response": 295, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Aug  6, 1998 (14:09)", "body": "Saw \"The Wedding Singer\" with Adam Sandler... set inthe 1980s, the images and hot topics in this movie were a riot to relive but I thought Adam Sandler would've been reason enough to go see it! Funny, funny, funny and sweet!"}, {"response": 296, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Aug  7, 1998 (20:22)", "body": "I've been wanting to see that, Stacey, just for the 80s flashback. The local theatre is second-run and all the seats are $2. \"Sliding Doors\" is showing there as well--I should blow $4 sometime and see them both."}, {"response": 297, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Aug  7, 1998 (20:23)", "body": "Saw \"Eat Drink Man Woman\" last night on video and really enjoyed it. Tonight we're watching \"Raise the Red Lantern\" (I'm really on a Chinese kick!)"}, {"response": 298, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Aug  7, 1998 (21:46)", "body": "You should see \"The Lover\" and \"Farewell My Concubine\", both with subtitles but very good....and \"The Joy Luck Club\" is another...all are tear jerkers, though.."}, {"response": 299, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Aug  7, 1998 (21:57)", "body": "\"Farewell\" has been highly recommended. Loved \"Joy Luck Club\"! It was even better than the book, and that's high praise coming from me. Never heard of the first--I'll have to look for it on the video store's shelves."}, {"response": 300, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Aug  7, 1998 (22:09)", "body": "The Lover is explicit (as a lot of foreign films are) but it's almost essential to understand what is going on (no below-the-belt frontal body parts that i can recall). That's funny about Joy Luck Club, have the book (because i love Amy Tan) but didn't read it after i saw the movie (which i just bawled my eyes out while watching)"}, {"response": 301, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Aug  7, 1998 (22:09)", "body": "did you see that? i hit 300!! woohoo....what did i win, what did i win?"}, {"response": 302, "author": "riette", "date": "Sat, Aug  8, 1998 (01:24)", "body": "A sheep."}, {"response": 303, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Aug  9, 1998 (22:28)", "body": "Baa! Just finished watching \"Trees Lounge\"--loved it! It was my kind of movie."}, {"response": 304, "author": "jgross", "date": "Sun, Aug  9, 1998 (22:55)", "body": "Then you'll love \"The Opposite of Sex\", \"Henry Fool\", and \"Buffalo 66\". And you'll love me, because I'm more like all 4 of them than they are, that's including \"Trees Lounge\", except they're more real than me---I'm more like just some film going round and round through or past the projector's lense, in a small dark room that has no honest modest exits. Er, uh, wait, what am I doing here? I don't belong here. I'm lost. REALLY lost---I seriously can't find myself....I'll just go right on back outside o Spring and keep lookin'. This little room [BONK...owwww!!] really has no doors, though, and all the walls are powerfully against me.....I mean POWERFULLLLLLEEE."}, {"response": 305, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Aug  9, 1998 (23:06)", "body": "Jim, how ya doin'??? I've really missed you. You're quite the movie-goer. Those titles just happen to be on my must-rent list, but as they're still in theatres, I'm not likely to see them anytime soon. So there are parallels between your life and those of Steve Buscemi, etc.?? I'm intrigued....."}, {"response": 306, "author": "jgross", "date": "Mon, Aug 10, 1998 (00:26)", "body": "Yeah, we were both chasing Amy one night and we ran into each other. Amy just walked off laughing, but Steve picked me up off the pavement, using both hands, and we finally got to meet each other. I'll tell ya one thing, we both really like Chloe Sevigny (she still tests HIV positive and she was at the lounge Steve walked me over to). We were all sitting around the same table off and away from everything, where the light was low and lower (only about knee-high). Anyway, I just wanted to remember to te l ya that we were all reminiscing about our best times with you, Autumn. I mean I had no idea. How did you meet THEM? As you might imagine, we didn't say goodbye to each other until dawn. Let me put it this way---we ALL really miss you."}, {"response": 307, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Aug 10, 1998 (09:27)", "body": "Hi Jim! just to interject...can you two tell us something more about those movies? i mean, haven't even heard of Trees Lounge, what is it about, who's in it?"}, {"response": 308, "author": "jgross", "date": "Tue, Aug 11, 1998 (14:36)", "body": "hola, Wolfie, how nice to see your warm, furry face and sharp, long tooths. I gots some information overload here for ya. Everything that follows came from these 3 addresses: http://us.imdb.com/search http://www.auschron.com/current/screens.film.html I'll put the third address in Response #309, because I forgot to get it, and I don't know how to go out and get it right now without losing everything in this pretty picture window. THE OPPOSITE OF SEX D: Don Roos; with Christina Ricci, Martin Donovan, Lisa Kudrow, Lyle Lovett, Johnny Galecki, Ivan Sergei. A 16-year old girl (Ricci) runs away from a troubled home in Louisiana and comes to stay with her rich half-brother (Hal Hartley regular Martin Donovan). There she messes with the lives of everyone from her brother's new boyfriend to his sexually repressed best friend (Kudrow, stretching her acting muscles). (July 3) HENRY FOOL D: Hal Hartley; with Thomas Jay Ryan, James Urbaniak, Parker Posey. Hal Hartley's new film pairs an unassuming garbageman with an egomaniacal writer to examine the responsibilities of influence and the possibilities of originality. (August) BUFFALO '66 D: Vincent Gallo; with Gallo, Christina Ricci, Anjelica Huston, Ben Gazzara, Mickey Rourke, Rosanna Arquette. Actor Vincent Gallo (The Funeral) made quite a splash at Sundance when he debuted this new film, which he wrote, directed, stars in, and composed; the mordant story follows the dramatic and comedic prospects of a young man suffering from extreme alienation. (July) This next review gives alot away about what happens in the movie, so you might want to skip over it if you're like me, and like to be more surprised upon watching the movie and what it's about to be for you as it unfolds: BUFFALO '66 D: Vincent Gallo; with Gallo, Christina Ricci, Ben Gazzara, Anjelica Huston, Mickey Rourke, Kevin Corrigan, Rosanna Arquette, Jan-Michael Vincent. (Not Rated, 120 min.) \"Indie! Indie! Indie!\" is the unspoken mantra behind enfant terrible Gallo's directorial debut (he was previously seen in Palookaville as well as a series of Calvin Klein ads), and though independent cinema in America has, at this stage, been almost completely co-opted by the major studios (and anyone who thinks Miramax isn't a major these days is kidding themselves), Gallo's battle cry makes for a fiercely humorous slice of unreality that soars even when it's crawling in the gutter and puking on itself. Gallo has recruited a stellar cast and then played them down into the depths of his tale's depravity so much that you hardly recognize Huston or anyone else. In a film populated by the hapless dregs of society, there are no star turns, and yet every character is cleverly portrayed, fully fleshed out and functional, and frequently downright creepy. Gallo is Billy Brown, a scrawny, pale wingnut who, with his flared floodpants, red faux-leather disco boots, and too-tight tube tops, looks for all the world like God's loneliest toothpick. As Buffalo '66 opens, he's fresh out of jail (featuring an extended, painful, semi-comic sequence which involves a desperate search for a bathroom) and on his way to his parents' house. Before going in the joint for a five-year stretch necessitated by a botched $10,000 bet on the Buffalo Bills, Billy told his parents he was married to a beautiful woman and worked a secure, government job. Lies, all lies, and upon his release, he promptly kidnaps Layla (Ricci) and forces her (well, sort of forces her -- she seems liable to go along with anything) to pretend she's his better half. After a protracted and Lynchian nightmare meeting with his family, the pair split up briefly while Billy goes in search of the Bills place-kicker who lost that long-ago bet for him. But the real crux of Gallo's film is the reconciliation with one's childhood, and, sentimental thug that Gallo is, the search for Love. Gallo populates the film with the oddest of oddballs, least of which is naif Billy. Ricci, batting .400, pulls off yet another delicious, subversive turn, while Gazzara and Huston are everybody's Hell Parents: Billy's mom has never forgiven him for being born during the Buffalo Bill's only Superbowl win, and his old man (the title fits him like the sweaty white T-shirt he wears) couldn't care less about him. Comedy is birthed of tragedy, I know, but this is ... ouch. Gallo packs the film with odd, endearing flourishes that detract a bit from the storyline but add to the overall whole: his father, crooning an old love song to Ricci, Billy's mildly retarded buddy Goon (Corrigan, of all people) who only wants to be called Rocky, and the whole, hyper-seedy look of the picture that makes you want to scrub with bleach once you get home. In the end, it's a love story after all, but a peculiarly Gallocentric one -- cheap, nasty, but salvageable nonetheless. (8/7/98 Trees Lounge DIRECTED BY: Steve Buscemi REVIEWED: 12-18-96 Indie acting stalwart Steve Buscemi tries his hand at writing and directing. The result is this"}, {"response": 309, "author": "jgross", "date": "Tue, Aug 11, 1998 (15:00)", "body": "http://www.austin360.com/enter/movies/search/search.htm wow, Autumn was right---something she told me some time ago: you really DO only have to type it (web address) in and it becomes a highlighted link. Feel like I just stepped into Alice's Wonderland (there must be a magic mirror or rabbit hole around here someplace). I guess this means I can from now on unconditionally trust Autumn with everything she says that I would have barely even preconsciously started to come alive to and possibly dimly conjectured over or vaguely speculated about."}, {"response": 310, "author": "riette", "date": "Tue, Aug 11, 1998 (15:15)", "body": "\ufffdvisciously rummaging through a dictionary in search of meaning\ufffd"}, {"response": 311, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Aug 11, 1998 (15:30)", "body": "Jim, if I could just get you to repeat that last part for my husband... (by the way I LOVE Tom Waits)"}, {"response": 312, "author": "riette", "date": "Tue, Aug 11, 1998 (15:32)", "body": "Oh, by the way Jim, are you as knowledgeable with art as with movies? Terry posted a painting into the 20th century arts topic earlier today - an interesting, strange work - but neither of us can make out who the painter is, or what the history around the painting is. I maintain that something bothers me about it, and I don't know what, and it would be immensely helpful to us if somebody knew something about the painting. And you are quite welcome to stay once you're there. Terry is there, Wer, Autumn Wolf, Nan, and there are some other interesting people coming as well. There's an art gallery for our/our children's art - I still remember how you once talked about innocence, and the children's art in the picture gallery topic is just fabulous! Then there are discussions about arts from the different movements and periods, with pictures coming in for them, which we will then discuss more in detail. The whole thing is turning into great fun. Please come - and more often; we all miss you, I'm sure."}, {"response": 313, "author": "riette", "date": "Tue, Aug 11, 1998 (15:33)", "body": "Hi, Autumn!!!"}, {"response": 314, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Aug 11, 1998 (16:07)", "body": "Hey, girl, you're on awfully late, aren't you??"}, {"response": 315, "author": "jgross", "date": "Tue, Aug 11, 1998 (19:58)", "body": "Uh, Autumn, be ready for things at home to be gettin' a whole lot better very very soon, cuz I believe your husband is really startin' to come around now. He only a minute ago emailed me this website (it has all Tom's lyrics, some interviews, and some other TW links)---I took a song and an interview off of it for you, though you probably been there, seen & done that: http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/7587/start.html (Looking For) The Heart of Saturday Night Well you gassed her up Behind the wheel With your arm around your sweet one In your Oldsmobile Barrelin' down the boulevard You're looking for the heart of Saturday night And you got paid on Friday And your pockets are jinglin' And you see the lights You get all tinglin' cause you're cruisin' with a 6 And you're looking for the heart of Saturday night Then you comb your hair Shave your face Tryin' to wipe out ev'ry trace All the other days In the week you know that this'll be the Saturday You're reachin' your peak Stoppin' on the red You're goin' on the green 'Cause tonight'll be like nothin' You've ever seen And you're barrelin' down the boulevard Lookin' for the heart of Saturday night Tell me is the crack of the poolballs, neon buzzin? Telephone's ringin'; it's your second cousin Is it the barmaid that's smilin' from the corner of her eye? Magic of the melancholy tear in your eye. Makes it kind of quiver down in the core 'Cause you're dreamin' of them Saturdays that came before And now you're stumblin' You're stumblin' onto the heart of Saturday night Well you gassed her up And you're behind the wheel With your arm around your sweet one In your Oldsmobile Barrellin' down the boulevard, You're lookin' for the heart of Saturday night Is the crack of the poolballs, neon buzzin? Telephone's ringin'; it's your second cousin And the barmaid is smilin' from the corner of her eye Magic of the melancholy tear in your eye. Makes it kind of special down in the core And you're dreamin' of them Saturdays that came before It's found you stumblin' Stumblin' onto the heart of Saturday night And you're stumblin' Stumblin onto the heart of Saturday night Playboy Interview (1988) 20 questions Most people know singer-songwriter Tom Waits as the poet of late-night metropolitan areas, the bard of smoky lounges and cue-ball moons. But lately, Waits has been experimenting, both on his past three albums, which have included songs nailed together from pieces of 'found sound\"--deafening jackhammers, sirens, strains of an Irish jig--and as an actor (\"The Cotton Club,\" \"Down by Law,\" ' \"Ironweed\"). Writer Steve OBey showed up at a favorite Waits hangout, a seedy caff on the fringes of downtown L.A. \"Waits, now 37, arrived looking wild-haired and mystic eyed and dressed in a parson's black suit and tie,\" he reports. \"He was insistent upon talking into a tape recorder for fear of being misquoted, but he began the conversation with the warning, 'I'm going to pull your string from time to time.'\" 1. PLAYBOY: In spite of the fact that your albums have won you a loyal following, your work is rarely heard on the radio. What kind of payola do you think it would take to get disc jockeys in Des Moines to play a few cuts from Franks Wild Years? WAITS: Send them some frozen Cornish game hens. That would probably do the trick. Or maybe some Spencer steaks. The people who succeed today essentially write jingles. It's an epidemic. Even worse are artists aligning themselves with various products, everything from Chrysler-Plymouth to Pepsi. I don't support it. I hate it. So there. 2. PLAYBOY: Early in your career, some of your songs--for instance, Ol' '55, which the Eagles covered--became hits, and almost all of them, no matter how unconventional, relied upon pretty melodies. But lately--especially on your past three albums -- you've moved from hummable tunes to what you call \"organized noise.\" Why? WAITS: I was cutting off a very small piece of what I wanted to do. I wasn't getting down the things I was really hearing and experiencing. Music with a lot of strings gets like Perry Como after a while. It's why I don't really work with the piano much anymore. Like, anybody who plays the piano would thrill at seeing and hearing one thrown off a 12-story building, watching it hit the sidewalk and being there to hear that thump. It's like school. You want to watch it burn. 3. PLAYBOY; To create a marketable pop song, do you have to sell out? WAITS: Popular music is like a big party, and it's a thrill sneaking in rather than being invited. Every once in a while, a guy with his shirt on inside out, wearing lipstick and a pillbox hat, gets a chance to speak. I've always been afraid I was going to tap the world on the shoulder for 20 years and when it finally turned around, I was going to forget what I had to say. I was always afraid I was going to do something in the studio and hate it, put it out, and it was going to become a hit. So I'm neurotic about it. 4. PLAYBOY: Who was Harry Partch, and what did he me"}, {"response": 316, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Aug 11, 1998 (21:15)", "body": "Jim, you just made my night. That is one of the best interviews with anyone that I've ever read, and \"Heart of Sat. Night\" is one of my all-time favorites Have you seen \"Ironweed\"??? I read the book several years ago (excellent!), but didn't know it was a movie--Tom Waits and Jack Nicholson sound like perfect casting to me. (Imagine Ratso Rizzo in the 30s.) thank you thank you thank you"}, {"response": 317, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Aug 11, 1998 (21:18)", "body": "Tom Waits...hmmmm....wasn't he the guy in Dukes of Hazard, uh, Luke?"}, {"response": 318, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Aug 11, 1998 (21:35)", "body": "Bite your tongue, Wolf!!"}, {"response": 319, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Aug 11, 1998 (21:44)", "body": "sorry....who is he then? any pics? huh huh huh?"}, {"response": 320, "author": "jgross", "date": "Wed, Aug 12, 1998 (01:09)", "body": "In another interview, Tom said he looks at your pics every night, Wolfie---I think it was the one in Time magazine.....in the next breath, he even said he looks at alotta different pics of Luke, too, quite regularly. You're welcome welcome welcome, Autumn. Now you know how my EVERY day is when I read any of your responses anywhere. If you could be a professional responder, you'd be awesome. I mean the JOB would be awesome, you'd just be Autumn all year long as you always are.....you'd be a big piece of the truth, you'd fall with the leaves and turn colors in people's minds, you'd be awesome awesome awesome. Only seen a couple minutes of the end of \"Ironweed\", and it was on some tiny TV in a bar cafe in Kentucky while passin' thru (on my way for Quebec), lookin' fer gas, food, and Namibian chicks, if ya know what I mean. Haven't read the book. The book about stray Namibian chicks, rain dogs they were, actually, who kinda got lost in Kentucky? Naw, not that book, the book called \"Ironweed\" is the one I still ain't read---the Kentucky Namibian rain dog chicks book I most certainly HAVE read, and it knocked me off ma butt....had to read the whole thing standin' up---nuthin' like it, nuthin' like it, nope, nuthin' even close. Ummm, and Ratso Rizzo in the 30's would sure have my midnight cowboy back up on his horse, alright."}, {"response": 321, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Aug 12, 1998 (01:16)", "body": "And will he be galloping over to the Arts conference every once in a while?"}, {"response": 322, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Aug 14, 1998 (21:26)", "body": "Jim, I'm laughing so hard I'm going to fall off my chair! Wolf, back up to response 315 and click on the highlighted website for a peek at Tom Waits..."}, {"response": 323, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Aug 14, 1998 (21:27)", "body": "cool, thanks!"}, {"response": 324, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Aug 14, 1998 (21:29)", "body": "been there and boy was i waaaaaaay off! thanks for straightening that 'un out *smile*"}, {"response": 325, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Aug 26, 1998 (09:54)", "body": "Haven't seen a movie since the Wedding Singer... keep trying to get to a cheapo flick but the times are all wonky. For instance... 7:15 is a perfect movie time. AFTER dinner but you're out in time to get to bed early. 9pm... after dinner and late enough that you could throw a load or two of laundry in beforehand, dig a garden and plant the potted flowers that have been hanging around for three days now, hand wash all of the dinner dishes, etc. etc. But 6:15?!?! No time to go home and change clothing, nevermind grab a bite to eat (a dinner of popcorn, soda and Junior Mints does NOT sit well for long). And 10:15?!?!?! I can't even hold my head up after 11:30 unless I'm completely jacked up on sugar and caffeine, in which case I cannot sit still to watch a movie... Ahhhh... life has become so complicated... (Jim, gave to see you have the SPRING in your step once again!)"}, {"response": 326, "author": "jgross", "date": "Wed, Aug 26, 1998 (11:02)", "body": "Stace, good to see all that expensive electricity zippin' around in your house now. I think that in Colorado it's at 8:20 they show their unwonkable cheapies, and the audiences don't really feel quite right unless you're there with them, all pinballed out. You're funny, though, to watch, doin' all those things you do around the house, fitting everything in somehow....it's an intense action flick."}, {"response": 327, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Aug 26, 1998 (11:27)", "body": "Electricity isn't quite zooming about the house yet...(I'm at work) it's more like zoming. No more surges but no capacity yet either... Hmmm... me as an action flick!?!? I think I'm more comfortable with me as a Discovery channel documentary feature... sandwiched between coverage of last year's Iron Man late finishers (the tearjerker tales) and Shark Week!"}, {"response": 328, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Aug 26, 1998 (11:34)", "body": "can you go on saturdays?"}, {"response": 329, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Aug 26, 1998 (11:39)", "body": "That's Stacey's Everest climbing day, Wolf!"}, {"response": 330, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Aug 26, 1998 (12:48)", "body": "*laugh* ...(bemused) now that WOULD be a great way to spend a Saturday! bummer it takes an average of four weeks to ascend (safely) to the final pre summit camp..."}, {"response": 331, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Mon, Sep 28, 1998 (13:42)", "body": "I just say \"There's something about Mary\" and it's the film of the year. If you haven't seen it, then go because it's just hilarious. One of the best films I've ever seen, without a doubt!"}, {"response": 332, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Sep 29, 1998 (04:21)", "body": "really? my husband and i guffawed through the previews of this film when we went to watch the x files. we laughed soooooo loud. i think it was the little dog that did it."}, {"response": 333, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Tue, Sep 29, 1998 (20:27)", "body": "it's so good, i'd go so far as to call it the Film of the Year!"}, {"response": 334, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Oct  1, 1998 (04:14)", "body": "Saw Pi a couple of weekends ago... Fantastic, truly inspiring of (and inspired by) some freaky dreams. A premise that we've all touched on at one time or another."}, {"response": 335, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Thu, Oct  1, 1998 (18:07)", "body": "yeah, that's a film i'd love to see...waiting for it to come out over here..."}, {"response": 336, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Oct 10, 1998 (20:23)", "body": "Pi? as in the algebraic 3.14---- used to calculate area of a circle kind of pi? what sort of movie was this? i've, obviously, never heard of it! as for movies i've been watching-ummmm, been catching up with cinemax, lemme think here.... The Beautician and The Beast Solo Dave Picture Perfect Fools Rush In Conspiracy Theory just to name a few....."}, {"response": 337, "author": "jgross", "date": "Sun, Oct 11, 1998 (16:42)", "body": "Pi (1998) ---reviewed by James Berardinelli RATING: *** OUT OF **** United States, 1998 U.S. Release Date: 7/10/98 (limited) Running Length: 1:25 MPAA Classification: No MPAA Rating (Violence, profanity) Cast: Sean Gullette, Mark Margolis, Ben Shenkman, Pamela Hart, Stephen Pearlman, Samia Shoaib Director: Darren Aronofsky Producer: Eric Watson Screenplay: Darren Aronofsky Cinematography: Matthew Ubatique Music: Clint Mansell U.S. Distributor: Live Entertainment PI, the letter, is a character in the Greek alphabet roughly equivalent to the English \"p.\" PI, the mathematical notation, is commonly used to represent the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. PI, the movie, is Darren Aronofsky's debut feature (and the winner of a directing award at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival), an independent science fiction thriller that combines questions about God and infinity with the personal struggle of one man to regain control of his life. PI is actually the second low-budget, no-effects science fiction movie I have seen this year. The other, Hilary Brougher's THE STICKY FINGERS OF TIME, will be released by Strand Releasing during the Fall. I must admit to liking the approach embraced by PI and STICKY because the monetary limitations have spawned creative scripts with unique solutions. Without ILM and a $100 million budget to fall back upon, film makers who venture into this arena must be prepared to truly engage the minds of their audiences instead of relying upon a DTS sound system and state of the art visuals to generate oohs and aahs. PI is the story of Max Cohen (ably portrayed by Sean Gullette), a computer geek with a genius for mathematics. Socially, Max is completely inept. Aside from occasionally showing off his arithmetic abilities to a girl who lives in his apartment building, he avoids all human contact, including any interaction with his attractive next door neighbor (Samia Shoaib), who shows an interest in him. Max lives by three basic principles: (1) mathematics is the language of nature, (2) everything can be represented and understood through numbers, and (3) there are patterns in nature. His objective is to use his home-built supercomputer, Euclid, to analyze the patterns in the financial markets to predict the exact performance of every stock. During the course of his studies, he encounters a mysterious string of 216 digits, and, when a Jewish numerologist (Ben Shenkman) becomes aware of this, he confides in Max that \"the pattern in the Torah is 216 digits,\" and this discovery may hold the key to unlocking God's true name. Max, who doesn't believe in God, is more interested when his mentor (Bark Margolis) reveals that he once encountered a \"bug\" of 216 digits when he was investigating pi. Max's mathematical brilliance comes at a price, however: he has frequent, debilitating headaches and seizures that send him into a bizarre state of consciousness. During those episodes, he encounters people who stalk him then disappear, and, on one occasion, he discovers a brain lying on the ground in a New York City subway station. The key to Max's genius and pain appears to be a mark on his skull, and, perhaps in order to eliminate the one, he must sacrifice the other. Although the plot of PI is eccentric (even for a science fiction effort), Aronofsky's message is actually quite simple: life does not fit into neat patterns, and complete control is impossible. Oddly, this is also the underlying premise of the two JURASSIC PARK movies, proving that certain concepts are universal. However, the central theme is only one of many fascinating subjects tapped into by the screenplay. For example, Max's quest to use numerical patterns to model every aspect of the universe reveals some interesting facts about the Hebrew language. (In Hebrew, all letters have a numerical equivalent. The number for \"man\" is 3. The number for \"woman\" is 41. 41+3=44, which is the number for \"child.\") In addition to all of its intellectually-stimulating aspects, PI also works as a character study of an obsessed individual whose single-minded goal blinds him to everything else, including health, friendship, love, and even sanity. Aronofsky elected to shoot the film in black-and-white, which lends a dream-like atmosphere to all of the proceedings. PI transports us to a world that is like yet unlike our own, and, in its mysterious familiarity, is eerie, intense, and compelling. Reality is a fragile commodity, but, because the script is well-written and the central character is strongly developed, it's not hard to suspend disbelief. As the movie draws to a conclusion, it perhaps becomes a little too ambitious in trying to unify all the great questions of existence. At that point, PI slides with only limited success into an exploration of metaphysics and spirituality. Nevertheless, I prefer movies that take risks like this, even when they're flawed, to those that try for a safe, formula-driven resolution. So, while I didn't necessar"}, {"response": 338, "author": "jgross", "date": "Sun, Oct 11, 1998 (17:00)", "body": "I didn't like Pi. It was just too aberrant. I liked Pi. It was just so experimental and mentally inciting. Wanna see his next film, this Aronofsky guy, the director---and it's called \"Proteus\"---comes out next year. The main character was going insane---did he actually pound a nail in his head? (maybe that was just another hallucination)---I felt like the whole movie was forcing more and more water into this balloon, and ya knew it was gonna burst. Some of the scenes bored me more than anything, like the jewish cabalistic run-ins and the visits to the mentor....they dragged, for me---but they spread the movie out some. But the movie was just so different, I was willing to put up with alot. I wanted to see how he (Aronofsky) would make each spot in the film circumstantial---the atmospherics, the pacing, the intensity, how sound mixed with facial expressions and the angles his cameras got and then what that would lead to next....and I really liked the most bizarre sequences. At least his main character was real convincing and stuff."}, {"response": 339, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Oct 12, 1998 (13:18)", "body": "Thanks for posting the review Jom, I sure as hell couldn't have explained it that well! I don't think he actually shot a nail into his head but the symbolism sure came screaming through (that scene triggered a very loud reactionary inhale from me!)"}, {"response": 340, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Oct 12, 1998 (20:59)", "body": "ok, i watched Protocol Wind yeah, big whoopdeedoo, but that's how i spent my columbus day (oh, not to mention the 4 hours in the courthouse for jury selection and then told to come back Wed-same bat time, same bat place--and they only picked 6--and held trial, what's up with that? isn't a jury made up of 12 members?)"}, {"response": 341, "author": "jgross", "date": "Tue, Oct 13, 1998 (12:09)", "body": "Were they playing just half-court? I dunno how just that is, but if they only had one basket case to shoot at......oh and look at that ball sail----SWISH!----it's another 3-pointer for that one jurist who can't seem to put up a shot that misses----would that be what's up with that....? Hope ya get to play on Wednesday. Show 'em some woman-to-man defense that'll put all the attorneys on notice about their zones and their pick-and-rolls. It can be a very effective defense to use, or to watch from the bench or the stands or the jury box. Post pictures of any of your slam dunks, especially if it's a game winner, Wolfie."}, {"response": 342, "author": "wolf", "date": "Thu, Oct 29, 1998 (18:26)", "body": "well, this little wolf wasn't selected as a juror. the last dude just pleaded guilty. probably saw the big wolfie teefers i sport and figured he had a better chance in jail!"}, {"response": 343, "author": "jgross", "date": "Thu, Oct 29, 1998 (23:37)", "body": "I saw the judge slow-dancing with the court reporter. The guilty party got 8 hours of community work: but the party lasted 10 hours and everyone at the trial was invited. You elected not to go, Wolfie?"}, {"response": 344, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Dec 21, 1998 (20:58)", "body": "Star Trek was last night but I saw ANTZ on Saturday night. Loved it! Much more adult in its humor than A Bug's Life and just as fascinating witht he graphics... all computer generated?!?!?"}, {"response": 345, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Dec 21, 1998 (21:02)", "body": "Saw A Bug's Life and loved it! oh, and to catch up on my cinemax movie going, recently watched: The Devil's Advocate Addicted To Love (luv meg ryan and matthew broderick--he's so cute!) The Edge In & Out well, that's the extent of my movie reviews so far. hopefully i'll be able to catch up during this holiday break (yeah, i actually got one)!"}, {"response": 346, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Dec 21, 1998 (21:03)", "body": "Oh Wolf, I LOVED In & Out! What did you think?!?!"}, {"response": 347, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Dec 21, 1998 (21:08)", "body": "it was hilarious! especially with tom selleck as the reporter! haha. i really liked the woman who played klein's fiance'. what's her name again? the part after her non-wedding when she goes to the bar!! (btw: hi stacey!)"}, {"response": 348, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Dec 21, 1998 (21:09)", "body": "Hi Wolf! That was Joan Cusack (John Cusack's sister)"}, {"response": 349, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Dec 21, 1998 (21:13)", "body": "YES!! She was so funny in this....."}, {"response": 350, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Dec 22, 1998 (09:50)", "body": "she's always a gas!"}, {"response": 351, "author": "stacey", "date": "Sat, Jan 16, 1999 (01:22)", "body": "Hurly burly ... quite the Penn performance certainly gets you thinking about lotsa random shit that you shouldn't necessarily be thinking about. Note to Mike: DO NOT go see this movie... could be as catastrophic as reading the Razor's Edge while depressed."}, {"response": 352, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Sat, Jan 16, 1999 (09:24)", "body": "Last night I saw Shawshank Redemption. Pretty incredible film, although I turned away for some parts (not good to see men hanging themselves at the moment...)"}, {"response": 353, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sat, Jan 16, 1999 (21:54)", "body": "i liked 'shawshank' a great deal... the bit with the music over the intercom will stay with me forever, i think... saw 'thin red line' last night... was even more disturbing than i thought it would be... not sure if the whole was the equal of the parts, but all in all it was superb... was a little bizarre, for me, witnessing this film in a theater filled with (pacifist, commie-leaning, largely godless) canadians... some of the people around me made comments during the film pertaining to what they perceived as the violent natures we yanks possess... didn't say anything, but it bothered me (felt sort of like the chris eigamen (msp.) character at the party in 'barcelona', if anyone's seen it)..."}, {"response": 354, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sun, Jan 17, 1999 (21:35)", "body": "we saw 'wilde' last night (saw it at the hollywood theatre, an old venue downtown, and the house was nearly packed, which is a little curious, considering that this film is out on video in the next few days)... the film was a little uneven, i suppose... and perhaps a little tedious in places, for those not among oscar's admirers... i loved it, though... steven frye was simply wonderful, everything i've imagined oscar was... the scenes in prison were devestating, esp. the visit from his wife... (looked over at that point and paula was crying... not me though, i swear)... only criticism i would offer was that the film didn't feature enough of his work, or even a good enough sense of it... i suppose the makers of this film figured (rightly, i'm sure) that those in attendence would pretty much already be persuaded of oscar's greatness... still would've been nice to have seen more of it rendered... while flawed, 'wilde' was, all in all, an honest, elegant, and quite beautiful film (much like the man himself)..."}, {"response": 355, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Wed, Jan 20, 1999 (19:40)", "body": "I just saw \"Pi\". Incredible. Go and see it *immediately*."}, {"response": 356, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Jan 20, 1999 (20:50)", "body": "ok"}, {"response": 357, "author": "wolf", "date": "Thu, Jan 21, 1999 (18:08)", "body": "civil action....not on my top ten....no incentive for the characters.....didn't understand why we had to go through all that and then get the ending we got....."}, {"response": 358, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Thu, Jan 21, 1999 (20:06)", "body": "because it was a true story, i imagine (that's why i'm not planning to see it... sounds like such a downer) (you doing okay?) (thinking bout going to see... something... maybe 'shakespeare in love again'... if i can get my lazy ass going)"}, {"response": 359, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Fri, Jan 22, 1999 (17:34)", "body": "I just came back from seeing \"The Opposite of Sex\". Quite a good film toward the end, but completely lame in the middle...I nearly fell asleep. Some good jokes. Worth the money? Probably not."}, {"response": 360, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Jan 24, 1999 (12:50)", "body": "shakespeare in love was excellent! had never seen joseph fiennes before and he was good (as was gwyneth).... elizabeth was another stunner (jf in it too). never heard of the actress cate something but she was good. both of these films will be in my to-buy list! (nick-am doing well, homesick right now though)"}, {"response": 361, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sun, Jan 24, 1999 (13:27)", "body": "saw \"The Thin Red Line\" last night... zzzzzzzzz...."}, {"response": 362, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Jan 24, 1999 (18:42)", "body": "Really? That bad?"}, {"response": 363, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Mon, Jan 25, 1999 (00:45)", "body": "not necessarily bad, just slow... made Titanic seem like a commercial break (got the impression it is probably one helluva book, though, something along the lines of Red Badge of Courage and Johnny Got His Gun...)"}, {"response": 364, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Jan 25, 1999 (17:25)", "body": "maybe they were trying to compete with tom hanks war film....."}, {"response": 365, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Jan 30, 1999 (11:41)", "body": "At First Sight...moving parts but val talked like his teeth were too big for his mouth. he made the blind character seem retarded. not one of his best films. mira was good (but isn't she in everything she does?)....wait til it comes out on video...."}, {"response": 366, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sat, Jan 30, 1999 (12:50)", "body": "saw City of Angels on satellite..."}, {"response": 367, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Jan 30, 1999 (17:12)", "body": "still haven't seen it....."}, {"response": 368, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sun, Jan 31, 1999 (23:27)", "body": "saw U-turn on satellite, as well... what a psychotic movie! (even for my tastes...)"}, {"response": 369, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Feb  1, 1999 (10:47)", "body": "that's the one with richard gere, right? i saw it too and it was bizarre..."}, {"response": 370, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Feb  1, 1999 (19:36)", "body": "last week we saw 'still crazy' (loved it... best film of the week)... and- even though as rule i detest action pictures... we saw 'enemy of the state'... (big fan of wil smith, and especially gene hackman... and this was a nice twist on his role from 'the conversation', if anyone's seen it)... it was a good film, weak in places, but overall worthwhile (and it has helped to politically energize paula, which is a welcome development)... also saw 'something about mary', for the third time (it was a weekend m dnight movie, and we were kind of bored... the theatre was actually two-thirds filled)... this week we're gonna see 'little voice' and 'life is beautiful', i think... oh, and the james whale picture, too, if we can find it (what's that called? can't seem to remember... with ian mckellan)... really looking forward to seeing some of those sundance films, hope it's not too awfully long before they're distributed..."}, {"response": 371, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Feb  1, 1999 (20:34)", "body": "am a fan of will smith too. but will probably wait for the video to come out. i'm not sure about the james whale picture. guess i don't keep track of directors!"}, {"response": 372, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Feb  1, 1999 (20:56)", "body": "'gods and monsters' (just remembered) (i think)"}, {"response": 373, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Feb  2, 1999 (09:06)", "body": "have seen that title a couple of times but no previews. what's it about?"}, {"response": 374, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Feb  7, 2036 (05:04)", "body": "Virus -- certianly not worth the big money, first run prices we paid last night."}, {"response": 375, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Wed, Feb  3, 1999 (18:24)", "body": "just know it's about james whale, among my favorite directors from the thirties... (and the previews i've seen look excellent)"}, {"response": 376, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Feb  3, 1999 (18:58)", "body": "i'll have to look out for it then..."}, {"response": 377, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sun, Feb  7, 1999 (23:00)", "body": "saw 'little voice', night before last... it was quite good, better than i thought it would be, actually... (and michael caine was amazing) (as always)"}, {"response": 378, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Feb  8, 1999 (19:01)", "body": "haven't heard of that one, either. saw gattica on max a few days ago. was interesting."}, {"response": 379, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Thu, Feb  7, 2036 (02:55)", "body": "saw 'office space' friday... though i enjoyed the film (and it had tremendously funny moments), all in all it disappointed me... maybe because coming from mike judge, i expected so much... the film seemed...underdeveloped, i guess... cartoony, which isn't necessarily bad... just a little unsatisfying... (best scene- interview with the bobs- 'and what is YOUR favorite michael bolton tune?') thursday, we finally saw gods and monsters... it was quite fine, very moving, worth the wait... best of all, we saw it in a beautiful old theater, as the front end of a double feature...with bride of frankenstein... always wanted to see it on the big screen, and it was wonderful..."}, {"response": 380, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Feb 24, 1999 (14:40)", "body": "whereabout in Seattle do you live now?"}, {"response": 381, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Feb 26, 1999 (17:25)", "body": "wait, i forgot, who's in office space? (and i'm still waiting to see contact and city of angels)...oh, caught murder of the crows with cuba gooding jr., good flick...."}, {"response": 382, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sun, Feb 28, 1999 (03:06)", "body": "just got done watching \"Devil's Advocate,\" enjoyed it more than one should, probably... definately very intriguing..."}, {"response": 383, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Mar  1, 1999 (10:09)", "body": "I thought that was indeed a fantastic movie... oh man guys... we found a new dollar theatre (since they closed out old one down!) not only does it have a working pinball machine... the tickets are 50 cents!!! (popcorn and cokes are still outrageously expensive but 50 cents for tickets!! We saw Enemy of the State... okay... high action which I enjoyed but very contrived and kinda missing pieces a lot had to be assumed and a lot didn't jive but for 50 cents!!!!????? I'd see it again."}, {"response": 384, "author": "osceola", "date": "Mon, Mar  1, 1999 (13:43)", "body": "Lucky Stacey. They just closed down the last discount theater in South Austin. The only ones are now in the northern 'burbs and can't be reached by bus. Matinees are now $4, which enters the \"is it worth it?\" price zone. You can see anything for $1.50, ya know what I mean? Alamo Drafthouse downtown (Colorado between 4th and 5th)has $2 movies and food and beer. \"Waterboy\" is playing there now. Might go see it if it's there next weekend. Nothing wrong with a little stoopid fun."}, {"response": 385, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Mar  1, 1999 (13:50)", "body": "certianly nothing wrong with that (a little stoopid fun!) sympathies for the ridiculous movie prices..."}, {"response": 386, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Mar  2, 1999 (09:40)", "body": "saw In Dreams lastnight for 50 cents!!!!! woo woo! Horrible camera guy... kept seeing the microphone drop into scenes from the top. Unbelieveable. Like a spoof The movie was okay. Robert Downey Jr. plays a fabulous psycho. So does Annette Benning for that matter. But the microphone holder (does he have a real name/title) sucked and it kept breaking the spell."}, {"response": 387, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Mar  2, 1999 (12:17)", "body": "he would be the best boy or gaffer, methinks."}, {"response": 388, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Mar  2, 1999 (13:18)", "body": "well he was the WORST best boy and somebody shoulda gaffed him with the damn mic!"}, {"response": 389, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Mar  2, 1999 (18:12)", "body": "*lol* it was the director who shoulda told him to keep his mike outta the frame! they probably couldn't edit it out once they noticed it there. maybe they figured others would be so engrossed they'd not have time to notice details!"}, {"response": 390, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Tue, Mar  2, 1999 (19:41)", "body": "I almost always notice when someone's mike is stuck where it doesn't belong, especially when it's out in plain sight, Wolf..."}, {"response": 391, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Mar  3, 1999 (10:02)", "body": "it's a deal killer..."}, {"response": 392, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Wed, Mar  3, 1999 (16:56)", "body": "*smile*"}, {"response": 393, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Mar  3, 1999 (17:40)", "body": "*lol*"}, {"response": 394, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Apr  7, 1999 (15:16)", "body": "on the plane... at first sight pleasantville at the cheapo theatre while jet lagging... a civil action in Germany... Gattaca (dubbed) oh yeah... I forgot the other plane movie was Star Trek Insurrection..."}, {"response": 395, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Thu, Apr  8, 1999 (01:29)", "body": "and the not-so-plane movies were?"}, {"response": 396, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Apr  8, 1999 (10:57)", "body": "cute... they were mostly plain..."}, {"response": 397, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Thu, Apr  8, 1999 (19:06)", "body": "thanks... oh..."}, {"response": 398, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Sat, Apr 10, 1999 (10:43)", "body": "i saw Star Trek on the plane, too"}, {"response": 399, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sat, Apr 10, 1999 (12:43)", "body": "where were you going?"}, {"response": 400, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Sat, Apr 10, 1999 (18:11)", "body": "new york"}, {"response": 401, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Sun, Apr 11, 1999 (00:34)", "body": "good trip?"}, {"response": 402, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Sun, Apr 11, 1999 (07:22)", "body": "yup. met my future in-laws. saw things. came home."}, {"response": 403, "author": "wer", "date": "Sun, Apr 11, 1999 (21:40)", "body": "glad things are still going well!"}, {"response": 404, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Apr 11, 1999 (22:45)", "body": "me too. how'd you like the big apple mike?"}, {"response": 405, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Mon, Apr 12, 1999 (17:31)", "body": "like it is in films. and the jewellery is disgustingly gaudy. apart from that...just like another place. underwhelmed is probably the word i'd use."}, {"response": 406, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Apr 12, 1999 (18:26)", "body": "mike, when you post do you mark them as 'hidden'?? I always miss your posts unless I log on right after and they're still on the \"latest posts\" list. So when I telnet, I miss em altogether cause they never show up as new... glad you had a good trip... how long did ya stay?"}, {"response": 407, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Apr 15, 1999 (12:36)", "body": "Matrix. A cyberpunk novel visualized. The concept was fantastic. THe special effects were incredible. The acting was well... Wolf could back me up on this one... Keanu Reeves is NOT my favorite actor as far as talent goes... he wasn't bad. I actually liked him in the movie The script incorporated a lot of his natural casualness... he made a pretty good cybergeek turned messiah-like It was full priced and I don't have any regrets about the seven bucks. (of course B paid for it so...)"}, {"response": 408, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Thu, Apr 15, 1999 (19:28)", "body": "i dno't think my posts are hidden stacey...certainly not intentionally, anyway. i stayed for about 4 days i think"}, {"response": 409, "author": "stacey", "date": "Thu, Apr 15, 1999 (19:44)", "body": "short trip for such a long flight... when do you go back?"}, {"response": 410, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Thu, Apr 15, 1999 (20:14)", "body": "don't know"}, {"response": 411, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Thu, Apr 15, 1999 (20:14)", "body": "Ca is coming back here at the beginning of june, though. and she'll be staying with a view to staying permanently"}, {"response": 412, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Apr 16, 1999 (11:41)", "body": "woo woo!"}, {"response": 413, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Apr 17, 1999 (11:02)", "body": "woo hoo!! i'm waiting for matrix to come out on video."}, {"response": 414, "author": "wolf", "date": "Thu, May  6, 1999 (23:01)", "body": "guess what i just saw? ok, i'll tell. i just watched \"something about mary\" and laughed my arse off the whole film. the part that really cracked me up was mary's hair when she finally went out with ted!! oh my, i laughed so much my throat hurt. gonna buy that one!!"}, {"response": 415, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Fri, May  7, 1999 (04:32)", "body": "funny that, wolfy, cos my friend and I rented it again at the weekend - superb film!"}, {"response": 416, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, May  7, 1999 (10:12)", "body": "MUMMY opens tonight... I think we're scraping the $7 bucks together for first run tix"}, {"response": 417, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, May  7, 1999 (10:21)", "body": "mummy???? oh, the hubby rented species 2 but said it wasn't nearly as good as the first one. (when are sequels ever? except on those rare occasions)"}, {"response": 418, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, May  7, 1999 (10:22)", "body": "oh, midsummer's night dream opens tonight or this weekend (methinks)"}, {"response": 419, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, May  7, 1999 (10:25)", "body": "MUMMY... Pandora's Box type horror/action involving a... you guessed it! MUMMY! We first saw the previews during the Superbowl and have been waiting MONTHS for it to open... High expectations usually mean letdown... Hmmmm... maybe we shouldn't go. *furrowed brow*"}, {"response": 420, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, May  7, 1999 (10:52)", "body": "don't worry about it. go!"}, {"response": 421, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Fri, May  7, 1999 (15:20)", "body": "speaking of sequels, I heard a rumour they're making Toy Story 2 - MORE ALIEN FOOTAGE!!! Woo-hoo!"}, {"response": 422, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Sun, Jul 18, 1999 (15:17)", "body": "I hardly ever pop in here, but I had to mention that I just saw The Blair Witch Project , and it is a definite must see. It just opened here in Boston on Friday and is selling out like hotcakes! It will open nationwide on July 30. For an original, extremely creepy, scary time (sans blood, guts and chainsaws), this movie will stay with you forever."}, {"response": 423, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Jul 18, 1999 (18:22)", "body": "who's in it laura? i haven't heard of it."}, {"response": 424, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Sun, Jul 18, 1999 (20:05)", "body": "This movie was the darling of the Sundance Film Festival, no one you've ever heard of is in it. I don't want to give away the premiss of the movie, but this web page will clue you in. www.blairwitch.com It's a creepy, scary webpage. The movie is brilliantly done. blurs fiction and reality together. Very intense."}, {"response": 425, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Jul 18, 1999 (20:21)", "body": "thanks...."}, {"response": 426, "author": "KitchenManager", "date": "Mon, Jul 19, 1999 (00:00)", "body": "Hi, Laura, thanks for dropping in!"}, {"response": 427, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Jul 28, 1999 (12:34)", "body": "saw General's Daughter on Sunday night -- Good, disturbing scenes in some places but good movie saw The Blair Witch Project on Monday night -- I enjoyed the break from typical films... documentary style, believeable... kinda spooky but not like modern fright flicks...no special effects, just playing on fears..."}, {"response": 428, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Tue, Aug  3, 1999 (09:19)", "body": "Sunday night I went out to see \"Plan 9 From Outer Space\", a horribly cool C- or D-Movie from Ed Wood. THAT Ed Wood, right. And featuring Vampira and some leftover shots of Bela Lugosi, great stuff! Plus a new theatre, one I haven't been to before - but I will come back to that one!"}, {"response": 429, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Aug  8, 1999 (13:25)", "body": "i've heard clips on the radio of folks who were darn-right scared after watching the blair witch project. i saw a show on the making of it (actually an interview with one of the actors) and the way it was filmed would be hard to watch, i think. have to wait for video on that one. we watched inspector gadget in the theatre *grin* with the kids last weekend. great flick if you want good squeaky clean fun. i love matthew broderick anyway, and he did a great job with this role considering all the special effects. the kids probably won't catch the asides towards some other films (like evil gadget's teeth-what a close resemblance to the mask and something about mary's matt dillon's dental do up). what i really liked was that they stayed with the cartoon as far as penny, brain, and the claw go (he even had his cat!)."}, {"response": 430, "author": "aschuth", "date": "Fri, Aug 27, 1999 (16:03)", "body": "Nobody into Bela Lugosi? Or the All-American Non-Hero, Ed Wood?"}, {"response": 431, "author": "stacey", "date": "Fri, Aug 27, 1999 (16:38)", "body": "saw Austin Powers 2 last night... just as inane as the first IMHO... I liked it!"}, {"response": 432, "author": "stacey", "date": "Tue, Oct  5, 1999 (16:13)", "body": "saw Sixth Sense a couple of weeks ago... really got into it saw Stir of Echoes a few days ago... similar, but different"}, {"response": 433, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Oct  9, 1999 (15:31)", "body": "just watched the mummy. now who played the mummy? he was fine! the hubby thought he was billy zane but i don't think so. anyway, the story was good and romantic. loved brandon fraser and he will be added to my babe list (along with the mummy)."}, {"response": 434, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Oct  9, 1999 (15:33)", "body": "oh, speaking of brandon fraser, do not, i repeat, do not waste your money on dudley dooright. it stunk big time. can't stand sarah jessica parker anyway and this film didn't change my views at all. poor brandon, the story didn't get any juice until dooright had to go doowrong. *thumbs down*"}, {"response": 435, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Sat, Oct  9, 1999 (18:37)", "body": "Brendan Fraser (a decent comedian) will never be associated with excellence in cinema."}, {"response": 436, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Oct 10, 1999 (23:51)", "body": "Brendan was at his best in the obscure movie called \"Still Breathing\" which is topic 13 in the movies conference. I thought that was worth seeing more for the music, the mood and the region (it was done locally in San Antonio) more than anything else. And I was at the premiere in Austin and got to meet the folks in the movie."}, {"response": 437, "author": "mrchips", "date": "Mon, Oct 11, 1999 (00:00)", "body": "He was also terrific in \"Blast from the Past.\" He actually got to play a guy with brains, class, and terrific ballroom dancing skills. I was impressed. I always thought of him as a decent physical comedian, an impressive physical specimen, and not much more."}, {"response": 438, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Oct 11, 1999 (20:08)", "body": "yes, still breathing was a good one! haven't seen blast from the past yet..."}, {"response": 439, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Oct 11, 1999 (20:08)", "body": "oh yeah, he was also in with honors (think that was the name of it)."}, {"response": 440, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Nov 29, 1999 (14:36)", "body": "In the last month and a half I've seen... \"Forces of Nature\" -- kinda cute \"Deep Blue Sea\" -- groovy effects and neat idea but pretty cheesy \"Bringing Out the Dead\" -- get ready to be depressed... good movie with a VERY slow start \"Stigmata\" -- Woo Woo! great movie... of course \"The Seventh Sign\" is one of my faves too... they're pretty similar"}, {"response": 441, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Nov 30, 1999 (06:46)", "body": "Isn't there a Bergman movie called the \"Seventh Seal\"?"}, {"response": 442, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Dec  1, 1999 (19:17)", "body": "Yes!"}, {"response": 443, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Dec  2, 1999 (08:26)", "body": "I'll have to check out Stigmata, could you give us a review, Stacey?"}, {"response": 444, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Dec  5, 1999 (21:07)", "body": "toy story 2 was great! i must tell you i laughed my rear off!!"}, {"response": 445, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Dec  5, 1999 (23:29)", "body": "I sit in front of the cinema-plex in our biggest Mall when I am tending the Angel Tree for the Salvation Army, and I stare at the posters for the movie. It looks funny! Is it much funnier than the first one?"}, {"response": 446, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Dec  6, 1999 (08:48)", "body": "I saw an intriguing movie with Robert Deniro, Helen someone (old, famous actress, help me), Gwyneth Paltrow and the lead guy whose name I can't remember. The two grow up as children and romp around in the old dowagers mansion and then have various intriguing encounters as they grow up. Help me on those names. The guy was the lead in that movie where he had to fake his dna to get on the rocket flight."}, {"response": 447, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Dec  6, 1999 (19:55)", "body": "ethan hawke...now as to helen..... marcia, i found ts2 to be much funnier than the first but i loved the first just as much!"}, {"response": 448, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Mon, Dec  6, 1999 (20:53)", "body": "Did you feel like you needed to be a guy to sit with the guys in this one, too, or did you not experience that fun phenomenon?! (Gotta go to the movies without the college crowd cramping my style next time!)"}, {"response": 449, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Dec  8, 1999 (13:15)", "body": "The movie was \"Great Expectations\" and I missed the beginning, so I'll watch it again on the sat dish. Has anyone read the Dickens book?"}, {"response": 450, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Dec  8, 1999 (20:32)", "body": "yes, and i've seen the movie a couple of times as well."}, {"response": 451, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Dec  8, 1999 (20:57)", "body": "I have as well - several versions, in fact (the movie - the book has only one version which I also have...)Have you checked http://imdb.com/"}, {"response": 452, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Dec  8, 1999 (20:59)", "body": "Great Expectations (1998) Page 1 of 29 Directed by Alfonso Cuar\ufffdn Writing credits Charles Dickens (novel) Mitch Glazer Video (VHS) DVDs Soundtrack Books Auctions zShops Genre: Drama / Romance (more) Tagline: Let desire be your destiny. User Rating: 6.2/10 (1864 votes) Plot Outline: Modernization of Charles Dickens classic story finds the hapless Finn as a painter in New York pursuing his unrequited and haughty childhood love. (more) User Comments: A Creative \"Attempt\" at a Literary Masterpiece (more) Cast overview, first billed only: Ethan Hawke .... Finnegan Bell Gwyneth Paltrow .... Estella Hank Azaria .... Walter Plane Chris Cooper (I) .... Uncle Joe Anne Bancroft .... Ms. Nora Diggers Dinsmoor Robert De Niro .... Prisoner - Lustig Josh Mostel .... Jerry Ragno Kim Dickens .... Maggie Nell Campbell .... Erica Thrall Gabriel Mann .... Owen Jeremy James Kissner .... Finnegan, age 10 Raquel Beaudene .... Estella, age 10 Stephen Spinella .... Carter Macleish Marla Sucharetza .... Ruth Shepard Isabelle Anderson .... Lois Pop"}, {"response": 453, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Dec 10, 1999 (20:25)", "body": "yes and did you notice they didn't call finnegan \"pip\"?"}, {"response": 454, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Dec 10, 1999 (20:33)", "body": "I did note that and wondered why. Any idea? I have not heard..."}, {"response": 455, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Dec 10, 1999 (20:57)", "body": "maybe to modernize it or something.....i don't remember estella and pip getting together in the end either......"}, {"response": 456, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Dec 10, 1999 (23:25)", "body": "No. It was implied but never settled as I recall. Must check and report back."}, {"response": 457, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Dec 15, 1999 (00:33)", "body": "It was pretty ambiguous. It left a lot to the imagination."}, {"response": 458, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Dec 18, 1999 (21:51)", "body": "saw you've got mail this morning. i don't want to give it away, but the one night that meg leaves work and looks back and sees her mom and her twirling just tore me up. good movie though, meg and tom have good chemistry on screen."}, {"response": 459, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Dec 18, 1999 (21:53)", "body": "want to catch anna and the king. love jodie foster and have only just discovered mr. phat (sp?). caught him in a movie with mira servino and can't remember the name of it."}, {"response": 460, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sat, Dec 18, 1999 (22:19)", "body": "Did you notice they had A&E's Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth in one of the shots??? (in \"You've got Mail\" of course)"}, {"response": 461, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Dec 19, 1999 (13:17)", "body": "yes i did and they referred to it several times and now i know where mr darcy comes from! *grin*"}, {"response": 462, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Dec 19, 1999 (14:03)", "body": "*sigh*...am delighted you noticed. You have not seen it (P&P2)? *gasp*"}, {"response": 463, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Dec 19, 1999 (15:55)", "body": "um, no, haven't, it's something i should rent, huh?"}, {"response": 464, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Dec 19, 1999 (16:12)", "body": "Gadzooks, girl! I should send you a care package. I have all sorts of them (John has my off-the-air tape) and I have the 6 volume set and I have a Drool tape with just the best of Darcy on it...*sigh* I am going to get the DVD, too. If you have trouble renting it, let me know!"}, {"response": 465, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Dec 19, 1999 (16:13)", "body": "Um...to answer your original question, it will change your life. Please find a way to see it - it was recently re-run on A&E. I shall let you know when they show it again."}, {"response": 466, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Dec 20, 1999 (15:47)", "body": "Just saw Fight Club ... way freaky weird... an 'out there' film in the style of Tarantino mixed with... a Zen zelot... certainly not what I expected"}, {"response": 467, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Dec 21, 1999 (08:53)", "body": "Sounds like a thumbs up?"}, {"response": 468, "author": "stacey", "date": "Wed, Dec 29, 1999 (16:59)", "body": "ummm... if you're the kinda guy that can handle the violence and enjoys strangeness..."}, {"response": 469, "author": "sheryltoo", "date": "Fri, Dec 31, 1999 (07:50)", "body": "I just saw Snow Falling on Cedars and thought the movie was as good as the book."}, {"response": 470, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Dec 31, 1999 (09:26)", "body": "Who's in it?"}, {"response": 471, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Jan  1, 2000 (14:11)", "body": "another ethan hawke film. i wanted to see the movie but when i heard how good the book was, i thought i'd wait. usually the books are better. so the movie was true to the book, sheryl?"}, {"response": 472, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Mar  7, 2000 (18:50)", "body": "saw snow day in the theatre, it wasn't too bad.... ok, and now the movies (if i can remember them all) that i've watched on t.v. if these walls could talk 2: the first act was rather sad, and the third was a bit risque for my taste. the whole film was good though.... equinox: kinda weird until you see it the second time, then you get it. matthew modine is in this one... the evening star: sad but not a tear jerker like terms of endearment (tho i haven't seen the whole (terms) thing yet).... a night at the roxbury: loved it, must've seen it six times....the wild brother made me think of prince (oh, the artist formerly known as prince, sorry)...i could see him doing a parody of prince's music/videos.... the thin red line: i mentioned this in babes (under male babes)....seemed like they were trying to follow along saving pvt ryan, with philosophical narration from different soldiers...and then to watch the credits and find out just how many popular and well known folks were in it. left me wondering where in the heck they all were. good flick but violent.... once around: (danny aiello, gena rowlands, richard dryfuss, and the gal from the piano, man if i can't remember her name) good movie, left me wondering what dryfuss' character was up to....i cried but briefly..... the godfather: didn't get through the whole thing but couldn't believe how young al pacino was! my goodness!! wasn't nearly as violent as i thought it would be..... and that saps my memory so far....."}, {"response": 473, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, May 28, 2000 (17:50)", "body": "ok, been awhile since i've posted here and, looks like, anybody else. so let's recap some of my most recent films: erin brockovich: good movie, julia was great as a working, say it like it is, single-mom and whomever the guy that played her boss was excellent! return to me: david duchovny and minnie driver played off each other well. i liked this movie and completely forgot that dd is fox mulder on t.v. why his movies don't do better is beyond me because this was great albeit off to a slow start. no naked bodies and no cussing. it was great!! forces of nature: i liked this one, but i like sandra bullock (except for the speed films). ben affleck was great as well. modern vampires: (or something like that) with james woods. it was out there. matrix: about the 3rd time, but each time, you get closer to what's up. (and they're working on matrix 2) and a bunch of other films on tv that i can't think of right now."}, {"response": 474, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Mon, May 29, 2000 (07:53)", "body": "Wow, Matrix 2! Havne't seen the other ones yet. Are any of these on video yet?"}, {"response": 475, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, May 29, 2000 (11:51)", "body": "no, not on video yet (at least the first two). matrix is out on video."}, {"response": 476, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, May 29, 2000 (11:53)", "body": "oh, and mummy 2 is in the works as well (arnold vosloo will be the mummy again, yummy mummy)"}, {"response": 477, "author": "sociolingo", "date": "Mon, May 29, 2000 (16:05)", "body": "Just watched Loch Ness for the third time. i enjoy it every time. The scenery's great, i love the nessie story, and it's so uplifting."}, {"response": 478, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Jul  3, 2000 (18:28)", "body": "just came back from rocky and bullwinkle. i loved it and really can't compare it to the cartoon because, due to my military brat status, we spent most of our time in germany. i laughed out loud and loved the selection of actors for the villians. they did a good job. much better than dudley dooright, IMMHO. and i caught boys don't cry. didn't expect the ending it had (but won't give it away here). it was good and the gal (sorry, don't remember her name) who played the main character deserved that oscar. she did an excellent job!"}, {"response": 479, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Wed, Jul  5, 2000 (18:16)", "body": "The actress's name is Hilary Swank."}, {"response": 480, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Jul  5, 2000 (18:18)", "body": "yes, thanks cheryl!"}, {"response": 481, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Jul 17, 2000 (20:57)", "body": "watched part of the blair witch project. didn't care for it. didn't find it scary but can understand why it would be. didn't finish the whole thing though. got tired of hearing that gal's voice!"}, {"response": 482, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Jul 17, 2000 (20:59)", "body": "but i must say it was cleverly done and behaved like a real documentary."}, {"response": 483, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Jul 17, 2000 (20:59)", "body": "and am catching arlington road right now."}, {"response": 484, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Tue, Jul 18, 2000 (17:19)", "body": "Blair Witch didn't do anything for me."}, {"response": 485, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Jul 18, 2000 (18:05)", "body": "and i was floored by arlington road. didn't expect the ending and just sat there with my mouth agape!"}, {"response": 486, "author": "wolf", "date": "Thu, Jul 20, 2000 (19:52)", "body": "wild wild west: hated it. (though i love salma hayek, will smith, and kevin kline)"}, {"response": 487, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Jul 24, 2000 (20:10)", "body": "the iron giant. loved it!!"}, {"response": 488, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Jul 24, 2000 (20:10)", "body": "the love letter was great too!"}, {"response": 489, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Aug  5, 2000 (20:05)", "body": "went to see the kid last weekend. great movie!"}, {"response": 490, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Oct  6, 2000 (21:44)", "body": "i know you guys are out there watching movies! eyes wide shut was stupid (sorry tom cruise, but ya let me down) just came back from the cell-great flick! wonderful costumes, wonderful special effects, some pretty gross stuff too. but it was a good movie."}, {"response": 491, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Oct  8, 2000 (21:45)", "body": "got something to add about the cell: they mentioned some things during the movie but i don't think there was time for them to explore those issues. could've been left out and it wouldn't have affected anything. and the end was left like there could be a sequel. anyway, the movie has an interesting theory if you're into psychology. oh, and the whole madonna thing wasn't a play on the Holy Mother. she was trying to be non-threatening and secure for what was going on at the time."}, {"response": 492, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Oct 14, 2000 (21:59)", "body": "what lies beneath: at one point, everyone in the theatre jumped! this was a good one."}, {"response": 493, "author": "sociolingo", "date": "Sun, Oct 15, 2000 (02:47)", "body": "Dragonheart 2 .....really enjoyed it ..some very funny bits too ....but I did love Sean Connery as the dragon in Dragonheart 1 ..this dragon was a bit 'twee' ..still, made a nice family evening."}, {"response": 494, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Nov 12, 2000 (17:18)", "body": "American Beauty (missed the middle of it but with the beginning and the end, put it together)....liked kevin spacey (very sexy in this one)and annette benning. um....Three To Tango, great chick flick!"}, {"response": 495, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Nov 19, 2000 (19:08)", "body": "U-571--good show, forgot that was jon bon jovi in there too (and MM was HOT) What Lies Beneath--hated that they were dead but the movie plays on theories about the hereafter and it was good. Grinch--i enjoyed it but hated the stupid wait and got seats on the outer edge of the screen. we had to sit sideways to watch it. i enjoy the cartoon better but they did a good job on sticking to the story."}, {"response": 496, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Nov 25, 2000 (20:11)", "body": "Rugrats in Paris--I was hohum but the kids enjoyed it and the theatre was nearly empty--maybe 15 people tops!"}, {"response": 497, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Sat, Nov 25, 2000 (23:08)", "body": "As mentioned in the Babes conf., I saw Double Jeopardy with Tommy Lee Jones and Ashley J-J-J-J-J-Judd...mmmmmmmmm...she made up for the fact that it was a total chick flick :-)"}, {"response": 498, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Mon, Nov 27, 2000 (08:05)", "body": "Fried Green Tomatoes, I loved it, another chick flick! With Kathy Bates. A classic."}, {"response": 499, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Nov 27, 2000 (17:03)", "body": "i've seen that several times and loved it each time!!"}, {"response": 500, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Mon, Nov 27, 2000 (23:05)", "body": "Maybe I need to do some self-educating, huh?!"}, {"response": 501, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Dec 12, 2000 (19:05)", "body": "yesterday, while convalescing, i watched a french movie (had subtitles and everything)....it was really good! Horse on the Roof with Juliette Binoche and some really handsome man. i love JB and now the man that played opposite her has a new fan. will have to find a pic of him and then let you guys in on JB in babes!"}, {"response": 502, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Dec 12, 2000 (19:28)", "body": "ok, i need to correct myself, while searching for the elusive actor in the above film, the correct name is The Horseman on the Roof. the gorgeous leading man was played by Olivier Martinez....he was pretty though, but also very manly!"}, {"response": 503, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Dec 12, 2000 (20:07)", "body": "oh yeah, caught Rules of Engagement and High Fidelity. The first one was excellent and a great military film concerning the differences between the world and military justice. high fidelity stunk and i like john cusak (btw, his sister is in this movie too)."}, {"response": 504, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Dec 17, 2000 (18:17)", "body": "Superstar--it was alright but Night at the Roxbury was way better.... The Patriot--good movie, reminded me a lot of Braveheart...... Emperor's New Groove.....this was funny and I was the only one in the theatre laughing (i think)."}, {"response": 505, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Dec 24, 2000 (12:51)", "body": "Gladiator--yes, i finally caught this flick. it was good, but i must say, the way they did the beginning, too much jerky camera movement. overall, this is a great film and is right up there with the epical patriot and braveheart!"}, {"response": 506, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Dec 29, 2000 (12:16)", "body": "Notting Hill and Runaway Bride....i liked runaway bride better than notting hill but, Julia was great in both of them...glad they didn't do the pretty woman thing between julia and richard gere. hugh grant was also great playing a nobody against julia's very famous actress character, although, i was thinking that a \"very famous actress\" would be much older and so i was wondering how this younger actress would have earned such a title...but hey, it's just a movie!"}, {"response": 507, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Dec 29, 2000 (12:17)", "body": "oh, the supporting cast in notting hill was great! they really made the movie fun!!!"}, {"response": 508, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Sat, Dec 30, 2000 (09:57)", "body": "Cast Away. It's great but I won't comment on it till I hear some other folks here have seen it."}, {"response": 509, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Dec 30, 2000 (11:23)", "body": "big momma's house--this was good but i couldn't help seeing a bit of eddie murphy and robin williams in it!"}, {"response": 510, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Dec 31, 2000 (19:47)", "body": "Anywhere But Here with Susan Sarandon and Natalie Portman. Of course I cried!"}, {"response": 511, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Jan 19, 2001 (17:38)", "body": "Chicken Run, finally caught it and it was great! Anna and the King, what a moving film. Love Jodie Foster and Mr. Fat, they played well opposite each other. He is a commanding presence in his own right and then to have JF too, just wow!"}, {"response": 512, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Sat, Jan 20, 2001 (11:00)", "body": "I finally saw the Millenium Man with Robin Williams last night, after I watched a rerun of Temptation Island (tv conference topic), I loved it. I think there may have been times when I might now have enjoyed it on some occasions, but I was in the mood for a movie like this last night. (watching the Bush swearing in on tv, they're singing God Bless America)"}, {"response": 513, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Sat, Jan 20, 2001 (12:10)", "body": "I went to a Bush protest this morning. I feel that we have no president for the next four years. We have the resident (in the White House), but no president. My Mom says that when ever the \"resident\" arrives the band will play \"Hail to the Thief\". I loved \"Chicken Run\" though. Has anybody caught Chow Yun Fat in \"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon\"? Great movie!"}, {"response": 514, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Sat, Jan 20, 2001 (12:23)", "body": "Haven't seen it. I saw Cast Away, have you seen this yet Cheryl? Clintons still talking at Andrews Air Force Base."}, {"response": 515, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Jan 20, 2001 (17:32)", "body": "Caught Gone in Sixty Seconds last night. Since I love Nicholas Cage, this was just another one of his good ones. Cheryl, I'd like to see that one (crouching tiger).... movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 40, "subject": "Little Voice", "response_count": 8, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Oct 26, 1999 (18:21)", "body": "I haven't seen it, when was it made?"}, {"response": 2, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Oct 27, 1999 (00:18)", "body": "I have never heard of it. Tell us about it, Riette."}, {"response": 3, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Oct 27, 1999 (08:37)", "body": "NO? It is an English film, starring Michael Caine and Jane Horrocks. The story goes like this: A girl lives with her mother in fairly poor material circumstances. The mother is a real party animal and very loud (but gives a hysterically funny touch to the movie). The girl never speaks, the mother can't get through to her, and scornfully starts calling her LV (Little Voice). The father died when she was a young girl, and all that LV has left of him are his records. Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, Ella Fitzgerald and so on. They are LV's only escape, so when she gets upset, she goes up to her room and listens to these records. They become so imprinted in her head and being that they become her only means of communication and expressing herself. Neither very bright, nor pretty, her one great talent is the voice she never uses. And the only person who makes her cheerful is the young electrician who breeds birds and climbs up to her window sometimes to tell her about them and ask how she is. Sometimes at night or when she feels lonely she sees her father (done in black and white), and she sings fo him the songs from her records, sounding just like these singers who means so much to her and meant so much to him when he was still alive. Michael Caine is a small town talent scout and crook. One night he meets the mother at a party, and when they get home, they start fumbling about loudly, with loud disco music playing. LV gets upset, her father comes to her and she starts singing. He hears this, and recognizes her as his path to fame. He then forces her to perform in a local club. But she hasn't been out of her house for years, and the whole thing bewilders her; her father does not come to her, and she is shouted off the stage. Michael Caine realizes that he has to make her feel safe to make her perform. So he wins her trust and finally gets her to perform, promising her that it would only be once. The big evening comes. This time she sees her father, and the evening is a great success. Michael Caine organizes another performance for the next evening. Her trust is betrayed, she refuses to get out of her bed, her mother shouts terrible things at her, Caine tries to get her out of the house by physical force, but she fights ba k so hard that it starts a fire, and the house with her records is destroyed. Her mother accuses her of throwing away the money they would have made, money which should have been HERS for having raised such a failure of a daughter; finally LV opens her mouth and tells her mother exactly what she thinks of her, and how much she screwed her up. Then walks off to go talk to the young electrician's house. It sounds really corny, but it is a really really stunning film. Extremely funny and sad in places, but putting the kind of message across that ANYONE can identify with."}, {"response": 4, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Oct 27, 1999 (08:40)", "body": "No, Ri\ufffdtte. She walks off to the electrician's house, because she wants to talk to him. Man, that description sounds really screwed up!"}, {"response": 5, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Oct 28, 1999 (03:06)", "body": "Sounds weird! I'll have to look that one up at my movie review website."}, {"response": 6, "author": "riette", "date": "Thu, Oct 28, 1999 (10:41)", "body": "Rent it instead. You'll love it."}, {"response": 7, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Oct 28, 1999 (13:49)", "body": "Where do you come up with these esoteric movies, reeree?"}, {"response": 8, "author": "riette", "date": "Thu, Oct 28, 1999 (18:25)", "body": "It's not esoteric! My description is at fault, that's all. The only thing it is significant of is as the reason why I should never become a writer. It is really a dead normal, funny and touching movie. Totally down to earth. I mean, pew! Can you imagine ME and esoteric in one pan???? movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 41, "subject": "\"The Hurricane\" and other Sports movies", "response_count": 6, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Tue, Feb 29, 2000 (22:13)", "body": "John, this one is for you! From the Honolulu Star-Bulletin: Watch Universal Pictures' version of the Joey Giardello-Rubin Carter middleweight championship fight in the movie, \"The Hurricane.\" In the segment, you'll see Carter pummel the weak-kneed defending champ, who was a hometown favorite that night of Dec. 14, 1964, at Philadelphia's Convention Hall. See Carter bull him into the corner in the 15th round as blood trickles down Giardello's face. Watch as the bell ends the final round and the blow-by-blow broadcaster comments on the delayed decision of the judges: \"It's taken 35 minutes for these judges to tell us what this home town crowd already knows. Joey Giardello is about to lose the crown to Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter.\" Referee Bob Polis raises the rag doll arm of Giardello, announcing a unanimous decision in his favor and fans scream foul. The implication is that racism was a factor in the decision. But that's not the way it was, said Les Keiter yesterday morning in his Aloha Stadium office. The former local TV sports anchor, who was behind the microphone for many big fights of the 1960s, did the Giardello-Carter fight in a telecast to five eastern states. \"It wasn't at all like the movie,\" said Keiter, who is convinced Giardello won the fight in a fair decision. \"Carter was ahead of Giardello in rounds four, five and six, while rounds eight through 13 were even,\" said Keiter. \"But it was all Giardello in 14 and 15.\" He has the videotape of his telecast to prove it, sent to him by George Bochetto, a Pennsylvania attorney who is suing Universal, Beacon Communications and Azoff Films on Giardello's behalf. Bochetto, who involved Keiter in a media teleconference with Giardello a couple weeks ago in Philadelphia, said yesterday he expects to take a deposition from the retired broadcaster at a later date. Bochetto seeks financial damages and a guarantee that when the movie is released on VHS and DVD, footage of Keiter's telecast will be included. Keiter played the videotape in his office yesterday. Not once did Keiter suggest, as did the fictional broadcaster in \"The Hurricane,\" that the bout was lopsided. During the sixth round, he said, \"Carter is gaining confidence and may feel Giardello can't hurt him.\" But by the eighth round, Keiter said that Carter was weakening. Before Round 12, Keiter said, \"Carter has slowed considerably.\" Late in the 15th round, Keiter referred to Giardello as \"a master champion who is apparently not going to be hurt in the final round.\" Keiter's summation before the judges' and referee's scores (69-64, 70-67, 72-66) were read indicated the even nature of the contest. \"Certainly tonight, he (Giardello) was the master craftsman in there, champion of the world, against the challenge of a devastating puncher, 'Hurricane' Carter,\" Keiter said. As for the cries of injustice in the hall, Keiter said he didn't sense anything close to the hostility the movie showed. \"I noticed a kind of a cheer and then a background of some boos,\" said Keiter. \"In the movie, you could feel the animosity in the air. There were strong feelings of resentment in the movie, but there was nothing like that in the real fight.\" Keiter said it must be noted that most of the 6,000 fans that night were Giardello's fans because he was the hometown boy. The two fighters are even seen chatting with each other in the Keiter tape as they await the decision. Giardello, who had a record of 100-25-7 with 32 knockouts, saw \"The Hurricane.\" \"I was a little upset and humiliated,\" he said in an Associated Press story. \"I beat him fair and square. There was no question about it. I beat him easy. I won the fight.\""}, {"response": 2, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Tue, Feb 29, 2000 (22:14)", "body": "John's comments: I don't remember the fight, except by reputation. I did see the movie in Honolulu 2 weeks ago and loved it. There's little doubt in my mind from all I've read that the movie took a lot of liberties with the truth. Movies generally do that for dramatic effect. \"The Hurricane,\" I'm sure is no different. I doubt that any court will hear a lawsuit about a movie which contained a disclaimer \"Based on a true story. Some events were fictionalized.\" It is unfortunate that some real life events get fictionalized. There was also no white police sergeant (played by Dan Hedaya with demonic relish) who had a lifelong vendetta against Ruben Carter. Carter, who I'm sure did not commit the murders, just was in the wrong place at the wrong time in the wrong color car with the wrong color skin. Very unfortunate and absolutely unconscionable that he spent 20 years in jail. In all probability he would have become the world's champion at some point as Giardello was aging and Carter was on the rise, but who knows. I knew that the sportscaster being portrayed was Les, and I thought the actor who played him had his look, sound and cadence of the mid 1960s down. I also know that questions of fact aside, it would not be a miscarriage of justice if Denzel Washington were to win the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Carter. It was a compelling performance. But don't hold your breath waiting for it to happen. If I were a betting man, I'd put my money on Richard Farnsworth for \"The Straight Story.\" Farnsworth is 79 and has never won an Oscar and I'm sure the Academy wishes to honor him while he's still around. And he is a wonderful actor. I still think he and Wilford Brimley should have shared an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for their roles in \"The Natural.\""}, {"response": 3, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Wed, Mar  1, 2000 (17:53)", "body": "Just a piece of trivia. Richard Farnsworth and Wilford Brimley knew each other in Hollywood back in the 1930's when they worked as stuntmen."}, {"response": 4, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Mar  1, 2000 (21:24)", "body": "From John: Farnsworth went as \"Dick\" at that time. He's doubled for such stars as John Wayne, Tom Mix, Gene Autry...even Roy Rogers didn't do ALL his own stunts."}, {"response": 5, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Fri, Mar  3, 2000 (15:38)", "body": "The man is walking Hollywood history, and he was wonderfully subtle and affecting in \"The Straight Story\". So give him the Oscar, he deserves it."}, {"response": 6, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Mar  3, 2000 (17:23)", "body": "Yup! I think we all agree on that. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 42, "subject": "Hannibal", "response_count": 13, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Tue, Feb 20, 2001 (11:20)", "body": "My first thought heading in to the Gateway Theater in Austin to see Hannibal was that Julianne Moore was no Jodie Foster. She proved me wrong, sterling perfomance as Clarice Starling, the FBI agent chasing Anthony Hopkins Hannibal Lecter. I already know what Mike's going to say, why didn't they pick Ashley Judd? But Julianne does a great job, even though she's a bit old for the part. Anthony Hopkinds is of course stellar. The movie really brings out the goodness in Hannibal, and that he's not just a deranged killer but that his killings elminate evil forces. An idea that takes some getting used to but that was partly developed in Silence of the Lambs."}, {"response": 2, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Tue, Feb 20, 2001 (11:36)", "body": "And I completely missed out on Gary Oldman and Val Kilmer. They were in the movie in major roles but I was fooled. I had no idea they were in the movie till the final credits rolled and I thought \"What?\" to myself. Oldman played the guy with the eaten up face but how he fit under that mask I have no idea, there wasn't much room left."}, {"response": 3, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Feb 21, 2001 (21:32)", "body": "as you did, i learned it was oldman during the credits but i don't know how they did that to him. who was val kilmer playing? i enjoyed this film because i love anthony hopkins and he plays hannibal so well, so charmingly well. and i think that's the main reason i enjoyed this film. critics have been harsh, but it's bringing in the big bucks. ticket sales do not indicate the value of a film but it is bringing them in."}, {"response": 4, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Fri, Feb 23, 2001 (12:35)", "body": "I'm not sure who Val Kilmer played. Without doing a \"spoiler\"; I'd have to they they left the door open for another sequel, and I would hope they would stick with this leading lady. I can't imagine this movie is the last chapter."}, {"response": 5, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Feb 26, 2001 (18:57)", "body": "i'm sure it's not. maybe he (kilmer) was one of the other guys in the office."}, {"response": 6, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Tue, Feb 27, 2001 (07:47)", "body": "I must have been fantasizing, I don't see Kilmer in this cast list: Cast: Anthony Hopkins - Hannibal Lecter Julianne Moore - Clarice Starling Gary Oldham - Mason Verger--uncredited Ray Liotta - Paul Krendler Frankie R. Faison - Barney Giancarlo Giannini - Pazzi Francesca Neri - Allegra Pazzi Zeljko Ivanek - Dr. Cordell Doemling Hazelle Goodman - Evelda Drumgo David Andrews - FBI Agent Pearsall Francis Guinan - FBI Director Noonan James Opher - FBI Agent Eldridge Enrico Lo Verso - Gnocco Ivano Marescotti - Carlo Fabrizio Gifuni - Matteo Alex Corrado - Piero Marco Greco - Tommaso Robert Rietti - Sogliato Terry Serpico - Officer Bolton Boyd Kestner - Special Agent Burke Peter Shaw - Special Agent Brigham Kent Linville - FBI Mail Boy Don McManus - Asst. Mayor Benny Holcombe Harold Ginn - Larkin Wayne Ted Koch - BATF Agent Sneed Wm. Powell Blair - FBI Agent Aaron Craig - \"Il Mostro\" Detective Andrea Piedimonte - Agent Benetti Ennio Coltorti - Ricci Ian Iwataki - Young Boy in Plane"}, {"response": 7, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Wed, Feb 28, 2001 (10:51)", "body": "Even if they had picked Ashley Judd I wouldn't have gone to see it :) I don't do gore."}, {"response": 8, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Feb 28, 2001 (12:55)", "body": "I'm with you, Mike--I wouldn't see it if it starred John Cusack."}, {"response": 9, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Wed, Feb 28, 2001 (21:03)", "body": "It's actually not as gory as you might think. And Hannibal isn't as sinister as you might think. Hannibal jokes are rampant on late night talk tv."}, {"response": 10, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Thu, Mar  1, 2001 (05:40)", "body": "I'm really not in to gore at all, though. I'm becoming squeamish in my old age, I think :-)"}, {"response": 11, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Thu, Mar  1, 2001 (08:48)", "body": "Yeah, there were some theaters in Texas that announced before the movie that moviegoers should use their popcorn bags if they started feeling a bit sick."}, {"response": 12, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Thu, Mar  1, 2001 (09:05)", "body": "urgggh...that's gross. I really can't understand why people would want to go and see that stuff. I guess it takes all sorts... :-)"}, {"response": 13, "author": "wolf", "date": "Thu, Mar  1, 2001 (15:20)", "body": "wait a sec, i don't do gore and Hannibal wasn't gore at all. yeah, there were some really sick parts but they weren't gory, like vampire flicks or chainsaw massacres....they weren't gratuitous at all. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 44, "subject": "Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)", "response_count": 1325, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "amw", "date": "Thu, Mar  1, 2001 (06:20)", "body": "ON looking through this month's Total Film magazine, the best bit is towards the back advertising \"Next Month Coming Soon..\" It looks as if RZ will be on the front cover \"Bridget Jones' Diary. Worth the weight. RZ counts her ciggies and knocks back the booze as the BIGGEST BRITISH COMEDY OF THE YEAR ARRIVES\" (I like that bit). On sale Friday 30th March."}, {"response": 2, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Thu, Mar  1, 2001 (08:54)", "body": "Karen, LOVE the title!;)"}, {"response": 3, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Thu, Mar  1, 2001 (11:07)", "body": "BIGGEST BRITISH COMEDY OF THE YEAR ARRIVES\" Not that I wish to dampen enthusiasm but this is surely not a particularly overcrowded field:-)"}, {"response": 4, "author": "Echo", "date": "Thu, Mar  1, 2001 (11:20)", "body": "LOL!"}, {"response": 5, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Mar  1, 2001 (12:03)", "body": "You people have no appreciation for hyperbole.;-) Ann, we'll look forward to the article!"}, {"response": 6, "author": "Echo", "date": "Thu, Mar  1, 2001 (15:29)", "body": "Hyperb*ll*cks ;-)"}, {"response": 7, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Thu, Mar  1, 2001 (19:10)", "body": "I probably missed this, but do we know what label the soundtrack will be on? Karen, I just love your music page. I must have this album! Love the title of the new topic BTW. And so true..."}, {"response": 8, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Mar  1, 2001 (21:17)", "body": "VCR alert for the West Coasters: Colin is seen and heard in a BJD clip on Entertainment Tonight, er, tonight.:-) The one stinkin' night I miss it . . .will get more details."}, {"response": 9, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Mar  1, 2001 (21:23)", "body": "From Jackie (thanks!): It shows Colin at a picnic, paper plates in hand and someone says something and he says \"Daniel Cleaver\". Then a woman says something about him being good enough for \"our little Bridget.\" Colin says (and there's a closeup) \"I think I can say with absolute confidence- absolutely not\". Then follows a bit with Bridget in a boat and Hugh Grant standing with his feet each in a different boat. Of course he does the splits and falls in, surfacing with a wet cigarette in his mouth. (Colin appears to be in another boat.) ********** Consensus: gorgeous!:-)"}, {"response": 10, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Mar  1, 2001 (22:00)", "body": "Argh!! How do I keep missing these snippets? They used to rerun ET late at night but no more. *boo hoo* Then a woman says something about him being good enough for \"our little Bridget.\" Colin says (and there's a closeup) \"I think I can say with absolute confidence- absolutely not\". That's from the book. The Tarts & Vicars party. Una to Mark (p.171) Consensus: gorgeous!:-) Hoorah!!"}, {"response": 11, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Mar  1, 2001 (22:02)", "body": "Meredith: Haven't seen anything about the label for the soundtrack and have been searching around. Was thinking it might be Polygram, as that was the parent company of WT and is still in the music biz."}, {"response": 12, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Mar  1, 2001 (22:39)", "body": "Have combed through my TV Guide and ET is rebroadcast here tomorrow afternoon at 2. That has to been the repeat showing. Am putting fresh tape in VCR for all the Bridget promos. Mari, was Colin's name mentioned? Or was it just RZ and whatshisname?"}, {"response": 13, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Mar  1, 2001 (22:49)", "body": "Yes, Colin is mentioned right after RZ and *before* Huge Gnat.:-) HG's big line after falling into the water is \"F**k me!\" BJ responds, \"you stupid ass.\" I hear it's a funny scene."}, {"response": 14, "author": "Moon", "date": "Thu, Mar  1, 2001 (23:24)", "body": "Colin on a boat. Does he wear a bathing suit? Sounds very promising. I hope you get it all on tape Karen. Are you set up to put the clip up on your BJD page?"}, {"response": 15, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Thu, Mar  1, 2001 (23:36)", "body": "CF & RZ are in one boat with HG rowing towards them ... then this is where it gets confusing as CF just disappears from the screen. HG tries to board RZ's boat, yelling \"I'm the king of the world\" then tips over into the lake."}, {"response": 16, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (00:36)", "body": "Ugh, my mistake - CF doesn't disappear from Bridget's boat, he's on another boat w/ Natasha? But, it did seem as if the clips shown showcased HG's comedic talents."}, {"response": 17, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (03:47)", "body": "RZ on the cover of UK's Marie Claire magazine out today, headlining an article \"the new Bridget Jones on Sex and the Singleton Girl\". Cover shot looks very good."}, {"response": 18, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (04:24)", "body": "OOOHHH!! It's hotting up. Thanks for all the tantalising snippets everyone."}, {"response": 19, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (06:37)", "body": "Friend of mine (who I \"forced\" into watching P & P now at least semi-hooked) emailed me: \"Watching ET tonight -- they had a little clip of BJD and CF is going to be wonderful.\""}, {"response": 20, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (08:13)", "body": "RZ will feature in this week's Sunday Times (an interview about BJD)."}, {"response": 21, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (09:07)", "body": "Oooooh, cannot wait for repeat showing. Thanks for clarifying, Marianne. I thought it odd that Bridget and Mark were in the same boat. Sorry, Moon, I don't have the ability to snappy from video. Maybe I'll ask around. How about inside the magazine, Mark? Anything good? Thanks for the heads up, Bethan."}, {"response": 22, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (09:29)", "body": "*doing the dance of joy* For once, I was in the right place at the right time having tuned into ET last night (now I know why I endure night after night of crap stories such as 'Dani the Download Queen'). It was v.v. nice to hear CF's name mentioned. Hurrah! My impressions of CF's MD based on this micro-clip: - Tall. Big shoulders. - No fluffy hair in this scene. - Mr. Darcy lives! Same character, different costume (hope this impression is proved wrong by rest of film). Agree with Marianne, Hugh Gnat (keep 'em comin', Mari) was funny and was very un-foppish. Am glad the Tarts and Vicars party made the final cut. It's one of my favorites. *counting the days until April 13th*"}, {"response": 23, "author": "amw", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (10:23)", "body": "Eileen, thanks for the above but why do you hope your impression of Mr. Darcy is proved wrong by the rest of the film, we want Mr. Darcy, don't we?"}, {"response": 24, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (11:50)", "body": "(Ann) we want Mr. Darcy, don't we? We do? I want Mark Darcy, not simply a Mr. Darcy reprise (though one could argue there's enough similarity already). If all he does is bring Mr. Darcy back in 21st century costume, I'll be very disappointed indeed. He has more range than that!"}, {"response": 25, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (11:57)", "body": "How about inside the magazine, Mark? Anything good? I'm sure Mark won't mind if I answer on his behalf! Well spotted Mark! I've already had a quick browse at the newsagents (I can see why they encase magazines in cellophane so you actually have to buy them!) Skimmed the interview. RZ talks about filming sexy scenes with HG, and HG improvising lines. Is asked what she thinks of Englishmen. Replies that they are \"funny and charming\". Journalist writes that this is no surprise as the only other Englishman RZ got to know very well was CF, \"superbly cast as the aloof Mark Darcy\". Also says that that the movie has a terrific cast and \"contrary to expectations, it is very, very funny\". Cast includes Neil Pearson (Young Paul's dad in \"Fever Pitch\")...can't think who he would play. There's a competition to win tickets to the premiere April 10th."}, {"response": 26, "author": "amw", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (13:33)", "body": "Thanks for the above Bethan. One question, was the journalist who wrote this interview a woman, only if it is its the first comment on CF's MD by a woman, I think. I just wish she had said \"superbly cast as the aloof and SMOULDERING\"!!"}, {"response": 27, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (15:14)", "body": "Heard the teaser for tonight's Access H'wood noting a story on 'Renee Zellweger's controversial role'. Must be referring to BJ and the whole non-Brit thing. Tune in! 8-D"}, {"response": 28, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (15:23)", "body": "Ooooweeeee!! Have seen the ET clip and rewound, paused, slo-mo'd numerous times. That first picnic scene, sort of reminiscent of another *picnic* scene (wonder if Una made tabbouleh??), yes, he is Mr Darcy. Hands down, exactly Mr Darcyspeak Celia Imre (Una) is saying to Bridget (who you can see from back is in bunny outfit) 'What a shame, Bridget, you couldn't bring your boyfriend. Bridget, what's his name? David, Darren...' Then MD says his thing. The blue-white checked shirt is OK, but definitely liked his rowing outfit. Dark crew-neck sweater and shirt. Yummmmmmmm!! BTW, this pic is from the boat scene: and you hear RZ speak twice. \"Don't you dare\" (a few times, while the huge gnat is crossing over into her boat) and then after he falls in she is laughing and calling him a stupid ass. Her accent is v. la-di-dah."}, {"response": 29, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (15:27)", "body": "This is the picture that accompanied Baz's article last Friday, thanks to Aishling:"}, {"response": 30, "author": "Echo", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (18:22)", "body": "Ooooweeeee!! Have seen the ET clip and rewound, paused, slo-mo'd numerous times. Snappies! Snappies! WE-WANT-SNAPPIES!!!"}, {"response": 31, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (18:48)", "body": "(Eileen) If all he does is bring Mr. Darcy back in 21st century costume, I'll be very disappointed indeed. But don't you think that's what HF had in mind? If not, they could have had any ole Brit bloke play MD."}, {"response": 32, "author": "amw", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (19:01)", "body": "Karen and everyone thanks for the info. on the BJDclip, you are so lucky to have seen it. Karen did you like Colin's portrayal of MD and are we all going to like it. Does he look good and does he smoulder. Finally do you think he will be eclipsed by Hughie who has a more comical role, I know you will be impartial!!"}, {"response": 33, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (19:52)", "body": "Does ET ever put their clips on their site? I am absolutely desperate to see it ;-)"}, {"response": 34, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (19:59)", "body": "The Access Hollywood segment was much longer and was definitely bits and pieces from the film trailer that will be shown in the theatres (the voiceover with story plot, title, etc.). Showed nearly everybody! Colin is shown maybe 5-6 times (once in checked shirt, others at literary party wearing lovely suit from RV premiere). There's one shot where Bridge walks away from him and there's this gaze after her. Not THE LOOK, but nice. No dialogue. We get to see all the others, from Geoffrey asking her about dates to Jude and Shazz, even Tom doing the karoake (sp?) with her. A few others were shown who are probably Magda and Jeremy and ???? Also full shot of Bridget in Playboy bunny outfit. Unfortunately it builds up to the man she's interested in and then it's nonstop Hugh. :-( Very very cute. Can't wait to see the entire trailer."}, {"response": 35, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (20:06)", "body": "And, Ann, Colin's manner at the T&V party clip was very Meryton Assembly. It sort of reminded me of \"I'd sooner call her mother a wit.\" But from what I remember of the book, MD was very sympathetic to BJ at the party, telling Una to get Bridget something else to wear and siding with her against Natasha."}, {"response": 36, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (20:15)", "body": "Oooh, I just saw it on Access Hollywood. CF as MD is lovely! That sideways glance you mentioned, Karen--vintage P&P, as at Netherfield ball and Darcy first realizes Lizzie is in the room! Then later when he's talking with her (at the party for his parents?), he looks so serious and concerned I half expected him to ask \"what has been done to recover her?\";-) Yum! Hughie's parts are funny. As they're driving away on their mini-break, he guns the car's motor and does a growl, growl type thing with his mouth, in time to the motor gunning. Hey, we knew HG was not going to take a thankless second-banana role so I'm not surprised he has the juicy bits and that they're emphasizing the comedy. Hard to get a feel for how Mark will turn out based on what we've seen. It really looks like a lot of fun. There's a part where she's talking about gaining inner poise while turning on the blender and of course the top isn't on right and everything splatters all over the place. Then she and Shazz side by side on the exercise bikes. They showed quite a bit of footage, as Karen said. Agree that this has to be from the full trailer. Bet they show it with The Mexican this weekend (Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt). Great exposure. Renee sounds great to me (but am not good judge of accent, obviously). She looks very loose, animated, expressive--seems like she really had fun with it. LOL at the saucy bunny wave she does arriving at Tarts & Vicars!!"}, {"response": 37, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (21:28)", "body": "Have been reviewing Tape One of P&P and is not 'I'd sooner call her mother a wit.\" But that glance is the same as at the Meryton Assembly when Lizzie overhears his snub and walks past him. It's that look. Then later when he's talking with her (at the party for his parents?) Could be. All the little lights. she's talking about gaining inner poise while turning on the blender and of course the top isn't on right and everything splatters all over the place. But right before that, she's pedaling up a storm on the exercise bicycle, gets off and promptly falls down. the saucy bunny wave she does arriving at Tarts & Vicars!! Did you catch the Rolls convertible behind her? MD's car, perhaps? Except there is somebody behind the wheel. Maybe his driver. The Access Hollywood announcer described BJD as about a \"portly\" girl. Omigod! Did HG look sleazy to you? In the boat scene, he might even be drunk. And then there's his shirt again. Did all but one button come off?"}, {"response": 38, "author": "alyeska", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (21:31)", "body": "The shots of Colin on AH were great. Two of just him to begin and then the one with the look out of the side of his eyes reminiscent of the P&P \"dangerous Darcy shot.\" He's really looking good."}, {"response": 39, "author": "alyeska", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (21:33)", "body": ""}, {"response": 40, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Mar  2, 2001 (22:56)", "body": "Did you catch the Rolls convertible behind her? MD's car, perhaps? Except there is somebody behind the wheel. Maybe his driver. Possibly. Can't be Sleazer Cleaver, can it, just dropping her off and refusing to accompany her into the T&V party at the last moment? Of course in the book it's not that way . . . Did HG look sleazy to you? More than usual?;-) Not really. I think the audience needs to believe that she could fall for this guy; I'm sure the sleaziness increases as the film progresses.;-) Next to Mark Darcy, though, he looks like a bum. The first scene we see MD in (outdoor shot in checked shirt)--is that part of the picnic/boat ride scene? Though you said he wears in sweater in that . . . Am no longer worried about his hair being too poofy. Looks good to me, v.v. natural. Thanks to Eileen for the heads up on this, BTW!:-)"}, {"response": 41, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Mar  3, 2001 (00:03)", "body": "Checked shirt is the BBQ (formerly Tarts & Vicars Party) at the Alconburys. Yes, I thank Eileen and my VCR thanks Eileen. :-)"}, {"response": 42, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Mar  3, 2001 (00:27)", "body": "ATTN: Check out the Observer on Saturday. Found this hint: Free in tomorrow's Observer...Unique monthly sport magazine Steve McManaman, Kelvin MacKenzie, Magic Johnson and much more. Plus Peter Preston on Rupert Murdoch at 70, Amanda de Cadenet's fresh start, Alexander McQueen tells all, Gaby Wood on the new Bridget Jones film"}, {"response": 43, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Sat, Mar  3, 2001 (03:33)", "body": "Thanks for all the info on BJD. Things are really hotting up. They're going to give this the full promotion. Sounds very, very promising! Hughie's parts are funny. As they're driving away on their mini-break, he guns the car's motor and does a growl, growl type thing with his mouth, in time to the motor gunning. Hey, we knew HG was not going to take a thankless second-banana role so I'm not surprised he has the juicy bits and that they're emphasizing the comedy. Oh very true. He wouldn't take this role as a favour...there'll be a lot in it for him. MD is more of the straight man...doesn't fool around. But it is a *romantic* comedy...hope the trailer stresses the *real* romance as well as the comedy. Sounds not. Unfortunately it builds up to the man she's interested in and then it's nonstop Hugh. : Boo! One thing sticks in my mind is a comment that Sharon Maguire made about the film being about loneliness, and also Baz's comment about the scene where MD tells Bridget he likes her just the way she is. Good \"funny\" films need an underlying seriousness. Hughie may provide the tomfoolery, but I think there'll be a lot more to this film. (cf the excellent \"Frasier\"...very funny, but often poignant, very good on relationships)"}, {"response": 44, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Mar  3, 2001 (08:51)", "body": "We shouldn't worry too much, as trailers can oftentimes misrepresent the actual movie. All they're intended to do is attract people. With BJD, they're using Hugh. Showing him to be Bridget's object of desire. Her perfect guy...and then \"but is he?\" is the tone."}, {"response": 45, "author": "Echo", "date": "Sat, Mar  3, 2001 (09:27)", "body": "the karoake (sp?) Well, don't look at me... ;-) ***** Snappies! SNAPPIES!!!!"}, {"response": 46, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sat, Mar  3, 2001 (14:14)", "body": "In the boat MD is wearing a navy blue crew-neck (polo neck?) sweater. A \"wooly-pully\". Picnic scene he's wearing subtle-checked (gray?)long sleeve sport shirt.Sounds just like Mr. Darcy in this one. V. funny scene with HG in the boat. Only two scenes with MD in the ET segment."}, {"response": 47, "author": "amw", "date": "Sat, Mar  3, 2001 (16:06)", "body": "Hee Hee, I just watched an advert for Max Factor Makeup and guess what at the end it said as worn in the forthcoming BJD film!!"}, {"response": 48, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Mar  3, 2001 (21:16)", "body": "Link to Sunday Times article on BJ (RZ really): http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/news/pages/sti/2001/03/04/stistlstl02004.html There is a memorable scene in the movie where Bridget is about to have sex with her boss, Daniel Cleaver (played by Hugh Grant), and he is trying to get past her giant bloomers. \"Modesty went right out the window,\" says Zellweger. \"I mean, at one point the camera is right up my skirt and the whole crew is looking at my big pants.\" \"He improvises all the time,\" she adds of her co-star. \"In that scene, he was adding lines and making me laugh. I felt so big in that dress, and the poor man had to carry me across the room about 20 times. I'm sure he's still seeing a chiropractor to this day.\" Most surprising of all is that her accent turns out to be flawless. \"I just wanted to get it right,\" she says. \"The book meant such a lot to so many women that I didn't want to be the one to bodge it up.\" ~~~~~ Only one mention of Colin: Zellweger is now officially a singleton, and says she finds British men funny and charming. Mind you, that is probably because, apart from Grant, the only other one she really got to know was Colin Firth, who plays Mark Darcy. Her enthusiasm for all things British extends beyond men. As we finish talking, Geri Halliwell walks into the lobby of the hotel and, in the way famous people do when they have never met before, they kiss as if they were twins separated at birth. It turns out Halliwell has written a song for the film's soundtrack. \"Oh my God,\" Zellweger screams, after the former Spice Girl has made her way to another table. \"I've just met Ginger Spice. Bloody hell.\" But apparently, the best thing about London was Marks & Spencer. \"I got so big, and I bought this great pair of trousers in there. And their chicken sandwiches!\" she exclaims breathlessly. Ren\ufffde Zellweger is Bridget Jones after all. The film is going to be v.g."}, {"response": 49, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Mar  3, 2001 (21:19)", "body": "From the \"I knew it\" department: The movie was directed by first-timer Sharon Maguire, who says her leading lady seemed completely devoid of Hollywood ego. \"Ren\ufffde was keen on showing us her cellulite and flab,\" she says. \"She developed a flat-footed walk, her thighs grew so big.\" In the end, the waif got up to a curvy size 12 (but she had to resort to falsies for the part, as the \"girls\" refused to play ball). \"I didn't look at my naked body in the shower, that's for sure.\" ~~~~~~~ Even with the way Playboy bunny costumes are constructed, knew it couldn't be real! ;-D"}, {"response": 50, "author": "sarah19", "date": "Sun, Mar  4, 2001 (00:51)", "body": "Just recieved my Entertainment Weekly today and there's a small picture of RZ in bunny ears. The article is about the varios production studios. It says BJD will be Miramax's high hope for this year. We could've told them that."}, {"response": 51, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Sun, Mar  4, 2001 (04:13)", "body": "The Sunday Times article is an edited down version of the Marie Claire article...exactly the same same text, only shorter. One example.....MC had \"CF, superbly cast as the aloof Mark Darcy\", the Sunday Times has \"CF, who plays MD\". Signs of editorial bias?! :-) Will try to check out The obsever. The new HF/BJ \"book\" is more household hints/how to live your life sort of stuff. Extracts not riveting."}, {"response": 52, "author": "amw", "date": "Sun, Mar  4, 2001 (06:08)", "body": "Very large interview in The Observer, \"A Bridget just far enough\". by Gaby Wood. Not much about Colin but I like this bit \"And in a twist of self-referential genius, Colin Firth plays Darcy, as an updated version of what we have come to see as himself - a Jane Austen hero, scripted once again by Andrew Davies\" She also liked RZ's accent and the film."}, {"response": 53, "author": "amw", "date": "Sun, Mar  4, 2001 (06:10)", "body": "Bethan, I noticed that omission in the Sunday Times, typical. One thing that surprises me in all these articles/interviews is that people seem to be surprised but pleased that Colin has been cast as the modern-day Darcy, to us it seemed the only possible casting."}, {"response": 54, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Sun, Mar  4, 2001 (07:45)", "body": "Ooh! Have just been rereading the MSN.co.uk BJD NY premier competition gumph. \"every single person who enters the competition will be entered into a draw to win a pair of tickets to the UK premiere, including accommodation in a top London hotel. Now, if only I had some imagination ;-)"}, {"response": 55, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Sun, Mar  4, 2001 (08:05)", "body": "Ann, thought the Observer article was okay, but it's also typically Observer, rather \"let's put it down, it we can\". Too long (for me) to type, but the basic gist is \"does the movie live up to the hype\". Recounts all the negative rumours, and so-called set backs, and states how every new Brit film is met with a chorus of disapproval. Says that BJD was tested in, well, Reading and \"now we can exclusively reveal that BJD is not a total embarrassment (British undertatement at its worst!!!!) Positives...Editor of \"Empire\" really liked it...\"It's just really funny...I was surprised the guys I saw it with liked it so much\". \"Sight and Sound\" ed also \"was impressed...it was much more interesting than I thought it was going to be\". RZ has a very posh Sloane-y accent and \"impeccable comic timing\". \"It is a tribute to Sharon Maguire that the set of three films (4W , NH) seem seamless...you would never know that the film was by a first-time director\". \"Hardcore fans (of BJD) may not be so keen because a lot has been cut from the book\" Richard Curtis hopes that the good stuff from the book is still there and they've fulfilled the brief of \"what made BJD a phenomenon\". There's a scene with Mark Darcy's family, and a scene in which BJ tells MD that he goes out of his way to make her feel a complete idiot. Enough for now. Must dash! Good that \"Empire\" likes it...needs positive endorsement from film mags and lads' mags to do well!"}, {"response": 56, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sun, Mar  4, 2001 (10:09)", "body": "I take back what I said...the Brit press doesn't seem to be carving- up the accent.Thanks everybody for film reviews. (Karen)Even with the way Playboy bunny costumes are constructed, knew it couldn't be real! ;-D LOL. Don't try to sneak by 'ole eagle-eye- Karen' with your falsies;-)"}, {"response": 57, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Mar  4, 2001 (10:12)", "body": "*hee hee* That buxom ones does not get with a mere 15 pound weight gain."}, {"response": 58, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Mar  4, 2001 (10:29)", "body": "The Observer article is online (no pics): A Bridget just far enough In our exclusive sneak preview of Bridget Jones - the movie, that is - we find the nation's favourite neurotic still wallowing in good old British self-loathing. All the more impressive for being played by Texan Renee Zellweger... Gaby Wood It is a truth universally acknowledged that nothing is more likely to strike fear and xenophobia into the heart of an English person than a national treasure being appropriated by an American. This can usually be avoided by ensuring that what we choose to call a national treasure is a figure so self-deprecating that Americans couldn't possibly want her. Sometimes, however, the plan goes astray. Enter Bridget Jones, the international bestseller. It is a truth universally avoided that nowhere is our curious mix of national pride and national shame more in evidence than in our film industry. We want to take Hollywood by storm, but we don't want Hollywood to take our jobs. We want to win all the Oscars, but every new British film is met with a domestic chorus of disapproval. Could all these fraught elements of the British psyche ever come together in a single project? Enter Bridget Jones, the movie, due out next month. The filmmakers were never in the position of simply making an adaptation of a mere book. From the very beginning, they were adapting a phenomenon. Screenwriter Richard Curtis says this actually made it easier: 'At least in Bridget Jones you kind of know what the big subject matter is. So it was convenient being able to say, \"Well, have we fulfilled the brief of what made it a phenomenon?\"' It also means, however, that fans were oversensitive from the start. Ever since 1998, when Working Title, the production company responsible for Four Weddings and Notting Hill, began their search for the Bridget of the silver screen, the media have been set to pounce. And when, after a full two years, they lighted not on Kate Winslet or Helena Bonham Carter or even the Australian Cate Blanchett or the flatteringly glamorous Cameron Diaz, but on... Renee Zellweger, the British newspapers had a field day. Zellweger is a Texan blonde, not a glamourpuss but a soft-centred, round-faced actress, best known at that time for her role as Tom Cruise's love interest in Jerry Maguire and, more recently, for her deadpan performances in the high-profile Hollywood comedies Me, Myself and Irene and Nurse Betty, for which she won a Golden Globe. Zellweger was a high school cheerleader who is said to have worked in a topless bar without taking her top off, and whose first acting job was an ad for Texan beef. She is, it would seem, as wholesome and un-Bridget-like as they come. In the words of a former school friend, 'You couldn't find anyone more American than Renee'. As it happens, Zellweger's mother is Norwegian and her father is Swiss. Nevertheless, as if criticism of the casting wasn't bad enough, rumours began to circulate early on about the quality of the film itself. The script was co-written by Helen Fielding (of original novel fame), Richard Curtis (of Four Weddings and Notting Hill fame) and Andrew Davies (of BBC costume drama fame, and Pride and Prejudice in particular). The film is directed by Sharon Maguire, of no fame at all. It is Maguire's debut feature; her ostensible qualification for the job is that - apart from directing TV documentaries - she, like Curtis, is a friend of Fielding's, and is acknowledged at the front of the novel. In fact, Shazza, a character in the novel itself, is a fictionalised version of Maguire. So, to all intents and purposes, she found herself turning her life and her friends into a movie, and casting Smack The Pony 's Sally Phillips as, broadly, herself. Inevitably the rumour mill began to turn: Zellweger was so bad Hugh Grant, her co-star, was threatening to drop out. Sets were being struck too early and had to be rebuilt. Scenes were re-written, re-cut, re-shot. Everything was way behind schedule. Whether or not any of this was true makes hardly any difference. Because it's just a symptom of what is always hoped: it is a matter of honour in England to prepare for the bitterest shame. If 'The Making of Bridget Jones's Diary' is ever filmed, it ought to be called Pride and Prejudice . The fact is that most films are subject to such complications. The rumours may have persisted, paradoxically, because the film is such a closely guarded secret. The PR firm in question has a stranglehold on it, and is letting few people see even an early or a shortened version. Sharon Maguire can be reached but not interviewed: she has been placed under a gagging order. The soundtrack, which features songs re-recorded by Geri Halliwell and Robbie Williams, is still being worked on. But a few intrepid adventurers, including The Observer, have succeeded in sneaking a preview. A leaked memo shows that the film has tested well in... Reading. And now we can exclusively reveal that Bridget Jones's Diary is "}, {"response": 59, "author": "BenB", "date": "Sun, Mar  4, 2001 (11:46)", "body": "I had just read the Observer review myself. Sounds good. Last night I also saw the first BJD posters in London. One's immediate reaction is that RZ is far too gorgeous to play the doubt-ridden BJ. She has an adorable face. But that's part of the point, I suppose - the fact that when one's self-confidence is down (chronically, in the case of BJ) it has little to do with one's external circumstances."}, {"response": 60, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Mar  4, 2001 (12:32)", "body": "(Ben) One's immediate reaction is that RZ is far too gorgeous to play the doubt-ridden BJ. She has an adorable face. Have you read the book? Nowhere does it say that BJ is homely or worse. Nor is she 'portly' as the American TV said. It's all about self-image and a thin, pretty girl can have a poor self-image too. But as we said long ago, when RZ was chosen, she's perfect because she can emit that vulnerability we saw in the book. Gorgeous? No. Cute, yes. But that's fine, as a cute girl would naturally feel inferior to gorgeous types."}, {"response": 61, "author": "BenB", "date": "Sun, Mar  4, 2001 (12:40)", "body": "I have read the book, yes. I'd read the diary in the newspaper, and I read the book a couple of days after it came out. I liked it v. much. I suppose all I meant is that RZ is prettier than Helen Fielding. She (RZ) is a film star after all. And gorgeousness is in the eye of the beholder. This beholder thinks RZ is gorgeous!"}, {"response": 62, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Mar  4, 2001 (12:58)", "body": "Yes, you are entitled to think RZ gorgeous. Wait until you see *most* of her stuffed into that bunny outfit. ;-D"}, {"response": 63, "author": "BenB", "date": "Sun, Mar  4, 2001 (13:05)", "body": "Is that the bit where she gets the fancy dress wrong? Can't wait. I was surprised about the bit of the review, by the way, that claimed most men didn't like the book. That's quite untrue, in my experience. All the men I know loved it. Mostly because it was funny. But also because it rang true. Men's insecurities aren't that different to women's."}, {"response": 64, "author": "Echo", "date": "Sun, Mar  4, 2001 (13:22)", "body": "Ben, stop! Stop before you say that men and women aren't that different at all... Every psychologist, psychotherapist and any damn psycho-something else has been working his b**ls/her t*ts off to convince the humanity that we come from different planets. Deny it and you'll deprive a sizable proportion of the world population the pleasure of passing large amounts of money around purely on the basis of how they perceive those differences."}, {"response": 65, "author": "BenB", "date": "Sun, Mar  4, 2001 (13:48)", "body": "God. Sorry. In that case I should warn you that I am planning to write a book called \"Men are from Earth and so are women.\" Radical stuff."}, {"response": 66, "author": "Echo", "date": "Sun, Mar  4, 2001 (14:13)", "body": "God. Sorry. You're right. And you're forgiven... ;-) \"Men are from Earth and so are women.\" You're still absolutely determined to destroy my illusions, aren't you!!! ;-D"}, {"response": 67, "author": "heide", "date": "Sun, Mar  4, 2001 (16:41)", "body": "Ooh, I like this - There's one shot where Bridge walks away from him and there's this gaze after her. Meryton Assembly you say? Yes, I like this very much indeed. Missed both snippets. Will try to do better next time."}, {"response": 68, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sun, Mar  4, 2001 (18:54)", "body": "LOL. Ben you are right....my -son-the-psychologist read the book (as well as the sequel [before he gave them to his mother for Christmas]), loved it. Agrees with you on men & women having similar insecurities. Looking forward to your book ;-)"}, {"response": 69, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Mar  4, 2001 (20:56)", "body": "Ahem!! Did the actual Times article have other pictures or the same shown at the website (Marie Claire cover and red PJs)? because the film is such a closely guarded secret. The PR firm in question has a stranglehold on it, and is letting few people see even an early or a shortened version. Makes me feel much better. Shouldn't take all those snubs personally. ;-D"}, {"response": 70, "author": "Echo", "date": "Mon, Mar  5, 2001 (07:29)", "body": "UK tabloid The Daily Mirror reports today that, as the BJD film makers already try to secure actors for the sequel, Renee Z. refuses to agree."}, {"response": 71, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Mar  5, 2001 (08:28)", "body": "UK tabloid The Daily Mirror reports today that, as the BJD film makers already try to secure actors for the sequel, Renee Z. refuses to agree. Is she holding out for more money? Or is she waiting to see how many millions in makes worldwide to also set points. She was Jim C. girlfriend, she must have have learnt something in that department. I can't imagine any other reason for refusing at this time. She agreed to be BJ when other British actresses were hoping for the part, now she better show good faith. (Karen), Shouldn't take all those snubs personally. ;-D Keep trying, Karen! ;-)"}, {"response": 72, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Mar  5, 2001 (08:30)", "body": "I assume Colin WILL sign, but I don't take it for granted. :-( Why would HG be back unless they have changed the story to leave it open-ended?"}, {"response": 73, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar  5, 2001 (08:55)", "body": "Here's the item from the Mirror. I'd bet all of it is made up. BRIDGET MOANS DIARY STAR SAYS NO TO A SEQUEL BRIDGET Jones has never been our sort of girl. She doesn't get out much, is a frump who moans about her weight and can't get a boyfriend ... so not our scene, dearie. Nor, it seems, has the fictional character endeared herself to Renee Zellweger, the unlikely American actress who plays the whinging English rose in the film based on the best-selling diaries. So much so that Renee, who appears opposite Hugh Grant and Colin Firth in the movie, does not want to repeat her role as chain-smoking, over-indulging and desperate Ms Jones. Bridget Jones's Diary is out next month and the 31-year-old is already refusing to sign for the sequel. The actress hated piling on (shock, horror!) a whole stone and smoking cigarettes for her role as the neurotic single woman and has told film bosses nothing can persuade her to repeat the role. Despite positive early feedback, Miramax boss Harvey Weinstein, who is distributing the movie, has ordered some scenes to be re-edited. \"The producers, Working Title, are trying to sign up the sequel already even before Bridget Jones comes out,\" said an insider. \"But Renee doesn't want to know. She hated having to stuff her face and didn't like living in London for eight months.\" During filming she would moan every day: \" I'm so fat, I'm so fat.\" Renee said: \"It gets dark really soon and it's cold. It was the no-exercise part that killed me.\""}, {"response": 74, "author": "mari", "date": "Mon, Mar  5, 2001 (09:36)", "body": "I can't imagine any other reason for refusing at this time. I can: there's no script!! It's like buying something sight unseen. None of the principals would re-up without having seen a script. I'd bet all of it is made up. So do I. Early word on the film seems to be very good, and they don't know how else to fabricate a problem."}, {"response": 75, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Mar  5, 2001 (09:53)", "body": "Despite positive early feedback, Miramax boss Harvey Weinstein, who is distributing the movie, has ordered some scenes to be re-edited. So if it's all made up, we don't have to worry about the Harvey cut, right?"}, {"response": 76, "author": "mari", "date": "Mon, Mar  5, 2001 (11:16)", "body": "Right. This one is in the can. They're alrady having press screenings."}, {"response": 77, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Mar  5, 2001 (11:28)", "body": "(Me) If all he does is bring Mr. Darcy back in 21st century costume, I'll be very disappointed indeed. (Evelyn) But don't you think that's what HF had in mind? If not, they could have had any ole Brit bloke play MD. True, true; I've been arguing for years that the character of MD is nothing more than an updated FD *but* I was hoping for something more from CF than a complete reprise of his P&P2 performance. As a student of P&P2 ;-) I fully expect to see endless similarities, i.e., line delivery, looks, etc. (such as those already pointed out above). My point is, I hope CF adds something else to MD to make the role the same as FD, but different. Got it? I'm being as clear as mud ;-P As for the AH clip (which I also have on tape and must re-watch)--thought CF's face time was excellent but was miffed that his name wasn't mentioned in the voice-over as it was on ET. Would it have killed them to say 'in which Zellweger stars with CF and HG (or even HG and CF)'? Harumph. Movie looks v.v. excellent, though!"}, {"response": 78, "author": "lafn", "date": "Mon, Mar  5, 2001 (12:28)", "body": "(Eileen)My point is, I hope CF adds something else to MD to make the role the same as FD, but different. Got it? I'm being as clear as mud ;-P No I understand what you mean....and I agree. We don't want character -clones. And actually, IMO sequels are seldom as good as the first one. Dilutes the original. I also like to hear him speak in the ET clip of BJD."}, {"response": 79, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar  5, 2001 (12:35)", "body": "I'd say the Mirror is leading the charge for all press that weren't invited to that early screening (Empire, Sight & Sound, Observer). Mirror wants to trash the movie and has started anti-RZ backlash."}, {"response": 80, "author": "mari", "date": "Mon, Mar  5, 2001 (14:51)", "body": "I see that the Film Unlimited site has picked it up, quoting from the Mirror--and then adding its own embellishments. They write she \"apparently hated the part so much . . \" and \"apparently hated filming in London so much . . .\" Apparent to whom? To anyone making it up as they go along? Does use of word \"apparently\" preclude a lawsuit, in manner of \"allegedly\" in mob stories?;-)"}, {"response": 81, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Mar  5, 2001 (15:37)", "body": "(Mari) Apparent to whom? To anyone making it up as they go along? Well, if they said it in the Mirror, then it *must* be true. *phooey* Shades of the 'HF didn't want RZ and wanted to play BJ herself' hoo-hah. Let's see how many more tabs/websites propagate this nonsense in the coming days."}, {"response": 82, "author": "lafn", "date": "Mon, Mar  5, 2001 (15:44)", "body": "OK...I don't take it back...maybe some of the press is going trash Renee after all. But they do that to Gwynnie too. Remember they said she was anti-British because she said she didn't like a dessert called\"Treacle\"."}, {"response": 83, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar  5, 2001 (17:06)", "body": "Decided to check the other tabloid and found this item: Geri Fame-ous HERE'S Geri Halliwell giving it some belly in the video for her new single It's Raining Men. She goes totally Eighties for the film, donning tracksuit bottoms, biker jacket and fingerless gloves, as my exclusive snap shows. The promo pays tribute to the era of yuppies and dodgy haircuts through clothes, clich\ufffds and a storyline inspired by the popular Eighties TV show Fame. It even features a Leroy character plus an irritating troupe of actors dancing about on top of cars, echoing the series about a New York music and drama school. The song, released next month, is a remake of the Weather Girls' 1984 hit and features in the movie Bridget Jones' Diary, also out soon."}, {"response": 84, "author": "KJArt", "date": "Mon, Mar  5, 2001 (19:48)", "body": "(Eileen)My point is, I hope CF adds something else to MD to make the role the same as FD, but different. Got it? It was always my impression that Mark D. had more self-confidence (except RE; whether Bridget really could like him) and a strong sardonic sense of humor, something FD hadn't managed to develop at that time. Also MD previously married and with a strong work ethic. Lots of points to differentiate the character, as no doubt ODB will."}, {"response": 85, "author": "amw", "date": "Tue, Mar  6, 2001 (05:50)", "body": ""}, {"response": 86, "author": "Moon", "date": "Tue, Mar  6, 2001 (08:26)", "body": "Lucky girls! Ann, I do hope you plan to attend. And with your camera as you did for SIL. :-)"}, {"response": 87, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Mar  6, 2001 (09:02)", "body": "Go to it, Ann!"}, {"response": 88, "author": "aishling", "date": "Tue, Mar  6, 2001 (09:09)", "body": "Thanks Ann. Where is the venue?"}, {"response": 89, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar  6, 2001 (10:47)", "body": "Hot off the wires... (note poor insertion of old item toward end) This is possibly response to tabloid items yesterday. Man-Hunting Bridget Jones Heads to Movies LONDON (Reuters) - Helen Fielding's best-selling novel about a dieting, smoking, man-hunting singleton hits the silver screen next month when \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" aims to captivate world audiences with a very British charm. Never mind that a Texan blonde gets to play the eponymous heroine -- the theme is British through and through. Hugh Grant plays the baddie, Colin Firth is the love interest and Bridget smokes and drinks for England. \"No other country in the world could make a film about a woman who hates herself for being womanly in this way,\" said Nick James, editor of Sight and Sound film magazine. The movie of the international best seller which began life as a tongue-in-cheek newspaper column, opens on April 13. Behind the adaptation is the hit team who created \"Four Weddings and a Funeral\" and \"Notting Hill.\" Now Working Title, the production company, hopes the neurotic diaries of a single 30-something will provide its third low-budget British film hit. At the core of the book is Bridget Jones's die-hard attempt to get thin, smoke less, drink fewer alcoholic units and meet the man of her dreams. Hardly a modern tale, it nevertheless captured the public's imagination and became a must-read for a generation of modern career women seeking an old-fashioned happy ending. The Bridget Jones of Fielding's imagination opened each diary entry with a tally of how many cigarettes smoked, pounds lost or gained and drinks drunk. The quest was to get beautiful and find a man -- with plenty of navel gazing along the way. \"How is it possible to put on four pounds overnight? Could flesh have somehow solidified, becoming denser and heavier (repulsive, horrifying notion)); alcohol units: two (excellent) cigarettes: 21 (poor but will give up totally tomorrow); number of correct lottery numbers: two (better, but nevertheless useless)\" is just one typical entry. TEXAN ROSE? Yet it is an American, rather than a hip Londoner, who grabbed the lead and Fielding admitted to fierce jealousy that her screen character would have an affair with Grant, whom she describes as \"hilariously wicked, sexy charming and delicious.\" Renee Zellweger, best known for playing Tom Cruise's romantic sidekick in \"Jerry Maguire,\" is a corn-fed Texan with a moon face: a far cry from the English rose of Fielding's mind. Zellweger's mother is Norwegian and her father is Swiss, but critics will be listening hard to see if an American of European extraction has mastered the London accent. Her past credits include the comedies \"Me Myself and Irene\" and \"Nurse Betty,\" which earned her a Golden Globe award. Fielding won't let Zellweger steal all the limelight. \"I'm keen on the idea of turning up on set and in enormous sunglasses and a gold lame turban shrieking 'it should have been me!' and having to be led away and given a trinket,\" she told Sydney's Daily Telegraph. The script was written by Fielding, Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and Notting Hill) and Andrew Davies (Pride and Prejudice)."}, {"response": 90, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar  6, 2001 (11:07)", "body": "Now THIS is what I call a poster!!"}, {"response": 91, "author": "amw", "date": "Tue, Mar  6, 2001 (11:19)", "body": "Could have been a better image of Colin though, thanks Karen."}, {"response": 92, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar  6, 2001 (11:59)", "body": "...and they say I'm picky! ;-D Anyway, Teletext picked up the other item. Liked use of \"it's suggested.\" Shame they didn't say \"who suggested it\"...The Mirror Zellweger won't do Jones sequel Renee Zellweger is not interested in making the sequel to Bridget Jones's Diary, sources at Working Title claim. It's suggested she is reluctant to have to put two stone in weight on again and disliked living in London for eight months. A non-smoker, she also had to puff on herbal cigarettes which made her \"smell like dung\". Early previews of the movie are favourable with critics impressed by her Sloaney English accent."}, {"response": 93, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Tue, Mar  6, 2001 (12:48)", "body": "\"It's suggested\" by the Daily Mirror. The \"smell like dung\" bit is straight out of Marie Claire. Feeble re-tread of a cobbled story. I reckon IF there's any truth in the Mirror's story, it could be proof of RZ backing the film. If it's a success, her worth for a sequel will shoot up. I'm sure she didn't love London and gaining weight and not exercising, etc, etc, but I guess she'd do the role again for its sheer artistic integrity - that and a (few) million dollars."}, {"response": 94, "author": "amw", "date": "Tue, Mar  6, 2001 (13:05)", "body": "According to Annova, the soundtrack for BJD goes on release on the 16th March, which seems a little strange as some of the individual singles aren't released until the beginning of April, i.e. Gabrielle and Geri Halliwell's Raining Men."}, {"response": 95, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Tue, Mar  6, 2001 (13:31)", "body": "Is it me or does Geri GingerSpice look like she's anorexic? I like that pic of MD, Ann (same as the one on cupid during that Valentine's Day promo). Hair: v.v.g., jawline: v.g., fit of shirt collar: v.v.g.! Also like that he appears to be peeking at the diary. Think this is the *official* poster? *hoping*"}, {"response": 96, "author": "ekelley", "date": "Tue, Mar  6, 2001 (13:52)", "body": "Hi all... ( delurking on this board ) stupid question, which I should know, but don't: when is this supposed to open up in theatres here in the US?"}, {"response": 97, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar  6, 2001 (13:58)", "body": "About the sequel, there was talk about the other WT hits (4Weddings and NH), but they've never chosen to pursue the sequel route with those (yeah, like they could get Julia to do another!). All hype, making it a huge hit before it even opens. I agree, Ann, it seems a bit early to release the soundtrack. I would think it would coincide with the release of the movie. Perhaps, they meant April 13 not March 13 as it is not listed at a couple of music sites I've checked. The item from Ananova: Bridget Jones soundtrack set to be a hit The soundtrack to the forthcoming film adaptation of Helen Fielding's bestseller Bridget Jones's Diary features exclusive tracks from top artists. The film is tipped to be one of the biggest international movie hits of the year. Tracks include new material from Robbie Williams, and Geri Halliwell's cover of The Weather Girls' 1980s hit, It's Raining Men. There are also contributions from Alisha's Attic, Shelby Lynne and Gabrielle. Bridget Jones's Diary premieres in the UK in April, while the soundtrack album is due for release on March 16 through Mercury."}, {"response": 98, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar  6, 2001 (14:00)", "body": "Liz: check the Bucket for all the dates: http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjd.html and it's April 13th"}, {"response": 99, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Tue, Mar  6, 2001 (14:51)", "body": "The poster for Bridget Jones is now on the Tube in London. (has anyone reported this before?) It is the one with RZ sitting, legs out straight, with a ciggie in the ashtray to her side. Says something like \"it's Monday and BJ wakes up in bed with a hangover and her boss\". Sorry if that is not correct but have not time to go back to Green Park to check:-) Much better than tht creepy picture of CF - looks straight out of RV!!"}, {"response": 100, "author": "Echo", "date": "Tue, Mar  6, 2001 (15:36)", "body": "tht creepy picture of CF - looks straight out of RV!! LOL! I thought it looked familiar... Btw, what are responses 85 to 88 supposed to mean exactly? I see nothing in 85 and I feel like an extra in a remake of The Emperor's New Clothes..."}, {"response": 101, "author": "amw", "date": "Tue, Mar  6, 2001 (16:04)", "body": "Allison, will you please email me, I have mislaid your address (re response 85)."}, {"response": 102, "author": "amw", "date": "Tue, Mar  6, 2001 (16:05)", "body": "Sorry I meant Echo."}, {"response": 103, "author": "lafn", "date": "Tue, Mar  6, 2001 (17:30)", "body": "Love the poster....Thanks boss. And sorry folks I like CF peaking around her diary,..cool.....maybe because I liked RV :-) See Eileen,a different perspective ...not like Mr. Darcy at all;-)"}, {"response": 104, "author": "Moon", "date": "Tue, Mar  6, 2001 (17:47)", "body": "Allison, you're right about the RV pose! Still a clean looking poster and his presense for once is there. I hope they won't cut him out in the States, as tthey have done in the past and they could too unless he specifically had it written into his contract that he must also be included in the poster whenever HG is. That would have been a smart move."}, {"response": 105, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar  6, 2001 (19:19)", "body": "(Moon) I hope they won't cut him out in the States, as tthey have done in the past I don't think he'll be cut out, as the advertising needs to emphasize there are TWO guys (Mr So So Right and Mr Fuckwit) interested in one girl. That's the campaign they should be waging. Mark Darcy's part is the mysterious stranger type as you can see in the bits of the trailer shown on Access Hollywood. The emphasis on Hugh but with Colin lurking about on the sidelines. Meant to bring this up before. In the articles, I liked how people had singled out scenes with Colin as being the most important (when he says he likes her as-is, or Bridget telling him that he makes her feel ridiculous). These are memorable scenes (serious concepts) that critics would focus on, rather than a drunken Hugh falling overboard whilst saying he's king of the world."}, {"response": 106, "author": "Moon", "date": "Tue, Mar  6, 2001 (20:20)", "body": "Mark Darcy's part is the mysterious stranger type as you can see in the bits of the trailer shown on Access Hollywood. OK, rub it in. You know I have not seen this. :-( Lucky you who can rewind to her heart's content."}, {"response": 107, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Mar  6, 2001 (21:24)", "body": "Thanks for the poster, Karen. I think the \"peekaboo\" pose is very appropriate, but notice they used the CF and RZ pics from the website, yet substituted a more attractive photo for HG. No doubt he has approval on the publicity materials (they all may) and vetoed the one on the website, a more appropriate (but less attractive) peering-sideways look. I just wonder if CF has people looking out for his interests like that. I do love that he's on there, though! a corn-fed Texan LOL! They make her sound like a heifer."}, {"response": 108, "author": "ommin", "date": "Wed, Mar  7, 2001 (04:29)", "body": "Don't fret gals he is what he is. I guess he'll never change but thats why I like him."}, {"response": 109, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Mar  7, 2001 (10:34)", "body": "(Evelyn) And sorry folks I like CF peaking around her diary,..cool.....maybe because I liked RV :-) See Eileen,a different perspective ...not like Mr. Darcy at all;-) Certainly not, the way you see it. ;-) I don't see 'gay' in this pose at all (no wrists flicking) and I also liked RV--loved seeing CF flouncing around, was ROTF. IMO showing CF in the Mr. D. aloof/smouldering/glowering mode on the poster would make him/his character look less appealing than this playful look. (Karen) The emphasis on Hugh but with Colin lurking about on the sidelines. Which is in keeping with the book, right? (Karen) I liked how people had singled out scenes with Colin as being the most important (when he says he likes her as-is, or Bridget telling him that he makes her feel ridiculous). These are memorable scenes (serious concepts) that critics would focus on, rather than a drunken Hugh falling overboard whilst saying he's king of the world. Good point!"}, {"response": 110, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Mar  7, 2001 (13:10)", "body": "Ooh, have had brilliant brainstorm for poster. Picture this: Small shot of BJ sitting on bed with diary open, superimposed on larger close-up of pensive Mark Darcy (head only). Perfect! Yet something about it seems familiar..."}, {"response": 111, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar  7, 2001 (13:27)", "body": "Suggest Bridget hold one stockinged leg up in air for nice central focus. Or else could have enigmatic Mark Darcy in shadowy doorway with Bridget sitting in lacy frou frou underwear or scary pants, whichever. ;-D"}, {"response": 112, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar  7, 2001 (23:44)", "body": "This isn't the same writer, but does this border on plagiarism? From reel.com: Zellweger Stars as Jones By Joan Tarshis Bridget Jones's Diary, Helen Fielding's hilarious, best-selling novel about a weight-watching, chain-smoking, man-chasing, gin-and-tonic drinking, pint-guzzling bachelorette makes its way to the big screen next month. Indeed. Renee Zellweger, best known for playing Tom Cruise's romantic interest in Jerry Maguire, stars as Jones. Mind you \ufffd despite that a blond from Texas is playing the eponymous heroine \ufffd the premise is terribly British. Hugh Grant plays the bad guy and Colin Firth is the love interest, while Bridget smokes and drinks and drinks and smokes in Jolly Ol' England. At the film's center are Bridget's desperate attempts to lose weight, smoke less, drink less, and meet her Prince Charming. The novel became a must for a generation of modern career women seeking an old-fashioned happy ending. In her diary, Bridget begins each entry with a total of how many pounds lost or gained, cigarettes smoked, and drinks drunk. The mission is to become beautiful and find a man. A typical entry reads, ``How is it possible to put on four pounds overnight? Could flesh have somehow solidified, becoming denser and heavier (repulsive, horrifying notion); alcohol units: two (excellent) cigarettes: 21 (poor but will give up totally tomorrow); number of correct lottery numbers: two (better, but nevertheless useless).'' What has surprised our friends across the pond is that an American actress, rather than a hip Brit, got the lead. Zellweger's past credits include the comedies Me, Myself & Irene and Nurse Betty, which earned her a Golden Globe award. Fielding has admitted to being fiercely jealous that her character gets to have an affair with Grant, whom she describes as \"hilariously wicked, sexy, charming, and delicious.\" But, the author admits she won't let Zellweger steal all of Grant's attentions. \"I'm keen on the idea of turning up on set in enormous sunglasses and a gold lam\ufffd turban shrieking 'it should have been me!' and having to be led away and given a trinket,\" she told Sydney's Daily Telegraph. The script was inked by Fielding, Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill), and Andrew Davies (Pride and Prejudice), and is being helmed by first-timer Sharon Maguire. Bridget Jones reunites co-writer Curtis with producers Tim Bevans and Eric Fellner, the successful team who brought us Four Weddings and Notting Hill. Now the trio hopes that the ramblings of a neurotic, single, 30-ish woman will give them hit number three. The movie, which was born as a tongue-in-cheek newspaper column, opens April 13."}, {"response": 113, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (09:21)", "body": "(Karen) but does this border on plagiarism? Is there such a concept any more? It seems plagiarism went out the window when 'cut and paste' was invented. :-/"}, {"response": 114, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (10:53)", "body": "ATTN!! Full trailer is now available at the MSN site: http://entertainment.msn.com/bridget/default.asp Lots of Colin! You see when she first sees him at the party (he's wearing a dark turtleneck. He's specifically shown as Mr Wrong (in her mind) after the Mr Right intro. Then there's a darling bit, where he's at the door to somebody's apartment and calls Cleaver out. \"OK, Cleaver, outside. [Cleaver: What?\"] MD: Should I bring my dueling pistols or sword?\""}, {"response": 115, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (11:06)", "body": "Ooooh, and he throws a punch. Yippee! This is a 2:26 min trailer, as would be in the theatres."}, {"response": 116, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (11:06)", "body": "And he says the lines about liking her just the way she is."}, {"response": 117, "author": "lafn", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (11:13)", "body": "Oh Karen...the trailer is darling. I esp like the part that MD says: \"To our Bridget, we love her...just as she is\".Mr. Darcy's voice, for sure. Bridge's accent sounds good to me.She's got the Brit vowels down pat. Thank you Working Title...."}, {"response": 118, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (11:47)", "body": "Oh, bollocks, I can't view it! Apparently we have some security thingie here at work which prevents our PCs from downloading the viewing software. Don't they know people need a break at work? Honestly, this is something out of Dickens.;-) Tell us poor deprived souls more, please."}, {"response": 119, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (12:06)", "body": "Ooh, v.v. cute indeed (note to self: begin each day by viewing trailer). *But* I think I see/hear a few things differently--it doesn't sound like MD's voice saying 'just as she is', though he definitely says 'To Bridget, whom we love' (could be my ears *klunking self on head*). Unfortunately, I'm sure it is DC, not MD who says 'should I bring my dueling pistols or my sword?'. :-( Oh, well, I still like the trailer. Agree with what the others say about RZ's accent but since I'm not British I'm hardly a judge. I like the what it does to her voice, though, which in JM sounded high pitched and little girlish."}, {"response": 120, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (12:09)", "body": "It's what we saw on Access Hollywood and more. Starts out with the Still not married bit and how's your love life from everybody, with the \"haven't had a sniff of a date for over 18 months\" line. Then there's a shot at a party (could be literary bash), and v. possibly CF at center of shot at other end of room. Cue music: sounds like 1960s Frank Sinatra-y thing (or Gidget theme music) Car drives up to Snowshill and there's the Turkey Curry Buffet and Bridget being introduced to Mark (by mom). He looks v.good. Strange little incident with a taxi. Can't tell for sure whose voice that is saying \"drive on. She's fine.\" Then there's that whole bit from TV we saw about starting a diary, making resolutions, not dating litany of bad guy types, holding up big pants, exercycling with Shaz, will develop inner poise (blender blowup)... Won't fantasize about boss (enter Hugh) and making date and rolling around on floor discussing enormous pants. Next we see Jim Broadbent as dad, asking her if she has a boyfriend, to which she replies \"I have, father, and he's perfect.\" Voiceover about how she's finding herself caught between a man who's too good to be true (king of the world) and a man who is so wrong.... bunny outfit. Then we get the \"I like you just the way you\" are bit.... Music changes...oh, what is name of song. Every little thing she says and does... Cast intros: RZ (she's singing \"Can't Live if Living is w/o you\" v. drunkenly), THEN HG (a little dialogue about practicing french kissing with girls at school, Then CF (and dueling bit) -- shot of three girls and BJ saying \"major dilemma\" after punch thrown. Ends with answering phone. Sorry if it's so choppy. Had to keep pausing and writing and starting. Argh"}, {"response": 121, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (12:10)", "body": "One other thought: am surprised to see MD wearing sexy black turtleneck (*the* turtleneck!) instead of fugly diamond-patterned sweater in the turkey curry buffet scene. Guess they didn't want to overdo the nerd-dweeb thing. One can still hope for bumblebee socks, however. ;-)"}, {"response": 122, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (12:13)", "body": "Gaah! You're right, Hugh gets the pistols or sword line. *off to find Q tip* :-("}, {"response": 123, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (12:23)", "body": "The song is from the Police *humming* 'every little thing she does is magic..' Just watched again (can't wait until these things are bigger than the smallest size post-it note). No longer think MD says 'to Bridget, whom we love'. Think someone else says the line *but* the camera shows smiling MD which is more important. Glad to see they have their priorities straight. ;-)"}, {"response": 124, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (12:34)", "body": "Grrrrrr. I cannot view it either. Probably due to hopeless internet peformance at this time in the UK. Am v frustrated gazing at blue MSN screen with nothing happening. Will have to get up v early tomorrow when I shall not be sharing my dial-up line with half of the southeast of England:-)"}, {"response": 125, "author": "BenB", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (13:03)", "body": "My wizzard line at work pipes it down so efficiently its like being in the cinema. Well, almost. A good two minutes. Now for the other 98."}, {"response": 126, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (13:20)", "body": "The Police! Of course, I even own that one. *off to vacuum brain* Allison, try clicking on a lower connection type for viewing. If you have a 56K connection, try the 28K one. Was also v. surprised that Mark is not wearing hideously ugly sweater at the party. But glad is nice dark turtleneck. He should wear those more frequently, than basic black t-shirt we keep seeing."}, {"response": 127, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (13:21)", "body": "Karen, thanks so much for posting the \"full trailer\" info. Rarely surf at work, but am so glad I \"checked in\". Brightened my day considerably! Will have to visit again at home, when, out of my \"cubile\" environment, I can crank up the volume. Have checked the Island Records web site, but they have no mention of the soundtrack. Wanted to pre-order from _somebody_."}, {"response": 128, "author": "lafn", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (14:15)", "body": "(Eileen)I like the what it does to her voice, though, which in JM sounded high pitched and little girlish. Likewise in Nurse Betty.Renee should speak with a British accent all the time. V. flattering.I tell ya' it's those vowels.American accent has ugly vowels. Car drives up to Snowshill and there's the Turkey Curry Buffet and Bridget being introduced to Mark (by mom). He looks v.good. Doesn't mom say something like \"You remember Bridget, she used to run around the lawn without any clothes on...\" Bridget looking mortified. ..bunny outfit. Hilarious.Who hasn't appeared at a party dressed all wrong. Allison, it takes a little while to load esp. if your lines are busy. It would tell you if you didn't have the correct version of the video software. Good luck."}, {"response": 129, "author": "lafn", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (14:40)", "body": "For some reason, the trailer works better for me from The Bucket than from the MSN website, LOL.I get interruptions (pauses) from the official website. Have to keep hitting the \"Play\" button."}, {"response": 130, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (14:56)", "body": "HA! Have cracked code! Am overjoyed! Am bursting! Am drooling! Am probably also unemployed.;-) Love this. Superb trailer. Even if I had never heard of BJD or Colin (and oh, what an awful life that would be!;-), I'd go to see this. CF is . . . oh, my, my, my , my, my . . .When he says to her, \"You see, I like you. A lot. Just the way you are.\" *Major meltdown.* And that shot at the end when they're raising a glass to Bridge at the dinner. . .*very* close to The Look. Mmmmm . . . ."}, {"response": 131, "author": "judy", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (15:06)", "body": "Can't get the trailer but have just seen the video for Gabrielle's song & was surprised to see quite a bit of CF."}, {"response": 132, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (15:19)", "body": "(Evelyn) For some reason, the trailer works better for me from The Bucket than from the MSN website, LOL.I get interruptions (pauses) from the official website. Am far from an expert on this but I think it has more to do with when you view the trailer vs. where you view it from. It was much clearer and flowed better for me this morning than just now. Sometimes it sticks on video while audio progresses so you think you're seeing everything. Must watch over and over! (Mari) *very* close to The Look. Absolutely. Very close without duplicating that which should never be duplicated, IMO ;-). How 'bout MD's expression when BJ's mom makes the intro? As Evelyn notes, Bridget looks mortified while Mark's expression is straight out of the Meryton assembly (and/or Netherfield Ball with Mr. Collins--take your pick)."}, {"response": 133, "author": "amw", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (15:41)", "body": "Judy where did you see the video for Gabrielle's song and did they say when it would be released in the UK. I still think it is odd that the BJD soundtrack is being released on the 16th March before the individual singles, maybe it was a misprint by Annova but I am still going to check it out on the 16th March. I am so glad he looks and sounds so great, I am all anticipation. Thanks Karen for notifying us of the trailer and Allison I have been able to see it and I am in the South East also. Try what Karen suggested, it worked for me."}, {"response": 134, "author": "judy", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (15:57)", "body": "Ann it was shown on The Box a music channel on cable or satellite.It was new today & as yet there is no mention of the release date.There are some great shots of CF!"}, {"response": 135, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (16:03)", "body": "Oooh, I get The Box. Must check if same here. Which shots, Judy? The same as we've been discussing? That tears it! I'm definitely going to a mainstream movie complex this weekend. No esoteric Chinese films until I see that trailer up on a big screen, instead of postage size. Ann, that date has to be wrong. At the Gabrielle website, it says the single is coming on on April 2."}, {"response": 136, "author": "winter", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (16:15)", "body": "Nice trailer, from what I've been able to make out of it (too many pauses on this computer). Must run over to my good friend Pete-- who has forked over wads of cash to be be able to play feature-length films on his spiffy new computer."}, {"response": 137, "author": "amw", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (16:19)", "body": "Karen, someone at VV has seen the trailer at a Sony Cinema?"}, {"response": 138, "author": "amw", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (16:21)", "body": "It doesn't look as if we are going to see Colin in his Barrister's Gown, does it? Oh well, mustn't complain, I love that grey polo neck!"}, {"response": 139, "author": "judy", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (16:22)", "body": "I've just checked www.thebox.co.uk for the release date but the record isn't listed there yet.The first shot is head & shoulders & then it shows him in a reindeer jumper .(I wish someone had warned me about that -D)There's also one of him watching BJ with DC at a do.Another when he interrupts BJ & DC about to kiss.A few shots of the fight-crashing through a window,in a street high kicking DC & the punch.I'll have to watch the tape again as thats all I can remember."}, {"response": 140, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (17:09)", "body": "Ann, the cinema chain isn't as important as which movie it precedes. I wish the person at VV had said. I do hope it isn't Chocolat (another Miramax release) as I don't care to see it again. ;-D A reindeer jumper? High-kicking DC? This is marvelous. Wonder if he learned to do that kick or was that the padded stunt double that Mark saw? *tingling* I cannot wait for this movie. Can't find The Box on my cable. Must've been dropped. Will tune in to MTV or similar."}, {"response": 141, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (18:40)", "body": "Karen = I'm definitely going to a mainstream movie complex this weekend My thoughts exactly ! Thanks for the tip about lowering the connection speed, managed to see most of the trailer but it was very disjointed. Need to see a clearer view, oh how I need ;-) Love the Karaoke! A girl after my own heart. And mad 'inner poise' blender moment - d'you think we'll get the whole blue soup and marmalade episode?? Also thanks Judy for tip re the video..now must hog parents' cable! Meredith I've also been scouring the various sites to pre-order the soundtrack ..nothing doing at CD now or Amazon or HMV ;-( When is it to be released anyone?"}, {"response": 142, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (21:40)", "body": "Think I'll go watch the trailer at an internet place which has the very high-speed connections. Then the pic is bigger too and it really flows well. (Tracy) d'you think we'll get the whole blue soup and marmalade episode?? Fingers crossed, but I do expect we'll have to see foot in pot of mashed potatoes, as that is one of HF's most used anecdotes."}, {"response": 143, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (21:41)", "body": "Meant to say thanks to everyone who filled us in on the trailer bits while I was plotzing over not being able to see it at first!:-) Good thing you thought to re-check the trailer, Karen; I figured it was just the same old, same old. Then there's a shot at a party (could be literary bash), and v. possibly CF at center of shot at other end of room. Yes, that's him. Looks like he's wearing a dress shirt and jacket, no tie. Strange little incident with a taxi. Can't tell for sure whose voice that is saying \"drive on. She's fine.\" I think it's Tom in the back seat. Right before that, Shazz says something like, \"mind your step,\" whereupon BJ falls down, drunk apparently. Voiceover about how she's finding herself caught between a man who's too good to be true (king of the world) and a man who is so wrong.... bunny outfit. Don't you love how one of the women says \"I can't believe what some people find attractive,\" then they cut to Mark who manages, \"um, er, (big gulp) yes.\" The look on his face--*he* is obviously finding the bunny very attractive!:-) Ends with answering phone. \"Wanton sex goddess, here. Oh . . . dad!\" How 'bout MD's expression when BJ's mom makes the intro? As Evelyn notes, Bridget looks mortified while Mark's expression is straight out of the Meryton assembly Her expression is pure Ehle, when the mortified Lizzie says, \"Ma-ma, he willl hear you.\" I love that grey polo neck! Oh, me too! Do you think it's a different one than in the pic that went up on the website early on? Love the Karaoke! A girl after my own heart. So you've karried a bit of okie in your time, eh Tracy?;-) Moi aussi.:-) d'you think we'll get the whole blue soup and marmalade episode?? Ooo, I hope so--one of my faves. I think one of the early reviews at AICN mentioned the funny dinner scene, so it seems they've kept it. Tracy, most of the scenes you mention in the video are not in the trailer, but they sure sound like goodies! I want my MTV . . .:-) Agree that RZ's voice takes on a v. nice timbre with the English accent--deeper than usual. But how does the accent sound to our experts? I have to say, I'm v.v. pleased with the bits we've seen so far! Hurry April 13--so glad that so many of us will be able to see it at the same time--a too-rare treat!:-)"}, {"response": 144, "author": "Moon", "date": "Thu, Mar  8, 2001 (22:14)", "body": "Just in and I must thank all of you for your comments and Karen for the clip. I only saw it once but I loved it and plan to see it again... ! Will have to watch MTV too. Mari, her accent sounds good. I only found fault in the way she says diary. What do the Brits say? I loved the line about the duel, too bad Colin doesn't say it. (Cue in the music, I am ready to dance!)"}, {"response": 145, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (03:16)", "body": "Many thanks for the lead to the trailer, Karen. This Brit gives an A for the accent. I know it sounds ridiculous but when we previously got the five-second trailer with HG investigating the big pants and RZ just saying \"No ... no ...\" it actually did sound too posh. One word, I know, BUT the most telling Received Pronunciation vowel. However, my hopes went back up when one of the articles said \"...if you found Gwyneth Paltrow's accent in Sliding Doors jarring...watch out, it's the same accent coach.\" GP (as I have said before) was perfect in SD, and from this evidence RZ is pretty close. Great trailer, though it's all a bit of a giveaway about who's going to get the girl, no? (I am aware that we knew already!) But it's looking bad for me personally. That scene where HG growls in the car is MY scene, but I suspect the best I can now hope for is a freeze-frame one day with me telling friends \"that guy behind him...there, in the suit...did you see it?...no, no head, just an arm...it's me...honestly\""}, {"response": 146, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (03:34)", "body": "Thanks to Karen's Bucket, I have now heard the trailer and seen it until BJ says the bit about not having had a sniff of a date for 6 months and then the picture stops! So I can pronounce on the accent. v.v.good. Not too posh and perfectly Home Counties. In fact she has a very familiar voice and I cannot quite think whose voice it is. Pity I have not been able to see Colin ..."}, {"response": 147, "author": "fitzwd", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (05:19)", "body": "Speaking of accents and for the benefit of us Yanks, are RZ and GP using a regional accent and where exactly in England would we find that? Is their accents different from how JE talked in P&P?"}, {"response": 148, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (06:31)", "body": "The MSN site seems to have been revamped this AM, with new cast photos, including one with the aforementioned \"reindeer\" sweater (cannot believe it!) as well as other very dishy photos. Oh yes, I suppose I should look at the other cast photos... Have always liked HG, but putting him beside CF there is NO comparison in talent, looks, etc. People (in the US) may go to see the film because of HG, but they'll stay because of CF! And of course RZ is the \"it\" girl at the moment, deservedly so."}, {"response": 149, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (07:02)", "body": "Speaking of accents and for the benefit of us Yanks, are RZ and GP using a regional accent No, all their accents are more or less RP ie Received Pronounciation - aka Standard english. The idea is that it is non regional but it is more likely to be spoken in the south-east. Being the UK of course we could have a whole discussion on what one might be able to deduce from minute variations in inflection, vowel tone etc:-) I would have put GP's accent in SD as RP but spoken by someone from the southeast of England owing to some slight, flattening, estuarine tendencies in the vowels (that is estuarine as in Thames Estuary);-) GP's accent in SIL was much more the sort of RP spoken by someone who has been educated at one of the more select girls' boarding schools. RZ's accent is appropriately between the two. v v good, v v clever voice coaches. See what a minefield it all is."}, {"response": 150, "author": "BenB", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (08:10)", "body": "Being the UK of course we could have a whole discussion on what one might be able to deduce from minute variations in inflection, vowel tone etc:-) (Allison) From the brief sample in the trailer, I found RZ's accent better than GP's in SIL. (Look at what a dab hand I've become with the acronyms! Eat your hearts out Firthettes.) GP's was a bit TOO nasal and Estuary-ish - it was the kind of Sloane cockney beloved of hip, insecure London day school gals....not unlike Lady DI's accent. (Now THERE'S a minefield for you.) Mark's right - RZ's first 'o'-vowel was very distinctive. Can you blame poor Reese Witherspoon for being nervous? As if it isn't enough to have to act well. It's easier in a film, of course, but still..."}, {"response": 151, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (09:06)", "body": "Wow Meredith! Yes, they've revamped and added things from the production notes as well. I do like the little post-it notes (something I thought of using too), especially the one on Colin's page: Mmmmm Ding Dong Maybe this Mum had got it right. Maybe this was the devastating hunk I'd been waiting my whole life to meet...maybe not. That's the same turtleneck from the trailer. We just can't see the reindeer design in the shot. Fascinating discussion on RZ accent, but what was that area of North London Colin had mentioned in an interview? \"And it's actually a little bit confusing sometimes,\" he adds, \"'cos there's a great incongruity when she tells you something about her childhood in Texas. She says something like 'Dad lassoing mustangs and taking me to the rodeo.' And you think, 'What, in Croydon?'\" Must have been joking. ;-D"}, {"response": 152, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (09:18)", "body": "On the Events selection, it mentions the blue soup. :-)"}, {"response": 153, "author": "amw", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (10:00)", "body": "Also on the Events section in very small letters it mentions that the soundtrack will be available 3rd April - Island Records."}, {"response": 154, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (10:41)", "body": "Thank you Allison, Mark and Ben for the Accent Address. ...all their accents are more or less RP ie Received Pronounciation - aka Standard english. Is that in contrast to what we call BBC English like in P&P? ..estuarine tendencies in the vowels (that is estuarine as in Thames Estuary);-) , [\"estuarine vowels\"...now how about that for impressing the folks around the water cooler, Mari;-) ]This accent thing could have killed the film in UK....so glad it \"passes the mustard'. Eileen, do you see in your crystal ball more British films in the future for RZ?"}, {"response": 155, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (10:52)", "body": "Oh that reindeer sweater....too much...enough to say it won't replace the \"wet shirt\":-D Karen, I don't think those are posties...look more like polaroid shots to me. Allison, I find when the trailer stops, if you hit \"Pause\" , then hit \"Play\" it continues.I sorta play around with all those buttons."}, {"response": 156, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (11:02)", "body": "Sure there are yellow post-it notes (with messages on them) plus the Polaroids. Thought I'd post these:"}, {"response": 157, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (11:03)", "body": "That second one is the suit he wore for the fight. Comments on the collar? ;-D"}, {"response": 158, "author": "amw", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (11:06)", "body": "Looks like his barrister's collar! (she says hopefully.)"}, {"response": 159, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (11:19)", "body": "Thanks, Meredith, for the tip about the revamped site. Things are hotting up even further, as they say. (Karen) That's the same turtleneck from the trailer. We just can't see the reindeer design in the shot AhhhHA! Fugly diamond-patterned sweater has been replaced by kooky reindeer sweater--sexy turtle/polo neck from back, nerdy in front. Glad they kept to the spirit of the book here. (Mari) I think it's Tom in the back seat. Right before that, Shazz says something like, \"mind your step,\" whereupon BJ falls down, drunk I think you've got it. (Tracy) d'you think we'll get the whole blue soup and marmalade episode?? (Mari) Ooo, I hope so--one of my faves. I think one of the early reviews at AICN mentioned the funny dinner scene, so it seems they've kept it. It has to be the scene from the trailer with the line 'To Bridget, whom we love, just the way she is'. BTW, any other opinions as to who says that line? It doesn't sound like CF to me. (Mark) Great trailer, though it's all a bit of a giveaway about who's going to get the girl, no? (I am aware that we knew already!) Usually I have the same complaint about trailers but with BJD, one can rationalize that the same kabillion people who read the book (thereby being aware of the ending) are the target audience for the movie. (Evelyn) Eileen, do you see in your crystal ball more British films in the future for RZ? Ummm, action in ball tends to stop-go and is only postage stamp size (must upgrade ball with faster modem--wonder if they're sold at gypsy store?) but I think I see something about the word 'edge'. Hmmm. All v.v. confusing ;-)"}, {"response": 160, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (11:30)", "body": "Is that in contrast to what we call BBC English like in P&P? All the same: standard, BBC, RP, Queen's english (latter little used now on grounds that queen no longer sounds like anybody else still alive). BTW I agree with Ann, that is his barrister's collar .... too...arghh... I am all overcome just thinking about it. Unfortunately (?) am off to Nepal of all places next week for a quick trip. That must be one of the few places on this planet which will never receive BJD so will be deprived of the delicious anticipation. Will be back in time for the opening here though."}, {"response": 161, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (11:32)", "body": "(Ann) Looks like his barrister's collar! (she says hopefully.) To each his own, as my mother used to say ;-) Have been thinking about the storyline. We already know there's no Julio. It appears to me that the characters of Julio and DC have been merged, i.e., Mark rescues BJ from DC instead of rescuing Mama Jones from Julio. Don't think we'll see any blonde giantesses on the roof of DC's flat. The fight scene must be the climax, replacing the one from the book where Mark chases Julio through the bushes and gets all sweaty (BJ: 'let me tell you, it was damn sexy'). AAA's if this has already been figured out while I was in hibernation. Thanks for the pics, Karen! They look sharper here than at the MSN site. 8-D"}, {"response": 162, "author": "BenB", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (11:42)", "body": "Evelyn!! There you were, with the water-cooler crowd at your feet, and then.... \"it passes the mustard\". ....and they all amble off, shaking their heads. It cuts the mustard, or it passes muster. :-) God knows where these expressions come from (is the second something to do with the army?). I certainly don't see why passing the mustard should be any worse than cutting it. But there you are. p.s. It v. much looks like a barrister's collar."}, {"response": 163, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (11:43)", "body": "Just filling in some blanks in case you missed them... Mark rescues BJ from DC instead of rescuing Mama Jones from Julio There is a Julian, a presenter from the Home Shopping Channel, but know little else regarding his relationship to plot. Don't think we'll see any blonde giantesses on the roof of DC's flat. She won't be blonde as the actress is a brunette (Lisa B???) but no reason to believe that Bridget doesn't discover them together after the Tarts & Vicars party. The fight scene must be the climax I don't think so. Did you read those *spoiler* bits from Mr Beaks?"}, {"response": 164, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (11:57)", "body": "(Karen) I don't think so. Did you read those *spoiler* bits from Mr Beaks? I did, but I can hardly recall the details (too many other things rolling around up there these days). I did know there was a Julian, but wasn't a conclusion reached that the character was nowhere near as significant as Julio was in the book? I recall Beaks didn't care for the ending...and didn't we read somewhere about speculation that the ending had been changed? Gaah, can't keep it all straight anymore. No matter. AAA's for being off-base about the story."}, {"response": 165, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (12:55)", "body": "No need for AAAs, as some people didn't want to read the additional nonposted spoiler details from Mr Beaks about the ending. Couldn't remember if you had or not. But then again, it could've changed again. BTW, I really don't know the significance of the Julian character other than he would be someone Pam takes up with. (no scolding, Ben, on ending with a preposition as I could fix but don't care to ) ;-D"}, {"response": 166, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (13:07)", "body": "April 13th is only 5 weeks from today...Karen, do ya want to start a countdown? *heheheheheheh* ;-)"}, {"response": 167, "author": "amw", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (13:11)", "body": "More publicity for BJD - in the Times, today Section 2 a really funny article \"Bridget's singular style - Where to get the Bridget Look etc. Apparently more than 20 designers furnished RZ's wardrobe.. I will check if it is online. Also Aishling tells me that HF was on GMTV this morning, afraid I missed it but Aishling has recorded it and will no doubt tell us more."}, {"response": 168, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (13:21)", "body": "Well, it had better end just the way the book did, with MD giving BJ \"pardon for\"!"}, {"response": 169, "author": "amw", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (13:39)", "body": "The Times article is online but it is a very long address, can you help Karen, it is in the Style & Fashion section, go to the Index. Picture of RZ in her red pyjamas and Annova have just announced the new BJD Official Website."}, {"response": 170, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (14:11)", "body": "The accent is spot-on! Can't be faulted. Which will no doubt disappoint some of our less charitable reviewers! Reminds me of Kate Winslet/Caroline Quentin. The reindeer sweater must be a variation on the diamond patterned yellow/blue sweater of Turkey Curry Buffet fame. And that's definitely a barrister's outfit! Very sexy!"}, {"response": 171, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (14:29)", "body": "Sure thing, Ann, here's the article at The Times (no pics online). Note ending: Bridget's singular style BY TIM TEEMAN The unsorted urban chick is set to become chic with the movie release of Bridget Jones\ufffds Diary For those inconsolable following the end of Sex and the City\ufffds second series on Wednesday night, the imminent movie release of Bridget Jones\ufffds Diary has a harsh message for wannabe Park Avenue princesses. OK, obsess about your weight, but accept the truth of being a size 12. Get drunk and bitter unattractively. Blousier is better. Somehow, Bridget Jones has become a style icon. In her eponymous first diaries, published in 1996, she was a crazy, endearing, middle-class girl who had enough trouble finding knickers in the morning. She had shoe and killer black dress fascinations, but that was it. Now, with the release of her movie, she is a demographic: Young, Urban, Distressed. More than 20 designers furnished Ren\ufffd Zellweger\ufffds wardrobe in the title role. Her mussed-up bob is as ubiquitous as a Rachel from Friends. She looks inquiring, troubled, playful. But she overeats, substance-abuses, swears, (which separates her from Ally McBeal). She is the boho girl who gets on at Ladbroke Grove Tube, reading Pride and Prejudice while listening to Coldplay. Hail the unsorted urban chick. \ufffdShe is the urban single thirtysomething who balances two extremes \ufffd absolutely not caring and caring too much,\ufffd says Melanie Rickey, the fashion features editor of Nova. \ufffdShe can veg out with chocolate on the sofa in girly pyjamas, moaning \ufffdNo one will ever love me\ufffd, yet knows she can brush up quite well. She\ufffds in her early 30s, unmarried, childless and panicking.\ufffd Zellweger\ufffds dedication to the role is well known: she drank Guinness and ate cake and weight-gain powder to reach a size 12 \ufffd though has now lost all the weight to return to her usual size 6. Katy England, the style editor of Dazed & Confused, says Bridget\ufffds look will prove popular. \ufffdIt\ufffds great because we\ufffdre all a little tired of being a certain weight, having a certain look. Bridget is liberated from all that tiresomeness. I only hope the film doesn\ufffdt put the buckets of suffering she goes through down to her weight.\" Rachael Fleming, the film\ufffds costumier, has already received requests for one of Bridget\ufffds key outfits: a pair of red,penguin-patterned pyjamas purchased \ufffd shock \ufffd in an Oxfam store in East London. \ufffdThis is girl next door gets it wrong,\ufffd says Fleming. \ufffdIt\ufffds a look that is going to be hugely popular with loads of female urban professionals. Bridget wants to be sexy in a city where most single men are either gay or assholes. Her clothes are either concealing or, if she goes for it, flamboyant \ufffd like a distinctive Vivienne Westwood number for a publishing party.\ufffd Zellweger\ufffds beautiful choppy \ufffddo\ufffd has become Bridget\ufffds \ufffdbedhead\ufffd, set to be this spring\ufffds messy hit. \ufffdIt takes more work than you would think,\ufffd says colourist Jo Hansford. \ufffdPeople are already emulating it. Denise van Outen and Caprice tried their own variations at the Brits. Rough-dry your hair, leaving bits damp. Do a zig-zag parting. Add dulling wax. Let it dry. Let the roots grow through. That\ufffds Bridget Jones hair.\ufffd Like any W10-living PR professional, Bridget\ufffds wardrobe veers towards the smart, styled boho-grungy. Her long, shredded-style black coat is by Helmut Lang, a favoured grey hooded top by Copperwheat Blundell. Who needs the tease of La Perla or fiddly kinkiness of Agent Provocateur with Bridget\ufffds winning bedtime combo: a pair of pig pyjamas from Bella\ufffds, an unselfconsciously retro underwear and nightwear shop in Islington, North London? Her regulation black day trousers and sober, smart separates are Joseph. A barrage of stretchy blue and brown knitted scarves are by Nicole Farhi. Zellweger\ufffds least favourite outfit was a specially made bunny girl basque. Predictably, other pieces came from Jigsaw, French Connection, Warehouse, Hennes, Topshop and Marks & Spencer. \ufffdYoung, urban, distressed sums it up,\ufffd says Fleming, who nevertheless reveals a happyish ending. The outfit Bridget wears in the denouement as she and ideal lover Mark Darcy finally connect is a simple, elegant, black knitted cowl-neck mid-calf dress by Karen Millen. Says Fleming: \ufffdThe dress had to say \ufffdI\ufffdve finally got it right\ufffd.\ufffd ~~~~~~~~~ Her regulation black day trousers and sober, smart separates are Joseph. A barrage of stretchy blue and brown knitted scarves are by Nicole Farhi. tut tut tut The book specifically mentioned these two as designers Bridget knew she should buy but couldn't afford."}, {"response": 172, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (14:36)", "body": "In case you're been curious, this is Sharon Maguire: Pretty funny that she cast herself as a tall blonde. ;-D Now back to that reindeer pic (which I'll post again), aside from how youthful he looks (*a Mrs Stone moment*), which caption should I go with: Have you read any good books lately? or Maybe you should get something to eat (then he walks away)"}, {"response": 173, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (15:29)", "body": "Any thoughts on where they filmed this boating scene: I've put the other behind the scenes pics up on the Location page, but none are of Colin. :-("}, {"response": 174, "author": "winter", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (15:52)", "body": "ROTFLOL! That sweater *screams* of bargain basement, off-season sale! My mother would (god help her) would buy something like that in a heartbeat. Sequins would've made it even better (She's just come back from Mexico City with an assortment of ponchos for me and my brother). Love it."}, {"response": 175, "author": "amw", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (16:17)", "body": "Hotdog Magazine review, following screening - not very good only 2stars http://www.hotdogmagazine.com/reviews/cinema/bridget.shtml ."}, {"response": 176, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (17:56)", "body": "Toys for children: boy - Action Man, girl \ufffd Barbie doll. A generalisation, but for the most part it\ufffds true. Without stretching the point any further, be warned that if you\ufffdre male, this film will make you either sleep, puke or kill. Some of you ladies might suffer similarly, although all of the females at my screening seemed to be having a right laugh. I\ufffdm not averse to girlie films, if they\ufffdre witty, funny, or entertaining in any way, shape or form, but this was a confusing experience which left me feeling like I was stuck at a particularly irritating and insipid hen-night. Ren\ufffde Zellweger is admittedly very convincing, vaguely likeable and sporadically amusing. Hugh Grant is also good and rather than his trademark bumbling fop routine, he plays an arrogant bastard very well. Colin Firth makes the most out of an uninspiring character. But the performances can\ufffdt hide the fact that this is a painting by numbers fairy tale romantic comedy, with none of the wit, wry humour or belly laughs present in the book. Or so I'm told. In the interests of information you should know our reviewer consumed 84 calories, 6 units of alcohol, 4 nicorettes and thought about sex constantly during the screening. ~~~~~~~~~ Fairly ridiculous IMO even considering the source. Any Bridget responses, although I don't know if I'm going to bother putting this one up. ;-D"}, {"response": 177, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (18:01)", "body": "I'm *really* jumping the gun, but Amazon at least has the \"e-mail me when the Video/DVD is available\" option when you search for BJD movie. That's fairly recent. Of course, I signed up for notification. Still no soundtrack..."}, {"response": 178, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (18:08)", "body": "Mmmmm, just love the \"here I go a-barristering\" pic, so handsome. My cousin Guido has a pinstripe suit like that. From the Bada Bing label.;-) Karen, for the reindeer pic, how 'bout, \"and if you ever saw him . . .you would even say it glows.\" Thanks for the opinions on the accent. Very glad to hear that it sounds authentic; otherwise, would have ruined credibility in UK. Mark, don't panic yet. I for one will ignore Huge Growl and instead focus exclusively on debonair passerby/RZ driver/bodyguard/bouncer.:-) Sharon McG looks a bit like Bjork. Ann, do you suppoose the readers of Hotdog Magazine mirror the demographics of Horse and Hound? LOL! Thanks for posting the review; sounds like this kid is more the Dude, Where's My Car type. Don't worry--I have more faith in Baz, Mr. Beaks, Empire, the Reading and NY test audiences, etc."}, {"response": 179, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (18:25)", "body": "although all of the females at my screening seemed to be having a right laugh Exactly! Nuff said. Ren\ufffde Zellweger is admittedly very convincing, vaguely likeable and sporadically amusing. Hugh Grant is also good and rather than his trademark bumbling fop routine, he plays an arrogant bastard very well. Colin Firth makes the most out of an uninspiring character. So the performances are okay...what's the problem? Although the guy obviously misses the point completely about Mark Darcy! One to be ignored (although I suspect that there will be others like it). This guy would snore through Pride and Prejudice, and would rate Dude Drive my Car as a 5 star experience!"}, {"response": 180, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (19:03)", "body": "Agree wholeheartedly about the accent v accurate. Mark - it's looking bad for me personally. That scene where HG growls in the car is MY scene I thought it sounded like your scene I suspect the best I can now hope for is a freeze-frame one day with me telling friends \"that guy behind him...there, in the suit...did you see it?...no, no head, just an arm...it's me...honestly ...does this mean we'll have to cancel your first night party?? :-) Oooh just lurve those pics Karen. The boyish reindeer one has shades of Joe Prince d'ya think? Mari....yup I'm afraid I have been known to 'Okie'. It's not a pretty sight but it's a darn good laugh ..all together now 'Can't liiiiiive, if living is without yooooooooouu' ....and there we all were looking forward to your first night party"}, {"response": 181, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (19:03)", "body": "(Allison) ...am off to Nepal Take tummy medicine ...pleeeze. Or we'll never see you again;-) (Ben)\"it passes the mustard\". ....and they all amble off, shaking their heads. It cuts the mustard, or it passes muster. :-) God knows where these expressions come from (is the second something to do with the army?). I certainly don't see why passing the mustard should be any worse than cutting it. But there you are. Hey Ben...if you're gonna give a correction, I insist on the etymolgy of the phrase. None of this...\"But there you are\"..;-))) Karen) Any thoughts on where they filmed this boating scene: [Picture on response #173] Looks like Greenwich in the background."}, {"response": 182, "author": "winter", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (19:27)", "body": "(Mari) Sharon McG looks a bit like Bjork. I was about to say the same thing... Bjork + 10 years"}, {"response": 183, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (20:22)", "body": "Evelyn _ I don't think it's Greenwich, if you mean the Queens House (White House as I believe it hasn't got a dome. I'm thinking that it could be somewhere further west like Kew or Richmond (Kings Observatory?) - but then of course it could be somewhere else entirely outside London...I'm no help at all really am I? ;-)"}, {"response": 184, "author": "winter", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (22:46)", "body": ". I'm thinking that it could be somewhere further west like Kew or Richmond (Kings Observatory?) Let's ask the resident expert... Ben...?"}, {"response": 185, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar  9, 2001 (23:50)", "body": "From the Independent: Radio highlights The Funniest Thing I Ever Heard (3.30pm R4 Mon) Every weekday afternoon, R4 is inviting listeners to phone in and select one of two stories in aid of Comic Relief. The first choices are John Sessions reading from WC Sellar and RJ Yeatman's 1066 and All That, and Josie Lawrence reciting an excerpt from Bridget Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding. ~~~~~~ that's 10:30 am Eastern. You can hear BBC Radio 4 online."}, {"response": 186, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (00:36)", "body": "(Mari), Karen, for the reindeer pic, how 'bout, \"and if you ever saw him . . .you would even say it glows.\" ROTFLOL! He's my favourite reindeer. ;-) Thank you all for such laughs. Are we getting in the mood??';-) Love the barrister collar. But you know I like men dressed formality."}, {"response": 187, "author": "fitzwd", "date": "Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (04:45)", "body": "(Mari), Karen, for the reindeer pic, how 'bout, \"and if you ever saw him . . .you would even say it glows.\" (Moon) ROTFLOL! He's my favourite reindeer. ;-) Now that passes the mustard. :-)"}, {"response": 188, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (09:59)", "body": "(Moon) But you know I like men dressed formality. LOL! Do chains count? ;-) Agree with the general sentiment about that Hotdog (no doubt Freudian phallic symbol) Mag review. Last line says it all: reviewer consumed far too many calories, drank too many alcohol units and was too preoccupied with sex to get it. ;-) Know what you mean about the Bada Bing suit, Mari. My cousin Silvio has one also. (Mari) and if you ever saw him . . .you would even say it glows.\" *snort* Though I like the 'read any good books lately' line best, Karen. My sentiments will always lean toward the book."}, {"response": 189, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (10:40)", "body": "I've always used lines from the book for the pictures, although I did make one exception for when RZ notices our v. talented and soon-to-be star across the street. Don't you worry, Mark, I'll be watching for your arm and not paying one iota of attention to the growler."}, {"response": 190, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (11:04)", "body": "\"Now that passes the mustard. \":-) LOL. Etymology of both in Odds and Ends #136 thanks to the Boss. Plus my response:-)))))"}, {"response": 191, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (12:42)", "body": "Mohammed Comes to the Mountain!!! A friend has just told me that Colin is going to be on the Today show on March 22. So that's when the BJD junket will take place and all will be in NY doing interviews and shows. Will have to scour the listings that week for the other shows (GMA, the View, Rosie, etc.) Doesn't Today broadcast with that window to the street?"}, {"response": 192, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (13:32)", "body": "(Moon) But you know I like men dressed formality. (Eileen),LOL! Do chains count? ;-) That was 2 years ago, and a very wild birthday party! LOL! I see you still remember it. ;-) Colin is going to be on the Today show on March 22. (Falling off chair), I will believe it when I see it! ;-))) I hope this is a show that my dish picks up."}, {"response": 193, "author": "ekelley", "date": "Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (15:47)", "body": "Yes!!!! I'm going to the city (NYC)!!! Yes, the Today Show does have the window on the street, at Rockefeller Center! Thanks for the heads-up Karen!"}, {"response": 194, "author": "tamzin", "date": "Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (16:43)", "body": "Wondered if it could have been Chiswick House in the location shot as this has a dome and there is a lake in the grounds but rather think this might have a flat dome with no spire on top."}, {"response": 195, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (18:28)", "body": "Karen, Thanks for the word on the Today Show. Will start taping daily soon, so as not to miss it! Wonder if Katie has ever watched P & P ... We're going to be in NYC on \"premiere\" weekend [Easter](seeing DFL among other things). Too late for the Today Show! To see CF, would make fool of self at Rockefeller Plaza in front of millions!"}, {"response": 196, "author": "Echo", "date": "Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (20:41)", "body": "Huge Growl Grunt. :-)"}, {"response": 197, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (23:28)", "body": "Janet told me this article existed so I looked it up. More info on the soundtrack from USA Today on March 2: Bridget Jones's album When Bridget Jones makes the leap from page to screen next month, she'll be joined by a bevy of pop stars. The soundtrack for the film version of Bridget Jones's Diary, Helen Fielding's international best seller about a thirtysomething single woman with a decidedly wry perspective, will showcase other campy Brits and independent-minded women. All songs on the Island Records soundtrack -- due in stores April 3, 10 days before the movie's release -- are either originals or previously unreleased cover versions. Shelby Lynne, the winner of this year's Grammy for best new artist, will introduce a pair of new tunes, Dreamsome and The Killing Kind, the album's first single. A double dose of Robbie Williams will include Frank Sinatra's Have You Met Miss Jones?, while erstwhile Spice Girl Geri Halliwell will deliver the Weather Girls chestnut It's Raining Men. Other featured artists include Lucinda Williams, Tracy Bonham, Texas, Gabrielle and Island newcomer Rosey. The CD's multimedia bonus is an exclusive excerpt from the book's sequel, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, as well as a \"Bridget-O- Meter quiz\" and interviews and discussions with Fielding."}, {"response": 198, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (23:29)", "body": "Didn't I say it sounded like Frank Sinatra? ;-D"}, {"response": 199, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Sun, Mar 11, 2001 (04:48)", "body": "Colin is going to be on the Today show on March 22. He's finally smelling the mustard.......oops, coffee! :-)"}, {"response": 200, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Mar 11, 2001 (14:57)", "body": "Gabrielle's website has put up the music vid. They (real player and windows media) weren't working for me right now, but perhaps they will later. I've linked them from the music page. http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjdmusic.html"}, {"response": 201, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Mar 11, 2001 (17:02)", "body": "Have been watching the music video and the trailer on a cable connection. Mmmmmm much better. I think Eileen asked who says, \"to Bridget, who we love.\" It is Tom. Can see perfectly lifting his glass in the toast. The music vid does have lots of Colin as Judy said, especially the fight scene: the karate kick, being tackled by HG and going *splash* through the plate glass window, and CF punching him. But the most incredible thing is it shows Bridget discovering DC's girlfriend in the bathroom, sitting on the edge of the tub with only a large book (or something) in front of her. Also, reindeer sweater is shown, as camera pans..."}, {"response": 202, "author": "amw", "date": "Sun, Mar 11, 2001 (17:06)", "body": "Can't wait to see the video. Thanks Karen. According to Gabrielle's schedule she is due to appear on GMTV on the 23rd March and she and the video will also be on Popworld Channel 4 Sunday 25th March. 9.30am."}, {"response": 203, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Sun, Mar 11, 2001 (17:46)", "body": "I too can't wait to see the video. I tried both Real Player and WIndows Media versions but each missed differing bits out and weren't that clear - but did see reindeer so not all bad. Mari - I'm afraid I was BJ-ing it last night screeching 'It's Raining Men' at the top of my voice at a 21st birthday bash AND wearing big pants. If only there was an MD type lurking in the vol-au-vents the evening would have been complete ;-D Lastly - a reminder that Bridget Jones's Guide to Life goes on sale from tomorrow \ufffd2-50 (\ufffd2 to Comic Relief)"}, {"response": 204, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sun, Mar 11, 2001 (18:09)", "body": "Happy belated birthday, Tracy! And, thanks for the talk show info."}, {"response": 205, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Sun, Mar 11, 2001 (19:42)", "body": "Spoiler below? Thanks for the video links, Karen. Was lovely on my cable connection. I *assume* she's in bed with Daniel in that one scene? Poor, misguided BJ..."}, {"response": 206, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Mar 11, 2001 (23:26)", "body": ""}, {"response": 207, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Mar 11, 2001 (23:26)", "body": "From what I could see, you assume correctly. :-( (Looking at my list, Tracy's bday is nowhere near now, but we one is coming up shortly.)"}, {"response": 208, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Mar 11, 2001 (23:39)", "body": "From Ananova: Harry and Bridget authors write for Comic Relief Student wizard Harry Potter and weight-obsessed Bridget Jones do not have much in common, but both are caught up in Comic Relief's red nose fever. Harry Potter's creator JK Rowling and Helen Fielding, who wrote the Bridget Jones diaries, have put pen to paper to produce short stories for the charity. The books are being sold for \ufffd2.50 each, with \ufffd2 profit going to charitable projects at home and abroad to coincide with Red Nose Day on March 16. Fielding's offering is Bridget Jones's Guide to Life, where the hapless Bridget offers top tips on how to give the perfect dinner party, handle all accounting and, of course, never put on a pound in weight. After the success of her two Bridget Jones diaries, Fielding was keen to help Comic Relief. She says: \"I was honoured. I have been more than lucky with Bridget and was more than pleased to help.\" The books will be sold in supermarkets and bookshops across the country, with publishers, printers, type-setters and retailers all offering their services for free or at a discount."}, {"response": 209, "author": "BenB", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (06:42)", "body": "My first reaction was that it was Marble Hill House, in Twickenham. (You can see the front of it here: http://www.guidetorichmond.co.uk/marblehill.html , and one of the rooms here: http://www.leisurehunt.com/info/mahihs.htm) . But I'm by no means sure. Chiswick House is not so close to the river, and has the famous Octagon, not visible here. Other nice houses on the river in west London are Syon House and Ham House, but it's certainly neither of those."}, {"response": 210, "author": "BenB", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (07:05)", "body": "p.s. I grew up in Richmond, within a stone's throw (well - a mile, anyway) of Marble Hill House, so I will do a bit of sleuthing on my next riverside walk. If I wasn't such a luddite I'd take a picture and somehow get it on this site. But since I have neither camera nor scanner, I can't. p.p.s. Can one of you tell me quite WHY CF in his coutroom get-up is even more attractive than usual, if such a thing were possible? Is it merely the effect of a uniform? Or is it more nuanced than that? In the interests of research, please picture the Firth in the following uniforms and then rank them as best you can: 1. Private soldier 2. Officer (Major, say) 3. Officer in Guards regiment (Blues and Royals, say) 4. Police constable 5. Fireman 6. Ambulanceman 7. Merchant Sea captain (white jersey with anchor, blue cap, pipe) 8. RN (Royal Navy) sailor (bell-bottoms, plain white shirt with blue collar) 9. RN officer 10. Lollipop man 11. Milkman 12. Fighter pilot 13. Commerical airline pilot 14. Scout leader 15. Huntsman 16. Village people (leather + chains) 17. Anything else."}, {"response": 211, "author": "lafn", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (08:45)", "body": "17. Anything else. Garbage Man"}, {"response": 212, "author": "aishling", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (08:55)", "body": "The trailer shown on GMTV was BJ at the Fire Station sliding down the pole. Very funny. Neil Pearson is Peter Finch, Editor of the tv show."}, {"response": 213, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (08:57)", "body": "Thanks for the offer to go sleuthing, Ben. But we have no evidence that the house in question is in Richmond or its environs. That may be a river or a small lake. It could be anywhere. (Ben) Can one of you tell me quite WHY CF in his coutroom get-up is even more attractive than usual, if such a thing were possible? The serious look and absence of ill-fitting collar. The pinstripe of that suit is a bit too pronounced (or badda bing) for my taste, but I won't complain too much. Is it merely the effect of a uniform? No, I'd take him out of uniform as well. ;-D"}, {"response": 214, "author": "BenB", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (09:24)", "body": "So one should add 18. Birthday suit"}, {"response": 215, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (10:51)", "body": "(Karen) Didn't I say it sounded like Frank Sinatra? ;-D Yep! (Karen) I think Eileen asked who says, \"to Bridget, who we love.\" It is Tom. Can see perfectly lifting his glass in the toast. Yes it was me. Thanks. I thought it was Tom (after the umpteenth viewing)."}, {"response": 216, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (11:24)", "body": "Grr, windows media is not showing me the Gabrielle vid, though I can hear the music (v.v. nice). Has this happened to anyone else?"}, {"response": 217, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (12:02)", "body": "I had better (although not great) results with the Real Player option on my pathetic (noncable-connected) PC here at home. Didn't get the whole thing, but a couple of times it stopped on a Colin shot."}, {"response": 218, "author": "mari", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (13:23)", "body": "Here's the word from Miramax: the New York premiere for BJD will be on Monday, April 2. No other details available right now."}, {"response": 219, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (13:27)", "body": "And WOT was the matter with Sunday night? Gaaah!!! What will it cost to change my ticket? This is not fair. Not fair, I say. Thanks, Mari, for prying the info out of Miraclejaws. ;-D"}, {"response": 220, "author": "amw", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (13:32)", "body": "WOT, I don't beleive it, so near yet so far. thanks Mari."}, {"response": 221, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (13:37)", "body": "And a little silly story about RZ and Bridget: http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4150337,00.html"}, {"response": 222, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (14:22)", "body": "Wheee! It took a few tries, but Gabrielle video worked this time. Woohoo! Love the lovely Mark Darcy shots. Love the reindeer. Will have them rolling in the aisles."}, {"response": 223, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (15:06)", "body": "I received an email from a person who has seen the Comic Relief book, as she works in a book shop. Said it is very good, too short and with an excellent glossary."}, {"response": 224, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (16:16)", "body": "Not having much luck with the Gabrielle video. Media Player just gives sound and not video - just the Microsoft MP logo! When I click on Real Player, something called AOL media player is loaded, not Real Player. Does anyone else using AOL have this problem?"}, {"response": 225, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (16:21)", "body": "Karen, You must change your return! I will be in LA, I thought they would have the US premiere there, where the author lives! NOT FAIR! You must go Karen! No ifs or buts about it! :-D"}, {"response": 226, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (16:29)", "body": "Moon - thanks for the birthday wishes but as Karen says it's not actually for ages yet. ODBs comes before mine! Ben - 11. Milkman ROTFL 10. Lollipop Man ROTFLMAO Re Marie Claire BJ feature. Someone may have posted this before if so - sorry *must pay attention* But - there is a premium rate phone number to ring to be entered into a draw for tickets to the premiere or one of the first night screenings around the UK (London, Glasgow and Leeds). Call 0906 6166266 by 4th April call costs around 80p"}, {"response": 227, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (16:35)", "body": "Ooohh News Flash!! have just checked out CD Now and they've got the soundtrack on pre-order http://www.cdnow.com/cgi-bin/mserver/SID=1644115305/pagename=/RP/CDN/FIND/album.html/artistid=BRIDGET+JONES%27+DIARY/itemid=1356847 No details of the tracks ;-("}, {"response": 228, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (17:52)", "body": "Well Karen, depending on what airline?? $75 to $100 to change ticket..... You have to go and take pics!!! I'll even send you digital camera (hoping Bill won't notice I took camera again...)"}, {"response": 229, "author": "Lassie", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (18:33)", "body": "I'll take him in or out of uniform, Ben. Thank you."}, {"response": 230, "author": "mari", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (18:35)", "body": "Moon, the La La Land premiere is probably later that week. That's what Miramax usually does for major releases, NY then LA. Tracy, thanks for the ordering info for the CD. And I'm glad to hear it's still raining men in your neck of the woods.;-) I think I had better stick to the torch songs . . .Can't liiiiiive, can't liive any moooooooooore . . .. OOF, have just woken up every dog in neighborhood.:-)"}, {"response": 231, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (18:44)", "body": "Moon, the La La Land premiere is probably later that week. That's what Miramax usually does for major releases, NY then LA. Mari, please let me know when your friends at Marimax (;-) give you the date. Karen, you can always come to LA and do it together. :-D)))))))"}, {"response": 232, "author": "winter", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (20:02)", "body": "Moon! Email me! We must get together when you're in town! Karen-- I'm guessing the change may be $75 (on United Airlines). American, I think, charges $100 for changes. I have a feeling the BJD LA premiere will be in Westwood, Moon. This is good news, as I can walk easily down from campus to camp out, etc."}, {"response": 233, "author": "mari", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (21:29)", "body": "(Moon) please let me know when your friends at Marimax (;-) give you the date. PFFFT! Moon, I was lucky they didn't call Security on me like last time.;-) She's ba--aack.;-) Was able to watch the Gabrielle video. Nice to see fresh shots of MD.:-) Is that him doing the karate kick? That scene is dark and I couldn't be sure. Must have been part of Cornell's training!"}, {"response": 234, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (21:51)", "body": "LOL, Mari! But we must have the LA date! I have a feeling the BJD LA premiere will be in Westwood, Moon. Westwood would be great. I much prefer it to the G Chinese Theatre. I will e-mail you Winter."}, {"response": 235, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (23:28)", "body": "Anybody want to crash a conference in Santa Barbara? ;-D From the Financial Times (3/13): The Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara boasts fresh ocean air and breathtaking views. Hopefully, those organic features will combine to produce enough oxygen to support all the hot air at this week's Talk Innovators and Navigators conference, a star-studded confab organised by an unlikely team: Talk magazine and UBS PaineWebber. The fun kicks off tonight with opening remarks from \"Queen of Talk\" Tina Brown and PaineWebber chairman Don Marron. But the evening's main attraction will surely be a conversation between General Electric chief Jack Welch and New York mayor Rudy Giuliani on \"How to run a Multi-Billion-Dollar Corporation\". (Sadly for the mayor, some corporations pay better than others, as Welch's Dollars 16.7m pay package demonstrates.) The talking continues on Wednesday and Thursday, including sessions on \"Is Greed Killing Culture?\"; \"Hollywood in the 21st Century: How do Innovators Survive?\"; and \"Intellectual Property: Innovation in a World of Unwritten Laws\". There will also be a sneak preview of Bridget Jones's Diary, an upcoming Miramax film. It isn't the most obvious fare for the brokerage but PaineWebber says it decided to be there to scout out media deals."}, {"response": 236, "author": "winter", "date": "Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (23:41)", "body": "I'm wondering if the BJD press junkets are taking place in NYC or in LA (or both?). Has anyone got info. on this? Re: Santa Barbara conference: The talking continues on Wednesday and Thursday, including sessions on \"Is Greed Killing Culture?\"; \"Hollywood in the 21st Century: How do Innovators Survive?\"; and \"Intellectual Property: Innovation in a World of Unwritten Laws\". This actually sounds interesting (I'm writing a paper right now on intellectual property in the arts industry). Wish I could go."}, {"response": 237, "author": "BenB", "date": "Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (05:05)", "body": "Pitiful response to my uniform question. I still haven't worked out why the coutroom clothes were so alluring. Masterful and dominant, perhaps. Regina vs. Firthette: \"I put it to you, Firthette, that, on the day in question, you did unashamedly, and uncontrollably fancy me, counsel for the prosecution, without any forethought whatever. Your defence - that you simply enjoy coutrooms - is clearly a tissue of lies.\""}, {"response": 238, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (05:44)", "body": "There's a Hughie article in this month's Elle magazine. Front cover announces \"Hugh Grant in black leather\". The mag is wrapped up in a heavy duty polythene shopping bag with handles, and sealed with sellotape, but I still managed to prise it open and sneak a peak (never say buy!) Major photospread of Hughie in black leather jacket open to the waist revealing hairless chest. \"Sexy devil Hugh - Hugh Grant is BJ's lover, and he's bad and v.v.sexy.....tanned, well toned body\". Y-e-ee-u-ch! There's lot's of text but as I was squinting through a one inch gap I couldn't read any more. Not sure what my reaction would be to CF in similar garb. Funnily enough, I think I think I'd be very disappointed in him. To answer your question Ben, a barrister's outfit..the high white collar, the well cut suit..is far more alluring than an exposed bare chest and black leather. It's the aloofness, intellectual superiority, the apparent unattainability (but with some hidden promise)...it's the difference between erotic and \"sexy\". So it's all happening in New York! Interviews and premieres. I wonder if CF will meet up with JE and Alan Cumming. BTW CF's sister, Kate/Katie , was acting in New York recently, appearing in off-off Broadway productions...Chekhov, Ibsen, and something called \"Finally\" by US playwright Steven Berber, for which she got good reviews."}, {"response": 239, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (05:57)", "body": "BTW CF's sister, Kate/Katie , was acting in New York recently, appearing in off-off Broadway productions...Chekhov, Ibsen, and something called \"Finally\" by US playwright Steven Berber, for which she got good reviews. Now Bethan tell, how did you find that out? Do you have inside information? Ben, re the barrister garb. It must be what's inside the suit that matters. I get to see quite a lot of barristers in my line of work (no, I am not usually in the dock) and I must confess they usually leave me cold. I agree with Bethan about black leather. Don't you think HG and CF are getting a bit old for that?"}, {"response": 240, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (06:00)", "body": "oh that \"old\" did not come out right it should have been very small with a sign saying IMVHO;-)"}, {"response": 241, "author": "BenB", "date": "Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (06:09)", "body": "Pitiful response . . . with the exception of Karen, of course. With regard to the water shot, I thought it had been narrowed down somewhat. Where's the scene in the book? Can you remind me when the film is coming out in England? Moon: Marimax A Freudian slip?"}, {"response": 242, "author": "BenB", "date": "Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (07:08)", "body": "Sorry. Now I missed all the other explanations. My research is complete. I'm afraid leather jackets over bare chests say \"Wham\". They surely go together with screaming 13-yr olds and shuttlecocks in tennis shorts (an old Wham trick, apparently). And what's with the leather trousers these days? I went to a party on Saturday, and met an old friend, now nearer 40 than 30, sporting a pair. If I'd been a little soberer, I'd've refrained from telling him that he was as well suited to the the leather trews as most Jerry Springer guests are to spandex. But I wasn't and didn't. He claimed his wife wanted him to wear them, but I simply couldn't believe that. She is a sensible and discriminating woman. It's one thing to look like an ageing rocker if you ARE an ageing rocker. But if you're a museum curator, it's surely de trop."}, {"response": 243, "author": "Moon", "date": "Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (08:28)", "body": "including sessions on \"Is Greed Killing Culture?\"; It has already killed it. See youth today. Moon: Marimax (Ben),A Freudian slip? Moi? Never Freudian always Jungian. ;-) (Bethan), It's the aloofness, intellectual superiority, the apparent unattainability (but with some hidden promise)...it's the difference between erotic and \"sexy\". Tr\ufffds sexy!"}, {"response": 244, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (10:37)", "body": "Bookstore contact says that the Bridget Comic Relief book is all rehashed material. But is rather inexpensive and almost all goes to charity."}, {"response": 245, "author": "winter", "date": "Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (12:19)", "body": "(Ben) shuttlecocks in tennis shorts (an old Wham trick, apparently). Really? Well I'll be damned... (Bethan) So it's all happening in New York! Interviews and premieres. I was afraid of that."}, {"response": 246, "author": "Echo", "date": "Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (12:42)", "body": "Marimax... A Freudian slip? No, just a deliberate flattery! ;-D"}, {"response": 247, "author": "BenB", "date": "Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (13:24)", "body": "Is Greed killing culture? Maybe, but not before it's killed waistlines. shuttlecocks in tennis shorts (an old Wham trick, apparently). Really? Well I'll be damned... (Winter) Winter, you have a touching faith, if that's the right phrase, in Wham's credentials. These people will do anything to sell records. Who knows, maybe the Firth wears a wig? Just think: if he was the Hollywood film star you all crave him to be, he would already have had his first facelift. He'd have been through a couple of marriages, a fair amount of drugs and years upon years of therapy. He probably wouldn't be able to call his glutei maximi his own. How on earth could you wish all that on the man?"}, {"response": 248, "author": "Echo", "date": "Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (14:19)", "body": "if he was the Hollywood film star you all crave him to be All????????????? Watch your language, young man! Or your glutei maximi might receive severe punishment."}, {"response": 249, "author": "Moon", "date": "Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (15:11)", "body": "How on earth could you wish all that on the man? Ben, you mistake our meaning. We like him at reach. We just would like to see him a bit more often and in roles that appeal to our cultural side. Mark Darcy was a role written for him and which to his own admission, he debated taking. Does that make any sense to you?"}, {"response": 250, "author": "winter", "date": "Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (15:20)", "body": "(Ben) Winter, you have a touching faith, if that's the right phrase, in Wham's credentials. Dear Ben, how could I not? George Michael and Andrew Ridgley occupied a good deal of my adolescent musings! Shuttlecocks or not, they hold a sentimental place in my heart. (Who was it for you? Debbie Boone, no doubt). ;-P \"Has 'Wham!\" killed culture?\""}, {"response": 251, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (17:41)", "body": "I feel like an MI6 spymaster. Have sent out one of my operatives (the bookstore person) to take a closer look at the plastic-encased Elle magazine contents. She has no qualms about ripping it open in the course of doing her job. Will let you know if there are any relevant details."}, {"response": 252, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (01:18)", "body": "Don't remember if anyone brought this up, but I finally got to reading my copy of Entertainment Weekly (Jessica Alba cover) and saw this: Special Advance Screening for Bridget Jones's Diary, for the following cities: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco & Washington, DC. To enter, go to http://www.ew.com/freescreening"}, {"response": 253, "author": "BenB", "date": "Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (05:23)", "body": "Debbie Boone? I must confess I hadn't heard of her. But I looked her up on Amazon, and she isn't too hard on the eye. What's more, according to one of her Amazon reviewers, \"Debby Boone is a much finer singer than critics have claimed\". Now there's an endorsement! No. My musings, such as they were, were more centred round one Lindy Ambrose, a luscious cellist I used to play with. And a few other assorted musicians who would send me puce with the merest hint of a glance. Took another look at that photograph, and the boating scene in the trailer. Marble Hill House? What a load of b*llocks. Couldn't possibly be. Idiotic suggestion. Must be a lake; but don't know where."}, {"response": 254, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (08:42)", "body": "OK, ticket will be changed today."}, {"response": 255, "author": "BenB", "date": "Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (08:51)", "body": "Does that make any sense to you? (Moon) Sorry, Moon. No offence meant. But, like the appearance of daffodils in spring (they've just started to come out here), a periodic flaring up of the CF career debate is part of the natural order of things :-)"}, {"response": 256, "author": "Moon", "date": "Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (11:16)", "body": "Sorry, Moon. No offence meant. Ben! Amici come prima, no offence taken I assure you. Bravissima, Karen! Have a wonderful time, take lots of pictures, and don't ask him about TIOBE. We want you in the best of moods. ;-)))"}, {"response": 257, "author": "winter", "date": "Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (11:20)", "body": "Thanks for the info., Marianne!!! Are you going? JanaH, are you out there? Shall we make this another outing?"}, {"response": 258, "author": "winter", "date": "Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (11:23)", "body": "ROTFLOL, Ben. I was only teasing about Debbie Boone. (Karen) OK, ticket will be changed today. It'll be worth the change fee, I assure you."}, {"response": 259, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (12:01)", "body": "winter: Of course ... even without tickets I'd show up."}, {"response": 260, "author": "Moon", "date": "Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (15:38)", "body": "Let me know if they give an LA date. I can't sign up from Miami because they don't have a screening set up here. How provincial! Don't they know we travel? ;-) I hate not knowing dates!"}, {"response": 261, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (16:06)", "body": "Arena magazine (British lad-mag) features Embeth Davidtz this month - \"shortly to be playing an office harpy in BJD\" - article* accompanied by tiny picture of ED standing next to CF at some formal function, CF wearing a ghastly red tie with white snowmen on. Natasha's taste, perhaps? (Apolgies if this picture - and tie - is old news) *Article is, of course, excuse to show huge photo of ED in stockings"}, {"response": 262, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (16:09)", "body": "If someone in the LA area called the Miramax office out there, I'm sure they could give you a date for the LA premiere (if there is to be one). Renee is the cover story in the new April issue of Premiere magazine: \"Sex & The Singleton Girl--Renee Zellweger Carries On With Bridget Jones.\" Big spread inside, but no pics from the film. However, there is a 4-page advertisement for Diet Coke (they're giving away a trip to London in their \"Visit Bridget Sweepstakes\") that includes a new pic of Colin from the film, plus the turtleneck one we like. In the new pic, CF looks like he's in the same turtleneck and coat, and holding up what appears to be a diary (giving BJ a new one, as we're heard?) Or maybe it's a can of Coke.;-) ;-) Back to the article, Colin is quoted: \"On set,\" says Colin Firth, who plays the straight arrow to Hugh Grant's rogue in the film's skewed love triangle, \"Renee was absolutely indefatigable and in good humor, even through three weeks of night shoots. She was friendly and available to everyone on a scale I've never seen from a major actor. I kept thinking, 'What's the catch, when's it gonna change?'\" Like the rest of the company, he rallied around her when the British gutter press indicted her as a \"Texan comic\" who had grabbed a role a homegrown actress (say, Kate Winslet or Helena Bonham Carter) might have had."}, {"response": 263, "author": "Lassie", "date": "Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (17:21)", "body": "Wow, Karen. I think your picture must be next to the word obsession in the dictionary! You put us all to shame."}, {"response": 264, "author": "amw", "date": "Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (18:02)", "body": "Oooh, have just heard \"Out of Reach\" on Radio 2 for the first time. It was on the Richard Allison Show and he mentioned that there was a Special Screening last night, also mentioned that it starred Colin Firth. Would not comment on the film said \"I will say no more\", or something like that, I would rather he had said something!!"}, {"response": 265, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (21:51)", "body": "(Mark) Embeth Davidtz this month - \"shortly to be playing an office harpy in BJD\" Office harpy? Does this top family barrister now work at one of Bridget's places of employ? tiny picture of ED standing next to CF at some formal function, CF wearing a ghastly red tie with white snowmen on. Natasha's taste, perhaps? Possibly near end of film (Christmas time), where Mark and Natasha's engagement is supposed to be announced and Bridget fesses up. Sheesh if Embeth is doing publicity for the film, then they (British press) are saving the best for last. Mmmmmmmm ;-D (Mari) CF looks like he's in the same turtleneck and coat, and holding up what appears to be a diary (giving BJ a new one, as we're heard?) Definitely end of film and are together...finally. Quite nice and eloquent words from our boy re: RZ. Never lets you down, does he. ;-) I think your picture must be next to the word obsession in the dictionary! Good gracious, no. NO. No."}, {"response": 266, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Mar 15, 2001 (09:22)", "body": "Love the fact that ongoing BJD publicity continues to include ODB (formerly known as 'the invisible man'). Good, good, good. (Karen, aka 'the obsessive' ;-)) Quite nice and eloquent words from our boy re: RZ. Never lets you down, does he. ;-) No, he never does. Though one would never expect to hear anything negative said about a costar, CF does have an original and sincere way of expressing his opinion."}, {"response": 267, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Thu, Mar 15, 2001 (12:09)", "body": "And imagine how his big brown eyes would look while he is being so sincere!"}, {"response": 268, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Mar 15, 2001 (16:10)", "body": "Yes, he is always a gentleman. To be fair, Hugh made some very nice comments also, but I didn't feel like typing them out.;-) HG is the cover boy of the April Biography mag; no leather though.;-) Talks about how it was a \"blessed relief\" to play the cad Cleaver and that people mistakenly think he's the endearing bumbler of previous roles, but that he's actually closer to Cleaver. It's a very flattering article."}, {"response": 269, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Mar 15, 2001 (16:30)", "body": "From the Mirror: RACHEL FACES BEAUTY BAN STUNNING actress Rachel Weisz was turned down for the lead role in Bridget Jones's Diary. Her problem? She was too beautiful for the role, according to the film's director Sharon Maguire. Sharon tells Harpers & Queen: \"She was very funny. And of course she was beautiful - too beautiful for the part in fact.\" That doesn't say much for Renee Zellweger who eventually did get the part, does it now?"}, {"response": 270, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Mar 15, 2001 (19:13)", "body": "Yes and no. RZ is what I'd call \"cute\" not beautiful, although we know Ben would call her gorgeous. Rachel Weisz...ummm...never really thought about her looks, but she is not and IMO cute was necessary. Bridgt couldn't be beautiful, stunning or gorgeous. And besides, what has Rachel Weisz done that was \"funny\"? Without makeup...maybe"}, {"response": 271, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Mar 15, 2001 (21:37)", "body": "I can't think of any comedy she's done either, unless you count The Mummy, but there was nothing comedic about her role. I think RZ looks more like a regular person (or can be made to look like one) than RW, and she has a very down to earth, very accessible screen persona which I've never sensed in RW. Plus, of course, she is an excellent comic actress. I think they chose well.:-) BTW, in the Premiere article they mention/confirm that the early word on the film is good. Interview was done right before she returned to London for the \"looping\" sessions."}, {"response": 272, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Mar 15, 2001 (23:46)", "body": "Now they are taking snippets from magazine articles and creating news items with those. From Ananova: Renee Zellweger's boobs refused to grow for Bridget Jones Renee Zellweger piled on the pounds for her next film role, but could not get her boobs to grow. The actress stuffed herself with junk food to fill out for her part in Bridget Jones's Diary. But her breasts didn't follow suit, so she resorted to a pair of falsies. Zellweger had to transform herself into a curvy size 12 for the film. The 32-year-old Texan told Ananova: \"The whole thing was weird. I have never had so much food in my refrigerator. I didn't go around staring at my body in the bathroom but I felt good. I felt quite sexy about the way I looked. \"I'm back on my Los Angeles diet now. The funny thing is that I never needed to wear a bra because I was so boyish when I was younger.\" Zellweger spent eight months in the UK making the film, which is released next month. Voice coach Barbara Berkery - who assisted Gwyneth Paltrow on Sliding Doors and Shakespeare in Love - helped refine Zellweger's London accent."}, {"response": 273, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (00:01)", "body": "From The Independent (16 March): Help! I'm the real-life Bridget Jones Life was pretty unremarkable: she took pictures and went to the pub with friends. Then a newspaper column changed everything. For Bridget Jones, nothing would ever be the same BY BRIDGET JONES Tuesday 13 March Weight - 9st 2lb (fat because of heavy weekend away drinking and smoking to excess), alcohol units 13 (four pints of lager and two gin and slims to cancel out the fat content of the lager), cigarettes - more than 10 (lost count after the first three pints), fat content 236g (very naughty). Wake up this morning feeling depressed - not only have I broken my holiday diet and started smoking cigarettes after giving them up for Lent, but also, to my horror, I realise the opening of Bridget Jones the movie is imminent. My name is Bridget Jones, and until 1995 I led an unremarkable life. Then, The Independent started printing a weekly column by the phoney Bridget Jones (as I like to call her now), and my life began to change... Back in the early days, Bridget Jones wasn't a household name. My friends and I would get together and read \"her\" column and laugh about \"my\" stress of everyday life - wondering what hand my alter ego would deal me next. But as Bridget's popularity grew, her column would be promoted with big headlines splashed across the front page. They would read \"Bridget Jones has a bad hair day\" - on a day when I was genuinely suffering from not only a bad hair day, but also lack of rational thought and civilised behaviour (a hangover). I became more than sensitive to the issue. \"Bridget Jones gets fired\" was a particular joke among my colleagues. Numerous photocopies of the headline appeared, strategically Sellotaped to my drawers, desk diary and even the office coffee machine. My favourite headline was \"Bridget Jones gets a raise\" - you can guess the state of my manager's office by 9.30am. Sadly, on that occasion, life did not imitate art. At first it was a bit of fun, but with her increasing notoriety, brought about with the publication of her diaries in book form in 1996, it started to become a bit of a pain. It got to the point that whenever anyone asked my name, the response would be: \"No, really\", followed by inane giggling. It was a nightmare. In the pre-Bridget Jones era, I had been a confident, outgoing kind of a girl; now, I was struggling to carry out even the most simple daily tasks. I wasn't being taken seriously, and making appointments over the phone was like signing a cheque \"Mickey Mouse\". Visits to the bank, hairdresser, dentist and doctor's surgery became more and more difficult. What could be worse than having your name read out in a crowded waiting-room? \"Bridget Jones,\" the doctor announces. The waiting-room echoes with suppressed giggles. I hold my head up high and follow the doctor. \"Is that your real name?\" he asks. \"Mm.\" \"Sorry, you must get this all the time.\" \"That's OK.\" \"So, what's the problem... smoking too much, bingeing again, or is it Mr Darcy? Ha, ha.\" The scariest thing, though, is that we do have quite a few similarities. I'm not as obsessive as the phoney Jones, although I do weigh myself every day. My weight goes up and down - ideally I should be about 8st 13lb - but I occasionally go up to 10st. I don't count calories; I'm more interested in fat content. According to Rosemary Conley, you shouldn't eat anything that contains more than one gram of fat. Unfortunately, that rules out eating most normal food, and it becomes a tough choice between rhubarb stewed in diet lemonade and a mouthful of air. I usually start the day with good intentions, an apple and a cup of tea for breakfast, but by 11am I'm absolutely starving and desperately searching for a shop that sells bananas. Unfortunately, the best alternative the local newsagents can offer is a Mars bar; with 30 grams of fat, it means I shouldn't really eat for the next three days. Lunch has to be a Shapers skinny salad sandwich from Boots. But I've never been ashamed about eating, so after work I ring a friend and we get a Chinese takeaway. I've joined the gym more times than I can remember. I tend to think that paying the membership fee alone will get you fit. I've made a few attempts to go along with friends, but unfortunately there's a pub en route and we always seem to end up there instead. I guess I do drink and smoke a lot more than I should. I try to ration myself to 10 fags a day, but on a bad day, I can smoke my way through up to three packets. I've found the best policy is, once you get into double figures, just to stop counting. I always make sure I combine a heavy lager-drinking session with gin slims, as it eases my calorie conscience. I've been on a diet for the past three weeks, but this weekend my drinking spiralled out of control. It started on Thursday, and by Sunday the total alcohol count was about 40 units. And after a seven-day religious break from fags, I was determined to make up for lost time. One of my best frien"}, {"response": 274, "author": "Jana2", "date": "Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (00:48)", "body": "(winter) Thanks for the info., Marianne!!! Are you going? JanaH, are you out there? Shall we make this another outing? Yes, I'm heeerrre!! Winter and Marianne, I think this definitely smells like an occasion for an outing of the So Cal contingent! Chardonnay and Milk Tray anyone?"}, {"response": 275, "author": "amw", "date": "Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (02:55)", "body": "Bad news Ladies, no UK Premiere tickets! Have had a lter from UIP today as follows; \"The Premierel of BJD has been confirmed fo5r Wednesday 4th April, 2001 at the UCI Empire London, and will be attended by the cast. The Premiere will be held in aid of Charity, but unfortunately the limited number of tickets that were made available for sale have been purchased by companies associated with the film. As I am sure you can appreciate, with this being a British production, demand has been huge\". So there we are no ticket, boo hoo. PLEASE NOTE DIFFERENT DATE TO WHAT WE HAD THOUGHT. May still go and watch from outside, if you remember the RV debacle, we would have seen more of Colin if we had been outside!! Oh hum, I am glad it is so popular though. I was offered an opening night performance on the 13th April, but won't take it up as I can see it in Brighton then."}, {"response": 276, "author": "amw", "date": "Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (02:57)", "body": "sorry for the typos."}, {"response": 277, "author": "aishling", "date": "Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (04:31)", "body": "Bad luck Ann. Just two days after the NY premiere now."}, {"response": 278, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (08:56)", "body": "So the publicity is LA now, NY premiere and London. Very disappointed for you, Ann. We would still love it if you could go and take pix as he enters. Isn't Rachel W. Sam Mendes's girlfriend?"}, {"response": 279, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (09:14)", "body": "That's too bad, Ann. Would seem that the cast could now return to the US to do TV promotion during the opening week now without the conflict of a London premiere. But I'm sure that's no consolation for you. :-("}, {"response": 280, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (09:26)", "body": "Yes, Ann, do see if you can go just to stand outside. You're Drool's official UK premiere reporter, after all! Mari, are you calling your good friend Prince Charles to see if he's going? ;-D"}, {"response": 281, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (09:30)", "body": "Looks like media got to see BJD in London last night too. From Ananova: Bridget v.g. says preview audience Bridget Jones got the seal of approval at its preview at the Empire Leicester Square. And American actress Renee Zellweger, going British for the first time to play Helen Fielding's creation, was given the thumbs up. The \ufffd25 million movie, which also stars Hugh Grant and Colin Firth as the men in Bridget's life, is being released in the UK in April. Film writer Ivan Waterman says of Zellweger: \"A lot of people had doubts about whether she could pull it off. She is brilliant. She is just a great comedic talent.\" Lawyer Tony Kennedy from South West London said: \"It was a very funny movie and quite touching at times. They captured the essence of Fielding's work so those fans won't be disappointed.\" The film was co-written by Richrad Curtis, the creator of Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill."}, {"response": 282, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (09:42)", "body": "\"A lot of people had doubts about whether she could pull it off. She is brilliant. She is just a great comedic talent.\" Yes, yes, YES! *giddy laughter from those of us who knew it all along* \"It was a very funny movie and quite touching at times. They captured the essence of Fielding's work so those fans won't be disappointed.\" Wheee! Guess all those rosaries and novenas paid off ('please let it be good...please let it be good')!"}, {"response": 283, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (13:05)", "body": "Bummer about the UK premiere, Ann. But, as you said, you probably have a better chance at a photo op by waiting outside. This is what we're always reduced to here--rarely can the public get in to a premiere unless you know someone. are you calling your good friend Prince Charles to see if he's going? ;-D LOL, Eileen! I think he'll show up if he has a guarantee that I won't be there to mow him down.;-) The poor man. Nice to read the Ananova reaction--thanks, Karen. I especially liked the \"it's quite touching\" part. Good to hear that they've retained that sense and that it's not just laughs. I'm a bit puzzled by the timing of all these events. Why would Elliott go all the way to LA for his interview if CF will be back in NY this Thursday for Today? Unless the Today interview is taped ahead of time in LA--in which case it will be conducted by one of the lesser lights, instead of Katie or Matt. I did check Today's website; they now have up the guest lineup for the coming week and he's on there, alright. And why are the two premieres so close together--April 2 and 4? Unless Harvey or Universal send a jet, they won't get back to London until the morning of the 4th. Cutting it close, not to mention the jet lag. I guess one possibility is that they all seem to have filming commitments coming up very soon. CF has a bit of time until late April, but RZ's film with Michele Pfeiffer starts filming mid-April (and she does *not* play the daughter, I just read!) and Hugh mentions in the Biography interview having to get started on About A Boy in April so that they can finish before the strike deadline at the end of June. Moon, BTW, I was thinking re: the free screening tickets--just put down an LA zipcode--that's how they determine the city you're closest to."}, {"response": 284, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (14:53)", "body": "A review from the Singletons of the World website: Last night saw the largest preview screening for Bridget Jones's Diary the movie in London and Singletons of the World Unite managed to sneak in with the crowd to catch the show. The verdict? Well I won't beat around the bush - the movie had a great reaction from the crowd with people clapping and cheering at the end. Everyone laughed at the right bits and the general consensus seemed to be that Working Title had another hit on their hands. Fans of the book may be concerned at certain key scenes which haven't made their way into the final version - but this is a two-hour film, so something had to give. The screen version is more romantic-comedy than situation-comedy, and the homage to Pride and Prejudice a lot more obvious. Some characters get lost along the way entirely - there's a lot less of Bridget's friends. Renee Zellweger British audiences will no doubt be dismayed at the Renee's wholesale butchery of the English accent, but Ms Zellweger more than makes up in screen charisma what she lacked in the speech department. The accent itself turned out to be part Dick Van Dyke, part Sloane Ranger - quite the oddest English accent to be heard since Joaquim Phoenix had a go in both Quills and Gladiator. Hugh Grant Bridget Jones marks a true departure for Hugh as he gets away from his 'Tim, nice but Dim' image with an absolute bastard character in Daniel Cleaver. True, he camps it up massively - but it's clear that he enjoyed the filming and the audience loved every scene he was in (with the possible exception of the first sex scene - we're not quite prepared, it seems, to see Hugh getting hot and sweaty). Colin Firth Can the man do no wrong? Yet again, Mr Firth turns in a sterling performance as the wronged Mark Darcy. Pernickety viewers may think that Colin merely reprises his role from TV's Pride and Prejudice - but in this humble reviewer's opinion, Colin Firth is bound for leading man stardom as a result of this role. The best bit? The way Tom reacts to an altercation between Daniel and Mark The worst bit? Shirley Henderson's depiction of Jude - a totally incomprehensible performance. Rating? A high 3 stars"}, {"response": 285, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (15:19)", "body": ""}, {"response": 286, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (15:20)", "body": "Colin Firth - Can the man do no wrong? *snort* Catherine has not read our boards. Colin Firth is bound for leading man stardom as a result of this role. Cannot get over this woman's wholesale slaughtery of RZ's accent. *sheesh* Lighten up. It's just an accent."}, {"response": 287, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (16:09)", "body": "We have been saying that haven't we? And to think that he debated signing on to do this role???? (Have I said that before???;-))))) The accent itself turned out to be part Dick Van Dyke, part Sloane Ranger ROTF! No one ever said that about Gwynnie. It must be that high squeaky pitch voice that RZ has that makes it hard to do POSH. I can't wait to see this film. (Mari),And why are the two premieres so close together--April 2 and 4? Unless Harvey or Universal send a jet, they won't get back to London until the morning of the 4th. Cutting it close, not to mention the jet lag. I agree! I only wish that April 2nd had been in LA. Might there be a possibility, as the screenings put force positive reviews, that they might change the dates? You don't want your actors with jetlag when they are to be photographed. The only positive thing to this is that I might run into them at the airport."}, {"response": 288, "author": "amw", "date": "Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (19:27)", "body": "Good review for BJD at Shadows on the Wall - hope this works: http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/rcline/shadows/htm"}, {"response": 289, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (19:33)", "body": "ET alert! New scenes to be shown on Entertainment Tonight!"}, {"response": 290, "author": "amw", "date": "Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (19:36)", "body": "Sorry that link above does not appear to be working, can you help Karen?"}, {"response": 291, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (19:53)", "body": "ET: v. short. Some new scenes (including the e-mail/skirt episode ), but NO Colin. RZ to be interviewed on Monday."}, {"response": 292, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (20:17)", "body": "Thanks, Ann, here's the review. I got to it by selecting \"previews\" at http://shadows.wall.net/ . I like the pic of CF there better than the one they're using on the poster. Three and a half stars out of four Fielding's mega-selling novel makes the leap to the big screen with the help of the talented team at Working Title, including the writer and star of both Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill. And the result is another hugely entertaining Brit-com, filled with memorable characters and situations. Bridget (Zellweger) is a 30something Londoner who feels condemned to being a \"singleton\"--despite the valiant attempts of her mother (Jones) to set her up with former childhood playmate Mark Darcy (Firth, in a nifty bit of casting). Meanwhile, Bridget is developing a flirtation with her boss (Grant), while her loyal circle of friends (Henderson, Phillips, Callis) love her no matter what she does. There's nothing terribly original about the story--indeed, it's basically a 21st century reworking of Pride and Prejudice--but the character details make it great fun. As played by Zellweger, Jones is a pretty hopeless case, but we can't help but like her and root for her to find some happiness in her life ... somewhere! Her friends are drawn in broad stereotypes, but are still hilarious. And both Grant and Firth make the most of roles that subtly subvert their well-honed images. As the plot lunges toward it's predictable finale, there are all kinds of joys along the way--carefully observed comedy extremely well-written by Fielding, Davies (The Tailor of Panama and, erm, Pride and Prejudice) and Curtis (Four Weddings and Notting Hill), and adeptly directed by Maguire. No, it's not terribly demanding, and it's too busy setting up the happily-ever-after finale to even attempt a serious point about being single. But there are astute observations along the way, more than enough big laughs and, in Zellweger's ca able hands, a terrific look at a singleton on the verge of a nervous breakdown."}, {"response": 293, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (23:10)", "body": "Here's the picture: (Firth, in a nifty bit of casting). Huh? The part was written for him. Where do these people come from?"}, {"response": 294, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (00:10)", "body": "Missed ET tonight but evidently nothing new. Thanks for the heads-up re Monday's show. This link takes you right to the review: http://www.shadowsonthewall.co.uk/swbrijon.htm And both Grant and Firth make the most of roles that subtly subvert their well-honed images. What well-honed image is Colin subverting?"}, {"response": 295, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (00:23)", "body": "Sorry, have figured out answer to own question. Must be the image of Peter."}, {"response": 296, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (06:10)", "body": "Ann, I received 'that letter' this morning booooooh! Will attempt to watch proceedings from outside - camera at the ready!"}, {"response": 297, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (07:34)", "body": "So Andrew Davies DID have input on the screenplay? He's listed everywhere, but I wondered, with Richard \"I'm just a girl...\" Curtis involved, if there is any trace of AD remaining. Not that I didn't love 4W and NH, but with ODB, am feeling maternal (NOT) and proprietary about the production, and of course, don't want it to be the Hugh Grant show."}, {"response": 298, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (08:47)", "body": "Must be the image of Peter. LOL! So that's his well known image???"}, {"response": 299, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (08:53)", "body": "(Meredith) So Andrew Davies DID have input on the screenplay? From that one article I have posted about AD, it appeared that he only did a little work on it and wasn't sure he would even want screen credit. Said he was going to decide when he saw the final cut. BTW, they are listing him as screenwriter for the Tailor of Panama and I just read an article that Boorman tossed AD's script and LeCarre wrote it with Boorman; however, AD will get top credit because his was first."}, {"response": 300, "author": "BenB", "date": "Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (11:40)", "body": "Shame about the accent, if it's true. It does matter, I'm afraid, Karen - it's v. distracting. It's not a matter of principle: it's simply that it makes it a lot harder to suspend disbelief and enjoy the film. I think you'd find the same the other way around."}, {"response": 301, "author": "amw", "date": "Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (12:10)", "body": "Just heard that the CD of the Week on Radio 2 next week is the soundtrack from BJD, also heard Out of Reach for the 3rd time on Radio 2. It will be good to hear some of the other tracks from the Soundtrack."}, {"response": 302, "author": "amw", "date": "Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (12:29)", "body": "Sorry I made a mistake OOR is the \"Single of the Week\" and can be heard everyday on the Ken Bruce Show 9.30-12midday."}, {"response": 303, "author": "Echo", "date": "Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (13:11)", "body": "camera at the ready! Video, hopefully, Tracy?"}, {"response": 304, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (14:23)", "body": "Shame about the accent, if it's true. I doubt if it's true as no one else has dished out her \"trying-to-be-cute-and-quoted\" cheap shots. From what I've heard, she sounds decent enough and that is what matters. Regarding accents, we've beat that horse to death already."}, {"response": 305, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (14:47)", "body": "From Rai, this one comes from femail.co.uk, which is the Daily Mail's site, and it gives us a good idea of the plotline. by Isobel Fox: Calling all Bridget Jones fans\ufffd\ufffdshe's back from the edge of reason and will be gracing a cinema screen near you soon. Based on the best-selling novel by Helen Fielding, the movie version of Bridget Jones' Diary is every bit as amusing as the literary one. It chronicles a year in the life of thirty-something singleton Bridget Jones, played by Texan Renee Zellweger, as she struggles with weight, work, men and her mother. Bridget gains 74 pounds (and loses 72), smokes more than 5,000 cigarettes and turns up at several parties where her married friends worry about her state as a single woman. That is until her charming boss Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) comes on the scene. Chiding her for wearing an obscenely short skirt to work, the pair embark on a relationship which after a heady start, spirals rapidly down hill when Bridget discovers he's been seeing someone from his publishing company's New York office. Refusing to let Cleaver get to her, Bridget decides on a drastic change of career, swapping publishing for TV news reporting. Her first bulletin from Lewisham fire station on Bonfire Night hilariously ends in disaster when he slides down the fireman's pole and lands on the cameraman, with the result that her bottom is broadcast live to the nation. Meanwhile second love interest Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) is lurking in the background. At first Bridget doesn't like Mark, in fact she can't stand him, mostly due to the fact he was rude to her at her mother's turkey curry buffet where he was wearing a hideous reindeer jumper. While at first the feeling is mutual, Darcy starts to evelop feelings for Bridget, which soon become clear on Bridget's birthday where her disastrous culinary skills means she ends up feeding her guests soup that's turned blue. But Darcy has competition \ufffd Cleaver also turns up at Bridget's flat after realising that he misses her and wants her back. Zellweger is perfect as Bridget. Having piled on the pounds for the role (and it shows) her natural breezy mad-cap style epitomises Bridget to a tee. Her English accent \ufffd perhaps slightly too upper-class \ufffd is convincing and doesn't slip once. Director Sharon Maguire made an excellent choice casting Colin Firth as the smouldering Mark Darcy, and a lean, long-haired Hugh Grant makes a surprisingly good anti-hero as Daniel Cleaver. Watch out for cameo appearances from Lord Archer and Salman Rushdie. Closely based on the events in the book, the film keeps up a level of humour throughout. There are certain points which are guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. Like the time Bridget turns up at her relatives' tarts and vicars party only to find out that the theme party idea had been dropped. Or the time when her mother's new shopping channel presenter boyfriend is having his make-up touched up and he tells the artist to stop being so clumsy in words which are too rude to repeat here, but very, very funny. Bridget Jones is guaranteed to be this Spring's smash hit movie. More amusing than Notting Hill, it's light, entertaining and provides a couple of hours of escapism which are well worth the price of a cinema ticket. ~~~~~~~ Any Bridget responses????"}, {"response": 306, "author": "heide", "date": "Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (14:58)", "body": "BJD trailer featured on E Channel's Coming Attractions this weekend. Chekc your listings."}, {"response": 307, "author": "heide", "date": "Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (15:09)", "body": "Sorry if the above was posted before-quickly scanned previous posts but didn't see it. I must have the shot of him grinning while his name is on-screen for a snappy. Interesting reading. I enjoyed this: The screen version is more romantic-comedy than situation-comedy, and the homage to Pride and Prejudice a lot more obvious British audiences will no doubt be dismayed at the Renee's wholesale butchery of the English accent Well, kind of expected this but have been lulled by other reports into thinking she was safe. Colin Firth - Can the man do no wrong? (K) *snort* Catherine has not read our boards. Darn, you beat me to it, Karen. ;-)"}, {"response": 308, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (16:59)", "body": "I received this e-mail today and thought you might be interested: Win a Trip for Two to London! Enter the \"Find Yourself in Bridget Jones\" Sweepstakes! Submit a photo of yourself by April 27th and you could be eligible to win a trip for two to London! (Travel provided by OneTravel.com) And while you're at it, tell us a story that illustrates how you relate to Bridget Jones. How to Enter: Visit the \"Find Yourself in Bridget Jones\" PhotoQuilt and follow the simple instructions to upload your photograph. Please submit only a photograph of yourself. When you submit your picture, don't forget to include your story. Click on the following URL or paste it into your browser address bar to enter, and for official rules. http://entertainment.msn.com/bridget/page3/ To make this even more special, you could become part of an image of Bridget Jones composed of photos submitted from all over the world! On March 27th, images from the PhotoQuilt will be collected and turned into a Photomosaic - an image of Bridget composed of selections from images submitted to the PhotoQuilt!"}, {"response": 309, "author": "Echo", "date": "Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (19:06)", "body": "Director Sharon Maguire made an excellent choice casting Colin Firth Was it *her* choice?"}, {"response": 310, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Sun, Mar 18, 2001 (07:10)", "body": "Was at the cinema last night and there was a vv short trailer for BJD! That's the good news! Sadly ODB did not feature one iota. It was the scene with HG and RZ grappling on the floor when he discovers her \"big pants\" and says \"I'm wearing something similar myself.\" CUT! Still although it was a mere snippet I can't wait for more. Hugh was very \"Hugh Grant\" as usual, hopefully this will not be the case as we get to see more of him. Like Ann and Tracy I also received the same letter about the premiere! Oh to belong to one of those \"companies\" they quoted."}, {"response": 311, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Sun, Mar 18, 2001 (07:53)", "body": "Ha! A sight I thought I'd never see: BJD has moved up to IMDB home page under \"coming soon\". Since you all here at Spring were singlehandly responsible for even getting the BJD page there going and \"populated\" with info, I thought I'd point it out."}, {"response": 312, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Mar 18, 2001 (09:52)", "body": "Thanks, Heide, for the heads up on the BJD trailer on Coming Attractions. Taped it in the wee hours of the morning and cannot stop rewinding it. Oooooh, so much better than on the computer (even cable connected type). Only one thing better (though lacking rewind quality) will be on huge screen in a movie with entire audience laughing appropriately. Loved the face after Mrs Jones introduces them at the party, and again when he responds to DC's comment about swords and pistols. Tried to match up the taco-stain picture with fight scene, but pattern of tie is not evident in photo, as it is in trailer. Is wearing muted pinstripe, not of the badabing variety. ;-D Wonder if they'll be a Behind the Scenes program? *fingers crossed* (am already worried re: punch; detect need for learned coach)"}, {"response": 313, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sun, Mar 18, 2001 (10:54)", "body": "(am already worried re: punch; detect need for learned coach) LOL! Should we add that to need for expert tailor. ;-) How very lucky you to be able to rewind at will, Karen. I am waiting for that on screen experience. I know I will have to sneak back to the Theatre to see it again. Don't think DH would approve."}, {"response": 314, "author": "mari", "date": "Sun, Mar 18, 2001 (12:04)", "body": "Darn, missed the E! coming attractions. Does anyone know if it will be repeated? Lizza, apparently they're showing that truncated (i.e., no CF) trailer in the theaters here, too. Wot gives?? Maybe they'll roll out the longer one as the time draws nearer. I have to say: the rowboat scene with HG looks very funny. I'm sure they were going for the contrast with Leo DiC's \"I'm the king of the world\" in Titanic, then here's this drunken ass in a rickety rowboat shouting the same thing. Well, *I* think it's funny.;-) Did anyone catch Joe Fiennes and Jude Law on Today this morning? Their interviews were pre-taped, done as part of their Enemy at the Gates junket, no doubt, and I'm guessing CF's appearance on Thursday will be the same thing. Was probably taped this weekend."}, {"response": 315, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Mar 18, 2001 (12:14)", "body": "Here's the url for the program guide on E! Unfortunately, you have to look at each day for Coming Attractions; the show listing doesn't provide all the dates and times as it does for other shows. Also they put a new one up each Monday. Don't know if that means the program content changes as well. Next broadcast will be 3:00 a.m. Sunday night (or Morning morning), then Monday at 1:00 pm http://www.eonline.com/On/Guide/ (Mari) I'm sure they were going for the contrast with Leo DiC's Absolutely. There's also the double entendre of \"I'm boarding you, Bridget.\" ;-D (Mari) Did anyone catch Joe Fiennes and Jude Law on Today this morning? Grrrrrrr You can lead a horse to water but...."}, {"response": 316, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sun, Mar 18, 2001 (15:57)", "body": "apparently they're showing that truncated (i.e., no CF) trailer in the theaters here, too. Wot gives?? Maybe they'll roll out the longer one as the time draws nearer. Could they be thinking that no one would leave HG for CF??? How could they leave Colin out? And we thought they might try that on the poster, sheesh!"}, {"response": 317, "author": "Lassie", "date": "Sun, Mar 18, 2001 (16:52)", "body": "I believe it is in order to avoid spoilers and preserve the surprise ending. a A lot of people (in the US have not read the book."}, {"response": 318, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Mar 18, 2001 (17:01)", "body": "I believe it is in order to avoid spoilers and preserve the surprise ending. I have to disagree. Trailers in this country give away not only the entire plot and ending but typically toss in the kitchen sink as well. Miramax probably hasn't felt the need to mass produce it and distribute it to theatres across the country, but will do television - the source of its target market."}, {"response": 319, "author": "heide", "date": "Sun, Mar 18, 2001 (19:36)", "body": "Don't worry if you missed the Coming Attractions on E. They often repeat the trailers of films for several programs until the film opens. Wouldn't be surprised if it was shown again next week. And soon, gah! can hardly believe it, we'll see entire film in all his glory..er, its glory. Saw the short \"big pants\" trailer too but thought it was because my backwater town is always behind with the new stuff. I think that trailer does a disservice to the film...if I didn't know anything about Bridget Jones, don't think I'd want to see a movie about Hugh Grant trying to wrestle a girl's undies off."}, {"response": 320, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Mar 18, 2001 (23:12)", "body": "(Heide) don't think I'd want to see a movie about Hugh Grant trying to wrestle a girl's undies off. But the guys in the audience might. ;-D"}, {"response": 321, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (03:05)", "body": "Very, very good reports on BJD in today's Times (Viewpoint in Times2), from journalists who attended the preview at the Empire. One male, one female. Two page spread, colour pics. Both say they were not looking forward to the film, were fed up with the whole BJ thing and expected to hate it. But they both really liked it...\"it's good oldfashioned comedy\"..\"unashamed happy ending\"...\"I had tears streaming down my cheeks when Darcy finally pulled his head out of the sand and smouldered in Zellwegger's general direction\" (this from the male journalist!} RZ seems to be a big hit with them, and they seem to think \"Hughie and Col\" are okay as well. Is this available online?"}, {"response": 322, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (03:57)", "body": "It's most amusing to see the scenes I saw being filmed come together. The Times today mentions that Bridget \"...serenading her empty apartment with a rousing rendition of Celine Dion's All By Myself made my heart melt in almost Capraesque fashion.\" Whilst the Gabrielle video shows HG & CF crashing through the plate-glass window of Kalispera (the Greek restaurant) - hence the need for elbow-padded body doubles - stuntmen no less. There must be 2, if not 3, fight scenes."}, {"response": 323, "author": "BenB", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (05:29)", "body": "Now I'm really looking forward to it. (Here's the link to the Times piece: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/0,,7-100906,00.html ) When is the London contingent planning on seeing the film? How about a drink?"}, {"response": 324, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (09:17)", "body": "Here's a link to the second article by James Christopher: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/0,,7-100913,00.html Liked this from the woman's article: (Colin Firth as Darcy may be wasted on US audiences, but to UK women he\ufffds brooding masculinity personified). Wasted...not on all of us. ;-D Were the pictures all we've seen before?"}, {"response": 325, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (09:32)", "body": "(Lassie) I believe it is in order to avoid spoilers and preserve the surprise ending. a A lot of people (in the US have not read the book. Pardon me, but did you just beam down from the Planet Zarg? BJD was on every kind of bestseller list in the US; in fact, EOR is currently #5 on the Washington Post's list (just in front of SWTA). (Singletons review) Pernickety viewers may think that Colin merely reprises his role from TV's Pride and Prejudice Call me pernickety, then. Am prepared to suffer through it ;-D but in this humble reviewer's opinion, Colin Firth is bound for leading man stardom as a result of this role Hurrah! *turning cartwheels* *oof, can't do cartwheels* Moon, I can't remember reading that CF almost turned down the part of MD. Where did you see this? (Bethan) \"...\"I had tears streaming down my cheeks when Darcy finally pulled his head out of the sand and smouldered in Zellwegger's general direction\" (this from the male journalist!} Hurrah again! Ooh, things are looking *very* good... Off to program the VCR for this afternoon's Coming Attractions on E!. Thanks for the tip, ladies. ;-)"}, {"response": 326, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (09:48)", "body": "Not that I'm complaining, but it seems v. odd that even your broadsheets are publishing reviews of BJD so far in advance of its opening. [Can understand internet nobodies jumping the gun.] All critics get to see the films earlier, but they don't publish them until the opening week. About your scenes, Mark. Am glad to hear that RZ is seranading an *empty* apartment. The thought of her seranading HG didn't sit well with me. What makes you think there are 2-3 fight scenes? Colin's wearing his v. pronounced pinstripe suit for all snippets I've seen. BTW, after he first punches HG in street, looks v. pleased with self. [Eileen, will need to slo-mo to catch all nuances of street fight.] Heide: For snappy consideration, I'd take the one where Tom is making the toast \"to Bridget, who we all love.\" That may be THE Look from this movie. BTW, I think it not coincidental that Colin does the Meryton look at RZ. As Sharon Maguire is Shazz, she would be a *student* of the original and know it well. (He Said) What on earth was happening? How did this podgy clown reduce me to a puddle? I\ufffdm still trying to work it out. Fool. That is Zellweger's unique talent for which none of you figured out well in advance."}, {"response": 327, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (09:53)", "body": "(Karen) As Sharon Maguire is Shazz, she would be a *student* of the original and know it well 'Natch. I'll take 1,000 Meryton looks and other FD-MD similarities in light of the fact there's no wet shirt. Thank goodness they saw fit to leave that alone!"}, {"response": 328, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (10:08)", "body": "(Eileen) no wet shirt Was probably in his contract. ;-)"}, {"response": 329, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (10:10)", "body": "Hmmm, was think about above, as Hughie goes into the lake (with shirt unbuttoned down to navel), am surprisd/shocked that no one has mentioned *his wet shirt* [not really]"}, {"response": 330, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (11:35)", "body": "From Ananova: Zellweger got her English accent from Ali G videos Renee Zellweger says she perfected her English accent for the role of Bridget Jones by watching Ali G videos. The US star had to learn how to speak with an English accent when she was in the UK last year making the film of Helen Fielding's novel. Ali, created by comic Sacha Baron Cohen, is known for his urban slang and catchphrases like 'innit' and 'booyakasha'. Speaking to Sky News, Zellweger said: \"I watched a lot of sitcoms, news and Ali G.\" \"I think it's a beautiful book. I think Helen Fielding did a great job. I know the book is very important to men and women and I wanted it to be right.\""}, {"response": 331, "author": "Lassie", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (12:53)", "body": "Eileen, I was talking about Pride and Prejudice, not Bridget Jones Diary."}, {"response": 332, "author": "mari", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (13:20)", "body": "Review from Screendaily: Bridget Jones's Diary Sheila Johnston in London Dir: Sharon Maguire. UK. 2001. TBCmins. Bridget Jones's bestselling diaries made the fictional thirtysomething singleton Britain's most successful under-achiever of recent years, and the screen version of her intimate journal bears all the signs of becoming the UK's biggest film hit since Notting Hill. Domestically, massive advance publicity and media attention will guarantee dazzling opening figures, while the reputation of the books in the US should secure equally healthy business there. If the film is to build this into solid longer-term box office, then it must establish itself as more than a chick flick with appeal to the obvious demographic. Instead, it will need to position itself more broadly as a modern social satire-date movie that can attract those men lured along earlier this year to What Women Want by the presence of Mel Gibson (but without a comparable male character for them to root for). The diaries have been published in some 30 countries, but in territories where the book has been less of a cultural phenomenon than on its home turf, the film's performance will, to a greater extent, be review-driven, aided by the names of Renee Zellweger in the title role and Hugh Grant as the second male lead. Prospects in all ancillary media are, as Bridget would put it, v. v. good. A character invented by journalist Helen Fielding, Bridget Jones herself is a none-too-effective publishing PR in her early 30s with a mass of addictions - cigarettes, drink, junk food and lottery cards - who aims to achieve happiness by losing weight and finding true romance. Her diary chronicling the ongoing chaos of her life and her farcically unsuccessful struggle to realise her modest ambitions made a low-key debut in 1995 as a weekly column in UK national newspaper The Independent, but gathered momentum after Fielding was encouraged to rework it as a book. When it did go into paperback it became a cult success, spawning a sequel, The Edge Of Reason. Like such American TV sitcoms as Sex And The City and Ally McBeal, and Hollywood movies such as Waiting To Exhale, its success has been generally attributed to the swelling numbers of single thirtysomething women experiencing difficulties in reconciling the conflicting demands of love and career. Structured much like the novel, the movie traces a year in the life of its heroine, beginning with Bridget's ghastly Christmas-New Year celebrations with her parents and their neighbours. During the following months, she has an ill-advised fling with her flirty caddish boss (Grant, offering an enjoyably acerbic variant on his usual bumbling screen image); observes her parents' marital problems after her mother makes off with a sleazy presenter from a home shopping channel; makes her own foray into television when she swaps her publishing job for a gig as a news presenter; spends many a long, boozy evening with her gaggle of sweet, but hopelessly dysfunctional, female and gay friends; and gradually warms to the subtle attractions of Mark Darcy (Firth), a stuffy, though ultimately charming (and extremely rich), human rights lawyer. Boasting the same production company (Working Title), star (Grant) and co-screenwriter (Richard Curtis) as Four Weddings And A Funeral and Notting Hill, Bridget Jones shares those two earlier films' comic tone and similar themes of the peculiarly British knack for self-deprecation and underachievement, both professionally and romantically. As in Fielding's book, there are also deliberate parallels with Pride And Prejudice, both in the name of the leading man and in the presence of Firth (who played Mr Darcy in the recent BBC adaptation of Jane Austen's classic) in this role. Grant also has his own indirect link with the original novel, which takes a passing potshot at the actor's real-life dalliance with a Hollywood hooker. Curtis's co-scriptwriter, along with Fielding, is Andrew Davies, distinguished for his television adaptations of literary classics, including that same BBC version of Pride And Prejudice. And the film's director - the documentary film-maker Sharon Maguire making her feature debut - is a friend of the author, acknowledged at the front of the novel, as well as being the model for one of Bridget's best friends, also called Sharon. The in-casting extends down to relatively small roles such as the lecherous tabloid news producer played by Neil Pearson, who UK audiences will remember as much the same character in the TV comedy series Drop The Dead Donkey. The writers Salman Rushdie and Jeffrey Archer contribute cameos as themselves. At times, this all threatens to add up to an air of smug and incestuous London media-set clubbiness, so the choice of an American actress for the leading role - greeted, when it was announced, with some hostility in the British press - turns out in many ways to be a shrewd decision. The film stands or falls by whether one accepts Zellweger's ce"}, {"response": 333, "author": "amw", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (13:39)", "body": "Just wanted to say Karen, that in answer to your earlier question, all the photos attached to the 2 articles are know to us except one of Helen Fielding, who looks very nice indeed, but mostly I am so glad that they have included the lovely picture of Colin and Renee and I must say that Colin does seem to be getting an equal amount of exposure as Hughie, which is wonderful. It is a 2page spread and very impressive. As well as the afore-mentioned photo there is the one with Rnenee in a restaurant smoking and the two CF & HG on the floor. By the time the film opens there won't be any need for reviews!"}, {"response": 334, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (13:44)", "body": "(Screendaily) Bridget had a sharp tongue on her when required *am thinking*"}, {"response": 335, "author": "lafn", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (13:46)", "body": "(Lizza)Like Ann and Tracy I also received the same letter about the premiere! Oh to belong to one of those \"companies\" they quoted. Find out which companies....and call marketing. They just might part with a set. This is all toooo exciting.Have changed my tickets too....but have a sinking feeling about London/NY premieres being tooooo close.Though Miramax did send Gwynnie over on the Concord once....yipes!"}, {"response": 336, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (13:59)", "body": "Ann has already explained which photos were used, but I want to practise some HTML. On the front of the Times2 section was a cut down from this: and inside the following three were used (+ the one of Helen Fielding): The ciggy photo was half-page-size."}, {"response": 337, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (14:09)", "body": "v.g. Mark"}, {"response": 338, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (14:10)", "body": "(Lassie) I was talking about Pride and Prejudice, not Bridget Jones Diary. *scratching my head* Grr, just watched my E! Coming Attractions tape and they have changed the content. No BJD this week."}, {"response": 339, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (15:40)", "body": "Working Title are handling the publicity for BJD very cleverly...creating an excellent buzz {although the liking for the film has to be genuine). They did the same for NH, which took \ufffd10million on the opening weekend in the UK. But I'd still be rather wary of our hostile, teeth to the jugular British critics. Over the page from BJD in Times2 there's a headline - \"British actors bomb on Broadway\" - a reference to the less than sympathetic reviews received by JE and Alan Cumming (hardly \"bombing\"). Further on, there's an article about how the new movie by the \"past-it action hero\" Steven Seagal has opened first at the US Box Office with $20million, while the Jude Law/Joe Fiennes hugely expensive war movie only took $14million. And JL/JF have not had good reviews - \"Wiped off the screen by Ed Harris\". So fingers crossed for Hughie and Col! :-) But so far, very good!"}, {"response": 340, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (15:43)", "body": "(Bethan)...a barrister's outfit..the high white collar, the well cut suit..is far more alluring than an exposed bare chest and black leather. It's the aloofness, intellectual superiority, the apparent unattainability (but with some hidden promise)...it's the difference between erotic and \"sexy\". You may well have a well-considered point, Bethan. My problem being, as I am a rather provincial American, is that damn silly wig barristers wear. What's up with that? What's the thing made of -- horsehair. If so, it must have certainly looked better on the horse. Even the delectable and handsome Mr. Firth can made that silly wig look good."}, {"response": 341, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (16:01)", "body": "(Bethan) But I'd still be rather wary of our hostile, teeth to the jugular British critics Yes, good point--however, a bad review(s) will surely pale in comparison to a flood of good ones, no? *thinking positive* Am anxious to see how it fares with US reviewers. the new movie by the \"past-it action hero\" Steven Seagal has opened first at the US Box Office with $20million Yeah, I heard about that this morning. Haven't we sunk to a new low? :-D"}, {"response": 342, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (16:04)", "body": "But all the trades were quick to point out that Enemy at the Gate, which came in second, was on far fewer screens and had a huge per screen take."}, {"response": 343, "author": "mari", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (16:15)", "body": "Yes, Bethan, your critics are tough and your press does seem to emphasize the negative. Karen makes a good point--Enemy at the Gates actually did very well, playing on about half the screens that the other flick did, and in fact they are expanding it to a few hundred more screens next week. Its per screen take far exceeded the Seagal film. Again, the press seems to only tell half the story. As for Design For Living, the reviews were mixed, but certainly as you said, not bombing. Critics seem to either like this particular staging or they don't. There are traditionalists over here, such as at the NY Times, who feel that Coward's work should always be staged as it was in Coward's day. But, getting back to BJ, everything so far seems so positive, and I think James Christopher would be hard-pressed to call back his words about being moved to tears!:-)"}, {"response": 344, "author": "mari", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (16:28)", "body": "In the April issue of Movieline, they have BJD spotlighted as one of their top 5 films to see next month: Helen Fielding's best-selling novel comes to the screen with Renee Zellweger starring improbably as the thirtysomething English diarist. As Zellweger fans, we'd go to see her play this 21st century everywoman in any case, but we're especially curious to check a few things out. How well has she done with the British accent on which she was coached by the same woman who gave Gwyneth Paltrow her perfect pitch for Emma, SIL, and Sliding Doors? And what does she look like with extra pounds packed on? Colin Firth, as Mark Darcy, and Hugh Grant, as Daniel Cleaver, are added incentives. Even if the film turns out to suffer from too many screenwriters and a first time director (Sharon Maguire, best pal of Fielding and the inspiration for the character Shazzer, neither of which explains why she's directing) there's plenty of entertainment value here."}, {"response": 345, "author": "BenB", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (16:56)", "body": "Wigs and blancmanche. I'm slightly drunk, so I spoolgise in advance. 1. Wigbs. They add authority, in principle. I've no iade what they do tyo sexiness, as far as the female observer is concerned. A couple of years ago year I spent a week wathcing a (female) friend of mine taking on Cheri Booth (Mrs Blair) in a big labour law case. She was bedecked in a barrister's wig and was impresivelu weighty, IMHO. She also kicked Cheri's a*se, bigtime. The wig provided another thing to be ripped off in the heat of passion (not that it was - she is now happily engaged to someone else), and looked pretty cool. 2. Blancmanche. More discrimintaing judges may be able to tell (re:Times piece) the difference between high quality cleavage and \"balncmanche\" cleavage. In my current state I cannot. RZ is v. alluring in the BJD posters. 3. Repeated querstion: when is the London branch of this webnsite going to see the film? MarkG, as the insider, when are you going? Our American cousins are prepared to trudge 3,000 miles to see each other - are we to baulk at 1,000 yards???"}, {"response": 346, "author": "lafn", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (17:54)", "body": "Over the page from BJD in Times2 there's a headline - \"British actors bomb on Broadway\" - a reference to the less than sympathetic reviews received by JE and Alan Cumming (hardly \"bombing\"). Once again, your critics enjoy decapitating their own.The NY times and Daily News were critical of DFL. But USA Today gave it 4 Stars and called JE a \"triumph as Gilda\".Variety calls it a \"sensational show\".The AP and Clive Barnes of the NY Post were complimentary too.Sold out for the run;hardly a bomb. I will rest easy about BJD when all the reviews are in...on both sides of the pond."}, {"response": 347, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (17:57)", "body": "Thank you Ben for elucidating on the subject of wigs and blancmanche. I thought the latter was a dessert. Now I have been enlightened, sort of."}, {"response": 348, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (23:40)", "body": "From the Mar 20 FT: SURVEY - CREATIVE BUSINESS: Soundtrack albums By PAUL SEXTON For every soundtrack that enjoys the perfect commercial symbiosis with its parent movie, countless others come and go faster than a 30-second trailer. For every Four Weddings, there are 40 soundtrack funerals. But the achievements of the most prosperous film tie-ins live long in the memory of record companies, who fantasise about big, fat cash cows like Titanic (so huge it even spawned a sequel soundtrack, Back To Titanic) and the grandaddy of them all, The Bodyguard, all 30m-odd copies of it. That\ufffds why Mercury Records has such high hopes for its companion release to one of this year\ufffds most widely-anticipated flicks, Bridget Jones\ufffds Diary, due at your local megastore on April 16, three days after the Renee Zellweger/Hugh Grant vehicle arrives at the multiplex across the road. London-based soul singer Gabrielle\ufffds track \ufffdOut Of Reach\ufffd is out on April 2 as the Bridget theme tune single, and just to underline how such a tie-up can fuel promotion plans for an individual artist, she has bolted on a tour, starting on April 17. [...] But the Bridget companion will offer temptations such as never-before-available recordings by the likes of Robbie Williams and Geri Halliwell, who has taken it upon herself to remake the Weather Girls\ufffd \ufffdIt\ufffds Raining Men\ufffd, prominently featured in a street fight scene in the film. The success of soundtracks like this one is governed in part by how well the film overlaps with the fan bases of the artists who appear on them. Mercury UK managing director Howard Berman, one of the men behind the Four Weddings and a Funeral album, which sold 3m copies worldwide, says: \ufffdIf there are two separate markets for this film and the soundtrack, they overlap enormously. The film is aimed at a very similar demographic to that which constitutes the core audience for artists like Robbie and Geri.\ufffd [...] \ufffdA lot of soundtrack albums underestimate the taste and intelligence of the public,\ufffd says Berman. \ufffdIn virtually all cases of a successful soundtrack, it\ufffds where there\ufffds been a successful film and music has played an integral part in it. If you haven\ufffdt got music playing a significant part in the film, even if it\ufffds a blockbuster, it\ufffds very difficult to join the dots. \ufffdThe score in Titanic plays an incredibly important part, and that fantastic Celine Dion song would have been a smash with or without the film association. In Bridget Jones, the music is almost a sub-plot.\ufffd"}, {"response": 349, "author": "mari", "date": "Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (23:44)", "body": "Check out \"Bridget's\" reviews of her reviews on Karen's page; I'm LOL! Hmmm . . .Yahoo US is listing BJD as opening in NY and LA on April 6, then nationally on April 13. Not sure if that's very out of date or very up to date."}, {"response": 350, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (03:19)", "body": "I wish I was really an insider, Ben, but having mysteriously been left off the list for premiere tickets, I guess I shall be seeing the film on Easter weekend like many others. However, I'll be out of town. Why I think there might be more than one fight scene: one fight obviously breaks out in the restaurant, whereas separately MD offers DC out, prompting \"pistols or cutlasses?\" Also the knockout blow somehow looks like a one-punch fight, perhaps similar to the scene in The Edge of Reason, where MD goes downstairs to DC, slugs him, and then apologises to him and explains it had to be done. But I expect I'm wrong again. Love the reviews of the reviews, Karen!"}, {"response": 351, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (03:47)", "body": "Yes, Bethan, your critics are tough and your press does seem to emphasize the negative Our TV and theatre critics are okay, but I would quite happily ban most of our so-called movie \"critics\", who are merely destructive, especially when it comes to British films or British actors. I usually prefer reading US reviews...they are longer, more considered (you get the impression they've actually watched the film) and the criticism is constructive, not personally abusive. I really hope CF makes an impact in the States, and does quite a few talk shows. IMVHO, the only success that matters in the movies is success in the States. That's how careers take off. Not Hollywood megastardom, just appearing in decent roles in movies that actually reach the screen! (cf MLSF 3 screens in the UK, SLOW 2 screens, DQ and Londinium - no distributor...I rest my case! Go to it, Col! :-)) Signs are v. good for BJD though in the UK! Will BJD be a big opener in the States, or will it have a limited number of screens? BTW, the comment in the Times about kisses in the snow and the unashamed happy ending sounds very promising!"}, {"response": 352, "author": "BenB", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (03:55)", "body": "Cheryl - the blancmanche reference is from the Times piece (see links), which begins by being less than flattering about the heroine. Do film critics matter? I'm prepared to believe that theatre reviews affect audiences - though less than they once did, probably - but film reviews? There seems to be almost an inverse correlation between a film's commerical and critical success. The current spate of pre-opening publicity for BJD is not being conducted through conventional film critics, over here at least. Perhaps its fans should hope for a pasting once the \"experts\" get to see it."}, {"response": 353, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (08:40)", "body": "You're quite right, Mark, there's the restaurant and there's the apartment (as in TEOR). While MD and DC are in the street, you can see Bridget, Shaz and Jude huddling in a doorway watching it all. Why would the other two be at Bridget's when Daniel's there and Mark calls him out? Lots of questions. No definitive answers. (Bethan) Not Hollywood megastardom, just appearing in decent roles in movies that actually reach the screen! I see you've finally come around, except I would hope for better than merely decent roles (important/starring roles in important films more like). Will BJD be a big opener in the States, or will it have a limited number of screens? As I predicted it shows all signs of opening v. wide (e.g., over 2000 screens). kisses in the snow Hopefully more than the kiss in the carriage. Films critics have no impact on the younger crowd in the US, but can affect the older people, who actually read and have developed taste. It also depends on the promotional campaign. (Ben) The current spate of pre-opening publicity for BJD is not being conducted through conventional film critics, over here at least. True, as would be any advance publicity. However, James Christopher is one of your real critics."}, {"response": 354, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (08:41)", "body": "BTW, Jay Leno mentioned RZ in his list of upcoming guests for the next couple of weeks."}, {"response": 355, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (08:46)", "body": "There's a review on Dark Horizons: \"Bridget Jones' Diary\" - A Review by 'Paul Fischer' (Positive, Very Minor Spoilers) At the start of the New Year, 32-year-old Bridget decides it's time to take control of her life-and start keeping a diary. Now, the most provocative, erotic and hysterical book on her bedside table is the one she's writing. With a taste for adventure, and an opinion on every subject-from exercise to men to food to sex and everything in between-she's turning the page on a whole new life. \"Tuesday 3 January 130lbs. (terrifying slide into obesity - why? why?), alcohol units 6 (Excellent) cigarettes 23 (v.g.), calories 2472 9a.m. Ugh. Cannot face thought of going to work. Only thing which makes it tolerable is thought of seeing Daniel again, but even that is unadvisable since am fat, have spot on chin, and desire only to sit on cushion eating chocolate and watching Xmas specials\". Thus are some of the memorable verbal utterances of one Bridget Jones, created by ex-journo Helen Fielding. Bridget is one of those wonderfully rich characters seemingly impossible to translate to film, but first-time director Sharon Maguire, with some help from Brit scribe Richard Curtis, has crafted an irresistible and deliciously funny film. Fielding's character epitomises all our fears, hopes, romanticism and upbeat optimism as we trip through life's seemingly eternal obstacles. Yes, she is a single woman of her time, trying to find love and career while fighting endlessly over her comic mistakes. But in this wonderfully rich satire on the pangs of single-hood versus 'smug marrieds', Fielding has struck a broad nerve that places this material beyond the simplistic realms of the 'chick flick' and into a wider context. On many levels, what makes the film incarnation of the novel work so beautifully, is its ability to travel beyond gender-specific clich\ufffd. We can all relate to many facets of Bridget's inability to communicate, be herself and play by the rules. A recurring line in the film is 'I like you exactly t e way you are', and this is a recurring theme. We all have our flaws and our idiosyncrasies, none of us are perfect, and in searching for that often elusive partner becomes a matter of acceptance. Bridget Jones epitomises our strengths and weaknesses, coupled with our hopes and ideals. She is a remarkable character. As played by Zellweger, an initially controversial casting choice, Jones comes alive with an added depth, humour and luminous quality rarely seen on screen. The actress completely embodies the character, and imbues her with subtle nuances that enhance the actor's skill. To watch Zellweger here is watching a screen presence, who is uproariously funny and yet gently emotive when not saying a word. This is Zellweger' s film all the way, and it's a masterful, brilliant performance. In some ironic casting, Colin Firth is playing another Darcy, both literally and metaphorically. Adept at being the stuffed shirt, Firth gives a subtle performance playing a difficult character. Hugh Grant excels at playing the prize villain of the piece, and does so with effortless, comic aplomb, while the rest of the film's marvellous British cast provides added support. Beautifully shot on location in London and featuring a strong soundtrack, Bridget Jones's Diary is funny, sexy, poignant and sharply observed, as only the Brits can do. Zellweger steals the film and through it all, comes off as both star and shining comedienne. This is one Diary worth reading more than once. http://darkhorizons.com/reviews/t010319a.htm#Rev2"}, {"response": 356, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (09:55)", "body": "Excellent review, except for one major lapse in judgment, in Popcorn by Jane Crowther: cast: Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Ren\ufffde Zellweger,Sally Phillips Book-to-screen adaptations are notoriously difficult to pull-off. It's hard to mess with the collective imaginations of millions of readers and the results can range from the phenomenal, 'Trainspotting', to the unspeakable, 'Rancid Aluminium'. Lovers of Helen Fielding's hugely successful literary creation can breathe a sigh of relief, for the movie version of 'Bridget Jones's Diary' is faithful to its source, perfectly cast and even funnier than the book. Bridget (Ren\ufffde Zellweger) is a thirtysomething 'singleton' who spends her days worrying about her weight, smoking too much and dreaming of the perfect man. But the only blokes she seems to bump into are her sexy, predatory boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), and haughty, dull family friend Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). So, armed with her trusty fags and her ultimate confidante - her diary - Bridget makes her way through a year of heartache, embarrassment and calorie counting. The casting of skinny Texan Zellweger as the supposedly tubby, English Jones caused a minor kafuffle pre-production, but her performance is a revelation. Although her accent occasionally wobbles, her conviction is absolute and the 'Jerry Maguire' star has never been funnier. She brings warmth to the sometimes brittle character and offers a welcome reality check to the acres of stick-insect waifs that usually populate films. Firth is also impressive as the glowering Darcy, but the real star is Grant, who's suddenly... well, frankly, gorgeous. He's deliciously sly and flirtatious, proving he can play more than posh, eye-fluttering wimps. Another element from 'Four Weddings And A Funeral' is the screenwriter - Richard Curtis - who provides a script bristling with wit, slapstick and spot-on, horribly relatable, observations. Hilarious, sweet and romantic, 'Bridget Jones's Diary' is must-see viewing for anyone who's ever drunkenly sung power ballads or had a scuffling scrap over a girl. Superb. http://www.popcorn.co.uk/cinema/review.jhtml?filmId=19668"}, {"response": 357, "author": "Tineke", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (09:56)", "body": "There was an item about BJD on the radio just now. The guy who saw it liked it very much and interviewed Hugh afterwards. Nothing was said that I didn't already know (CF was mentioned though, WOW), except that I'll have to wait till the fall to see it!! Isn't this wonderful? They whet our appetite, then tell us that we'll have to wait a looong time.*grumble*"}, {"response": 358, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (10:31)", "body": "Hmmm, I'm a real misery...the reviews are great, but..... \"the real star is Grant, who's suddenly... well, frankly, gorgeous\" and \"and haughty, dull family friend/stuffed shirt Mark Darcy\"? Has Hughie been given all the aces?"}, {"response": 359, "author": "amw", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (11:14)", "body": "I quite agree Bethan, normally I would be thrilled to read that \" Firth also impresses\" but it was somewhat negated by her saying Hughie is \"gorgeous\". Still it is only one person's opinion."}, {"response": 360, "author": "lafn", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (11:18)", "body": "I would have thought the opposite from a British reviewer. Didn't think they considered Hugh a \"hunk\"."}, {"response": 361, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (11:39)", "body": "Yes, I know. Was all prepared to highlight the *impressive Firth* comment and then read on... Probably should've been forewarned that the reviewer was not all that knowledgeable, as she called Zellweger a revelation. Obviously, she's not that familiar with her work, possibly only has seen \"Me Myself and Irene.\" ~~~~~~~~~~ And a treat for those who might want the new US BJD poster: http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjdposterinfo.html"}, {"response": 362, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (11:42)", "body": "This from a friend of mine. Lovely article about CF in current issue of \"Elle\" (may not be on newstands yet). First Buzz column: \"Firth Among Equals\". Think ODB may not be averse to becoming a big Hollywood star at all! v. interesting."}, {"response": 363, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (11:45)", "body": "I called Miramax (don't ask *what* I called them;-), and the film is indeed opening nationwide here on April 13, no early opening for NY or LA. It will open on \"1500 plus\" screens; that's considered a wide opening, although the blockbuster popcorn type flicks typically open on 2000--2500. They can certainly add screens as they go. In any event, no one here will have any difficulty finding this one at their local multiplex. RE: Hugh's good reviews--well, we knew from the start that this would be the showier part of the two male leads. We're probably lucky that there's as much Mark Darcy as there appears to be, considering his small, albeit pivotal, role in the book. I'm sure Richard Curtis wrote Hugh a juicy role, as HG has helped to propel Working Title to some of their biggest successes. HG has headlined wide opening films all over the world; he has global name recognition. Plus, Hugh is very shrewd about his career; there was no way he'd take a second banana role to another young male actor. He doesn't have to. Those are the spoils that box office success brings, and it's the position that I think many of us hope that CF is eventually in--not \"fame\" or \"success\" for its own sake, but being in a position to have a pick at the best roles."}, {"response": 364, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (11:59)", "body": "Thanks, Mari. 1500+ is very respectable for a non-alien-invasion-type movie, especially one whose audience is gauged to be women over 20something+ years (second class and undesirable). Can't wait to see the backhanded comments in the trades about the boxoffice prospects. Also can't wait to see this new issue of Elle!!"}, {"response": 365, "author": "amw", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (12:05)", "body": "Wickham was never witty, funny and charming, I think they have made Hughie too attractive but even so how could anyone resit those lovely brown eyes. Thanks for the news about Elle magazine Meredith, is that the UK or the US?"}, {"response": 366, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (12:18)", "body": "kisses in the snow (Karen) Hopefully more than the kiss in the carriage. *heehee* Better watch those P&P spoilers, though...;-) (Popcorn Jane) Grant, who's suddenly... well, frankly, gorgeous. *cough* *choke* Pass this woman a new set of peepers! (Ann) Still it is only one person's opinion. Quite right Ann--hardly anything to become depressed about. There has to be a dozen reviews up so far and this is the *ONLY* one gushing about you-know-Hugh. (Meredith) Lovely article about CF in current issue of \"Elle\" Thanks for the tip, Meredith. Am still in search of April's Premiere and will add this one to my list. Think ODB may not be averse to becoming a big Hollywood star at all! Has to do with smelling coffee, surely. ;-)"}, {"response": 367, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (12:19)", "body": "gaah!"}, {"response": 368, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (12:48)", "body": "Thanks, Meredith! Did a quickie recon mission and I've got it here. It's the April issue of US Elle, Uma Thurman on cover. Nice article--but they've got him in the 3-year fugly sweater! Gah! Karen, I can scan and send; is long to type, but I can do that too.;-)"}, {"response": 369, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (12:50)", "body": "Mari scanned the following pics in from a Coke ad (note product placement in second pic). The print ad had very poor resolution but Mari did excellent job given the tiny and blurry one of Colin:"}, {"response": 370, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (13:05)", "body": "Ooops, wrong second pic. Titles nearly same. Will try again. Re: typing of Elle article Only if you have time. *winkie winkie*"}, {"response": 371, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (13:56)", "body": "It really isn't that long. Part 1: FIRTH AMONG EQUALS In the tradition of Anglo-hunk imports, Bridget Jones' heart throb Colin Firth has a few surprises up his sweater. If you're a woman who's even a little like Bridget Jones--and judging by the success of her self-titled diary (actually written by Helen Fielding), it's a good bet you are--then when you lay eyes on Mark Darcy as portrayed by Colin Firth in the upcoming movie, you'll be as confounded as the chronically hopeful heroine herself. Thick-haired, square-jawed, steely-eyed, Firth's Darcy thrums with alpha-male magnetism when Bridget (played by Renee Zellweger, with a plummily perfect English accent) spots him at a Christmas party. She gazes at his self-possessed mug, imagines romance, possibilities, love. She glances from his steady, kind eyes, to his strong neck, his broad shoulders, his . . .reindeer sweater?!? It's the first comic jolt in a performance that Firth molds into a slow, hilarious, oddly moving revelation. Mr. Right turns out to be Mr. Wrong, who turns out to be Mr. Not So Bad, who transmogrifies into Mr. This Can't Be Happening, who shape-shifts into . . .well, you'll see. \"The discovery we make,\" says Firth, \"is that this pompous individual ends up having a generous and entirely sincere side. That's what warms the cockles of our hearts.\" For Firth (and Bridget, and us), the key word is \"discovery.\" Darcy, Firth says, \"takes himself very seriously and therefore like anyone else who takes himself very seriously, is full of comic potential.\" \"Colin was always looking for a surprise because that's what's exciting for him,\" says Sharon Maguire, who directed Firth and Zellweger (along with Hugh Grant) in \"Diary,\" her first feature film. Firth agrees: \"The greatest joy of acting is to reveal the hidden reservoirs in a character--much more than the obvious challenges of transforming yourself. The degrees of what you conceal or reveal--that's what makes the biggest call on your judgment and your ability.\" To be continued . . ."}, {"response": 372, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (14:13)", "body": "Part 2: What's unlikely to remain concealed after Diary is the silent strength that has earned Firth hunky-icon status in his native country. In '95, he played another Darcy, in the BBC adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. \"The nation's females went into a standstill,\" says the British Maguire. \"Every woman in England fell in love with him.\" Herself included. \"He played that hero so well,\" she says. \"A patriarchal fantasy figure in a way; aloof, but burning with fire.\" Maguire detected a similarly quiet, white-hot intensity in Firth's approach to Diary. \"I didn't think those kinds of men existed in life,\" she says, \"but Colin is it.\" Since Pride & Prejudice, Firth has played a doomed husband in The English Patient and a scheming aristocrat to Gwyneth Paltrow's Viola in Shakespeare In Love, among other film roles. Those parts and a steady stage career (he will take the lead role in a London version of Hamlet this year) have brought the forty-year-old critical acclaim, but not the leading man lucre that, say, Jude Law and Ralph Fiennes command. Not that Firth spends time worrying about that. He lives in Tuscany and London with his wife (\"which is really very gutting,\" says Maguire), Livia Giuggioli, whom he met when she was a production assistant on the set of the BBC's 1997 miniseries Nostromo (in which he starred). He also goes to Southern California to visit his ten-year-old son, William. (Firth and William's mom, Meg Tilly, were together for five years after meeting on the set of Valmont.) Though Firth admits he's had \"very litle success in Hollywood,\" he's aware that Diary could change that--and complicate things in the process. \"Brits absolutely devour Ameican culture,\" he says. \"Yet there's a suspicion of Hollywood--an idea that it's vulgar and that if you court it you're selling out. Endorsement from America can be double-sided.\" Does he think Bridget Jones's Diary will bring him that endorsement? \"It might. I've been at this point so many times before,\" he says. \"But I enjoy the surprises. They keep me alive and going and kind of interested.\" --by Steve Friedman The End. (In addition to full-page fugly sweater photo, there's a small pic of Mark and Bridget, i.e., the turtleneck pic.)"}, {"response": 373, "author": "Moon", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (14:45)", "body": "Thank you, Mari!!! \"I didn't think those kinds of men existed in life,\" she says, \"but Colin is it.\" Yes! That's what warms the cockles of our hearts.\" It certainly does! ;-)"}, {"response": 374, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (15:01)", "body": "Fantastic article!! And it says that Hamlet will be *this year* She glances from his steady, kind eyes, to his strong neck, his broad shoulders All things we've scrutinized and admired. What's unlikely to remain concealed after Diary is the silent strength that has earned Firth hunky-icon status in his native country. We might have more visitors here. ;-D A patriarchal fantasy figure in a way; aloof, but burning with fire Oooh...and needed to take a dip to cool off. Not that Firth spends time worrying about that [not having leading man lucre] No, we do it for him. ;-D Thanks, Mari."}, {"response": 375, "author": "amw", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (15:17)", "body": "Yes, thanks very much Mari and Karen and everyone for keeping us up to date."}, {"response": 376, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (15:30)", "body": "Well, am back from shopping spree with both Elle and Premiere mags only to find that *someone* has been v.v. busy! ;-D At least I'll have something to thumb through later. Can't believe Elle used the fugly sweater pic. *groan* (Karen) We might have more visitors here. ;-D Ooh, you might have to charge admission. ;-)"}, {"response": 377, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (15:39)", "body": "OK, today Radnor, PA, is closer to me. ;-D Have checked listings for next week and ALL morning, afternoon, and evening news and talk shows (Today, GFM, Rosie, View, Leno and Letterman) are having the three stars from Someone Like You, culminating with all three (Judd, Kinnear and Jackman) on The View on Friday, the day it opens...precisely what should be done for BJD. If you've seen the trailer on TV, it talks about Mr Right, Mr Wrong, etc., and the clip they showed on Leno last night was v. good. Not wacky Bridget, but an intelligent woman. Should be interesting. RZ is booked on Leno on Friday night (March 30) before the premiere."}, {"response": 378, "author": "Moon", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (16:25)", "body": "the clip they showed on Leno last night was v. good. When did they sart showing the clips on Leno before the gueststar is on? I can't continue to miss these things! RZ is booked on Leno on Friday night (March 30) before the premiere. RZ does Leno and flies to NY for the April 2nd premiere, right? There is nothing in LA, right? HG will probably be on Letterman, don't you think? They usually promote on both shows. Where will Colin fit in?"}, {"response": 379, "author": "lafn", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (17:14)", "body": "Thanks Mari for *taking the time* to type out the long article;-) \"Firth agrees: \"The greatest joy of acting is to reveal the hidden reservoirs in a character--much more than the obvious challenges of transforming yourself. The degrees of what you conceal or reveal--that's what makes the biggest call on your judgment and your ability.\" That's what makes him a better actor than most. \"he will take the lead role in a London version of Hamlet *this year*)\" We *knew* it couldn't be 2002!!Time to call Riverside Studios. So we can start clipping coupons and playing the lottery:-)"}, {"response": 380, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (17:19)", "body": "I didn't think those kinds of men existed in life,\" she says, \"but Colin is it.\" Nice one. Though Firth admits he's had \"very litle success in Hollywood,\" Refreshingly honest. The usual line...I've read it so many times in interviews with British actors....is that Hollywood beckoned, but they said \"no\" (why?). Hamlet \"this year\"...from the horse's mouth. Good! Thanks for all the info, Mari and Karen!"}, {"response": 381, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (18:17)", "body": "Ben - When is the London contingent planning on seeing the film? How about a drink? I expect I'll see it on opening night but as it's Good Friday am unlikely to be in town as getting back home again to Kent will be hellish (Sunday services et al) but wouldn't say no to an 'nth' viewing a bit later with drinkies to follow *hic*"}, {"response": 382, "author": "Echo", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (18:26)", "body": "Have we seen that tiny pic from Arena here yet? Here it is (scanned by Threedeers):"}, {"response": 383, "author": "winter", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (18:41)", "body": "(Moon) RZ does Leno and flies to NY for the April 2nd premiere, right? There is nothing in LA, right? Not that I'm aware of. Marianne, do you have any info on this?"}, {"response": 384, "author": "Echo", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (19:09)", "body": "What happened to my pic??? It WAS there, I saw it. Try again:"}, {"response": 385, "author": "Echo", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (19:12)", "body": "Sorry, my computer must be playing up! It seems to have a strange hiccup. If the pic is not showing in the usual HTML way (and I don't know why!!!), try this link: http://www.geocities.com/threedeers/Archives/bjdarena.jpg"}, {"response": 386, "author": "Echo", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (19:19)", "body": "WOW! now it's back again! Apologies, but it must have been geocities who had a hiccup."}, {"response": 387, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (19:33)", "body": "Geocities does not allow \"remote loading\" anymore. That means you cannot post pics that reside at a Geocities site anywhere else but on that site."}, {"response": 388, "author": "Ela", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (19:49)", "body": "I'm actually a newbie who has been lurking here for some time now. But, I saw a couple of postings previously where some posters were talking about the number of fight scenes in BJD. So, I went back and slowly replayed the last 30 seconds of the trailer. I realized that when Mark Darcy makes his \"outside Cleaver\" speech and then punches him out in the next scene, this is the same night as when Bridget has her \"blue soup\" party. If you look at what the characters are wearing at her party: Tom, Bridget, Shazz, Jude, and Mark they are all wearing the same clothing at her party, and then outside on the streets when Mark punches Daniel in the face. Did anyone else notice this or am I going completely crazy?"}, {"response": 389, "author": "Echo", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (20:52)", "body": "Geocities does not allow \"remote loading\" anymore. Oh, fantastic! :-/ So what do I do now? I guess Threedeers will have to upload to colinfirth.com directly. Or something. Bear with us... :-) Welcome to the madhouse, Ela! We're all crazy here... ;-)"}, {"response": 390, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (21:10)", "body": "It's the first comic jolt in a performance that Firth molds into a slow, hilarious, oddly moving revelation. Ooooh, don't you love this?? He lives in Tuscany and London with his wife (\"which is really very gutting,\" says Maguire Could someone explain what she means by this? Over here, gutting is what we do to fish.;-) (Eileen)Can't believe Elle used the fugly sweater pic. *groan* I know. Maybe the Elle budget didn't allow for that newfangled invention, the photo shoot.;-) The uninitiated might look at this and think, \"ok, here's this dude from MTV, now where's the 'Anglo hunk import'?\";-) Actually, that's probably fine with CF. Moon, Karen was referring to the Someone Like You clip on Leno. I thought it was funny when Jay forgot SLY's title at the very end--it's *so* memorable. (Bethan)Refreshingly honest. The usual line...I've read it so many times in interviews with British actors....is that Hollywood beckoned, but they said \"no\" (why?). LOL! So true, Bethan, I was thinking the same thing. I don't think Colin has it in him to be disingenuous. Such nice comments from Sharon Maguire. I'm sure that having such a professional and non-egomaniacal cast on her first film meant a lot to her."}, {"response": 391, "author": "Echo", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (21:21)", "body": "Gutting = (Brit?) slang for bitterly disappointing; deeply upsetting."}, {"response": 392, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (23:33)", "body": "To make it easy, I'll just post it for you ;-D Hi Ela! Good observation about the clothing. But if MD is at the birthday party, did he leave and come back, finding drunken Daniel there with the rest? v. confusing"}, {"response": 393, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (02:39)", "body": "Karen: Hi Ela! Good observation about the clothing. Hear hear. If it's done like TEOR, I suspect DC turns up at the party uninvited, MD makes him leave the flat, knocks him out to the amazement of the onlookers, and apologises, before returning to the flat to be treated like a hero. And the Arena picture...again from TEOR, Natasha has Giles dressed in her choice of clothes at a wedding; I remember some sort of comment like \"Don't put your wallet in your trouser pocket, Giles, it makes your leg look enormous\" - so this relationship may have been transposed to MD. Because that is a seriously fugly tie. Like the sweater, hard to believe that MD chose it."}, {"response": 394, "author": "Ela", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (03:44)", "body": "Karen, I agree with Mark - I'm assuming that Daniel arrives unexpectedly, a conversation takes place which ultimatly leads to MD punching Daniel in the face outside the apartment. What I don't get is haven't there been pictures of both Mark and Daniel lying face down on the pavement with shattered glass beneath them? Is this fight supposed to last a long time? Another clothing spot that I noticed in the trailer - when Daniel and Bridget are on the ground and he makes his remarks about her huge panties, she is wearing a black dress right? About 30 seconds later when the trailer is talking about how Mark is \"Mr. Wrong\", she passes him at a party wearing the same black dress. So, I'm guessing that both of these things also happen on the same night? Can you tell that I watched the trailer about 20 times, and each time that I watch it, I still laugh and giggle uncontrollably whenever Mark Darcy has any scenes - especially the fighting one at the end!! Go Mr. Darcy :)"}, {"response": 395, "author": "BenB", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (03:52)", "body": "The Hollywood line..... I don't understand the general consternation that CF, or any other actor, should shy away from Hollywood stardom. We live in an age where you are somehow deemed mad not to take all the fame and money on offer. Some Firthettes have said CF should court Hollywood roles more assiduously in order to get the good parts. But (i) these are not always the lead roles - in fact, they're often not the lead roles - and (ii) maybe there are better roles beyond Hollywood anyway! Don't get me wrong - anyone who pursues an ambition is to be admired, and the English are too often disingenuous about their lack of it. But why need it be Hollywood? As an actor, there are other goals. The most admired actor of his generation in England is Ian McKellen. He's done a few films, but not much. Perhaps this is only because he's not been offered things - perhaps all this time he's been anxiously waiting for the call. But I don't think so. If you have regard for someone surely the most important thing to wish for him is that he's content in what he's doing. I am genuinely MYSTIFIED about the projected ambitions for CF when (i) you don't know that he wants these things - in fact, the most natural thing to assume is that he IS content in what he's chosen to do, and (ii) it would be quite understandable if he was wary of Hollywood in the first place."}, {"response": 396, "author": "ommin", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (04:45)", "body": "Ben I agree with you. We do not know his ambitions for himself - only what we read on the media."}, {"response": 397, "author": "Lassie", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (05:56)", "body": "Ben, you are absolutely right. As a man of 40 and an actor with 16-17 years of experience he certainly knows what is best for him. Hollywood is not the end all."}, {"response": 398, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (06:44)", "body": "No one said it was the end all, but it's an option that he'd be short-sighted, IMO, to exclude. And no need to be mystified either; everyone is entitled to an opinion, even you all.;-) Oh, let's just listen to Colin, in this new interview : Dark Horizons Presents... Colin Firth: Darcy Returns in Bridget Jones's Diary Colin Firth/Bridget Jones Diary Interview by Paul Fischer in Los Angeles British sex symbol Colin Firth became a star following his pivotal turn as the cool Mr Darcy in the TV version of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Now, in the eagerly anticipated screen version of Bridget Jones's Diary, Firth plays another Darcy, reluctantly falling for the film's pudgy central character (Renee Zellweger). For Firth, this movie affords the classically trained Brit the chance to send up his famous literary character. Adept at playing the proverbial stuffed shirt, it clearly an unstuffy Mr Firth who talked to Paul Fischer in Los Angeles about the two Darcies, coping with unexpected stardom and dealing with the British press. Q: Colin, how reluctant were you to play yet another Darcy? A: A little bit concerned. Concerns like that are answered by just accepting it and doing it. It had to be a good script and had to be done in the right spirit. As far as I'm concerned, the exercise was almost entirely tongue-in-cheek. Q: Were you satirising that [Austen] character? A: I was having fun with it for my own sake. I didn't want to satirise the FILM by satirising it and appropriate it for that reason. For it to work as a romantic comedy, you have to invest something in it, but nevertheless, the whole Darcy thing has followed me around to such an extent now, that it has made far more sense to have fun with it than try to vainly shake it off. Q: You seem to be very good at playing stuffed shirts. How much of those characters are within you? A: The business of acting is taking parts of yourself and reorganising them a little bit. You take some very gregarious and passionate aspects of your character, put a mask on it and see how that comes out. I find the results of that kind of thing rather interesting. I think those conflicts and paradoxes in people ARE fascinating; you know, the unhappy clown or the little speck of good in the cruel person or the reserved man who's in fact passionate. I think those things ARE fascinating and very polemic to the English. Q: There was a lot of initial controversy surrounding the casting of Zellweger. A: I was neither aware of it nor would I have any tolerance with that, I think it's absolutely ridiculous. She's a good actress, which is far more important than actually finding out where you were born. I know there IS an issue of being specific about a culture, but if someone has a talent for acting on the scale that SHE does, one of those talents is the ability to recognise and appropriate a culture, other than her own. Q: Why do you think Mark Darcy falls in love with Bridget? A: I think that, again, there are all sorts of contradictions in that relationship, and on the face of things, you'd think they were nearly opposite: He has poise where she has none, he is pompous where she has low self-esteem, he is taciturn, where she can't stop talking. But on some level, I think they're quite similar. He recognises her agony in certain social situations because he shares that, and I think he also recognises her vulnerability. She's also wry about her own clumsiness, which he finds appealing. Q: I read that you decided to lose weight for this movie. A: No, I did not decide to do that at all. What happened was, I was threatened with the prospect of having to take my shirt off, which was a chilling thought. So I thought that rather change profession, I will get a trainer and try and do something about it. Actually, what was going to happen was that during the fight scene with Hugh [Grant], it was going to culminate with our shirts being ripped off from our rippling, sweaty backs and have our dynamic torsos unleashed upon the female population of the world and they would barely recover. Q: What was it like to fight Hugh Grant? A: It was a delicious experience. Hugh will tell you that I fight like a girl, which he's been saying a lot lately. All I can say in response, is that it takes one to know one. He was the first one to pull my hair; I would never have dreamt of doing that. And he scratches as well. So that should give you an idea of HIS character. Q: Do you think you're sexy? A: I don't find myself sexy, and I don't have an erotic experience when I look at myself in the mirror, or think about myself. But does anyone find himself or herself sexy? Q: But Pride and Prejudice did something to your image, yes? A: Well I DEVELOPED an image is what happened. I'd been working away in this business, to my OWN satisfaction, for a very long time before that, and I felt I was benefiting from an EVASION of an image, in that I didn't think I had one. Q: How did you cope with the media intrusiveness? A: "}, {"response": 399, "author": "BenB", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (07:05)", "body": "Okay. Mystified is too strong. Puzzled, maybe. The interview is inconclusive. He would \"love\" to profit from America's fertile film industry, but it [America] is a \"foreign country\" to him and, before P&P, he'd been working away for fifteen years to his \"own satisfaction\". To me this does not sound like someone whose every happiness depends on a call from a big H'wood producer. (Forgive the hyperbole). In fact, he comes across as someone who is distasteful of celebrity culture, and all the instrusiveness and distortion it brings with it. He also sounds v. funny, which we knew already. I liked the bit about Hugh Grant."}, {"response": 400, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (07:16)", "body": "My only interest in seeing CF do more \"Hollywood\" type things is being able to *see* more of his work. Sometimes, his stuff is pretty hard to locate! CF is, of course, free to pursue any interest of his own."}, {"response": 401, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (07:23)", "body": "I love this guy's moniker; wonder what Ethel and Lucy are up to?;-) From Ain't It Cool News : Fred Mertz takes in a Screening of BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY Hey folks, Harry here with another look at an upcoming film from the amazing Fred Mertz... Fred has checked out the latest Miramax flick (coming April 6) and wanted to hate it. Me? Well Miramax just sent me a pair of panties with the stamp... \"Property of Bridget Jones\" on the right ass check of the Granny Panties... Now I'm not sure what the hell this has to do with the movie.... if anything... but if you are an attractive local lady and would like to see if these panties would fit you.... I'm going to be holding auditions --- kinda like finding the foot to fit that glass slipper... Meanwhile, here's a look at the film.... Bridget Jones's Diary I wanted to hate this movie. I'll admit, I heard all the rumors about Renee Zellwegger landing the part of the quintessential modern day self esteem challenged English woman because of her association with Jim Carrey. I wanted to get angry and scream \"It should have been Emma Watson or Kate Winslet or Kate Beckinsale or even Dame Edna for crissakes!\" because the thought of pawning off a corn fed Texas girl as a Brit just about enraged me. But then something happened. I saw the movie. I'll be honest, for about the first 40 minutes I was resisting Renee Zellwegger as the neurotic Bridget Jones...but then a scene hits you right in the face and all of a sudden you start to forget she's Renee and understand, she is Bridget. In a nutshell, there's a scene where Bridget discovers her boss/\"boyfriend\" (and I use that quote loosely) played by Hugh Grant (a ladykilling rogue who knows he's the cats pajama's) cheats on Bridget with a sexy long limbed American girl. Bridget finds the other woman in the bathroom and there's a shot of Bridget's reaction, where you just feel so much for her. After that, I forgot that Renee Zellwegger was in this movie. There was only Bridget. The film is based on the best selling novel of the same name by author Helen Fielding. Every woman's apartment I've been in who is in her 20's or early 30's has this book right next to the bed, like a bible. I haven't read it, since most men tend to stray to Nick Hornby for this type of subject matter, but after seeing the movie, I want to read the book. The supporting cast is nothing short of brilliant. Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver is so perfect as her sleazy, sex driven boss. He sends dirty emails to Bridget in the office and the wonderful thing about his character is that he is so sure that she won't scream sexual harassment because he just thinks he knows women, or even more, knows that he's their ideal. The greatest thing about this character is he's human. We see him vulnerable, we see him as a good guy at times and we see him as an absolute prick. Colin Firth plays Mr. Mark Darcy (hello, Pride and Prejudice anyone?) and he's Hugh's rival for Bridget's affections. When we first meet Mr. Darcy we hate him. He makes fun of Bridget and seems to cast a judgmental eye on her until later in the movie when we get a chance to see him through new eyes. Firth is one of the best actors out there. There is so much texture to his performance. It's wonderful to see an actor who can convey one emotion while his dialogue conveys the opposite. He's full of sub-text. This film is about how first impressions can change. It's about looking for love and trying to find that one person who accepts you for who you are. The way it deals with the relationship choices we all make and the mistakes we all make is very truthful in a funny way. The rest of the supporting cast, Bridget's friends, Mother and Father were so spot on. It's like watching a good basketball team full of role players all there to support the star player. The direction of the film was also top notch. I can imagine how difficult it was to make a movie out of a bunch of short journal entries, but director Sharon Maguire (a first time director I think) has a very sure hand. She weaves us in and out of scenes with great control and slows us down just when the audience needs it. Her attention to detail impressed me so much. The voice over narration seems to fit perfectly (it never stands out) and there's this wonderful moment when Bridget says something she shouldn't have said and instead of hearing Bridget say in voice over (oh fuck) she scribbles it across the bottom of the screen. I absolutely loved that moment. But what I enjoyed even more was that the entire story was from Bridget's perspective so the audience identifies directly with her. We feel her pain and joy and we really worry about her. A director who can make that work is something special. Romantic comedy is a dicey proposition in this day and age, but this is fresh and fun. My hat's off to you, Miss Maguire. Back to Renee--Her accent is spot on. She must have worked really hard to get this down. Yes, she did gain 15 pounds and she still looks gorgeous"}, {"response": 402, "author": "BenB", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (07:29)", "body": "Another v.g. review. Looks like they have a hit on their hands. Incidentally, can someone tell me the precise meaning of \"stuffed shirt\"? Pompous? Repressed?"}, {"response": 403, "author": "fitzwd", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (07:46)", "body": "Q: Do you have plans to work more in the US? A: No, I don't have plans to work more in the States, though I'm open to it. America to me is a foreign country with an abundantly fertile film industry and of course I would love to profit from that. In one way or another, but I'm not going to cut off any ties and come here to seek work, because what I get from home, serves me well. Me thinks the man doth protest too much. :-) (Ben) can someone tell me the precise meaning of \"stuffed shirt\"? Pompous? Repressed? Definitely pompous."}, {"response": 404, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (08:55)", "body": "Love the interview. It was a hoot, especially the part about the fight scene and having to strip off their shirts and finding oneself sexy. Wasn't aware of the controversy surrounding RZ's casting? Who is he trying to kid? ;-D Q: Do you have plans to work more in the US? A: No, I don't have plans to work more in the States, though I'm open to it. America to me is a foreign country with an abundantly fertile film industry and of course I would love to profit from that. In one way or another, but I'm not going to cut off any ties and come here to seek work, because what I get from home, serves me well. (Donna) Me thinks the man doth protest too much. :-) No kidding! So happy to see that the movie got a good review at AICN and wasn't written off as some lowlife chick flick. Feedback should be interesting. Will probably be about Jim Carrey. Mark, yes that party scenario does work, although it did confuse me to see MD at the doorway, as if he was coming in (had jacket on, whereas at the table, his jacket was off). The source of the snowman tie could be Natasha, although it could be whoever (in this movie not book) gave him the reindeer sweater and he wore it to be kind. The movie portrays a year in the life. It starts with post-New Year, Mark wearing the Christmas present sweater. It should end at Christmas time, with the party where Mark's engagement to Natasha is being announced. Ah well, we shall soon know. Ela, I think there are more than one black dress or scenes in which she wears them. One is the literary party and another looks to be a date with Daniel, culiminating in pants struggle on floor. Isn't her hair different for those two occasions? Thanks, Mari, for being so industrious this a.m."}, {"response": 405, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (09:06)", "body": "I see that Catherine (with her Dick Van Dyke neurosis) has been to the AICN feedback to urge people to her site to read the \"British\" view of the movie. http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/tb_display.cgi?id=8460#267889"}, {"response": 406, "author": "amw", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (09:30)", "body": "Yes thanks Mari for the interview and wonderful review, the best one for Colin so far, I think. How many more days to go..."}, {"response": 407, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (09:50)", "body": "Hoooeeeeyy, all this news! First, welcome and thanks for your analysis, Ela. Make yourself at home--we've all got experience watching videos frame by frame (ask Bethan or Lizza about 'Nessie'). ;-D About the fight vs. fights--agree with Mark and Ela, MD challenging a drunk and unwelcome DC after the blue soup dinner party sounds logical. They must crash through the window (which they definitely do) while fighting in the street. I hope there aren't multiple fight scenes; if the two of them start hurling fists every time they come in contact it would get a bit old (and would surely have been mentioned by a critic by this point). Re: the interview--thanks for sharing this and 'Fred's' AICN review, Mari. Love this: Firth is one of the best actors out there. There is so much texture to his performance. It's wonderful to see an actor who can convey one emotion while his dialogue conveys the opposite. He's full of sub-text. Not that we didn't know this already... Lastly (for now ;-)), I didn't find any real surprises in the interview. He was 'concerned' about playing Darcy but not to the point of nearly turning down the role. That's my interpretation of his response. About that H'wood line: it's called 'don't burn your bridges'. Keep the offers coming from the UK while expressing an openness to offers from H'wood, a perfectly logical approach, IMO. (Karen) I see that Catherine (with her Dick Van Dyke neurosis) has been to the AICN feedback to urge people to her site to read the \"British\" view of the movie. Catherine needs to get a life. Talk about missing the point..."}, {"response": 408, "author": "Moon", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (09:56)", "body": "Thanks, Mari! Finally getting some interviews! The part about the fight and shirts off was so funny. Can't believe F Mertz loved the film. And now for my classic comment: why can't he get his shirts and ties together? ;-) Welcome Ela, good observations!"}, {"response": 409, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (09:59)", "body": "Thanks Mari for reviews and interview.I'm reminded of a quote he once told a journalist:\"If you asked me that tomorrow, you might get a different answer.\" Sometimes he talks about roles he wishes he could have...next time he's happy with the ones he's getting.But we take him as he comes ;-)) \", I was threatened with the prospect of having to take my shirt off, which was a chilling thought\" Aw,for a minute there, I thought we would get the \"towel scene\". No such luck:-("}, {"response": 410, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (10:07)", "body": "Popcorn has an article/interview with RZ, with quotes from the huge gnat as well. Nothing at all new, really, except HG's comment about the British being defensive. ;-) http://www.popcorn.co.uk/news/story.jhtml?id=46068 More importantly, ET has put up some of the RZ interview that was shown last night (which I missed and plan to tape today) http://www.etonline.com/cgi-bin/get-article.pl?section=spotlight&table=Interviews&id=8746&page=all&publish=yes ~~~~~~~ Though I hadn't planned to respond, our discussions re: CF's career ambitions should be no more mystifying or puzzling to you, Ben, than say my own mystification or puzzlement over the lack of concurrence amongst economists who, using the same data and methodologies, will publish widely varying projections of key indicators. And then my mystification and puzzlement is compounded by the fact that they are largely all inaccurate/wrong and yet keep their jobs to go on projecting useless data for another day. :-) Since we cannot know what CF really thinks about the situation, then his contentment is also speculation. I have only commented on what *I* would like to see for him. He may not want it. If people would like to continue beating this one-step-closer-to-dogfood discussion, please take it to 143. Thank you."}, {"response": 411, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (10:17)", "body": "Karen, I was a little disappointed with the RZ interview in that the voiceover noted that Hugh 'plays one of two love interests'. No mention of CF (would it have killed them? Grrrr). The scenes shown were mostly from the trailer, except a longer shot of BJ in her bunny girl costume, walking up the lawn to the T&V party was added. Renee explained the 'butt cam' and how her modestly disappeared. She was v.g., alot less giggly than I've seen her in past interviews. Julie Moran looked so heavily made up she reminded me of Nora Desmond! 'I'm ready for my close up now...'"}, {"response": 412, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (10:18)", "body": "Nice bit from the ET interview: Julie: One of the most beautiful moments in the film is when Colin [Ed note: on first name basis] says to you, \"I accept you absolutely for who are.\" It doesn't matter that you're 10 pounds overweight, or this or that. What a wonderful message to be putting out to society right now. Ren\ufffde: Right. She's just fine. She's smart and she's accomplished inso many ways. She's funny, charming and really likable, has a beautiful heart, and she's pretty."}, {"response": 413, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (10:33)", "body": "Agree, it's a nice bit but it didn't make it to the broadcast. :-("}, {"response": 414, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (10:40)", "body": "(Eileen) Agree, it's a nice bit but it didn't make it to the broadcast. :-( [ever the optimist, HA!!] They're saving it and Colin's interview for a Sweeps period. ;-D Item in NY Daily News gossip column about RZ and her current glamorizing trend. She'll be on the cover of the April Vogue. Doubt will have any else re: film. However it would've been IMO far better if they had Colin in spiffy suit (with well-fitted collar) to pose with her."}, {"response": 415, "author": "BenB", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (11:06)", "body": "Thanks, Karen. I would put any reaction against RZ (and, to tell the truth, I don't remember much) down to the s*it-stirring British press. I am a big fan - she's a terrific actress and a babe. HG's remark about the submarine seems a little off-beam. One objection was about inventing fact, another about who to play a fictionional character. On dogfood.....I don't have to predict things, thank God. And to link the two...one economists' dictum is that actions reveal preferences. In that sense, CF's contentment is not entirely speculative. The fact that he's not been battering desperately at Hollywood's door all these years must say something."}, {"response": 416, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (11:09)", "body": "Oh, and the hits just keep on comin'! Check out the 2nd paragraph (emphasis mine:-). This is from Roger Friedman at Fox News (many thanks to Chris R. for spotting): Earnest Cast Revs Up Before Strike Add Frances O'Connor, the wonderful star of Mansfield Park, to the cast of Miramax's The Importance of Being Earnest. Oliver Parker, who directed another good Miramax Oscar Wilde adaptation, An Ideal Husband, has just placed her in a group that includes Judi Dench, Rupert Everett, Reese Witherspoon and Colin Firth. Firth, who steals Miramax's Bridget Jones' Diary, is the latest addition to the studio's repertory company."}, {"response": 417, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (11:19)", "body": "Thanks Mari for the interview and Karen for all the links. This board is a veritable feast of delicious delights to dip in and out of, thankk you Ladies. The reviews are great. Mari , is the Catherine you mentioned the lady with the Brit BJD site? It was featured in The Sunday Times section \"Doors\" and says \"Like the story, it is a one woman effort and not always as attractive as it would like to be, but for puppy dog enthusiasm it scores full marks.\" ASTONISH ME!!! IMO it is far inferior in layout, style, content and originality to our Karen's. It's rather akin to the RZ casting debate, in this case case too Brit is not best! Forget the \"puppy dog\" , we've got \"Best in Show.\""}, {"response": 418, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (11:26)", "body": "Yes, Catherine is the one with the www.bridgetjones.co.uk site. She's also the online editor for Empire. (very much the novice implied by The Times). ;-D Love Fox News' comment about Colin stealing the movie!!! Could this be the answer to all my prayers (not his, of course)? ;-D ~~~~~~~~~ From Neal Travis' column in the NY Post: EVEN Tom Cruise and director Cameron Crowe couldn't persuade Renee Zellweger to take off her top for a bedroom scene in her first big hit, \"Jerry Maguire.\" The former girlfriend of Jim Carrey says she considers most sex scenes in movies distracting for audiences. Shooting even stopped on the \"Jerry Maguire\" set as she explained her objections against going topless, Zellweger tells the April issue of Premiere. \"It's not like Cameron's big plan was to have this sleazy, gratuitous boob shot,\" she says. \"That's not in him, and I'd do anything for him - with the exception of that.\" She thinks that, too often, sexuality in films takes away from the plot. \"When a woman stands naked in a room, unless that particular moment is held up by the subject matter, all you notice is that there's a naked girl,\" she claims. Needless to say, there are no nude scenes in her upcoming \"Bridget Jones's Diary,\" in which she stars opposite Hugh Grant. But there is plenty of Renee to see, because she put on 15 pounds to play the part, something not many other A-list actresses would be willing to do. \"I'm so afraid that when \u2018Bridget Jones' comes out, it'll all be focused on [the weight gain]. It was part of the character. I wanted to look like Bridget, and she smokes and she doesn't go to the gym,\" she adds. I guess Renee hasn't seen the press kit now being distributed for the much-anticipated movie. It manages to hint at both undressing and being a bit plump by including a pair of voluminous knickers, stamped \"Property of Bridget Jones.\""}, {"response": 419, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (11:46)", "body": "(Karen) Could this be the answer to all my prayers Never underestimate the power of a good novena (or was that rosary?) ;-) Let me see, how does that go again? Firth, who steals Miramax's Bridget Jones' Diary I could read that over and over and over and.... (will forgive Roger for inaccurately stating that CF is the 'latest addition' to Miramax's repertory co. Durr. Where the #*&^% has he been? Planet Zarg?)"}, {"response": 420, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (11:59)", "body": "Good news : have new and better version of snowman tie pic. :-) Bad news : suit has a definite pattern :-("}, {"response": 421, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (12:26)", "body": "(Karen) suit has a definite pattern Ooh, do tell. Give it to us on the official 'badaBING' scale... Have just re-read the interview (you can tell am relegated to computer today with workmen climbing all over house). Besides the shirt-ripping comment, *this* is definitely the funniest part: Q: What was it like to fight Hugh Grant? A: It was a delicious experience. Hugh will tell you that I fight like a girl, which he's been saying a lot lately. All I can say in response, is that it takes one to know one. He was the first one to pull my hair; I would never have dreamt of doing that. And he scratches as well. So that should give you an idea of HIS character. LMAO! Love that man's sense of humor."}, {"response": 422, "author": "BenB", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (12:39)", "body": "Agree, Eileen. The man is cool. Karen, I your links don't work? Is that me or them? What's wrong with the suit?"}, {"response": 423, "author": "BenB", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (12:40)", "body": "Agree, Eileen. The man is cool. Karen, your links don't work - is that me or them? What's wrong with the suit?"}, {"response": 424, "author": "BenB", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (12:40)", "body": "Woops."}, {"response": 425, "author": "Moon", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (13:51)", "body": "The links don't work fro me either. Thanks, Karen, for keeping us up on the latest."}, {"response": 426, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (14:43)", "body": "They're not links--it's what happens when you type the word news. Try it."}, {"response": 427, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (14:45)", "body": "Never mind, then. I know it happened to me once. Maybe they are [broken] links!"}, {"response": 428, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (14:54)", "body": "No, they are not links but exactly what Eileen described. The color version of the pic can't be done right now, but I can scan in the b&w a little later. Am not terribly good with fabric terminology, but is a window pane type check???? Love that part of the interview too. This guy is as witty and glib as HG and deserves to go on our talk shows."}, {"response": 429, "author": "Ela", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (15:37)", "body": "Karen, You mentioned a literary party that Bridget goes to in your post. Does this happen in the book or only in the movie? I don't have my copy of the book available, but I can't seem to remember if she went to a literary party. Anyone know if this takes place in the beginning of the book?"}, {"response": 430, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (16:39)", "body": "Yes, Bridget goes to a literary party in the book as well. See April 18 entry. As promised, here's the suit detail. Will have color tomorrow."}, {"response": 431, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (17:38)", "body": "Suit, g.; tie, downright silly; fit of shirt collar, v.v.g.! *humming the tune to 'Frosty, the Snowman'*"}, {"response": 432, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (17:46)", "body": "Dorky suit....I hope it's just a sport coat. Why did they cut off those beautiful hands. Thanks K."}, {"response": 433, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (17:58)", "body": "Haven't even focused on suit, tie, collar, etc. Am too busy sitting here running my cursor over that lovely cleft in his chinny chin chin.:-) Thanks, Karen."}, {"response": 434, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (18:31)", "body": "Lovely picture! Can't imagine that the lovely and snooty Natasha would ever condone a tie like that. Makes one wonder what the situation is. We don't have long to wait!"}, {"response": 435, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (19:28)", "body": "In addition to RZ on Leno on March 30, we now have: Monday, 4/2/01, Hugh Grant on The Today Show* Tuesday, 4/3/01, Hugh Grant on The Late Show with David Letterman *Perhaps can drop by and make faces at through window. Ideas for home-made signs? WE WANT COLIN!!"}, {"response": 436, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (20:16)", "body": "*Perhaps can drop by and make faces at through window. Ideas for home-made signs? WE WANT COLIN!! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capital! Captial!"}, {"response": 437, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (20:55)", "body": "Ideas for home-made signs? But of course.;-) 1. Your 15 minutes are up! 2. Elvis has left the building . . .too bad he didn't take this guy with him. 3. Great hair--not! 4. Repent! The end is near! Grant dealt crushing blow! --Job"}, {"response": 438, "author": "BenB", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (04:23)", "body": "I will cut up my snowman tie as soon as I get home. The Telegraph is offering you the chance to \"email Bridget Jones\": http://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=002291052247880&rtmo=rrrrrrrq&atmo=rrrrrrws&pg=/etc/etchome.html (If you can ignore the bizarre stuff about John Bayley - this man has made a life for himself out of the death of his better known, and more distinguished wife, Iris Murdoch. Rather sad.)"}, {"response": 439, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (09:11)", "body": "Aargh, aargh, is past 9 a.m. here in the east, and still no mention of the words 'Colin' or 'Firth' or even 'BJD' on the Today show. Have been watching since 7:30; sat through Laura Bush, Jennifer Love Huett, internet fraud, plus size fashions for women (didn't know you could wear camoflauge tee with spiky gold sandals even if not plus size), can recite my local news, weather and traffic backwards and forward...since this half hour is parenting and food allergies, it looks as though CF will be on in the final half hour. I hope."}, {"response": 440, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (09:28)", "body": "Good Luck Eileen, keep tuning in, we're counting on you. Desperate to know what I am missing!! Just think of your payoff!"}, {"response": 441, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (09:44)", "body": "We haven't had plus size fashions yet but am getting worried."}, {"response": 442, "author": "lafn", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (09:56)", "body": "We haven't had plus size fashions yet but am getting worried They're darling ;-) Thanks Eileen. Pays to have a Firthette in the Eastern time Zone. He must be on the last half-hour."}, {"response": 443, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (09:59)", "body": "\"Leave the best to last.\" Or however the song goes!"}, {"response": 444, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (10:05)", "body": "Turn off those VCRs, ladies, it's a bust. CF wasn't on. ;-( I was a bit hopeful in that one of the last segments was about magnifiers and other assistive devices for seniors--since we all know CF's fan base is comprised of very old ladies--but alas, he was bumped. *insert words too nasty to post* Perhaps his segment has been moved to next week?? *crossing fingers* Off to prepare my 'Isn't Hugh DEVINE?' sign for the day Huge Gnat is on the Today show (bet he won't get bumped). *pouting*"}, {"response": 445, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (10:23)", "body": "Have e-mailed the Today show asking if CF's segment has been rescheduled. Feel free to do likewise. The address is today@nbc.com."}, {"response": 446, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (10:23)", "body": "This is v.v. disappointing. Any ideas how we can find out if it's been rescheduled? (I don't want to watch this every morning until 4/13!!) I've emailed them, but don't have an expectation of getting a reply."}, {"response": 447, "author": "jam12982", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (10:26)", "body": "Hey I've been lurking a while now, and I was really looking forward to CF's appearance today, but I checked the Today show's scedule on the internet, and for tomorrow they have Jennifer Love Hewitt. But as we all know, she was on today. Maybe they will have Colin on tomorrow. Who knows, but I was v. disappointed."}, {"response": 448, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (10:30)", "body": "Since Jennifer Love Hewitt was scheduled to be on Friday, maybe Colin has been switched to then??? *disappointment has affected my judgment*"}, {"response": 449, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (10:30)", "body": "He's not listed in their detailed breakdown of tomorrow's show. One thing is certain, like Karen, I'm not tuning in nor taping 3 hours each day until the dawn of time (though did learn fascinating things about lactose intolerance *snore*)."}, {"response": 450, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (10:30)", "body": "Try calling Miramax. I tried calling the Today Show last week to confirm the appearance, but couldn't get past the recorded voice prompt messages. But maybe someone else may have better luck, or find a better number. I'll e-mail too, but I think that's useless. I'm sure he was not bumped. Rather, I think the scheduling info posted on the cyberspace sites that track these things was wrong. As I said from the start, the early scheduling of this (3 weeks prior to film opening) made no sense at all. They want the impact of having guest appearances right before the opening. So, I remain optimistic that it will happen. It just wasn't going to be Today.:-("}, {"response": 451, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (10:30)", "body": "Thanks for answering what I posted at 143, should have checked here first."}, {"response": 452, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (10:31)", "body": "Welcome Jennie and feel free to post. It appears we were thinking the exact same thing and our posts overlapped. :-)"}, {"response": 453, "author": "JenniferR", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (10:42)", "body": "*de-lurks, in a grumpy mood due to decided lack of Mr. Firth on Today show* In an effort to fill the gaping chasm left by the lack of ODB on TV this morning, I surfed over to the BJD site on MSN. They now have a page up for the soundtrack, with very brief soundclips from all of the songs. Hopefully, this link will work: http://entertainment.msn.com/bridget/page2/ Ben's list of uniforms had me laughing out loud at the office. It's a bit difficult to explain what's so funny when you work amongst the heathen masses who have never heard of ODB. *slinks back into oblivion*"}, {"response": 454, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (11:12)", "body": "Who's in NYC on the 6th of April??? I will be for my bday celebration (the big 33!!) can ya believe it??? Anyway, let me know who is around and lets hook up.. Karen???"}, {"response": 455, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (11:49)", "body": "Today Show: I'm hopeful that he will be in the lineup that is closer to the opening. That is usually the custom, and often stars are on sucessive days (if distributor's publicity machine is in high gear-which is obviously the case here). Meredith (with fingers crossed)"}, {"response": 456, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (12:27)", "body": "Imitation must surely be the highest form of flattery, as the UK Bridget site now talks about a Bridget Survival Kit, containing Chardonnay, chocolate, etc. Wonder if it's at all like the one I posted eons ago on the very first page? Thanks, Jennifer, for the heads up. Looks as if the Todd Rundgren song has definitely now been accepted. :-( Have new details: There is a Perpetua and she's played by Felicity Montague The minibreak (boating scene) was filmed at the Stoke Park Club, home of the Stoke Poges Golf Club, where the golfing scenes from Goldfinger were shot. If you go to their website, there are pictures of the lake. http://www.stokeparkclub.com/spc/fishing.html Other locations were the Cantina (Shad Thames) where Bridget and Daniel have their first date; the Tate Modern (an evening with her friends); the Royal Courts of Justice, where Bridget attempts to get an interview (WOO WOO, Barrister Alert!!); a loft apartment in Clink Wharf (Daniel's home); and Wrotham Park, Barnet, which serves as the Darcy family home. In addition to Salman Rushdie, Jeffrey Archer and Julian Barnes, there will be Sebastian Faulkes and Alain de Boiton."}, {"response": 457, "author": "alyeska", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (12:39)", "body": "I e-mailed Today as soon as it was over. Got a !@#%*%@ form letter in return thanking me for my interest. Bullhockey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm still in a bad mood after being awakened by the shuttle hitting the earths atmosphere over my house at 2:30 A.M. yesterday morning and geting up at 6:30 this morning."}, {"response": 458, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (13:09)", "body": "and Wrotham Park, Barnet, which serves as the Darcy family home. This is the Pemberley equivalent....a Palladian mansion set in 300 acres. Makes Darcy v.v.rich!"}, {"response": 459, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (13:30)", "body": "Would appear they've overdone it, wouldn't you think?"}, {"response": 460, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (13:41)", "body": "Would've been funnier had they used Lyme Park... :)"}, {"response": 461, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (13:47)", "body": "Just a quick repeat from #143--Colin is scheduled to be on Today some time in the next 2 weeks."}, {"response": 462, "author": "Moon", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (15:16)", "body": "He's not listed in their detailed breakdown of tomorrow's show. One thing is certain, like Karen, I'm not tuning in nor taping 3 hours each day until the dawn of time (though did learn fascinating things about lactose intolerance *snore*). Eileen, I could not have said it better myself! I will have to have it written in blood before I sit through that show again!"}, {"response": 463, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (21:12)", "body": "Mark: Does this guy look familiar?"}, {"response": 464, "author": "SBRobinson", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (21:54)", "body": "Would've been funnier had they used Lyme Park... :) LOL Laura, great minds & all that! Saw the pic and had that exact thought! :-)"}, {"response": 465, "author": "KJArt", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (22:39)", "body": "(MarkG) *.../ I suspect DC turns up at the party uninvited, MD makes him leave the flat, knocks him out to the amazement of the onlookers, and apologises, before returning to the flat to be treated like a hero./... (Ela B.).../I agree with Mark - I'm assuming that Daniel arrives unexpectedly, a conversation takes place which ultimatly leads to MD punching Daniel in the face outside the apartment./... This was answered by Isobel Fox, in her March 17 femail.co.uk article, when she gave out oall those spoilers, one of which was: .../ Darcy starts to develop feelings for Bridget, which soon become clear on Bridget's birthday where her disastrous culinary skills means she ends up feeding her guests soup that's turned blue. But Darcy has competition\ufffdCleaver also turns up at Bridget's flat after realising that he misses her and wants her back. The Article is on Karen's BJD Review page. :-) (Mark G.) .../And the Arena picture...again from TEOR, Natasha has Giles dressed in her choice of clothes at a wedding.../ I'm picking nits today -- you're thinking Rebecca, not Natasha (though I suspect the scriptwriters sort of squooshed them together in their heads...) You'll have to pardon me. get to all this a day or two late and require another day to give rise to any response...I'm exclusively limited to 1-hr/day library time now. :-{ KJ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Topic 145 of 146 [drool]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3) Response 394 of 464: Another clothing spot that I noticed in the trailer - when Daniel and Bridget are on the ground and he makes his remarks about her huge panties, she is wearing a black dress right? About 30 seconds later when the trailer is talking about how Mark is \"Mr. Wrong\", she passes him at a party wearing the same black dress. So, I'm guessing that both of these things also happen on the same night? Can you tell that I watched the trailer about 20 times, and each time that I watch it, I still laugh and giggle uncontrollably whenever Mark Darcy has any scenes - especially the fighting one at the end!! Go Mr. Darcy :)"}, {"response": 466, "author": "KJArt", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (22:43)", "body": "Sorry about that. I'd better resign this stuff permanently...[:-( KJ"}, {"response": 467, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (23:27)", "body": "This is nice. Many thanks to Silvie for this report! There are loads of gorgeous pix of RZ in April's Vogue \"Ren\ufffde takes Paris'. No BJD pix (19 pages all in all) but some quotes from and about BJD & Colin: \"....Vogue flew her to Paris for the couture only hours after her triumph at the GG (Best Actress-Musical or Comedy Nurse Betty) but there are way bigger triumphs ahead of Ren\ufffde Zellweger. The long-awaited film of Helen Fielding's best-selling comic masterpiece BJD, in which she stars, opens this month on both sides of the Atlantic. And about five minutes after that, Zellweger will be one of the biggest female stars in the world..... ....Because it's her movie. With every step she takes, with every adorable clunky bad life choice she makes, with every glass of Chardonnay she slurps, with every word she utters (in her perfectly pitched London accent), she is Bridget Jones. Yes, yes, she's got two fabulous leading men to play off: Hugh Grant, cast brilliantly against type as the silver-tongued slimebag Daniel Cleaver, is sexier and funnier than he's ever been without that foppish trademark--uh, stutter--getting in the way. And Colin \"Mr Darcy in Damp Shirt\" Firth - Helen Fielding's real-life pinup - is as sardonic and smoldering and rocklike as Bridget Jones's possible saviour ought to be. They're both great; the film is great. But it's Zellweger's movie.... Helen Fielding is thrilled with her. \"Bridget's very human, which is why women respond to her. She is not one of those women like Liz Hurley, who never have a bad-hair day. Ren\ufffde is the kind of actress who can look ordinary sometimes and quite beautiful at others.\" It's easy to see why people love working with her. She'll work until she drops. When I call her leading men to ask about Zellweger, both of them fall over themselves to get across how unbelievably grounded she is, how nice, how normal. Acting is a notoriously flouncy profession \"for actors of either sex,\" says Colin Firth. \"But Renee's game for everything. All the time. There was no preciousness, no sort of 'I'm feeling a bit brittle today, so you better not come near me.' She's one of the least precious people I've ever met.\" (Precious, in British English, does not mean 'adorable', I should say. It means 'revoltingly babyish and self centered\") Zellweger's biggest fear in prepping for her role, she says, was that she would be \"the weak link. Especially with those guys, you know?\" Hugh Grant had been her pinup for years, ever since she was at the University of Texas Austin, taking journalism classes and making the odd TV commercial. And she knew all about Mr Wet-Shirt Darcy from A&E's Pride & Prejudice. \"But they were fantastic. Fantastic,\" she says. \"And completely supportive. From the beginning.\"...."}, {"response": 468, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (23:57)", "body": "Thanks, KJ, I thought I'd read it somewhere. ;-D And she knew all about Mr Wet-Shirt Darcy Don't you wonder if she had to watch the series? She did read the book...after she got the part. And Colin \"Mr Darcy in Damp Shirt\" Firth - Helen Fielding's real-life pinup - is as sardonic and smoldering and rocklike as Bridget Jones's possible saviour ought to be. And steals the film! *now, I'm crossing my fingers*"}, {"response": 469, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (03:29)", "body": "Would appear they've overdone it, wouldn't you think? LOL! Correction, MD is v.v.v.v.v. rich!"}, {"response": 470, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (04:23)", "body": "Karen: Mark, does this guy look familiar? Not to me, but I'm so bad at faces it's going to turn out to be my brother or something. Seriously, I expect you're going to tell me that he was the stuntman in Colin's clothes, but if that's the case his hair was very different indeed for shooting. KJ: you're thinking Rebecca, not Natasha Yup, thanks for straightening me out - as I was writing \"Natasha\", I was thinking this is not quite right - they must be all squooshed together in my head too. Who had the billiard-ball bottom? Which reminds me, the Comic Relief book, as noted, is very short but of course very funny. There's a glossary of terms at the back which defines Jellyfisher, Smug Married etc, and gives the meaning of Aargh as Aargh. Mari, loved your Top Ten list at #143. Nos 7 and 2 were my faves."}, {"response": 471, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (07:12)", "body": "Gabrielle was on GMTV singing \"Out of reach \" Live this morning!! Clips of Cf that you are all familiar with from video included. But the very best bit was the interview, in which G says what a fantastic movie it is etc etc and when asked whether she prefers CF to HG says \"I am totally in love with Colin Firth at the moment.\" When asked what CF has got that HG hasn't (WE know the answer to that one!!!) She said \"He's just soooo lovely. Sorry Hugh.\" Then I think she said something like \"I had better stop now before I embaress myself.\" What a woman of taste! Wonder if I can wait 3 weeks after all. Counting the days..... hours....."}, {"response": 472, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (07:59)", "body": "(Mark) gives the meaning of Aargh as Aargh. Hee hee. It works for me! (Lizza)Gabrielle was on GMTV singing \"Out of reach \" Live this morning!! Glad you folks had better luck than us yesterday! Sounds like Gabrielle has excellent taste, and is worthy of the title track honors! Here's another review, from Dark Horizons: Bridget Jones Diary \ufffdby Scott Mantz\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd Dear Diary, Today is Saturday, March 17, and I just got back from having breakfast--alone. That was after last night, when I went to the movies -- alone. Then I woke up this morning -- you guessed it, alone. Well, I guess that's par for the course these days, since, even at the ripe old age of 32, I'm still a single guy. Not that there's anything wrong with that (or so I keep telling myself), but I suppose things would have been a lot different if I had stayed in Philadelphia (my hometown), got married, had 2 1/2 kids, bought a house, and called it a day. But no, I had to take my chances, follow my heart, move out to LA, and try to make it in this crazy business called Hollywood. Well, I'm still working on that last part, but one thing's for sure -- I never thought I'd still be single at 32. While most of my friends are either involved, married with children, or heading for a divorce (probably the latter), my sad state of affairs was driven home last night when I attended a special advance screening of Renee Zellweger's new movie Bridget Jones's Dairy. Not only did I really enjoy the film, but I actually related to it in the sickest possible way (and I'm a guy!). I also found Zellweger to be even more charming and adorable than she was in last year's little seen gem, Nurse Betty. She easily puts to rest all the scrutiny that she was under when she signed up for the role of the chain-smoking, Vodka-drinking, weight-obsessed British heroine from Janet (sic) Fielding's enormously popular book of the same name. Bridget Jones's (Renee Zellweger) life is a mess. She's overweight, she chain-smokes, she's a 32-year-old \"singleton,\" and she likes to drink alone while singing \"All By Myself\" at the top of her lungs. But she's had it! She's going to turn her life around once and for all, and she starts by keeping a diary to keep track of all her New Year's resolutions. The first of them is to stop dating slimy men who only have their good-looks going for them, but before the ink is even dry on that one, she starts shagging her sexy, playboy boss (Hugh Grant) at the publishing firm where she works. Now she's caught in a bind -- will she keep dipping her pen in the company ink, or will she go for an already involved barrister (Colin Firth) who keeps showing up at the most inopportune times? Talk about decisions, what's a neurotic, confused, scatterbrained British girl to do? Think of Bridget Jones's Diary as a British version of TV's Ally McBeal (but without the eating disorder). She may seem like she's out of her mind, but compared to everyone else, including her \"smug-married\" friends and dysfunctional parents, she's the one who's better off. Besides, why is it anyone else's business how her love life is doing? What's wrong with being picky and waiting for Prince Charming? Who cares what other people think? If anything, they're just jealous! As Bridget, Renee Zellweger is simply irresistible. Hot on the heels of her Golden Globe-winning performance in Nurse Betty, she gives another range revealing turn that capitalizes on her girl-next-door appeal. After raising eyebrows for being cast in a role that many in the British press felt should have gone to Emily Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, or Kate Winslet, Zellweger rises to the occasion, packs on the weight (almost 15 pounds), and puts to rest any fears that she couldn't carry the British accent (Kevin Costner, take note). In fact, if I didn't know any better, I would never have guessed that Zellweger was from Texas. Hugh Grant is perfectly cast as Zellweger's too good-looking for his own good boss. He takes the sleazy role he played in last year's Small Time Crooks to the next level, and as a result, he seems to be having a blast. Colin Firth sulks through most of the film as Zellweger's other potential love interest, and despite being in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong person and saying the wrong thing, it's obvious that they were meant for each other. My only problem with Bridget Jones's Diary is with the ending. Like last year's Mel Gibson starrer What Women Want, it starts out strong and loses steam towards the end. While it stays true to the book, it still feels weak compared to what preceded it. Then again, Zellweger is so darn charming and funny, and after baring her soul (not to mention her expanded frame), it's hard not to be won over by her immensely appealing performance. Given the nature of dating in this crazy town, it's easy to understand why I feel so hopeless. But, like Bridget Jones, I'm not willing to compromise and settle (\"settle\" being the key word) down with the wrong woman just "}, {"response": 473, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (08:22)", "body": "Thanks, Mari and Lizza. \"I am totally in love with Colin Firth at the moment.\" I wonder how Livia feels about this. ;-) I bet Colin will be escaping to Italy very soon."}, {"response": 474, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (08:41)", "body": "Would appear they've overdone it, wouldn't you think? LOL! Correction, MD is v.v.v.v.v. rich! Is this the home where Bridget used to caper about the lawn with no clothes? I had a slightly different image in mind. ;-D (Mark) I expect you're going to tell me that he was the stuntman in Colin's clothes Bingo!! (Reviewer) While it stays true to the book Must be the one by Janet Fielding where Bridget drinks vodka and is overweight. But otherwise, v.g. review."}, {"response": 475, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (09:16)", "body": "From a humerously, Shazz-like (just as you said, MFP) response to the all the Talkback on AICN from a person called Rhya kitty : ;-D \"On a side note, I think Renee must have picked up every pound that Colin Firth lost. What the hell did they do to him? She looks fantastic (what great breasts!) but he looks like a cadaver. I want Mr. Darcy from PnP back, dammit!\" http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/tb_display.cgi?id=8460#268741"}, {"response": 476, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (10:05)", "body": "I'm guessing that Chrissy Iley is a former Time Magazine staffer. From The Scotsman: http://www.leisure.scotsman.com/living/headlines_specific.cfm?articleid=3006"}, {"response": 477, "author": "BenB", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (10:17)", "body": "Blimey. I suppose I sympathise with a milder version of the Iley view. But to say... \"True love may exist in a moment, but rarely lives happily ever after unless it\ufffds in a fairy tale, and Bridget Jones is as dangerous as Cinderella. A woman I know in her thirties, single of course, saw the movie and enthused: \"It gave me such hope.\" And what was she hoping for? That even if you\ufffdve made a mess of your life, you could still get Mr Right? She didn\ufffdt even temper this with Mr. Right Now.\" is simply wrong. I know a few people for whom it's \"lived happily ever after\". More generally, I think it's also wrong to identify Bridget's insecurities - which are deliberately exaggerated, of course - as exclusive to women."}, {"response": 478, "author": "BenB", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (10:18)", "body": "Bugger. Does this do it?"}, {"response": 479, "author": "BenB", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (10:18)", "body": "MERDE! Sorry."}, {"response": 480, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (10:52)", "body": "I am totally in love with Colin Firth at the moment.\" (Moon)I wonder how Livia feels about this. ;-) I bet Colin will be escaping to Italy very soon. LOL.The hazards of the trade. What the heck, it pays for the pasta. Mari....your \"Ten Reasons Why\".....you should publish. Getting caught up in the Refugee Demonstration...has to be my fave. Irreverent, but hilarious."}, {"response": 481, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (10:59)", "body": "I see Chrissy forgot to take her happy pill the day she wrote that. Am sure there will be many more like it, just as there were when the book(s) came out. (Rhyakitty at AICN) What the hell did they do to him? She looks fantastic (what great breasts!) but he looks like a cadaver. I want Mr. Darcy from PnP back, dammit!\" And the 'girls' were padded, were they not? Could've fooled me, though, by the looks of some of the pictures we've seen. Judging from the stills, trailer, and OOR vid, CF looks far from a cadaver though. Or maybe it's just that his shirts fit."}, {"response": 482, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (11:09)", "body": "My friends, of which I'm going to NYC with, haven't a clue as to who CF is... Now they were over my house last week, and I was explaining to them the coup casting of CF as MD... They didn't get it... So I pull out the P&P and say..\"This is Mr. Darcy in P&P\"... Show pic of MD. The braniac says, \"Hey, that's the same person...\" See what I have to deal with??? EVEN Rebecca (bless her 10 year old heart) was giggling... :) She said, \"even I knew what mom was talking about...\""}, {"response": 483, "author": "amw", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (11:38)", "body": "That article from the Scotsman sounds like something Germaine Greer?(sp) would write were she reviewing the film!! and although I liked the second DH review I would have preferred the word \"smouldering\" to \"sulking\"!!"}, {"response": 484, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (11:52)", "body": "The CD cover: Have been checking out prices and HMV in Canada may be the cheapest (US$11.84) plus US$2 for shipping; it shows a new release date of 4/17."}, {"response": 485, "author": "BenB", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (12:02)", "body": "There, you see - isn't she gorgeous? I saw an Underground poster for the film with this photograph; they seem to have ditched the one where BJ is bending over showing off her \"great breasts\" (Rhyakitty quote, before someone bites my head off..). Is it meant to be significant that HG is looking at the camera, whereas CF is genuinely interested in the diary?"}, {"response": 486, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (12:07)", "body": "The other poster, Ben, is the advance poster. It didn't have any of the detailed production info. In the US, we had one with her peaking over a list. Too bad they're going with this one too. I had hoped for another one. I liked the British quad far better for MLSF. :-("}, {"response": 487, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (12:15)", "body": "Ooops, the UK poster is slightly different. It's the concerned Darcy/giggling Bridget pose:"}, {"response": 488, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (12:16)", "body": ""}, {"response": 489, "author": "winter", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (12:17)", "body": "Finally saw the trailer on the big screen last night (watched 'Enemy at the Gates'). Very embarrasing to find myself squealing the moment I realized what the trailer was..."}, {"response": 490, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (12:25)", "body": "Like the US poster better. MD looks a little paranoid in the UK one."}, {"response": 491, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (12:34)", "body": "Lucky you, Winter. I too saw Enemy at the Gate yesterday and asked theatre management if they were showing the BJD trailer. They actually checked with the projectionist who said it was preceding The Mexican and Hannibal. Unfortunately, the timing was not good so couldn't get a peak, which they said I could do."}, {"response": 492, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (12:46)", "body": "(Evelyn) MD looks a little paranoid in the UK one. Looks as though he's thinking *WOT?* I like them both. However, if his head was turned any further people would mistake him for Linda Blair. ;-)"}, {"response": 493, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (12:47)", "body": "UK Alert!! Free tickets to advance screenings of the movie on BBC1's website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/djs/movie_lounge_form.shtml 12 locations, but no dates given. Go register!"}, {"response": 494, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (12:59)", "body": "Karen-(slightly OT) I'm sorry, but IMHO even a glimpse of BJD trailer would not make it worth sitting through \"The Mexican\". Ugh! ;-) Enemy at the Gates...hmmmm. That might be worth a try!"}, {"response": 495, "author": "BenB", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (13:05)", "body": "I like them both. However, if his head was turned any further people would mistake him for Linda Blair. ;-) That is very funny. That film still terrifies me. \"The sow is mine!\" It was on telly here the other night. I turned on all the lights in the house afterwards. Thanks for posting the proper English poster. Also agree that the US poster is better. Apart from anything else, you can't see RZ in our one. In every picture, in every scene in every film he's in, in every appearance on telly, wherever he is, HG wears a black jacket on top of a blue shirt with a big flapping collar. I hope he has more than one."}, {"response": 496, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (13:15)", "body": "so couldn't get a peak Before I get mountains of mail or postings re: geological formations... ;-D"}, {"response": 497, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (13:37)", "body": "I don't like the lipstick color on her... Oh and Ben, you should see the cover of Premiere Mag this month.. Oh here it is;)"}, {"response": 498, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (13:51)", "body": "I doubt if Ben will be noticing her lipstick color. And no more hiding behind Rhyakitty, Ben.;-) I think CF looks so handsome in the UK poster, Linda Blair notwithstanding (good one, Eileen!). *Make it stop, Mother, make it stop* Why does Colin have 3rd billing in the UK, but 2nd in US? Gift from Harve? (in lieu of Huge paycheck?;-)??"}, {"response": 499, "author": "BenB", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (13:55)", "body": "It's tiny. However, I can just make out a pouting face in the middle, and strategically placed strands of windblown hair...... So thank you. I'm off to Dorset (SW England) for the week-end. Very foolishly, I have promised someone I will go swimming in the sea at Lyme Regis. If I am still alive on Monday, I'll talk to y'all then. Have a good w/e everyone."}, {"response": 500, "author": "BenB", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (14:00)", "body": "No more hiding, Mari, I promise. :-)"}, {"response": 501, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (14:00)", "body": "Well there is an even sexier pic INSIDE the mag, but can't find it on the website... so sorry... swimming in March at Lyme??? (you'll be drunk right???). Have good weekend... (if a cold and wet one)"}, {"response": 502, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (15:12)", "body": "Karen thanks for the advance screening tip! Have registered and am keeping everything crossed...and it's very difficult to type ;-)"}, {"response": 503, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (18:22)", "body": "Thanks Karen - entered twice PLUS entered a Saturday morning kids' phone-in comp for premiere tickets courtesy of Gabrielle"}, {"response": 504, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (19:44)", "body": "From Ananova: Zellweger signed up for Bridget 2 Renee Zellweger has been lined up to star in a sequel to Bridget Jones's Diary. The makers of the \ufffd25 million movie have been so thrilled by the reaction to the comedy at previews that want to make a follow up. Zellweger is understood to have been optioned for the sequel along with co-stars Hugh Grant and Colin Firth, who play the men in Bridget's life. A senior source at Miramax, which co-produced the film, told Ananova: \" We think Americans will go in a big way for Bridget and we could be into a three-part series.\""}, {"response": 505, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (20:41)", "body": "Three parts!? I missed one! ;-)"}, {"response": 506, "author": "Echo", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (21:53)", "body": "Let's hope it won't be a case of too much of a good thing... ;-)"}, {"response": 507, "author": "alyeska", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (22:11)", "body": "The trailers have started on tv tonight. Boat scene."}, {"response": 508, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (23:48)", "body": "I saw a trailer on TV tonight. Very short and NO Colin! I don't know if this one was cut down to be short or if this is the only one that's running. The elevator scene (\"ding dong!\"), HG asks RZ out, the boat scene, and RZ answering the phone. Anybody else see a better version (i.e. with CF) of the trailer?"}, {"response": 509, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (03:14)", "body": "Zellweger signed up for Bridget 2 Renee Zellweger has been lined up to star in a sequel to Bridget Jones's Diary. The makers of the \ufffd25 million movie have been so thrilled by the reaction to the comedy at previews that want to make a follow up. I'm sure this could happen. Sequels are big business, and if you've hit on a successful formula, which the public like, why not repeat it? And there's a lot of potential storylines out there for BJ. And I also think it does actors no harm to be involved in sequels...they don't get typecast any more...just get more (and better) offers! Ther's an option on all 4 Harry Potter books, with 3 more to come! A sequel to BJD would be quite a modest undertaking (but not a three-parter ....quit while you're winning!)"}, {"response": 510, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (08:50)", "body": "Miramax is trying to get them to commit now before the movie breaks records ($$$), and the stars as for points. I am obtimistic that if Renee signs Colin will. (Throwing that thought out into the universe as in mantra) ;-) Thanks for that article, Karen. Sometimes I fear if we all discover our inner Bridgets, it\ufffds the same thing as the total submission, as the inner yashmak. And I always thought that having a \"Bridget moment\" or as I call it \"pulling a Bridget\", was being clumsy, uncouth, not-with-it, etc. As in when I had to drive(just me!), my husband's v.v handsome British cousin to a dinner and was very late because of trying to match stockings, bag and lipstick to my very short dress and forget to stick wallet in handbag, then as I am speeding to the restaurant realised that the car(fancy Alpha Romeo), was on E and had to stop and get gas(full sevice of course!), and I had no money to pay! Cousin came to my rescue, but we were very late because I couldn't drive at the speed I had planned (no driver's lic. in bag). I said \"I pulled a Bridget Jones\" and luckily he understood! LOL! That reviewer never got that part of Bridget."}, {"response": 511, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (09:40)", "body": "The option for future pics would've been in the original contract and THAT may have been the reason CF would've hestitated IF he did so. Another thing: a sequel need not be based on TEOR; it could be entirely new, especially since a part of the plot is similar to Brokedown Palace (but comedic). We could have MD in LA and Bridget with him. Then of course, RZ could be with her dog and remain fairly thin, as no fatty or carbohydrate-laden food exists in LA. ;-D Have the Snowman Tie pic and another of Colin, plus there are bunch of others going on the Gallery page shortly, including one of Bridget and dad with paper crowns and two others of the friends. And I like this one far better than the other one taken during the same scene (poofy hair); sorry about the quality."}, {"response": 512, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (09:52)", "body": "Thanks, Karen. Those are my favourite coller shirts but the tie is not knoted properly. Will I ever see a perfect fit? ;-) BTW, there is nothing wrong with wearing a snowman tie to a Xmas party. What happened to everyone's sense of humour? Don't throw your tie away, Ben. :-D"}, {"response": 513, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (09:56)", "body": "Somehow I can't picture Fitzwilliam Darcy with a snowman cravat. ;-D"}, {"response": 514, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (10:14)", "body": "Lucky for us, for him and Jane Austen, they did not exist back then. ;-D"}, {"response": 515, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (10:32)", "body": ""}, {"response": 516, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (10:33)", "body": "Since these are taped, we can be reasonably sure they will be aired. All times US Eastern: Friday 4/6/01 5:00 pm VH1 Behind the Movie Saturday 4/7/01 2:00 pm E! Behind the Scenes - Bridget Jones's Diary Sunday 4/8/01 3:00 am E! Behind the Scenes - Bridget Jones's Diary (according to my check of E!'s schedule, the Behind the Scenes show is aired as follows: premieres Saturday, 2 pm, with additional airings Friday 8 am (may be following Friday); Saturday 3 am; and Sunday 3:30 am. For the VH1 program, don't you think we'll see more than just Gabrielle's music vid? I suspect Geri Halliwell's too and possibly all the others on the soundtrack."}, {"response": 517, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (10:42)", "body": "From Yahoo UK news today: Stars In Dublin For Bridget Jones Premiere A host of stars are expected to arrive in Dublin for the Irish premiere of Bridget Jone's Diary on April 6. Amongst them are rumoured to be the film's leading lady, Renne Zellweger. Currently in LA, Zellweger has confirmed that she'll be flying to London for the world premiere of the film on April 5. While it hasn't been confirmed that the star will be attending the Irish premiere, insiders have revealed that she would very much like to make the trip. 'She's never been to Ireland' a source close to the star said 'and she thinks this is the perfect excuse to make a visit'. Zellweger's co-star Hugh Grant is also expected to be in attendance. Grant has already been this side of the Irish Sea and by all accounts is more than happy to return. While the film is set to become one of the year's big successes Zellweger has already stated that she will not film a sequel 'I was overweight for eight months and I don't want to go through that experience again' she said. ~~~~~~ Given the number of typos and errors, should we believe any of this? Neither is confirmed. Of course, it would explain why US TV blitz is not that week. If US premiere is April 2, then it is the World Premiere. London's premiere was to be April 4th"}, {"response": 518, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (11:10)", "body": "If US premiere is April 2, then it is the World Premiere. London's premiere was to be April 4th I hate to be a Nervous Nellie, but that's awfully close. We haven't seen a mention in print of the US premiere. I'm on Renee's side. Quit while you're thin and a successful Bridge. Critics invariably compare sequels to the first one. And a thin Bridget makes it like any other comedy. I've never liked Minnie Driver as much as the chunky gal in Circle of Friends."}, {"response": 519, "author": "mari", "date": "Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (13:30)", "body": "At this point, I think any BJD sequel is wishful thinking on the part of the Miramax bean-counters. Let's get through the first one; sequels usually never measure up to the originals. And none of them are going to sign on without first seeing a script. I had to LOL at Miramax being suddenly elevated to \"co-producer.\" IMO, all they did was be savvy enough to grab the US distribution rights; I can't see that they produced anything. Universal put up the money, and Working Title is the creative genius. Harvey, make yourself useful by booking the Concorde so these folks can make it to the varous premieres; just don't get caught smoking in the loo again.;-) ;-) Karen, thanks for the great news on the E! Behind the Scenes and the VH-1 show. Lots to look forward to, gang! Love how he looks in the Frosty tie shot. But where's his \"corncob pipe and button nose\"?;-) A jolly, jolly soul, for sure!:-) Agree that the second pic, sans poofy hair, is the better of the two from that scene, Karen."}, {"response": 520, "author": "Renata", "date": "Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (16:50)", "body": "Here's a pretty good review from Sight and Sound (published by British Film Institute). They are usually very critical as far as I know. There are 4 pics (not new), 3x Zellweger, and 1 RZ + Colin. No HG. http://www.firth.com/bjd/ss0401.html ----- Karen, whatever the quality, the picture is adorable."}, {"response": 521, "author": "Renata", "date": "Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (17:28)", "body": "Forgot to mention that the Sight and Sound article is a MAJOR SPOILER and gives away a lot of scenes."}, {"response": 522, "author": "Renata", "date": "Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (17:30)", "body": "closing tag"}, {"response": 523, "author": "Renata", "date": "Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (17:31)", "body": ""}, {"response": 524, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (17:52)", "body": "\"Zellweger seems more of an outsider trying to fit in, with traces of American gaucheness poking through the skin of the performance and the accent just a little too studiedly posh\" Pssst...hey Leslie, the director and dialect coach are Brits."}, {"response": 525, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (18:04)", "body": "I like all the spoilers...the plot is definitely P&P. The fight sounds hilarious, and the ending is just what we want to see! Thanks Renate! And thanks also to Karen and Mari for keeping us all up to date. I'd imagine that the publicity for BJD in the UK might step up a bit in the next couple of weeks...maybe some newspaper/TV interviews."}, {"response": 526, "author": "mari", "date": "Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (18:05)", "body": "Query: Is it better to be gauche or corn-fed?;-) I think I'd rather be gauche. It sounds so . . .French.:-) LOL! Major spoilers, alright. (I like the book ending better, for obvious reasons, but this will be cute. LOL at the homeless opener.) Thanks, Renate."}, {"response": 527, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (19:02)", "body": "Thanks for typing up that v. long review from S&S, Renate. The end part labeled Synopsis probably came right out of the UK Production Notes. I really hate these reviews that feel the need to write about SATC and AMcB...but a good review is a good review, and the back-handed compliments about RZ I suppose was inevitable. The homeless opener was captured by my onsite photog at Liverpool St Station as you recall. Cannot wait to see clumsy street fighting scene. I guess it will not be ballet-like as in CTHD. ;-D"}, {"response": 528, "author": "heide", "date": "Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (19:17)", "body": "Whoa, can this place build up any more steam? The momentum is amazing. VCR don't fail me now. Oh that boy is so darn cute. (Gaby honey, get in line.) If he can just project an ounce of his humor and charm that we see in that Dark Horizon's interview he's going to do so well. Just keep the lovely long fingers hands away from the nose. He's managing to keep up with Hughie's notices. May even be ahead by a nose after that \"steals the movie\" comment. (wipes a tear of relief away) Hmmm, dying to read the Sight and Sound article but think I will heed Renate's warning and wait. Thanks though to all for the flood of news."}, {"response": 529, "author": "winter", "date": "Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (23:08)", "body": "Thanks for the link, Renate. My god, those are beyond spoilers... that's nearly the whole damn movie!"}, {"response": 530, "author": "mari", "date": "Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (00:11)", "body": "Karen!!! Your BJD site made the Guardian. They have you linked (see below) along with this preview: Bridget Jones's Diary UK release: April 13 The long-awaited adaptation of Helen Fielding's novel looks set to reign supreme as this year's Notting Hill. This expert London-set romance re-orders old ingredients like Hugh Grant and co-writer Richard Curtis and inserts an obligatory American star in Renee Zellweger. The cash tills will be ringing through 'til autumn. Happily the film itself winds up rather better than one might have guessed. At heart, of course, Bridget Jones's Diary offers your standard twittish romantic japery, not to mention a tourist-trap depiction of London (snowy streets every Christmas) that should be prosecuted for false advertising. But there's a genuine heart to the film, embodied in particular by Zellweger's pitch-perfect performance in the lead role. From an early scene crashed on the couch singing along to the radio as Frasier plays on the telly, her Bridget rings out big as life; a sympathetic soul you can't help rooting for. Meantime the plot is buttressed by an on-song supporting cast - Jim Broadbent as her lugubrious dad, Colin Firth as an icy lawyer and Grant as a rakish publisher who describes himself as \"a terrible disaster with a posh voice and a bad character.\" During the movie's production, Texas-bred Zellweger had to get to grips with the necessary weight gain, duff British food, duffer British weather and the break-up of her relationship with Jim Carrey. She reportedly claims to never want to make another film in the UK again. On seeing the end result homegrown film-makers will be desperate to change her mind. Maybe they can even lure her back for the sequel.XB Useful sites Official site Unofficial site Bridget Jones fansite"}, {"response": 531, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (00:12)", "body": "From Richard Brooks' Biteback column in the Sunday Times: Fans of the Bridget Jones books and columns may well be disappointed. Shazza and Jude, her bestest friends, who are based on Helen Fielding's real bestest friends, Sharon Maguire and Tracey MacLeod, have been cut down to size in the movie. Most of that chitchat with her girlfriends about drinkies, ciggies and weight has been jettisoned for, you guessed it, much more lurv interest. Well, I suppose if you've hired the costly Colin Firth to play Mark Darcy, and Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver, any movie company would want its money's worth. Yet several women who have seen previews of Bridget Jones's Diary, which opens at Easter, are a mite disappointed. \"It's the girlie talk that makes the books,\" one told me. \"Where's it gone?\" The movie's script went through several hands. First Fielding, the Bridget Jones author, had a go. Then both Andrew Davies, of Pride and Prejudice fame, and Richard Curtis added their bits. The end result is much more Curtis-like, with clear Four Weddings and Notting Hill touches. Fielding lobbied for her mate Maguire to direct. She had only previously done commercials. In fact, she acquits herself very well, as does Texan Ren\ufffde Zellweger as Bridget. But Maguire has surely been asked to carry out the most selfless of director's cuts. She has brought the scissors not just to Jude's significance, but to her own as Shazza. The producer, Eric Fellner, of Working Title, assures me that \"the girlfriends are quite content to be edited out\". Chardonnay all round."}, {"response": 532, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (00:25)", "body": "Thanks, Mari, but whatserhead's site is before mine and if you click on the pic, only her site is shown with the official one. But there's a genuine heart to the film, embodied in particular by Zellweger's pitch-perfect performance in the lead role. Exactly."}, {"response": 533, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (03:18)", "body": "Re. the Guardian and Sunday Times comments... both sound like a feeble attempt at pre-release flak. But it looks as though they're struggling to find anything really negative to say about BJD. And the men all like RZ...which is v.g. for the Box Office (can't quite imagine the same reaction to Helena B-C or Emily Watson!)"}, {"response": 534, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (09:37)", "body": "Just caught my first glimpse of a BJD poster! Quite exciting really. I think it's the first time I've seen CF on a billboard (like a real Movie star :-)), apart from miniscule unrecognisable photo of glowering Wessex. Also RZ features in tomorrow's Telegraph...interview about how she 'became' Bridget."}, {"response": 535, "author": "mari", "date": "Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (10:00)", "body": "Karen, it's par for the course, i.e., not what you know but who you know. It's connected with Empire so of course they're listing it. I still think it's grand that yours is listed also. Agree with you, Bethan, that their attempts to find something negative are coming off as half-hearted--I think they like it in spite of themselves!:-) Based on what we've seen so far, I'm optimistic that the UK reviews will be v. good. Well, I suppose if you've hired the costly Colin Firth to play Mark Darcy, and Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver, any movie company would want its money's worth. It works for me!:-) I doubt if many woman will feel shortchanged by Firth and, yes, even Huge. The end result is much more Curtis-like, with clear Four Weddings and Notting Hill touches. Nothing wrong with that (of course I might feel differently had the changes not worked to CF's advantage;-)"}, {"response": 536, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (10:33)", "body": "There's a video clip of Gabrielle being interviewed on GMTV the other day where, in response to a question as to whether she prefers Hugh or Colin, she says she's \"totally in love with Colin Firth at the moment.\" http://www.gmtv.co.uk/the_show/vault/movie_clips/index.cfm"}, {"response": 537, "author": "heide", "date": "Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (10:57)", "body": "hired the costly Colin Firth to play Mark Darcy, Ooh, how much? And can we afford him? (Bethan) Just caught my first glimpse of a BJD poster! Didn't you just want to rip it down and take it home? But it looks as though they're struggling to find anything really negative to say about BJD. Agree too. We might have to watch for the BJD backlash. Hopefully it won't come until after the opening. If it comes stay tough, girls. Watched Breakfast With the Arts today but no mention yet of Colin's interview."}, {"response": 538, "author": "heide", "date": "Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (11:00)", "body": "And I should clarify that there was no mention on BWTA of Colin's interview for next week's show."}, {"response": 539, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (11:03)", "body": "(Heide) Watched Breakfast With the Arts today but no mention yet of Colin's interview LOL! I had it on in the other room (which I never do) just in case. ;-D Speaking of television, another HG appearance scheduled: Wednesday, April 4, on Rosie. Is Rosie taped?"}, {"response": 540, "author": "tracyt", "date": "Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (12:20)", "body": "Am all unnecessary and of a flutter, have just seen the video for Geri Halliwell's \"It's raining men\" on MTV. The song's not quite up to the original Weather Girls version but who cares given the content of the video! The video is very \"Kids from Fame-y\" but there are clips by the truckload ladies, and very carefully edited for major impact e.g. \"tall (cut to shot of brooding MD), blonde (BJ herself), strong and mean (the Gnat)\" Also towards end you get some great fight clips again carefully edited .. \"It's raining men! (thwack! unfortunately it's MD who gets a thwacking) Hallelujia, it's raining men! (crack! MD goes a-sprawling on the pavement) Please forgive if someones already posted details but am so pleased I've actually seen some clips at last :-) Get those VCRs cued!"}, {"response": 541, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (14:06)", "body": "Bethan: Just caught my first glimpse of a BJD poster! It seems to me there are three different poster styles in use on the tube - only one with CF & HG in. The one I last saw used the tag-line: Aloof. Unavailable. Ice-queen. Aloof. Unavailable. Ice-queen. Aloof. Unavailable. Ice-queen. Hmm, fancy a shag, though... The WHOLE tag-line was in handwriting, unlike the last one Karen put up here, and just RZ in the picture. Posters everywhere, & don't forget the supermarket Diet Coke promotional tie-ups ... can TV ad trailers be far away?"}, {"response": 542, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (15:16)", "body": "Thanks for your breakdown of the Raining Men vid, Tracy. Didn't think Geri 'hie me to the eating disorders clinic' Halliwell could match the original. Too bad MD takes a beating but we know who gets the girl in the end. ;-) As for the spoilers contained in the article Renate posted--was there really any doubt about the overall direction taken for the ending? ;-) Anyone here seriously think BJ would end up with Huge Floppsy Gnatman? Still, am all curiousity as to how many shoulder grinds we'll see...;-D (Biteback) Then both Andrew Davies, of Pride and Prejudice fame, and Richard Curtis added their bits. The end result is much more Curtis-like, with clear Four Weddings and Notting Hill touches. Huh? Which endings to 4W and NH did he see? If the ending is more Curtis-like then there will be some happily-ever-after-married-and-pregnant-or-with-children shots. (Bethan) But it looks as though they're struggling to find anything really negative to say about BJD. And the men all like RZ...which is v.g. for the Box Office (can't quite imagine the same reaction to Helena B-C or Emily Watson!) I couldn't agree more. A question to those who pays attention to this sort of thing: when can we expect US reviews? This week or early next?"}, {"response": 543, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (15:37)", "body": "(Eileen)Still, am all curiousity as to how many shoulder grinds we'll see...;-D Having given up on shags...I say we'll see one...a \"chaste\" one."}, {"response": 544, "author": "Echo", "date": "Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (15:43)", "body": "Get those VCRs cued! Posters everywhere ...Diet Coke promotional tie-ups ... can TV ad trailers be far away? Probably not - but very soon *I* shall be far away, I'm afraid... Don't laugh! Hubby planned this hol nearly a year ago and what a terrible coincidence... Did he know the date of the premiere before anyone else, do you think? Oh, I am absolutely p***ed off. Ladies in the UK, please video as much as you can! I shall be after favours when I'm back... ;-) (May I remind you I can copy videos, but only European PAL.)"}, {"response": 545, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (15:52)", "body": "Amazon now have the soundtrack on pre order for \ufffd11-99"}, {"response": 546, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (17:23)", "body": "Who, I want to know, who edited that music vid? They didn't show HG sprawled on the ground? Grrrr But sounds very funny. Am sure Hughie takes some cheap shots and lands some low blows for our boy to get laid out like that. (OK, am not going to do commentary on next Oscar de la Joya fight) Anyway, hopefully, we'll see it on that VH1 program."}, {"response": 547, "author": "Lassie", "date": "Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (17:47)", "body": "It's ok if he gets knocked down as long as he lands in my lap. :-)"}, {"response": 548, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (18:10)", "body": "Looks like there is only the one fight but that it covers a lot of territory on Bridget's street: \"London's Globe Tavern in Borough...provided the exterior. For the neighborhood, production designer Gemma Jackson and locations manager Adam Richard found a street with a vibrant, bustling character--replete with busy fruit market--reflecting Bridget's personality. Jackson then adapted existing shop facades into a trendy Fragipani, a minicab office and Mr. Ramadas' newsstand. The Greek restaurant into which Mark and Daniel's fight erupts was created from scratch. Jackson's creations were so realistic, that several times during filming, members of the public attempted to buy a newspaper from Mr. Ramadas' shop or book a table in the Greek restaurant.\""}, {"response": 549, "author": "Echo", "date": "Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (18:58)", "body": "It's ok if he gets knocked down as long as he lands in my lap. :-) I'm afraid you have to join a long queue (line)..."}, {"response": 550, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (20:30)", "body": "Just saw trailer on US TV for the first time. V. short compared to lovely trailer at web site. During \"True Lies\" on Fox. Hmmm...wonder if they will show it during Oscar (much too late for me to stay up). I was so surprised, I dropped the remote control. Didn't catch much, but it's \"starring RZ and HG\". Shouldn't surprise me, I suppose, since we don't know who CF is here in the US. However, there was a TDH man who said \"Outside Cleaver!\""}, {"response": 551, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (21:05)", "body": "How to deal with the slighting of CF: Tell yourself that it's OK that he loses the fight in the video, and it's OK that he doesn't appear in the US TV trailer, and it's OK that the magazine photos only show the one with the geeky reindeer sweater. People will go to see this to see RZ and HG. And they will discover CF. And when your friends tell you that this incredibly handsome man was HG's rival (and a far better actor playing a nicer character with better hair etc. etc. YOU can say: HAH! Told you so!!!!!! and feel v. smug."}, {"response": 552, "author": "Lassie", "date": "Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (23:58)", "body": "You are SO right, Kate!"}, {"response": 553, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (03:51)", "body": "Thought Renee looked elegant at Oscars, tho' only vv short glimpse. Huge Flopsy is well rid of previous escort who was vv rude in Brit interview and clearly completely off the wall!"}, {"response": 554, "author": "BenB", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (08:05)", "body": "From today's (London) Evening Standard: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/hottx/top_review.html?in_review_id=374780&in_review_text_id=320515"}, {"response": 555, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (08:33)", "body": "Cute article, thanks, Ben! Even in the jumper, he is raw sex in a jumper). Well we knew that didn't we? ;-) LOL!"}, {"response": 556, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (08:36)", "body": "Ben you are a veritable Star!!! What a wonderful article, I won't elaborate in case the comments are spoilers for those who haven't read it. \"Raw sex in a jumper.\" You read it at drool first. Ben, I can only surmise that your excellent piece of sleuthing was inspired by an Astenesque wander on the Cobb at Lyme Regis!! I also think that the author does not exactly belong to the same \"club\" as those of us who post here! This is a discussion that will run and run....... Thanks for such a gem."}, {"response": 557, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (08:37)", "body": "Ha ha ha . Moon just found your post. We were both obviously drawn to the same comment!! Can't imagine why"}, {"response": 558, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (08:58)", "body": "I fear my DH will be very upset with me if I drag him to see this film. \"You're not starting that Darcy thing again!\" I don't know if I can put up with another round of Colin bashing from him. ;-)"}, {"response": 559, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (09:15)", "body": "Mine chuckled with joy at the \"Colinless\" trailer we saw recently in the cinema!"}, {"response": 560, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (09:42)", "body": "Loved the article as well, which really points up two potential flaws in this movie: (1) Daniel will be portrayed as a good guy toward the end and (2) Colin should've gone into the lake. Cannot abide the thought that a *wet-shirted Hugh* will be drooled after. Those complaints aside, I too had to pause at the comment \"he is raw sex in a jumper.\" ;-)"}, {"response": 561, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (10:06)", "body": "(Karen) Looks like there is only the one fight but that it covers a lot of territory on Bridget's street As long as they don't fight through all four seasons...;-) (Kate) People will go to see this to see RZ and HG. And they will discover CF. And when your friends tell you that this incredibly handsome man was HG's rival (and a far better actor playing a nicer character with better hair etc. etc. YOU can say: HAH! Told you so!!!!!! and feel v. smug. Precisely, precisely. Watch for those ads to change after the movie opens...;-D"}, {"response": 562, "author": "BenB", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (10:08)", "body": "I only read the article after posting it. Can't really comment, except to say my eyebrows were raised by the extended speculation about their respective \"sizes\". Is there really an inverse correlation between niceness and size? Not having researched the question, I'm not really equipped, if you'll forgive the word, to say so. Does sort of make one wonder where one lies on the scale, however. BTW, the water was BLOODY cold. I got a lot nicer during that swim.:-)"}, {"response": 563, "author": "lafn", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (10:28)", "body": "(Moon)I don't know if I can put up with another round of Colin bashing from him. ;-) Tell him you've switched to Hughie.Really, you girls are so uncreative. You don't have to tell the truth *all* the time ;-) (Ben)Can't really comment, except to say my eyebrows were raised by the extended speculation about their respective \"sizes\". Is there really an inverse correlation between niceness and size? Hey Ben....\"size\" matters ;-)"}, {"response": 564, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (10:56)", "body": "Ben did you miss our discussion hotfoot from 3DOR about Colin's feet last year?"}, {"response": 565, "author": "BenB", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (11:04)", "body": "Yes. I'm glad to say that I did."}, {"response": 566, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (11:11)", "body": "We knew you were on the case! Interesting to see if TES gets any letters or feedback re this article!"}, {"response": 567, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (11:19)", "body": "BTW, the water was BLOODY cold. I got a lot nicer during that swim.:-) DUH!!! It is only MARCH last time I checked my calendar.... (I would liken that to jumping into the North Atlantic here in Boston in January... damn stupid if you ask me....) :) BTW, Ben, the chills and flu-like symptoms will be appearing very shortly.. (says she who just got over flu!)"}, {"response": 568, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (11:49)", "body": "Great article, Ben! I was pleased to see CF discussed on an equal basis with HG, who seems to get more attention. But, really, \"good enough for any viewer who was just about to fall for Colin but might change her mind.\" and \"We will never, ever be able to decide.\" That may be the \"bulk\" of the viewers, but some of us have decided, and are not about to change our minds!! Too bad the movie isn't coming out around Christmas--think of the merchandizing tie-in for reindeer jumpers!!"}, {"response": 569, "author": "mari", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (13:21)", "body": "(Ben) BTW, the water was BLOODY cold. I got a lot nicer during that swim.:-) ROTF! (Eileen)As long as they don't fight through all four seasons...;-) Ahh, you people are *on* today! RE: Daniel turning ok-ish at the end: what a sell-out. Can't have people leaving the theater actively disliking Huge, now can we? It was probably a condition of him doing the film. I smell a rat. And a sequel. . . For all you people whining about CF being slighted (me? I never whine;-) this was in yesterday's LA Times, front page of Living section, pics of Helen (poor thing!)and of BJ and Mark. Thanks, Leslie, Jana, and Donna: By Ann O'Neill All Helen Fielding craved was a \"haven\" in Los Angeles and a little peace and quiet following a grueling international book tour promoting her clever \"Bridget Jones\" novels. So she plunked down $1.38 million in November 1999 for a hideaway in the Hollywood Hills. Just three months after escrow closed, the leaky roof collapsed during a rainstorm, bringing the ceiling down with it. Echoing a scene from her second \"Bridget Jones\" book, the British author was left with a gaping hole in her home. So Fielding is doing what any red-blooded American would. She's suing. \"It's life imitating art,\" she said recently. \"If Bridget had brought a house in L.A. this would have happened to her.\" Fielding's Bridget is an endearing, never-married, weight-obsessed 30-something who consumes cigarettes, chardonnay, self-help books and men who are bad for her. She has a knack for getting into excruciatingly embarrassing situations, which she records in her diary. In England, she's been as popular as the Spice Girls. Bridget's romantic misadventures have been dramatized in the upcoming film \"Bridget Jones's Diary,\" produced by the people behind \"Four Weddings and a Funeral.\" It stars Renee Zellweger, who pudged out for the part, and Hugh Grant and Colin Firth, who didn't. The film, due in theaters April 13, is a hoot - especially the fistfight between a caddish Grant and a brooding Firth. Fielding's next step toward becoming a bona fide Yank was to hire a publicist, who wasn't keen on allowing her client to speak to anyone wanting to ask about the lawsuit. Anyway, we had already met the 40-something Fielding a few weeks ago at a spiffy Talk magazine lunch at Asia de Cuba. Initially guarded, she warmed up as lunch progressed, spearing us a slab of chicken and telling war stories about her days as a journalist. There was a decade at the BBC and a couple of newspaper stints. She said she quit one London newspaper job in a huff after the editors injected \"poison\" into her profile of James Gilbey, the Princess Di swain at the center of the \"Squidgy-gate\" scandal. \"I woke up the next day with no job,\" she said, laughing. Fielding, an Oxford graduate, found work at another paper, the Independent, writing features and then a regular column about an urban working \"singleton,\" a much nicer word than \"spinster.\" Reluctant to reveal too much about herself, she created an alter ego - Bridget Jones - in 1995. A year later, the columns became the basis for \"Bridget Jones's Diary,\" a novel that borrowed heavily from Jane Austen's \"Pride and Prejudice.\" People constantly compare her to, and confuse her with, Bridget. Even Fielding isn't quite sure where the line can be drawn. Last year's sequel, \"Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason,\" offers continued parallels between the author's art and life. For starters, there's a running joke about Firth, who stars in the upcoming movie in the role of suitor Mark Darcy. Firth, who also played Mr. Darcy in the BBC's adaptation of \"Pride and Prejudice,\" is an object of desire for Bridget and her friends: \"We all fell silent then, watching Colin Firth emerging from the lake dripping wet, in the see-through white shirt. Mmm. Mmmm,\" Bridget writes. Later, Bridget interviews Firth in Italy. Although Firth is eager to promote a new movie, Bridget is fixated on the lake scene: \"When they had to do another take, did you have to take the wet shirt off and then put a dry one on?\" Fielding's current domestic difficulties also were foreshadowed in the book. Gary, a London contractor, takes $3,500 from Bridget and knocks open a wall, never to return. Her diary records the catastrophe: \"Gaaah! Gaaah! Gaah! Is bloody great hole in side of flat! Is left open to outside world in manner of gaping precipice and all the houses at the other side can see in.\" She sics a barrister on Gary. The sequel ends with a hint of what is to come for the author. Bridget contemplates moving to Los Angeles with her man. \"It's very warm and sunny there, and they have swimming pools,\" Darcy pitches. Bridget capitulates: \"Hurrah! Am going to America to start again, like the early pioneer.... Will be fantastic in California with sunshine and millions of self-help books.... and Zen and sushi and all healthy stuff.\" Fielding has dived into our swimming pools and eaten our sushi. But she's also run headfirst into some less glittering fact"}, {"response": 570, "author": "tamzin", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (13:21)", "body": "To say nothing of snowmen ties!!"}, {"response": 571, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (13:23)", "body": "Aw, Ben got there first with the ES article link. There's another BJ article in the paper though no CF references http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/lifestyle/fashion/top_article.html?in_review_id=374775&in_review_text_id=320510 . I couldn't believe my luck when I bought the paper this evening (as usual) and found himself on the front page, so as you can imagine I had a very enjoyable journey home, pity about the drooling though, it does upset fellow passengers I find ;-P~~~~ The online piece doesn't give any pix ( which I'm sure we've all seen before but any excuse eh?) so in true Tracy fashion I shall now, for your delectation and delight, louse up my scanning ..here goes... The front page... Humph not sure about that order!!! .....that's better!"}, {"response": 572, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (13:26)", "body": "Rats...see I told you I'd louse it! .....that's better!"}, {"response": 573, "author": "lafn", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (13:33)", "body": "(Tracy) There's another BJ article in the paper though no CF references Never mind...\"a picture is worth....\" CF's pics are interesting. Is the first one one a new one? You did great, Tracy.Thanks."}, {"response": 574, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (13:41)", "body": "So HF's suing in Santa Monica, huh? ;-D (note: need to get roofers here before April showers or will be in same boat as HF) v. much like the emphasis on CF in the LA Times article. Ann O'Neill must be a fan with v.g. taste. She knows the books well and she knows P&P. Could The Evening Standard have found more hideous pictures? Well, yes, I'm sure they could but YEEEEEEEECCCCCH. That cover one must be from his Fever Pitch portfolio. And come on, Huge looks like he's 17 years old. Thanks for the scans, Tracy."}, {"response": 575, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (13:45)", "body": "I don't think so...I seem to remember it about the time of FP hence big hair I suppose. BTW what are \"fathomless eyes\" ? Huge Gnat \"...without the sweetness loses the floppiness which for so long has misled so many of us into calling him a \"floppy arse\"....\" Misled? Never, he'll forever be known as such to me ;-)"}, {"response": 576, "author": "lafn", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (14:22)", "body": "Just called TODAY . Show apparently goes through several changes before it goes on air. ( Must think I just fell off turnip truck ) Could not tell me at this time if Colin would be on tomorrow. Best to call every morning . Show starts at 7 AM... Tel.lines open at 9AM ;-)"}, {"response": 577, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (14:55)", "body": "(Evelyn) Best to call every morning . Show starts at 7 AM... Tel.lines open at 9AM ;-) Shades of Bethan's contact at the BBC! Durr. IMO he'll be on closer to or just after the 4/13 opening (before TIOBE starts filming--there's about a 10-day window). Makes more sense since we ignorant Americans won't know who he is until the movie's out. ;-D (Karen) That cover one must be from his Fever Pitch portfolio. And come on, Huge looks like he's 17 years old. Agreed. Fix! Fix!"}, {"response": 578, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (16:52)", "body": "Oooweeee!! My BJD poster has arrived. You can read bits of the writing that forms the background. v. todger-related. One part at top says, \"Will not fantasize [Am. spelling] about my boss Daniel Cleaver (he's gorgeous!). Mark Darcy is a bore and stiff. (if only!) Daniel or Darcy?\" (Eileen) IMO he'll be on closer to or just after the 4/13 opening Assuming that he does it at all. But you keep calling, Evelyn. They're going to get so sick of you that they'll probably tell you. ;-D"}, {"response": 579, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (19:29)", "body": "One of my informants has called A&E and they've said the BWTA interview with Colin is Sunday *slitting my wrist* April 1."}, {"response": 580, "author": "heide", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (20:12)", "body": "Elliot didn't mention that at all. Have to squeeze Colin in between the opera singers if it's true. Could make a joke about the fat lady singing but shall restrain myself. Snippets of BJD interviews (no Colin) on the Oxygen channel tonight. Plus Oxygen (?) was shown at 7pm EST tonight - have not a clue if it's repeated. Just Renee, Hugh, Sharon Maguire and Helen talking about the film and bits of the same trailer. Film described as Bridget having to choose between two men - Hugh Grant and Colin Firth - a dilemma that every woman would love to have."}, {"response": 581, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (22:36)", "body": "the BWTA interview with Colin is Sunday *slitting my wrist* April 1. Will be in LA! No way to tape it! Major help needed. Thanks, Tracy! Hair FP. What is wrong with the PR dept.!"}, {"response": 582, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (23:05)", "body": "Is this an April Fool's joke?"}, {"response": 583, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (23:12)", "body": "A very important date in my calendar. My wedding anniversary! ;-)"}, {"response": 584, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (23:30)", "body": "BTW, you should find Colin's quips reproduced in Tuesday's Telegraph, the Peterborough column: THUS Colin Firth on his Bridget Jones co-star Hugh Grant: \"Hugh's been telling everyone that it's me who fights like a girl. But all I can say in response is it takes one to know one. He was the first one to pull my hair. I'd never have dreamt of doing that. He scratches as well. So that should give you an idea of his character.\""}, {"response": 585, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (08:47)", "body": "Well, Moon, it's not signed in blood, but here's written confirmation that he will be on BWTA this Sunday. Many thanks to \"Silvie\": Yes, indeed, my producer informs me that it will be April 1st. And I talk about you fans in the interview. EF ******** Heh, heh, heh . . . ."}, {"response": 586, "author": "Moon", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (08:55)", "body": "Thanks, Mari! I'm always up for an April Fool's joke. ;-)"}, {"response": 587, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (08:58)", "body": "Dark Horizons has another interview by Paul Fischer, this time with RZ. But the strange thing is the last line which says the movie opens in the US on April 6. http://darkhorizons.com/news9/bridge.htm"}, {"response": 588, "author": "NitaE", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (09:08)", "body": "Have I missed something or is this really news? In my local paper (Swiss)I read, Zellweger and Grant were said to be a couple. The original report is from the Star."}, {"response": 589, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (09:27)", "body": "The Sight & Sound review that Renate arduously typed in is now online. It states up front that their \"synopses give away the plot in full, including plot twists.\" http://www.bfi.org.uk/sightandsound/2001_04/bridget_jones.html (No, you haven't missed anything, Nita. Nothing's been posted here.)"}, {"response": 590, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (09:45)", "body": "I thought it was Portia de Rossi and Hugh Grant??? I can see how they can confuse RZ with PdR:)"}, {"response": 591, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (09:48)", "body": "Leave it to Laura to fill in the blanks on important celebrity gossip. ;-D"}, {"response": 592, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (10:16)", "body": "Leave it to Laura to fill in the blanks on important celebrity gossip. ;-D ] Hey, I read that here!!! :) (okay, I think I saw it on eonline;)) Tea w/ Ted... ;)"}, {"response": 593, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (11:38)", "body": "More TV appearances, plus additional showings of the VH1 special. Besides HG on Rosie, he's scheduled for: Saturday 4/7/01 2:13 am (central time) ABC syndicated show \"Entertainers\" (check for local listing) RZ will be on Letterman Tuesday 4/9/01"}, {"response": 594, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (12:25)", "body": "Cute pic of CF in a tux is now running with the online version of the Hugh vs. Colin story. http://www.thisislondon.com/html/hottx/film/top_direct.html"}, {"response": 595, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (13:09)", "body": "Yummmmm, now that's a picture that should be handed out for publicity instead of the big hair FP shot:"}, {"response": 596, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (13:19)", "body": "Why so despondent about the BWTA schedule, Karen? No cable TV in the hotel? :-( I will be at sis' so can probably watch this Sun. but don't know if I can tape. BWTA enthusiasts: what time are the interviews usually aired? Don't tell Elliot ;-D but I haven't watched the program since CF's last appearance. (Elliot) And I talk about you fans in the interview. **Very old ladies alert! Very old ladies alert!** ;-D"}, {"response": 597, "author": "lafn", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (14:42)", "body": "Cute pic of CF in a tux is now running with the online version of the Hugh vs. Colin story. It's darling...I also think it's a high schol pic. BWTA enthusiasts: what time are the interviews usually aired? *Usually* first hour is music.But I'd tune in at 9 AM and read the papers just in case."}, {"response": 598, "author": "amw", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (14:54)", "body": "Personally I am thrilled it is on on the 1st, it means I shall be able to see it first hand. Yippee. Incidentally there was an item about BJD on the This Morning programme today with new clips from the film, lots of MD and I just loved the scene where he tells Bridget that he likes her \"just as she is\"."}, {"response": 599, "author": "Moon", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (16:30)", "body": "(Elliot) And I talk about you fans in the interview. (Eileen), **Very old ladies alert! Very old ladies alert!** ;-D LOL! So who has been sending Elliot emails? It would be awfully wicked of him to name names. ;-)))"}, {"response": 600, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (19:09)", "body": "Have just seen my first TV commercial for BJD. Last night I taped Ally McBeal and there it was! It was a shorter version of the trailer, had a scene I hadn't seen before (likely a fantasy wedding scene) and showed her bottom getting patted in the elevator and saying 'ding dong' Mark calling 'Cleaver outside' was shown along with the two flying through the glass (ATTN Men: Action flick!), but that's it for him. No real emphasis on the two guys: one right, one wrong."}, {"response": 601, "author": "Ela", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (20:30)", "body": "I don't know if any one else check with \"Click TV\" on the internet, but when I searched for \"Breakfast with the Arts\", it did not list Colin as on of the guests. It just mentioned that they were to have a orchestra playing on their show. Did anyone else notice this on their website? On a side note... Last night was just one of those nights were you are sleeping in bed and you suddenly come up with an idea... I know everyone was wondering if they ever did make a second BJ movie, how would they incorporate the whole Bridget interviewing Colin Firth scene. But, I was thinking, couldn't they make Bridget practice her interview on Mark Darcy (which would allow Colin Firth not only to say the same things he did in the interview in the book), but he could even poke fun at himself. Then, they could make it wear the \"real\" Colin Firth will not be able to have the interview with Bridget, thus solving the casting problem for a Bridget-Colin Firth interview! As you can tell, I spend waaayyy to much time thinking about fictional events - but, hey...aren't they more fun than what's happening in the real world ;)"}, {"response": 602, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (21:26)", "body": "Ela, I don't think most BWTA's listings ever show the interviews. In this case, the orchestral component is, for most people, the main part of the show. There can be two interviews, an Artist of the Week and something else. As far what would happen in a sequel, there's no reason Colin couldn't play himself. He would really look different in his Oxfam clothes, black trainers with white laces, and anorak--things Mark Darcy would never be caught dead in. Besides the entire sequel could take place in LA if it comes to pass... Of course, there's no reason to have any Daniel Cleaver in that one."}, {"response": 603, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (22:14)", "body": "Monday, April 2 Bridget Jones's Diary World Premiere Ziegfeld Theater 141 W. 54th Street (54th between 6th and 7th Aves.) New York 212-765-7601 (Eileen)**Very old ladies alert! Very old ladies alert!** ;-D In a nod to our Oscar fashion discussion, let's call ourselves \"vintage.\";-) (Karen) No real emphasis on the two guys: one right, one wrong. Maybe they thought that would make it too close to the commershills for Someone Like You (which is getting some pretty mediocre reviews, heh, heh, heh;-)"}, {"response": 604, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (23:06)", "body": "(Mari) Maybe they thought that would make it too close to the commershills for Someone Like You No, that would require Colin to strip to the waist and show us those abs, as Hugh Jackman does. One can only dream... ;-D Way too much Hughie in the commercials...beginning to end."}, {"response": 605, "author": "SBRobinson", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (23:41)", "body": "(Karen) Have just seen my first TV commercial for BJD. Saw my first one last night too - was V.V. excited. :-) Missed the beginning though. Thought i heard RZ's voice and came running in from the kitchen and caught the butt pat. Wish i would have seent he wedding fantasy. Was it to Mark or Daniel?"}, {"response": 606, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (23:44)", "body": "Speaking of which, from Ananova: Dina Carroll to release new single, Someone Like You Dina Carroll releases her new single Someone Like You on May 21. The track is featured in the forthcoming film Bridget Jones's Diary. It is also included on the soundtrack album to the movie, which is available from April 16. Dina's version of the classic Van Morrison song - which appeared on his 1987 album, Poetic Champions Compose - is one of two new tracks to be featured on her first greatest hits collection, The Very Best Of Dina Carroll, released on June 11. The other new track, which is so far untitled and which features a mystery guest star, is currently being recorded and is scheduled for a single release on July 30."}, {"response": 607, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (06:35)", "body": "I can't believe this just happened. I was talking to a friend I don't see very often, and out of nowhere he says: \"I went to the cast&crew screening of Bridget Jones' Diary the other week.\" What??? Turns out he's Sharon Maguire's accountant. And has nothing useful to pass on, except: \"It's very good actually, more of a girlie's film of course...\" So still no premiere tickets burning a hole in my pocket."}, {"response": 608, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (09:56)", "body": "(Mari) Maybe they thought that would make it too close to the commershills for Someone Like You (which is getting some pretty mediocre reviews, heh, heh, heh;-) Waddaya expect, given the great 'acting' *cough* 'talent' of Ms. Judd? ;-) Very old ladies alert!** ;-D (Mari) ...let's call ourselves \"vintage.\" ;-) Gaah! I'll call myself neither. All those CF fans without grandchildren, raise your hands! *waving mine* (SB) Saw my first one last night too Were you watching Ally also? If not, what were you watching? And how the he** have you been? ;-D"}, {"response": 609, "author": "fitzwd", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (09:58)", "body": "Colin on Today show - Tuesday, 10 7:00 AM Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick perform a song from Broadway's \ufffdThe Producers.\ufffd Also: Jane Seymour; Colin Firth; cooking \ufffdlite.\ufffd"}, {"response": 610, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (10:06)", "body": "Donna, what was the date? April 10th? And what is your source? :-)"}, {"response": 611, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (10:21)", "body": "Fantastic, Donna! Am all for more wild goose chases. Eileen, it shows up *again* on ClickTV as well now. *also raising hand*"}, {"response": 612, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (10:22)", "body": "Could be the Today Show was amazed by the all calls asking for Colin after his nonappearance last week."}, {"response": 613, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (10:56)", "body": "Maybe they thought that would make it too close to the commershills for Someone Like You (which is getting some pretty mediocre reviews, heh, heh, heh;-) But a lot of press. On everyday on morning TV \"Romantic Comedy of the Year\"... Could be the Today Show was amazed by the all calls asking for Colin after his nonappearance last week. They know him *now*.No longer do they say: \"Who\"?"}, {"response": 614, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (10:56)", "body": "oooh, and on my birthday, no less.. Maybe he'll be in NYC the weekend I'm there... (Staying at the Plaza or Four Seasons???) think I can talk him back to brooklyn???? ;) I, too, saw the BJD commercial during Buffy (whilst folding laundry, Rebecca's response was priceless.... \"oh dear, here we go again...\" ;)) Actually, she thought it looked funny and laughed out loud when BJ answers phone and it's her father...;)"}, {"response": 615, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (10:57)", "body": "(raising hand) Just marked April 10 on the calendar. Not sure I can wait...."}, {"response": 616, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (11:05)", "body": "(Karen) Am all for more wild goose chases. Yes, so am I. I'll be more optimistic when I see it on the Today Show site (even then, it's still not a given until you hear it straight from Matt or Katie)."}, {"response": 617, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (11:07)", "body": "Quite true. Those other sources are *NEVER* right. :-)"}, {"response": 618, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (11:18)", "body": "Hey, Eileen, I'm raising my hand too! Have only a couple of years on that whippersnapper Firth. And what a cheeky fellow he is; needs some discipline, IMO.;-) ;-) Could be the Today Show was amazed by the all calls asking for Colin after his nonappearance last week. Maybe Elliott Forrest told him about his pushy fans; God bless us, every one.;-)They *did* say within the next 2 weeks. Super news, Donna, thanks! Evelyn, you're right about Someone Like You getting tons of press. Judd, Jackman, and Kinnear are all out there blitzing the talk shows. I've never seen Ashley in anything, to tell you the truth, but I thought she came off very well in her interview on Today, er, today. Articulate, nice. I still hope her film sucks.;-)"}, {"response": 619, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (11:27)", "body": "Great review in the May Empire. Many thanks to Martine for bringing it to us! Bridget Jones's Diary The cinematic adaptation of Helen Fielding's chick lit classic was an endeavour fraught with pitfall: the first person narration was never going to be an easy crossover to movies; the potential to alienate the male cinema-goer was massive; and the selection of Texan Zellweger to play Britain's favourite neurotic raised further suspicions. However, what first-time director Maguire, the writers and the perfectly-pitched cast have created is another great British rom-com that manages to be even funnier and more romantic than Notting Hill. The film's success is thanks in no small part to the three leads. Grant, as the deliciously dastardly Daniel, has never been better - far sexier as a posh cad and bounder than the usually foppish sweetie. Devilish and charming in equal measure - and with a dash of the Rupert Everetts about him - it's easy to see why Bridge can't resist his sleazy charms. Firth, meanwhile, is less of a showman, but appropriately revisits the haughty yet smouldering Mr. Darcy of the BBC's Pride and Prejudice, the subject of so much girlie lusting in the original diary; as aloof barrister Mark Darcy, he's six-foot of repressed passion just waiting to be unleashed. Zellweger, meanwhile, who rarely lets the accent slip, more than answers her critics, lurching from one disaster to the next, but still managing to balance her endearing daffiness with an irresistible sauciness - no wonder Daniel and Mark are fighting to get into her control-top knickers. Admittedly there are moments when her more embarrassing gaffes make you cringe, yet her character is in a sense the victim of her own success; it's easy to forget that, as much as she is an icon of modern womanhood, she is also a satirical, albeit deeply affectionate, take on that same creature. Large tracts of the diary - and no doubt many readers' 'best bits' - have, by necessity, been omitted. Moreover, Bridget's wonderful \"urban family\", Tom (James Callis), Jude (Shirley Henderson) and Shazzer, are greatly underused, and a sub-plot featuring Bridget's parents' troubled marriage seems truncated. But these are minor quibbles, and with at least one laugh-out loud moment every five minutes, several stand-out scenes (Geoffrey and Una's tarts'n'vicars party and Daniel's boating accident, to name but two), a swooningly romantic denouement and the sort of top-class support that you only seem to get in British comedies, what you have is an above-average chick-flick that even blokes will tolerate (cf. Ren\ufffde's bunny outfit). V.g., as Bridget might say. Liz Beardsworth ANY GOOD? Resoundingly yes. Sometimes uneven, and a tad short, this is nevertheless one of the most genuinely funny romances for some time. With Grant, Firth and Zellweger on sparkling form, this will be the next big Brit hit. * * * * (very good) -------------------------------------------------------------------"}, {"response": 620, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (11:37)", "body": "Great review. Funny that Catherine's co-worker didn't make a big deal about the accent. he's six-foot of repressed passion just waiting to be unleashed Ooooooowwww must stand back and take this in. *eyes agog* BTW, have done more TV searching and the TV Guide site shows RZ on the Rosie Show on April 10th as well. She's also appearing on an early morning TV show here in Chicago on the 11th, as she wings her way west."}, {"response": 621, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (11:41)", "body": "Question: I haven't been putting in the time/network for Rosie, as we have her on a different time (largely due to Oprah). Is she mainly on at 9 a.m. everywhere (except here) and on NBC or is she syndicated?"}, {"response": 622, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (11:48)", "body": "Rosie was on at 10 a.m. (could swear it was ABC, between Regis and The View) in NY and is on at 3 p.m on NBC in the DC area. She must be sydicated."}, {"response": 623, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (12:01)", "body": "You have a chance to meet up with CF! There's a competition in this week's Heat magazine. Ring 020 7290 2799 with the names of BJ's three friends before this Friday 12noon, and you could win a night in a London hotel and a visit to a Health club (for a makeover), and then a trip to the Premiere and (the best bit!) on to a West End party with cast and crew. Heat says (of movie) \"Don't miss, it's brilliant\" It's being v. well marketed over here, but we don't have many (any?) big British films. \"Someone like you\" sounds like opposition in the US. Hope they start blitzing BJD soon but I guess that will be just before it opens."}, {"response": 624, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (12:11)", "body": "RZ on the Rosie Show on April10th as well. She's also appearing on an early morning TV show here in Chicago on the 11th, as she wings her way west. They're extracting the juice out of poor Renee.She's earning her mils$$$. (Bethan)It's being v. well marketed over here, How? Mag contests? Talk shows do it in the US...morning, aft and night. Renee seems to be hitting them all.Way to go!"}, {"response": 625, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (12:51)", "body": "Oh my, the situation is even more bizarre. I get The View on ABC at (10) against Men are From Mars, etc. I tried looking for Regis (cause it's not listed any in the morning or afternoon here) and it's on at 1:13 a.m. I get Rosie at 3 as well. Looks like I'd better put a few more \"check local listings\" out there. And if anybody shows up on Regis, I can definitely tape it since there such a delay here."}, {"response": 626, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (13:01)", "body": "Run to the official website and check out the latest. Click on the words under Renee: \"Click here for an inside look at my life.\" Then wait for it to load, and click on Mark's face. LOL! Sooo cute. And another turteneck sweater pic! Yummmmm . . . http://entertainment.msn.com/bridget/"}, {"response": 627, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (13:19)", "body": "Well here in Boston we get Rosie at 4pm on CBS station, and in Rhode Island, she's on at 5pm on ABC. She's against Oprah in the Boston market."}, {"response": 628, "author": "JenniferR", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (13:32)", "body": "*raises hand* Wow. Between the comment about \"...6 foot of repressed passion just waiting to be unleashed...\" and the lovely, lovely, lovely picture of him in the turtleneck, I may have to ask building management to turn on the A/C for me. What a delightful treat to stumble across during my lunch break. The drawing on the picture (at the BJD site) was very Wessex-like, however, leading me to once again bust out laughing at the office. *continues to fan self*"}, {"response": 629, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (13:49)", "body": "Wow! Has anyone seen that new turtleneck picture without the doodles on it? That is the BEST photo I've seen of Colin--worthy of replacing Mr. Darcy as my computer wallpaper. I clicked on downloads, but that wasn't one of the choices. Meanwhile, will spend all day v. distracted thinking about \"6 foot of repressed passion waiting to be unleashed\""}, {"response": 630, "author": "BenB", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (15:23)", "body": "Beep, beep, beep. Firthometer off the scale, nurse! Five grammes of Diazepam, NOW. .....join as next week as mass Firthsteria epidemic breaks loose."}, {"response": 631, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (15:41)", "body": "Oh, doctor, not even Firthodan can help now! MORE GOODIES below--extensive clips from the \"Dueling Pistols\" and \"Blue Soup\" scenes! WHEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! CODE BLUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!! http://www.msn.co.uk/page/11-612.asp"}, {"response": 632, "author": "Moon", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (16:00)", "body": "LOL, Mari! Thanks for all the info. Devilish and charming in equal measure - and with a dash of the Rupert Everetts about him - it's easy to see why Bridge can't resist his sleazy charms. Oh no, please keep Rupi out of this. ;-) **raises hands** Plus takes it a step further: Younger than Firth. :-)"}, {"response": 633, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (16:43)", "body": "(Mari) MORE GOODIES Thanks for posting these links. Am ROTFLMAO! Unfortunately, the ideal speed for my modem is somewhere between slow and fast, but I won't quibble. Love the happy birthday fight scene. Is hilarious. (Jen) was very Wessex-like My thoughts exactly. How'd everyone like Hugh with his horns? Harhar. :-D"}, {"response": 634, "author": "Renata", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (16:44)", "body": "Thanks for all the finds, Mari and everybody."}, {"response": 635, "author": "KJArt", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (17:10)", "body": "(Eileen) BWTA enthusiasts: what time are the interviews usually aired? Last time, his interview began 25 minutes into the program. Therefore a good idea to follow Evelyn's advice: (Evelyn) But I'd tune in at 9 AM and read the papers just in case. ~~~~~~ (Karen) As far what would happen in a sequel, there's no reason Colin couldn't play himself. /.../Besides the entire sequel could take place in LA if it comes to pass... Of course, there's no reason to have any Daniel Cleaver in that one. Oh yes there is. Mark Darcy's gotta come bounding downstairs in only a towel fresh from the bath so as to punch Daniel in the nose. No Daniel, no punch ... (and no bath and no bound and no towel ... *darn!*) ~~~~~ (Eileen)Unfortunately, the ideal speed for my modem is somewhere between slow and fast, but I won't quibble. Love the happy birthday fight scene. Is hilarious. Unfortunately, because I'm working out of public machines, the prerequisite to download various bits of software before viewing means that I don't view ... (**sob!**) KJ"}, {"response": 636, "author": "KJArt", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (17:19)", "body": "(Mari) And another turteneck sweater pic! Yummmmm . . . Since I didn't get to view that one either (same objection), Thank you, Renate for posting it and treating me to the picture nonetheless. (IMHO, a bit too much neck on that turtle, however. I prefer Colin's to turtles' ;-D) KJ"}, {"response": 637, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (17:29)", "body": "Glad to see the promo pix are improving ;-)~~~~~ Thanks for all the wonderful goodies! My modem is sadly pants and so cannot see any lovely clips but sounds v.good - especially MD's lovely Happy Birthday rendition. (I forsee a plethora of wav files accompanying forthcoming birthday celebrations ;-o)"}, {"response": 638, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (18:03)", "body": "Mark Darcy's gotta come bounding downstairs in only a towel fresh from the bath so as to punch Daniel in the nose. No Daniel, no punch ... (and no bath and no bound and no towel ...*darn!*) In TEOR, there was the towel scene at Rebecca's country house weekend. So, IMO there is still no need to DC and we'd all be happy. (Eileen) How'd everyone like Hugh with his horns? Harhar. :-D I was more amused by the addition of hair on his hairless chest. ;-D Loved the new stuff at MSN site and how copied off both pics (full length, more chest, and more Wessex-like) for those without benefit of Flash software. Plus have a few images off trailer. Make sure Crash Cart is nearby. There's another of BJ and DC in bed too. It's on the Screening Room page."}, {"response": 639, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (18:21)", "body": "For those having difficulty with the new clips, what's worked for me (and is v.v. technical, similar to kicking the sides of televisions when picture ran) is to close down the Windows Media player and keep reopening it. You get new connections to the server that way. On about the fifth try, it worked fine. Don't just stop it and hit play. Close it and reopen from the link."}, {"response": 640, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (18:47)", "body": "Lovely to come home and find all this here! Karen, tried your excellent technical advice, to no avail. Must try bigger hammer! Sounds lovely, though. v. funny too: bugger, bugger (blue soup-not sure of UK spelling of bugger) Excellent additions to official site. Do y'all suppose they put up the new turtleneck pic in large \"wallpaper\" size? Mmmmm...."}, {"response": 641, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (20:46)", "body": "Oh nooooooooooooooooo!!!! Have seen another commercial. Colin's been cut completely out of it. Would appear the film is all about RZ and HG and no one else. Had a little teaser of the two in bed (toes intertwined, a little moaning), but they're actually watching cricket."}, {"response": 642, "author": "SBRobinson", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (22:22)", "body": "(me) Saw my first one last night too (Eileen) Were you watching Ally also? If not, what were you watching? And how the he** have you been? ;-D Was watching Dirty Dancing, and I've been just lovely - Thanks :-) *waving hand*"}, {"response": 643, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 28, 2001 (23:17)", "body": "There are lots more BJD clips stored on that site. Here are the good ones, featuring Colin: (I'll give the slow connection speed here) I like you just the way you are: http://www.virtuetv.com/clients/msn/bridget_clip4_34.asx T&V party and boating: http://www.virtuetv.com/clients/msn/bridget_clip1_34.asx Blue soup (woo woo highly recommended 5 stars): http://www.virtuetv.com/clients/msn/bridget_clip9_34.asx Others (non-Colin) Here's the one that supposed to make you sympathetic to DC: http://www.virtuetv.com/clients/msn/bridget_clip10_34.asx I have a boyfriend: http://www.virtuetv.com/clients/msn/bridget_clip5_34.asx Resolutions: http://www.virtuetv.com/clients/msn/bridget_clip3_34.asx Choices: http://www.virtuetv.com/clients/msn/bridget_clip2_34.asx T&V party entrance: http://www.virtuetv.com/clients/msn/bridget_clip8_34.asx Discussion in bed: http://www.virtuetv.com/clients/msn/bridget_clip11_34.asx"}, {"response": 644, "author": "Moon", "date": "Thu, Mar 29, 2001 (07:45)", "body": "Thanks, Karen! You're doing a great job. Have a great time in NYC with Evelyn, AnnW, Donna, etc. and give our regards to JE. And a big kiss to ODB when you see him at the BJD premiere! I will be in LA and look forward to reading all about it on my return. :-D"}, {"response": 645, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Mar 29, 2001 (08:43)", "body": "From Elliott Forrest's weekly update; I think we can take this one to the bank!:-) Breakfast with the Arts on A&E Sunday, April 1, 9:00 AM-11: 00 AM Eastern and Pacific (Check local listings.) Herbert Von Karajan: Famous Overtures Recorded at the Berlin Philharmonic in 1985 and 1986, the program features performances of Beethoven's \"Fidelio\", \"Egmont\", and \"Leonore\" overtures, as well as Brahms' \"Tragic\" overture. Rating - TV G Arts & Entertainment News : Legendary dancer choreographer, Merce Cunningham, talks about his last season. Celebrity Interview: Actor Colin Firth on BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY and yes, Pride and Prejudice. The A&E Artist of the Week: Deborah Voigt once again joins us to sing in our studio and talk about her life and career. Open Book: \"RSVP\" by Nan Kempner and \"The Elusive Embrace\" by Daniel Mendelsohn Elliott Forrest BWTA on A&E www.aande.com/breakfast elliott@aetv.com"}, {"response": 646, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Mar 29, 2001 (10:05)", "body": "Wot? Nobody saw ET last night? More promo for BJD featuring familiar trailer clips and more of Julie Moran's interview with Chesthairless Hughie. Was resigned to no mention of ODB when *ta-da* Julie's voiceover says (did not tape, am going from inaccurate memory) 'Hugh vies for Renee's affection with actor Colin Firth'. Cue quick clips of MD at T&V party and giving BJ that sidelong Mr. Darcy-at-Meryton-assembly gaze (both from trailer). Back to Julie live where she elaborates her discussion with HG about his weight loss and work with a trainer, saying 'both Hugh and Colin had to lose weight for their roles while Renee had to gain. Hugh told me that he would fight Colin for lettuce leaves at lunchtime while they watched Renee pile in the food.' Was thrilled to hear CF's inclusion--helped me curb my disappointment when I saw the CF-less commercial later that night. They're making the movie look like the HG-RZ show. Grr. Hopefully we'll see revised commercials after the movie opens, to include scenes with 'actor Colin Firth'. ;-) Thanks for the BWTA confirmation info, Mari. Am on pins and needles to see how much head scratching and nose pulling there will be! ;-D"}, {"response": 647, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Mar 29, 2001 (11:03)", "body": "BIG WONDERFUL HAPPY NEWS!!! Colin and Livia have just had a little boy and have named him Luca."}, {"response": 648, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Mar 29, 2001 (11:37)", "body": "...wonder why they didn't name him 'Darcy'? ;-D For details (and there aren't many), go to the CF topic!"}, {"response": 649, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Thu, Mar 29, 2001 (20:22)", "body": "Karen-Thanks so much for putting all the links to the clips on The Bucket. I looked all over for the fast speed, but now you have it. Why do they work so much better from your link, than from the \"source\" as it were? Never mind, probably too technical for me. Just so happy to see all of them. Better and better...Am trying hard not to get too excited--but dare I say it? This looks like a darn good movie, even if I weren't mildly obsessed with one of the stars. ;-)"}, {"response": 650, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Mar 30, 2001 (08:20)", "body": "Great for Colin and the cast, not so hot for the film. Thanks to Rai: Daily Variety March 30, 2001 HEADLINE: Bridget Jones's Diary BYLINE: LAEL LOEWENSTEIN As the Bible of thirtysomething single women everywhere, \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" is one of the most eagerly anticipated book-to-screen adaptations in recent memory. Informed by author Helen Fielding's droll observations of a year in the life of her weight-obsessed, love-starved heroine, the novel hit a bull's-eye with women on both sides of the Atlantic. As a film, however, item misses its mark, failing to capitalize on the staccato rhythms and sardonic wit of Bridget's inner life. That said, pic's pre-sell value is solid enough to suggest initially healthy B.O. that could continue to generate decent returns, even as it will inevitably disappoint some of the book's devotees. Introduced in a series of columns in the U.K.'s Independent, Fielding's lovably imperfect Bridget, with her incessant calorie counting, cigarette smoking and wine-swilling, inflected the British vernacular with a personal lexicon that divided her community into \"Singletons\" and \"Smug-marrieds.\" Little surprise, then, that the unlikely casting of American thesp Renee Zellweger over British actresses caused a row not seen since Tom Cruise donned fangs to play the vampire Lestat. The good news is that Zellweger delivers as Bridget, and her fellow actors, including Hugh Grant and Colin Firth as the men she must choose between, are exceptionally well cast. The bad news is that despite being edited down to a bare-bones 90-odd minutes, forcing the elimination of key characters and scenes and the underdevelopment of others, pic manages to feel, paradoxically, as dramatically flabby as the 10 pounds Bridget cannot seem to shed. Things start off promisingly, with Bridget alone in her flat comically crooning along with the radio. Awash in red flannel pajamas and wine-induced haze, cheerfully oblivious and singing \"All by Myself,\" Zellweger breathes full-bodied life into Bridget. Opening title sequence is the movie's best bit. Soon she's off to a holiday turkey-curry buffet where, for the umpteenth time, family friends barrage her with questions about her love life. Though her irrepressible mum (Gemma Jones) is scheming to fix her up with a childhood friend, party guest and top barrister Mark Darcy (Firth), Bridget, who suffers from foot-in-mouth disease, botches the encounter. Needless to say, it is not a love connection. It's not that Mark Darcy is so awful; it's just that he's a sartorially challenged snob who loftily dismisses Bridget's attempt to make conversation. She much prefers mooning over Daniel Cleaver (Grant), her cad of a boss who has finally begun to take notice of her Ally McBeal-length skirts. After a blissful and sex-filled courtship with Daniel, Bridget makes an unfortunate discovery that ends their romance. Not to worry, suggest her Singleton best friends Shazza (Sally Phillips), Jude (Shirley Henderson) and Tom (James Callis): There's life beyond Daniel. Surprisingly, there's been interest from Mark Darcy, who's apologized for his earlier behavior. In a thoroughly overstaged sequence that transpires at Bridget's 32nd birthday party, there's a showdown between Mark and Daniel leaving Bridget in a \"Pride and Prejudice\"-type dilemma of choosing between two men. Above sequence, which is not in the book, has the effect of visually underscoring the conflict and further delineating Mark's and Daniel's own bitter history, but it reduces her friends to a simpering chorus. Other sequences memorable from the book are re-created with mixed success, including Bridget's arrival at a \"Tarts and Vicars\" party in full Playboy bunny regalia, mortified to discover the party theme had been changed, and an infamous scene that finds Bridget trying to scurry up a fire pole. Zellweger is a tireless sport about all of this. And despite the initial furor over her casting, her best roles (in \"Jerry Maguire\" and \"Nurse Betty\") have indicated a sweetness, vulnerability and comic timing that make her perfect for Bridget. Gaining some 20 pounds, the actress has transformed herself into a lumpy, fleshy everywoman. Sadly, Stuart Dryburgh's lensing and Rachael Fleming's costumes go a bit too far in making her look unattractive. As to her accent, Brits may complain about its authenticity, but Americans will be thoroughly convinced. Grant and Firth are impeccable. Firth, whose performance as Mr. Darcy in the BBC's \"Pride and Prejudice\" was the model for Fielding's Mark Darcy, brings unexpected depth to his role, while Grant, for once, thankfully gets to play against type. And perhaps it's no small coincidence that both actors are mentioned in the book. Documentary director Sharon Maguire, the real-life model for Fielding's Shazza, has shown an uncertain hand in her first feature. Script by Fielding, Richard Curtis (\"Notting Hill\" scribe) and BBC \"Pride and Prejudice\" writer Andrew Davies could have benefited f"}, {"response": 651, "author": "JenniferR", "date": "Fri, Mar 30, 2001 (08:50)", "body": "Heads up! It looks like Entertainment Weekly has sent out the free screening passes!! I received one in the mail yesterday, and am all giddy with delight--Thursday, 7:30 pm, at one of the more \"posh\" (so they say!) theaters in Wash, DC. Hopefully, everyone who registered on line will receive theirs soon! I am v. v. excited!!"}, {"response": 652, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Mar 30, 2001 (09:20)", "body": "Ahh, here's a good one! Hollywood Reporter Bridget Jones's Diary By Mark Adams LONDON --\"Bridget Jones's Diary\" is a film full of wit, warmth and honest, knowing humor, topped off with a plethora of excellent performances. This Bridget Jones has the style to win over U.K. audiences and almost certainly the charm to wow the American boxoffice. Renee Zellweger was the subject of much media scrutiny (in the United Kingdom, especially) when cast as Bridget -- a single thirtysomething Brit in a postfeminist world looking for love while trying to mind her alcohol intake, watch her weight and cut down on the smoking. How could this young American possibly play a beloved English character? It is called acting, and she gives a splendid, often heartwarming performance. \"Bridget Jones's Diary,\" begun in 1995 as a British newspaper column by Helen Fielding, was turned into a best-selling novel a year later. The story of Bridget, her hopeless love life, her alcoholic binges and her inept attempts to develop poise struck a chord, and the film adaptation, nicely directed by newcomer Sharon Maguire, an acclaimed documentary maker, manages to blend subtle charm with almost slapstick moments. Bridget has simple ambitions: to lose weight and find true love. The film opens as this London-based publicist for a successful publisher visits her parents at their countryside home for their annual Christmas party. They try to set her up with Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), the visiting son of their neighbors. She is initially impressed, but when he snubs her, she returns to London realizing she is destined to remain a \"singleton\" and vows to keep a diary and find herself a \"nice, sensible boyfriend.\" The trouble is that Bridget instead falls for her boss, the dashing, sexy Daniel Cleaver (played with twinkling, sly charm by Hugh Grant), who to her surprise starts sending her flirtatious e-mails. Over dinner one night, Daniel reveals that he and Mark attended college together and that Mark had an affair with his fiancee. Bridget and Daniel start an affair, but Bridget's euphoria is dampened somewhat when her mother announces that she is leaving her father for a presenter on the Home Shopping Channel. When Bridget catches Daniel with an American colleague, she again vows to take control of her life. She starts a new career as a presenter on a TV current-affairs program. Then, at a dinner party, she bumps into Mark, who surprises her when he tells her that he likes her -- and likes her just as she is. She is even more surprised when he turns up at her flat to help prepare a birthday meal for her friends. Unfortunately, Daniel also turns up at the flat to lure Bridget back, but Mark challenges him to a fist fight. In a wonderful scene, the two engage in a hilariously clumsy tussle, which even sees them stumbling into a Turkish restaurant. Zellweger is excellent as Bridget. Never once does she let her accent slip, and she displays a great capacity for physical comedy. She put on weight for the role and easily slips into the endearingly inept character of Bridget, bringing to the role a real sense of sweetness and vulnerability. Grant and Firth look slim, trim and attractive. Grant especially seems to relish the chance to play a bit of a bounder, marking a real contrast to his more endearing roles in \"Notting Hill\" and \"Four Weddings and a Funeral,\" while Firth slowly allows the tenderness and depth of his character to be revealed. The script credit is shared by three writers -- Fielding, Andrew Davies (who scripted the television adaptation of \"Pride and Prejudice\") and Richard Curtis (\"Notting Hill\") -- yet appears seamless. It's full of wonderful jokes and moves along at an easy pace. The great thing about Bridget is that she is a terribly honest character who wears her heart on her sleeve. She lives in a real world (unlike her American counterparts in \"Sex and the City\") and struggles through as best she can. Production designer Gemma Jackson does a great job of presenting a vision of London that is tinged with romance, and excellent use of locations helps present a charming view of the city."}, {"response": 653, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Mar 30, 2001 (11:23)", "body": "(Daily Variety) even as it will inevitably disappoint some of the book's devotees. Sounds like the author is one of the book's devotees. Firth, whose performance as Mr. Darcy in the BBC's \"Pride and Prejudice\" was the model for Fielding's Mark Darcy, brings unexpected depth to his role Lael has redeemed himself (herself?). And perhaps it's no small coincidence that both actors are mentioned in the book. *snort* Harhar! Firth is put on pedestal while Grant is mentioned in Devine context. Much prefer HR's review. Hurrah! Here's to many more like it! *clink*"}, {"response": 654, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Mar 30, 2001 (12:10)", "body": "Third kudo in a row today for CF! From Fox News (thanks, Chris): Bridget Jones's Diary follows Memento into theaters next week, and it's the second terrific release of 2001. Already this year is shaping up as 100 percent better than the last. Bridget features three outstanding performances by Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant. For Renee, who almost hit it big last year with Nurse Betty, Bridget should put her over the top \ufffd and then some. Zellweger gives both Gwyneth Paltrow and Meryl Streep a run for their money with her convincing English accent. For Miramax, which had a blah year in 2000, Bridget should be the start of a comeback that will include Gangs of New York, Four Feathers, The Shipping News, and Pinocchio."}, {"response": 655, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Fri, Mar 30, 2001 (14:30)", "body": "From the Daily Express THE BJ DILEMMA - Would you go for HG or CF? (Am missing out Hughie bits!!) Thumbs up for Colin..by Virginia Blackburn \"Oh my word, I'm quivering. It's nearly 24 hours since I saw Colin Firth, aka Mark Darcy, smouldering his way through BJD and I still haven't calmed down. I haven't been so moved by any screen presence since - well, since I watched CF aka Mr Darcy smouldering his way through P&P. Colin Firth and Mark Darcy, you are a welcome return indeed. Face it, MD is everything most women have dreamed of. Quite apart from the fact that he's tall dark and handsome, he's clever, successful, modest, socially aware, and above all, he's kind.... Your quality piece of beefcake...when he's yours he's really is yours....MD is a real man. We want a real man who's able to face his responsibilities without whining, without needing space, who is not afraid of saying \"I love you\".. ...MD is there for Bridget,and best of all they become friends before they become lovers. Real men get to know their women before they make their move....But the best thing about Mark is that although he's not initially effusive, you know there's a cauldron of passion simmering underneath. When he and Bridget finally get to kiss, you know it's an earth shattering sort of kiss. Mark and Daniel are both yummy, but only one comes up trumps...bastard or brilliantly attentive lover? Please. As if. You mean you don't know who you'd choose\""}, {"response": 656, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Mar 30, 2001 (15:04)", "body": "Thanks, Bethan (not bad for one finger typing). you know there's a cauldron of passion simmering underneath Ann's prayers have been answered (as if there was ever any doubt;-))! When he and Bridget finally get to kiss, you know it's an earth shattering sort of kiss. Translation: ++ shoulder grind. Woohoo! ;-) I've also watched all the snippets Karen kindly consolidated at her Bucket BJ page. Though the video is choppy, they look terrific. Love them all, but my fave has to be the 'overproduced' fighting birthday party. Am not making any plans for the week after Easter, as will be sitting in movie theater!"}, {"response": 657, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Mar 30, 2001 (16:14)", "body": "Thanks, Bethan; Virginia Blackburn has v. good taste.:-) Reminder for US viewers: RZ on Jay Leno's show tonight."}, {"response": 658, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Fri, Mar 30, 2001 (18:20)", "body": "Eileen - Am not making any plans for the week after Easter, as will be sitting in movie theater! You took the words right out of my mouth ! From 143 - checked out newsagents but can't find copy of 'Film Review' did however spot 'Total Film' as I was leaving whioch appears to have big BJD feature...will loiter inconspicuously tomorrow and report back. BTW have bought copy of May's Empire mag - as well as review featured here a few posts ago there is also a piece on RZ, usual stuff- weight gain, voice training di-da-di-dah! A few pix which we have seen before I think except this one....."}, {"response": 659, "author": "ElainaC", "date": "Fri, Mar 30, 2001 (19:18)", "body": "Hello, just delurking to say I posted a Guardian interview of Firth over at #143."}, {"response": 660, "author": "DanielleL", "date": "Fri, Mar 30, 2001 (19:37)", "body": "O-H-M-Y-G-*-D!!!!!! LOOK WHAT I GOT IN THE MAIL TODAY! I'M SO EXCITED!!! Oh! it's real! I got it from Etertainment Weekly/Time Inc.!!! Is there anyone out there, living in or near DC, that want's to go with me? Email me. Danil@mindspring.com"}, {"response": 661, "author": "DanielleL", "date": "Fri, Mar 30, 2001 (19:38)", "body": "gah! will try again! O-H-M-Y-G-*-D!!!!!! LOOK WHAT I GOT IN THE MAIL TODAY! I'M SO EXCITED!!! Oh! it's real! I got it from Etertainment Weekly/Time Inc.!!! Is there anyone out there, living in or near DC, that want's to go with me? Email me. Danil@mindspring.com"}, {"response": 662, "author": "DanielleL", "date": "Fri, Mar 30, 2001 (19:39)", "body": "Whew!!!!! okay, must go back and read the rest of topics. Just wanted to share my good fortune."}, {"response": 663, "author": "mari", "date": "Sat, Mar 31, 2001 (00:42)", "body": "This is from Jeffrey Wells's column on reel.com. He's not a film critic, but writes a twice-weekly column on the industry. Diary of a Pudge-Bod I caught Bridget Jones's Diary, the Ren\ufffde Zellweger comedy based on the popular novel, Wednesday night. Miramax is opening it April 13. Lacking anything else to write about, I thought I'd venture some opinions. First, the important news : I laughed. Not constantly, but every so often, which I presume will placate Miramax and the film's first-time director, Sharon Maguire, since it's not supposed to be constantly comedic. Jones is first and foremost a bright and bubbly chick flick, set and shot in London and surrounding environs, which should be enough for its mostly-female target audience. It's about Bridget, a sad-sack, slightly overweight London girl in her early 30s (Zellweger, looking suitably porky and speaking with a believable British accent) who clearly needs to make changes in her life \ufffd lose weight, stop smoking, cut down on drinking \ufffd for her general betterment. I was with Bridget and the movie during the first ten or fifteen minutes, when it was all about her loneliness and self-loathing and late-night TV watching and compulsive ice cream eating, which are maladies familiar to most of us. But I checked out when she announced her specific goal, which was to land the right cute, eligible guy. Not again, I muttered to myself. Locked down in front of another woman's movie, the kind that makes you feel pensive and confined while it's playing, and more than gratified when it's over. I don't find much story tension in girl films of this sort. The fact that women can have it both ways if they're so inclined or lucky enough \ufffd hook up with the right guy and be supported (or half-supported) and, if they want, become baby-makers, or make it as a self-supporting professional with a presumably fortifying relationship on the side \ufffd kind of removes the do-or-die aspect. It's not that I don't think single, slightly overweight women have it rough, but, well, we're all miserable and unfulfilled on this or that level \ufffd right? What's so special or touching about Bridget Jones? Nothing I could fathom. They made the movie because of the popularity in England of Fielding's Bridget Jones column (in London's Independent) and then the novel, but it didn't feel sufficiently heartfelt or peculiar. The story struck me as the same old girl-wants-boy, girl-seems-to-lose-boy, girls-sees-through-boy, girl-hooks-up-with-guy-she-never-appreciated stuff. Didn't I just see this in Someone Like You with Ashley Judd? (Which uses, incidentally, the same Van Morrison song on the soundtrack.) Why don't women in these stories ever decide to chuck it and become lesbians? (Two of my ex-girlfriends have gone this route.) Why do the endings always feel like a gloss? Why don't they ever use sad or even bittersweet endings? Jones is briskly written (by a couple of guys, Richard Curtis and Andrew Davies, as well as the author of the original novel, Helen Fielding) with a nice effervescent quality. One problem is that Maguire uses that annoying trick of having Zellweger/Jones say to another character what's she's thinking (but not actually saying), then cutting to the remark she really says to them. But the line becomes blurred after a while with Zellweger saying awkward, outrageous stuff in actuality, and eventually you begin to not believe it. Then the disbelief takes over totally. Hugh Grant has the Gregg Kinnear part \ufffd did I just say that? Kinnear plays Judd's initially very attractive boyfriend in Someone Like You (as Grant does here with Zellweger), but I just realized that Kinnear has pretty much cornered the Hollywood market on weak and waffling. Anyway, Grant seems to have a talent for playing this kind of guy too. Colin Firth (The English Patient) is under-deployed as Zellweger's slightly priggish but more character-worthy suitor, but he's probably the best thing in it."}, {"response": 664, "author": "kolin", "date": "Sat, Mar 31, 2001 (08:57)", "body": "There is a big article in today's National Post about Renee, with very little about Colin. However you might be interested in what she said about a possible sequel: \"Zellweger has brought some elements of her brief life as a London Singleton home with her. She imported all the faucets for her new home from England and she now prefers to take taxis everywhere, as she did in London. \"I get car sick in limousines,\" she explains. She also runs with her dog and goes to the gym daily, activities she missed greatly during her days as Bridget Jones. Overall, though, it was, she says, an interlude in her life she remembers with fondness and may be prepared to repeat if a sequel is ever considered.\""}, {"response": 665, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Sat, Mar 31, 2001 (15:26)", "body": "Hi it's the Scan-Queen again!! Today's Guardian piece (for text see Elaina's post on 143) contains a few movie stills, mostly posted at the Bucket Screening room, but I thought you might like this one ;-)"}, {"response": 666, "author": "heide", "date": "Sun, Apr  1, 2001 (12:17)", "body": "That picture is to die for. Thanks, Tracy. Looks like he's grinning, sweetie boy. Thanks for the articles above, ladies. I have a lot of fun reading the good parts, namely those parts so kindly bolded (is that a word) with ODB's name. Transcript of A&E's interview with Colin shown today is on 143. Danielle, I hope you find someone to go with. Will you go alone otherwise? I got my tickets too for Philadelphia but can not go that night. Think I can wait one more week where I will be joining the rest of you in giving BJD a great opening weekend boxoffice tally."}, {"response": 667, "author": "DanielleL", "date": "Sun, Apr  1, 2001 (12:46)", "body": "I'm finally going to contribute something to this board (other than a frantic, excited, miscued scan of a movie premiere pass). Firth and foremost, thank you all for keeping me up-to-date with all things BJD. CF was on BwtA this morning and was just beautiful! For all those who missed it, he came in with a dark gray suit and wine colored shirt. Some excerpts: EF: 'There is a connection here. (referring to P&P).' CF: 'There's not ever going to be an escape, is there?' EF: 'I don't wnat to give too much away, but you end up in a little fisticuffs with HG. Was that fun getting to punch him out?' CF: 'Absolutley. Yes. I'm sure he had as much fun as I did. I think we decided to step aside a little bit from teh old movie punchouts... the swings, the carefully choreographed, rather less than plausible...' EF: 'Did you land a punch?' CF: 'No, we just grappled at each other like a couple of 5 year olds. Which is I think what mist fights are probably like between adults. I think they're ridiculous things. I think we wanted tocapture that sense of the ridiculous between men who aren't use to fighting each other. This is a couple of suits throwing themselves at each other.' CF: 'Gosh. You've really done your homework (regarding Department of Nothing monologue for Nick Hornby), haven't you?' EF: 'Well, I have to tell you, working for A&E, the fans, YOUR fans have been writing me to ask you about certain things.' CF: 'Oh, I see.' EF: 'So, I have been doing my homework. But the fans from P&P are AVID and they want to know all about you.' It was about 8 minutes... onlly one hand to the face and NO nose picking! He smiled several times (no smouldering, though), and actually chuckled!"}, {"response": 668, "author": "DanielleL", "date": "Sun, Apr  1, 2001 (12:48)", "body": "Oh Heide, I'm always so late on things! you already put up the interview! *snort* but to answer your question. i still have an available seat, but I'm meeting a few people met on the boards here and at DWG, so i won't be alone. thanks for asking."}, {"response": 669, "author": "winter", "date": "Sun, Apr  1, 2001 (14:37)", "body": "SCORE!!! I just picked up 3 free screening passes for a BJD screening this Wednesday! One of the many benefits of living in LA is that there's bound to be a sneak preview of anything... Moon, Jana2, Marianne-- the passes have your names on them! Where are you?!?!"}, {"response": 670, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Sun, Apr  1, 2001 (18:12)", "body": "If that's an invitation, I accept. What are details?"}, {"response": 671, "author": "heide", "date": "Sun, Apr  1, 2001 (18:32)", "body": "Ooh, lucky girls. I suppose this board will be the place to discuss the movie in detail. Sob! May have to skip reading for awhile until I get to see it the 13th. Danielle, I'm glad you're going as well. I see you timed the BWTA interview. ;-) I thought it was much too short. Didn't you just love that fight scene in the clip? This is a couple of suits throwing themselves at each other.' Great quote."}, {"response": 672, "author": "JennyM", "date": "Sun, Apr  1, 2001 (20:19)", "body": "I had a brain lapse last night. I set my VCR to record BWTA this morning because I was out of town last night. I only set it for one hour, I didn't know the program was 2 hours long. I didn't get any of CF's interview. I'm glad I was able to read a transcript at least. Thanks for posting it."}, {"response": 673, "author": "winter", "date": "Sun, Apr  1, 2001 (22:23)", "body": "Jenny I didn't know the program was 2 hours long. I didn't get any of CF's interview This is deja vu... Last time CF was on BWTA, I dragged my groggy self out of bed to watch the show out in the living room. Well, after the first hour with no CF in sight, I dozed off! Missed the whole damn thing, as it was broadcast right there in front of me."}, {"response": 674, "author": "DanielleL", "date": "Sun, Apr  1, 2001 (23:46)", "body": "(Heide) Didn't you just love that fight scene in the clip? I loved the punch in the face and the fact that it was Daniel being pushed into the restaurant and onto the table! Grappling like a couple of 5 years olds... I think NOT! I see that a lot of us have gotten passes for sneak peeks! Isn't it grand that we have people out there (YOU!) who get the inside scoop and allow us to benefit from it?!"}, {"response": 675, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Mon, Apr  2, 2001 (03:00)", "body": "Isn't it grand that we have people out there (YOU!) who get the inside scoop and allow us to benefit from it?! Yes indeed! Thank you all and also to Heidi for typing the transcript. Things were so quiet here yesterday I thought everyone had left town so it was wonderful to read details of the interview."}, {"response": 676, "author": "judy", "date": "Mon, Apr  2, 2001 (08:07)", "body": "I can't remember who mentioned Film Review mag but it is worth buying for the CF article & yummy pics.Plusthe film gets 5 stars in the review section. Oh & the book with new cover was selling out fast this morning-))"}, {"response": 677, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Apr  2, 2001 (09:14)", "body": "*pouting* :-( I was stationed in front of the TV with tape in VCR until about 9:50 yesterday a.m. Had to bail as had other commitments, so turned off BWTA after they interviewed the blonde opera singer (thought for a moment we were misled again, but remembered reading in the past that they sometimes have more than one artist of the week). What time was CF on? Thank you Danielle and Heide for posting transcripts."}, {"response": 678, "author": "mari", "date": "Mon, Apr  2, 2001 (13:33)", "body": "From yesterday's San Franciso Chronicle (Thanks, Murph). I've bolded the salient parts ('cause Heide likes 'em that way;-) and there's something for Mark here, too.:-) Los Angeles -- The weight. It was the weight thing, of course, and then there was the English accent, too. Renee Zellweger put on quite a few pounds -- revealingly, she doesn't know how many -- and worked for months in London on the accent, sometimes masquerading as an office worker in a publishing house to see if people would buy it. \"I've done dialects before, but nothing as intensive as this,\" she says, \"and never changed my appearance so much.\" She did it all for the new romantic comedy \"Bridget Jones's Diary.\" She plays the title role and always understood it was going to be a big responsibility. In some respects it was more than she bargained for. Certain English journalists, for one thing, did not take kindly to an American actress -- and a Texan at that -- impersonating Bridget, who has become a national fixture. Why not someone like Kate Winslet? Helen Fielding's comic creation first seeped into the British consciousness as a tossed-off newspaper column. Fielding turned it into a novel, but it was not until the paperback was printed that it really took off. The book and a sequel crossed the Atlantic, and now the movie will open April 13, made by the same company that did the highly successful London comedies \"Four Weddings and a Funeral\" and \"Notting Hill.\" There is a family resemblance among them. They all pair Hugh Grant with an American star, first Andie MacDowell, then Julia Roberts and now Zellweger. Colin Firth from the TV miniseries \"Pride and Prejudice\" has been added to the mix with scintillating results. Bridget Jones carries the banner for all those single women in their 30s who go through life with self-image hang-ups, who think somehow they've never got it quite right. Things haven't worked out for these singletons the way the media promised they would. It's starting to dawn on her that she may never find the right man. Her faux pas have made it into the language: People who muck up will say they are having \"a Bridget Jones moment.\" Bridget is by no means fat but nevertheless obsesses about her weight, keeping track of it in her diary. Zellweger, who is 31, showed up in a clingy, emerald green, low-cut, long summery dress for an interview at a Los Angeles hotel. She is once again very slim, even sinewy, but there are some topics she definitely would rather skip over in the weight department. Such as exactly how much she put on for the role. \"I don't know,\" she says. \"It was in stones. It's kinda weird doing stones.\" Didn't anybody tell you? \"I don't remember. I didn't pay attention. In fact, I had a weigh-in with the physician who was overseeing the process and I told him, 'Don't tell me. I don't want to know.' \" The best guess is she put on about 15 to 20 pounds. She does know how she did it. \"I had more of the things I probably would normally eat,\" she says, \"a lot more, really. You usually stop with the pizza and not have garlic bread with it, too, but I would.\" Was it tough to lose after the filming was done? \"I thought the first lap around the track was like to kill me, and that's the truth. The 13-year-old dog was way out ahead, with arthritis and a bad back,\" she says, referring to her constant companion, the collie-golden retriever named Dylan that she calls Woofer. Weight is not the only thing Zellweger put on. She put on the staff of a London publishing house where she pretended to be a relative of the boss doing a temp job but really was there to practice a middle-class English accent. Nobody recognized the star of \"Nurse Betty\" and \"Me, Myself & Irene.\" \"I got a couple of sideways glances every now and then.\" While Bridget may not always make the best choices in clothes, Zellweger lets on that the extra weight didn't bother her personally. \"Oh, it was great. I got to upgrade at Victoria's Secret. It was a thrill for me, and I foolishly brought home all of my under things. They're now rotting away in my drawer.\" But the six months in London turned into \"an unbelievably strange dichotomy, \" she says. \"Completely creatively satisfied, voluptuous and sexy and womanly. That was all exciting. And alienated and pretty lonely and confused sometimes.\" In \"Bridget Jones's Diary,\" she has several scenes around the house in her underwear, and director Sharon Maguire says, \"We were very proud of her cellulite.\" The goal was to make her look like a real person, even mousy at times. \"There was an occasional worry that she might not be as attractive as she should be,\" Maguire says. \"But if the character didn't have a bit of a weight problem and wasn't worried about her hair, she'd be less likable.\" Maguire should know. A documentary filmmaker, she is one of author Fielding's best friends, intimately knows the scene the movie depicts and was the model for one of the characters in the novel (Shazzer). Fielding says \"Bridget Jo"}, {"response": 679, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Mon, Apr  2, 2001 (16:53)", "body": "As promised I loitered with intent and eventually purchased a copy of May's Total Film...which contains a review (Four Stars) plus a huge feature and pics. Like I say it's big so I'll post in chunks Part 1..... LIVE AND LET DIET by Alan Morrison The English girl is an American, the two timing bastard is that nice boy from Notting Hill and the director is the author's best friend. the makers of Bridget Jones's Diary aren't playing by the rules as they take the hit novel from page to screen....... SHE\ufffdS THE BYWORD FOR THE CHAIN-SMOKING, CHARDONNAY-GUZZLING, CALORIE COUNTING, THIRTYSOMETHING MODERN WOMAN. It\ufffds been five years since BJD stormed the bookstores and made women feel better about their own social disasters. Now, fag in hand, the nation\ufffds favourite singleton has cinemas in her sights. In a year that\ufffds packed with big screen adaptations of best selling books - BJD would appear to have the rom-com market sown up. It\ufffds based on HF\ufffds word-of-mouth hit novel, it\ufffds got the 4W/NH mark stamped upon it courtesy of screen-writer RC and actor HG and the buzz from early test screenings is excellent. But the filmmakers didn\ufffdt make it easy for themselves. Even though the basic story is simple enough \ufffd unmarried woman swithers between Mr Right (who seems to be Mr Wrong) and Mr Wrong (who seems to be Mr Right) \ufffd the fact that it\ufffds all recounted in a diary format gave them a few headaches. And when they snubbed any number of British starlets in favour of American actress RZ, they set themselves up as targets for the usual UK middle-market tabloid brouhaha. RZ, however, proved to be made of sturdy stuff. Passing herself off as one \ufffdBridget Cavendish\ufffd, she put her English Literature degree to good use and worked incognito for several weeks as a publicity assistant for a London publisher. Meanwhile she chowed down on the pizzas and downed the pints in order to match typical Hollywood behaviour. But, then again, it\ufffds a long way from the juice bars of Beverly Hills to the wine bars of Sloane Square. BIRTH OF BRIDGET HF: \ufffdWhen I started writing BJD in February 1995, it was a column in The Independent which I wrote anonymously and assumed would be stopped after six weeks for being too silly. The other journalists were writing about New Labour and Bosnia so I wrote about why it takes three hours between waking up in the morning and leaving the house.\ufffd SM: \ufffdHelen didn\ufffdt tell me, even though I\ufffdm a friend of hers, that she was writing it because she was quite nervous. The first time I got to hear about it was when it appeared in the newspaper. We were both at a party and \ufffd it sounds quite wanky and name-dropping \ufffd Nick Hornby asked her: \ufffdDid you see that thing in the paper today, BJD? I thought it was rather good.\ufffd H blushed bright red and admitted it was her. Then it became her regular column piece, so all our lives were cannibalised and written down.\ufffd HF: \ufffdEveryone involved was surprised by Bridget\ufffds success. I was actually doing the column to finance the writing of my second novel, which was an earnest tract about cultural divides in the Caribbean. About nine months after I started it, I was having dinner with my book editor at Picador, moaning about how boring the Caribbean was. She said:\ufffd Why don\ufffdt you do Bridget instead?\ufffd I said OK and that was it. When the diary came out in hardback it sold quit well but didn\ufffdt get on the best-seller lists. It was only when the paperback came out that it went to No1 and stayed there, unaccountably, for 6 months.\ufffd CF: \ufffdWhile the BJD thing was running in The Independent, someone pointed it out to me and said \ufffdDid you realise you\ufffdre beginning to be mentioned regularly in that column?\ufffd So by the time it was a book, I was well aware that the whole Darcy thing was part of it. It\ufffds very unusual for most people to find themselves referred to in a work of fiction. I found it very odd, but definitely appealing and flattering. In fact, the interview that takes place in the book\ufffds sequel is something that I participated in. We did it as a kind of performance.\ufffd RZ:\ufffd I\ufffdd seen a new York Times book review saying that it was phenomenal, so I went down to the book store, read it, shared it with my friends and laughed about it. Bridget\ufffds experiences as a young woman are so universal. Then I read somewhere ages ago that they were going to make a film from the book. It was just a piece of information that came in and went right back out again. It never occurred to be that I would be considered for it. I assumed it would be a British film made in Britain with British people. And that would be that. ............"}, {"response": 680, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Mon, Apr  2, 2001 (16:59)", "body": "Total Film piece Part 2 GETTING DRAFTED HF: You have to let the film be it\ufffds own thing \ufffd quite separate from the book \ufffd which is partly why I stood back when the film got into production. Film-making is a completely different job from novel-writing, and I\ufffdm not a film-maker. With a novel you can create a lot of irony, detail, complication and depth of character just with a lot of words which aren\ufffdt necessary to the plot. In a screenplay every line has to work incredibly hard. You only have 90 mins or so to engage the audience with the story, so you cant muck about too much. SM: They must have seen every director in London and America by the time I came on board, and some fantastic names were being bandies around. At the time, I\ufffdd just stopped making documentaries and was doing commercials, so I didn\ufffdt figure it would ever fall to me. Helen kept saying:\ufffdYou should do this because you understand it\ufffd and I was saying:\ufffdYeah, yeah, it\ufffds out of my league.\ufffd But they did see me three times for it and finally, when the film\ufffds producers, Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner at Working Title, decided they wanted it to be a small, guerrilla, independent-type project, they thought they\ufffdd be safe enough with me. They were taking a risk, but my passion for it won out I the end. I suppose I understood it because I had been a part of it, being one of Helen\ufffds friends. And I realise now that I needed all that passion because, 3 years later I\ufffdm still working on it most days of the week. HF: I wrote a couple of drafts o fthe screenplay before the production got uinderway. Since then I\ufffdve added ideas when they\ufffdve asked for them, so quite a lot of my lines and jokes are in there, both from the book and various drafts. SM: Helen has done her drafts, and they were really good. But she had a contract to do the seciond book and so she cut herself off and went to LA to write it. That\ufffds when AD took up the reins. So I worked with himfor a while on the script and then he also had a cut off time; but when he left it was in better shape. It then went to Richard and he did a comic pass at it, but very much collaborating with Helen. RC: My memory is that the film kept getting better with each draft butr as it did so, it was getting better dramatically rather than necessarily getting funnier. There was a feeling that H\ufffds first draft had actually been the funniest, so it was my jiob to reconcile the fdrama and the comedy. SM: The fun of BJ is her inner voice and that\ufffds what her diary is, the words going on in her head. She\ufffds very much a character who has an outward persona, which iis that she\ufffds a bit od a nitwit who f***s up all the time. But she has an inner irreverence that belies her outward appearance, so it was absolutely essential to have a voiceover. CASTING CALL HF: The strange thing about having a book made into a movie is that the characters wxist in my hgead. I know what they look like and sound like and where they live and what it was like when things happened to them. It\ufffds quite disconcerting to see it all made flesh with actual human beings. The only movie star I cast in my head was Mr Darcy \ufffd or CF as he is so often called. When P&P was being screened on the BBC, Bridget had an enormous crush on him, so I created the character of MD as a surreal fantasy/reality-blurring romantic figure. I see him as a sort of delicious Colin/Mark/Mr Darcy melange. CF: I did briefly wonder whether it was a good idea or not. Mr Darcy occupies a minuscule portion of my life as it\ufffds something that happened 6 years ago. In the end my sense of humour encouraged me to do it. I think it\ufffds more amusing if it\ufffds me and it\ufffds more amusing for me as well. Buy there are all kinds of self-referential layers that you\ufffdve got to get through in order to find a character that\ufffds playable. You can\ufffdt walk onto the set saying:\ufffdRight, shall I strike a Mr Darcy pose or shall I try to be Colin Firth?\ufffd I don\ufffdt think anybody can consciously play themselves. HF: I think Colin\ufffds very good in the film. In fact I think they\ufffdre all very good. It\ufffds great to see Hugh playing a sexy bastard. And Renee has a gentleness and sweetness of character which is very appealing. SM: But nearly everyone who worked n the film has a different idea of who B is. And nearly everybody who has read the book knows B: either it\ufffds themselves or it\ufffds their friend. So casting her was very scary. I figured that when she walked in the room, we\ufffdd know. She did walk in the room, and we did know. And we went:\ufffdOh f***, she\ufffds a Texan.\ufffd RZ: Eric Fellner told me a story about one of my agents who had suggested: \ufffdWhat about RZ?\ufffd and Eric said \ufffdThat\ufffds the dumbest Idea I\ufffdve ever heard and don\ufffdt ever come to me with any more of your stupid ideas.\ufffd Then apparently we crossed paths at the Golden Globes 2 years ago and it went from there. SM: We were in the curious position of people saying: \ufffdThey\ufffdve gone for some American to make it more marketable.\ufffd Well, we weren\ufffdt thinking we\ufffdd make loads more money because Renee\ufffds not in the"}, {"response": 681, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Mon, Apr  2, 2001 (17:05)", "body": "Total film part 3 ON THE SET SM: I knew all the time that Daniel Cleaver was Hugh. But once we cast him, we realised it wasn\ufffdt going to be cheap any more because he\ufffds no longer in the indie-guerrilla range of affordability. We still didn\ufffdt have huge amounts for making the film though. RC: Hugh has a bit of a tendency to fool around at the end of takes. That fantastic scene about the granny pants (which is in the trailer), where he says: \ufffdI\ufffdm wearing something very similar myself\ufffd and all that stuff that\ufffds Hugh. HG: It\ufffds certainly something I\ufffdve done in virtually every film, but especially with Richard\ufffds stuff. We got into that system on 4W and NH where I\ufffdd do four or five takes as per the script and then they\ufffdd let me mess around a bit. Very often it\ufffds just embarrassing and we\ufffdll all have to walk away with, red faces, but sometimes it comes up funny and it\ufffds worth using. RZ: That was part of the thrill of that experience of working with him. Hugh\ufffds so sharp and quick-witted. You never know where it\ufffds going to go and you always apreciate where it ends up. HG: Something else that I\ufffdve always wanted to do is shut the stuntman out of fight sequences. They\ufffdre great guys if you\ufffdre doing The Matrix or something, but they always come in and say: \ufffdRight Hugh, what you\ufffdve got to do is land him a big right hook and then, Colin you flip your head back.\ufffd And you want to say: \ufffdNo, f*** off\ufffd because no two guys \ufffd particularly professional middle-class Englishmen \ufffd would fight like that. It\ufffds going to be spazz. And so we called our fight in the film \ufffdspazz wrestling\ufffd. That\ufffds what we did \ufffd just crap fighting. TESTING TESTING ONE TWO SM: The biggest relief I\ufffdve ever had in my life was when we first put the finished film to a test audience in New York and everyone laughted. Laughter is such as strange, chemical thing, and I jave a whole code now for measuring it. I sit there and write \ufffdBT\ufffd for Big Titter , \ufffdTT\ufffd means Tiny Titter, \ufffdBL\ufffd means Belly Laugh, \ufffdNL\ufffd means No Laughs when there should be laughs. RC: I started out doing Rowan Atkinson\ufffds revues on stage and then sitcoms in front of a live audience. If and audience doesn\ufffdt laugh at something, you can take their word for it that it isn\ufffdt funny. When we recorded a Blackadder episode, it probably came out at 37 minutes and we got it down to 30 with the feedback. So actually listening to an audiences reaction is what I\ufffdve always done. CF: I just hope that, if the critics like it, they\ufffdll be honest about that and not feel that they\ufffdve got to say something to counterbalance the fact that it\ufffds popular. Some people don\ufffdt want to admit that they liked 4W or NH or the Full Monty just because everybody else likes those sorts of things. SM: I\ufffdve been looking at it for so long \ufffd we\ufffdve been on it for two and a half years - that I feel like I know all the jokes and don\ufffdt laugh at them anymore. But that time in America when, within the first few seconds, people started laughing, then we all started laughing. Just when I\ufffdd begum to think it was a tragedy\ufffd.. Final Verdict \"Simple, joyful entertainment for all springing from a book about a woman who thinks her bum looks big in this. By making it a story first, a comedy seconds and a romance last, BJD manages to win as all three. It deserves to pack the punters in....including men! **** --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Am v envious of the US contingent ....isn't it THE NIGHT tonight???? I hope cameras are at the ready ;-)"}, {"response": 682, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Apr  2, 2001 (17:16)", "body": "...and we hope there's a tall, handsome, brand-new-second-time-dad there to be photographed. Thanks for taking the time to type all that in, Tracy. Loved HF's line 'Mr. Darcy, or Colin Firth as he's sometimes called'. LOL!"}, {"response": 683, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Mon, Apr  2, 2001 (17:25)", "body": "Pleasure Eileen I'm loving all these great lines about the fight scene - it's about time somebody did something true to life, I'm sure most of my male colleagues are only capable of \"spazz-fighting\" (hate the term, by the way, very non PC Hugh!) Also like the line \"I see him as a sort of delicious Colin/Mark/Mr Darcy melange\" Misread first time, thought it said blancmange........Yummy!"}, {"response": 684, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Apr  2, 2001 (17:32)", "body": "OK, all you HG fans, now's your chance to chat *live* with him in about 30 mins. time (at 6 p.m. EDT). Go to the MSN entertainment page ( http://entertainment.msn.com/--sorry , this link's not hot 'cause I've forgotten how to do it and my handy html guide is not handy at the moment). BTW, they've got a link to a sneak peek of BJD which features the blue soup scene between CF and RZ (we've seen it already; am glad it's one with CF)."}, {"response": 685, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Mon, Apr  2, 2001 (18:39)", "body": "Just back from the Chat...only 30 minutes long...BJ related questions as follows What do you think of Renee Zellweger's British accent? I only think of her as English Renee, and now I find her Texan accent slightly unconvincing. How was the behind-the-scenes atmosphere while filming BJD? Any interesting anecdotes to relate? The atmosphere was extremely jovial and mutually supportive with the exception of myself, I became a neurotic grumpy bast*rd in an otherwise funny environment. Daniel Cleaver is a bit of a rogue, and a change from your normal character. Which character is most like you in real life, and which one did you most enjoy playing? I always assume that I'm lovable, pleasant, charming, and an affable character like \"Four Weddings and a Funeral\" and \"Notting Hill.\" Unfortunately that is not the opinion of producers of those films, they say this brings out the real me as they say. I wanted to know what it was like filming the fight scene in BJD with Colin Firth. Is it true that \"Colin fights like a girl\"? I don't want to be unkind to Colin because he did splendidly, but I spent several years in the SAS, the British Special Services, and I'm trained to kill so it was never a very even contest. ------------------------ IMHO It was pretty dull actually and short presumably as the premiere is in an hour or so's time."}, {"response": 686, "author": "DanielleL", "date": "Mon, Apr  2, 2001 (19:19)", "body": "Thanks Mari and TracyT for the articles. That chat with HG sounded like he was tryig to write a little comedy himself."}, {"response": 687, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Mon, Apr  2, 2001 (19:40)", "body": "Loved the article from SF Chronicle. Did anyone see HG on Today this AM? I looked for someone with a sign reading \"ISn't Hugh DEVINE?\" but didn't see it.Bummer! HG's quips always seem a little \"canned\" to me. When Katie asked him about RZ and the accent thing, he used the exact same raised eyebrow comment from the article. He also described the plot in terms of P&P (think he watched BWTA yesterday???). HG did mention CF as being in the film, but that's all. And RZ on Leno on Friday introduced a clip with HG and said \"my costar Hugh Grant.\" Absolutely no mention of CF at all!!! GAH! I just caught the end of ET, and they said that tomorrow they'll carry the story of the premiere and \"stars Renee Zegweller and Hugh Grant.\" So is this on purpose, to keep the outcome a surprise? Or are RZ and HG just not as generous as CF when speaking about costars? I hope the reviewers don't absorb this and similarly ignore CF in their reviews!!"}, {"response": 688, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Mon, Apr  2, 2001 (20:09)", "body": "I saw HG's very brief interview on the Today Show. He did bring up CF and Pride and Prejudice, but Katie cut him off ... or did it just seem that way to me???"}, {"response": 689, "author": "LisaJH", "date": "Mon, Apr  2, 2001 (20:11)", "body": "Oh, Tracy, thanks ever so much for typing out that loooooong article. \"ET alert! ET alert,\" nuclear sirened self. Tomorrow night the NY premiere of BJD will be featured on Entertainment tonight!"}, {"response": 690, "author": "winter", "date": "Mon, Apr  2, 2001 (20:22)", "body": "Yes, Tracy, THANK YOU for entering that huge interview. We really appreciate it!"}, {"response": 691, "author": "LisaJH", "date": "Mon, Apr  2, 2001 (20:24)", "body": "(Kate) And RZ on Leno on Friday introduced a clip with HG and said \"my costar Hugh Grant.\" Absolutely no mention of CF at all!!! Yes, I suffered through Leno, too. (I miss Johnny Carson.) I wish everyone would refrain from their 'Colin-ectomies.\" It is getting on my nerves. . (Kate again)GAH! I just caught the end of ET, and they said that tomorrow they'll carry the story of the premiere \ufffd Oops, sorry, Kate, I now see that you scooped me on the ET info. One must be lightening quick around here\ufffd:-)"}, {"response": 692, "author": "mari", "date": "Mon, Apr  2, 2001 (20:50)", "body": "Don't get your hopes up about the NY premiere coverage. According to Miramax (as of Friday) Colin was not coming which, given the recent birth, is not surprising. Just wanted to prepare you--*no tears here tomorrow*;-) But, maybe we'll be pleasantly surprised. I think the chances are much better for the London premiere, as he can zip in and out in one evening and still make it home for the 1 a.m. feeding.:-). Tracy, thanks so much for typing out that long article; much appreciated! Has anyone seen the new commerical for BJD? I saw it tonight during ET; lots of Colin! We get the \"I love you just the way you are\" scene, plus about 3 different shots of The Kiss. Lovely!:-) Almost forgot: after the commercial, they announced that there would be a sneak preview showing of BJD THIS SATURDAY NIGHT. These are usually at about 7:30 p.m. or so, so watch your local papers for the theater ads on Friday."}, {"response": 693, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Mon, Apr  2, 2001 (21:15)", "body": "Marianne, you are right about Katie this AM. HG didn't seem to avoid discussing CF on purpose. In the middle of the discussion of BJD, Katie brought up some other movie he's in, and then she veered back to BJD. She sounded disorganized--maybe her brain was on vacation?"}, {"response": 694, "author": "mari", "date": "Mon, Apr  2, 2001 (21:51)", "body": "I honestly didn't think Katie cut him off at all. He finished the sentence about the role that CF plays. Then she asked HG about About A Boy. When CF does his own interviews (like BWTA) then we don't have to depend on the kindness of strangers.;-) I posted a new interview from the Telegraph on 143."}, {"response": 695, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (00:12)", "body": "WE SAW IT!!!!!! and We saw MarkG!!! Hi all, We've I(Lizza, Ev and I--and could've been you, Mari) just attended the WORLD PREMIERE of BJD. Yes, our boy wasn't there in the flesh, but what we saw on screen wouldn't disappoint at all. We moaned and groaned and clapped and whooped it up big time. Am sure that Harvey took notice. It's great and Colin has loads and loads of screen time. No worries whatsoever about the Floppsy one upstages ODB. And the ending is to die for. As Lizza is dictating, \"life goes downhill from now on.\" ;-) Want any spoilers????? You will not be disappointed by the fight scene. Our boy is standing at the end. And you're going to be v. surprised by (a) the way he handles kitchen implements and (b) the \"I like you just the way you are\" scene. (the latter is the first proposal scene updated) Back to our new star MarkG. You're in the movie. We yelled and clapped as you walked by in your blue suit. Crispin B-C got cut; you didn't. Interesting tidbit, Harvey Scissorhands has continued to work on this movie. It doesn't start with the train station homeless scene anymore. We all can't wait to see it again and to get home to rewind on BWTA. Miss my VCR. Off to Keepsakes to claim the goodies. Tough cookies. ;-D More tomorrow from home. Lizza, Evelyn and Karen signing from the World Premiere of BJD. (Dominic West was at the premiere too; we no longer fancy him)"}, {"response": 696, "author": "amw", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (09:28)", "body": "Thanks Karen, you lucky people, wonder if we will get in to see it tomorrow, no such luck. Well done Mark, you are a \"star\"."}, {"response": 697, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (09:53)", "body": "Singing: *I'm in the movie, I'm in the movie, I've gotta lotta what it takes to get along...* Girls, what was the audience reaction like? In short, is the film funny ? Weird article in The Sun today, BTW. Headline: Hugh: I fancy quick fidget with Bridget (But I'd have to go on a bender first, says star) http://www.thesun.co.uk/life/13552512 Not really worth reading, IMO."}, {"response": 698, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (10:50)", "body": "Ok, you gleesome threesome, rub it in some more!!;-) Hurry home, can't wait for the full reports. Mark! Just remember us little people, ok?:-)"}, {"response": 699, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (10:50)", "body": "Well done Mark!! You made it! Loads of BJD promo around. Hughie is on Parkinson, there was a clip about the soundtrack on BBCNews 24, and the film tie-in book is very prominently displayed! Interview with HG in Saturday Telegraph. He actually seems to rather resemble Daniel Cleaver in \"real life\"...and CF seems very Mark Darcy-ish in his Guardian interview (and he plays the piano!) More on the Premiere, please!"}, {"response": 700, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (11:06)", "body": "Article in the Electronic Telegraph today... He's back - without the breeches Colin Firth spent six years trying to put dashing Mr Darcy behind him; now he's playing a version of the same character in the film of Bridget Jones's Diary. He explains why to Elizabeth Grice. IS the curse of Darcy about to be lifted from Colin Firth now that he has bowed to the inevitable and agreed to a second incarnation as the unattainable sullen hero? For his sake, we must hope so. In any other circumstances, Firth would be spitting tacks to have the conversation veering towards Mr Darcy, a part that made him inordinately famous in the television adaptation of Pride and Prejudice six years ago and has plagued him ever since. But he has taken a gamble, and suddenly he is sitting back using the D-word with perfect equanimity. Colin Firth: as Mark Darcy, he's everything you'd expect - dark, difficult, devastating. And he glowers magnificently Agreeing to impersonate Mark Darcy in the film of Bridget Jones's Diary could be the smartest thing he has done. Helen Fielding's fictional columnist, Bridget Jones, has a massive crush on the Firth/Mr Darcy/Mark Darcy figure. Who else would Fielding and her panting fans have wanted to see in Mark Darcy's ridiculous hand-knitted reindeer sweater but Colin Firth? And what better strategy for Firth than to join in the joke? Firth has deliberately avoided frilly shirts and breeches since Pride and Prejudice. He has stood, a bemused and slightly appalled onlooker, above the hysteria that turned him into a heart-throb. \"There's this other person called Mr Darcy who I have very little to do with,\" he says. \"He's like a bizarre doppelganger that I've spawned who walks around doing things without me. I've not really allowed myself to get hung up about it. Life has gone on perfectly satisfactorily. It hasn't held me back. It dominates what gets written about me, but it doesn't affect me any closer than that.\" He claims that he didn't worry about compounding \"the Darcy thing\" by playing the very character inspired by him in the Diary because he wasn't being required to reproduce the role. \"There was an ironic slant on it. It was an in-joke, a reference point. I think that's acceptable.\" Firth did have some worries about the film. Would it be boring? Would the script be good enough? Would the humorously cumulative effect of Fielding's prose translate into film? Had a film version anywhere to go? \"There's a great danger in striving to make a designer hit just because all the elements are right,\" he says judiciously. \"It's not necessarily going to work because the book has been a phenomenal bestseller.\" (The other \"elements\" are Hugh Grant as the love rat and Renee Zellweger as the neurotic Jones, plus a strong supporting cast led by Jim Broadbent and Gemma Jones.) But Firth's real dilemma was this: how could he not act his own character, having been given flattering immortality in Fielding's book? Wouldn't that just have played into the hands of all those deluded women who confuse him anyway with hard-to-get, brooding Darcy? And wouldn't he have come across as a humourless snob? To his surprise, Firth is finding it a relief to talk about his part in Bridget Jones because at least it's current work. Usually, interviewers (exactly like Bridget Jones in The Edge of Reason) ask a few dutiful questions about his latest film but can't wait to hark back to Mr Darcy and the wet shirt. He could understand it, he says, if he were doing a long-running weekly Pride and Prejudice series and had signed a 20-year option. \"But it has not been a part of my life for six years,\" he groans. \" 'What's it like to be a heart-throb?' they ask. I don't think anyone on earth can meaningfully answer a question beginning: 'What's it like . . .' \" Though he insists that he doesn't wake up in the middle of the night fretting about it, Firth is resigned to being shackled to Darcy for ever. \"I can't think of a single headline in the last five years that didn't have the D-word in it. It would be so, no matter what I did now. Probably for the rest of my life. Even if I changed my profession.\" He alludes to Mr Darcy as if he were an embarrassing relative - and he has the same rather detached view of his part in the chaotic world of Bridget Jones. \"I have to say it was not the most challenging hour of my life,\" he says drily. His enthusiasm is reserved for the brilliance of his co-stars, Grant and Zellweger, and the serious challenges of making \"a very light film\". \"Hugh is a brilliant light comedian. It is a very substantial craft. Because of its lightness, its substance is often overlooked.\" Needless to say, Firth as Darcy is everything his fans expect him to be - dark, difficult, devastating. He glowers magnificently in the reindeer sweater. He admits his affection through clenched teeth. And, when the moment comes for him to be truly human, he strips down to his shirtsleeves and rescues Bridget's dinner party by knocking up an omele"}, {"response": 701, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (11:14)", "body": "Looks like Helen has a fella of her own in LA. Check out this site. New Mark and Bridget pic (yum!), a short review, plus see the section entitled Bridget's Circle for more on Helen and everyone associated with the film. http://www.peoplenews.com/bridget"}, {"response": 702, "author": "fitzwd", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (11:53)", "body": "(Karen) Dominic West was at the premiere too; we no longer fancy him Uh-oh, please explain. The inquiring minds want to know! :-) So happy you got to see the film. Did anyone introduce the film?"}, {"response": 703, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (12:07)", "body": "To Kate and others expressing a degree of 'bummed outedness' (love to make up new terms!) about talk show 'Colin'ectomies (good one, Lisa): don't despair. These are early promos. Am convinced that HG and RZ have their marching orders since the Powers That Be believe only these two have the ability to lure moviegoers to see this film (*we* know better). Am v.v. convinced that CF will figure more prominently once the film has opened. Unfortunately, given his status as a new father and his usual abhorrence of self-promotion, I seriously doubt we'll see any more of him on talk shows (in print, maybe, but not on the tube). Is it me, or is that pic from the Electronic Telegraph ghastly? *blinking my eyes* And it was taken before Luca was born. Maybe he is starring in the black plague thing after all. ;-) Congrats on making your debut, Mark! Ahahahaha! We knew you when... Glad our travelers got their money's worth and were able to see the premiere in lieu of ODB. I agree with Mari, he's much more likely to attend the London premiere tomorrow."}, {"response": 704, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (12:17)", "body": "Re the piece at peoplenews.com: Bridget\ufffds other paramour, Colin Firth, plays Mr Darcy (both the earlier version, in Pride and Prejudice, and the latest one, here) with the same brooding intensity that has always made me wonder whether he\ufffds actually playing wink murder. By himself. Brooding - I understand, but wink murder ????????"}, {"response": 705, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (12:25)", "body": "Eileen Is it me, or is that pic from the Electronic Telegraph ghastly? *blinking my eyes* And it was taken before Luca was born. Maybe he is starring in the black plague thing after all. Maybe that's the infamous 'gangster' pic ;-)"}, {"response": 706, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (12:30)", "body": "(Tracy) Brooding - I understand, but wink murder ???????? And here I thought it was a British expression! I can tell you it's not a newyawk or newjoiseyism in manner of Sopranos. ;-) Maybe that's the infamous 'gangster' pic ;-) Ooh, could be--is he looking at his cuffs? :-D"}, {"response": 707, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (12:32)", "body": "Guardian interview: \"Pride And Prejudice wasn't the most rigorous or challenging thing I've done,\" he says. . . I ask how he feels about the film, about the hoohah that is about to burst all around him. \"I'm not confident about the film,\" he says bluntly. \"I've no reason to be confident about the film. We all did our best.\" Telegraph interview: He alludes to Mr Darcy as if he were an embarrassing relative - and he has the same rather detached view of his part in the chaotic world of Bridget Jones. \"I have to say it was not the most challenging hour of my life,\" he says drily. Are *these* the type of comments you think the producers would want to hear on a talk show? More to the point, would the person who said these things even be willing to go on? I'm not being critical of Colin, he has a right to express how he feels and I admire his frankness. But the guy is not a marketer. I'm delighted we even got him on BWTA, and I'd be surprised if he did any others. I do wish he'd treat \"the Darcy thing\" with much more of a sense of humor, though. IMO, it would take some of the wind out of the press's sails. On a lighter note, I saw yet another new commercial this morning for BJD, with lots of Mark again, and Colin's name mentioned 2nd after Renee's. They really zoom in on The Kiss.:-) I really can't fault the marketing on this, folks. If Colin doesn't want to put himself forward, then that's that."}, {"response": 708, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (12:34)", "body": "Eileen, if you think the red sweater one is bad, get a load of the black and white one. I can post the link if you can't find it."}, {"response": 709, "author": "vlyne", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (12:39)", "body": "Hello, all. I'm sort of an old newbie. I haven't posted in about two years (about the amount of time since my son was born). Anyway, with the movie coming out I was preparing to mourn the loss of any new BJD, then I found this: Tuesday April 3 9:23 AM ET Bridget Jones Is Coming 2 a Fone Near U Photos Reuters Photo By Victoria Cutler LONDON (Reuters) - First the book, then the film, now the text message. Bridget Jones, the chain-smoking, weight-obsessed singleton conjured up by best-selling writer Helen Fielding, is set to commune with fans via daily text messages on the quest for inner poise, trim thighs and other key ``global topics.'' ``For singletons like Bridget, the phone is becoming a major means of human contact,'' Fielding said in a statement. ``Texting allows followers to hear from Bridget more often than they hear from some of their own friends.'' Finnish wireless entertainment publisher Riot Entertainment said it would launch the service on April 13 -- when the film version of Bridget's travails hits British cinema screens -- under a two-year global deal with Fielding. Last year more than six billion individual messages were sent between mobile phones in Britain. Riot Entertainment says plenty of text messagers will sign up for updates on Bridget's life and loves. True to form, no message will be too trivial. Calories eaten, drinks drunk, men snared and other such vital statistics will be relayed to mobile phone owners as content providers seek to tap into the booming market. More Obsessive Than E-Mail The Bridget Jones diaries, which began life as a newspaper column, were first turned into a best-selling book and the film version, in which thoroughly British Bridget is played by Texan Renee Zellweger, has its premiere in London this week. Texting was the obvious next step. ``Texting allows one to be much more obsessive even than email,'' Fielding said. ``You can be in communication with significant others anytime and anywhere (or not, which can be heartbreaking and obviously requires major analysis and discussion through further texting).'' The service is to include personality tests, an ``Ask Bridget'' service, Bridget Jones's Guide To Life and discussion of dieting, dating, self-help and thigh circumference. ``I have no doubt that after pioneering e-mail flirtation, Bridget has by now become an SMS (Short Message Service) junkie,'' Fielding added. The service will target women in their late twenties and early thirties, as well as ``curious men.'' Riot-E said 80 percent of this target audience were likely to be mobile users. ``Mobile phones are a perfect way to add another dimension to book characters such as Bridget,'' Riot-E CEO Jan Wellmann said. ''Mobile is flexible, dynamic and has an immediacy which is not possible with any other medium. Bridget can text others every day to report on the progress of her bikini diet or other urgent matters.''"}, {"response": 710, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (12:41)", "body": "Found a couple of pictures from the NY premiere... http://www.mirror.co.uk and http://www.sky.com/news/showbiz/story19.htm"}, {"response": 711, "author": "caribou", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (12:58)", "body": "Wink murder?????? Wink murder is a circle game. The players sit in a circle and one has been designated to \"kill\" the others one by one by winking at them. The others have to try to guess who the \"killer\" is without getting \"killed\". It produces a lot of serious looks and side ways glances. The \"killer\" trying to look innocent and do his job simultaneously. Everyone else looking suspicious before they \"die\". I've only seen children play but I'd volunteer to be in the same game with OBD. :-)"}, {"response": 712, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (13:12)", "body": "Nice report on the NY premiere, from Fox News (thanks to Chris). Check out the CF mentions. Seems odd that no press reports have confirmed the actual birth, no? Salman Rushdie Steals Film from Ren\ufffde Zellweger\ufffd Almost Well, the fatwa issued by the Iranians all those years ago \ufffd a death warrant on the head of writer Salman Rushdie \ufffd obviously doesn't include Hollywood. Rushdie makes not a small cameo in the film version of Bridget Jones's Diary, which premiered in New York last night to much applause and smiles. Rushdie, let's say, holds his own with star Ren\ufffde Zellweger in a couple of scenes that show off his comic abilities. Who knows? Maybe Rushdie is onto a new career. Certainly star Zellweger cements her rapid rise to fame with her star turn as Bridget Jones. With an impeccable English accent, Ren\ufffde \ufffd who's from Texas, born of a Norwegian mother and Swiss father \ufffd lights up the screen (as they used to say). Just as Melanie Griffith did in Working Girl, Ren\ufffde is the centerpiece of almost every scene in the movie. She is more charming than ever, and I would wager, set for Oscar and Golden Globe nominations next fall. At the premiere she worked like a dog, doing one-on-one interviews with press before getting anything to eat. \"I haven't even talked to my mother,\" she said of the very elegant blond woman sitting with perfect posture on one of the uncomfortable looking couches. While Ren\ufffde's mom waited patiently for her, her dad joined us. \"Can you believe I was sitting next to my dad through that whole movie?\" she asked. \"It's pretty racy!\" Her dad didn't seem to mind the very tame sex scenes, but \"all that cursing!\" Ren\ufffde said, \"I was blushing!\" Next Zellweger will film White Oleander, the novel that soared to the top of the best seller lists when Oprah Winfrey picked it for her book club last year. \"I just do two weeks' worth of work on it,\" she said, \"then I pile into my truck and head east.\" East, as in New York? \"No, east \ufffd to Texas! I'm going to see some friends there and hang out.\" If there's a strike in Hollywood come summer, Zellweger says, \"I will support it any way I can.\" Hugh Grant, for the Defense If Hugh Grant were a witness on the stand, a good lawyer would rip him to shreds. He bobs back and forth while he answers questions, and looks from side to side. I don't know what he's guilty of, but it's something. Grant has previously played charming romantic leads in his films. In Bridget Jones, he's a cad, very unlikable, and a willing villain. When I asked him in person last night which character was more like the real Hugh, he said, \"I wouldn't mind having a cocktail with either of them.\" His eyes then did this thing where they just rolled back and forth through his head like one of those car-window stuffed dogs. I'm told that his interview in the new Talk magazine, by Holly Millea, starts with the line \"I'm too drunk to do this interview.\" Interesting, huh? Grant is also sporting a new buzz haircut and a very drawn, lean look in his face. Elizabeth Hurley, come home! Some other guests at the Bridget Jones premiere included Charlie's Angels actor Sam Rockwell; Erin Brockovich's Aaron Eckhart; Requiem for a Dream director Darren Aronofsky; twice-Oscar-nominated actress Sylvia Miles; and Saturday Night Live's great talent Ana Gasteyer (someone get this girl her own series, fast). Bridget Jones's Diary also stars Colin Firth, who did not make the party because his wife is giving birth in Italy. But Firth holds up his third of this triangle and makes the film a total success as a chick flick, date movie, romantic comedy. Studios are always searching for the next While You Were Sleeping or Four Weddings and a Funeral. This is it. Not uncoincidentally, Bridget is written by Richard Curtis, who also gave us Four Weddings and Notting Hill. Curtis has a formula, and I'll tell you what it is. He surrounds his main character with oddball friends who love and admire the person. It was Hugh Grant in Notting Hill and Four Weddings. It's Ren\ufffde here. This Greek chorus shows the audience how to appreciate the hero or heroine, casting a warm glow over them. The zany comedy is then disbursed to the chorus, and to other minor characters (like parents) while the hero (oine)'s foibles are only exaggerated so much. In the case of Bridget, Ren\ufffde plays her like Georgie Girl, Rhoda, and Lucy Ricardo all rolled into one. Her zaniness is lovable, and \ufffd you have the feeling \ufffd correctable by her suitor at some point in the fictional future. Bridget Jones will be a huge, huge hit precisely because Curtis has become a master of this formula. And rather than being predictable, his work is comforting, intelligent, and witty. How nice for all of us."}, {"response": 713, "author": "winter", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (13:17)", "body": "Congratulations, Mark!!! I'm so excited for you! Marianne and Jana and Moon and I will see the film tomorrow! We'll keep our eyes peeled for you. who did not make the party because his wife is giving birth in Italy. REally? In Italy?"}, {"response": 714, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (13:25)", "body": "Found another article from ThisisLondon.com, entitled \"I am Jude in Bridget Jones' film! by Tracey MacCleod. http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/html/hottx/film/top_direct.html Here's an edited version of the article: Both Colin Firth and Hugh Grant were wearing handmade suits and looking so impossibly lean, tanned and handsome that it was unsettling to be around them. Several times during the day I found myself just gazing at them, as though they were beautiful statues. Hugh's hair was so lustrous and big that I was convinced he had silver highlights, but it was just movie-star shininess. At lunchtime, conforming to Darcy-Cleaver type, Colin read The Guardian, while Hugh relaxed with The Telegraph. During the many rehearsals and takes of Bridget's speech, Colin and Hugh remained in their positions among the extras, even though they weren't on camera (apparently it's good acting manners to give your co-stars something real to bounce off). It's a tribute to Ren\ufffde Zellweger's talent as a comic actress that we watched her stumble her way through Bridget's disastrous speech for take after take and it just kept getting funnier. With the main scene wrapped, the famous authors dispersed, some of them to real literary parties. I stayed on to watch the next scene, and got my big break, when Sharon placed me in the foreground. My task was to make small talk with Colin Firth and Salman Rushdie, while Colin, as Mark Darcy, gazed tormentedly over my shoulder at Bridget getting off with his arch-enemy, Daniel Cleaver. It was so fascinating to watch Colin doing real acting, like closeup magic, that I kept forgetting to make small talk. His face was such a mask of distracted agony when he turned back to me after watching Daniel leave with Bridget that I wanted to reassure him \"It turns out all right for you in the end - I've read the script.\" Sharon had already warned me that the literary party scene had been cut down, but I caught two distinct sightings of myself, thanks to the clownish green suit - first, standing in the crowd next to Salman Rushdie during Bridget's speech (my embarrassed look when it goes wrong struck me as quite convincing). Then, during my scene with Colin, as I like to think of it, I'm firmly there, centre-screen, and looking a bit uncomfortable. But my hair looks nice, which is the main thing."}, {"response": 715, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (13:38)", "body": "(Mari) Are *these* the type of comments you think the producers would want to hear on a talk show? I see your point but something tells me CF is too smart to diss the movie on TV (it's one thing to read things he 'supposedly' said and quite another to hear the words right from his lips). I do wish he'd treat \"the Darcy thing\" with much more of a sense of humor, though. I agree--according to these print interviews, he's approaching it in his usual 'I'm sick to death of Darcy' manner. C'mon Colin, what did you expect? Thanks for the pic links, Marianne. I was ROTF when I read this: (Sky News) Bridget Jones (Renee Zellweger), who is obsessed with Firth's wet T-shirt scene in the TV series... Wet t-shirt?! Spare me! (Fox News) Bridget Jones's Diary also stars Colin Firth, who did not make the party because his wife is giving birth in Italy. It appears the publicists are still protecting his privacy. Italy, huh? Bridget Jones will be a huge, huge hit *pleaseohpleaseohplease* I was chuckling last night when I heard on ET that 'Spy Kids' beat out 'Someone Like You' in last weekend's BO. Guess all us romcom fans are waiting for the full axminster. ;-)"}, {"response": 716, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (13:43)", "body": "Forgot to mention--thanks for the explanation of 'wink murder', Caribou."}, {"response": 717, "author": "LisaJH", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (14:03)", "body": "Brava Karen, Lizza and Evelyn ! How wonderful you were able to attend the NY premiere. And what great news that MD is in most of the film. MarkG, congrats on your debut. Now you can get your SAG card. At this rate, you might even get your own topic at Drool. :-) Went to the 'Peoplenews' link where it said that CF's favorite toys are books and cardigans. Cardigans? Think they are confusing Mr. Darcy with Mr. Rodgers. Received a notice from Amazon that the BJD soundtrack was shipped today. Goody. Am happily overwhelmed by the plethora of CF articles and quotes. Feel a bit guilty, however, like I am binging. ;-P"}, {"response": 718, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (16:02)", "body": "Where to start, where to start? About the comment that CF's wife is about to give birth, the source would be Tim Bevan and probably the Miramax people. I'll explain... Before the movie started, Harvey made a few remarks and then called up Tim Bevan who talked about all the people who should take credit for the film. He went person by person through all the studio types, then started talking about the TWO stars of the film and hurried to correct himself, by adding that Colin Firth couldn't be there because (and I'm not making this up nor does it sound like typical English ironic humor) CF has an Italian wife who is expecting and of course he had to be there as she's due any day (close but not exact). Harumph, made him sound like the Mark Darcy character who is subject to Natasha's finger-snapping beckonings. Audience reaction? Fantastic! Lots of laughing and clapping. It is very funny but TOOOOOOOOOOOO short. Frankly, they could've dumped what was left of the parents' scenes and added more of the friends. Definitely short-changed that more important aspect of her life. Also, they could've dumped the lake scene, as there's no buildup to the minibreak (endless weekends in front of TV watching cricket in darkened room). I know they've all been filmed (as have photos) but they've been cut along with so many other scenes (mobile in dumpster/rubbish bin, fluffy pink top from People Mag). Will have much more to say as have a ticket to the advance screening this Thursday (Yippeee!! Twice in one week) (checked paper mail first thing when walked in house for tell-tale envelope) Have to talk about that last kiss (as we did repeatedly last night over dinner). We will have to thank Fielding and Maguire for fixing the one horrible flaw from the BBC's P&P production, i.e., that last kiss. Now THIS is the kiss that should've been; no chaste little peck. (No shoulder though) He goes for the gusto and shows her that Mark Darcy is indeed not dull. Oh yes, we did see Hugh close up and Renee (sitting in her seat at the theater). Richard Curtis was right behind me, and we had to pass Harvey when going down the stairs. I didn't see Helen F, but Evelyn did. No other cast members were there, as a couple of the photographers shared their press release from Miramax as to who was expected to be there. One of the singers from the soundtrack (Jamie O'Neal) was there, dressed in what could only be termed true tramp style. And Van Morrison sings on the movie, not Dina Carroll who is on the CD (which I have sitting in front of me). Need to unpack. More later."}, {"response": 719, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (16:11)", "body": "Thanks and welcome home, Karen. Harumph, made him sound like the Mark Darcy character who is subject to Natasha's finger-snapping beckonings. Harumph indeed. Apart from the inaccuracies of Bevan's statement, what does being Italian have to do with it? We're all bossy whipcrackers? ;-) Now I know where Fox News got the 'giving birth in Italy' from. *shaking my head* Hurry and unpack! More, more, more! And do tell, did you make little piggy noises when you walked past Harvey? ;-D"}, {"response": 720, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (17:23)", "body": "Karen, good to have you back and so glad to hear that it \"passed muster\" with you and the audience! Tell us more when you're settled in. (Eileen) what does being Italian have to do with it? Really! So it sounds as though . . .baby is not born yet?! \"Due any day?\" Don't you think they'd have said that CF became a new dad if it were so? Strange. Did Bevan say anything else about CF? And how did you manage to get in, you lucky dogs!"}, {"response": 721, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (18:00)", "body": "(Mari) Did Bevan say anything else about CF? Oh yeah! Couldn't believe he brought up the comment from the Evening Standard article (the one about donkeys) re: Colin and Hugh. Said that we'd get more proof about the validity of the statement insofar as it pertained to the Huge Gnat in the next Talk Mag. *boo hiss* And how did you manage to get in, you lucky dogs! How do you think? We said Colin gave us his seats as he wasn't going to be using them. ;-D (Eileen) did you make little piggy noises when you walked past Harvey? ;-D No, but I forgot to make v.v. positive comments about our boy as I walked past (e.g., \"gosh, has anyone thought that Colin could be the next Tom Hanks?) ;-D"}, {"response": 722, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (18:07)", "body": "Couldn't believe he brought up the comment from the Evening Standard article (the one about donkeys) re: Colin and Hugh. Huh?? Don't recall that one. 'Splain."}, {"response": 723, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (18:18)", "body": "You expect moi to get 'splain that? ;-D Try the article about being a Colin or Hugh girl (9th paragraphy) or think Linda Fiorentino and Mr Ed: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/hottx/top_review.html?in_review_id=374780&in_review_text_id=320515 ~~~~~~~~ Don't think I saw this one here yet, but seems the studios will promote him even if he won't himself. From Yahoo/wire services: Colin Firth laments Darcy syndrome LONDON (Reuters) - Actor Colin Firth has spent years trying to live down the role of Jane Austen's Mr Darcy -- only to play a version of the same character in the film \"Bridget Jones's Diary\". Firth became an instant heart-throb six years ago as the dashing but difficult hero in a television adaptation of Austen's \"Pride and Prejudice\". Now the actor is once again starring as a Mr Darcy in the movie version of Helen Fielding's hugely successful novel -- a role that was inspired by his brooding turn as Austen's hero. \"I can't think of a single headline in the last five years that didn't have the D-word in it,\" Firth was quoted as saying by the Daily Telegraph on Tuesday. \"He (Darcy) is like this bizarre doppelganger that I have spawned who walks around doing things without me.\" Firth told the paper he had deliberately avoided the kind of roles that would require frilly shirts and tight breeches since \"Pride and Prejudice\". But he said he was not worried about compounding \"the Darcy thing\" by playing a character inspired by him. \"There was an ironic slant on it. It was an in-joke, a reference point. I think that is acceptable,\" he said. \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" became an instant best-seller when it was first published in 1996. The story of the chain-smoking, weight-obsessed thirty-something Bridget's quest for love struck a chord with millions of readers around the world. Firth's performance as love interest Mark Darcy was a witty piece of casting. Not only is Bridget Jones obsessed by Firth's Mr Darcy in \"Pride and Prejudice, but the novel itself is a loose reworking of the Jane Austen classic and Fielding modelled Mark Darcy on the real-life Firth. But if Firth seemed the obvious -- if not only -- choice to play Mark Darcy, the casting of the eponymous heroine was less straightforward. The film's makers attracted early criticism for choosing pencil-slim Texan Renee Zellweger over a host of British actresses to play the very English Bridget. The movie also stars Hugh Grant as the love rat who first captures Bridget's affections."}, {"response": 724, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (18:37)", "body": "E! News Daily just showed the NY premiere with RZ and HG, and the \"I like you just the way you are\" clip. Afterward, the person said the film \"also starred Colin Firth.\" Next up Entertainment Tonight and Access Hollywood."}, {"response": 725, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (19:00)", "body": "Re: asses, er, donkeys: remind me not to have Bevan introduce me at my next testimonial.;-) Told you HG would get the big Talk mag article; all that schmoozing with Tina Brown at the GGs. Or as Huge said on Today--they're all a very incestuous bunch. Gah! Karen, the new commercials (2 of them) feature lots of MD."}, {"response": 726, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (19:21)", "body": "Bad review (gave it a D) by one of those guys who call themselves online critics: http://www.oneguysopinion.com/review.asp?ID=336"}, {"response": 727, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (20:29)", "body": "Renee's on Late Night on Thursday the 12th. (Is that Craig Kilbourn or Conan???)"}, {"response": 728, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (20:37)", "body": "Late Night is Conan. Checked my TV Guide for next week (which I got *yesterday*, K;-) and RZ is all over the place. Note that Colin is *not* listed in the Guide for Today on the 10th or any other date. Then again, last time he was listed and we know what happened.:-( Huge is on Letterman tonight."}, {"response": 729, "author": "heide", "date": "Tue, Apr  3, 2001 (21:32)", "body": "So glad you girls got into the film. How exciting! You must tell us exactly where to look for Mark so we're prepared. I think Lisa's got a great idea, giving Mark his own topic. ;-) Looks like first comes the baby, then the labor. Or maybe Livy's having a litter. Will this photo of a very chic Renee at the premiere come out? Hmmm."}, {"response": 730, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (06:38)", "body": "Thanks so much for the premiere coverage! How exciting that you attended. And that we won't be disappointed about the movie. My DH is concerned that RZ has \"overdone\" the weight loss thing, in manner of eating disorder perhaps? Hope that is not the case. Did she look healthy?"}, {"response": 731, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (06:52)", "body": "TV Guide online is still showing CF appearing on 4/10. Not sure if that's a good sign or bad sign."}, {"response": 732, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (08:03)", "body": "FEATURE-British literary phenomenon hits silver screen By Jill Serjeant LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Move over Ally McBeal (news - Y! TV). There is a new neurotic thirtysomething single girl in town searching for Mr. Right amid a sea of wimps, workaholics and whingers -- and this time she is British. Actually, she is an American playing quintessentially English diarist Bridget Jones, who turned the British national sport of self-loathing into the surprise literary best-seller of the 1990s. If you are going to turn a national cultural phenomenon into a movie, it is probably a good start to hire Britain's most successful comic screenwriter -- Richard ``Four Weddings and a Funeral'' Curtis -- and two of the country's biggest heartthrobs, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth. But skinny Texan Renee Zellweger as the calorie-counting, hard-drinking, smoking, disaster-prone Bridget Jones? And foppish, floppy-haired gentleman Hugh Grant as the bad guy? Talk about famous British irony. Zellweger, star of Hollywood films ``Nurse Betty'' and ``Me Myself and Irene,'' spent seven months in Britain soaking up its culture and accent and inhaling its traditional foods -- baked beans on toast and Kit-Kats -- to get ready for the title role in ``Bridget Jones's Diary,'' to be released on April 13. She won the part after a two-year search and a pledge to pile on 20 pounds that left Britain's homegrown talent out in the cold and caused xenophobic outrage in the press. Zellweger, who normally has the tiny frame that exists only in Bridget's wildest dieting dreams, called the reverse diet process ``boringly technical.'' But having reached her goal of about 130 pounds, she says it was liberating. ``You wake up in the morning with six zits and so what? Let's go! It was great not to have to care,'' she said. Welcome to Bridget's world: a hilariously politically incorrect tale featuring bottom-pinching cads, women who eat cake, disastrous dinner parties and bucketsful of English vernacular. While U.S. television's waifish Ally McBeal turns to therapists, theme songs and pajama parties to ward off her singles blues, Bridget Jones wallows in vodka, cigarettes and chocolate as each day that started with a vow to start a diet and take control of her life ends up going more pear-shaped. 'Will Find Nice, Sensible Boyfriend' The book, which started as a newspaper column, was a worldwide best-seller despite its peculiarly British mix of irony and self-deprecation. ``The excitement about making it into a film was tempered with healthy skepticism as to whether it was feasible. A lot of people felt it was perhaps unwise to attempt it given the book's popularity,'' said Firth, who plays rich, snobby lawyer Mark Darcy. Firth sent women across Britain swooning in 1995 when he played a smoulderingly sexy but arrogant Mr. Darcy in an acclaimed BBC television adaptation of Jane Austen's novel ''Pride and Prejudice.'' His Bridget Jones character is modeled on his Mr. Darcy in a love plot that the book's author, Helen Fielding, admits is a steal from ``Pride and Prejudice.'' But it is Grant who looks set to leave women drooling as he plays the kind of wickedly charismatic commitment-phobe who is as bad for women's health as chocolate bars -- and equally irresistible. ``I think it is the sexiest part Hugh has played. He's funny, intelligent and gorgeous and that's just what an irresistible cad is,'' said Fielding. Grant's role as the devious boss of the hapless Bridget Jones is a change of style from the fumbling, nervous characters of ``Four Weddings and a Funeral'' and ``Notting Hill'' that made him the personification of English charm. ``It was fun. It was a blessed relief not to be Mr. Nice Guy. I've done too much of that in the last few years. I was getting sick of it and I think everybody else was sick of it too,'' said Grant, who originally featured as himself in the book as the object of Bridget's fantasies. Can Grant, Zellweger and Firth charm their way into the hearts of an international movie audience? Yes, says Firth, because Bridget, while typically English, also has a universal appeal. ``I think there was a great collective identification with this character,'' he said. ``We all think our bums are too big, we all start the day thinking that this is when it's all going to change and today I'm going to impress everybody. And the same day we end up drowning our sorrows in a bottle of wine.''"}, {"response": 733, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (08:28)", "body": "But it is Grant who looks set to leave women drooling as he plays the kind of wickedly charismatic commitment-phobe who is as bad for women's health as chocolate bars -- and equally irresistible. Oh, give me a break!! It is utterly apparent from the first moment you see Colin that he's the one. This movie is not subtle. You know he's the good guy despite his ill-mannered behavior...and the comments Bridget overhears. Besides, there is nothing even remotely droolable about the wet Hugh. He looks like a scrawny, drowned rat. ~~~~~~~~ Should we take discussions of the movie over to the Spoiler topic? ~~~~~~~~ From the BBC, a male perspective on Bridget: http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/entertainment/film/newsid_1259000/1259869.stm"}, {"response": 734, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (08:32)", "body": "Viewing Tips: When Daniel picks up Bridget to go on the minibreak, you'll see the roar/rev engine bit, then the car pulls away. As it does, you will see Mark. He is the only one who looks like a businessman playing hookey from work, i.e., in a dark suit). ;-D"}, {"response": 735, "author": "BenB", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (08:36)", "body": "God, what excitement. Mark - congratulations!!!! How exciting. Please tell us, KR, exactly the scene we need to watch out for (and the preceding one)....Since we London-based correspondents will apparently NEVER meet up, this is the next best thing. :-) All the reviews - obviously I haven't seen the film yet, but I anticipate agreeing with the Fox News one (thanks, Mari) - Curtis is formulaic, but it's a formula that tends to work. I also anticipate putting RZ ahead of Julia Roberts in the American-actress-in-Richard-Curtis-film stakes, and well ahead of Andie McDowell. I'm really looking forward to the film now. p.s. opinions on the chintz curtains and corner of large portrait in CF's drawing room?"}, {"response": 736, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (08:38)", "body": "From Mitchell Fink's column in the NY Daily News (pic they have labeled RZ is really Kate Hudson) Single and Loving It Who needs Jim Carrey? Certainly not Renee Zellweger. Since breaking up with the rubber-faced funnyman last year, the 31-year-old actress has won a Golden Globe for \"Nurse Betty\" and now seems poised to attain even greater heights of stardom with her new movie, \"Bridget Jones' Diary.\" Zellweger doesn't mind at all that she's a single woman. In fact, she draws many parallels between her and the character Jones, who is also single. However, while Jones fuels herself with cigarettes and alcohol and obsesses about her weight, Zellweger takes a decidedly alternate route. \"[I'm] probably enjoying [being single] differently,\" she said at the party following Monday's Ziegfeld Theater premiere of \"Bridget.\" \"I'm enjoying it differently, but enjoying it very much.\" Zellweger was joined at the Henri Bendel-sponsored post-show party at the Altman Building on W. 18th St. by her co-star Hugh Grant, as well as Alan Cumming, Liev Schreiber, Angie Harmon and Jason Sehorn, Ted Demme and Gina Gershon. It was the first time Grant had seen the film in its entirety. \"I thought it was really good, really charming,\" he said. \"It was a bit groovier than I thought.\" As to whether he could ever date an average-looking klutz like Bridget Jones, Grant said, \"I quite like disaster girls, I always have. I like a bit of food spilled down their shirt, you know. It's sexy.\" http://www.nydailynews.com/today/News_and_Views/Daily_Dish/a-105951.asp"}, {"response": 737, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (08:45)", "body": "From the Page Six column in the NY Post, at least a mention of Colin: DON'T stand too close to Hugh Grant. At the Henri Bendel post-premiere party for \"Bridget Jones's Diary,\" the stammering star accused us of eavesdropping as we waited to interview him. After first calling us \"a bleeping wanker,\" Grant gamely talked about his fight scene with Colin Firth in \"Bridget Jones,\" joking, \"It was basically a fight between two middle-class Englishmen - i.e., girls.\""}, {"response": 738, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (08:52)", "body": "Zellweger's got a 'Bridget' jones By Jeannie Williams, USA TODAY Bridget Jones's busy dating life: She calls herself a \"wanton sex goddess\" while in bed with her boss. She lip-syncs to All By Myself and dons a Playboy-type bunny costume with fishnets. She undergoes the humiliation of her date discovering she's wearing a heavy-duty girdle. Renee Zellweger does it all in Bridget Jones's Diary, plumped up by some 20 pounds. But at Monday's New York premiere, Zellweger was her petite self again, in chic Marc Jacobs suit, boots and ponytail, and still thrilled with the success of her golden Oscars gown. \"I have to say I looooove my yellow dress!\" she said. She giggled about that girdle scene with Hugh Grant, who is finally playing a cad. The whole experience of the movie \"was so extraordinary, every day something new, something silly, something outrageous in terms of opportunities to be creative,\" she said. But Zellweger, whose last big romance was Jim Carrey, has no dating tips of her own to offer: \"Oh, God, no, you don't want to ask me anything, honey! Not a thing. I'll just keep my nose out of that department for a long, long time!\" Accompanying her at the premiere were her parents. Grant was in his new shortish, spike-ish haircut, which he hated at first: \"There was a moment when I thought I looked like an East European female tennis star. But I now think in fact I look cool and hip and now and London.\" His publisher character lies and cheats, but Grant believes women \"don't know what they want (in men, good and bad). They want a bit of both, that's been my experience.\" He admits improvising dialogue in the girdle scene (\"big pants,\" he calls them). \"It all sprung up because I did find them curiously sexually attractive.\" Grant does date: \"I get out a bit. But I don't have any tips. I find I've lost my knack over the past 13 years (with ex-love Elizabeth Hurley). I just lie, flirt \ufffd bat your eyelids.\" Who is he dating? \"None of your beeswax!\" he says. Bridget Jones's Diary, from the novel by Helen Fielding, is quite a steal from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. And Colin Firth as Mark Darcy, Bridget's other man, is very similar to the brooding Mr. Darcy he played in that Austen TV miniseries. The handsome Firth regrettably was absent Monday; his Italian wife, Livia, gave birth last Thursday to a son, Luca, and he was at her side in Rome. (He has another son with Meg Tilly, his Valmont co-star.) Zellweger's casting was criticized because she's not English. But her accent is excellent, and Fielding said it's important that Bridget \"has a real sweetness to her character. ... Renee has such a sweetness and warmth that comes across beautifully.\""}, {"response": 739, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (08:59)", "body": "Film Review (the mag that Ann left on the plane) has given the movie 5 stars: by L\ufffdrien Haynes Bridget Jones's Diary is, you may be surprised to learn, actually better than the best-selling book. Whereas Helen Fielding's treatise on female singledom had a predominantly feminine appeal, Sharon Maguire's d\ufffdbut feature broadens the novel's horizons and encapsulates not only a woman's loneliness but mid-life crisis, male bachelorhood and the plight of 21st Century sexual relations. If this sounds too serious, the film is not. Heavingly funny, tear jerkingly poignant it's no wonder this test screened better than both Four Weddings and Notting Hill. Thirty-something Bridget is (she thinks) overweight, undersexed and consuming inordinate quantities of Chablis and ciggies with her also very single friends Shazza (Phillips), Jude (Henderson) and Tom (Callis). By day she works for publisher Daniel (Grant), by weekend she is subjected to her parents embarrassingly dire attempts at matchmaking. Her life starts zinging when she woos Daniel with the ever-decreasing size of her skirts. Reading more into their eventual romping than necessary, she's gutted when Daniel lets her down. Back to square one, Bridget is coping with her mother's infatuation with a shopping channel presenter, her dad's (Broadbent) apathy and her own conclusion that her life may be over. Repeated encounters with a Mr Mark Darcy (Firth), however, begin to titillate, his brooding manner being the sun breaking through her sludgy clouds. The film has a retro feel, which is weird as it hearkens back to the early Nineties. Maguire presents an ensemble piece while making Bridget the fulcrum. Helen Fielding's insistence she direct was clearly a good move, grounded in Maguire's proximity to Fielding's life and life of her alter-ego Bridget (Maguire is actually the real Shazza, one of Bridget's best friends). Zellweger is a revelation. Her performance is 100 percent, in that she is Bridget. English, plump, vulnerable, prepared to wear costumes two sizes too small in every shot (true) as well as giving us a dose of bone fide cellulite - can you remember any other actress prepared to do that? Hugh Grant is equally impressive, perfectly cast not as a bumbler but a complete cad. The supporting cast is flawless: James Faulkner is hilarious as the randy Uncle Geoffrey, plus cameos from a sporting Salman Rushdie and Honor Blackman who provide great gags. Far more akin to Pride and Prejudice than the novel - and all the more funny for it - writer Richard Curtis achieves more with his script than in his previous work because the narrative is stronger than a series of comedy sketch ideas. Of course there are flaws, but these are outweighed by other material that entirely wins you over (BJ appearing in a bunny girl outfit at a formal English garden party). And the film is worth seeing for Hugh Grant and Colin Firth in full-blown fight mode alone. Though Bridget Jones's Diary will make you laugh, cringe and bury your head in your hands, the magic ingredient is that there is also a deep sadness here, an honest depiction of genuine loneliness and isolation. A sense of being thirtysomething and desperate that is simply not funny and, if identified with, will bring tears to the eyes. This is a great film, and one you're guaranteed to rush back to see again."}, {"response": 740, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (09:15)", "body": "You know Livia giving birth last week should be indicative as to why he wasn't on the Today show???? So it sounds feasible that she did give birth last week. But don't understand why he would leave his newborn son for \"press junket tour\"???, isn't it a bit soon to bring a newborn on an airplane??? (of course this is Laura thinking out loud.)"}, {"response": 741, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (09:30)", "body": "Finally, confirmation! Unless, of course, Jeanne Williams is just copying what she reads on these boards.;-) Thanks for the news roundup, K. To anyone going to London for the premiere tonight, have a wonderful time, and I hope Colin is there to represent the male contingent! (Huge, oddly enough, is scheduled to be on the Rosie show here in about a half hour, unless that show is taped ahead)."}, {"response": 742, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (09:35)", "body": "Bevan's rationale for why CF wasn't at the NY premiere (think he must be hanging around with Trey Parker of South Park fame) demonstrates either that he was underinformed as to the baby's birth or told not to mention it yet (I see the news has been broken by USA today). Was thrilled to hear CF mentioned again on ET, with clips of the fight scene. So what if HG used his usual line 'Colin fights like a girl' when Colin was not there to give his standard retort 'it takes one to know one'? ;-) Laura, am guessing next week's Today show clip was taped (Mari originally surmised this but now, given the baby news, it seems logical that CF cleared his calendar after completing his obligatory promo activities)."}, {"response": 743, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (09:49)", "body": "From Empire, an excerpt from an interview due out today in Heat magazine, he apparently likes to talk more about CF than RZ: Hugh's a Naughty Boy? Hugh Grant is in a philosophical mood these days and the various interviews he's conducted for Bridget Jones have revealed his moodier side to the British Press. However this week's Heat Magazine obviously caught Hugh in a sparkier mood with the actor prepared to dish the dirt about being 40, dating actresses and working with Salman Rushdie. First up, the actor confirms rumours that the initial script for Bridget Jones didn't pass muster. 'It was just humdrum,' he says. 'I didn't think they'd managed to get the hmour of the book on the page...It seemed a bit dreary.' It took the rewriting skills of Richard Curtis to persuade Grant to sign on. Once on, Hugh admits he was keen to look his best for the film and wasn't above putting one over on Colin Firth to get his way. 'One of the clever things I did...was to persuade the costume designer to have this designer make me five suits which I then nicked from the film. The result was that she had no money at all for the other characters. That's why Colin Firth is in a rather cheap suit.' Once begun, the production seems to have gone swimmingly, with one scene in particular standing out in Grant's mind. 'I got [Salman] to play my favourite game on boring party-scene days which is 'pick and extra' - you have to pick one extra to have sex with. He loved it. I've never known anyone take a game more seriously...We also played 'pick a crew member' and that's really hard with British crews.' Now that he's relatively newly single it seems that every tabloid in town wants to link Grant with a new woman, but the actor's pretty cagey about future prospects. 'I'm not crazy about going out with actresses,' he says. 'They're too mad, too neurotic.' And if it ever seems that fame will turn his head completely - Hugh always has his parents to fall back on - 'They live in that world where people don't give a toss about showbusiness.' Hugh explains. '[A dinner party guest] said to my mother, \"I hear you have two sons.\" And she said; \"Yes. One's a merchant banker and the other's a film star.\" And he said, \"How very interesting. Which Bank?\".' [Ed note: very old joke, that last one] BTW, Salman Rushdie has more screen time than quite a few other characters."}, {"response": 744, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (09:59)", "body": "Guardian has an article by Camilla Elworthy, the woman RZ worked for at Picador for those few weeks in training. Apparently she's at the literary party scene next to Jeffrey Archer, but I thought that was a very close up head shot. Says that she also went to the set and met Colin. Has put out a very generous offer at end: \"Just for the record, I would be more than happy to repeat the whole experience with any other global superstars wishing to brush up on their admin skills - an application from Russell Crowe would be particularly welcome.\" http://film.guardian.co.uk/features/featurepages/0,4120,468254,00.html"}, {"response": 745, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (10:06)", "body": "Hot off the news wires: \"Bridget Jones\" film premieres in London LONDON (Reuters) - The eagerly awaited film version of \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" premieres in London's West End tonight. The film's stars - Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth - will all be there on Wednesday, as will Helen Fielding, who first dreamed up the character of the neurotic Bridget. \"Bridget Jones\" is the tale of a 32-year-old single woman -- or \"singleton\" -- obsessed by calorie-counting, cigarettes, alcohol and, most of all, being single. Although Bridget is a quintessentially English character, she is played by Texan actress Zellweger, best known for her role as Tom Cruise's romantic sidekick in \"Jerry Maguire\". Critics will be listening closely to hear whether she's mastered an English accent. And Hugh Grant abandons his usual bumbling, English upper-class nice-guy style to play a villain -- Bridget's boss. Colin Firth provides the love interest. Fielding's international best-seller began life as a tongue-in-cheek British newspaper column, where the diary of a modern career girl seeking an old-fashioned happy ending struck a chord with a generation of women. Each diary entry began with the day's vital statistics. A typical day would begin: \"Alcohol units: two (excellent); cigarettes: 21 (poor but will give up totally tomorrow); number of correct lottery numbers: two (better, but nevertheless useless).\" The film was created by Working Title -- the hit team behind \"Four Weddings and a Funeral\" and \"Notting Hill\". Grant summed up the story's appeal for him: \"It's love gone horribly wrong -- someone actually quite suffering. And I think that the fact that Bridget's sort of suffering really in this film is what makes it funny.\""}, {"response": 746, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (10:23)", "body": "SNEAK PREVIEW ALERT!!!! Check your local papers. I live in NJ and saw an ad this morning announcing a sneak preveiw of BJD at lots of NJ theaters this Friday. No time specified. Thank you all for posting the reviews and articles. I saw HG on Letterman last night. Said very little about the movie, but did show the boating scene. At least the clip had the cuts to CF in the other boat, which is more than I've seen in trailers so far. Do you think it's too early to camp out at the ticket window of my local movie theater?"}, {"response": 747, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (11:42)", "body": "Hi Folks, Can't add much to what The Boss said about the premiere. It was Thrrrilling...And we had bonafide Miramax invitations too, Mari. None of this.. being hered in with the \"fillers\".We were there with Harvey, HG was in front of me coming out of the theatre, so was HF looking v. glam in a blue dress and coat to match...wearing strappy sandals, no hose (brrrr it was 30 degrees!) (Mari)And how did you manage to get in, you lucky dogs! (Karen)How do you think? We said Colin gave us his seats as he wasn't going to be using them. ;-D ROTF....\"You gotta make things happen\".... (Karen)It is very funny but TOOOOOOOOOOOO short. Frankly, they could've dumped what was left of the parents'scenes and added more of the friends. Definitely short-changed that more important aspect of her life. Also, they could've dumped the lake scene, as there's no buildup to the minibreak (endless weekends in front of TV watching cricket in darkened room). I know they've all been filmed (as have photos) but they've been cut along with so many other scenes (mobile in dumpster/rubbish bin, fluffy pink top Have to agree. They shudda asked us to plan the scenes. The film does have its shortcomings.Principally the sub-plot. Can see whay CF isn't too effusive as he was with SIL. But it is a cute film and ODB is gorgeous...in every frame. The last scene will elicit screams, trust me. Karen opted for the navy blue overcoat right then and there. Mark....you look gorgeous too, darlink! Look for the scene where Bridget is coming out ot the doorway with sun glasses..about to join Daniel in the convertible...as the car pulls away...Here Comes Mark!! Forgot to mention that Nan was also at the premiere...so you see Drool was well represented.(We had a mini reunion with Nan that morning). Thanks to everybody who typed up all the reviews and interviews. We appreciate it."}, {"response": 748, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (12:13)", "body": "You can see the Geri Halliwell \"It's Raining Men\" music video online now. I've put up links at the BJD music page as well. It's Flashdance meets Fame, as I think Tracy described previously. Quite a few shots of Colin and culminates with fight scene. Can't wait to see this on TV... Low speed: http://194.129.36.69/asx/microsoft/gerihallow.asx High speed: http://194.129.36.69/asx/microsoft/gerihalhigh.asx"}, {"response": 749, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (12:33)", "body": "The London Times's report on the premiere. Check out Helen's boyfriend's occupation--I heartily approve of him, even sight unseen!:-) The New York premiere of Bridget Jones's Diary BY JOANNA COLES IN NEW YORK Renee Zellweger and Hugh Grant, Dominic West, Alan Cumming, Frances McDormand, Donald Trump, Tara Fitzgerald, the singer Moby and the veteran television star, Barbara Walters, were among the British and American celebrities who gathered at the Zeigfield Theatre in New York on Monday night to celebrate the premiere of Bridget Jones\ufffds Diary. Miss Zellweger, the American actress who was granted the role of the famous British singleton, only after she agreed to put on 20lbs, stunned the audience not only with her impeccable London accent, but also with her dramatic weight loss. Now skinny as a starling\ufffds rib, and wearing a tiny black suit by the New York designer Marc Jacobs, it was clear she had lost at least a stone more than she had put on, giving Calista Flockhart, the tiny star of Ally McBeal, a run for her money as America\ufffds most anorexic actress. \ufffdI miss London, I really do, I really do! I miss the Met Bar,\ufffd she said, adding that working incognito for an English publishing company as part of her research for the role, and then making the film with Mr Grant and their co-star, Colin Firth, was a wonderful experience. \ufffdIt was unique, extraordinary, every day brought new opportunities,\ufffd she said. Mr Firth was unable to attend because his wife is expecting a baby this week. Sporting a spikey new haircut, Mr Grant seemed peevish and refused to speak to the British press. Asked briefly if he enjoyed playing the bad guy as a change from his recent role in Notting Hill, he snapped: \ufffdI\ufffdve played the bad guy before you know. It was a welcome return.\ufffd The film was co-written by Helen Fielding, Bridget Jones\ufffd creator, who arrived at the theatre with her American boyfriend Kevin Curran, a writer for The Simpsons. Asked if he had managed to woo the real-life Bridget Jones, he said sheepishly: \ufffdI guess you could say that, she\ufffds a wonderful woman.\ufffd The two now live together in Los Angeles. Ms Fielding, who was dressed in a blue suit by the British designer Ghost, and wearing a diamond necklace by Asprey, said it was important to her that Ms Zellweger had been prepared to put on weight for the part. Another co-writer was Richard Curtis, creator of the Black Adder series and Four Weddings and a Funeral. He said he was relieved he had not had to disinfect his feet before arriving in the United States, but he was worried about not being able to take food back to London with him. Looking forward to further projects, he added he was thinking of creating a new Black Adder series with Rowan Atkinson playing a college professor who hates students. Eric Felner, one of the film\ufffds producers from the British company Working Title, pointed out that if the film is a reasonable success it will mean Mr Curtis\ufffd last four films, which include the blockbuster Notting Hill, will have a combined gross of more than $1 billion. The film was directed by Sharon Maguire, a BBC documentary maker who was the real-life inspiration behind Shazza, Bridget\ufffds best friend. Ms Fielding always promised that if the book was ever made into a film, then her friend would direct it. The movie also includes several cameos of Ms Fielding\ufffds friends including the authors Salman Rushdie, Julian Barnes and Sebastian Faulkes. Lord Archer also makes a brief if unflattering appearance. After the screening Barbara Walters, a famous singleton herself, said she loved the film. \ufffdRenee was adorable,\ufffd she said. \ufffdI shall give it a good review,\ufffd said Jonathan Foreman, film critic for the New York Post. He added that he liked Mr Curtis\ufffd eye for social detail though he feared an American audience might miss the subtlety. \ufffdMy only worry is that the film has such a thick heroine. No American film would dare to insult its target audience like that.\ufffd"}, {"response": 750, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (12:53)", "body": "He[ Richard Curtis] said he was relieved he had not had to disinfect his feet before arriving in the United States, ... It was there, Richard. You just didn't see it ;-) but he was worried about not being able to take food back to London with him. What does he want to take back....steaks? jelly beans? He was also in front of us leaving the theatre. Sorta geeky-looking. Big British contingent attended.I figured they were Working Title. We saw Dominic West. We had just seen him in Design for Living.He is not as impressive (or good-looking ) as on stage.A little seedy..."}, {"response": 751, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (13:20)", "body": "Here's the BBC's review. 4 out of 5 stars, but . . . Cut from the same cloth as \"Notting Hill\" and \"Four Weddings and a Funeral\", this much-anticipated film of Helen Fielding's bestseller about the year in the life of a single thirty-something woman delivers the goods in almost every department. The public's affection for Fielding's Chardonnay-swigging chain-smoking lovelorn Bridget would be enough to propel the picture to the top of the box office charts. Throw in a delightfully witty script co-written by Richard Curtis, a deliciously unpleasant turn from Hugh Grant, and a cast filled with homegrown talent and the result is everything fans could have hoped for - and more. Casting Ren\ufffde Zellweger as the neurotic heroine was a risky move, but it's one that pays off handsomely. Listen closely and you can detect traces of American in her plummy Home Counties accent, but that's a minor cavil compared to the gusto the Texan actress brings to her defiantly unglamorous role. Zellweger piled on the pounds to play the part, and her generous curves add an extra ring of authenticity to the proceedings. Colin Firth recycles his \"Pride and Prejudice\" portrayal as the aloof Mark Darcy, but it's Hugh Grant, cleverly cast against type as a scheming love rat, who steals the laurels in a role one suspects is far closer to his real character than the bumbling nice guys we are accustomed to see him playing. Director Sharon Maguire treads a fine line between broad comedy and touching romance, while cameos from Salman Rushdie and Jeffrey Archer show just how much Fielding's creation has permeated popular culture."}, {"response": 752, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (13:29)", "body": "For the boston folks, you can win tix to see BJD next Thursday... http://ae.boston.com/movies/contests/bridgetjones/ You can sign up as many times as you like..."}, {"response": 753, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (15:26)", "body": "Very pro-Hughie coverage of BJD in Mail and Express (Hugh talks about wanting children, blah, blah)Front page pic of RZ and HG. Sexiness of HG is given heavy prominence, also seems to be stealing acting laurels in reviews. Excellent review in Mail for BJD, but refers to MD as \"stiff and snooty\" whereas Hughie is \"distinctly sexy, v.attractive\". CF/MD apparently \"appeals to sensible homebodies with husbands who chair PTA's. Excuse me? On the other hand the Guardian has a piece about RZ working for the publishing firm...\"She performed (on the set) the most wonderful and generous act a woman can do for another...she introduced me to CF) One to Colin. ye--eh!!! Interesting pieces in HG interviews in Telegraph and Heat about the script. HG says he refused to sign for the film because the script wasn't very good (Andrew Davies must love him) and said he would only do it if RC was brought in. RC re-wrote the script, writing the part of DC expressly for HG. Can't help wondering what the original was like...possibly a good ensemble piece (which CF wouldn't object to) with more time for the friends...less of a star vehicle for HG. HG was apparently paid $8million for the movie, considerably more than RZ! Thanks for all the reports, ladies!"}, {"response": 754, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (15:51)", "body": "From This Is London: Dear diary - Bridget's fab! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bridget Jones's Diary (15) Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant. Dir: Sharon Maguire. UK. 2001. 95mins. by Nina Caplan Rather like its daffy heroine, the film version of Bridget Jones's Diary is not big, clever or remotely grown-up - but it is tremendous fun. Ren\ufffde Zellweger stars as the self-confessed 'spinster and lunatic', fretting about calories, fags, booze and, most of all, the hell of being a 32-year-old singleton surrounded by couples. With the slurred encouragement of her pals - like-minded, nicotine-crazy dipsomaniacs all - Bridget stumbles between her boss, the charming but unpleasant Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant, in the kind of slick, love-rat role that suits him best) and sombre but genuine family friend Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). Firth, who played Mr Darcy in the TV series of Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice, was drooled over at length in the book, which is about as clever as this film gets. But clever isn't really the issue here: Bridget's idea of intelligence is asking Salman Rushdie (playing himself) the way to the ladies. She is the original ditz and Zellweger, despite the controversy which surrounded the casting of an American as quintessentially British Bridget, more than does her justice. She has carefully accurate vowels, big blue eyes, a vulnerable rosebud pout and a trick of crumpling her face into a hurt, lopsided smile when she is verbally assaulted by cheating boyfriends, smug marrieds and other villains. The direction by Sharon Maguire (real-life model for Bridget's foul-mouthed friend Shazzer) is suitably kooky, with a thumping soundtrack and plenty of incidents. The humour is very stereotypically British, circa Benny Hill - all social gaffes and inadvertently exposed body parts. It's a shame the film plays down the wall of matey solidarity that comprises Bridget's best friends Shazzer (Sally Phillips), Tom (James Callis) and Jude (Shirley Henderson). By way of compensation, however, Zellweger's Bridget is much less afraid of reaching the bottom of a jar of Nutella chocolate than her literary equivalent. Ninety minutes of calorie-counting would have bored audiences rigid, as the film's writers - Helen Fielding (who wrote the book), TV whiz Andrew Davies and Richard 'Notting Hill' Curtis (who seems almost exclusively responsible for Hugh Grant's thriving film career) - were no doubt aware. As for Zellweger, who went on a much-publicised Guinness-and-pizza diet to create Bridget's ample curves, she looks gorgeous on it. She is the first normal-sized female star in a film for quite some time."}, {"response": 755, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (15:57)", "body": "HG says he refused to sign for the film because the script wasn't very good (Andrew Davies must love him) and said he would only do it if RC was brought in. RC re-wrote the script, writing the part of DC expressly for HG. Can't help wondering what the original was like...possibly a good ensemble piece (which CF wouldn't object to) with more time for the friends...less of a star vehicle for HG. Now we know why it took 3 writers to get this off the ground. Hugh made similar comments in an article here that the original script was \"not funny.\" I think we speculated right from the start that RC would make it a nice vehicle for HG. Interesting the clout that HG has (but not surprising, given his past Working Title successes)."}, {"response": 756, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (16:02)", "body": "Richard 'Notting Hill' Curtis (who seems almost exclusively responsible for Hugh Grant's thriving film career) Truer words were never written. ;-D"}, {"response": 757, "author": "patas", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (16:47)", "body": "She is the first normal-sized female star in a film for quite some time. And overdid the weight loss afterwards, IMO - and Meredith's DH's also."}, {"response": 758, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (16:48)", "body": "Pictures from the London premiere: http://news.excite.com/photo/img/ap/bridget/jones/diary/20010404/lon110?r=/photo/r/010404/16/entertainment-6 http://news.excite.com/photo/img/r/britain/20010405/lon200d?r=/photo/r/010404/16/entertainment-6"}, {"response": 759, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (17:03)", "body": "Thanks, Marianne. Second one is much better."}, {"response": 760, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (17:09)", "body": "Have just seen Rosie's interview with HG (taped yesterday) and H mentioned Colin's name twice, but Rosie didn't pick up on it at all. She also said she never read the book or knew anything about it. She was more interested in discussing her stitches and hand surgery than anything. They showed clip of the fight scene that was very long, probably half the fight in total, including the segment inside the restaurant with a bit of the happy birthday stuff. It was edited though as you didn't see Tom running inside the restaurant telling everyone there was a fight, a real fight going on. That got an enormous laugh from our audience - one of the biggest from the movie. Our West Coast gals will be seeing the movie later. Have fun and report back."}, {"response": 761, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (17:44)", "body": "The Premiere was on Sky News. Caught a glimpse of CF smiling and relaxed walkingbehind RZ as she was being interviewed. Then brief interview with CF unsmiling, more tense looking (comment on dieting in last attempt to regain boyish contours). Then interview with HD also unsmiling (comment on being fat). Tried to record, but recorded Channel 4 by mistake. Was also longish item (I think!) on BBCNews24, but just as they said...\"a report on the BJD Premiere\" my son came in and switched over to football."}, {"response": 762, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (19:00)", "body": "\"Bridget Jones\" premieres in London LONDON (Reuters) - Bridget Jones's little diary has leaped to the big screen at a star-studded premiere in London's West End. The film's stars - Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth - were all there on Wednesday, as was Helen Fielding, who first dreamed up the character of the neurotic Bridget. [...]"}, {"response": 763, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (19:00)", "body": "Thanks Marianne for posting the pics of the London premiere.Renee and Hugh look pretty good considering the number of hours they've logged on a plane. I like her dress...wow! Hey, ODB has a new premiere suit....look at those dimples. Hope Luca got 'em."}, {"response": 764, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (19:11)", "body": "Sorry, didn't see Marianne's posting. Here's the second one which is bettah:"}, {"response": 765, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (19:32)", "body": "VCR ALERT for those in later time zones. CF interviewed at London premiere on Entertainment Tonight. Mentions the babe!"}, {"response": 766, "author": "amw", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (19:36)", "body": "Hi, I'm back from the London Premiere. It was very exciting and although Colin was there we saw very little of him, just as he was coming our way someone called him aznd away he went. He looked so slim I hardly recognised him but caught a sight of a cheeky smile, he is so cute. Met Tracy, Jennie & Mark but what a crowd of people, more I would say than for SIL. So many ckleebs I can't remember them all but here are a few. Stephen Fry, Celia Imrie, Gemma Jones, Jilly Cooper, Geri Halliwell who got the biggest applause, Vanessa Feltx, Anneka Rice and Angus Deayton. Perhaps Tracy will remember some more, no wonder we couldn't get any tickets. One thing struck me though, its amazing how different the two actors are, Colin is so low profile compared to HG, at the end he came out early to a few whoops and some cameras whereas HG plays to the cameras, comes out towards the end to loads of cameras flickering and a deafening sound of whoops and yells from the crowd and he waves to the crowd and loves it. Its gre t to see so many posters all around London and to see ODB featured so prominently. Thanks for all the news and reviews everyone, can't say I like the BBC review though. Finally there is an excellent interview with Colin in May's issue of \"SHE\" out today, with new photos and in it he says he worries about going bald!!"}, {"response": 767, "author": "amw", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (19:37)", "body": "PS - I have to say that Colin looks much better in the flesh than in any of these photos."}, {"response": 768, "author": "heide", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (20:15)", "body": "Glad to hear it, Ann. He looks a bit frightful in the photos. ;-) Sounds like a great bash in London. I'll bet you have a bit of jet lag yourself. Mari, thanks for the ET heads-up. I missed it though, dang. Hugh was terrifically funny on Letterman last night. Since Dave rarely mentions anything of relevance regarding promoting a film I was pleasantly surprised to see the clip. I vote for the Spoilers topic, Karen!"}, {"response": 769, "author": "amw", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (20:26)", "body": "Karen, can you help, there is a terrific photo of Colin being greeted by Renee at the BBC Entertainment site, under Premiere pictures. Must go to bed, night all and yes Heide I am still jet-lagged but I just had to go up to London to support Colin, Hugh and Renee have so many fans."}, {"response": 770, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (20:28)", "body": "Hey Ann you beat me to it - I knew you would... Also there were: Stephen Fry, Celia Imrie, Gemma Jones, Jilly Cooper, Geri Halliwell who got the biggest applause, Vanessa Feltx, Anneka Rice and Angus Deayton. Perhaps Chris Eubank, Neil Pearson, Tim McInerney, Salman Rushie, Rowan Atkinson, I think we caught sight of Richard Curtis scudding away in his limo after and Salman Rushdie(who walked away from the premiere, bodyguards in tow, to the post showing bash as did most) When they all went in we headed off for a celebratory Chardonnay and Creme Brulee combination and then chanced it by going back for the exits. True to form ODB was first out (even before many of the nobodies) , straight in his limo and off into the night ( for nappy change and feeds no doubt). As Ann says we couldn't have picked a worse spot insofar as ODB locations went ;-( but even so,I do have a few little prezzies for you. Sorry about the blurriness...unnecessariness strikes again I'm sure you understand ;-) Ann realises he is just out of reach ....OOHH He's getting nearer....SWTA poised in readiness *thinks* is it really healthy behaviour to send out hate waves to little old silver haired lady ...and then he was gone :-( more to follow...boy is it late but in the words of someone we know only too well \"I shall conquer this\""}, {"response": 771, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (20:35)", "body": "Gnat ALert, Gnat Alert Unlike ODB The Gnat just signed everything in sight (including things we didn't want signing/sullying (eh Ann?) Hmmm, who's been attacking Huge with the garden shears then? RZ and HG did the rounds seemingly together .. she looked very slim, interesting choice of dress Oh and finally the voice of reason and sanity, that well known sage Vanessa Feltz shouted: \"the film's great\" so there you have it - proof positive that the woman's not completely deranged ;-) RZ"}, {"response": 772, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (20:40)", "body": "Thanks Droolies for the on- the- spot reports and the prezzies, Tracy. In the ET blurb tonight,Colin said in response to the announcer's report that CF was still glowing after the birth of his son...\"It was a lightening trip, I'm off soon..\" Going back to Rome, I guess."}, {"response": 773, "author": "DanielleL", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (21:46)", "body": "Thank you all! I enjoyed all the pics of the premiere's and oooooooooh CF, sooooooo close! *shiver* I'll just have to rewind him in my mind when I see BJD tomorrow!"}, {"response": 774, "author": "fitzwd", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (21:53)", "body": "(Tracey) Hmmm, who's been attacking Huge with the garden shears then? Hugh said today in an interview that his hair grows really fast, he has to have it cut every couple of days. He's wearing this spikey new 'do because he is about to film Hornby's About a Boy. Great reporting ladies!"}, {"response": 775, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (23:28)", "body": "Glad to hear that you saw Colin, Ann, and that he looks better than most of these recent shots. Have been incredibly worried. ;-D Thanks for the pics, Tracy. Absolutely fantastic and proof positive to us that he hasn't come down with some awful facial distortion disease. Here are the ones from the BBC site: Some other celebs at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/entertainment/film/newsid_1261000/1261115.stm"}, {"response": 776, "author": "Ela", "date": "Wed, Apr  4, 2001 (23:36)", "body": "Don't know if anyone saw this but, I checked Clicktv and they showed that RZ would be making these apperances: 4/9 \"Today\" Show 4/10 Letterman 4/11 \"Early Show\" on CBS 4/12 Conan O'Brien 4/14 Roger Ebert (they discuss BJD) Hopefully these apperances are correct, unlike CF's supposed apperance on The Today show!!"}, {"response": 777, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (00:55)", "body": "You can see pix from ET's coverage of the NY premiere as well as some video options: http://www.etonline.com/html/photogallery/bridgetjones-prem/"}, {"response": 778, "author": "amw", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (04:39)", "body": "Have just seen a great report on the Premier and interview with Colin on BBC News, have taped so that I can re-wind and slow-mo. Colin looks great and the reviewer said the two male leads were excellent. BTW I forgot to mention that we were interviewed by Capital Radio and asked who we were hoping to see at the Premier, not guesses for who we said. They then asked me why I liked Colin Firth and I was tongue-tied said something stupid like he is gorgeous and the definitve Darcy. There was so many other things i could have said like he is a brilliant and under-rated actor, has wonderful brown eyes and a voice to die for, oh well. Still Tracy did a bit better in her interview but no doubt she will tell you all about it. Also good report in The Independent - says Colin is devastating!! Tracy you have done a wonderful job on the photos, many thanks."}, {"response": 779, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (05:10)", "body": "Ann, I was hoping you'd not mention the Radio! Yup I got my minute of fame live on Dr Fox's show on Capital Radio, (London main commercial radio station). We were introduced as people who had been there for hours in eager anticipation and then was asked who I had particularly come to see - naturally I said HG *ducking* - and when I had first noticed him. I said something like it had been coming on so gradually but I could probably date it from P&P ;-) I then got the inevitable..\"Oh that wet shirt did it for you did it?\" question to which I retorted ..yeeess but, there was more to the performance to that, more depth, a geat piece of acting..yada-yada..I somehow don't think he was convinced ( perhaps could have been the squealing in the background)! Still was glad they picked us pro-Colins - probably because we were looking less obsessive and starstruck than the red-head Huge fan next to us (who Ann wanted to kick BTW)...oh how wrong can you be! Agree with Ann - DO check out Elizabeth Wilson's piece in She magazine, some lovely pictures."}, {"response": 780, "author": "aishling", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (05:29)", "body": "Thanks for the reports and pics Ann and Tracy. Sounds like you had a good time. I was channel hopping this morning but only saw one interview with CF by a wacky reporter from C4 Big Breakfast. R: Are you a hard bloke? CF: Yeah R: Think you could take me on? CF: Probably, I mean I have this sort of style, it\ufffds designed to throw my opponent which is a girlie technique and I use that to wrong foot people and just when you think I\ufffdm a soft touch, you get a face full of greek food. This was followed by fight scene in restaurant."}, {"response": 781, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (05:59)", "body": "Article on Sharon Maguire in the Telegraph (hope the link works): http://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=001837178341229&rtmo=fsVVfDos&atmo=YYYYYYYp&pg=/et/01/4/5/bfshaz05.html Love all the comments on the fighting - both CF and HG are very funny about it."}, {"response": 782, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (08:13)", "body": "The report from Empire: The first big British film of the year premiered in London last night and quite an event it was. Half of Leicester Square was cordoned off as armfuls of celebrities piled into the Empire cinema for the British screen debut of Bridget Jones\ufffds Diary. Bridget fans stood ten-deep behind the barriers outside ready to catch a glimpse of Helen Fielding\ufffds neurotic heroine in the flesh. But the question on all of their minds was how will Renee Zellweger\ufffds performance measure up? \ufffdI thought she was absolutely perfect,\ufffd Colin Firth told Empire Online. \ufffdShe introduced herself to me in a British accent and I never doubted it. Before we even began shooting she was condemned with the unpardonable crime of not being English. But I think she\ufffdll be forgiven because she\ufffds answered it with a great performance. If acting\ufffds about anything then surely it\ufffds about playing something that you\ufffdre actually not.\ufffd Along with Hugh Grant, Firth plays one of Bridget\ufffds two love-interests in the film and was greeted by much swooning of female fans as he swept aloofly into the cinema. Firth was happy to reminisce over his favourite part of the film, the fist-fight with Hugh Grant. \ufffdHugh and I had a long period of bonding during our martial arts training for that fight. It probably reminded you all a bit of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The only difference being that they used treetops and we used a Greek restaurant. Grant was also remembered the scene with a certain fondness, \ufffdI\ufffdve been wanting to kick the shit out of Colin Firth for some years and I finally got to do it,\ufffd he told us. When asked who had, indeed, proved the better man Grant adopted a confident stance, \ufffdWell let me put it this way. Colin did marvellously in a fight scene for somebody who\ufffds clearly never been in a fight before. I on the other hand, had to hold back because, as you know, I used to be in the SAS and I was trained. I had to leave the SAS because I couldn\ufffdt wear the balaclava helmets, I can\ufffdt wear wool against my skin, I get a terrible rash.\ufffd Following on the heels of her two beaus was the woman herself, Renee Zellweger, looking decidedly more at ease than her bumbling on-screen persona. Despite her cool demeanour, Zellweger confessed to being terrified by how the British were going to react to her performance. \ufffdI feel a huge responsibility to Helen Fielding, because it\ufffds not my character, I didn\ufffdt come up with it. It\ufffds something she created from her life experience and I don\ufffdt want to be the one to screw it up. Enthusing about the role, Zellweger squealed with delight over her chance to try on the British accent and admitted to having adopted a number of quaint Anglicisms \ufffd \ufffdI asked a friend in the States if I could use her \ufffdloo\ufffd the other day. She had no idea what I was talking about!\ufffd Stephen Fry, Thora Birch, Stephen Daldry and Toni Collette were among the stars who turned out for the event along with cast members James Callis, Gemma Jones, Sally Phillips and Celia Imrie, screenwriter Richard Curtis and director Sharon Maguire. Salman Rushdie, who has a small cameo in the film, was also present. \ufffdI had a great time,\ufffd said Rushdie. \ufffdMy only regret is there was one take of one scene where Hugh Grant kissed me on the lips and they cut it out. So my first screen kiss ends up on the cutting room floor.\ufffd Bridget Jones creator Helen Fielding was the last to arrive. \ufffdI think Renee\ufffds done a great job, she\ufffds got a better English accent than me,\ufffd she told us. \ufffdIt was very important that she put on the weight for the role, she still looks great but she is a normal-shaped woman in this film and that is really, really important. I think 'it\ufffds very sporting for a Hollywood actress to put on all that weight and then allow herself to be filmed in her knickers.\ufffd But the prize for the luckiest man of the night has to go to 14-year-old Edward Spencer who ended up being Geri Halliwell's date for the evening. The singer - whose song features on the film's soundtrack - plucked Edward out of the crowd, giving him her spare ticket for the premiere. Pics next..."}, {"response": 783, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (08:16)", "body": ""}, {"response": 784, "author": "BenB", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (08:21)", "body": "Thanks Karen. EXCELLENT fight comments. Not sure if you want it, but here's how to get the \"Bridget look\", apparently. http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/0,,142-109787,00.html Note book category."}, {"response": 785, "author": "amw", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (08:53)", "body": "Thanks for the photos and article Karen, however, ODB doesn't seemn to be photographing very well, although I do like the 3rd photo. Also there are 2 great new photo's in She magazine."}, {"response": 786, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (09:02)", "body": ""}, {"response": 787, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (09:07)", "body": "Hmmmmm?????"}, {"response": 788, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (09:21)", "body": "I would imagine (playing devil's advocate here) that poor Colin is exhausted!!! The birth of his son, the traveling, being away from wife and newborn, is exhausting!!! He'll photograph better when the high that he's on right now is gone... He is positively glowing, however. I've liked the pics I've seen.. And Karen, I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO jealous!!!"}, {"response": 789, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (09:32)", "body": "No need to qualify, Laura, all those things must be contributing, in addition to the poor calibre of photographers, present company excepted...of course. ;-D Ann/Tracy: Is the SHE magazine spread the one that was referred to in one of the other newspapers, the gangster look????"}, {"response": 790, "author": "patas", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (09:40)", "body": "(KarenR)Hmmmmm????? Proof positive that double posts ain't always boring...;-) Thanks to all for the great pics and reports. Very enjoyable. (AnnW)Finally there is an excellent interview with Colin in May's issue of \"SHE\" out today, with new photos and in it he says he worries about going bald!! All right, do you think it's time I should write to him and offer my professional help? :-P"}, {"response": 791, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (09:46)", "body": "Here's the review from Rolling Stone by Peter Travers referenced in the Telegraph (btw, this review says the movie is 112 minutes, but what is now cited is a mere 90): It should have been no man's land: a movie based on a best-selling post-feminist novel about a year in the life of a thirty-something Brit career girl trying to kick her addictions to food, cigarettes, booze and male fuckwads while her self-esteem issues grow massive and unwieldy, just like her thighs. Instead, Bridget Jones's Diary delivers frisky fun for bruised romantics regardless of age, sex or nationality. OK, Bridget has a weakness for sentimental hokum that the film shares. The surprise comes in the brash wit that stings when it needs to and in the eye for social irony that has drawn comparison to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. When Helen Fielding's novel in diary form was published in 1996, Salman Rushdie - yes, that Salman Rushdie - called it \"a brilliant comic creation\" and added, \"Even men will laugh.\" Well, the movie will make men laugh, too, at themselves as well as at Bridget. If His Satanic Verses Majesty can loosen up, so can you, dude. Here are five reasons why. (1) Renee Zellweger is irresistible. As Bridget, she had me from hello. Never mind all that go-home-Yank resentment over a twiggy Texan putting on twenty pounds and a British accent to portray a character that another actress - say, Kate Winslet - could step into without the heavy lifting. Zellweger nails the role. Barbara Berkery, Gwyneth's dialogue coach for Shakespeare in Love, rounded Zellweger's vowels; a diet of pizza and milkshakes rounded everything else; and an undercover stint at a London publishing house made her comfortable in Bridget's skin as a book publicist. What's great about Zellweger, besides the fact that she has the sexiest squint in movies (take that, Benicio), is the way she blends strength and vulnerability. Whether Bridget is singing along to self-pitying pop anthems like \"All by Myself\" or answering the phone - \"Hello, Bridget Jones, wanton sex goddess with a very bad man between my thighs\" - only to find the caller is her mother, Zellweger never hits a false note. Some people stil don't cotton to this actress, even after Jerry Maguire and Nurse Betty. On the first season of The Sopranos, Tony's wife, Carmela, ended her friendship with Father Phil when the priest brought her a DVD of One True Thing. \"I told you I don't like Ren\ufffde Zellweger,\" snapped Carm, who will now have to revise her opinion. After Bridget, Ms. Z is A-list all the way. (2) Helen Fielding, the journalist who dreamed up Bridget for a London newspaper column, has touched a nerve. Bridget's problem really isn't being what Fielding calls a \"singleton\" in a world full of \"smug- marrieds.\" It's her shabby self-image. One diary entry says it all: \"I will not sulk about having no boyfriend, but develop inner poise and authority and sense of self as woman of substance, complete without boyfriend, as best way to obtain boyfriend.\" Bridget, like the John Cusack character in Nick Hornby's High Fidelity, is at war with herself. Wisely, the spirited screenplay that Fielding has crafted with Richard Curtis (Notting Hill) and Andrew Davies (Circle of Friends) takes time to catch Bridget's loneliness in a crowd. Rather than settle for a trendy Brit gloss on Sex and the City or Ally McBeal, Fielding cuts deeper. (3) Sharon Maguire, the documentary filmmaker debuting as a features director, doesn't duck showing the elements that shaped Bridget. The melancholy of her dad (the superb Jim Broadbent) and the flightiness of her mum (Gemma Jones, brilliant as ever) are part of Bridget. That's where the importance of chums comes in. Maguire, a friend of Fielding's, is the inspiration for Shazza (Sally Phillips), one of Bridget's best mates - Jude (Shirley Henderson) and Tom (James Callis) are the others - who stays loyal when lovers disappoint. There's no showing off in Maguire's direction; her gift is making the film feel lived-in. (4) The men aren't all pricks. Well, they are, actually, but the actors who play them compensate nobly. Hugh Grant, dropping his dither, is suavely hilarious as Bridget's boss, Daniel Cleaver, a sexist pig who sends her dirty e-mails: \"Love your tits in that top.\" That Bridget finds this charming is part of her problem. Barrister Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) makes a more likely prospect, but his haughtiness turns Bridget off until he helps her save a disastrous dinner party that ends in a brawl between him and Daniel. It's a funny scene, bolstered by a casting joke: In the novel, Bridget swoons over the 1995 BBC production of Pride and Prejudice, starring Firth as Mr. Darcy, a character who, like Mark, is considered a snob until events uncover his secret heart. Firth risks audience indifference with the slow build of his performance, but the payoff is delicious. (5) The film's psychobabble-bullshit factor is laudably low. There is a happy ending driven by box-office log"}, {"response": 792, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (09:57)", "body": "From The Independent: A flawless accent, funny script and some filthy humour By Laura Tennant 05 April 2001 Will Renee Zellweger ever live down Bridget Jones? She may have shrunk back to a standard Hollywood size 6, but for a moment there she was just like me and 1,000 others \ufffd flushed, tired and emotional, spilling out of her little black number (provenance: High Street), frequently falling over and a very respectable size 12. It was a triumph of method acting, and we loved her for it. So, too, did her leading men, in a female fantasy in which Hugh Grant, looking devilishly handsome, turns down an American hardbody for Bridget's somewhat cuddlier charms. Based, of course, on Helen Fielding's cult novel, the movie traces the romantic misadventures of book publicist Bridget. Will she be persuaded by the caddish and unreliable Grant, playing her boss, Daniel Cleaver, or will Colin Firth, as the austere barrister Mark Darcy, win the day? Firth might as well have \"good husband material\" tattooed across his forehead, but despite this, or perhaps because of it, he makes a devastatingly sexy Darcy. And ladies, I mean devastating. The competition for Bridget between Firth and Grant may be the stuff of fantasy but Bridget's unerring ability to choose the wrong man is the reality check with which every woman in the audience can identify. And that's what makes this film something you'll want to add to your home video collection next to Four Weddings and a Funeral. Fielding herself was criticised for not \"empowering\" Bridget; why, some literalists asked, does she have to be quite so hopeless? Because she is the scapegoat by which all our sins of low self-esteem and secretly fancying bastards can be atoned. Cynics might suggest that this movie is pitched at an American audience, hence the casting of Zellweger (and the final scenes in an unlikely snowbound, Dickensian London). But the director, Sharon Maguire (on whom Fielding based Bridget's best friend Shazzer), and the writers, Andrew Davies and Richard Curtis, have done nothing to dilute the uniquely filthy and British quality of the humour and the book, or the professional standards of drinking, smoking and swearing maintained by Shazzer, Jude and Tom. Zellweger's accent is pretty much flawless and the script is extremely funny and often deeply rude (I wonder, for instance, how the lighthearted anal-sex banter between Bridget and Daniel will play in Salt Lake City?) [Ed note: not in US version but will listen closer tonight] The wonderful Jim Broadbent gives a subtle, unsentimental and strangely moving performance as Bridget's dad while Gemma Jones is suitably infuriating as her mother. At the screening I attended, the audience began laughing around the first frame and didn't really stop. I loved it."}, {"response": 793, "author": "DanielleL", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (10:06)", "body": "More pics?? Wonderful! (Laura) I've liked the pics I've seen.. Me too! And I just luuuuurve that blue suit!"}, {"response": 794, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (10:32)", "body": "http://www.thisislondon.co.uk:80/dynamic/hottx/top_review.html?in_review_id=378527&in_review_text_id=324091 This Is London account of premiere Bridget: the premiere party pooper by Valentine Low and Richard Simpson Let's be honest: Bridget Jones would have hated it. Last night the fictional creation who is currently the most talked-about woman in the country had a party thrown in her honour. Not just any party, but a big, glamorous, flashbulb-popping kind of event, with supermodels and movie stars and big-name famous writers, all of them looking wonderful and glossy and not the sort of people who would stop to worry for one moment about whether their thighs were too fat. Awful, awful, awful. The sort of event which would make Bridget Jones run and drown her insecurities in the nearest bottle of chardonnay. The event was the premiere of Bridget Jones's Diary, the film of Helen Fielding's newspaper column-turned novel starring Hugh Grant, Colin Firth and Ren\ufffde Zellweger as the tortured, neurotic heroine. Oh, and starring Geri Halliwell too (or so one might gather from her idiosyncratic behaviour at the premiere, which involved dragging a young boy out of the crowd and taking him with her to the screening). It should have been Bridget's night, really. But somehow Bridget - with all her weight problems, her smoking and her notorious fondness for vodka - was nowhere to be seen. True, Ren\ufffde Zellweger was there, and in the film she gives a masterful impersonation of Ms Jones. We have all read about how she piled on massive amounts of weight to make the movie - 20 lbs, according to some reports; two stone according to others - and managed to perfect a faultless, if somewhat Sloaney, English accent. That was then. This is now. When she turned up at the premiere at the Empire Leicester Square last night Ms Zellweger had managed to shed both (i) that unsightly weight, and (ii) her English accent. Instead her astonishingly petite figure was encased in an Azzedine Alaia hooped dress, and managing not to look in the least like a sausage whose skin had split at the edges (as BJ in her more figure-conscious moments would have had it), while her vowels were back to their natural Texan twang. So Ren\ufffde Zellweger wasn't Bridget Jones, even if she did say she felt more like an English girl these days than an American one. Bridget Jones's creator Helen Fielding wasn't Bridget Jones either, even if she did reckon that Ren\ufffde Zellweger with all that extra weight on was still a skinnier proposition than she was. Anyone who has the clout to get Salman Rushdie, Lord Archer and Julian Barnes to have bit parts in the film of her book has put their Bridget Jones days behind them. It took Fielding herself to put an end to the mystery as to the whereabouts of Ms Jones. What, we asked her just as the party at Mezzo in Wardour Street was in full swing, would Bridget have been doing right then? (The possibilities were endless, and awful, given the presence of everything that Bridget finds so hard to resist: wine by the caseload, several violent-looking cocktails, cigarettes by the score and a clutch of irresponsibly handsome men, led by Mr Grant and Mr Firth). MS Fielding had no doubt what her heroine would be up to. \"She would probably still be trying to get in,\" she said. Quite what she would have made of it all had she got past the security is anybody's guess. The women would have been a challenge, even to someone more psychologically robust than BJ: undernourished types like Naomi Campbell (escorted by her Benetton racing beau, Flavio Briatore, Laura Bailey and the above-mentioned Geri Halliwell, who created something of a stir on her arrival in Leicester Square by waving her ticket about and shouting \"Who wants to be my date?\" A 14-year-old boy called Ed Spencer from Leicester shouted the loudest, and suddenly found himself pulled out from behind the barriers and thrust into the curiously privileged position of being Geri Halliwell's date for the night (well, the movie anyway). \"I sat next to her during the film,\" said Ed. \"We didn't really chat much, but then I didn't help matters by being terribly star struck. She loved it when her song It's Raining Men came on. She was clapping her hands and cheering, and we sang along together.\" Yes, but do they have any future? \"She is too skinny, to be honest,\" said Ed. \"I'm more of a Ren\ufffde fan. She is just gorgeous. Geri looks like she has been dieting too much. If I gave her a big cuddle I could probably snap her in half.\" Stick insects and ex-Spice Girls aside, the party was, in a sense, a milieu in which Bridget Jones would have felt very much at home. It was all terribly Notting Hill, only not the Notting Hill of BJ and Shazzer and Jude getting drunk in 192, but the rather more sophisticated version of Alan Yentob, Salman Rushdie, Angus Deayton and Mr Notting Hill himself, Richard Curtis. Whether or not they live in W11 these days is debatable, but it is a racing certainty that they have all b"}, {"response": 795, "author": "Bionca", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (10:50)", "body": "I'm really not quite sure what you people are talking about"}, {"response": 796, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (10:56)", "body": "More from Empire, although nothing solid: Renee Talks Bridget Jones 2 After widespread reports that she had ruled out the possibility of piling on the pounds for a sequel to Bridget Jones\ufffds Diary, Renee Zellweger revealed to Empire Online that she may yet reprise the role. \ufffdWe haven\ufffdt actually talked about it,\ufffd she told us at last night\ufffds premiere for the film (4 April), \ufffdbut wouldn\ufffdt it be wonderful?\ufffd. Director Sharon Maguire also seemed optimistic about the prospect of bringing the batty heroine back for round two: \ufffdI want to sleep for a long time and then I\ufffdll think about whether I want to direct another one. But I think so.\" Zellweger had recently been reported as adamant that she wouldn\ufffdt reprise the role after having been forced to put on weight and chain-smoke herbal cigarettes during the production. She was also said to be unhappy at the idea of spending so much time away from the US. However, if the effervescent enthusiasm she demonstrated at last night\ufffds premiere was anything to go by, Zellweger may well be slipping back into Bridget\ufffds oversized pants. \ufffdBut this time,\ufffd she said, \ufffdI\ufffdd have to make a trip to Victoria\ufffds Secret first.\ufffd"}, {"response": 797, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (11:22)", "body": "You've beaten me to it! I was going to say...anyone who can scan, run to the newsagent and buy the Independent and She magazine. Colin hugging RZ makes the front page of the Independent... absolutely huge photo. But it's already in Karen's 787 posting! Also great photos and a terrific interview in She."}, {"response": 798, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (11:31)", "body": "Times, Telegraph and Guardian all carry photos of CF,RZ and HG together (the Independent is simply *the* best!!). No mention at all of Baby Luca. Surprising...I'd have thought some of the journalists would have had the coutesy to ask about Livia Scanned the tabs...mainly Geri Spice. But the Sun carried a review in which the reviewer says she didn't use to like CF, but after seeing BJD she does now. Pics of HG with Geri Spice."}, {"response": 799, "author": "winter", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (11:50)", "body": "My god, I leave for 12 hours and there is a FLOOD of msgs. to catch up on...Great pictures, Tracy. Thanks for the reports, London crew... Well, I spent last night at the Los Angeles screening of BJD, where I met up with the lovely Moon, Marianne and JanaH. It seemed that there were other screenings going on that day-- \"Josie and the Pussycats\" just around the corner from us-- but WE were there specifically for BJD. It seemed that the other audience members couldn't care less, this was merely a free screening and it could've very well have been \"Josie and the Pussycats.\" *Shakes her head in disbelief* OK-- A very cute, very funny movie indeed. RZ is adorable, despite the uncomfortable messes she gets herself in. And believe me, there are quite a few of them. HG is someone you will truly love to hate, and CF is in prime Darcyesque form. Now-- this was the problem for me, however: I've seen P&P2 so often, know every line that comes from CF's lips, know every expression-- that to be honest, I felt rather uncomfortable seeing him do the same in BJD. I know that most audience members who will see this won't get this feeling (as they haven't obsessed over P&P as much as we have), but it was too weird-- as if DArcy/Colin had been transported in time. But then you say, \"wEll, that's the whole point isn't it? Mark Darcy IS Fitzwilliam Darcy.\" True, but I was expecting more character development beyond what I already knew from P&P. I felt the book (BJD) developed more. But then, the group of friends weren't as developed either in the film. WE SAW MARK G!!!!! We braced ourselves for the moment when BJ boards the convertible, and sure enough, it was our very own Mark! I was anticipating other people in the shot, but nope, it's just Mark, passing by HG and RZ in the car. Bravo, sir! But in the end, I was thoroughly entertained. I had quite a few belly laughs. It's playing here on campus TONIGHT for students (free!), so depending on my day, I may or may not go. Anyone (Jana/Marianne/Moon) want to add?"}, {"response": 800, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (12:50)", "body": "For those wishing to discuss in depth (with Spoilers), let's use the Spoiler topic: http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/126/new"}, {"response": 801, "author": "winter", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (12:59)", "body": "Ooops. Sorry if I gave away too much."}, {"response": 802, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (13:33)", "body": "No, really, this doesn't apply to your posting, Winter. Was meaning to post that last night, but was too lazy (read, buried under masses of unfinished stuff) to go look up the Spoiler topic number). I gave away more spoilers than you. You wrote your impressions. Not the same. ;-D (that being the case, I didn't mind the similarities at all, but saw more)"}, {"response": 803, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (13:41)", "body": "From Christopher Null (and Void) at filmcritic.com. He gave it 3-1/2 stars though: http://www.filmcritic.com/misc/emporium.nsf/ddb5490109a79f598625623d0015f1e4/ea1b11302849ded888256a250003aa29?OpenDocument"}, {"response": 804, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (13:45)", "body": "Hi, I haven\ufffdt quite recovered from last night\ufffds high. The movie was funny, sweet, and I want to drag all my friends to see it \ufffd starting tomorrow night. Thanks Winter for getting the passes. It was great seeing Winter and Jana again, and meeting Moon and her husband. I hope he enjoyed the movie. First of all, I was going to like this movie anyway, so I was very pleased with how it turned out. I do have a few quibbles with it though: 1) Not enough Mark Darcy 2) Too much Daniel Cleaver 3) Not enough of Shaz, Jude and Tom 4) Bridget\ufffds parents, ugh, I probably would have preferred they build up her friends\ufffd storyline 5) Why no mention of \ufffdfuckwittage,\ufffd and \ufffdPride and Prejudice\ufffd 6) This is just my opinion. At the ending credits, when they\ufffdre showing a children\ufffds birthday party (and it does begin hilariously), when you see little Mark Darcy giving surreptitious looks at little Bridget Jones, and then she takes off her dress to wade in the paddling pool, he begins to look uncomfortable and tugs on his collar. All I could think of was: please, no erection, and this could be a pedophiliac\ufffds dream. Sorry, if I upset anyone."}, {"response": 805, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (14:09)", "body": "The Sun (in the Life section) has a really nice picture of CF, RZ & HG, and it's wishful thinking on my part that he's smiling. Here's the accompanying article, his and hers opinion. http://www.thesun.co.uk IS BRIDGET JONES WORTH IT? YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Says EMMA SHRIMSLEY Sun writer BRIDGET JONES is the now famous thirtysomething who agonises over every pound she gains or loses, drinks too much, beats herself up over her infrequent trips to the gym, over-analyses relationships and constantly embarrasses herself. Oh my God. I am Bridget Jones - albeit a slightly less insane version. And if the screeches of laughter from every other female at the preview screening of the film were anything to go by, half the women in Britain will feel the same. Bridget Jones's Diary, which opens in cinemas on April 13, is based on the bestselling book by Helen Fielding. It's a chick flick which blokes will love too. The reason is that women will relate to Bridget and men will be fascinated at this insight into the sometimes bizarre workings of the female mind. The casting is also superb. U.S. star Ren\ufffde Zellweger looks pleasingly podgy in the part - I should hope so too after all that Guinness, cakes and fast food, although it is a bit upsetting she lost the weight so soon after filming ended. The casting of an American to play everyone's favourite British singleton was greeted with scepticism but her accent is faultless. Hugh Grant is surprisingly caddish as Bridget's boss and love-rat Daniel Cleaver. This film could put his career back on track. And as for Colin Firth ... Well, I was never a fan before but watching him as the aloof Mark Darcy, all I can say is, I now am. And the soundtrack is great. It's a real feel-good, foot-tapping set of songs, including the Geri Halliwell cover of It's Raining Men. It's also a very, very funny and well-observed movie. For example, it's a well-known fact among women that if you shave your legs before a date and wear sexy undies, you will never see the bloke again. If, however, you don't shave and wear your biggest, least sexy knickers, it is guaranteed you will not go home alone. But watching this scenario played out by Bridget as she seductively writhes around on the floor with Daniel Cleaver, was brilliant. As his roving hands tease up her little black dress only to be greeted by a massive pair of bloomers, it is a classic comedy moment. Equally, the scene with her swigging wine in her pyjamas and singing along to All By Myself at top volume as she ponders her disastrous love-life, will ring bells with many women. Similarly, Bridget's run-ins with her \"smug married\" friends and her humiliation at the inevitable \"how's your love life?\" question is something we've all experienced. There are no great special effects, no epic battles and no tear-jerkingly moving scenes in Bridget Jones's Diary. Instead, there is an amusing and exaggerated look at the perils and embarrassments of your average 30-plus girl. It's the most enjoyable film I've seen in ages. NO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Says GARRY BUSHELL Sun TV critic NO self-respecting bloke would endure a second date with Bridget Jones - and you shouldn't waste 90 minutes of your life watching the movie either. The woman is an absolute nightmare. Bridget, played by Ren\ufffde Zellweger, is a dizzy, day-dreaming, self-obsessed lush who can barely string two words together. Think Ally McBeal with slitty eyes, hamster cheeks and cellulite. OK, you can see why middle-class metropolitan women who work in the media can relate to her. To them, Bridget is a vulnerable, confused every-woman. But to a man, she is a neurotic bore with poor dress sense who smokes too much and can't handle her booze. For guys the highlight of the film will be the fist-fight where barrister Mark Darcy (Colin \"Mr Darcy\" Firth) batters gormless big-head Hugh Grant. Although quite why two blokes with film star looks would brawl in the street over such an unexciting creature escapes me. In a departure from his normal roles, Grant plays not a stuck-up, floppy-haired fop, but a stuck-up, womanising cad, Daniel Cleaver. Beaver-eager Cleaver cheats on Bridget with a glamorous Yank, then mysteriously wants her back. A*sey Darcy, on the other hand, takes an instant dislike to her but inevitably falls for her too, despite being engaged to a bright, articulate woman barrister. Ho hum. Predictably, and the film is nothing if not predictable, Bridget doesn't end up on her Jack Jones. In the novel, Bridget is a lonely thirtysomething, desperate to settle down, whose only lasting relationship is with a bottle of Chardonnay. Imagine Coronation Street's Kevin Webster in a see-through blouse and control knickers ... The movie needs Bridget to be lusted and fought over, but doesn't give her the personality to justify it. Bridget is as dull as her winceyette pyjamas. She works i"}, {"response": 806, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (14:14)", "body": "me again ... found one with a big happy smile from peoplenews.co.uk http://www.peoplenews.co.uk/delivery/common/parties/index/party/0,2443,1-4560-24,00.html Single girls, smug marrieds, chocolate-covered strawberries and Colin Firth - where else could we be but the premiere of Bridget Jones's Diary? Star of the film? A gorgeous Renee Zellweger. Star of the night? Geri Halliwell in a jaw-dropping Julien Macdonald creation. Hugh Grant took his parents, as did Bridget author Helen Fielding; Colin Firth stayed close to his sister-in-law, who was deputising for his wife Livia, who has just given birth; everyone went on to party afterwards at Mezzo."}, {"response": 807, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (14:59)", "body": "Thanks, Marianne. I think I have the good Sun pics up, but will doublecheck if I missed that one. Plus need to deal with PeopleNews one.... argh! Have more (including other candids) on the Premiere page: http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjdprem.html"}, {"response": 808, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (15:25)", "body": "Well done, Ann and Tracy! And interviewed on radio, too--Capital, Capital!:-) So glad he showed. Thanks everyone for the articles, reports and pics, and a big thanks to Karen who I know is working very hard to keep our Bucket running over!:-) A gentle reminder to those who have seen the film: there's a SPOILER TOPIC set up at 126 for specifics. By all means please continue to post your general impressions here; they're great fun to read."}, {"response": 809, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (15:36)", "body": "Note the change in date. This sounds great--thought it was just going to be the music vids: VH1 Behind The Movie: Bridget Jones' Diary On Saturday, April 7 or Sunday, April 8 In this installment of Behind the Movie, VH1 prepares itself for a half-hour of fun with the highly animated, extremely \"English\" stars of BridgetJones's Diary.Hugh Grant, Colin Firth and director Sharon McGuire tease Renee Zellweger about her English accent, and the entire group talks about the strong musical soundtrack that that supports their new movie ... appropriately named after the best-selling book of the same name. From the new Shelby Lynn \"Killin' Kind\" video to two Sheryl Crow classics to never-before-seen movie scenesbolstered by Chaka Khan's \"I'm Every Woman\" and a Geri Halliwell rendition of \"It's Raining Men,\" this is a Behind the Movie that can't be missed. (Premieres from 11:30a-12p) ***** I just bought the CD; Record Town is selling it for $15.99."}, {"response": 810, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (16:54)", "body": "In my capacity of Scan Queen here are the SHE pix: - The comment on the picture is, I hasten to add, a quote from CF on women and not and editorial on ODBs physique. - I think this maybe the gangster picture, I seem to remember from the Guardian article that they had told him to look at his hands to which he said no \ufffd you can\ufffdt get much further away from looking at your hands than this can you? \ufffd the obligatory arty, weirdo \ufffdlet\ufffds just show his nose\ufffd shot. Cute but I\ufffdd rather see the rest of him too! Thanks for posting the Independent pic \ufffd to me it seems as if RZ is congratulating on the birth of Baby Luca and ODB is well, just brimming with pride (or is that just my romantic/maternal side creeping in) more likely its RZ saying- \" Well, done Col, you managed to avoid that dodgy looking bunch at the entrance \" :-)"}, {"response": 811, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (17:15)", "body": "I *love* the Independent Pic! And it's even better when you see it on the front page in all its glory. I agree with you, Tracy (and all thanks to our Scan Queen...I still haven't mastered the art!)...RZ has to be congatulating dad on the new arrival...those are very warm smiles!"}, {"response": 812, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (17:22)", "body": "Thanks, Mari, for the info on the VH1 thing. What is it with these TV schedules and times!! Wonderful scans, Tracy. I see you labeled No. 2 his Gangsta pose. Could be, although I don't think a look like that would've landed him a part in Snatch. ;-D Agree with all about what was going on in the Independent shot. It had to be congratulatory as she hadn't seen him since it happened."}, {"response": 813, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (17:33)", "body": "Meant to add...the She magazine interview is terrific. Possibly the best I've read (is it available online?). Love the way the interviewer wants to call him \"Col\" and finishes by saying \"see you soon\" (before remembering that's she interviewing him). She makes perceptive comments about him...and for once, I think the interpretation is correct."}, {"response": 814, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (17:42)", "body": "You may already have these pictures from The Mirror and ITN. And all the coverage seems to be about Geri Halliwell :( http://www.mirror.co.uk/ http://www.itn.co.uk/news/20010405/entertainment/02bridget.shtml"}, {"response": 815, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (17:53)", "body": "The She article is not online...yet, but if someone will tell me what the title is, I'll post it (have text, no title) ;-D"}, {"response": 816, "author": "amw", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (17:57)", "body": "Karen, the title - \"Man of the Moment. COLIN FIRTH. Prepare to swoon. The man who made breeches sexy is doing a Darcy again - this time it's breeches off (gasp) in hot new movie, BJD.\" Interview Elizabeth Wilson. Photographs Sean Cook."}, {"response": 817, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (17:57)", "body": "Have just gone back to recheck something...Was Moon's DH there? Surely, he didn't accompany her to a film with il Cornuto? ;-D"}, {"response": 818, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (18:12)", "body": "Oh, those She pics are to die for! I like his hair shorter like that; makes hm look young(er);-) Tracy, I thought the same thing about the embracing pic of CF and RZ--definitely a congrats! Here's a new review form Ain't It Cool News : Hey, Harry. Capone here with my take on the above-average BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY... I\ufffdve never read Helen Fielding\ufffds extremely popular novel about the single, weight-obsessed, neurotic 32/33-year-old Ms. Jones, but I think it\ufffds safe to say that every woman I know has. About the only thing I knew about Bridget was that many Brits were very upset when the filmmakers of BRIDGET JONES\ufffdS DIARY decided to cast an American in the title role. There may have been more appropriate actresses to play this role, but Renee Zellweger is absolutely charming as Bridget and her accent is pretty steady as well. Zellweger doesn\ufffdt play Bridget as cute; she\ufffds actually a hard drinker, trash talker and all-around social misfit. Men don\ufffdt find her particularly desirable, and even though this shouldn\ufffdt bother her, it does\ufffdimmensely. The current object of her fantasies is her boss (always a good choice), played with reckless abandon by Hugh Grant, who does a great job of casting aside his costume-drama, good-guy image by being even more crass and vulgar than Bridget. He\ufffds also screamingly funny and walks away with every scene he\ufffds in. Colin Firth is lawyer Mark Darcy, who has known and mostly despised Bridget since they were children, but not surprisingly grows fond of her during the year of her life that is the timeframe of this movie. The flaws in BRIDGET JONES\ufffdS DIARY are many, but not enough for me to level it. Some of the staples in romantic comedies are firmly in place: the publically embarrassing declarations of love, the main character running through rain/snow to catch up with a fleeing lover; the wacky and sometimes unbelievable cast of supporting characters, including Bridget\ufffds utterly weird mother and her boyfriend ( I could have done without the sideplot involving these two) and Bridget\ufffds gay best friend. I\ufffdve said it before (mostly recently in my review for SWEET NOVEMBER) and I\ufffdll say it again: you can\ufffdt have a movie about a single woman without her having a gay best friend and/or neighbor. And while the situations in BRIDGET JONES\ufffdS DIARY threaten to sink the film, it\ufffds the stellar performances that keep things above water. This is about the least glamorous role Zellweger has ever played, and I don\ufffdt think she\ufffds ever been better, not even in NURSE BETTY (it\ufffds a close call). Grant is just plain awesome. And Colin Firth begins as a two-dimensional uptight character, but his is the role that grows on you until ultimately we root for his success in wooing Bridget. The film is smart, funny, and biting in its honest and sometimes painful look at a woman who wants to be loved so badly that she sometimes walks head-first into heartbreak; and I liked it."}, {"response": 819, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (18:54)", "body": "E! News Weekend tomorrow (Friday) will have a piece on Huge. Nothing on the premiere today (maybe they had it on yesterday)."}, {"response": 820, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (19:05)", "body": "According to the UK BJD site, there will be a live chat with Helen Fielding at 6:30 p.m. GMT (1:30 p.m. EST, 10:30 a.m. PST) on Friday, April 6. It also says: Got a question for Helen? Send it to AskHelenFielding@hotmail.com One question writer will be selected at random to receive a copy of the film's soundtrack. (but US residents will probabbly be deemed ineligible after the fact) http://www.msn.co.uk/Page/34-612-696.asp"}, {"response": 821, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (21:06)", "body": "You have to read those Terms And Conditions, Karen.;-) ;-) Access Hollywood tonight briefly showed Colin arriving at the London premiere--huge smile and a big wave to the crowd. Looked fabulous. I love that style of suit, not stodgy at all."}, {"response": 822, "author": "winter", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (22:00)", "body": "(Karen) Was Moon's DH there? Surely, he didn't accompany her to a film with il Cornuto? ;-D YES! He was there, in the flesh. Even laughed quite heartily in a few scenes. Esp. the book-launching party. He was v. charming-- offered to stand in line for us if we girls wanted to sneak out and get coffee to warm up! ...he didn't know il Cornuto was in the film prior to the screening. When Moon gets back, she can tell you whether or not he realized it."}, {"response": 823, "author": "DanielleL", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (22:39)", "body": "I didn't get to meet up with Jen-Jen, but... oooooooooh Yummy! I saw 'our' Mark! okay, the top of his head and a nice blue suit, but it had STAR written all over it. Very funny movie!!! (Winter) It seemed that the other audience members couldn't care less, this was merely a free screening and it could've very well have been \"Josie and the Pussycats.\" *Shakes her head in disbelief* I felt that too! It seems that very few of them read the book or had just laughed at only what they saw in commercials... GAH! I just wanted to stand up and shout at them! Going to back up to read the rest of this topic, then the spoiler topic, then to dream about ODB!"}, {"response": 824, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (23:10)", "body": "Crispin Bonham-Carter is in the movie! I spotted him. But because he has no lines, he doesn't show up in the credits. In the scene where Bridget quits and subsequently tells off Daniel, a co-worker named Simon approaches to get Daniel's attention. Crispy is standing next to him; he has v. short hair and is not wearing breeches. Then there's a reaction shot and you see him again. My audience tonight laughed a lot (although not as much as the \"connected\" audience at the premiere). There was an very audible groan and group \"ooooohhhhhh\" when Colin/Mark starts to take his jacket off to help her save her dinner party. I think every woman in that audience wanted to take him home with her at that point. And \"The Looks\" at the Ruby Anniversary party!! Am melting. ;-D James Callis' Tom was an audience fav, and eveybody really picked up on Shazz's one-word-centric dialogue; they anticipated it and ate it up. Projector stopped at the beginning of the end credits so didn't get a chance to watch them as carefully as should. So that will mean I have to go back again. Hoorah!"}, {"response": 825, "author": "DanielleL", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (23:15)", "body": "Okay... now that i've settled down. we didn't see (or rather, they didn't show the scene that was 'supposed' to be at the very beginning with BJ and the panhandlers). what i chanted on the way home (all 63 miles) from the theatre... DC is an @$$, BJ shows her @$$ and MD kicks some @$$! excuse my language! you may delete me or quote me (if no one else has said it), but i was delighted! and the almost kiss... and the kiss! *siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh* That wasn't a spoiler, was it?"}, {"response": 826, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr  5, 2001 (23:56)", "body": "(Danielle) MD kicks some @$$!...That wasn't a spoiler, was it? Hmmm, am thinking. ;-D Will take my comments to 126 though. But on the fight scene, ladies, do pause to admire Cornel's work. When MD is done beating the s$%t out of DC, he stands there, shirt partially out, partially clinging to scupted physique. Mustn't miss that. Far better than transparent wet shirt on scrawny rat."}, {"response": 827, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (00:02)", "body": "DC is an @$$, BJ shows her @$$ and MD kicks some @$$! excuse my language! That is really foul, Danielle; you've just called these people . . .money?;-) (Shades of Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau in Swingers;-) RE: missing panhandlers and other scenes critics may have mentioned--I was reading the interview with Sharon Maguire and she says she was editing until Friday to get the film ready for the premieres this week! These critics aren't writing based on what they saw at the premieres; they saw it at press screenings weeks ago, and obviously changes were made until the last minute (not unusual, BTW). Was listening to the BJD CD and by far the best track, IMO, is the old classic, \"Stop, Look, Listen To Your Heart\" from Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross. Could someone tell me if it made it to the final cut?"}, {"response": 828, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (00:23)", "body": "Re: Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross song Nope. I didn't hear it. The soundtrack CD is a fraud IMO. Diana Ross' \"Ain't No Mountain High Enough\" is one of the more significant songs, along with Van Morrison (who is not on the CD), and Gabrielle's (which plays over a great sequence...you'll see). Thank goodness we got Chaka Khan. Hopefully, the DVD will have lots of deleted scenes. *fingers crossed* Here's something from the Guardian. Am not sure if it qualifies as a review. ;-D Nice but dim Bad news about the Bridget Jones film - it's so last century by Shane Watson Friday April 6, 2001 Seen It! Seen It! Right, first impressions of the film of Bridget Jones's Diary - besides, isn't life just like a fairytale, what with Helen Fielding becoming a multi-millionairess and going off to live in LA, and best friend Shazzer becoming a movie director of the story of their lives, and ex-boyfriend Richard Curtis laying the golden egg once again? Well, despite being blurry good fun etc and showing London in blurry marvellous twinkly light with snowfall on cobbles and suchlike, the overriding impression is that the Bridge we knew and loved has been mislaid. For a start she is as fat as a puppy. Yes, I realise that in real life the actress Ren\ufffde Zellweger, even after gorging on Patisserie Valerie cakes and piling on a couple of stone, only cranked herself up to a measly size 10. But nonetheless, she looks bigger than everyone else on screen, with the exception of Colin Firth, and let us not forget that Bridget was neurotic about her body image rather than actually remotely podgy - weighing roughly nine stone, give or take bingeing. Secondly, presumably because to the untrained American ear there's Hugh Grant, and then there's Australian, Bridget has become terribly posh in her articulation. This needn't necessarily scupper her credibility (after all, no less than Dido the singer, as in the Dido sampled by Eminem, as in the chainsaw-wielding white American rapper, was herself a posh publishing assistant once upon a time). But there's something about the combination of pony-club vowels and pink hamster cheeks, that gives Bridge an air of Nice but Dim that she never had in the Diary. The original Bridget was appealing not simply because she was single and hopeless and liked her chardonnay by the crate, but because she was sharp, funny, occasionally angry and adept at illuminating the highs, lows, hypocrisies and contradictions of being an unmarried woman in the late 20th century. Fielding outed the female-in-limbo, and the reason Bridget took off is because, at the time of writing, this particular social group was swelling so fast that it was metamorphosing from sad social embarrassment (in manner of winos and sexual deviants) to small majority in search of a voice. Bridget was seized on not because she was a lovable loser with a nice line in slapstick but because her uncertain world spoke to a lot of women. In the interests of clarity, this significant part of Bridget has been largely discarded by the film-makers, the better to focus on the \"sweet dopey girl who ultimately gets the guy\" part of the story. Well, it's still great fun, and Ren\ufffde is rather adorable, but you would have to be quite sad to identify with her character. Or is it that we've moved on in four years so that what seemed somehow liberating - naughty Bridget's sickie hangovers - now seems so last century. If Bridget was the heroine of the mid-90s struggling thirtysomething you can't help but feel she couldn't get away with it now. We know this because of the recent success of Channel 4's Sex and the City, a New York ensemble version of the same story: single girls seek happiness and fulfilment in mixed-up world. What's interesting is how the focus changed during the course of the series, from Carrie vehicle (the kooky one) to Samantha showcase (the empowered, scary one). Ever so gradually, our allegiance shifted to the point where it would not be overstating it to say that Samantha - thoroughly promiscuous, old enough to be your grandmother Samantha - had become the role model of the piece. This is the crux of the problem with revisiting Bridget in 2001. She played her part in rebranding the modern singleton, but now we've grown out of her - or at any rate out of the infantilised film version, decked out in flannel pyjamas covered in pink piggies - and we want someone with a bit more edge. When Samantha exposes the silly girliness of her circle, forcing them to fess up to their baby talk approach to sex and their pre-war assumption that some day a man will come along to rescue them from all this, you can't help but blush when you remember how you empathised with Bridget swotting up on subjects to impress Daniel. BJ talks mini-breaks (\"head is filled with visions of us lying in glades by rivers, me in a long white floaty dress\"); Samantha talks blow jobs and the taste rating of sperm. Sorry, but it's true. You wouldn't catch Bridget's creator in Caf\ufffd Rouge these "}, {"response": 829, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (01:10)", "body": "In looking at the latest review at the This is London site, it appears that BJD will actually be playing all over London (and maybe elsewhere) starting Friday 6 April???? There are tons of cinemas with times listed: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk:80/dynamic/hottx/film/top_film.html?in_review_id=377615&in_review_text_id=324094"}, {"response": 830, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (01:12)", "body": "Yep, the Ananova Event Selector found BJD playing at 264 venues in the UK."}, {"response": 831, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (04:39)", "body": "Have checked out my local papers as well, it seems that although they quote from Thurs 6th when you read the showing times it seems that they're actually showing from 11th! Hurrah! That means that I DO get to see it early *leaping for joy* - have managed to 'blag' advanced screening tickets for the UCI Empire (where the Premiere was) courtesy of Radio 1 *leaping for joy*"}, {"response": 832, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (05:34)", "body": "It seems there are advanced sreenings next Wednesday and Thursday in most of our local cinemas. Yipeee! Agree with Bethan that the She interview was the best I have read. She really seems to get to grips with what it is in Colin's character that fuels his interpretation of the the Darcys, FitzW and Mark. Loved it."}, {"response": 833, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (06:07)", "body": "From Thisislondon site: No mention of CF. Note: her new friend, HG! http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/lifestyle/londonlife/top_review.html?in_review_id=378675&in_review_text_id=324294"}, {"response": 834, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (08:33)", "body": "Let's put that into context. HG is currently unattached. ;-) So all those listings were sneak previews? Very good. Appeared to me as regular listings as our sneak previews are one showing on one night (Saturday night)."}, {"response": 835, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (09:05)", "body": "From one of those online reviewers; gave it 9/10. Talks a lot about the chemistry between Bridget and her guys. http://www.the-trades.com/column.php?columnid=649"}, {"response": 836, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (09:35)", "body": "Big advert for BJD in newspaper this AM. Sneak preview on Saturday night."}, {"response": 837, "author": "JenniferR", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (09:46)", "body": "Just had to pop in and post before going over to the spoiler topic...I agree with Danielle, the audience in DC just did not appear to get the movie. Heathens, all! (excluding Danielle, of course!) I actually found myself stifling a few guffaws as the audience just sat there, slack-jawed. I even heard someone say she didn't think it was funny at all!?!? Aaaargh. At least my friends (who have never understood my Firth-mania) had the good grace to admit that he was absolutely divine in the film. And as for my opinion on Colin: To quote Bridget, \"Mmmmmmm.\" Good job. MarkG, your Darcy-like stride down the street was the highlight of the scene--when are you sending out autographed photos?"}, {"response": 838, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (10:03)", "body": "Have put up the She article: http://www.spring.net/karenr/articles/she0501.html Thanks to Tracy for pics and AnnW. Let me know if I have it all, as am not certain."}, {"response": 839, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (10:30)", "body": "This was just sent to me by the Survival people: Special charity screening in aid of Survival International introduced by Colin Firth Thursday, April 26th, 2001 at 8.45 pm. Doors open at 8.15 pm Odeon West End cinema, Leicester Square, London Tickets \ufffd15 in advance, \ufffd16 on the door Colin Firth, a long-term Survival supporter, will personally introduce a special benefit screening of his new film, Bridget Jones's Diary, in aid of Survival. As well as Colin himself, the film stars Ren\ufffde Zellweger and Hugh Grant. This unique event has been arranged courtesy of Universal Pictures Working Title, United International Pictures and Odeon Cinemas. All profits from the screening will go to Survival's urgent work with threatened tribal peoples. Tickets, which are non-refundable, can be ordered by phone on 020 7242 1441, or online using a secure server at www.survival-international.org/film.htm. Tickets may be available on the door, subject to availability, but we advise that you book in advance as places are limited."}, {"response": 840, "author": "aishling", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (10:55)", "body": "Last column of She article: He talks at length about the need to maintain a sense of humour in his profession (and he is genuinely witty,) but I suspect he veers naturally towards the earnest. He talks passionately about asylum seekers (he\ufffds clearly spent time, not just money, trying to help them). At another point he tells me, \ufffdI could never read someone else\ufffds diary\ufffd. He admits there are times when he would have kept \ufffd100 he found in the street, \ufffdbut not now\ufffd. And when I ask if fidelity is an area where he finds it hard to maintain his integrity, he looks at me as if I\ufffdm mad and says an emphatic, \ufffdnever\ufffd. Colin Firth is an old-fashioned guy. And that\ufffds why he\ufffds more convincing as a strong, silent leading man than as the snivelling toad (the Earl of Wessex, GP\ufffds betrothed in SIL or the limp cuckold Geoffrey in TEP, much as it pains him \ufffd a serious thesp \ufffd to hear it. If big parts beckon, he won\ufffdt be disappearing to LA, although his son Will, 10, lives there with his mother, and Firth already spends a lot of time there. \ufffdI just can\ufffdt live there. I don\ufffdt hate LA, but if you\ufffdre an actor, it\ufffds better not to be sucked into it\ufffd. Understandably, he won\ufffdt say much about Will. But when we get onto the subject of weeping buckets, he says he does cry and did so \ufffdnot that long ago\ufffd. It\ufffds pretty clear from the context that he was worrying about some aspect of his relationship with Will, although in typical Firth style, the only thing he\ufffdll admit keeps him awake at night is \ufffdsilly stuff, like parking on single yellow lines\ufffd. He works so hard at being ordinary that you forget the heartthrob stuff completely. Then it poleaxes you when you least expect it and you\ufffdre reminded that you\ufffdve just spent the afternoon on a sofa with the fantasy figure of a large chunk of British womanhood. My moment comes when I go to say goodbye. Dressed in something black and expensive, he turns quickly towards me and for a nanosecond focuses his unsmiling attention fully upon me. It\ufffds electrifying. I start spluttering like, well, like BJ \ufffdBye, good to meet you, see you soon\ufffd, I yelp. A flash of panic crosses his eyes but he\ufffds far too nice to do anything but smile. Of course, the only way I\ufffdm going to see him soon is if I start lurking around outside his home at odd hours. Relax Colin. You\ufffdre safe. I\ufffdd simply been Darcied. Again. See the film \ufffd you will be, too."}, {"response": 841, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (12:06)", "body": "New review from Total Film magazine (4 stars): What's The Story? Paranoid about her career, weight, drinking, single status, parents' split, sex appeal, smoking habit and impending descent into loveless spinsterhood, 32-year-old PR secretary Bridget Jones makes a New Year's resolution. Next year there's no way she'll spend 31 December getting pissed up alone and singing along to miserable soft rock ballads. Next year she'll be thin, successful and will have grabbed a man who'll respect and love her. But getting off to an unpromising start, she begins to flirt via e-mail with her caddish boss, Daniel Cleaver... If the prospect of spending two hours with an insecure, completely average, office-bound single woman in London makes you scream in panic, then don't worry - you're not alone. The praise heaped on the book Bridget Jones's Diary by the women's press, the casting of Hugh Grant and the writing credit for Richard Four Weddings And A Funeral Curtis should make most blokes scarper: bundle them together and they ought to guarantee a male-free audience. Yet amazingly Bridget Jones the movie succeeds as a very funny rom-com. Not just funny to fans of the novel or Hugh Grant groupies or girls wanting an empathetic weep at the woes of the titular heroine... Just funny full stop. For everyone. If you had to speculate about how it's avoided being the intelligence-insulting mulch that Notting Hill was, the best guess is that this is not a solo Richard Curtis project. Sure, the Christmases portrayed are always white, Bridget's urban 'family' of bar-bound friends smack of those limp stereo-types from Four Weddings and the movie cherry-picks the most photogenic London locations without any concern for geographical accuracy - but Helen Fielding's original thirtysomething left-on-the-shelf angst shines through. No matter how much it's been polished for an American market (Jones vows to lose \"20 pounds\" rather than \"a stone-and-a-half\") or how often tweeness threatens to intervene, it remains refreshingly bitter and cynical in a way that Four Weddings and its tedious progeny never were. All worries that Yankster Renee Zellweger was the wrong girl for the job are dispelled in moments. With a spot-on plummy Brit accent, a tremendous capacity for pratfalls and those distinctly un-Hollywood extra pounds, Zellweger looks so ordinary that when she moans that she hasn't had \"the faintest whiff of a shag in 18 months\" you can believe her. Which makes Bridget Jones's Diary a date movie with a little bit of bite: an al dente romance with enough old-fashioned storytelling and big wobbly laughs to please anyone with a yearning to be entertained. And while not quite witty, observant or original enough to be the female equivalent of High Fidelity (which was a sort of male chick flick), it's definitely covering similar territory. It also, rather neatly, plays up Fielding's reinterpretation of Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice to the extent that Bridget quotes Austen's \"universal truth\" line while TV's Mr Darcy (Colin Firth) is cast as - a-ha-ha! - arrogant lawyer Mark Darcy. It's clearly no coincidence that co-writer Andrew Davies adapted Pride And Prejudice for the telly in the first place. Will it educate the masses that romantic doesn't equate with mindless? That Englishness doesn't necessarily mean stately homes and punting down the Thames? That film stars don't have to be so thin that their collar bones jut painfully from lollipop necks barely capable of supporting their own heads? Here's hoping the answer to all of these questions is yes... FINAL VERDICT Simple, joyful entertainment for all springing from a book about a woman who thinks her bum looks big in this. By making it a story first, a comedy second and a romance last, Bridget Jones's Diary manages to win as all three. It deserves to pack the punters in - including men. Cam Winstanley"}, {"response": 842, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (13:14)", "body": "If you No matter how much it's been polished for an American market (Jones vows to lose \"20 pounds\" rather than \"a stone-and-a-half\") or how often tweeness threatens to intervene, it remains refreshingly bitter and cynical in a way that Four Weddings and its tedious progeny never were. I think this comment brings to me a small concern. How do you really think this will go down in the States? Even my favourite 4W's had a smattering of schmulz and Notting Hill had it by the barrell load but this apparently has \"bite\", cynicism and filthy humour. How do you think that will play in middle America?"}, {"response": 843, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (13:17)", "body": "From Harvey S. Karten (the Compuserve guy and printed in the Arizona Reporter on 4/5/01): You can toss away your self-help books on the subject \"How to Win a Mate,\" and for that matter you needn't keep the classic of the genre, \"How to Win Friends and Influence People.\" Thanks to Sharon Maguire's witty, warm, charming and goofy film, \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" we know the secret of winning the affection of others, and it's not those three little words. The eight words you need to practice are, \"I like you just the way you are,\" the key quote in this wonderful, heartwarming movie. But oh, it's not that easy; the most difficult task of all is not simply mouthing the terms but genuinely believing them down to your core. How many of us are that healthy psychologically that we maintain such a love of our fellows? Not many at all: therein lies the whole problem with the title character played by a remarkable performer. Renee Zellweger, introduced to a large audience with her role as an awestruck maiden in \"Jerry Maguire\" and delightful as the soap-addicted waitress in \"Nurse Betty,\" has fleshed out a significant accomplishment this time around in a British production which finds her able not only to charm everyone in the audience (this was never her problem) but in holding on to an English accent throughout the story. Here is proof once again that the Americans (remember \"Sweet November\" and \"Say It Isn't So\")--compared to our English cousins--seem to have little competence to make romantic comedy. Since most of us are hip enough to realize that other people do not automatically like us just the way we are, we work out in gyms, we take courses to improve our diction and knowledge, we spend half our paychecks lying on the couch spilling our guts to professionals who are probably making out their grocery lists while we chatter. The Bridget Jones created by Helen Fielding's best-selling novel is the sort who, at age thirty-two, overweight, drinking and smoking heavily, believes that she has no chance of outrunning her biological clock much less even meeting her soul mate unless she does something about her flaws. Remarkably, while self-improvement is cool--cutting down on alcohol, tobacco and food is perfectly appropriate--her presumed race toward permanent spinsterhood has little to do with her bad habits but everything to do with the lack of available men. This is the very reason that women are more likely to go for \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" than men, given that while Bridget herself is a klutz, the men n her life are worse. Just before Ms. Jones begins to commit her daily experiences to a diary hoping her book will somehow communicate what she needs to do, her mum (Gemma Jones) goes through the usual maternal rites of trying to fix her daughter up with eligible men. This time around, Bridget, who is herself a publicist for a major London publishing firm run by Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), is introduced to a man she grows to dislike for spurning her, human rights lawyer Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). While she resolves to look for a down-to-earth guy, she instead winds up with her clever, flirtatious boss, Daniel, who is accustomed to writing coquettish e-mail to her, commenting on the brevity of her skirts. \"Is your skirt out sick today?\" is a sample of the publisher's repartee, an exchange which eventually results in their commencing an affair. Almost simultaneously with the dampening of the undertaking, her mother announces that she has left her father (Jim Broadbent) and has taken up with an unctuous fellow who hawks schlock on home shopping channel. Fortunately for a typical American audience, English romantic comedy does not rely on the often prosaic talkiness so common to French films. Director Sharon Maguire has a keen sense of pacing and of comic timing, in one case flashing a series of still pictures across the screen to sum up Bridget's love life for the year. She never lingers too long on a party, a bedroom scene, or a vista of her title character's depressed musings along in her flat watching everything from the shopping channel to \"Fatal Attraction.\" Though Maguire takes us sharply from one scene to another, the entire movie is seamless, with Zellweger appearing in almost every scene in a variety of clothing from a bathing suit in the dead of a blistery winter's night (filmed with machine-made snow, incidentally, in the middle of a London summer) to some stunning formal wear when she makes a bumbling speech at a formal reception. Side roles of Bridget's well-meaning but not-at-all helpful friends fit in neatly as does a cameo with Salman Rushd e at a publishing party which features Bridget meaning to ask Mr. Rushdie something of significance but ending asking him for directions to the loo. If men are not as attracted to this film as women, they're making a mistake in logic. Men would do well to think of their own vulnerabilities. Despite our macho walk and gallant talk, don't we all feel a little like jello in"}, {"response": 844, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (13:41)", "body": "Special charity screening in aid of Survival International introduced by Colin Firth Good for Colin! He will start to become a National Treasure if he goes on like this;-)"}, {"response": 845, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (16:21)", "body": "Agree with Bethan that the She interview was the best I have read. She really seems to get to grips with what it is in Colin's character that fuels his interpretation of the the Darcys, FitzW and Mark. Loved it. (Allison) And the pics! I grabbed my copy of She and rushed to the till, with an enthusiasm I've not shown since the heady days of P&P! Has he discovered the secret of eternal youth? He doesn't look a day over twenty five. Loved the interview as well, and now there's the charity screening for Survival. A man without fault, seriously. :-)"}, {"response": 846, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (16:23)", "body": "(Allison)... but this apparently has \"bite\", cynicism and filthy humour. How do you think that will play in middle America? I will let you know when my middle-America (read: Bible Belt)newspaper review comes out. This is a newspaper that would not take an advert for \"The Vagina Monologues\" ...because they would not print the \"V\" word!"}, {"response": 847, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (17:37)", "body": "take an advert for \"The Vagina Monologues\" ...because they would not print the \"V\" word! What do they do for physiology textbooks down your way?"}, {"response": 848, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (17:48)", "body": "Karen - thanks for the Survival Screening info....*flexing credit card* - will soon know route to Leicester Sq with eyes shut ;-) Wonder if anyone else will be there?"}, {"response": 849, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (18:10)", "body": "Is She a UK magazine? Wonder if I can get it here in the US....Sounds like a must have."}, {"response": 850, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (18:23)", "body": "Yes, She is a UK magazine. Beware, there is another by the same name in the US and you don't want it ;-D I've checked with a Borders and they do get it, but it should take awhile to get over here. Tracy, I know of one lady who has already ordered tickets. Her name is Pam."}, {"response": 851, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (18:45)", "body": "I had my ace photographer hard at work at the premiere, so a treat for you all. Looks like Colin has a new watch! ;-D"}, {"response": 852, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (18:46)", "body": "Ooops"}, {"response": 853, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (18:46)", "body": "Karen - I know of a couple of others so Drool should be well represented"}, {"response": 854, "author": "DanielleL", "date": "Fri, Apr  6, 2001 (19:47)", "body": "Okay, so what is ODB doing that makes his legs go like that? ROTF!"}, {"response": 855, "author": "bethanne", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (00:39)", "body": "Howdy ya'll Boy have I picked a good time to return to Drool after a 4 month absense, ( due to a having a crappy computer ) Anyhoo, I want to call my Mom in the UK and have her send me the SHE Magazine, with this delicious Colin article. Can someone give me some details please ? Is it still on newsstands ? What month/issue is it ? Who is on the front cover ? What is the model on the front cover wearing and is there a headline on the cover that jumps out at you ? Sorry to be so anal about this, but my Mom ( God love her ) can screw up even the smallest task and, I want to make this as easy on her as possible. Thanks everybody"}, {"response": 856, "author": "ekelley", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (01:15)", "body": "I got back about an hour ago from the sneak preview... WOW is all I have to say... I loved it. Yes, it was predictable, but I think that is b/c I'm such a P&P2 freak that I know all the dialogue, all the looks, all the mannerisms, etc. The screening was very lightly attended...its raining here on LI (NY) tonight, but I doubt that had anything to do with it. But as people were leaving, I heard many of them commenting, \"they cut too much,\" \"the book is SO much better,\" I'm definitely going to try to see it again next week when it comes out for real. I'm so glad that I didn't have to wait till next week!!!"}, {"response": 857, "author": "amw", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (02:59)", "body": "Hi Bethanne, re the SHE magazine, it is the May 2001 issue, I don't know who the person on the front is but the headlines on the front page are many and here are some of them \"Men onf \"sex\"...\"Summer's Hottest Celebs Penelope Cruz and Colin Firth\" (yippee) and \"125 Great Fashion Finds under \ufffd50.\"among others. I hope your Mum finds it."}, {"response": 858, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (04:55)", "body": "Bethanne, the May issue is everywhere at the moment....you can't miss it. And I'd say it is a \"must-buy\"! You better tell your mum why you want it though, the CF interview follows on from an article on \"well-endowed men reveal why size *does* matter\"! :-) Thanks for all the reports on BJD! My bottom-line feeling about BJD is that it is finally a massively promoted movie which gives CF international exposure as a good-looking romantic alpha male and will (*fingers crossed*) make him a bankable name for future decent projects. But it definitely sounds like a Hugh Grant/RC driven project though, more Notting Hill than HF!!"}, {"response": 859, "author": "Tineke", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (07:13)", "body": "Thanks for putting up the SHE article, Karen! I'll have a look in shops here to see if they have it. I love those pics. Re: Watch. It looks like a Swatch Irony."}, {"response": 860, "author": "Tineke", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (07:21)", "body": ";-D"}, {"response": 861, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (07:32)", "body": "http://www.rottentomatoes.com/movie-10000157/ 83% Fresh on Tomatometer so far. v.g."}, {"response": 862, "author": "Tineke", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (08:22)", "body": "I managed to get a copy if SHE magazine and Film Review. You were right, it's worth buying."}, {"response": 863, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (09:12)", "body": "Have managed to come down off cloud nine at last, can't add too much more about NYC Prem. than Karen and Evelyn so thorougly reported. We did see Jamie O'Neal in a sort of \"Days of Our Lives \" get up (Karen's remark unprintable!) She is on the soundtrack , which I was lucky enough to purchase before I left. I think I prefer US cover, but it's marginal!! Thanks to everyone who has been busy scanning away, linking and typing articles so it will take a very pleasurable few hours to go through, it's much appreciated.Off to get some magazines first!"}, {"response": 864, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (09:59)", "body": "And the award for most bitchily deranged reporter in a BJD article goes to ------- Shane Watson in yesterday's Guardian. \"Bad news about the BJ film- it's so last century.\" For a start she (RZ) is as fat as a puppy. Yes I realise that in real life Renee Zellweger, even after gorging on Patisserie Valerie cakes and piling on a couple of stone, only cranked herself up to a measly size 10. But nonetheless she looks bigger than everyone else on screen, with the exception of Colin Firth .......\" Honestly there is no pleasing some people! It would be unprofessional of me to comment on her appearance (courteousy of top of page) but I am sure we could have a whip round in order to purchase some products to remind her that NOT using John Freida or Vidal Sassoon on your hair is just sooooo last century Shane! Lizza * retracting claws* and smiling!"}, {"response": 865, "author": "vlyne", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (11:12)", "body": "(Meredith: Is She a UK magazine? Wonder if I can get it here in the US....Sounds like a must have.) She magazine and Film Review are available online if (like me ;-) you just can't wait for it to arrive in US newsstands. I've used both Britishmagazines.com and magsuk.com I think ordering online is about a dollar more expensive than buying from a newsstand. In the past, britishmagazines.com has been very fast. It usually took five days for my order to arrive in Chicago, but my last order took two weeks..."}, {"response": 866, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (11:22)", "body": "You're in Chicago? Borders gets those magazines and there's the European Book Store (on State near Chicago Ave), City Newsstand (biggest supplier; on Cicero north of Irving Pk), plus the new chain of Superstands. Film Review can be ordered online directly ($8.95 includes shipping), but it said it could take up to 28 days to receive and by that time I should be able to pick it up here. http://www.visimag.com/acatalog/VI_DIRECT_Catalog_Film_Review_2001_19.html"}, {"response": 867, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (11:49)", "body": "My Miramax rep tells me the screening of BJD in Middle America Okla was terrific. They had to turn people away. Audience roared from the beginning credits.( My fave too. ..RZ lip-syncing \"All By Myself\" is a hoot) I'd go to see this movie even if Colin wasn't in it. But it definitely sounds like a Hugh Grant/RC driven project though, more Notting Hill than HF Who cares how one arrives at success ... We want Box Office$$$$$. Thanks Tineke... the super sleuther at it again...:-)"}, {"response": 868, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (12:06)", "body": "Have just seen the VH1 Behind the Music. They had Sharon Maguire, RZ, HG and Colin sitting on a couch talking about the movie, music and making of. Colin said about 2 words. RZ kissed both of them on the cheek at the beginning and Colin gave a cute little surprised reaction. Otherwise, he didn't do much else, except look bored, played with his hair, leant his head on his hand, etc. Everyone talked about the music they liked (even Hugh who said he wasn't into music), but not a word from Colin. It was mainly RZ who went on and on about Sheryl Crow and David Gray. Hugh was definitely the focal point. Sat between SM and RZ and they kept bringing him into things. Colin tossed in a quip about HG wearing scary pants at that moment, but that's about it. No wonder he said he can't distinguish himself on chatshows. He doesn't even try. Lots of clips from the film beyond the usual trailer stuff with a good portion of Colin. You see the glance backward after the snub at the turkey curry buffet and more. Must rewind. According to VH1's schedule, the next broadcast will be Sunday at 2:30 pm Eastern"}, {"response": 869, "author": "DanielleL", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (14:34)", "body": "Just finished watching E! Behind the Xcenes look at BJD. At least CF was featured as much as Huge and came off quite lovely. Even managed to smile and chuckle for a second. Definitely an improvement on the VH1 special. Nothing exciting though, there were some scenes in the clips that AGAIN weren't in the movie. Or at least i don't rmeember them... Am intending to go see it again next weekend to make sure, of course."}, {"response": 870, "author": "DanielleL", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (14:36)", "body": "GAH! Xcenes should Scenes! but you all know that, right? Did not mean to make it seems as X-rated. GAH!"}, {"response": 871, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (14:43)", "body": "Omigod, have been so busy forgot the E! thing was on today as well. Will catch next showing very late tonight (1:00 a.m.) or Monday."}, {"response": 872, "author": "mari", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (15:17)", "body": "Oh, the E! Behind The Scenes show is a real keeper! Lots of Colin, on the set, off the set, in the film clips, and in the studio. MUCH better than the VH-1 show. VH-1 was utterly dominated by Huge's incessant talking about me me me me--I kept yelling--Shut the -uck up and let somebody else take a turn already!! I think Colin's look was not bored, but more resigned, like, I know I can't get a word in edgewise with this guy here, so what's the use. But he looked great anyway; all of it was fillmed in the studio, with generous clips from the soundtrack. On a more positive note, the E! show is great. They all get an equal turn because they're interviewed separately. Interviews with CF, RZ, HG of course, Sharon Maguire, and Helen Fielding, who explains that she wrote Mark Darcy expressly with Colin in mind. Lots of footage from the film--but it's from a \"behind the scenes and how they filmed it\" perspective, which makes it new. Some great shots of Colin off camera. There's a very telling bit at the end in which they ask each guy if he keeps a diary. Colin says, oh no, because it's great to be able to re-invent yourself throughout life so why leave behind evidence. He says this with the cutest smile and a twinkle in his eye. Huge--predictably--has yet another tiresome anecdote about how he once read an old girlfriend's diary which stated she didn't have any idea why she was dating him, she didn't even like him, etc. etc. Utter and complete fabrication and bullshit, of course, but it makes for a very quotable segment. Same with questions on Renee's accent--Colin answering straightforwardly, but Hugh telling the old \"sounded like Princess Margaret at first\" story which *is* funny but he's told it so often over here, I'm getting weary of it. Doesn't he know that some of us watch a lot of these shows and he could at least start to vary the witticisms?;-) ;-) And that's the difference between Colin and Hugh. Colin is a very--dare I say it--earnest guy who will attempt to answer the question at hand. Hugh will always provide the jokey one-liner, the witty comeback, the amusing anecdote because he knows that that's what gets printed, quoted, filmed, whatever and, in fairness to him, he knows that's what these shows want. He even had the savvy during the VH-1 show to phrase some comments in a way in which they could then easily segueway to the music or film clip--he even kept saying, \"clip please.\" Well, anyway, a very enjoyable afternoon of Colin viewing and I'm looking forward so much to seeing the film tonight!"}, {"response": 873, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (15:35)", "body": "Thanks, Mari, for the rundown on the Behind the Scenes show. Cannot wait. However, with the VH1 show, don't you think they did ask Colin about what music he liked, but it got cut? Everyone else was asked. Colin probably mentioned those obscure groups/people in the Mojo interview that made Moon heave. The VH1 people probably blanked out as they'd never heard of them as well and certainly didn't have any video clips to supplement. My guess is Colin was too dull and when he answered, they cut it out. Let's not all blame Huge. Both Sharon and Renee kept turning to him to elaborate on a point. Yes, there's a difference between Huge and Colin. But we know Colin can be witty when he wants to. He didn't seem to want to. *wanna spaz wrestle* Colin says, oh no, because it's great to be able to re-invent yourself throughout life so why leave behind evidence. He says this with the cutest smile and a twinkle in his eye. LOL! But there's lots of print evidence of his deliberate attempts to confuse everyone. Doesn't he know that some of us watch a lot of these shows and he could at least start to vary the witticisms?;-) ;-) Yes, can't say Arsenal all the time. ;-D"}, {"response": 874, "author": "vlyne", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (16:33)", "body": "(Karen: No wonder he said he can't distinguish himself on chatshows. He doesn't even try. ) Awwww, I felt kind of bad for him because I thought he made a few shy attempts at banter that no one really picked up on. Must be hard to be interviewed with Hugh upstaging you all the time. ;-) This week has been the first time I've been able to see any clips or interviews and I really can't wait to see this movie. Wish I could make it to one of the previews. Many thanks to everyone for the reviews and reports from premieres! Do you think re-reading the book before the movie would spoil it for me? From what I've seen it looks like the movie incorporates elements from the newspaper column and sequel. Is that right?"}, {"response": 875, "author": "DanielleL", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (17:29)", "body": "Re-reading thebook won't spoil it for you, Valerie. I re-read the book as soon as I had the preview pass in my dirty little fingers! Remember the script went through several hands and writers and some things in the book you just can't put in film. I still would like to know why some of the film takes from the press preview were cut out of our preview..."}, {"response": 876, "author": "Cinder", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (17:32)", "body": "Not sure if this is going to work...but, I must first compliment all the wonderful postings at this as well as the other Colin related sites...now for my reasoning...i had the Bridget Jones Diar with Colin in the turtle neck as wallpaper, Husband messed around with the computer last night, and to my horror it was gone this morning. The wall paper that is. Please oh please whoever had that up could you put it back up again? I am dying here..lol. Or perhaps I am not looking hard enough..HELP"}, {"response": 877, "author": "amw", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (18:55)", "body": "Great review by The American Dreamer, review can be foudn by going to the IMDB."}, {"response": 878, "author": "heide", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (19:54)", "body": "Agree with Mari. To me, Colin just looked resigned and a little bemused by the whole thing on the VH-1 program. Loved his posture. ;-) (Valerie) I felt kind of bad for him because I thought he made a few shy attempts... Me too though I don't think he's shy, just reserved. Anyway, he's smart not to attempt to compete with Hugh in jokes. Hugh's a delight but I'm getting a little tired of the same SAS story. Colin's got him beat in the smile department anyway and there were plenty of them. Did you see Renee stroke his cheek at one point? That said, I liked E!'s program better."}, {"response": 879, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (21:32)", "body": "Well, it doesn't sound like he was as bad as in the Survival Appeal Infomercial anyway.Small steps.... He was brilliant in the Berlinale FF, remember?"}, {"response": 880, "author": "LisaJH", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (23:36)", "body": "Heavens, the BJD topic has certainly spawned a lot of posts! Love the lovely articles, reviews, pics, and reports from the London premiere (thanks ever so much, Ann and Tracy). The SHE interview was to die for. I agree, Bethan, it may be the best one yet. I somehow missed the VH1 show, but caught the one on E!, which was really worth taping. I was glad to see interviews with SM and Helen. Did anyone notice that some of the interviews with RZ, CF, and HG were held in the same room as the BWTA interview--interview junket central. Could this mean there are more CF interviews to come? (Pretty please?) On a surlier note, I am about to throw the BJD CD in the dustbin. Why, you ask? I cannot figure out how to defeat the dreaded 'click me\" icon and just play the tracks on my CD rom drive. I can listen to all my other CDs on my PC without a problem. Has anyone else run into this problem with the CD? I can hardly believe that next week I am going to see Colin on the big screen as a leading man. It must be thrilling and, until then, I am living vicariously through all of you who have seen the film. :-)"}, {"response": 881, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (23:36)", "body": "RZ is on the cover of the Sunday Times Culture magazine. Two articles. First is on Working Title (talks about the NY premiere; party was a Greenwich Village loft) and the second is about Jim Broadbent. http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/news/pages/sti/2001/04/08/sticulfil02006.html ? BTW, I'm getting to like the soundtrack better, especially Shelby Lynne's Killin' Kind. The words are just so perfect."}, {"response": 882, "author": "LisaJH", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (23:37)", "body": "Heavens, the BJD topic has certainly spawned a lot of posts! Love the lovely articles, reviews, pics, and reports from the London premiere (thanks ever so much, Ann and Tracy). The SHE interview was to die for. I agree, Bethan, it may be the best one yet. I somehow missed the VH1 show, but caught the one on E!, which was really worth taping. I was glad to see interviews with SM and Helen. Did anyone notice that some of the interviews with RZ, CF, and HG were held in the same room as the BWTA interview--interview junket central. Could this mean there are more CF interviews to come? (Pretty please?) On a surlier note, I am about to throw the BJD CD in the dustbin. Why, you ask? I cannot figure out how to defeat the dreaded 'click me\" icon and just play the tracks on my CD rom drive. I can listen to all my other CDs on my PC without a problem. Has anyone else run into this problem with the CD? I can hardly believe that next week I am going to see Colin on the big screen as a leading man. It must be thrilling and, until then, I am living vicariously through all of you who have seen the film. :-)"}, {"response": 883, "author": "LisaJH", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (23:39)", "body": "Sorry about the twin posts."}, {"response": 884, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Apr  7, 2001 (23:51)", "body": "Lisa, shut it down, and then start it (manually) from the CD Player option in Accessories (mine is under Entertainment; yours may be elsewhere). Heavens, the BJD topic has certainly spawned a lot of posts! Spawned? A typo, surely. ;-0"}, {"response": 885, "author": "LisaJH", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (00:05)", "body": "(Karen) Lisa, shut it down, and then start it (manually) from the CD Player option in Accessories. Boy, do I feel silly. I have always run my CDs directly from the drive. This is almost as bad as when I was first trying to post pictures on Odds and Ends....Good grief!"}, {"response": 886, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (00:10)", "body": "Just got back! At the airport, waiting to board the plane in LA, I see Colin on the TV!!! I run off insearch of close-up-is-he-really-being-interviewed?-moment. DH wanders where the .... has she gone, we are boarding now! LOL! Missed everything he said. :-( Good thing we have this topic! (Karen), Colin probably mentioned those obscure groups/people in the Mojo interview that made Moon heave. The VH1 people probably blanked out as they'd never heard of them as well and certainly didn't have any video clips to supplement. My guess is Colin was too dull and when he answered, they cut it out. LOL! Very good guess. I am surprised at RZ choice of David Gray, we like him very much. (Karen), Yes, there's a difference between Huge and Colin. (Heide), I don't think he's shy, just reserved. Colin and Hugh were born a day apart. Which means their horoscopes are very alike. ;-)"}, {"response": 887, "author": "mari", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (00:25)", "body": "Just got back from seeing BJD, and I absolutely loved it! Laughed from beginning to end (and teared up once or twice too). Colin is wonderful (and looks mighty gorgeous too!), and people will really come to root for Mark Darcy. Cleaver is a too-smooth slimebucket from the start and the audience catches on a bit quicker than poor Bridge that he's a no-goodnick. Renee was unbelievable. Absolutely perfect. Theater was packed, only a couple of empty seats in the front row. Very, very enthusiastic response, continuous loud laughter throughout the film. Overheard lots of good comments on the way out. I cannot wait to see it again next weekend! Will take any spoilers to 126."}, {"response": 888, "author": "Ann", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (01:10)", "body": "Yea!!! Seen it. Yippee!! Colin's best on-screen kiss since Valmont--and man! that's been a while. It's soooo nice to finally see him get the girl in a love-triangle. I'm sick of all of the terribly implausable movies in which the other guy wins! (AMITC, SIL, EP, etc.)"}, {"response": 889, "author": "Jana2", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (02:52)", "body": "Wow, pant, pant - I have finally managed to catch up on all the posts at this topic. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to find articles and post information and pics. I just wanted to say what fun it was to see BJD with fellow Spring-ians. Winter, thanks so much for getting the passes. It was lovely to see you, Marianne and Moon again. Moon, how did your DH react when he discovered this was a CF film ;-)? I really enjoyed the movie although I wish that I could have let myself relax and just enjoy it more. I think I knew a little too much about it and found myself analyzing instead of just watching. That said, it really is a charming film and CF is to die for. Handsome, romantic and sexy so what more could I want ;-)? I agree with what others have said, though. I thought the film was too short and I really wish there had been more screentime for Bridget's pals and more time invested in developing their characters. Although I can't say I was too sorry that Shirley Henderson didn't have more lines. Sheesh - and some folks thought Renee's voice is too squeaky. SH sound like she's on helium. I also wish there had been a little more development in the Daniel Cleaver romance. It all seemed to happen a bit too quickly for me without enough of the requisite worrying, \"will he call\"... etc. I will say no more for fear of spoilers. And all that said, I loved the movie and can't wait to see it again :-). I'm so glad CF is in a winner that will get a worldwide release. Oops, almost forgot. MarkG, it was quite fun to see you on the big screen. We all let out a whoop and I'm sure the rest of the audience wondered what kind of pop idol we were cheering for :-)."}, {"response": 890, "author": "ekelley", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (03:03)", "body": "There is a great picture of the end kiss, with a pic of EB & FD about to kiss. the address is: http://hem.passagen.se/lmw/bridget_jones_diary.html I'm not that skilled yet in doing the html stuff, so Karen, maybe you can pull the jpg and post it here? Its a great pic."}, {"response": 891, "author": "Renata", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (03:57)", "body": "A larger version plus full article is here as well: http://www.spring.net/karenr/articles/filmreview501.html As much as I like this kiss pic, my new favourite is this variation of the reindeer pic: ;-)"}, {"response": 892, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (04:56)", "body": "Anybody know whether the E! Behind the scenes prog is to be broadcast in the UK ?"}, {"response": 893, "author": "Renata", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (05:11)", "body": "Just for comparison:"}, {"response": 894, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (07:31)", "body": "Almost too much promotion going on to keep up with. Yesterday, the Times magazine featured the costume designer for BJD on Renee's look, with this throwaway: \ufffd60,000 might sound a lot ... but when you're kitting out Huge Gnat (\"a bit of a fashion queen\") in Savile Row suits, Jermyn Street shirts and Paul Smith casual wear, \"with a bit of Hermes and a bit of Gucci\", there's unlikely to be tons of cash left for Colin Firth's Burberry suits. All I can say is ALL the best men in the film wear Burberry suits :-) And Radio 4's half-hour film programme, billed as a review of BJD, featured only a stupid 5-minute har-har slot on method acting, arising from Renee's stint at Picador, and a one-line review of the film: \"I went expecting not to like it if only because of the all-friends-together cosiness of the makers, but found it impossible to dislike.\""}, {"response": 895, "author": "amw", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (07:31)", "body": "UK Alert. Apparently according to a friend there are some \"never seen before\"Colin BJD photos in The Mirror tomorrow, Monday 9th April."}, {"response": 896, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (09:53)", "body": "Thanks for the tip Ann. Anyone in the Uk catch Huge Gnat on Parkinson? just finished watching the tape. What a *&^%$*!! Good Grief. The comments you have all made just recently about saying things for effect or as quoteable soundbites are true! The worst bit was when he went on at length about his mother inhabiting the voice/personality of their cat that has been dead for 18 years. Not funny at all. Perhaps his parents are used to being embarassed like this. Parkinson mentioned CF and the fight scene but the two clips shown were colinless! He also tried to get on another guests interview with more highly unlikely anecdotal quotes about him and doctors, and how one was always interested in whether everything was ok \"downstairs\" with him etc Ghastly! Give the serious, articulate Guardian reading Mr Firth every time! Huge did himslf no favours. In fact the best bit was Robbie Williams singing \"Have you seen Miss Jones?\" from the soundtrack."}, {"response": 897, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (09:57)", "body": "Whoops! You know I meant to say \"Give us the serious, articulate Guardian reading Mr Firth every time.\" I am personally glad Colin was not on Parkinson, but was gleeful at Huge showing his true colours to the Nation. He said that \"I drink like a witch.\" I expect he went off to drown his sorrows!"}, {"response": 898, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (10:21)", "body": ""}, {"response": 899, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (10:23)", "body": "(Jana2) SH sound like she's on helium. LOL! Shirley does have a weird voice, but after I'd heard Helen F read the part of Jude (sheep-like voice as it says in the book), I knew Shirley was just right. Unfortunately, her part was the most superfluous of the friends. The audience somehow connected with both Shazz's and Tom's characters. Not enough was given of Jude's to understand what she was all about IMO. (Jana2) little more development in the Daniel Cleaver romance...without enough of the requisite worrying, \"will he call\"... etc. You wanted more Huge? ;-D Without getting into details, that kiss is NOT actually the end kiss. :-) (Times mag as copyedited by MG) when you're kitting out Huge Gnat (\"a bit of a fashion queen\") LOL! Taped E!'s Behind the Scenes during the wee hours of the morning. Since they are interviewed individually, Colin does speak and does well for himself. Much better than the VH1 thing. You know how the MTV movie awards have strange categories? Doesn't it seem as though the fight scene is exactly the type of thing that would get an award?"}, {"response": 900, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (10:40)", "body": "(Jana), Moon, how did your DH react when he discovered this was a CF film ;-)? LOL! It was the realisation of why I had to see it on the night we had concert tickets. \"How very sneaky\". He loved the scene of the launch party (so did I), the big bloomies, the blue soup and the credits with the kiddies. He did find it unnecessarily vulgar at times. But, that's the most he's ever liked a CF film. I thought the film was too short and I really wish there had been more screentime for Bridget's pals and more time invested in developing their characters. I agree! It was great meeting Marianne and seeing both you and Winter again Jana. All I can say is ALL the best men in the film wear Burberry suits :-) Good point, Mark! Congratulations, you are quite visible. :-D (Karen), Without getting into details, that kiss is NOT actually the end kiss. :-) I noticed that too! RZ is wearing a scarf in that picture and she does not wear one at the end of the film. ;-) I am still trying to catch up on all the posts. I am off to mass to collect my palms."}, {"response": 901, "author": "Ann", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (11:03)", "body": "NYTimes article on Renee (requires registration): http://www.nytimes.com/2001/04/08/arts/08HASK.html \"...she nevertheless manages to win, convincingly, the hearts of two breathtakingly attractive men: Hugh Grant as the infamous Daniel, Bridget's womanizing boss, and Colin Firth as Mark Darcy (reprising his heartthrob role as Jane Austen's hero in the BBC \"Pride and Prejudice.\") Mr. Grant has dropped the faux-innocent mannerisms of recent films and is more appealing as a bit of a sleaze than he ever was as a male ingenue, while Mr. Firth manages, with one sexy glower, to summon up all those misogynistic heroes of 19th-century women's novels who are brought back to life by the sheer spunk of an unconventional heroine \ufffd in this case, a girl with a heart on her sleeve and knickers on her bottom.\""}, {"response": 902, "author": "mari", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (11:56)", "body": "RE: NY Times aritcle--Molly Haskell is a noted feminist author, so it's interesting to get her take on things. Some other noteworthy bits: \"Austen's Pride and Prejudice is the beating pulse of Bridget Jones, the book and the movie . . . If Maguire occasionally errs on the side of broadness, one of the very literate delights is the way book and movie, film and literature, play off each other; this is intertextuality with a vengeance.\" \"As Bridget, Zellweger is not a pushover by any means, or entirely lovable: she guzzles chardonnay, gossips, is a little too ``needy'' in current psycho-parlance and can be as tart-tongued as any Austen heroine. One look at Mark Darcy's reindeer sweater when they first meet and her Bridget is as withering as any fashion snob, as prone to prejudice as Austen's Elizabeth Bennet.\""}, {"response": 903, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (12:39)", "body": "RZ is wearing a scarf in that picture and she does not wear one at the end of the film. ;-) Nor much else. ;-D That shot is before they go up to her flat. For all those who have seen the movie, check out the Spoiler topic. Thanks, Ann, for the NY Times article. Interesting that Molly didn't like the book, but thinks the movie is far better and the changes have made Bridget much more palatable and believable. This is glowing praise. Wonder what Time will say. Will they get off their feminist high horses? Answer on Monday. ;-D"}, {"response": 904, "author": "Renata", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (13:45)", "body": "Tineke (congrats, btw), Murph, Karen, hope you don't mind I used your picture for scientific purpose: http://www.firth.com/bjd/2xdarcy.html Question: Do you think it was intention or by accident they used the (almost) identical wine glass? And is there something like a red Chardonnay?"}, {"response": 905, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (14:07)", "body": "\"The actress has lost Bridget's extra pounds, but let's hope she never loses the magic that makes her such an unusual star. \" Great article. I think we can safely say that Renee's sticker price has now gone up."}, {"response": 906, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (14:28)", "body": "Am shocked no one was curious to see rest of the teaser pics. So I've just put them up on the Premiere page. They are Colin and more Colin. ;-D http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjdprem.html BTW, for equal time, here's something for the guys:"}, {"response": 907, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (14:35)", "body": "Nice analysis, Renate, but as you'll see, those pics represent such very different points in the story. (aloof vs totally thawed) ;-D"}, {"response": 908, "author": "fitzwd", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (14:54)", "body": "Heads up, Roger Ebert and his new partner (Ropert?, the Siskel replacement) will be reviewing BJD next weekend on TV. Check your local listings."}, {"response": 909, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (15:10)", "body": "The Movie Mom website has rating for BJD. Says the audience is for 16 and older, yet the movie is rated R, which means 17 and older. Also says there is no nudity. They must have missed those naked people on the floor. ;-) And under violence/scariness, it says \"comic fistfight.\" v. scary indeed http://www.moviemom.com/apps/showreview.cfm?ReviewID=298 Another review from internet whippersnapper: http://www.sick-boy.com/bridgetjones.htm Lovely one, but a woman who gets it, although she got who was apologizing throughout the fight scene wrong: http://adfilmworks.com/films2001/bridgetjonessdiary.html \"As the two suitors, Grant and Firth are wonderfully cast....The solemn Mark Darcy is at the opposite end of the spectrum: brooding, condescending yet ultimately capable of sturdy commitment and gourmet cooking. The very casting is in homage to the BBC production of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE in which Firth played the brooding Mr. Darcy. Bridget (and author Fields) clearly has her crushes in high places.\""}, {"response": 910, "author": "Ann", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (15:12)", "body": "Fox New Channel will have a BJD story in next week's \"Celebrity Spotlight\". I also liked the film better than the book. BJ of the book was maddening to me. BJ of the movie is a bit of a screw-up, but she's much more proactive about her life."}, {"response": 911, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (15:25)", "body": "Ann, when does the Celebrity Spotlight air?"}, {"response": 912, "author": "Renata", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (15:28)", "body": "Am shocked no one was curious to see rest of the teaser pics I took them as the physical manifestation of contradictory career moves."}, {"response": 913, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (15:40)", "body": "Lizza - I too watched Parky and was most dis-chuffed that there were no CF clips, however BJ's walkout scnene was hilarious. I agree with everything you said about Huge, he is clearly Rent-an-A**e with a ready quip and unsavoury anecdote on any subject. But loved seeing him squirm when Parky asked about Liz, & touched upon that incident. He did mention DB in passing but only to regurgitate the 'telling the stunt co-ordinator to p***-off' and RZ was only an opportunity to use the Princess Margaret line again..*yawn*"}, {"response": 914, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (15:42)", "body": "This is all so excitng but frustrating also because have os little time to get to pc and comment. Re Huge Gnat (love that, Karen) on Parkinson. I laughed out loud to start with; he was very funny but then as you sy, it began to pall. My DH appeared half way through, took one look at the screen and said \"he is ill\" (should point out my DH is a doctor). I didn't think he looked ill but thought he looked tired but also as the interview progressed, I thought he was a rather desperate man. He showed no interest in the other guests and when a comment was made to him , to include him in general conversation, he just hogged the limelight. And as for his mother and the cat. That was weird."}, {"response": 915, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (15:53)", "body": "Also in the Sunday Telegraph, an article about the producers, Bevan and Feller, is that right. Told you I was in a hurry, can no longer find the paper! It gives a good insight into the finances of the project (the article is in the Business Section). They seem to think that success in the UK is assured. What they are really worried about is the States. The first weekend is the big one which determines everything. From this, it is easy to see why they are flogging HG. Even in the UK I saw an add which made on mention of MD but had clips of all the bawdiest bits, including anal sex (yuk). This is to draw in the young men 18 to 25. If they can get them to go, success is assured. They are not going to be impressed by CF or MD; they couldn't aspire to it;-) As Evelyn says if the film makes $$$$$ then CF will win - even if he is not mentioned by the publicists. Clever guy. He might end up having his cake and eating it. Or put another way, making mucho lire and getting to spend quality time at Sainsburys."}, {"response": 916, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (16:54)", "body": "but had clips of all the bawdiest bits, including anal sex (yuk). Not possible! I thought they were poking fun at Hugh and his divine arrest in LA. I can understand that a lot of people will think that it is about anal sex. That was part of my DH's comment that it was unnecessarily vulgar. What did everyone think? Which one is it? (no pun intended)"}, {"response": 917, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (18:03)", "body": "Love your London Prem page Karen. Thanks. I am of course not surprised at the modesty you have shown in not wishing to promote pictures of your own glowing (it sure was cold!) entrance at the NY Prem last Monday. For those not in the know I believe you were introduced as the author of \"the definitive web-site on Bridget Jones\" to some of the press as well. Eric Fellner (the one that looks like a young Duke of Kent!) who introduced the film was so impressed by your faux snakeskin Miramax souvenir sash , which said \"So talented, it sucks.\" that he promptly forgot Colin was even in the film let alone one of the stars. Of course your image was slightly dented when you and your companions whooped at the entrance of a mere \"walk on\" extra, even if he was dressed in Burberry, during the film. And finally rumours of you leaving, even before Jamie O'Neal, for a hip Italian restaurant in an up and coming \"village\" are not exagerated, although People magazine may have got hold of the storyline that earlier in the evening you were heard asking stray men for a date at the theatre entrance. Of course, as we often say here, where Karen goes Geri Halliwell will have to follow."}, {"response": 918, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (18:30)", "body": "Lizza! ROTF! Way to go \"So talented, it sucks\" Karen!"}, {"response": 919, "author": "Lassie", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (18:52)", "body": "Karen, Were you really introduced at the Premiere? Way to go, girl!"}, {"response": 920, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (20:18)", "body": "(Lassie) Karen,Were you really introduced at the Premiere? She sure was ..to the press. LMAO...Lizza ...that was great...She did mingle with the hoi -poloi too... Standing right next to RC... A night to remember...what a hoot...Wish you all could have been there.."}, {"response": 921, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (21:44)", "body": "LMAO...Lizza ...that was great...She did mingle with the hoi -poloi too... Standing right next to RC... A night to remember...what a hoot...Wish you all could have been there.. So...will we get to see some pictures of this?! Congratulations, Karen!!! But then you being the author of the definitive BJD Movie website is NOT news to your fans here!"}, {"response": 922, "author": "Lassie", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (22:06)", "body": "So...that's how you got tickets... Nice coup..."}, {"response": 923, "author": "Ann", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (23:10)", "body": "Ann, when does the Celebrity Spotlight air? } Not sure. I think it was on today at 1:30 Central, but my paper said it should have been on at 2pm Central--so something is mixed up. ------- I actually had about 4 hispanic (at least they were speaking what sounded like Spanish to me) guys sitting behind me at the Sat. screening--no women with them. I thought that was a bit strange, since it would seem to be more a chick-flick type of film. I don't know whether they liked it or not, but seeing them there was a hopeful sign, I think, that it can attract guys."}, {"response": 924, "author": "Ann", "date": "Sun, Apr  8, 2001 (23:35)", "body": "Just checked FoxNews.com, they seem confused about their schedule too. Their Saturday listing shows Celebrity Spotlight playing at 8 am Eastern, but if you follow the link to the CS page, it says Saturdays at 2 pm Eastern (but then, a special was on today at 2pm, so maybe that threw their schedule off, which is why I saw it on Sunday at 1:30pm Cent, when their schedule doesn't list it on Sundays at all.) I think all that boils down to it being on 2pm Eastern Saturdays, maybe."}, {"response": 925, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (00:05)", "body": "faux snakeskin Miramax souvenir sash, which said \"So talented, it sucks.\" You mean the ones we picked up on Canal Street with Prada stamped on them? ;-D I may have hurt our chances of being invited back again when Richard Curtis overheard me lamenting the lack of insipidly dopey lines. How this was not vintage Curtis material. ;-D"}, {"response": 926, "author": "ekelley", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (00:12)", "body": "Just saw a commercial for \"Regis & Kelly, Live\" (ABC talk show): HG will be the guest tomorrow (today, actually), Monday, April 9. Its on ch. 7 @ 9am (NYC metro area). Apparently, plugging BJD."}, {"response": 927, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (03:59)", "body": "Karen, congrats on the deserved recognition. Fantastic!"}, {"response": 928, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (06:40)", "body": "Congrats ladies, you've made it to the tabloids! Colin's dad comments in the Mirror on the fact that a group of American women actually travelled all the way to see him at the Donmar! Must have made a lasting impression in the Firth household. There's a 2 page spread, mostly re-cycled old stuff I think. But a few comments from Colin's dad. Also a pic of CF at school in the US and a comment from his teacher, and a pic of him at 6th form college. For tabloid stuff, it's all very mild...nothing nasty at all. Mentions birth of son. Also his dad says that he (CF) has lost all his grandparents in the last 5 years...the surviving one died a few weeks ago and he was v. upset. This must be online? Also interview in Times and good pic."}, {"response": 929, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (07:23)", "body": "Incase it isn't online....snippets... His dad says when he was younger he formed a band with some friends, playing guitar and being the lead singer. He describes him as \"quite an excitable person who likes larking around. He's very noisy - the life and soul of the party. He's a very dominant personality....he's very close to his family and tries to see as much of them as possible\". His teacher in the US, Carol Welstahoff says \"I think it was a lonely time (for him) but he spent a lot of it reading. He was a very conscientious top of the class student.\" A distinct lack of shocking revelations!"}, {"response": 930, "author": "vlyne", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (09:25)", "body": "Here's the text from the Mirror article. I wish the online version had the pictures! http://www.mirror.co.uk/shtml/FEATURES/P22S2.shtml FROM DUSTMAN TO DARCY CHAMPAGNE glass in hand and surrounded by celebrities, actor Colin Firth couldn't stop smiling. The Bridget Jones's Diary star was over the moon and wanted the world to know it. But his proud grin at the London premiere last week marked a personal milestone as well as a professional triumph. He had become a dad a few days earlier. His Italian wife, Livia Giuggiolo, gave birth to their son less than a week before the premiere, but still made it to the star-studded party. Friends say the couple, who married four years ago, are \"walking on air\" after the arrival of the longed-for baby. It has been an unforgettable few weeks for the 40-year-old actor who once worked as a dustman and stuffed his worn-out shoes with cardboard because he had no money for new ones. His career has been advancing steadily since his sullen scowl, wet shirt and tight breeches as Mr Darcy in the BBC's Pride And Prejudice six years ago turned him into a pin-up overnight. Now his ironic performance as love interest Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones's Diary looks set to make him one of the biggest names in British films - a very English heart-throb to rank alongside Hugh Grant and Rupert Graves. But as our pictures show, he wasn't always so dashing. In his student days, he wore flares, an orange waistcoat and dodgy rocker hairdo as he larked around with friends for the 1979 end-of-year photo at Barton Peveril sixth-form college at Eastleigh, Hants. Mr Darcy would not have been impressed by their antics as a friend playfully hooked a walking stick round Colin's neck. But his time at college did mark a turning-point. He took up drama, discovered rock music - especially Genesis and The Who - and became a pin-up for the first time. Teacher Penny Edwards remembers that he was a hit with the girls as well as being one of the lads. She says: \"He was very sociable and a lot of the girls liked him. THIS really beautiful girl had a terrible crush on him, but they never got together. It became a running joke. \"Colin was very sensitive to literature and had this stage presence. \"I wasn't surprised he did so well. Underneath the laddish exterior was quite a shrewd character who knew exactly what he wanted to do.\" College was the first time he really felt accepted and started making serious plans for an acting career. Before that he'd floundered around, unsure of how to go about chasing his dreams. Travelling seemed to be in his blood, but it meant that he was never in one place long enough to settle down. Born in Grayshott, Hants, he spent his childhood moving around as his father, a teacher, travelled abroad to work. Today, with an Italian wife, an American ex and an 11-year-old Canadian- American son, William, Firth spends much of his time flying all over the world. His teacher parents David and Shirley were born in India and carried on travelling as Colin was growing up. At two weeks old they took him to Nigeria. He showed early signs of being an entertainer. Banned from watching TV, he took up piano lessons and kept his sister Kate and brother Jonathan amused with jokes and impressions. David says: \"Colin always had a very vivid imagination. He loved dressing up and really liked Batman.\" Soon, the piano lessons were replaced by Saturday-morning acting classes run by Freda Kelsall, who was to coach him for 10 years. She is a close friend, and flew to Italy for his wedding to Livia. When Colin was 11, the family moved again - this time to America, setting up home in St Louis, Missouri. Posing in a lumberjack shirt for his high-school yearbook picture, he looks every inch the all-American kid. But he was shunned by the other pupils for being different and became a loner. He said later: \"It was a really nasty school. I was put in a class of guys with long hair, earrings and combat jackets with drugs slogans on their backs who would bring drugs to school. I was still into train sets.\" Teacher Carol Welstahoff remembers: \"The others kids didn't take to him because he was different. To them, he was your stereotypical English schoolboy. \"I think it was a lonely time, but he spent a lot of it reading. He was a very conscientious, top-of-the-class student.\" His dad explains: \"He would have found it difficult fitting in at any school - partly because of moving and partly because he wanted to go off and follow his own interests. He started a band with some friends, playing the guitar and being the lead singer.\" Back in England, the family moved to Winchester and Colin went to Montgomery of Alamein secondary school - in the class above comedian Jack Dee - after failing his 11-plus. But he felt he was seen as \"posh\" because of his middle-class upbringing. He recalls: \"There was a whole area of playground chat I couldn't join in. WE didn't have popular culture, I hadn't seen Crossroads, Magpie or Randall and Hopki"}, {"response": 931, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (09:44)", "body": "Just FYI, Lizza was joking. Absolutely none of that happened. :-) (Bethan) Must have made a lasting impression in the Firth household. Mari, could it be that Aunt and Uncle F told David? (Bethan) A distinct lack of shocking revelations! Are you not amazed that his father spoke to the media? Wasn't there an incident when his mother was quoted long ago and CF was upset about it? a very English heart-throb to rank alongside Hugh Grant and Rupert Graves Rupert Graves, who has gone onto become....???? ;-D"}, {"response": 932, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (10:09)", "body": "Some of it did, you are just sooo modest , it sucks my dear.:')"}, {"response": 933, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (10:10)", "body": "All Evelyn's Donmar lurking paid off then!!"}, {"response": 934, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (10:13)", "body": "BTW there is a picture of Colin on the front of the paper with the headline \"Firth Born.\" I was quite amused to see that didn't appear to know the baby's name even! You heard it here first."}, {"response": 935, "author": "lafn", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (10:16)", "body": "Some of it did, you are just sooo modest , it sucks my dear.:') Second. *evelyn, who wuz there*"}, {"response": 936, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (10:23)", "body": "And of course behind every definitive faux sash wearer, is her \"wheeler and dealer,\" also making things happen! Hats off to you Evie."}, {"response": 937, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (10:33)", "body": "Rubbish, utter rubbish, except for the part where Lizza was overheard propositioning Eric Fellner (aka Handsome Man in the credits to Elizabeth) ;-D"}, {"response": 938, "author": "kolin", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (10:59)", "body": "\"Are you not amazed that his father spoke to the media? Wasn't there an incident when his mother was quoted long ago and CF was upset about it? \" I think it was Livia's mother who spoke to the press."}, {"response": 939, "author": "LisaJH", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (11:30)", "body": "Lizza, LOL at your post about the NY premiere. Hurrah! Karen is world-renowned webmaster/whiz woman! (Karen) You mean the ones we picked up on Canal Street with Prada stamped on them? And that would be the 'Pra-duh' line, spread out on a blanket, no? Regarding the Mirror article, what's this about Col' attending college? Also, Colin doesn't strike me as having 'motor mouth' tendencies."}, {"response": 940, "author": "LisaJH", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (11:31)", "body": "close Sorry about that. Got things reversed. :-)"}, {"response": 941, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (11:35)", "body": "There's a transcript of HF's online chat at the UK BJD site: http://www.msn.co.uk/Page/34-612-696.asp Here's the last question: MSN Live: One last question, Helen. Well, two. Will you write about Bridget again? If you don\ufffdt, would you miss her? Helen: I feel very protective about Bridget and so if I write about her again, it would have to be for a very good reason and a very good story to tell. I don't miss her, because she's always there. If something embarrassing happens to me, I always imagine it happens to Bridget, and how much more embarrassing she could have possibly made it be..."}, {"response": 942, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (12:37)", "body": "Review by James Berardinelli (3-1/2 stars out of 4) Bridget Jones's Diary is, quite simply, the finest motion picture released by Miramax Films since 1999's The Cider House Rules. Based on the novel by Helen Fielding, the screenplay for Bridget Jones's Diary (written by Four Weddings and a Funeral scribe Richard Curtis) successfully adapts the book into an easily-manageable 90 minute chunk while retaining much of the humor and remaining faithful to the tone. Bridget Jones's Diary is smart, sassy, and thoroughly enjoyable, and features one of the most endearing and believable characters to grace the screen this year. The film tells the story of a year in the life of an average, single, thirty-something British woman, who, armed with only her wits and charm (and a diary), goes in search of the ever-elusive Mr. Right. Unlucky-in-love Bridget (Renee Zellweger) has two candidates: the fun and sexy Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) and the dour Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), whom she overhears calling her a \"verbally incontinent spinster\" when they first meet at a party. Not surprisingly, she goes for Daniel, but he turns out to be a less-than-perfect catch. Then, just when her interest in Mark begins to emerge (following his statement that he likes her just as she is), he hooks up with man-eating lawyer Natasha (Embeth Davidtz), who is determined to marry him. Meanwhile, her parents' marriage is on the rocks and she embarks upon a career in television news. (The line that gets her the position: \"I got fired from my last job for sleeping with my boss.\") In England, the casting of American Renee Zellweger was initially greeted with much resistance by the press and the public. It was argued that not only was Zellweger an American, but she was too skinny to play the chubby Bridget. Well, some time between casting and shooting, Zellweger put on a few pounds (she's pleasingly plump - not fat by any means, but certainly of Kate Winslet proportions) and worked hard to perfect a British accent (there are a few slips, but they're mercifully rare). These qualities, coupled with her natural charm and screen presence, make her a flawless choice for the lead. Not since her breakthrough roles in The Whole Wide World and Jerry Maguire has she given a performance of this all-around quality. Zellweger embodies Bridget, and is a huge reason why the movie works. Those who have read Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice will find some familiar characters and elements in Bridget Jones's Diary. It doesn't take much deduction to determine that Helen Fielding is an Austen admirer, and that all of the nods to Pride and Prejudice are intentional. While it would be unfair to call Bridget Jones's Diary a 20th-century re-interpretation of Pride and Prejudice, there are some parallels - at least one of which the filmmakers have decided to emphasize. The casting of Colin Firth as Mark Darcy is inspired. Firth, who essayed Mr. Darcy in the hugely popular 1995 BBC/A&E television production of Pride and Prejudice, plays this part exactly as he played the earlier role, making it evident that the two Darcys are essentially the same. He's a repressed snob who gradually, unwillingly finds himself falling for the least suitable woman around him - Bridget (who, upon closer examination, bears a passing resemblance to Elizabeth Bennet). Hugh Grant brings all the charm he can muster to the oily role of Daniel - a man who enhances his chances with Bridget by telling a lie about Mark. Like Austen's Wickham, this guy is too good to believe, and proceeds to prove our suspicions correct. Grant, who, like Firth, has appeared in an Austen adaptation (Sense and Sensibility), is at home in the role. Strong supporting performances are given by Jim Broadbent and Gemma Jones as Bridget's parents. Bridget Jones's Diary is filled with moments of truth and flashes of humor (sometimes the two are the same). The direction, by newcomer Sharon Maguire, shows the deftness of a veteran. The energy level is consistently high and the characters (especially Bridget) don't take long to endear themselves to the audience. The result is worthy of exultation, especially in the bleakness of the winter/spring cinematic landscape. I smiled at the biting one-liners, laughed at both the subtle and the overt comedic aspects, and nodded my head in sympathy with Bridget's all-too-familiar plight - and I'm a male. Imagine the female reaction. Congratulations to all involved. Bridget Jones's Diary is a triumph. http://movie-reviews.colossus.net/movies/b/bridget.html"}, {"response": 943, "author": "LisaJH", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (12:55)", "body": "Lizza, LOL at your post about the NY premiere. Hurrah! Karen is world-renowned webmaster/whiz woman! (Karen) You mean the ones we picked up on Canal Street with Prada stamped on them? And that would be the 'Pra-duh' line, spread out on a blanket, no? Regarding the Mirror article, what's this about Col' attending college? Also, Colin doesn't strike me as having 'motor mouth' tendencies."}, {"response": 944, "author": "LisaJH", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (12:57)", "body": "Arrggh, twin posts again. Methinks I need a vacation."}, {"response": 945, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (13:13)", "body": "He describes him as \"quite an excitable person who likes larking around. He's very noisy - the life and soul of the party. He's a very dominant personality....he's very close to his family and tries to see as much of them as possible\". \"I wasn't surprised he did so well. Underneath the laddish exterior was quite a shrewd character who knew exactly what he wanted to do.\" He never stops talking, and he's very funny This is when his horoscope matches Hughie's. ;-) Who would have thought it! :-D Thank you all for the articles and reviews! And Karen, I told you the webmistress thing would work. :-) We are awaiting pictures. I trust you have some?"}, {"response": 946, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (13:15)", "body": "He describes him as \"quite an excitable person who likes larking around. He's very noisy - the life and soul of the party. He's a very dominant personality....he's very close to his family and tries to see as much of them as possible\". \"I wasn't surprised he did so well. Underneath the laddish exterior was quite a shrewd character who knew exactly what he wanted to do.\" He never stops talking, and he's very funny This is when his horoscope matches Hughie's. ;-) Who would have thought it! :-D Thank you all for the articles and reviews! And Karen, I told you the webmistress thing would work. :-) We are awaiting pictures. I trust you have some?"}, {"response": 947, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (13:17)", "body": "Sorry for the double post. BTW, I am still waiting your views on the naughty sex scene. Which is it?"}, {"response": 948, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (13:25)", "body": "First let me say that, as usual, I picked a lousy time to be away from my computer for a few days--nearly 300 posts' worth! Let me echo the thanks given to all for posting pics, articles, premiere experiences and opinions about the film, etc. Second, *waving hello to all the de-lurkers*. Sure is more fun around here when we actually have something to talk about besides the weather, collecting donations and the state of CF's career, isn't it? ;-) Third, was disappointed to read about audience reaction at the preview in DC. Where did they find these people? A bunch of sixth grade tourists in town for the cherry blossoms? Strom Thurmond's aides? Or Russell Crowe's FBI bodyguards, perhaps? Aargh! Sorry I couldn't be there whooping it up for ODB in manner of relocated loudmouth Jersey girl. ;-D (Karen) Are you not amazed that his father spoke to the media? Wasn't there an incident when his mother was quoted long ago and CF was upset about it? Yes, I am amazed...and as usual, a bit skeptical. CF's mother was supposedly quoted in that tabloid series that came out after P&P--the same one, I think, that paired him with actress Joanne Whalley, whom he had never met. (Karen) Rubbish, utter rubbish, except for the part where Lizza was overheard propositioning Eric Fellner LOL! Keep it going ladies and remember...the truth will out. ;-) In my absence I was able to tape the E! interview (though something is wrong with the sound). Agree with the general sentiment--thought CF was charming and genuine. Love these behind the scenes things. Watched the one about SiL long after the movie came and went. It isn't often we get to see ODB being himself and his character all at the same time. I managed the miss the VH1 offering this weekend (honestly, are any of these schedules accurate? :-/) but will catch it tonight at 11:30--thanks for the HG saturation alert."}, {"response": 949, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (14:19)", "body": "I too was a little surprised at the provenance of the 'quotes' in the Mirror - it's probably our wonderful press up to its usual tricks again - but it's a harmless piece I suppose! Valerie - I wish the online version had the pictures! Ask and you shall receive (quality not great but you get the gist)....love that waistcoat *grin* , but does he really look like he's having fun? ;-)"}, {"response": 950, "author": "BenB", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (14:30)", "body": "Goodness. Check out the hair. And what, Firthcianados, is the policeman role (if that's what it is)?"}, {"response": 951, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (14:32)", "body": "Thanks, Tracy. Can you imagine his family handing out those pictures? I can't. Some enterprising tabloid journalists has been sifting through school yearbooks in St. Louis and other schools on your shores."}, {"response": 952, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (14:32)", "body": "Ben - the policeman's role was a bit part in Crown Court (takes you back a bit - I only remember seeing it when I was off sick from school!)"}, {"response": 953, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (14:33)", "body": "Crown Court (1984). To my knowledge, no one has a video of that episode (or was it a recurring role???)"}, {"response": 954, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (14:34)", "body": "Agree Karen, I think I'd want to keep them v carefully hidden...in fact I DO keep my school photos v carefully hidden.....way too scary ;-)"}, {"response": 955, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (14:35)", "body": "You know in that young shot, he looks a lot like Jonathan Firth... hmmm... (I mean the one with the long hair)"}, {"response": 956, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (14:37)", "body": "*heehee* CF looks about 8 in that Crown Court pic (reminds me of that glimpse of him in Secret Garden). Someone should also tell the British press that 'high school' here in the states includes the ages of around 13-14 through 17-18, not 8. Thanks for posting, Your Scan-ness (aka Tracy)!"}, {"response": 957, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (14:37)", "body": "Crown Court was a long-running (not sure if daily or bi weekly or something) lunchtime drama, I didn't watch many but seem to recall that the story lasted just half an hour and didn't appear to use the same characters in subsequent episodes."}, {"response": 958, "author": "BenB", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (14:42)", "body": "Watching a video of Crown Court would be a test of any Firthette's dedication. I can't really think of a US equivalent, but picture the cheapest, shoddiest daytime soap....and you still wouldn't be close. Tracy, would it have been ITV or Thames? There's probably a dust-covered reel of Super 8 in some vault."}, {"response": 959, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (14:46)", "body": "(Ben) I can't really think of a US equivalent, but picture the cheapest, shoddiest daytime soap....and you still wouldn't be close. LOL! Sounds like one of our phony reenactment programs (which I don't watch). Isn't there one called Cops? Or how about those tacky hidden-camera-in-restaurant kitchen expose shows? ;-D"}, {"response": 960, "author": "LynnR", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (14:51)", "body": "Coming out of lurkdom....I saw on a CNN show business report today that BJD was shown in 600 theaters over the weekend. They said they expect very good things from the movie, based on the comments. 65% of those attending were women, and they seemed to think that was a good thing. They only mentioned RZ and HG, of course, but they seemed v. enthusiastic. They gave other results from the surveys at the sneak peaks, but I can't remember any of the stats. Sounds like good news!"}, {"response": 961, "author": "lafn", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (15:08)", "body": "Welcome Lynn and all new comers. Like Eileen says it's more fun having lots of people to chat with. BJD was shown in 600 theaters over the weekend. Must be all the one-time previews.Though the newspaper adverts started last Thursday and are still there for next Friday. Are there ads in the UK newspapers? TV trailers? I hear NYC has them non-stop. \"Coming Friday"}, {"response": 962, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (15:38)", "body": "Have picked myself off floor...Time Magazine review by Richard Corliss (of course, not by other humorless female staffers): Full-Witted Renee Zellweger shines in Bridget Jones's Diary With her ruddy skin, pulpy bosom and self-abasing zinger wit, she's so - well, so very English. One glance at Houston's own Renee Zellweger, and all anxiety about the casting of an American as Britain's favorite wounded bird of the '90s vanishes. (Hey, if Vivien Leigh could play Scarlett O'Hara...) She fits in, and stands out, perfectly. And as the plot of Bridget Jones's Diary ripens, and two handsome men - rapacious Daniel Cleaver (Huge Gnat) and dull Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) - tumble, vagrantly into her heart, Zellweger reveals, as in a soul's striptease, Bridget's appeal. Inside this \"verbally incontinent spinster\" (as Darcy calls her), a brilliant vamp is aching to be set free. The diary form, established by Helen Fielding in an Independent column and then two best blithe best sellers, is smartly adapted in the script by Fielding, Andrew Davies (BBC's Pride and Prejudice) and Richard Curtis (Blackadder, Notting Hill) - a virtual conglomerate of middle-class Brit humor. It gives good lines and cunning motives to the stars, especially the newly gaunt Grant, who's irresistible as a randy cad. And, except for a catastrophic third act that comprises about 14 endings, two transatlantic flights and a long, clumsy fight scene, director Sharon Maguire nicely juggles the slapstick and heartbreak. For this is a very romantic romantic comedy. That Firth, who was the dark dreamboat Darcy in Pride and Prejudice plays the dull dreamboat Darcy here simply underlines the comedy-of-manners connection between Helen Fielding's work and Jane Austen's. This, for the most part, is a tale of comic good sense and poignant sensibility."}, {"response": 963, "author": "amw", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (15:52)", "body": "dull dreamboat Darcy hmmm, is that good or bad? No TV trailers yet Evelyn, but loads of publicity on the radio, and mags and newspapers. The soundtrack for BJD is the \"Album of the Week\" on Radio 2 and The Ken Bruce Show is airing a track a day."}, {"response": 964, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (15:56)", "body": "Newsweek liked it also (though the review wasn't done by David Ansen, who usually does the biggies). Here are pertinent excerpts: Jonesing for Miss Bridget Naysayers be damned, Renee Zellweger triumphs as Britain\ufffds most famous singleton By Jeff Giles NEWSWEEK It\ufffds late July in England, and it\ufffds been as hot as 120 degrees on the set of \ufffdBridget Jones\ufffds Diary.\ufffd Today, gratefully, the heat has broken on the soundstage. It\ufffds 106 degrees. THE FRAZZLED, LOVELORN singleton works in publishing\ufffdactually, \ufffdworks\ufffd might be too strong a word\ufffdand it turns out that reproducing the flat, fluorescent glare of an office is something of a special effect, requiring three times the usual lighting. Between takes, Renee Zellweger clumps about un-self-consciously in black stiletto boots, her cheeks flushed from the heat, her hair tumbling out of a barrette, her nylons pushed down to her knees. \ufffdThe boys won\ufffdt know,\ufffd she whispers, in her newly acquired British lilt. The temperature must be getting to Zellweger because when asked if she\ufffds nervous about her accent, the native Texan launches into a standard-issue, PR-savvy reply \ufffd\ufffdI don\ufffdt think about it,\ufffd etc.\ufffdthen suddenly puts her head in her hands and wails, \ufffdOh, God, I hope it doesn\ufffdt suck!\ufffd Nearby, Hugh Grant\ufffd who plays Bridget\ufffds rakish boss, Daniel Cleaver\ufffdpaces alone, scarfing down a chocolate bar and cooling his face with a plastic pocket fan. Grant admits to being grumpy\ufffdand to having something of a beef with Zellweger. \ufffdI\ufffdm always the set bitch, and Renee won\ufffdt join in,\ufffd he says. \ufffdI can\ufffdt find anyone that she will say a mean word about.\ufffd After \ufffdBridget Jones\ufffd opens this week, it will be harder still to find anyone who\ufffdll say a mean word about her. \ufffdBridget,\ufffd directed by first-timer Sharon Maguire, is a tremendously funny and touching adaptation of Helen Fielding\ufffds best seller about one woman\ufffds quest to lose 20 pounds. To stop drinking and smoking. To stop pining for a boyfriend. To find a boyfriend, for God\ufffds sake\ufffdand not die alone in her apartment only to be found months later, partially eaten by dogs. /.../[Same ol' yadda about RZ's casting] Still, she\ufffds so disarming and so deeply Bridget\ufffdgliding between mortifying slapstick and pathos\ufffdthat she\ufffds entirely won you over by the time the credits have rolled. The opening credits. \ufffdBridget Jones\ufffd begins on New Year\ufffds Day, as our hungover heroine trudges to an odious party with her parents. Bridget\ufffds mother (Gemma Jones) immediately shoves her at the nearest bachelor, the cold, diffident barrister Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). Bridget blathers. Darcy recoils in horror. And Bridget retreats to her flat in London, where she plays air drums to teary pop songs. Fortunately, Bridget\ufffds devilish boss (Grant) takes notice of her, and they launch a raucous romance, as Darcy watches from the wings. \ufffdBridget\ufffd distills Fielding\ufffds novel into a conventional love triangle, and the pacing can be rough. (The hyperactive pop score suggests nervousness in the editing room.) But the script\ufffdpartly written by Richard Curtis, who wrote \ufffdNotting Hill\ufffd\ufffdis killingly funny, and Zellweger\ufffds costars all shine. Grant, in particular, does a hilarious, lascivious turn. One night, he lays Bridget down on the rug and enumerates all the articles of clothing he\ufffds about to relieve her of, including her unsightly, tummy-controlling undergarments: \ufffdNow, these are very silly little boots, Jones. And this is a very silly little dress\ufffdand, oh me, absolutely enormous panties!\" /.../ [RZ's childhood, previous work, love life, etc.] \ufffdBridget\ufffd should confirm Zellweger\ufffds staying power. Director Maguire, a friend of Fielding\ufffds and the inspiration for Bridget\ufffds voluble buddy Sharon, says she cast Zellweger because, among other things, she made her laugh the minute she met her. Maguire, by the way, verifies Grant\ufffds report that Zellweger was sweetness and light during production\ufffdand that Grant was the \ufffdset bitch.\ufffd \ufffdHim and Colin are both very campy,\ufffd she says. \ufffdThey called each other \ufffdMrs. Firth\ufffd and \ufffdMrs. Grant.\ufffd Oh, how\ufffds Mrs. Grant this morning? We had a running joke about whose turn it was for a hissy fit, and the boys would fight it out. It\ufffds my turn for a tanty! Renee didn\ufffdt have any tantrums. There\ufffds no bulls\ufffdt to her. She\ufffds got no vanity. She just got on with the job.\ufffd So sue her for being sweet. After politely answering questions for hours, Zellweger heads out of the cozy cafe. The waiter knows her and likes her, so, during the interview, without telling her, he\ufffds gone out to put quarters in her parking meter. Zellweger is touched\ufffd but it turns out that a policeman is writing her a ticket anyway. Zellweger dashes up to the cop, beaming nervously. \ufffdDid you already get me?\ufffd The cop nods indifferently. Zellweger points at the reporter and jokes, \ufffdIt\ufffds his fault! I was talking to him!\ufffd The cop nods again. \ufffdYeah,\ufffd he says. \ufffdIt\ufffds always the guy\ufffds fault.\ufffd Zellweger can\ufffdt charm the cop in the middle of the street. In a movie theater, he wouldn\ufffdt stand a chance."}, {"response": 965, "author": "Ann", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (16:14)", "body": "\"clumsy fight scene\" Wasn't that rather the point? Doesn't that guy have ANY sense of humor???? The fight is hysterical!"}, {"response": 966, "author": "judy", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (16:24)", "body": "Re TV trailers-there have been couple on over the weekend-one about it being Friday 13th & shows BJ singing karaoke.The other is longer & shows more clips but it may be for the soundtrack."}, {"response": 967, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (16:25)", "body": "Forgot to mention the print version of Newsweek features a huge pic of sexy Renee with smaller ones of CF as MD (the original reindeer sweater pic) and Gnatman as DC."}, {"response": 968, "author": "lafn", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (16:31)", "body": "Both good reviews. Thanks Eileen and Karen for *typing* them out;-)) Richard Corliss of Time is a vampire....this is *really* good for him. You should have read what he said about Kenneth Brannagh...!"}, {"response": 969, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (16:32)", "body": "Have put up lots of new pics: http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjdgal.html Those who haven't seen the movie yet, may want to wait..."}, {"response": 970, "author": "mari", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (16:33)", "body": "(Karen) Mari, could it be that Aunt and Uncle F told David? Heh, heh, heh . . . probably. Was sure they were sizing me up for niece-in-law material.;-) V.v. sweet people--they were so proud of him, as if he were their own son. Nice family. (Scanning Queen) love that waistcoat *grin* , but does he really look like he's having fun? ;-) Pfft! Tracy, I'm still trying to figure out how he could be 8 in the US pic when the article says 11.;-) Very adorable as a little boy; I wonder if Luca will resemble his dad? These are all wonderful--thanks to everyone for the reports and scans, and thanks for the great reviews, too--Time *and* Newsweek like it! Very good news indeed. (Moon)BTW, I am still waiting your views on the naughty sex scene. Which is it? Definitely anal, IMO. How could it be anything butt? ;-)"}, {"response": 971, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (16:39)", "body": "(Karen) Have put up lots of new pics Reminds me, I meant to ask earlier: what is up with the crazylegs pic from the London premiere? Reminds me of my neice when she has to use the potty. (Mari) How could it be anything butt? *teehee*"}, {"response": 972, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (17:27)", "body": "(Moon)BTW, I am still waiting your views on the naughty sex scene. Which is it? (Mari), Definitely anal, IMO. How could it be anything butt? ;-) OK. Vulgar beyond belief. And she wanted to do it again staight away? No comment! Thanks for all the non-stop article postings. Enjoying this firhtfilled ride. :-)"}, {"response": 973, "author": "lafn", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (18:27)", "body": "Thanks for the pics, Karen. One of my fave scenes....MD coming down the stairs of the mini-break manor house in a cream shirt finds Bridget who just came in with wind-blown...electrified, really, hair.I've never seen a pic of that. I guarantee ya'...takes your breath away."}, {"response": 974, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (19:00)", "body": "The new Talk Magazine is out with hairless Huge on cover. Apparently, donkeys are anatomically different in UK, as there's no evidence to support Evening Standard's remarks, unless photos mentioned by Tim Bevan were not published. ;-D ~~~~~~~~~ And that's why Grant is in Bridget Jones's Diary, a film based on Helen Fielding's best-selling novel about a plump thirtysomething woman whose love life is literally the stuff of Pride and Prejudice. Fielding got her wish to have Colin Firth play the proud, upstanding Mr. Darcy (he'd played the role to perfection in the PBS miniseries of the Jane Austen classic). [Ed. note: bad fact checkers at Talk.] Maguire then set about getting her wish: to have Grant play Darcy's womanizing rival, Daniel Cleaver, the head of the publishing house where Bridget works. \"Hugh calls me 'Stalking Maguire,'\" she says. \"For two and a half years he'd take my calls but always say no. Then when Richard came on board to rewrite the script, that closed the deal,\" Maguire laughs. \"I went to see Hugh after this series of seductive phone calls, and he said rather disingenuously, \"I can't think of what this character's like.\" And I said, \"Hugh, it's you. You know it's you.\" [...] (Ask Maguire if she's heard Grant's Heather limerick and she replies nonchalantly, \"Is that the one that has '[can't type it]' in it? He wanted to put that one in the boat scene. Colin Firth came up with the one we did use. It's about a girl from Ealing.\") [...] She [Hugh's mother] pauses reflectively and then adds, \"I hope he gets a chance to write, because that's his other great gift, really.\" Maguire found that out firsthand when she had the actors write a diary in their character's voice, to be read aloud at the first rehearsal. \"Ren\ufffde's was as neurotic as Bridget's, all about gaining weight,\" she says. \"Colin's was all about his work and had no problem with commitment. Hugh's character had come from divorced parents. It was basically an account of someone who had so much existential despair that the only way to overcome it was to live dangerously. He's a predatory character with an innate sense of humor, which he uses as a weapon. It was a really fascinating insight. I knew that we'd chosen exactly the right people for the parts. Hugh will never be the 'right' one. He'll always be dangerous. [They provide a few of HG's diary entries]"}, {"response": 975, "author": "DanielleL", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (19:44)", "body": "Lizza what a treat! you had me believing you! Tracy T... *snort* If those were my pics...! i never handed out a single senior high school picture, I'm glad i burned them all. Karen, love the new movie pics! (Evelyn) One of my fave scenes....MD coming down the stairs of the mini-break manor house in a cream shirt finds Bridget who just came in with wind-blown...electrified, really, hair. THAT particular moment had me out of my seat!"}, {"response": 976, "author": "DanielleL", "date": "Mon, Apr  9, 2001 (19:48)", "body": "CF came up with that limerick???? Oh to have been there and heard him speak it! I might not have recovered..."}, {"response": 977, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (00:43)", "body": "From a column by Matthew Norman in the Evening Standard on 5 April: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/news/top_story.html?in_review_id=378471&in_review_text_id=324035 Help - I just don't know about Colin and Hugh CAN anyone help cure a nasty anti-social disease I've caught from sitting on a fence? Having considered the question for a fortnight, I still have no idea whether I'm a Hugh Grant person or a Colin Firth person - and with no opinion on what seems sure to be the only compelling talking point for the next six to nine months, I find myself looking down the barrel of dinner-party ostracism. So far, all I've managed is to work out that one is a competent actor hugely embarrassed about making so much easy money from being typecast as an absurdly tongue-tied English toff. While the other is Hugh Grant. If any telepath out there can divine which camp I belong to simply by staring at the above picture byline (it's a comparatively most recent one, by the way, taken in early 1957), write in, please, and free me from the spectre of long-term social leperdom."}, {"response": 978, "author": "BenB", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (07:51)", "body": "I posted a letter in response to this Matthew Norman piece on the other board (109?). The gist was that any self-respecting Englishman would prefer to be CF than HG. Sure. I'd also prefer to be Pele than Maradona."}, {"response": 979, "author": "BenB", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (08:03)", "body": "109? Where did that come from? I meant 143."}, {"response": 980, "author": "JennyM", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (08:46)", "body": "Is Colin supposed to be on the Today show today?"}, {"response": 981, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (08:55)", "body": "Fun review, written a la Bridget, containing this opening line: \"Decided to attend film, as Colin Firth may remove shirt, and am tired of watching Pride and Prejudice just to get a peek. Theatre filled with groups of women apparently with same idea. Women v. loud in appreciation of film, and all seem to have encyclopaedic knowledge of the book it's based upon.\" http://www.hollywood-hostel.com/archives/viewcolumn.cgi?user=ChasingAmy&file=986745650.col Another which has the following line: \"Colin Firth is also allowed to switch types and show off his leading man chops for change.\" [What type was he before? Masturbatory village pervert??] http://www.tnmc.org/dp/0409011.shtml A third, with this comment: \"Equally as good is Colin Firth who plays the straight laced Mark Darcy. His cold straight lace manner is the perfect backdrop for Bridget['s] charming clumsiness.\" http://thewheeldealreview.homestead.com/BridgetJones.html A fourth, by someone who saw an advance version with different beginning: http://thefilmcritiquer.com/the_film_critiquer/Critiques/BridgetJonessDiary.htm"}, {"response": 982, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (09:25)", "body": "(Karen) [What type was he before? Masturbatory village pervert??] Really. Guess this writer never saw HOTPig, Femme Fatale or Playmaker. ;-D Stayed up to watch VH1's Behind the Movie last night. Am grateful for the warnings about Huge Blabbermouth--saved me some frustration. However, how come nobody mentioned those pop up thingys? You know, those little comic book type bubbles that allow you to see what the people are thinking (wot? They didn't air this version last weekend?). Here's what was going through CF's mind at the top of the show: Let's see...15 more minutes here, then 20 to the airport and I'm outta here... Hmm, if it's a boy, Luca or Nigel? Roberto or Giles? Shut up, shut up, you poxy self-centered *&^%%... I can't wait to get out of this jacket and put my black tee shirt back on. How can I get Rupie and Judy to do all this publicity crap for me when Earnest comes out? *** It was quite enlightening. ;-D"}, {"response": 983, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (09:35)", "body": "(pop up) Let's see...15 more minutes here, then 20 to the airport and I'm outta here... LOL! Absolutely perfect as permanent subtitling."}, {"response": 984, "author": "lafn", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (10:25)", "body": "In the Thank God for Renee Dept: RZ is scheduled for the Rosie Show today and the Late Show tonight. And he wonders why no one knows him in the States?"}, {"response": 985, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (10:29)", "body": "Well, if you must know, Colin Firth is celebrating my birthday... And decided that this day of all Holy days, he wouldn't be interviewed... ;)"}, {"response": 986, "author": "Ann", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (10:52)", "body": "Happy B-Day Lala!!! (I was all ready to post a notice on the Tea Room, but no Tea Room there on which to post :( )"}, {"response": 987, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (10:57)", "body": "Shut up, shut up, you poxy self-centered *&^%%... I can't wait to get out of this jacket and put my black tee shirt back on. How can I get Rupie and Judy to do all this publicity crap for me when Earnest comes out? ROTFLMAO! Oh Eileen, thanks, honey, I really needed the laugh. Keep 'em coming; am heading into meeting with bean-counting schmucks and will need cheering upon return. *E-Z Wipe Monitor Cover left firmly in place* Thank God for Renee is right, Evelyn; this kid is working like a dog to sell this. I see she's hosting Saturday Night Live this week; wonder if Huge will show as cameo guest.;-)"}, {"response": 988, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (11:26)", "body": "(Mari) wonder if Huge will show as cameo guest.;-) Yeeesss, I see it now...Renee will be delivering her opening monologue using British accent...HG, planted in audience, will stand and confront her about not being British...HG will then inform audience about RZ's brief Princess Margaret phase and that he was in British SAS... this kid is working like a dog to sell this If I heard the advert correctly, she'll even be on Divas Live tonight on VH1 (hopefully will not get OTT about Sheryl Crowe again)."}, {"response": 989, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (11:33)", "body": "Forgot to mention that Rosie Show will be even better today because the hostess, preoccupied with her non-healing surgical wound (I understand why but there's a time and a place to show your suture line), will be out sick and The View's Meredith Viera is substituting. This way they might even get around to talking about the film."}, {"response": 990, "author": "lafn", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (11:51)", "body": "(Mari) wonder if Huge will show as cameo guest.;-) Well, you can be sure of who *won't* show...."}, {"response": 991, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (12:09)", "body": "Thank you all for another day's worth of entertaining posts. Almost as much fun as watching Huge Gnat descend into water....... ****** UK VID SET ALERT ******* Tomorrow 7pm Channel 5 Movie Chart Show Gail Porter interviews HG RZ and HF about BJD and reviews film *******************************"}, {"response": 992, "author": "LisaJH", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (12:10)", "body": "Eileen, LOL at your 'pop-ups.' V.v. good! (must purchase the Ronco Spit Take Screen Protector) If I have to look at Rosie's Frankenstein-esque sutures again, I may have to pull the plug. Too much information and sharing, Rosie! Lisa, who has watched way too many talk shows these past few weeks in search of BJD clips and cast appearances....."}, {"response": 993, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (12:13)", "body": "Any Radio 4 listeners out there (MarkG our very own homegrown \"Walk on By\" star) Antonia Quirke reviewed the film last night, got a thumbs up but much droning on (and on) about a certain character's light comedy talents, Cary Grant in \"North by Northwest\" etc etc I think that she is the reviewer for the Independent, so I guess we can expect more of the same again at the end of the week. Her other comments were more spoilers, to be posted elsewhere!"}, {"response": 994, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (12:16)", "body": "From the Sunday L.A. Times Calendar, an article about RZ, with some brief mention and comments from CF. \ufffdBridget Jones\ufffds Diary,\ufffd the movie, opens Friday, with Zellweger in the title role opposite HG as a dashing scoundrel and CF as priggish barrister Mark Darcy, modeled directly on the character he played in the BBC\ufffds production of Jane Austen\ufffds \ufffdPride and Prejudice.\ufffd Then came the table read, when the cast met for the first time to go through the script and check out Zellweger's command of the mother tongue. Firth says, \ufffdAt an English read-through, the glasses go on, cigarettes come out, pens get chewed on, people are definitely scared, and there's always something slightly disingenuous where they say, \"Don't worry everybody, this is not a performance, no one's going to judge anything, it's just a gentle read-through.\ufffd And then afterwards they come up to you and go,\ufffd Firth suddenly whispers conspiratorially, \ufffdYou were great, although I'm bit worried about so and so; I thought they really sucked. \ufffdYeah, of course they're judging you, which just makes it terrifying.\ufffd The silly outfits, bad hair and farcical fistfights\ufffdFirth likens his scratching, kicking showdown with Grant to a spat between \ufffda couple of 7-year old girls\ufffd\ufffdprovide plenty of laughs, but it's Bridget's search for love that gives \ufffdDiary\ufffd emotional heft. http://www.calendarlive.com/top/1,1419,L-LATimes-Search-X!ArticleDetail-28349,00.html?search_area=Blended&channel=Search&search_text=A+Part+with+Meat+on+its+Bones"}, {"response": 995, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (12:32)", "body": "I saw that, Marianne, but you forgot Huge's big contribution to the LA Times article: \"Sounded like Princess Margaret, blah, blah, slurred as stroke victim, blah blah . .. \" I kid you not, folks. You're right, Karen, you *can't* say \"Arsenal\" every time!;-) Renee will be delivering her opening monologue using British accent...HG, planted in audience, will stand and confront her about not being British...HG will then inform audience about RZ's brief Princess Margaret phase and that he was in British SAS... LOL, Eileen! SIL deja vu, eh? You read it first here, folks.;-)"}, {"response": 996, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (12:39)", "body": "(Mari) this kid is working like a dog to sell this Didn't one of the articles mention that this is the first movie she's had to carry on her own? This is really important to her. It's whether she becomes a 'bankable' star; everyone already knows she can act. ;-D Gaah, do I have to watch Today each and every morning this week? This may be too much to bear. Firth likens his scratching, kicking showdown with Grant to a spat between \ufffda couple of 7-year old girls ...with SAS training. Am currently watching two 7-year olds go flying through glass window across street. Hmmmm, maybe are 8..."}, {"response": 997, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (12:39)", "body": "And then HG's family will stand up and speak in the \"voice of our dead cat.\" I loved the fact that he said his mother tapped on the legs to put his feet down from the seat in front at the London Premiere. 7 year old boy indeed!"}, {"response": 998, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (12:48)", "body": "Should have been 7 year old girl! BTW karen, getting back to Eric Fellner and the NY Premiere....... What you saw was not a proposition at all ! I am known for having a penchant for men with the odd balding patch, but his follicles are way past even beinf seriously challenged! (think Royal Family!)I was actually asking him why someone more attractive could not have been found to introduce the film, like Tim Bevan, and who knew the cast list in advance! I was explaining that a member of the audience had come all the way from Oklahoma (her words!)for this very experience and was disappointed at the lack of attractive men at the premiere. Hope that has cleared that up for you :~)"}, {"response": 999, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (14:05)", "body": "Thoughtful article from the Independent. Bridget Jones: Essays in uncool 'Four Weddings...', 'Notting Hill', 'Bridget Jones...' - the trilogy of formulaic films made by Working Title all tell the same story of unfashionable people humiliated in their pursuit of romance. So why do we love them so much? By Judith Williamson 08 April 2001 A part of me was squirming at the prospect of yet another blockbuster from the makers of Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill hitting our screens this week. The cynical corner of my mind had already dismissed Bridget Jones's Diary, the latest movie from producers Working Title, as just another shake-up of the formula that made the first two so successful: American actress + goofy Hugh Grant + backdrop of wacky friends in upper middle class milieu = box office hit. This time the American actress plays an English character; Hugh Grant \ufffd an essential ingredient \ufffd reappears as the bad guy; Colin Firth is thrown into the mix as the new love-interest; wacky friends remain, in the same milieu, with additional wacky parents. And the twist is that Bridget Jones is given the clutzy goofiness of the earlier Grant characters. However, the cynical mind is not always the best tool for understanding popular hits. And no one ever quite explained the massive success of Four Weddings and Notting Hill. Why did people \ufffd both sides of the Atlantic \ufffd love them so much? Of course they are formulaic: they are genre films, romantic comedies unashamedly modelled on the Hollywood prototype. But to berate them for that is about as pointless as berating Friends or Frasier for being sitcoms. It is certainly annoying, for those of us who still care about class politics, that the only slice of British society they show is a relentlessly posh one, but again, to dismiss them on that basis is a bit like dismissing Cukor's romantic classic The Philadelphia Story for being about white upper-class Americans. It is also true that these films break no cinematic ground aesthetically, but then, Philadelphia Story cannot be illuminated by comparison with, say, Battleship Potemkin. The achievement of popular culture has been to provide frameworks \ufffd precisely through the repeated formulae of genres \ufffd for dealing with strong feelings that may not be worked through anywhere else. The fact that they are dealt with entertainingly doesn't mean those feelings are not real: rather, that even painful and disturbing emotions can be explored and safely held by the generic structure itself. Any film, TV show, or popular fiction that sweeps to success does so not because of its format, but because of the fears and desires its format \"holds\" for us. And while formats may change little over time (romantic comedy demands that love be repeatedly thwarted but ultimately triumph) the fears and desires wound into them tell us a great deal about any social moment. Four Weddings and Notting Hill are generally remembered as light-hearted comedies where the floppily charming Hugh Grant gets his girl in the end. But, in fact, without the endings they would be about failure and insecurity and hesitation: about the pain of emotionally screwing up. Four Weddings begins with Hugh Grant messing up being best man at a wedding and then hideously putting his foot in it at the reception. This kicks off a series of increasingly embarrassing mistakes and, ultimately, humiliations \ufffd the worst perhaps being his having to choose a wedding dress for the woman he loves to marry someone else in. Notting Hill follows an exactly similar pattern: Hugh Grant starts off clumsy and awkward, then progresses through increasingly humiliating situations to downright hurtful ones \ufffd memorably, having to play \"room service\" to the woman he loves and her suddenly-revealed boyfriend. These painful situations are carried by a verbal wit which both lightens the films and, crucially, gives the Hugh Grant figure some dignity. The comedy is also carried by playing on his English stereotype. However, the films didn't just hit a nerve in Britain, but internationally: and, though \"Englishness\" may provide a cover, the directness of that hit says as much about gender roles as about national identity. For these two films place Hugh Grant in a role of passivity and suffering which is traditionally feminine: he waits on the sidelines while the woman \ufffd who's more successful and glamorous than him \ufffd comes and goes. Yet in neither film is he made to seem pathetic either because he loves her or because he suffers. And neither does the plot demand that she love him less. In fact, strikingly, the women make every physical move in both films. In Four Weddings, Andie McDowell has to coax him through his inhibitions and into bed with her. In Notting Hill, Julia Roberts phones first, initiates the first kiss, the first night together \ufffd and finally asks him straight out to love her. In a dating climate dominated by the ethos of how-to-catch-men guides like The Rules this is radical stuff: "}, {"response": 1000, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (14:34)", "body": "I\ufffdve read so many reviews, I can no longer differentiate from those that are new or previously posted. Apologies is this is one of them \ufffd \ufffd\ufffduptight and awkward Mark Darcy, played by Colin Firth, cleverly cast in the same role that brought him fame in Pride and Prejudice.\ufffd \"Colin and I were both queen-y and actress-y and went on diets. I wanted to be thin for once and Colin thought he would do it to. There we were being prima donnas while Renee was this bloke in the corner eating pizza and ice cream, so it was all reversed.\" http://www.sky.com/skynews/storytemplate/storytoppic/0,,30500-1010974,00.html From the online edition of Hello magazine, a report on the NY and London premieres w/ pictures of HG and RZ and assorted minor celebrities. \ufffdSo it fell to the BBC\ufffds Pride And Prejudice hunk Colin Firth to play the movie\ufffds \ufffdnice guy\ufffd, sensitive, strait-laced Mark Darcy. In the book, Bridget and her friends Shazzer and Jude are crazy about Colin Firth, so it was something of a coup to get the Real McCoy in the cast.\ufffd http://www.hello-magazine.co.uk/2001/04/09/bridgetjonespremiere/ And CF made femail.co.uk's quote of the day: \"I don't recall ever looking in the mirror and having a fully-fledged erotic experience\" - Actor Colin Firth when asked if he found himself attractive"}, {"response": 1001, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (16:40)", "body": "Saw RZ on Rosie with pseudo-host Meredith Viera. Said they will *likely* do a BJD spoof on SNL. Wouldn't commit though. Showed the pants clip. No mention of Colin, but only one mention of Huge. Same old same old."}, {"response": 1002, "author": "lafn", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (17:11)", "body": "Looking at Renee on the Rosie show, I'm convinced she plays the \"role\" of a ditzy blond.We know from Sharon Maguire interviews, that RZ is a hard-working, serious actress; deliberate in nailing her role. You'd never know it from today's show. Didn't one of the articles mention that this is the first movie she's had to carry on her own? Didn't she carry NB? Though it didn't have the wide release tht BJD will have. Thanks for the Independent article, Mari. No one said BJD was another Citizen Kane."}, {"response": 1003, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (17:16)", "body": "Didn't she carry NB? Though it didn't have the wide release tht BJD will have. I think you've answered your own question."}, {"response": 1004, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (18:11)", "body": "Had a weird experience at the local multiplex this evening. No BJD trailer before the film and absolutely no posters or publicity in the foyer to indicate that the film opens Friday (well I guess they have previews from tomorrow). I went in the knowledge there would be some goodies and came away empty handed!"}, {"response": 1005, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (18:40)", "body": "Why does HG get described as \ufffda handsome bounder and total cad,\ufffd while CF is \ufffda repressed barrister\ufffda stuffed shirt and noble noodle\ufffd??? http://www.cbsnews.com/now/story/0,1597,284517-412,00.shtml"}, {"response": 1006, "author": "Ann", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (18:59)", "body": "Renee might not be fully comfortable with interviews--particularly in front of an audience. She might just have been nervous. But, was Viera attempting a Rosie immitation? or was I imagining it?"}, {"response": 1007, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (19:38)", "body": "*Sigh* Have just got home from \"exclusive screening\" of BJD, it was fantastic! The cinema was packed solid, some people had to stand at the back! From the very first the place was rocking with laughter. Surprised to see so many blokes in, but they seemed to be enjoying matters just as much as us girlies! Fave bits: 'Look' on stairs in BJ's flat, at Ruby wedding and ....well basically every look really Tom \"Fight!\" Fight scene in general- ROTF...\"happy birthday whatsisname\" *tee hee* and of course 'the end' *engulfed by warm fuzzy feeling* You should have heard the sharp intake of breath around the auditorium when DC arrives at the BJ Birthday Bash - it was wonderful to be in a crowd so involved. ODB gorgeous, RZ adorable and Huge ....just looked tired and floppy! Was great, at long last, to see a CF film so well received can't wait to see it again;-) (BTW : Ben - Crown Court would have been on Thames I think)"}, {"response": 1008, "author": "Ann", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (22:48)", "body": "it was wonderful to be in a crowd so involved. } Now I'm jealous. The crowd I had was sparse and quiet :("}, {"response": 1009, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (22:57)", "body": "Wow! They allow standing room in your theatres!? Tom \"Fight!\" hee hee hee! I've been telling all the James Callis people that that one word gets the biggest laugh. So glad you got to see it, Tracy, with a big crowd. As Huge has been telling the interviewers, RZ is going to ram that criticism down your press' throats."}, {"response": 1010, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (23:13)", "body": "Not a good review from the Village Voice. She seems to be more miffed that RZ was able to lose her weight so quickly and didn't have Bridget's weight problems in real life. Bizarre. http://www.villagevoice.com/issues/0115/taubin.shtml"}, {"response": 1011, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Apr 10, 2001 (23:37)", "body": "From the Guardian: The real Mr Darcy: Barrister Mark Muller thinks the noble hero in the Bridget Jones's Diary film is 'a bit dull'. But wasn't the character modelled on him? Jess Cartner-Morley investigates 'Who would play you in a Hollywood film?' is not a question most lawyers ever need face. But Mark Muller, a barrister with chambers in Gray's Inn Square, London, knows the answer to that question: last week he watched Colin Firth play a character modelled on him at the premiere of Bridget Jones's Diary. With a lawyer's penchant for niceties, however, Muller is keen to point out that the 'real Mark Darcy' tag is overblown: he was a consultant, rather than the inspiration, for the character of Mark Darcy human rights barrister and noble, reticent rival to love-rat Daniel Cleaver as played by Hugh Grant. And he didn't actually get to pick the actor. Firth, the most English of sex symbols he made his name playing Jane Austen's Darcy on the Beeb, after all was part of the Bridget Jones phenomenon from the beginning, as a lust object for Bridget and friends, and so a natural choice for the big screen. Screen immortality notwithstanding, Muller has pressing concerns in the real world as chairman of the Kurdish Human Rights Project and vice-chairman of the Bar Human Rights Committee. In the film, Darcy is briefly seen defending a Kurdish revolutionary leader who is faced with extradition: this was based on a real case of Muller's, that of Kani Yilmaz. Muller is now representing the Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan in a case against Turkey, where he faces the death sentence. 'If we win, it will effectively abolish the death penalty in Europe, and the case will become the basis for argument against the death penalty in the USA and elsewhere.' Yesterday, Working Title films, the company that produced Bridget Jones's Diary, held a fundraising screening for human rights projects. Muller was approached to help the producers, directors and scriptwriters develop the character of Mark Darcy through friends in the film industry: it was on a Kenyan holiday in 1997 that included Eric Felner of Working Title that he read the first Bridget Jones book. 'I enjoyed it, but I remember thinking that beyond this idea of a human rights barrister as a noble beast there wasn't much content to the character.' Muller was unsurprised by Helen Fielding's choice of career for Darcy. 'If you're trying to create a character who's noble but also a bit dark, a barrister is not a bad one to go for. And if you're thinking about a modern day knight in shining armour, most lawyers don't fulfill that criteria, but human rights lawyers do: righting wrongs and representing people who are disadvantaged. Especially if they happen to come from a privileged background and they don't really need to do it.' The Mark Darcy you will see on screen Muller finds 'a bit dull'. He was surprised that straw polls at the premiere suggested an even split between those women who favoured Darcy, and those who preferred Bridget's boss, the dastardly Cleaver. 'Grant's character is the one most men like to see themselves as, I think, and I would have thought women would have found him more attractive.' In the interests of dramatic narrative, the two male characters are cartoonishly opposed: Darcy stubbornly upstanding and silent; Cleaver, sly, suave and silver-tongued. 'I got married two or three years ago. Before that I would have seen myself more like Hugh Grant; happily I'm more like Colin Firth now.' On first impressions, he seems somewhere in the middle. Tall and dark like both the film's male leads, he has the plummy voice of Grant but the solider presence of Firth. To cast on looks, you'd have to go for Tom Hanks. He is wearing a dark suit with a pale blue-and-white shirt in large check gingham, spotted tie fastened with a slightly outsize knot in the preferable continental style, rather than the hangman-tight knot favoured by so many Englishmen. It is a strikingly similar ensemble to Firth's best outfit of the film, when at a hellish dinner party crawling with 'smug marrieds' Firth almost finds the nerve to ask Bridget out but is swiftly collared by his terrier-like girlfriend. Perhaps Mark Darcy could do for lawyers what Al Pacino did for investigative journalists in the film The Insider make them sexy. But isn't the idea of a lawyer sex symbol a bit incongruous? 'There's a certain kind of English barrister who, like Darcy, can seem a bit stuffy. Barristers don't tend to wear their wackiness on their sleeve. But they can have a very dry sense of humour, and they can be very individualistic, very funny, often quite wild.' Muller is standing as a Labour candidate in the forthcoming general election. Finding himself 'ending up in the House of Commons a lot' through his human rights work, he would like to become an MP 'to have a public platform to put arguments forward about human rights and foreign policy. I don't intend to give up law and just become an MP.' H"}, {"response": 1012, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (06:43)", "body": "Thanks for posting that Karen. Tracy, sounds like a wild time, so glad you have seen it. For me the atmosphere in the NY screening was wonderful, Brit audiences can be sometimes much more reserved and as you say it is just so great when everyone is involved in the plot/characters. Here's to many more \"involved\" BJD audiences. I am off to sample a Welsh audience's reaction at a preview, hopefully Ann Robinson is not expected to be in attendance!! Huge you are the weakest link...."}, {"response": 1013, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (09:07)", "body": "According to the Hollywood Reporter (April 10): Date change for 'Diary' Miramax Films is booking the Renee Zellweger-Hugh Grant starrer \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" on an additional 500 screens in North America and moving up the film's release in its native United Kingdom to Wednesday. \"Diary\" was originally slated to bow in the United Kingdom for the minimajor on 600 screens day-and-date with its 1,500-screen U.S. release during the weekend but now will debut two days earlier. \"Diary\" is based on Helen Fielding's best-selling novel and follows Zellweger as Bridget, a single, thirtysomething Brit looking for love while trying to mind her alcohol intake, watch her weight and cut down on smoking."}, {"response": 1014, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (10:03)", "body": "Popcorn has a minisite for BJD. Nothing really new there, just a main page to lead into existing interviews, gallery, and review. http://www.popcorn.co.uk/cinema/features/feature.jhtml?id=3482"}, {"response": 1015, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (10:24)", "body": "Anybody see Renee last night with David Letterman? She seemed more relaxed than with Rosie. She knows Dave personally, one could tell. And she teased *him* for a change. Mentioned Colin once as a co-star. The accent part came up,she was coached for 6 months.[I could have a Swahili accent in that time.] Said both leads were v. supportive of her accent.Didn't criticize her..in fact it was she who insisted on re-takes til she got it right. They showed a clip of the film...with Hugh as they are speeding off on the mini-break...no Colin and no Mark![Boo hiss]"}, {"response": 1016, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (10:48)", "body": "(Evelyn) They showed a clip of the film...with Hugh as they are speeding off on the mini-break...no Colin and no Mark![Boo hiss] Actually, you do see the beginning of Mark's entrance. Shins on down... ;-D"}, {"response": 1017, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (10:55)", "body": "The Sun has an item about Gabrielle (and a contest) which contained the following: Gabrielle missed the film's celebrity premiere due to illness - which meant she missed out on meeting her dream man. \"I didn't get to meet Colin Firth,\" she says. \"But I would have made a fool of myself. I think he's lovely.\ufffd http://www.the-sun.co.uk/news/13580169"}, {"response": 1018, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (11:08)", "body": "I am SOOO envious of you all. My stupid local movie theater said that the sneak preview would be Sat (despite ads that said Fri), but when I got there on Sat night, they said \"sorry, it was last night.\" Foiled again. Then Today didn't show the interview yesterday. I am suffering from Colin deprivation!! The NY site for CitySearch has a link to their Bridget Jones information. Nothing new, but they invite visitors to the site to post reviews. All seven are glowing reviews. i didn't have a lot of time to surf around citysearch, but I think BJD is the only big movie opening this weekend. That could mean good $$$numbers!!!!! Am counting the minutes until Friday, when I'm taking my sister-in-law to see the movie (she has promised to bring a roll of paper towels to wipe the drool off my chin!) I don't know if this link will work, but here it is. http://newsletter.citysearch.com/go/nycnyWP63/1/?nycnyWP63179281 If it doesn't work (sorry, am v. computer-illiterate), just go to citysearch. com and work your way to BJD from there."}, {"response": 1019, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (11:59)", "body": "Very interesting...the UK soundtrack CD has 19 tracks vs. 15 in the US. Still no Van Morrison or Diana Ross singing \"Ain't No Mountain High Enough\" but the additions are: Aretha Franklin (Respect) Andy Williams (Can't Take My Eyes Off of You) Artful Dodger (Woman Trouble) Aaron Soul (Ring, Ring, Ring)"}, {"response": 1020, "author": "LynnR", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (12:07)", "body": "Our local paper, the Lancaster (PA) New Era had this snippet last night, in their \"People in the News\" section: Firth Says Hollywood fame double-edged Although British actor Colin Firth says he's had \"very little success in Hollywood,\" he's aware that the new movie \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" could change that--and complicate things in the process. Firth, 40, plays Mark Darcy opposite Renee Zellweger in the film, which opens in theaters Friday. Hugh Grant also co-stars. \"(Brits) absolutely devour American culture,\" he tells Elle magazine in its April issue. \"Yet there's a suspicion of Hollywood---an idea that it's vulgar and that if you court it you're selling out. Endorsement from America can be double-sided.\" Firth's previous films include \"Valmont,\" \"The English Patient\" and \"Shakespeare in Love\"."}, {"response": 1021, "author": "BenB", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (12:11)", "body": "I checked out imdb.com for reaction. Glowing comments, including the following from a Bill from Bloomington: The story is actually quite believable but still interesting. I wasn't sure until the end which guy she would pick but my wife figured it out. You don't say, Bill. Your wife's obviously a Firthette. They also break down their user ratings. The average score is 7.9/10. But there is some variation behind this. The lowest scoring groups is males aged 30-44 (6.0/10). The most generous? Women, 18-29 (9.2/10) and 30-44 (8.9). As a close observer of the Firthette mentality, I could have told males aged 30-44 NOT to go to the film with females aged 18-44. Or indeed females of any age. You are bound to suffer by comparison. My date movie? I don't know - something with PeeWee Herman, maybe."}, {"response": 1022, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (12:17)", "body": "Still no Van Morrison or Diana Ross singing \"Ain't No Mountain High Enough\" but the additions are: Hey...we wuz robbed. What a gyp. Think I'll get the British CD. But really pissed about Van Morrison and \"Ain't no Mountain Higher\"...that's a real important part of the film;-) The Gabrielle one sounds country western :-("}, {"response": 1023, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (12:48)", "body": "Speaking of the soundtrack, Karen, \"Stop, Look, Listen\" from Marvin and Diana is definitely in the film (scene of BJ and DC rolling on floor; you were undoubtedly under your seat hurling at the time;-) Here's a great review from Peter Travers in Rolling Stone, aimed especially at the male readership. 4.5 stars out of 5. On their website, you can post trivia questions about CF to see who knows more about him than you. We already know the answer is no one, so don't bother.;-) ***** It should have been no man's land: a movie based on a best-selling post-feminist novel about a year in the life of a thirty-something Brit career girl trying to kick her addictions to food, cigarettes, booze and male fuckwads while her self-esteem issues grow massive and unwieldy, just like her thighs. Instead, Bridget Jones's Diary delivers frisky fun for bruised romantics regardless of age, sex or nationality. OK, Bridget has a weakness for sentimental hokum that the film shares. The surprise comes in the brash wit that stings when it needs to and in the eye for social irony that has drawn comparison to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. When Helen Fielding's novel in diary form was published in 1996, Salman Rushdie - yes, that Salman Rushdie - called it \"a brilliant comic creation\" and added, \"Even men will laugh.\" Well, the movie will make men laugh, too, at themselves as well as at Bridget. If His Satanic Verses Majesty can loosen up, so can you, dude. Here are five reasons why. (1) Renee Zellweger is irresistible. As Bridget, she had me from hello. Never mind all that go-home-Yank resentment over a twiggy Texan putting on twenty pounds and a British accent to portray a character that another actress - say, Kate Winslet - could step into without the heavy lifting. Zellweger nails the role. Barbara Berkery, Gwyneth's dialogue coach for Shakespeare in Love, rounded Zellweger's vowels; a diet of pizza and milkshakes rounded everything else; and an undercover stint at a London publishing house made her comfortable in Bridget's skin as a book publicist. What's great about Zellweger, besides the fact that she has the sexiest squint in movies (take that, Benicio), is the way she blends strength and vulnerability. Whether Bridget is singing along to self-pitying pop anthems like \"All by Myself\" or answering the phone - \"Hello, Bridget Jones, wanton sex goddess with a very bad man between my thighs\" - only to find the caller is her mother, Zellweger never hits a false note. Some people stil don't cotton to this actress, even after Jerry Maguire and Nurse Betty. On the first season of The Sopranos, Tony's wife, Carmela, ended her friendship with Father Phil when the priest brought her a DVD of One True Thing. \"I told you I don't like Ren\ufffde Zellweger,\" snapped Carm, who will now have to revise her opinion. After Bridget, Ms. Z is A-list all the way. (2) Helen Fielding, the journalist who dreamed up Bridget for a London newspaper column, has touched a nerve. Bridget's problem really isn't being what Fielding calls a \"singleton\" in a world full of \"smug- marrieds.\" It's her shabby self-image. One diary entry says it all: \"I will not sulk about having no boyfriend, but develop inner poise and authority and sense of self as woman of substance, complete without boyfriend, as best way to obtain boyfriend.\" Bridget, like the John Cusack character in Nick Hornby's High Fidelity, is at war with herself. Wisely, the spirited screenplay that Fielding has crafted with Richard Curtis (Notting Hill) and Andrew Davies (Circle of Friends) takes time to catch Bridget's loneliness in a crowd. Rather than settle for a trendy Brit gloss on Sex and the City or Ally McBeal, Fielding cuts deeper. (3) Sharon Maguire, the documentary filmmaker debuting as a features director, doesn't duck showing the elements that shaped Bridget. The melancholy of her dad (the superb Jim Broadbent) and the flightiness of her mum (Gemma Jones, brilliant as ever) are part of Bridget. That's where the importance of chums comes in. Maguire, a friend of Fielding's, is the inspiration for Shazza (Sally Phillips), one of Bridget's best mates - Jude (Shirley Henderson) and Tom (James Callis) are the others - who stays loyal when lovers disappoint. There's no showing off in Maguire's direction; her gift is making the film feel lived-in. (4) The men aren't all pricks. Well, they are, actually, but the actors who play them compensate nobly. Hugh Grant, dropping his dither, is suavely hilarious as Bridget's boss, Daniel Cleaver, a sexist pig who sends her dirty e-mails: \"Love your tits in that top.\" That Bridget finds this charming is part of her problem. Barrister Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) makes a more likely prospect, but his haughtiness turns Bridget off until he helps her save a disastrous dinner party that ends in a brawl between him and Daniel. It's a funny scene, bolstered by a casting joke: In the novel, Bridget swoons over the 1995 BBC production of Pride and Prejudice, starring Fir"}, {"response": 1024, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (12:48)", "body": "I saw RZ on Rosie yesterday also. Thought she was 110% better than she was on Leno a few weeks ago. Missed her on Letterman, though. Glad she managed to get Colin's name out there. (Lizza) hopefully Ann Robinson is not expected to be in attendance!! Huge you are the weakest link.... ...*Goodbye!* Not bloody likely, unfortunately..."}, {"response": 1025, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (12:49)", "body": "Well I should have waited ..... or should I? I have been able to play the soundtrack constantly for a week already and havin seen the film could match each scene with each track. Prefer US cover anyway! Lizza *who's desperately trying to convince herself she hasn't wasted her money* My dream soundtrack would also contain Van, plus assorted audience whoops etc to pep up \"It's raining men\" when Huge gets dented."}, {"response": 1026, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (12:55)", "body": "Goodbye indeed Eileen!! Well we girls can dream can't we? After all we have been doing it on this site for several years and proved dreams do come true! (cue rev of volvo engines, mournful violins etc)"}, {"response": 1027, "author": "ekelley", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (13:27)", "body": "does anyone have any suggestions about e-retailers in UK who we should get the CD from? I was thinking Amazon, but I just wanted to see what everyone else's thoughts were."}, {"response": 1028, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (13:29)", "body": "(Mari) you were undoubtedly under your seat hurling at the time;-) Undoubtedly is reason. ;-D Another reason to go back and see it again... I really liked the Peter Travers Rolling Stone review too. So, what's on the cover of the British CD? Also, am wondering if there are 4 more tracks, i.e., is it true? The official site only shows the 15 songs. Will shortly be unveiling newest incarnation of \"Bridget Reviews the Reviews\" which was done with the very able assistance of LisaBridget and EmmaBridget."}, {"response": 1029, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (13:45)", "body": "Karen- So, what's on the cover of the British CD? Haven't actually seen a copy yet but from the adverts it looks to be Bridge on her own with diary to chest ;-(. Have ordered a copy from Amazon but it hasn't been despatched yet. BTW - is it my imagination but does MD look ever more intense every time one catches a glimpse of the poster (whereas DC looks more and more like an a***!) ?"}, {"response": 1030, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (14:12)", "body": "Some funny anecdotes about the fight scene: The fight scene between Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) and Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) - to the tune of Geri Halliwell's cover of the Weather Girls' It's Raining Men - is a comic departure from the book (in which the men never meet). The two leave Jones's birthday party for a brawl which takes them into the restaurant where Darcy becomes covered in taramasalata. The fight ends when the pair, played by stuntmen, exit the restaurant via the largest plastic window ever made. While the stunt went off without a hitch, the 'glass' proved less reliable. The first pane ordered by the art department shattered in transit and the second broke as it was being installed, disrupting the shoot. Veteran stuntman Peter Brayham (John Wayne's double in Branagan) choreographed the fight. He was particularly pleased with 'the bit where Grant has Firth in a headlock as they attempt to trip each other up across the street - like schoolboys'. Brayham taught them popular film punches, such as the 'straight-down-the-bottle' - which sends Grant reeling - and the 'haymaker', which floors him. Firth's only complaint was that he stank of taramasalata. 'I'll never eat that stuff again,' he vowed. According to stunt ace Brayham, both actors survived the experience relatively unscathed, though Grant was provided with a batsman's box at one stage - 'in case Firth missed.' 'We did say at the time,\" Brayham recalls, 'that the box had got to be worth a few bob. We even considered selling it afterwards.' [Too bad Rosie didn't know about it; otherwise, she would've wanted it for her charity auctions on eBay. She put a signed poster by RZ up right after her appearance.] Grant impressed him with his fitness, though he could not see why the women on the set swooned over Firth, who was, he says tactfully, 'a little on the slim side'. ~~~~~~~ I'm a big fan of Colin's 180 degree, arching punch inside the restaurant. He's come a long way from some of his sissy punches in the past."}, {"response": 1031, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (14:28)", "body": "Firth, who was, he says tactfully, 'a little on the slim side'. Yes, am surprised nobody has commented about this yet. He looks like superstickman in some of the clips I've seen, esp. at the T&V party. BTW, is a 'batsman's box' what I think it is? ;-)"}, {"response": 1032, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (14:31)", "body": "(Eileen) BTW, is a 'batsman's box' what I think it is? ;-) What do you think it is? ;-D OK, new review page containing brilliant additions by Lisa and Emma is up: http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjdrevsum.html"}, {"response": 1033, "author": "judy", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (14:42)", "body": "There's plenty from the premiere & party in this weeks Heat mag."}, {"response": 1034, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (14:45)", "body": "(Karen) What do you think it is? ;-D OK, what do you think I think it is? ooh, feel like Lucy Ricardo new review page containing brilliant additions by Lisa and Emma Is blurry brilliant! Hurrah!"}, {"response": 1035, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (15:07)", "body": "Love the lovely review comments. I second that \"Hurrah\"!"}, {"response": 1036, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (15:12)", "body": "New page is total triumph, thank you all 3 Bridget's. Will celebrate no. of times MD mentioned with chardonnay and also drown sorrows at just seen TV review. No of times MD mentioned in intro - 0 No of times DC mentioned- off the scale. Review conclusion- you don't want to know! But is silly programme for under 20 year old singletons with no brains!"}, {"response": 1037, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (15:16)", "body": "Karen) What do you think it is? ;-D (Eileen)OK, what do you think I think it is? ooh, feel like Lucy Ricardo I dont' know what you're talking about,Eileen....need a picture ;-D Lisa, Emma...Congratulations...you too Boss."}, {"response": 1038, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (15:28)", "body": "Kudos to the review page team! Well done, Karen, Lisa and Emma. Love the rating system:-) Here's the AP review; critic is stick-up-his-ass expat know-it-all, but has proper proportion of MD mentions (6) vs. Fuckwit (3). At the Movies: 'Bridget Jones Diary' by MATT WOLF Associated Press Writer For a film whose heroine obsesses over her weight, it's a shame that ''Bridget Jones's Diary'' should be such a slim affair. That's unlikely to matter to the hordes of readers who turned Helen Fielding's 1996 chronicle of the lovesick Londoner into an international best seller. Told in diary fashion, the book charts a year in the life of the hapless publishing assistant who wants nothing more than to settle down with a man, cut back on cigarettes and booze, sort out her fractious relationship with her parents and lose some weight. Go for it, girl! Which is exactly what the Bridget of Fielding's delightfully larky book does, aided no end by her supportive trio of friends Shazza, Jude and Tom and some good luck in the romance sweepstakes. The novel even boasts an ending that manages to revel in the same swoony romantic literature -- complete with a four-poster bed -- that it gently sends up. Relationships are indeed possible, Fielding suggests, especially if you can manage not to judge a man by his sweater. In this age of the emaciated female star, Renee Zellweger displays real courage for someone in her thespian prime by parading thighs as fleshy as those that get mercilessly scrutinized by director Sharon Maguire's camera. And the accent will prove no obstacle to those in the United States. Britons may quibble, but in a class-conscious country the accent means so much more about where you're from and what your background is. More problematic is the fact -- at least to an American observer resident in London -- that although her vowel sounds are accurately pitched, Zellweger never really seems British. Partly, that's to do with a lot of ''face acting'' (scrunched-up cheeks, a downturned mouth and the like) that a different, more seasoned director might have toned down. And Zellweger hasn't quite managed to forsake the over-ingratiation so much used by American performers and so scorned by their British colleagues. It's as if no one trusted the very real charm of the book, whose 32-year-old heroine is sure she'll die ''fat and alone'' only to end up with the dishy Mark Darcy (played by Colin Firth). Zellweger projects eagerness in a most un-Bridgetlike way, insofar as this is a woman who imagines railway announcements blaring to all and sundry the state of her thighs. The aim, presumably, was to make ''Bridget Jones'' a lovable Brit-blockbuster on the order of ''Four Weddings and a Funeral'' and ''Notting Hill'' and with Hugh Grant once again on hand as the co-star. But the new film isn't as well written or directed as the earlier ones, and it's silly and not a little bit crude where those previous movies were blithe and breezy. Bridget's trio of chums seem to have been excised nearly to death in the cutting room, while the two men fare best, playing a complementary set of Cambridge buddies, each with a vested interest in Bridget. Firth's dourness has never been seen to such deliciously comic effect, and admirers of this actor will smile at his presence as another screen Darcy having already played Jane Austen's Mr. Darcy in the BBC's ''Pride and Prejudice.'' Grant is in terrific form as Bridget's boss and sometime bedmate, Daniel Cleaver. He is first seen to the strains on the soundtrack of ''Respect,'' looking as if he is suppressing a burp, and he ends up battling the bottled-up Darcy for Bridget's affections. The parental roles are particularly well filled by Jim Broadbent, with his comically bemused countenance as Bridget's father, and Gemma Jones as his flighty ''daft cow'' of a wife. No less crucial are the locations of a London where it seems forever to be snowing. So what if it the real London almost never sees the powdery stuff? ''Bridget Jones's Diary'' isn't meant to be taken literally or even all that seriously. The film is like a dusting of snow that melts in the mind the minute it's over."}, {"response": 1039, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (15:48)", "body": "(Mari) critic is stick-up-his-ass expat know-it-all You can say that again (mind your accent!). (Mr. Matt Bossybottom) insofar as this is a woman who imagines railway announcements blaring to all and sundry the state of her thighs. Hmm, wonder if he even read the book, in manner of the other critics who seem to think BJ drinks too much vodka. Note to self: next time at liquor store, check for 'Chardonnay' brand of vodka. At least he liked CF. Aargh, but he liked the Gnat too."}, {"response": 1040, "author": "BenB", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (16:14)", "body": "Batsman's box. See here for accurate definition: http://www.offthestreets.co.uk/cricket.htm I can vouch from painful experience that they are not always adequate. (If CF had really wanted to damage HG, a box would not have been adequate protection against a strategically placed kick). However, fashioned in a delightful cream or pink plastic, they are an eye-catching fashion accessory. So who cares whether they work or not?"}, {"response": 1041, "author": "BenB", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (16:17)", "body": "For evidence of occasional inadequacy of box, see picture of Brian Lara (world's greatest batsman, under \"box\" entry, here: http://home.sprynet.com/%7Ehotoff/crickgl.htm"}, {"response": 1042, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (16:26)", "body": "Here we call 'em jockstaps, and my son was complaining yesterday that his was too big for him. We still hold out high developmental hopes for his puberty, however.;-) Rex Reed has written a typically colorful review for the New York Observer. Ok, so he gets some of the facts mixed up and he thinks the final Kiss is sappy, but on big plus side, is first review to mention Huge as happy hooker procurer.;-) Proper descriptions of MD (\"handsome human rights barrister\") vs. DC (\"narcissistic cad\") and in right proportions.:-) A Diarist in Distress Ren\ufffde Zellweger is a huggable human pastry everyone wants to take a bite of, and in Bridget Jones\ufffds Diary she\ufffds more delicious than ever. Having scarfed down a few hundred eclairs herself to gain the weight to play the single, 32-year-old, Chardonnay-swigging, chain-smoking, lovelorn title character in this lively film version of Helen Fielding\ufffds bestseller, there is also a great deal more of her to hug. Cut from the same romantic taffeta as Notting Hill and Four Weddings and a Funeral, the movie is about a year in the life of a gal for whom the past is a zero and the future shows less promise than a winter in Vermont without snow. On New Year\ufffds Day, as she endures another traditional turkey-curry buffet with her nagging mother, Bridget peruses her resolutions\ufffdto stop drinking, cease smoking, lose weight and find a responsible boyfriend\ufffdand starts a diary to improve her life. Unfortunately for her (but lucky for us), her character keeps getting in the way. Bridget works for a London publishing house, where she begins an e-mail flirtation and then a real after-hours affair with her boss (Hugh Grant). We know he\ufffds a narcissistic cad before she does, but when she finds a naked woman in his flat, she dumps him and chucks her job at the same time. Newly ensconced as a reporter for a current-affairs show called Sit Up Britain, she gets a scoop while covering a political refugee\ufffds trial when the defendant\ufffds lawyer (Colin Firth) grants her an exclusive interview, and a new affair begins with this handsome human-rights barrister. Things are looking up. But life gets in the way. Her parents\ufffd marriage curdles when her flaky Mum (Gemma Jones) leaves her morose couch-potato Dad (Jim Broadbent) for a flamboyant poof who sells costume jewelry on the Home Shopping Network. The handsome lawyer dumps Bridget for an over-confident American girl. Making her mark on society by attending a chic garden tea, she shows up as a prostitute, mistakenly thinking it\ufffds a costume party. Even when she does the Good Samaritan bit by dropping coins into a homeless couple\ufffds cup, her charitable pride is crushed as she walks away, overhearing one of them say, \ufffdWhat a lovely, caring person!\ufffd \ufffdYes,\ufffd says the other, \ufffdshame about the thighs.\ufffd Bridget Jones just can\ufffdt seem to get her moons in balance or her planets to align. No wonder she loses herself in vodka and Chaka Khan records before she sees the light. Regular bouts of public embarrassment and culinary disaster eventually force Bridget\ufffds two admirers to duke it out with flying fists, leaving one of them to recognize her true charms. I won\ufffdt tell you which one. Suffice it to say it all ends up with Bridget, still a size 12 but working on those thighs night and day, chasing Mr. Right down the street in the snow in her skimpy knickers. The kiss, in that fadeout embrace, is right out of Barbra Streisand\ufffds sappy fiasco The Mirror Has Two Faces\ufffda small cavil, considering all the thorny and sympathetic humor that has preceded it. So the year in the life of a girl with low self-esteem ends in the kind of Hollywood finale Bridget has always dreamed of\ufffdbut, we suspect, a new diary is just beginning. It\ufffds fortunate that such a larky update of Jane Austen\ufffds Pride and Prejudice manages to balance sentimentality with farce so skillfully. Neither Bridget nor her diary takes things the least bit seriously. Just as Candace Bushnell\ufffds Sex and the City was based on a series in the pages of The New York Observer, Ms. Fielding culled the diary entries in Bridget Jones\ufffds Diary from her own regular column in the Independent. Both deal with the concerns of career girls, anxiety-riddled and driven to comic despair by the need to \ufffdhave it all.\ufffd The big difference is that Bridget is British. She makes impossible social blunders, rarely wastes time shopping, and celebrates failures at home and office with more irony than fury. The Brits are better at self-deprecating modesty (even on a big budget), and the efforts of everyone involved to poke fun at themselves are funny, engaging, and winning. I hadn\ufffdt thought about it, but one London critic was helpful in pointing out the puncturing of various illusions, beginning with Hugh Grant, whose real-life scandal with a Hollywood hooker is snickered over in the book, and who plays against type in the film with the prissy line: \ufffdI\ufffdm a terrible disaster with a posh voice and a bad character.\ufffd It\ufffds also no secret that Colin Firth\ufffds stuffy law"}, {"response": 1043, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (17:14)", "body": "We Bridgets thank you. Must put Mr Bossybottom's review in proper context. Anyone who writes in one-sentence paragraphs cannot be taken seriously, although he did call CF dishy (a plus). (Eileen) critics who seem to think BJ drinks too much vodka I wondered about all the vodka mentions myself early on. However, you do see vodka bottles (thrown into trash). Expect this was a case of *product placement* and no winery was willing to pay enough. Thanks for the illustrations, Ben. Have linked the posted article to the second glossary where there are pix. As CF has large feet and Huge...ahem..may not be, he could do damage real damage, similar to squashing a gnat. ;-D (Rex) The kiss, in that fadeout embrace, is right out of Barbra Streisand\ufffds sappy fiasco The Mirror Has Two Faces Oh yeah!! I cried in that movie at pudgy Babs being rejected by hubby."}, {"response": 1044, "author": "LisaJH", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (17:20)", "body": "Mari, I'm surprised Rex Reed brought up Huge Gnat's (I love that name!) arrest, for wasn't Rex Reed arrested for shoplifting CDs at Tower Records a few years ago? Forgive me for digressing a bit, but I have to relate the following, which happened many years ago: The film, The Sting, featured the music of Scott Joplin, which prompted a renewed interest in ragtime. My friend's mother, a diffident and genteel woman, decided to purchase a ragtime record as a Father's Day gift for her husband. She proceeded to approach a sales clerk in a record store and asked, \"Pardon me, but do you have any records by Jock Straplin?\" Whoops.:-)"}, {"response": 1045, "author": "LisaJH", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (17:44)", "body": "(Karen) We Bridgets thank you. I will second that....:-)"}, {"response": 1046, "author": "Ann", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (17:54)", "body": "I take it Rex Reed must have seen an advanced print of the film, cause his description of the plot doesn't really match what I saw."}, {"response": 1047, "author": "amw", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (18:12)", "body": "Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, is he gorgeous or is he gorgeous. it can't get better than this, I am in heaven. You may have guessed I have just got back from a preview screening of BJD, and it is wonderful. Renee is wonderful, words fail me she is Bridget and can she act, you cry for her, you laugh with her you understand her. Hugh was okay, liked him better than in NH but he pales into insignificance against ODB, or am I biased. Can't wait to see it again. BTW my hubby loved it and so did the audience, which was a full house. Roll on Friday, when I am going again. Favourite shot of Colin, when he turns up before Bridget's party and she is covered in food etc, she opens the door ...and there he stands, there was a audible sigh from the audience. PS Thought Honor Blackman had a bigger part. Hope the video/dvd comes out pretty qauickly, must have two copies at least, in case one wears out."}, {"response": 1048, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (18:47)", "body": "(Ann) I take it Rex Reed must have seen an advanced print of the film, cause his description of the plot doesn't really match what I saw. Pretty much all the critics saw that version about two-three weeks ago. The homeless scene has been mentioned before. Seems like about 20 minutes got cut after that. :-( So I gather you liked it, AnnW? ;-D"}, {"response": 1049, "author": "amw", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (18:50)", "body": "Karen, what on earth gave you that idea!! Away to my bed, perchance to dream..."}, {"response": 1050, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (20:11)", "body": "So I gather you liked it, AnnW? ;-D But....did you see Mark?"}, {"response": 1051, "author": "Moon", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (20:25)", "body": "Brava, Karen! VVG girls. The homeless scene has been mentioned before. Seems like about 20 minutes got cut after that. :-( We will have to presure them to release a very long DVD. :-D"}, {"response": 1052, "author": "Ann", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (21:37)", "body": "Where is Mark again?"}, {"response": 1053, "author": "winter", "date": "Wed, Apr 11, 2001 (23:36)", "body": "Which brings me at last to Ren\ufffde Zellweger, whose accent is so perfect you\ufffdd swear she came right out of Hampstead on Heath instead of the University of Texas. I have to comment about this (if it hasn't been mentioned already)... What's with the Brit press's obsession with Texas? I suppose it has to do with the idea that it's the most \"extreme\" American accent... I rarely heard the press obsess over Gwynnie's Southern Californian roots when she promoted 'Emma' or 'Sliding Doors.' I wonder if Renee has never felt more Texan than she does now."}, {"response": 1054, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (00:09)", "body": "(Ann) Where is Mark again? Probably asleep right. ;-D (Winter) I suppose it has to do with the idea that it's the most \"extreme\" American accent... Yes, they barely speak Amurican. v. cute article on financial management for Bridget in Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk:80/et?ac=000576481449931&rtmo=fsNlvMNs&atmo=fsNlvMNs&pg=/et/01/4/11/cmbrid11.html Liked these: Bet Mr Perfectpants Mark Darcy doesn't forget to send in his tax form. But, then, bet he can also afford to pay the bill. Told her plan to marry rich man, but agreed that outcome of this strategy not necessarily guaranteed. Apparently should also build cash reserve \"three times my normal expenditure\". This must mean contents of vaults at Bank of England. Harharhar"}, {"response": 1055, "author": "neurogeek", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (00:34)", "body": "I am a virgin to chat, will somone please help?"}, {"response": 1056, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (00:38)", "body": "A review from The Times: Feeling single, seeing double BY BARBARA ELLEN Bridget Jones the movie is just like its heroine: lovable, funny and lumpy in places Charming romp from Four Weddings team When Helen Fielding sent her chardonnay-swigging,weight-obsessed relationship-junkie out into the world all those years ago, she could not have envisaged how quickly her creation would date, how vulnerable, twee and parochial Bridget Jones would seem by 2001, compared to the manicured witchery of Sex and the City, or the gym-fit surrealism of Ally McBeal. Back in the mid-Nineties, Bridget was British Everywoman, or at least Every Other Woman. Now, after the column, the book and the second book comes the movie. Watching it, it doesn\ufffdt take long to realise that, as well as being a textbook romantic comedy, Bridget Jones\ufffds Diary is as valid a British period piece as Shakespeare in Love or Elizabeth. Somehow, just the way an early scene has Bridget coyly flirting with her caddish boss, Daniel Cleaver, via e-mail, takes one back in a celluloid Tardis to the mid-Nineties glory days of latte and pashminas. By the time we are halfway through, and Bridget is shown, sitting miserable, self-conscious and defensive, with some \ufffdsmug marrieds\ufffd at a dinner party, the movie is screaming \ufffdNineties!\ufffd in much the same way that Georgy Girl screamed \ufffdSixties!\ufffd. Once you\ufffdve accepted this, the movie works very well. [Ed note: Is this criticism??? So???] Directed by a first-timer, Sharon Maguire (Fielding\ufffds friend, and the sharp-tongued Shazza of the story), and written by Fielding, Andrew Davies (Pride and Prejudice) and Richard Curtis (Four Weddings; Notting Hill), it emerges as an irrepressible romp that, in the main, sashays along beautifully. One huge plus with Bridget Jones\ufffds Diary is that it never forgets that it\ufffds a romantic comedy, displaying no pretensions to socio-cultural value whatsoever. The meat of the story is that dreamy singleton Bridget must choose between the dashing bounder, Daniel, played by Hugh Grant, and the seemingly crashingly dull Mark Darcy (a cheeky piece of casting with King of the Darcys, Colin Firth ). And, well, that\ufffds about it really. Spare me that guff about \ufffdThe New Austen\ufffd, I\ufffdve seen episodes of Coronation Street that are more densely plotted than this. The fun comes with Bridget\ufffds innate innocence and eternal optimism. There\ufffds her dirty weekend with Daniel (\ufffdThis can\ufffdt just be shagging. A mini-break means true love\ufffd), the suffering-to-be-beautiful scenes (watch out for an eye-watering bikini wax) and the will-she-ever-realise-who-is-really-good-for her? cliffhanger (although this goes on far too long). Where the guys are concerned, it\ufffds nice to see male actors relegated to the status of mere love interest. Firth is fine, though at times he underacts to the point where he evaporates altogether. However, Grant is a revelation as the naughty, predatory Daniel. It\ufffds certainly the first time in an age that Grant has been sexy. Even better, he\ufffds lost that miserable, embarrassed look he\ufffds had in movies recently. The one that tells you that he\ufffds bored with acting and wants out. Ultimately, however, what\ufffds left in the final cut seems rather less important than what\ufffds left out. Fieldingisms, such as \ufffdfwittage\ufffd, \ufffdsingleton\ufffd and \ufffdv. gd\ufffd barely feature, if at all. Similarly, the diary itself hardly gets a mention. Ditto the famous Jones preoccupation with weight (more of which anon). Bridget Jones purists won\ufffdt be happy, but, maybe, like the heroine herself, they should think about getting a life. If some hefty filleting of the source text has gone on, most of it seemed necessary, and Fielding, Davis and Curtis should be commended for not letting sentiment get in the way. For her part, Maguire shows a feel for pace that belies her lack of experience. Unfortunately, there are always casualties in text massacres such as these, and, on this occasion, it\ufffds Bridget\ufffds social and family circle who catch the bullet. So vivid and amusing in the book, they mooch about in the movie like moody teenagers kicking their heels on a rainy day. It\ufffds a criminal waste of Sally Phillips, who plays Shazza, and who barely gets a look-in. Gemma Jones and Jim Broadbent, as Bridget\ufffds parents, likewise seem to be sharing half a plot-line between them. Jones, at least, gets some choice one-liners: \ufffdDon\ufffdt be silly, Bridget, you\ufffdll never get a boyfriend if you look like you\ufffdve wandered out of Auschwitz.\ufffd Sadly, we are not spared the obligatory stately-home scenes clearly deemed so vital for any British-based movie hoping to make a dent on the American consciousness. I suppose we should be grateful that we no longer have to witness every second British actor under 45 waltzing about with a Brideshead Revisited teddy bear tucked under his arm. However, it\ufffds still annoying when, for no useful purpose, Bridget and Daniel are depicted rowing across a lake in a scene that appears to have been siphoned straight out of an old Merchant Ivory film. Like "}, {"response": 1057, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (05:21)", "body": "Gnat as a revelation? Purleeeeze! Think I will take your review over the Times anyday AnnW."}, {"response": 1058, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (05:23)", "body": "P.S Just love the new sweater pic boss! Yummy. Thanks"}, {"response": 1059, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (06:34)", "body": "Saw BJD last night with my 20 year-old daughter. She thought it was the funniest film she had ever seen. I thought RZ was absolutely brilliant. One pick holes in her accent but really that misses the point, she was totally believable as an english girl (can't think of her as a woman). RZ is so warm and funny - quite brilliant. And as for CF well whewwwww! Reviewers with sense of humour problems can no doubt find things to carp about but BJD is not Shakespeare, it is just a very funny, heartwarming movie. Can't wait for the next viewing."}, {"response": 1060, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (07:58)", "body": "Found this exchange on a message board. If everyone reacts like this, there are going to be lots of new P&P converts! Has anyone caught \"Bridget Jones' Diary\" in preview? I dig Colin Firth, but if the movie sucks I probably won't bother. I saw it Saturday night and really liked it. It deviates from the book factually but not in spirit (imo). Colin Firth was great and worth the price of admission. I still can't get over that this is the same guy from \"Shakespeare in Love\". There was a lot more screentime in the movie of her actual relationships than time spent alone bitching with friends about said relationships, but still --it was a fun movie to watch. Renee Zellweger did a good job of portraying her. I hear she's signed up for a sequel, and I'm not sure how I feel about that as I thought the second book sucked. Have you seen Firth's \"Pride and Prejudice\"? I'm about to get it from Netflix and hoping it's as good as the reviews say it is... We'll be seeing BJD at the weekend! Our local newspaper reviewer said \"I defy any woman to watch this film and not wish she was married to Colin Firth\". Y-e-e-h, one for CF!"}, {"response": 1061, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (08:39)", "body": "Good part toward the end... Ananova meets Bridget Jones director Ananova: Sharon, how did you get involved with the film? Sharon: I became involved with it because I was a friend of Helen Fielding's and she began fictionalising our lives really. There's a character in the book called Shazzer who I'm supposedly loosely based on. She began fictionalising our lives in a newspaper and column and the book and I loved them, despite being horrified sometimes to see some of my drunken rants in there. A few years later, once Helen had written a draft of the script, the producers were looking for a director. They spent a year looking, and I think Helen loyally said one time, 'Why don't you see my friend Shaz?' and they did. I made my pitch to them and eventually it must have worked because they said 'You can have it'. nanova: Was it strange directing Sally Phillips who plays a character based on you? Sharon: Yeh, I suppose it would seem bizarre. Everyone used to ask me 'Who are you going to cast as yourself?' and I'd sort of say ironically, 'Well, I might cast Catherine Zeta Jones but I'm not sure she's beautiful enough'. But in a way I was sort of distracting away from that whole dilemma of how do you cast somebody as yourself and then it just became quite easy really, it became an act of narcissism. I always liked Sally Phillips. I thought she was very funny and pretty and very intelligent, and I thought I would quite like to be her, so I know, I'll cast her as me! So that's how that came about really. I suppose I must have thought she had some of the qualities I had but hers were infinitely superior. Ananova: Was Renee Zellweger your first choice for Bridget? Sharon: We'd seen a lot of people, we'd been talking to a lot of people and when I met Renee surprisingly enough she was the strongest choice in my mind. I was quite surprised about that because I hadn't expected to cast an American. I'd seen her work, and I especially loved her work in Nurse Betty and Jerry Maguire. In those two films she was able to straddle comedy and emotional truth without tipping over the top on either side. That intrigued me a lot because I think that's a very difficult thing to do. When I met her she made me laugh like a drain because she's a kind of full-on Texan. She understood the book and the themes of the book, so that was a good start, but she has this inner goodness and warmth which I don't think you can train people to have. Coupled with that she has an irreverence which is very important. A lot of people think that Bridget has a tart tongue, that she speaks irreverently, but she doesn't - she only ever thinks it. Renee could convey that on her face very well. I thought, 'Oo Lord, I think she's gonna be great, but shit she's a Texan what are we gonna do now?'. It was like she knew immediately what I was thinking, and she said, 'If you cast me and it doesn't go right, we are so busted', and I thought, 'Yeh, we are'. And so in a way we had a shared responsibility to try and get it right and prove people wrong. Ananova: Were you prepared for the criticism for casting an American as Bridget? Sharon: Yes, of course I was prepared for that. I could understand some people's indignation that we cast an American in an English part. I would have wanted to say to them at the time, 'Look, if you meet her and you know where I'm coming from, I think you'll see that I'm not completely bonkers'. That's all I wanted to say to them but I never got the chance. Ananova: Was it a conscientious decision to cast Hugh Grant against type as Daniel? Sharon: I wanted to cast two male actors of stature. I particularly didn't want it to be seen as just a chick-flick because I wanted the men's confusions about where they should be when they're in their thirties and what they should be doing with their lives, I wanted that to be as prevalent as Bridget's confusion about all those things. So I cast two actors of stature really. Hugh plays a sexy cad and he was my first choice for that role because although he doesn't often play sexy cads. The public's preception of him is that he's a decent English gent. I thought that could play well for us really, so that everyone would think he was going to turn out decent. I knew a bit about him personally through friends, and I knew he had this blistering sense of humour and he was a bit of a sexy cad. I thought that humour was an asset and a weapon and Hugh and humour go together really. He's very funny in real life. When it came to Colin Firth, Mark Darcy in Helen's book is based on Colin Firth playing Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, so it's a bit of an in-joke. It was impossible to ever read the script without seeing Colin in the role. The question was whether he would take the role because he's been swamped in Darcyness, but he was very game to do it because this time he gets to be aloof haughty Darcy, he gets to wear silly reindeer jumpers and we get to put him in ties with snowmen on and he gets to say the F-word"}, {"response": 1062, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (08:41)", "body": "Hmmm, video links do not work from here or from original page: http://www.ananova.com/entertainment/story/sm_241436.html?menu ="}, {"response": 1063, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (09:16)", "body": "A number of reviews at the AICN site: http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/display.cgi?id=8674 One guy's take: As for the leading men. Colin Firth - a great British actor, underused on film - takes on his cold but sweet character with perfact balance. You never know how his character will develop until it does and when it does you can believe it without a leap of faith. An ignoramus' take: Colin Firth - the good guy - also does alright though spending most of the film brooding. However from one of the female reviewer's: Colin Firth plays Mark Darcy, a human rights lawyer, who at first seems snobby and cold. Firth\ufffds Darcy is exactly how he comes across in the book- an aloof, sharp-tongued guy on the outside that is really dying to break loose and have fun with someone like Bridget. However, in his upper crust circle that would be absolutely unacceptable so from the moment he meets her he tries to push her away. Firth does a great job portraying Darcy\ufffds quiet, surprising wit. With a few choice comments here and there suffused with the right emotion and a few pained, longing looks Firth easily shows the audience Darcy\ufffds hidden sensitivity and desires. Firth makes Darcy into just the kind of man Bridget wants and needs- if they can only get over the obstacles between them."}, {"response": 1064, "author": "lafn", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (09:32)", "body": "(Allison)And as for CF well whewwwww! In your reindeer jumper, Allison? Great new pic on Drool. Sometime can I have the one with my tie, pleeeze?"}, {"response": 1065, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (09:54)", "body": "Thanks for clarifying 'batsman's box', Ben. Those pics are worth a thousand words *oof!*. BTW, think it's closer to what US athletes call a cup, not pliable jockstrap. Best to keep your son away from said cups 'til puberty hits, Mari. ;-) (Karen) However, you do see vodka bottles (thrown into trash). Yes, I caught that in a clip. My gripe goes to those critics who boast about having read the book then refer to the vodka, thus giving away that they in fact, haven't. ;-P Anyone who writes in one-sentence paragraphs cannot be taken seriously I think you might be on to something. Same goes for critics who have two first names. ;-) Thanks for posting all the reviews &etc., Mari and Karen. Glad you liked it Ann W...was there ever any doubt! *looking up to sky to catch Ann orbiting the earth* ;-D Am pleased to read all the great reviews and impressions of Colin from the UK and on-line. Am impatiently awaiting his acknowledgement from the US popular press ('icy', 'cold' and 'dour' don't count). BJD ad in my local paper features lines from the Rolling Stone review singling out RZ and The Gnat...no mention of the third star. Humph."}, {"response": 1066, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (09:55)", "body": ""}, {"response": 1067, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (09:56)", "body": "Eileen, have you seen latest commercials? I started seeing it last night. I'd say equal number of shots of Colin and Huge. v.v.g."}, {"response": 1068, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (09:57)", "body": "Huge will be interviewed on ABC's PrimeTime Thursday (tonight). (Evelyn) Sometime can I have the one with my tie, pleeeze? Sure, some time. But for now, that's the sweater he's wearing under my coat."}, {"response": 1069, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (10:02)", "body": "Yes, forgot to mention that. Saw one this a.m. during Today Show! V.v.g. indeed--excellent progress, but we're not quite there yet. ;-) Re: HG on Prime Time tonite: *place your bets* Number of times Hughie mentions Princess Margaret = Number of times Hughie mentions SAS = Number of times Hughie tells Diane he taught CF to fight and/or that CF fights like a girl = Number of times Hughie informs the world it was his idea to bring in Richard Curtis, thereby saving the movie from mediocrity and/or doom ="}, {"response": 1070, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (10:06)", "body": "Oops, should have added (she who is too quick with the submit button today): love the lovely new MD pic on the main page. Especially love it without the drawn-in beard and mustache! ;-)"}, {"response": 1071, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (10:20)", "body": "(Eileen) Especially love it without the drawn-in beard and mustache! ;-) Errrr, that was going to be next. ;-D Nice article in USA Today. Mentions an early review by Christopher Tookey, of the Daily Mail: \"Memo to diary: Have just seen romantic comedy that is going to be a whopping great hit this spring. Those who predicted Renee Zellweger wouldn't be able to do English accent about to eat words.\" How did we miss that? http://www.usatoday.com/life/enter/movies/2001-04-12-bridget-jones-brit-appeal.htm"}, {"response": 1072, "author": "fitzwd", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (10:26)", "body": "(Eileen) Re: HG on Prime Time tonite: *place your bets* Number of times Hughie mentions ... I won't mind any of those mentions, just as long as no time is given to Elizabeth (makes me want to hurl) Hurley. :-)"}, {"response": 1073, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (10:39)", "body": "Eileen, my bets are on Princess Margaret and \"fighs like a girl.\" I don't think it's really HG. He has this robot clone that he sends out on the publicity rounds, and it goes into auto-program mode... I've missed a lot of the interviews, but even so, I've heard Princess Margaret 4 times, the SAS thing 3 times, fight like a girl only once (from him, but CF quotes him on it). The first time I heard the SAS thing was on ET or one of those programs. We'd just had supper, and my father was there. He heard the remark and said, \"Wow! that guy was in the SAS? I never met anyone who qualified for that.\" Meanwhile, dumb American that I am, I had to ask what SAS is (I thought it was a Scandanavian airline?). Clearly, my father knows nothing of HG, so I had to explain why the comment was funny (or supposed to be). Love the fan Bethan found. I can't wait for my friends to see BJD and then I can be Smug Fan who noticed CF years ago! And this girl had never seen P&P? Where was she??????????????????????"}, {"response": 1074, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (10:55)", "body": "The Hollywood Reporter's assessment of the weekend boxoffice: \"Joe Dirt\" is poised to wipe the floor with the competition this weekend. The Sony release about a janitor with a long-simmering case of parental-separation anxiety is the most promising of the four new films set to open nationally during Easter weekend. Universal's \"Josie and the Pussycats\" and Fox Searchlight's \"Kingdom Come\" debuted Wednesday along with \"Dirt,\" while \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" from Miramax breaks Friday. That \"Dirt\" could clean up is based on its fervent following among young males, who, with most schools recessed for spring break, are free to indulge in the giddy pleasures of crass comedy. Expectations for business as a whole should be tempered by the warning that none of the four features is exhibiting breakout potential, however. [...] Renee Zellweger stars as the title character in \"Diary,\" a romantic comedy set in London about a year in the life of a thirtysomething single woman whose personal peccadilloes complicate her quest to find the perfect man to marry. Sharon Maguire directed from a script co-written by Helen Fielding, whose 1998 novel is the source material for the film. Hugh Grant and Colin Firth co-star. \"Pussycats\" and \"Diary\" will play to women, though the former's following will be decidedly younger. \"Kingdom\" will draw from the upper age brackets of both sexes, particularly within the black community. In the broader market, the winners of recent weeks will likely continue to prevail. Miramax's \"Spy Kids,\" which has earned about $55 million in two weeks, is a family favorite that should hold up well during the Easter period. Paramount's \"Along Came a Spider\" and New Line's \"Blow\" are generating good word-of-mouth while ranking higher on weekend wish lists than the majority of the new product. \"Spider\" did more than $20 million in its first week, while \"Blow\" opened to about $15 million."}, {"response": 1075, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (11:04)", "body": "Interview with RZ at Mr Showbiz. Contains the following question: Who would win in a death match between you, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant? A: They don't stand a chance. http://mrshowbiz.go.com/interviews/599_1.html"}, {"response": 1076, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (11:27)", "body": "There's a report that Colin was just announced on Rosie O'Donnell's show as being a guest on Monday. Seeing is believing, but hope Springs eternal!:-) Can anybody in a later time zone confirm that this was not a hallucination?;-)?"}, {"response": 1077, "author": "lafn", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (11:37)", "body": "\"Bridget Jones's Diary\" from Miramax breaks Friday. I'm going tomorrow.Have to beef up the BO receipts. Hey if BLOW brought in $15 mil with lousy reviews ,BJD should do $25.Mil Cute interview... Q. How did you lose the weight? A. I went back to my normal lifestyle... Yeah...sure. I've been there honey...it's lettuce leaves and punishing excercise."}, {"response": 1078, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (11:44)", "body": "I get Rosie at 3:00 pm. Will be holding my breath. Hopefully, there will be a decent guest host but am not holding my breath for that. ;-D"}, {"response": 1079, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (12:01)", "body": "(Lisa)Pardon me, but do you have any records by Jock Straplin?\" Whoops.:-) LOL, Lisa! Love it. Yes, it was Rex Reed who was accused of pilfering some CDs, but he *says* he just forgot to pay for them. Balancing the infractions on the scales of justice . . .$20 hooker . . .$20 CD . . .$20 hooker . . .$20 CD . . .I'm inclined to give Rex the nod over Huge.;-) Eileen, love your idea to place bets on the Gnatisms. I'll go with Princess Margaret; slurred like a stroke victim; SAS; and add these to the mix--\"I play a complete bahstard, which is my own personality, actually\" and \"I want to get out of acting and do something more grown up like writing or directing.\" Fine, I say, so let CF have About A Boy.:-( I see Huge is breezing back into NY to guest on Rosie tomorrow, so will also bet double or nothing that he shows up on RZ's SNL stint as they spoof BJD. There's a new commercial focusing on the fight, where Tom yells \"Fight!\" into the restaurant and off they go! (Karen quoting from HR)That \"Dirt\" could clean up is based on its fervent following among young males, who, with most schools recessed for spring break, are free to indulge in the giddy pleasures of crass comedy. Sure, and that's who flocks to the movies in droves. Josie and the Pussycats will do well with teenybopper girls--heavy promotion and merchandising tie-ins. Plus these films opened yesterday, giving them a big leg up on the long weekend numbers. Spy Kids will stay strong. So, BJD has an uphill battle for total $$$ but I think it will do well among its target audience. It's great reading all the good reviews on AICN from people who have been to preview screenings; reviews over there tend to be written by 16-year-old boys and consist of \"It Rocked!\" or \"It Sucked, Man!\" so it's good to see at least some support among that erudite group.;-)"}, {"response": 1080, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (12:18)", "body": "(Mari) There's a new commercial focusing on the fight, where Tom yells \"Fight!\" into the restaurant and off they go! That's the one Karen (I think) and I are referring to...starts with 'GoGoGO' from the firehouse bit? BJD has an uphill battle for total $$$ Frankly, I was hoping for something more Notting Hill-esque. (One can dream...) There's a report that Colin was just announced on Rosie O'Donnell's show as being a guest on Monday. *blinking increduously at computer screen* Hmm, will keep my eyes and ears open, but find this too good to be true (especially if Rosie Frankenhand is still out sick)."}, {"response": 1081, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (12:24)", "body": "Review from This Is London. Fat, sluttish and oh, so sexy! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bridget Jones's Diary by Alexander Walker The women who helped Helen Fielding create her heroine in print have taken the new movie to their collective bosom and rapturously hugged it almost to death these past few weeks. Now that the dust of battle has settled, now that the ranks of black-trouser-suited women, clutching Filofaxes, are all ensconced in middle or top management jobs enjoying the emotional bonus of pushing male weaklings off the ladder, now that the gender revolution is fading into history they can all of them lie back and relax - like Bridget opting to wear big knickers instead of sexy panties for her assignation because they keep her tummy in - and rock with hen-party laughter, affectionate but Oh! so relieved, at this insecure thirtysomething spinster who holds a fag as if it were a sixth finger, cups her mouth around the Chardonnay bottle in lieu of a man's lips and fears for the moment of truth when her number comes up on the bathroom scales. Bridget is the domestic slob who hides away inside every working girl. The Diary was her coming-out. The film is her enthronement. Just as Henry Fielding created an 18th century picaresque young rip and an icon of tearaway youth in Tom Jones, his homonym Helen has created a lovably screwed-up embodiment of the feminine psyche for the female battlers of our new century, whose only fear is how big their bum looks. It's to the movie's credit that Bridget, played by Ren\ufffde Zellweger, survives in the flesh - all 136 chubby pounds of it, hamster-cheeked, snub nosed and either underdressed in microskirts or overdressed in what looks like a spare length of curtain material - and not just as a stereotype on the page of diary or newsprint. Yet in spite of its feminist insemination this is a very trad film, though to its credit not for one minute a tired one. It is constructed like an extended sitcom of reiterated embarrassments. Brian Rix made a seamless career out of constantly losing his trousers to fate or lechery. This male humiliation of farcical comedy is turned into the feminine gender and endlessly restated and rotated in the 95 minutes of the dysfunctional year Bridget spends putting her foot in it. Her self-esteem is lower than low, zero-level, yet her head is held high. Ren\ufffde Zellweger, like the Shirley MacLaine of comedies such as The Apartment, manages always to look vulnerable and often foolish, but never ever pathetic. Her saving grace isn't exactly wit, though three writers - Helen Fielding, Andrew Davies and, perhaps most crucially, Richard (Four Weddings and a Funeral/Notting Hill) Curtis - are in attendance like fairy godparents to see she comes to no real harm. They toss her the one-liners (or even half-liners) to extricate herself from social doom, like upstaging a cameo'd Salman Rushdie at a book launch by enquiring where the loo is instead of feeding him the anticipated literary compliment. Even bereft of words, Bridget survives humungous humiliation, like appearing in a Playboy Bunny outfit at a country garden-party ignorant of the fact her hosts have cancelled their Tarts and Vicars theme and reverted to polite tweed-and-tulle convention. At such moments Zellweger wears the dignity of her own suffering: she plays it like a good sport, abashed but not flattened. Bridget's compensation is to be liked - and not in any condescending fashion - \"for what she is\". An idiot maybe; but her own kind of idiot. Two men tell her this in the course of her cockeyed twelvemonth. One is \"Mr Danger\", the office love-rat played by Hugh Grant as a loucher version of the caddish Englishman he portrayed in Woody Allen's recent comedy Small Time Crooks, who took Tracy Ullman's arriviste millionairess in that film for her money, much as he takes Bridget in this one for her willingness to let her defences down as readily as her knickers. Grant's ecstatic whoop of \"Hellooo, Mummy!\" as he gropes the voluminous undergarment is the film's ace joke. Bridget's other suitor is \"Mr Safe\", a stiff-necked, stuffed-shirt human-rights barrister called Darcy, after his ancestor in Pride and Prejudice, and played exactly that way by Colin Firth, all vestigial 19th century sideburns and we-are-not-amused deadpan-ness. Speaking for my own sex, I can't conceive either sort of fella falling for such an unsorted slut as Bridget Jones, for all that she's a good sport and possibly a better lay (we have to take that on hearsay). But the main appeal of such a creation is to women, not men, and precisely to the sort of woman who can imagine both of these fictitious lovers making a play for her, in spite of her lack of glamour, beauty, grace or any other quality that might reflect their own narcissism. The men in the film are feminine fantasy love-objects: one reason why I'll be interested to see whether blokes take to Bridget Jones's Diary as rabi"}, {"response": 1082, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (12:35)", "body": "From The Independent: The good, the bad and the frumpy By Charlotte O'Sullivan 12 April 2001 It's a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen had a great way with an opening sentence. Less widely accepted, but equally pertinent, is the fact that she had the \"feelgood\" factor down to a fine art. So it really isn't anyone's fault but hers that Bridget Jones's Diary \ufffd based on Helen Fielding's louche retelling of Pride and Prejudice \ufffd is a tad short on suspense. From the minute that our ditzy PR heroine makes a twit of herself, and ace barrister Darcy (Colin Firth) looks intently at her across a crowded book- launch, you know He is the one for Her (if he had a club foot, we might think again, but he's sound of body and his locks are curly). Only one ending will do: Bridget left scribbling all alone? Bridget shacked up with Daniel (Hugh Grant), her unreliable, anal-sex-loving, boss? What do you think this is \ufffd Chinatown? Luckily, not everything about the film is so ho-hum, including the appearance of the American interloper herself, Ren\ufffde Zellweger, who famously piled on the pounds to play Bridge. You literally can't take your eyes off her. With those prairie cheeks (the hairs on her skin look like cropped corn), that potato-blonde hair, and a way of moving through perfectly ordinary space as if she's being herded through a field, this woman couldn't be more natural, or vulnerable. Her plentiful flesh squished into industrial-strength knickers and tight bras (even in bed), she's struggling in a world that wants sharp urban lines. Primed by years of cinema-going for the Pygmalion-esque \"transformation\" scene, you actually wait for the double chin to melt away. It doesn't. Zellweger has always had it in her, of course. In the Farrelly Brothers' gross-out comedy Me, Myself and Irene, her character admits that when her modelling dreams went sour, \"I got this eating disorder where I gained, like, 20 pounds... in a week\". Or, as Hank, the cad in her life, puts it, \"the only bright light you saw were the ones that hit you in the face when you opened the fridge\". The difference is that this appetite is now on display and \ufffd surprise, surprise \ufffd Variety has already blamed the director Sharon Maguire and her crew for \"going a bit too far in making [Zellweger] look unattractive\". They take issue with Rachel Fleming's costumes, too. True, Bridget's outfits all look like things that have been hanging in a wardrobe for years, but that's what's so liberating. She even wears cardies from French Connection. How's that for cin\ufffdma-v\ufffdrit\ufffd? Given that Zellweger still looks lovely by normal standards, it just goes to show that in show business, \"normal\" equals unattractive. Last year's High Fidelity put the case most clearly: in Nick Hornby's novel, the hero's gripe with his girlfriend is that she, like him, is so \"ordinary\"; in the film \ufffd hey presto! \ufffd she's a stunning, immaculately dressed blonde. That Zellweger can make us believe in Bridget's heaving inner world is par for the course \ufffd she's a supremely talented comic actress. That she was willing to risk her own status as sex symbol by looking like an everywoman is really impressive. Another shock is the liveliness of the writing. Working Title's previous hits, Four Weddings and Notting Hill, relied on slapstick, plus the words \"fuck\" and Billy Bunterisms like \"crikey\". The revised team \ufffd Richard Curtis, Helen Fielding, Andrew Davies \ufffd still lean heavily on all three (and many of the set-ups, a certain Vicars and Tarts tea-party, for instance, are milked to death), but have come up with a procession of bright one-liners, too. It's a neat touch that when, at the book-launch, super-suave Daniel has the chance to dance the verbal fandango with Salman Rushdie, he stammers \"Er, do you know where the loos are?\". Five minutes before, Jones said just the same thing and in a stroke, it becomes clear why she adores him \ufffd faced with a choice between fight or flight, he plumps as desperately for the latter as she. Such scenes owe everything to the great American sitcoms, though not the ones you might think. Bridget, it turns out, has less in common with brittle-skittle Ally McBeal or the pouty women in Sex and the City than Seventies klutz Rhoda (remember her \ufffd the one with the wayward hat?) or the fubsy Seinfeld crew. Asked by a \"smug married\" why so many women over 30 have trouble getting a man, Bridget replies, \"I suppose it doesn't help that beneath our clothes, our entire bodies are covered in scales\" \ufffd a line that could easily have emerged from Elaine's caustic New York kisser. Or, if the question had concerned the lack of options for tubby men with glasses, that of George. Forget women vs men, think underdogs vs the rest. That the film is so entwined with television does, of course, have its downside. Movies such as Annie Hall or Billy Liar, say, are as much about an eccentric place as an eccentric person: their landscapes prickle and whirr with life. In Bridget Jones's Diary, "}, {"response": 1083, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (12:49)", "body": "It assures them you can be a domestic slut, a social embarrassment, a professional no-hoper and fat, too Not to worry, ladies, I've asked my friend and former neighbor Tony Soprano to have a little 'tawk' with Alexander. Tony's bringing his baseball bat. ;-)"}, {"response": 1084, "author": "Moon", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (12:57)", "body": "Thank you for all the reviews! What will the DB do on Rosie? I hope it's true. And if it is, that means that he will be doing other shows too. (Keeping fingers crossed) He gets to snog and he's a good snogger. Not that I know from experience! Heehee."}, {"response": 1085, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (13:00)", "body": "The US version of the film, by the way, is three minutes shorter than the British one OOooohhh, I wonder which extra bits we're seeing?"}, {"response": 1086, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (13:00)", "body": "three minutes shorter?????????? (Walker) Speaking for my own sex, I can't conceive either sort of fella falling for such an unsorted slut as Bridget Jones, for all that she's a good sport and possibly a better lay (we have to take that on hearsay). How does a print critic get away with such stuff? (O'Sullivan) this wolf is bolted from the door by the implication that he's basically not quite heterosexual....So if Daniel isn't quite as straight as he seemed, maybe Darcy isn't either... Huh???? What movie did she see? Chinatown? I see Huge is breezing back into NY to guest on Rosie tomorrow, so will also bet double or nothing that he shows up on RZ's SNL stint as they spoof BJD. Huge was already on Rosie. Maybe he'll show up on The View tomorrow too. A surprise appearance on SNL seems likely too. There's a new commercial focusing on the fight, where Tom yells \"Fight!\" into the restaurant and off they go! The one I've been seeing starts with \"Meet Bridget Jones... who finds out just being herself....\""}, {"response": 1087, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (13:03)", "body": "Don't know which crack journalist will interview Huge tonight, but am personally hoping he/she asks: \"So, Hugh, does it come as any surprise to you that you were able to overcome the shamefully bad publicity of picking up a hooker on Sunset Blvd?\""}, {"response": 1088, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (13:25)", "body": "Since we're going to be in NYC, we were thinking about standing in line Sat AM for standby tickets to SNL. Has anyone done this successfully? Are we out of our minds for trying? I cannot believe CF is even rumored to be on Rosie. Hope we can find out before we leave so we can tape it! (Have excess VCR all ready to tape P&P-'cause you never know when you might need an extra, extra copy-in case the DVD breaks and the first VHS copy is loaned out.) (Frankenhand) ROF,LOL she has definitely lost it. It's not the show it once was. I thought HG was going to pass out in spite of his SAS training, when she made him look at it. I know I would have."}, {"response": 1089, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (13:30)", "body": "How does a print critic get away with such stuff? Amazing, isn't it? So insulting. The guy is a pig. Glad to hear Eileen and Tony are on the case: Alexander Walker sleeps with the fishes.;-) And then there's the little matter of Daniel, dismissed in the film's final seconds with a gag worthy of The Two Ronnies. Following the fairy-tale formula, this wolf is bolted from the door by the implication that he's basically not quite heterosexual. Could this be part of the missing 3 minutes? Could one of the UK folks stop over to 126 and tell us how your version ends? I forgot to add this to the list of Gnatisms. He already used in Biography mag last month. From NY Daily News : Hugh's Nose For Trouble Hugh Grant has had some unfortunate experiences. But his biggest regret isn't what you'd think \ufffd that tryst in a car with the prostitute in Los Angeles. No, his biggest regret involves an apple peel. The incident happened many years ago, when Grant was just a child. \"I did, as a child, stick a lot of apple peel up my nose once, just out of interest to see what would happen,\" Grant says tonight during an interview on ABC's \"PrimeTime Thursday.\" \"Actually, it's horrible,\" he says. \"It got right up almost to my brain and had to be removed by a very top London surgeon, and I remember regretting it.\" When asked what the happiest moment in his life has been, Grant responds: \"Getting it out \ufffd the apple peel.\""}, {"response": 1090, "author": "vlyne", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (13:38)", "body": "Since the show \"Hollywood One on One\" included a (one question) interview with Colin Firth in their Shakespeare in Love coverage, I wrote to see if/when they would feature BJD. Here's what the host said, no mention of CF. :-P \"Hi Valerie, Our interview with Renee Zellwegger of Bridget Jones's Diary aired until yesterday morning. You may still get a chance to see it if you have Starz Theater. She is lovely in person...and just fabulous in the film. By the way I loved the film and urge you to see this one. Hugh Grant will probably air in a couple of weeks. Thanks for your comments on the show and please keep watching. Scott Patrick Hollywood One on One\""}, {"response": 1091, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (13:53)", "body": "(Mari) Glad to hear Eileen and Tony are on the case: Alexander Walker sleeps with the fishes.;-) Have feeling that Bridget might go in search of Bullet Tooth Tony in the East End. Is closer. ;-D"}, {"response": 1092, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (13:57)", "body": "Entertainment Weekly review. Pretty good, considering it's Lisa \"I trash everything\" S. Movie Review by Lisa Schwarzbaum Bridget Jones's Diary Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant EW GRADE: B Genre: Comedy, Romance On the page, Bridget Jones's most attractive asset is that she's a mess. The neurotic girl is kind, clever, funny, competent at her job, and a great friend to her fellow singletons; she also drinks too much, smokes too much, obsesses too much, chatters too much, eats junk, and when it comes to men, can't distinguish between trash (which, in the book, she dashingly calls ''emotional f---wittage'') and quality. Too smart to settle for the perks of ditzhood, she's also foolish enough to regularly sabotage opportunities for romantic happiness. She's a Jane Austen na\ufffdf in a ''Sex and the City'' world. When the book came out in 1996, readers went nuts. At last, an antirole model for the rest of us! On the screen, where Bridget Jones's Diary has been adapted from Helen Fielding's hilarious best seller by documentarian and first time feature director Sharon Maguire (an old friend of the author and model for the heroine's journalist pal Shazzer), Bridget's most attractive asset is that she's played by Ren\ufffde Zellweger. There was a hoo and a ha when the Texas born Ms. Z was chosen, over plenty of terrific local talent interested in the plum role, to play a bird of such English habits (American women stopped smoking in movies ages ago -- bad for the product endorsement deals, babe). But Zellweger is, in fact, thoroughly charming and believably British in the role. Her confidence in her own flexibility as an actor has visibly grown in just a year following the great reviews she received for her performance in ''Nurse Betty,'' and she glows with the pleasing fullness of the 20 pounds she so famously added for the part, all angles softened. (This is not what ''fat'' looks like; this is what ripe, sexy health l oks like, and she needn't have dropped the weight afterwards -- except, perhaps, to eat lunch again in the demented, scale obsessed town of Hollywood.) Hugh Grant is charming too, luxuriating in naughtiness, taking a holiday from his usual floppy, velvet romantic image as Bridget's caddish boss, Daniel Cleaver, with whom the employee embarks on a bound for disaster affair. (''I've got a posh voice and a bad character,'' Cleaver admits, with Grant's full support and admiration.) Colin Firth is appealing as the decent, rich, upstanding Mark Darcy, his participation a cunning pretzel of allusive logic: Firth played Mr. Darcy in the exquisite 1995 BBC television adaptation of ''Pride and Prejudice,'' the Austen masterpiece on which ''Bridget Jones's Diary'' is anchored. (Jones also interviews Firth on a magazine assignment in Fielding's frustratingly weak follow up novel, ''Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.'') The mess, though, where's the mess? The hysteria, the middle of the night jitters of loneliness? The mess of Bridget's life has been tidied, neatened into little piles of mirth and gaiety. The script, by the formidably bright team of Fielding, Andrew Davies (another pretzel -- he adapted that BBC ''Pride and Prejudice''), and Richard Curtis (''Four Weddings and a Funeral''), grins and cracks wise with pop cultural jokes and the pretty production values that made ''Four Weddings'' so appealing: Bridget's idea of a cozy evening is watching ''Frasier'' on the telly in her flannel pj's, and her idea of terror is a literary cocktail reception at which she has to make small talk with Salman Rushdie. (He appears as himself, doing a George Plimptonesque cameo, daring any ayatollah to track him down through his theatrical agent.) ''Bridget Jones'' shines with lemon scented polish and tootles along with a soundtrack that ain't too proud to use Jamie O'Neal's cover of Eric Carmen's ''All by Myself,'' Aretha Franklin's ''Respect,'' and Chaka Khan's ''I'm Every Woman'' as directional signals. But without mess and agitation -- without trusting viewers to withstand the sight of genuine heartache, and compulsiveness, and a glimpse of real self destructiveness (it needn't involve wrist slashing -- a simple hint of a devil in Miss Jones will do), this great screwup of a woman -- one of literature's best antidotes to self help hysteria in the 1990s -- is almost indistinguishable from, oh, the sylphy single woman played by Ashley Judd in ''Someone Like You,'' or by Gwyneth Paltrow in ''Sliding Doors,'' or by Hope Davis in ''Next Stop Wonderland,'' or by Ally McBeal or any sitcom sister anywhere in prime time. After Daniel Cleaver has dumped her (she's an old cow and he was looking for a new cow, to filch from the psychobabble in ''Someone Like You''), Bridget throws a dinner party to celebrate her birthday. She can't cook, true, but her lack of skill is endearing and everyone laughs, full of wine. Darcy can cook, he's gorgeous, and he thinks she's fab. ''To Bridget\ufffd who we love just as she is!'' her friends toast in h"}, {"response": 1093, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (13:58)", "body": "Yesterday\ufffds L.A. Times print ad had this: Bridget\ufffds Guide to the Movies! 1. Find responsible (and gorgeous ) adult to accompany self to theatre. 2. Resolve to nor have anything to eat during movie. However\ufffdwhen you think about, popcorn is not fattening. 3. In Fact , might actually lose weight through eating popcorn as hand to mouth plus chewing motion will use up calories. 4. Remember , If nature calls, movie theatre bathroom lighting is stark and unforgiving. 5. Finally , a law should be passed that all theatres have soft back lit bathroom lighting in order to improve national morale , (as more easy to form relationship with gorgeous adult companion if feel confident about self). Starting Friday, Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Bridget!"}, {"response": 1094, "author": "Ann", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (14:04)", "body": "Sounds like the clips over the end credits are different too. I had the \"home movies\", but one of the reviews above mentioned clips from the film. Anyone know what's going on with the Today Show? Is his appearance scrapped?"}, {"response": 1095, "author": "amw", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (14:14)", "body": "Mari, the UK version ended with B& MD kissing in the snow (sigh) and then the credits and then about 3mins of little snippetts from Darcy's parents, won't repeat what Mr. Darcy said, most out of character about the relationship between his son & Bridget. Everyone is congratulating the pair including Bridget's boss (Neil Pearson) and then HG introduces two new partners one turns out tobe a fella!! Some other people who I can't remember, will have to go back tomorrow. BTW Although HG was very good, and much better than FWAAF & NH, there is no way he can be compared with Cary Grant, imo. Finally I don't think I have seen Colin look more handsome, just hope some more leading romantic roles come alongafter this. This has to be my second favourite CF role after P&P."}, {"response": 1096, "author": "JenniferR", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (14:29)", "body": "Desson Howe of the Washington Post (generally my favorite movie reviewer) has his review up. Won't bother typing the dratted thing, as he sums up with the phrase \"All in all, \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" comes as a great letdown, given all the anticipation that preceded its release.\" At least he writes \"Firth is a favorite of mine.\" Pity that he then goes on to slam ODB's role. http://washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A10317-2001Apr12.html I suppose this just goes hand-in-hand with the fact that the blasted preview audiences down here hardly laughed at all. Such a shame. May have to go see the movie every day this week to help compensate for low BO #'s in DC. Oh, the privation. ;)"}, {"response": 1097, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (14:42)", "body": "the UK version ended with B& MD kissing in the snow (sigh) and then the credits and then about 3mins of little snippetts from Darcy's parents, won't repeat what Mr. Darcy said, most out of character about the relationship between his son & Bridget. Everyone is congratulating the pair including Bridget's boss (Neil Pearson) and then HG introduces two new partners one turns out tobe a fella!! Aha! Totally different here. ***SPOILERS***** After the great kissing in the snow, it goes to what looks like a home movie. It's little Mark's 8th birthday party, he's dressed in a suit and tie (predictably:-), while little Bridget is running around wildly, swigging from a wine bottle she swiped off the table. All the while, little Mark is giving her the eye, at one point, tugging on his collar as if he's getting hot over her. Then BJ lifts off her dress, goes into the paddling pool, not sure if Mark follows her, will have to see it again tomorrow! I have to say, I thought this ending was extremely funny, and the audience was in hysterics. This was/is truly a lifetime love!:-) Ann, was there any additonal Colin in your ending?"}, {"response": 1098, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (14:43)", "body": "sorry"}, {"response": 1099, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (14:48)", "body": "Analysts Predict Josie Will Top Easter Box Office Analysts are expecting Universal's Josie and the Pussycats to top a crowded list of new entries at the box-office this Easter weekend. The film, which opened Wednesday, is likely to face its strongest competition from Disney's Bridget Jones's Diary, from Working Title Films, the British company that produced Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill, the analysts said. However, \"Diary\" will open on only about 1,500 screens, compared with about 2,600 for Josie. Universal had timed the release of the teen-oriented Josie to coincide with Spring Break."}, {"response": 1100, "author": "vlyne", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (15:09)", "body": "(Ann) Anyone know what's going on with the Today Show? Is his appearance scrapped? Someone on a CF mailing list reported that it was rescheduled for Monday, April 16. TV Guide online has this date listed as well."}, {"response": 1101, "author": "Moon", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (15:18)", "body": "upstanding Mark Darcy, his participation a cunning pretzel of allusive logic: Sounds sexy, eh, Bridge? ;-) The ending to the movie we saw in LA ends with home movies of BJ and MD as little children behaving in their usual ways is hysterical piece. I still feel cheated the more the better."}, {"response": 1102, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (15:24)", "body": "Sounds like we've missed out both sides of the Atlantic. Why do they do this different ending mallarkey, we had the same with MLSF...I still haven't seen the British ending as have only seen film on video ;-("}, {"response": 1103, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (15:51)", "body": "Grant responds: \"Getting it out \ufffd the apple peel.\" So glad he clarified that! ;-D (Valerie) rescheduled for Monday, April 16. TV Guide online has this date listed as well. Hmmm...and the other possibility was that he would be on Rosie on Monday. Could it be possible? Could he really be coming to NYC in person and doing both? I'll believe it when I see it. *crossing fingers, toes, kidneys and superior vena cava* \"Diary\" will open on only about 1,500 screens, compared with about 2,600 for Josie Seems a foregone conclusion, then. And there's no mention (unless I've missed it) of how many screens that other literary masterpiece, Joe Dirt, is playing on. (Tracy) Why do they do this different ending mallarkey Vintage Harvey Scissorhands, er, Miramax. I don't get it either."}, {"response": 1104, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (15:52)", "body": "upstanding Mark Darcy, his participation a cunning pretzel of allusive logic: Sounds sexy, eh, Bridge? ;-) I guess it's a clever salute to Steely Dan, i.e., Pretzel Logic (one of my all time faves). Why do they do this different ending mallarkey It's bizarre, isn't it? I saw your note on 126, Tracy, thanks. It doesn't sound as though either of us is missing any Colin scenes, so I'm not losing any sleep.:-) I suppose this is the result when you have two different distributors, and it probably happens routinely, but we'd never think to compare notes on a non-CF film. What's your ending of Gone With the Wind like?;-) Also . . . does the Titanic go down?;-)"}, {"response": 1105, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (16:37)", "body": "(Eileen) Hmmm...and the other possibility was that he would be on Rosie on Monday. Could it be possible? Could he really be coming to NYC in person and doing both? Only about 20 minutes left to *gag* Rosie show. Why wouldn't he do both? If Letterman wasn't scheduled for reruns next week, Colin could have a hat trick. ;-D At least now I see what O'Sullivan was referring to about Cleaver's alledged heterosexuality. But what school of logic would allow her to make that leap to Darcy as well. Just because both of their girlfriends had adolescent boylike figures.... ;-D Also . . . does the Titanic go down?;-) No, is saved by American submarine crew. ;-D"}, {"response": 1106, "author": "Ann", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (16:37)", "body": "Firth in NY theory: maybe son, Will, is on Spring break and Colin is coming to the US to pick him up and take him to meet his new brother on the other side of the pond. Not totally implausable."}, {"response": 1107, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (16:50)", "body": "OK, they just said BJD's CF would be on Rosie on Monday (weather permitting, nappy changes delegated, etc.) but if you try to blackmail me, I will deny it. ;-D"}, {"response": 1108, "author": "Ann", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (16:51)", "body": "Yes! They DID say COlin on Rosie on Monday!!! As for the Wash Post review, did anyone really see Bridget (the book) as a great feminist tract? If anything, it's a bit the opposite. A career woman realising the femisist dream isn't all it's cracked up to be. Nor is it a \"call to arms\" to women deserted by f%$kwits. It's more a book commiserating with the lot of women hearing the tick tock getting louder."}, {"response": 1109, "author": "judy", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (17:17)", "body": "Anyone see Barry Normans filmnight? Unfortunately missed the first ten mins so only saw a small interview with CF. As usual there was plenty from HG,RZ,HF & SM."}, {"response": 1110, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (17:25)", "body": "Here is Christopher Tookey's review from the Daily Mail: Bridget Jones: a comic triumph Memo to diary: Have just seen romantic comedy that is going to be whopping great hit this spring. Those who predicted Renee Zellweger wouldn't be able to do English accent about to eat words. Though Texan, Miss Zellweger just as believable as Gwyneth Paltrow in Sliding Doors, and even more adorable. Remember fancying her in Jerry Maguire; here she's less of a doormat and well worth cheering on as she stands up for self while committing career suicide or falling for highly unsuitable men. Even unfeeling non-feminists may share anguish as she repeatedly makes fool of herself in public and resorts in times of crisis to vodka bottle and gorging self on Branston pickle straight from jar. RZ not really very overweight (size 12 at most); all the same, extra poundage round legs and bottom very un-Hollywood and definite boost for women who enjoy their food and don't wish to look like stick insects. Also good news for men who prefer woman to look like woman. RZ takes curse off Bridget's self-absorption by being lovably tongue-tied, gauche and joyful when thinks (wrongly) she's met Mr Right. Film might - if it had followed book faithfully - have struck some women and lot of men as alienating wallow in female self-pity - instead, bright and touching. Fancy Miss Zellweger rotten. Memo to self: Try to find more respectable, critical, non-repetitive way of expressing this. Colin Firth brave to take on thankless part of stiff, snooty English lawyer who appreciates Bridget just as she is, and turns out to be decent cove once you get to know him. Firth excellent at little eye-flickers that give away hidden sensitivity beneath. Also makes change to see articulate Englishman in movies who is not complete swine or twit. Big revelation Hugh Grant - great fun as love-rat Daniel Cleaver, believably self-centred, interestingly dangerous and distinctly sexy. Important that his Mr Nasty be v. attractive, or Bridget might have come across as idiotic slag. GRANT gives a master class in light comedy acting, not for first time either. Am not altogether surprised that reference in book to Grant's escapade with hooker off Hollywood Boulevard hasn't made it into movie. Helen Fielding (original author) and Andrew Davies (Pride and Prejudice on telly) receive co-screenwriting credits, but Richard Curtis's input obviously immense and not only in profusion of f-words. Has transformed episodic fiction into neatly structured, emotionally satisfying romantic comedy - fractionally overlong and not as uproarious as Four Weddings and a Funeral, but well up to standard of his Notting Hill, in fact better because fresher and less formulaic. Special praise for casting director Michelle Guish. Gemma Jones and Jim Broadbent predictably excellent as Bridget's foolish but lovable parents. But lesser known British actors Sally Phillips, Shirley Henderson and James Callis all make an impact as Bridget's boozing partners. Pity not more British films like this, to help good young actors away from poverty line and Michael Winner movies. First-time director Sharon Maguire, friend of Fielding, not innovative but does creditable job. Wisely unflashy but competent, shows total sympathy for Bridget Jones psyche, lets terrific cast get on with it. Clever opening gets audience on Bridget's side before end of title sequence. final joke over titles (at expense of Hugh Grant character) well worth sticking around for. Minor quibbles: Patrick Barlow undeveloped as shopping channel presenter who seduces Bridget's mum; Bridget's accent and vocab wobble a bit between upper-middle posh and lower-middle genteel, though some English girls are like that at moment. Quibbles outweighed by general likeability and funny set-pieces. Especially enjoyed very silly fight between leading men both equally useless at violence and breaking off in middle of restaurant tussle to join in singing 'Happy Birthday' to bewildered diner. BJ's Diary bound to appeal to those who like Cheers, Ally McBeal and Sex and the City; but everyone to be congratulated on keeping film specifically English (despite one reference to attorney when lawyer is meant). Nice to see London used as backdrop. Still a rarity. Lightness of touch welcome, since film deals with recognisably awful embarrassments, betrayals and female self-hatred, and vaguely based on Jane Austen classic Pride and Prejudice. Memo to self: Scatter more references to Felliniesque fantasy sequences, post-modernism, F.R. Leavis and English literary tradition to give impression of formidably high-powered intellect if time before setting off to see vitally important screening of Rugrats in Paris - The Movie. All in all, quite a triumph. Film as whole manages tricky feat of being true to spirit of novel but also delivers slick, entertaining romp to movie-goers throughout world who have never heard of book, still less actually read one. Obvious hit chick flick with col"}, {"response": 1111, "author": "lafn", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (17:35)", "body": "Lizza will be able to tell us about the UK/US endings. After tomorrow she will have seen them both."}, {"response": 1112, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (18:45)", "body": "From Primetime Q&A: Q: What would you order for your last meal? A: I think it would have to be a nice hot spotted dick \ufffd it's an English pudding. Very delicious. Q: What talent or skill would you like to have? A: I have always admired trapeze artists, but I am not sure I could \ufffd I did once try it on a Club Med holiday and I had to be helped sobbing down the ladder again because I got vertigo the second I got to the top. Q: What is the most embarrassing moment in your life? A: My first hemorrhoid. I was on the train in France and I couldn't believe I had one. I thought what's going on and I remember going to the loo in the train. I really wanted to have a look at this thing and its very hard to see your own bum. But I remember standing on the loo and sort of looking back through my legs to try and see this thing and I hadn't really mastered the lock on the loo and this German tourist came in and saw me peering back through my legs. That would have to be the most embarrassing. Put that on network telly. Q: What makes a person sexy? A: I think it's a combination of warm personality and a nice sense of humor and large breasts. Q: What do you like to spend your money on? A: I seem to spend all my money on socks at the moment, because I never ever remember to cut my toenails and I go through about 20 pairs of socks a week. It's disgusting. You'd think why buy socks, why not just buy clippers? Q: What is your secret passion? A: Masturbation \ufffd but you can't use that on TV. http://abcnews.go.com/sections/primetime/2020/PrimetimeQA_010412_hughgrant_feature.html"}, {"response": 1113, "author": "lyndaw", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (19:48)", "body": "Hmmmmm. Methinks Hugh is going to have to rely a lot on his secret passion if he continues to discuss such appealing topics as hemorrhoids and toenail clipping. I have been taping Today all this week of the off chance of a CF sighting (hope Monday will be the lucky day). Anyway, today I was rewarded by Gene Shalit's review at the end. A very positive review or rave as Matt Lauer called it. GS made many positive comments about RZ (an irresisitible performance), mentioned BJD as having a \"sparkly screenplay\" and concluded that the BJD is a \"smart movie, an R-rated comedy that's funny and in these days a funny comedy is not redundant\". The clip showed CF talking about the naked childhood meeting and ended with his face. I just caught a segment on ET explaining that the scene in which BJ is sliding down a firepole, panty-hose clad butt in close-up to the audience, is being cut in US, (quite a shocking scene, really, considering that here in Ontario women a permitted to go topless in public). Gheesh!! Apparently that scene will be shown in UK. At the end of the segment, HG, RZ and CF were shown at the London premiere. ODB looked like he was really enjoying himself. Big smiles. Too bad I couldn't get to my VCR fast enough."}, {"response": 1114, "author": "heide", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (19:56)", "body": "I thought I saw RZ was to be featured on Fox Entertainment today at 2 EST so took a chance and set my VCR for that instead of another fruitless Today taping. Yikes...of course the show was pre-empted by the spy plane crew being released. Oh well."}, {"response": 1115, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (20:02)", "body": "Saw a bit of the ET thing about RZ working undercover at Picador. Funny how the women interviewed on camera at Picador all sounded like RZ/Bridget. At the end was the shot of RZ, CF and HG at the London premiere. Will tape at repeat tomorrow. We saw the firepole butt shot."}, {"response": 1116, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (20:41)", "body": "Butt shot scene is in film--indeed, over and over again BJ she rewinds and fast forwards it. The networks wouldn't accept it for commercials. But apparently ET can show it as much as they want 'cause they sure did. Here's the Telegraph review *shaking head* Welcome to London, England The film of Bridget Jones's Diary is funny, charming and expertly acted - just don't expect to recognise the setting says Andrew O'Hagan IF the world ended tomorrow, British cinema would be remembered internationally for four things: Bond movies, kitchen-sink dramas, Merchant-Ivory, and mavericks such as Michael Powell and David Lean. Soon, the way things are going, you will be able to add a fifth category: the Richard Curtis romantic fantasy film. Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill are two of the most commercially successful British films ever made, and Bridget Jones's Diary, the latest child of the Curtis ethos, could suffer the assault of several hydrogen bombs and would probably still do well. Like the Bond series and the posh literary epics, Bridget Jones is a film that mostly ignores real life, choosing instead to be the kind of heightened, unlikely, instantly gratifying film that is made to invite the communion of Americans. Curtis's films offer a view of Englishness that has nothing to do with reality: a country of rolling, untroubled fields, giant houses for the poor, fairy-tale weather, cobbled streets and no black people. However, Bridget Jones is not a terrible film - it is a funny, daft one, with enough winning charm to stop you from hating yourself for laughing at its many jokes. It is full of pop songs and easy-on-the-heart human dynamics, and yet, under all its likeable front, it can be a fairly impoverished melange. Cinema-goers who have an interest in anything other than America-inclined marshmallowness will be amazed by what the film represents. It's as if the values of intelligent British film-makers from the Sixties to the mid-Eighties had never existed. Bridget Jones, indeed, even more than its sister movies, represents the perfectly watchable triumph of the formulaic over the original, the cheerily accessible over the difficult, and announces, with a new loudness, the end of a period when many British movies could easily be identified with matters of importance to British society. I know this sort of talk gives some of you a headache, but I consider it my job to express unease when there's something off in the breeze: anyone who says that Bridget Jones's Diary is a straightforwardly good film is not telling the truth. Bridget (Renee Zellweger) is a single, marginally podgy publishing assistant in the London of the Nineties. She is a bit of a laugh, with friends - Shazzer, Jude and Tom - who are up for it, confused, confessional and bright, and who act as the familiar Curtis-chorus to the main events in Bridget's hassled existence. As the film opens, the main thing in Bridget's head is an e-mail flirtation that she is having with her boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), who is funny, roguish and charming about everything from office politics to amorous boating accidents. Meanwhile, Bridget begins to form a crush on a henpecked, sad-jumper-wearing mummy's boy called Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), who also happens to be very handsome. The scene is set for Pride and Prejudice-type shenanigans (bred in the bone: Firth played Mr Darcy in the BBC's Austen adaptation, and was much admired by Bridget in the book), and before you know it Bridget is up to her big pants in generational complications. Into the bargain her nice dad (played by Jim Broadbent) is left by Bridget's flighty mother for a pompadoured TV presenter. There is plenty of evidence that the film did somersaults in the editing suite. Following Helen Fielding's book - a fictitious diary that began as a newspaper column - it starts off with the journal technique, lots of voice-over, and words appearing at the bottom of the screen. But it soon loses that, and becomes a technically standard account of sex and the single girl. There are several first-class laughs, and Hugh Grant sends himself up fantastically, filling out the role of Cleaver with an improvisational lippyness, a self-conscious buffoonery, that is brilliantly sustained. Zellweger is equally good. She has a terrific face, freshly un-Hollywood, a well-grasped English accent, and she spins from embarrassment to shamelessness to jollity with no bother at all. To bring up the British film industry in a discussion of this film might be a bit like taking a flame-thrower to kill a fly, but the frothiness of Bridget Jones can't just be laughed away, not when the success of these Curtis films becomes the fact against which so many other British films are measured. It's not Bridget Jones's fault, necessarily, nor Richard Curtis's, but the fact that so much American money went into this film must be considered if the thing is up for intelligent discussion at all. I remarked the other week on the way"}, {"response": 1117, "author": "Moon", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (20:59)", "body": "Marianne, who is that supposed to be in the Prime Time interview, Huge? Gross! BJD's CF would be on Rosie on Monday That means he will be traveling on Easter Sunday--bad Catholic! ;-) Of course, Luca will be babtised soon. Too bad I don't plan on Umbria this summer. explaining that the scene in which BJ is sliding down a firepole, panty-hose clad butt in close-up to the audience, is being cut in US, We saw that scene in LA! I can't believe they are still cutting the film. Thanks for all the articles, ladies."}, {"response": 1118, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (21:10)", "body": "anyone who says that Bridget Jones's Diary is a straightforwardly good film is not telling the truth. Is he calling me a liar? Moon, they are not cutting any more scenes."}, {"response": 1119, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (21:25)", "body": "Think we need yet another post reassuring one and all that the firepole butt shot is indeed *in* the film?;-) Yes, that's the charming Gnat quoted; he's on Prime Time at 10:00 p.m. I think RZ is on Conan O'Brian tonight."}, {"response": 1120, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (21:58)", "body": "Just to be redundant: the networks would not accept *commercials* with the firepole/butt scenes...no problem with the movie. Heck...even shallow, ignorant Americans will accept that scene in a movie. Of course, we will blush about all the bad language-we may be dumb, but we're sensitive ;-) Sure hope the DVD has *both* versions of the end/credits. May feel v. deprived if not allowed to see all possible alternatives. Hmmmm...may have to go to London later in the year to see a play about a \"great\" dane...perhaps could rent BJD by then. :-)"}, {"response": 1121, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (22:08)", "body": "From the Today/MSNBC web site: http://msnbc.com/onair/default.asp MONDAY, APRIL 16 - 7:00 AM ET Actor Colin Firth A look at Charlotte Church\ufffds new book, \ufffdVoice of an Angel.\ufffd \ufffdToday\ufffds Woman\ufffd with Judy Reichman. A look at Valerie Harper\ufffds book, \ufffdToday I am a Ma\ufffdam.\ufffd \ufffdToday\ufffds Family\ufffd and \ufffdParents\ufffd magazine team up to talk about a five-part series on what makes a great parent. Actor Colin Firth talks about his role in the movie, \ufffdBridget Jones\ufffd Diary.\ufffd Author Malika Oufkir with her book, \ufffdStolen Lives.\ufffd Yeah, right! At least he is prominently \"displayed\"."}, {"response": 1122, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (23:35)", "body": "Attaboy, Colin. If little Charlotte Church can do it . . . *Won't believe it until I see it* Think is cruel bait and switch scam in manner of mail informing me that You Have Just Won $1,000,000.00 (in type size generally reserved for declarations of war or dissolution of Cruise/Kidman marriage), while word \"may\" after You is in small gnat (as opposed to huge) print.;-) V.g. review in the NY Times; it's not online yet. BTW, I misspoke (miswrote?;-) before; Huge is on Regis & Kelly domani, Rz on The View and Conan tonight."}, {"response": 1123, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (23:43)", "body": "Whatever happened to the Telegraph's feature where you sent in questions for Bridget and they were going to publish them the following month? Another article in EW about RZ facing the wrath of British critics: http://www.ew.com/ew/report/0,6115,106030~1~0~reneezellwegerfaceswrath,00.html The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw has a very bizarre review. Good thing no one reads your broadsheets. The screen Bridget may be good knockabout fun, but it lacks the devastating insights of the original, says Peter Bradshaw Well, here it is. The film of the book of the newspaper column of the deeply important single-women-in-their-30s zeitgeisty phenomenon. Or, to use Friends parlance, The One Where Bridget Gets Anal Sex From Hugh Grant and Likes It and Wants to Do It Again. I am not making that last bit up. It might happen off camera, but it's one of the film's raunchier, chancier, more grubbily English things, superciliously ignored in the acres of consumer-style journalism devoted to all things Bridget in the past few weeks. Sharon Maguire's broadly enjoyable, knockabout, sitcommy picture takes the sophisticated creation of Helen Fielding and - well, doesn't dumb it down exactly, but transfers it to a medium in which much of her distinctive qualities are inevitably lost. What we've got isn't so much postmodern Pride and Prejudice as pre-modern Mills and Boon. Bridget, the screwed-up publishing assistant, played by the Texan Ren\ufffde Zellweger, is torn between the adorably sexy cad Daniel, played by Hugh Grant, and the sullen but morally superior human rights barrister Mark Darcy - or perhaps that should be plain Mr Darcy, played by Colin Firth. Who should she choose? (The answer, frankly, is Hugh, who blows everyone else off the screen with a cracking performance as the naughtier-than-thou heartbreaker. Of this, more in a moment.) We all know how Bridget Jones has been the template for the jokey single-gal confessionalists in fact and fiction. How Bridget famously spawned a billion imitators in books and newspapers, who get daringly drunk and are \"rubbish\" and \"sad\" about men and everything else. But really we know that they are in control by virtue of writing it up themselves, very wittily, and having a prestigious columnist job. Putting their great ancestor Bridge on the screen, however, abolishes this contract of understanding between writer and reader. When we see Bridget drink her bodyweight in chardonnay, fall over, get up and make a funny face, it isn't being filtered through her own prose. In print, we were laughing with Bridget. On screen, well... The awful truth about this film is that it makes Bridget look like the world's biggest prat, and an egregious emotional imbecile. And the camera's glimpses of her own diary disclose not the devastatingly acute document we have come to know and love, but crass, sub-Adrian Mole, semi-literate jottings with big girly handwriting. So Bridget has to be reimagined as a lovable, infantile clown - but once this leap has been made, Ren\ufffde Zellweger's impersonation of Bridget is entertaining. She has an excellent English accent, the best since Gwyneth Paltrow's Emma. And her Jake La Motta-ish weight-gain is a thing of joy. Her cheeks have become plump, hamster-ish, pushing her mouth into a continuous, unsexy pout of anxiety and self-reproach. Her thighs are massively dimpled and her great bottom is as stately as a sinking galleon, and it's always in our face, particularly when Bridget wears a bulging Playboy bunny outfit to her mother's vicars and tarts party. It is a quintessentially English bottom which should by rights be encased in an unflattering netball skirt. We don't get much about her mates, Shazzer and Jude - a bit of a waste of two first-class actors, Shirley Henderson and Sally Phillips (much of their stuff was presumably lost in the edit). Colin Firth reprises his smouldering act as Mr Darcy, although oddly it's Hugh who gets dripping wet this time, drunkenly falling out of the rowing boat he and Bridget have hired on a romantic weekend break. The big comic set-piece comes when Daniel and Darcy, consumed with mutual loathing, have a punch-up out in the street, and Bridget's gay friend Tom (James Callis) blunders into a restaurant queenily to announce the exciting fact: \"Fight! Fight!\" As I have said, any red-blooded member of the audience will be longing for Hugh to win it. [Ed note: HUH???] He is effortlessly the best thing in the film. His Daniel is, as they say, Not Safe In Taxis or anywhere else. There is nothing floppy or limp about his hair here; it is flowing and Byronically sensual. Daniel is mad, bad, dangerous and extremely funny to know. And he's much more interesting than dull old Darcy or indeed silly old Bridget. What a pair they are. A stuffy bore and an emotionally needy, not-very-talented person whose one professional success, as a television presenter, is the gift of Darcy in the first place. Richard Curtis's London, swirling with picturesque snow, is tha"}, {"response": 1124, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (23:44)", "body": "This is one they'll be quoting in the ads! From Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune. Doesn't get much better than this. Thanks to Janet. Bridget Jones's Diary amuses almost as much in movie form as it did between book covers.The film kept me smiling all the way through. And it's about time. Good romantic comedies with charming characters and witty dialogue -- especially in the hands of masters like Ernst Lubitsch, George Cukor or, more recently, Woody Allen -- have always been among the movies' chief delights. They sizzle and refresh. But recent romantic comedies have tended to fizzle on screen. The Wedding Planner, Someone Like You and What Women Want came across as overcalculated pseudo-comedies -- curdled valentines. Bridget Jones's Diary is an exception. It's a chronicle of the romantic misadventures of a brainy young publishing-house publicist in her early 30s whose love life and family have become disasters. Based on Helen Fielding's incredibly popular book, it's chock-full of delights. Among them: the brilliant acting of stars Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant; the effervescent dialogues and crackling monologues; the empathetic and limber direction by first-timer Sharon Maguire; the clever in-jokes and ribald ripostes; and the way the whole movie seems to gleam and dance as you watch it. Zellweger is an actor of such pixie charm yet deep humanity that she defies category. How can this milky-complexioned Texan play a role considered so quintessentially British that much of the British Isles' female populace seems to identify with it? How can they accept Texan Zellweger as Bridget? How can we?Well, how did we all accept Britain's Vivien Leigh as that ultimate Southern belle, Scarlett O'Hara? While I found her clipped London accent and fruity diction strange for the first few scenes (wondering where her drawl disappeared to), I soon completely accepted her. Zellweger may have learned Bridget's accent from a diction coach. But the brains, warmth, earthy charm, sympathy, goodness and sturdiness are her own. And they definitely work for Bridget. Who is Bridget? Obviously, she's a surrogate for writer Fielding. But Bridget struck a chord with so many readers because of her universal predicament: Thirtyish, likable, fairly successful in life (Fielding herself worked in TV documentaries), Bridget is deeply discontent because she is without a partner. She blames herself, obsesses about food, makes lists, breaks resolutions. She has a deep crush on her publisher boss, Daniel Cleaver (Grant), a twinkly guy who's a bit of a rake. Another man, Mark Darcy (Firth), seems unavailable -- guarded by a possessive girlfriend, Natasha (Embeth Davidtz).There are other crises in her life. Her mom (Gemma Jones) has left her dad (Jim Broadbent) and fallen for a shopping-channel huckster with phony-looking hair. So her dad quietly suffers, watching the shopping channel. To combat all this, Bridget welcomes her friends (Sally Phillips, Shirley Henderson and James Callis), who always try to cheer her up. Or, she opens her diary and writes about life, sex, food, money, family and almost everything else. What helps make the movie work so well is the way Bridget's voice dominates it. Diary echoes with her slants, laughter and whines. As with Woody Allen, that recognizable voice draws us in, and we feel strongly for our imperfect narrator.As in many romantic comedies, the heroine is torn between two men: the dark, solid and mysterious Darcy; and Cleaver, Bridget's irresponsible Casanova boss. Firth gives Darcy a wounded grace. And Grant gives Cleaver all his finesse. Usually, Grant plays the good lover; here, he's just as effective playing the bad. And the Zellweger-Firth-Grant triangle works as irresistibly as Hepburn-Grant-Stewart in The Philadelphia Story. The rest of the cast is fine, too, especially Broadbent as the hurt dad. (There's also a wonderful cameo at a publishing party from novelist Salman Rushdie.) Director Maguire may be a first-time dramatic feature-maker. But she is deeply versed in film: She has directed many documentaries for British television on subjects like Picasso, Margaret Thatcher and H.G. Wells. Though her touch is never intrusive, we can always feel her hand and voice: urbane, sophisticated, strongly involved with her characters.The links between the moviemakers and the book are fascinating. Writer and executive producer Fielding is, of course, the inspiration for much of Bridget. But director Maguire is the model for Bridget's best friend, Shazza (Phillips). Co-writer Richard Curtis, who has written several hits for Grant (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill) in which Grant plays a version of Curtis himself, here has written a part nearer Grant's own personality -- at least according to Grant. Firth is playing a character named Darcy, the story's quiet hero, much like the Darcy in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. And that's a role that Firth also has played on screen -- just as Grant "}, {"response": 1125, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (23:57)", "body": "Woo woo!! Wilmington comes through (will buy paper tomorrow). Sun-Times hasn't changed over to Friday yet."}, {"response": 1126, "author": "Ann", "date": "Thu, Apr 12, 2001 (23:59)", "body": "http://startribune.com/viewers/qview/cgi/qview.cgi?template=free_article&slug=bri13 Bridget Jones's Diary Jeff Strickler [Minneapolis] Star Tribune Friday, April 13, 2001 'Bridget Jones's Diary'' isn't pretty -- but that's the point. This romantic comedy about an overweight, chain-smoking, heavy drinker who's chronically attracted to jerks is offered as a counterpoint to all the fairy tales about the beautiful people. Adapted from the bestselling novel by Helen Fielding, who helped write the screenplay, it alters some of the book's content -- why do filmmakers have a knee-jerk instinct to change endings? -- but remains faithful to its spirit. It's a chick flick, but the humor is loopy enough to keep guys entertained. Credit Renee Zellweger for that. She has said former boyfriend Jim Carrey taught her a sense of comic timing. It appears that the star of such goofball comedies as \"Dumb and Dumber\" and \"Ace Ventura\" also taught her the value of checking her ego at the soundstage door. Zellweger isn't playing the kind of buffoon that made Carrey a millionaire. But she certainly is cashing in on her own embarrassment. Zellweger, who gained 20 pounds for the role, freely lets the film make fun of her appearance, manners and naivete. Bridget is a frumpy London publicist who ends up spending yet another dateless New Year's Eve with her parents. Convinced that if she doesn't take drastic action, she's \"doomed to die fat and alone,\" she resolves to turn her life around: She'll lose weight, quit smoking, cut down on the drinking, stop dating losers and keep a diary to record the glorious accomplishments. The only commitment she manages to keep is the diary. Shared with us via voice-over narration, the journal chronicles each painful setback. BAD BOY The most obvious concerns her love life. Her lecherous boss, Daniel (Hugh Grant), puts a move on her. He's a cad through and through, and she knows it. But she's helpless in his presence. Bridget finally meets a nice guy, Mark (Colin Firth, \"Shakespeare in Love\"). But he's, well, dull. Therein lies the dilemma: Does she opt for the romantic equivalent of a double-chocolate brownie a la mode -- certain to be regretted later but oh, so delightful at the time -- or go with Cupid's version of a rice cake? The announcement that Zellweger had snagged the movie's starring role did not go over well in England, where they resented an American being imported to play the quintessential British Everywoman. But Zellweger -- whose serious work in such independent films as \"The Whole Wide World\" has been overshadowed by her fluffy performances in the likes of \"Jerry Maguire\" -- nails the accent. All the roles are wonderfully drawn. Grant, who too often plays the same befuddled character, attacks his bad-boy part with zeal. Firth's comic touch is delicately understated. Bridget's parents, who could have become simplistic stereotypes, are given depth by veterans Jim Broadbent and Gemma Jones. This is the first feature film for director Sharon Maguire, who spent 10 years working for the BBC. The narrative is episodic -- an inescapable shortcoming of the diary format -- but Maguire more than compensates with a lightweight tone and snappy pacing. Still, it's Zellweger's unselfishness that sells the movie. How many other young actresses would be willing to let a movie make fun of their fat thighs? She turns \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" into something to write home about. *** out of four stars The setup: A lovelorn woman has to choose between an exciting cad and decent but dull guy. What works: The performances are topnotch. What doesn't: The narrative is episodic. Great line: \"She smokes like a chimney, drinks like a fish and dresses like her mother.\" Rating: R; profanity, sexual situations and raunchy humor."}, {"response": 1127, "author": "Ann", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (00:01)", "body": "Cupid's version of a rice cake I think that's an all-time first as a description of CF!"}, {"response": 1128, "author": "Ann", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (00:06)", "body": "http://www2.onwisconsin.com/scripts/staticpage.dll?only=y&spage=AE/movies/movies_details.htm&id=29616&ck=&ver=2.8 Duane Dudek Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 2 1/2 stars of 5 Published: April 13, 2001 Like its protagonist and the actress who plays her, \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" is short, sweet and a little incomplete. The movie is shaggily likable but doesn't convey whatever intangible turned the character into a chubby cult figure. Why British novels like the \"Harry Potter\" and \"Bridget Jones\" books become cultural phenomena beyond the printed page is left unanswered, probably because the filmmakers don't know the answer either. The result is an amusing ramble of a film that is driven more by plot than character, and which finds humor in the awkward situations it places its heroine in rather than who she is. Like the film \"High Fidelity,\" which transferred a popular novel about a neurotic, single male thirtysomething from London to Chicago yet retained its arch qualities, \"Bridget Jones\" suffers from a sense of dislocation that is a product of similar and clashing sensibilities. Screenwriter Richard Curtis, who wrote the successful and entertaining films \"Four Weddings and a Funeral\" and \"Notting Hill,\" and first-time feature director Sharon Maguire, are friends of the book's author, Helen Fielding, who co-wrote the screenplay. Fielding even based a journalist character in the book on Maguire. Perhaps this intimacy caused them to unconsciously turn something extremely familiar to them into a shorthand that shuts out others. On the other hand, casting Texas native Renee Zellweger as the quintessential single neurotic thirtysomething Londoner signals an attempt to open up the film into something the slim volume cannot sustain. Like the film's protagonist, the scrappy Zellweger jumps gamely into the fray knickers first. The conundrum is that, while the book's popularity is due to its universal themes, it is its specificity that makes it universal. In expanding the universal elements to broaden the story's appeal, the filmmakers tend to dilute whatever specifics made it unique in the first place. Yet like the remake of Eric Carmen's classic maudlin anthem \"All By Myself,\" which a tipsy, pajama-wearing Bridget pantomimes in the opening scene, the film's limitations may only be apparent to those who are familiar with the original. Since the diary entries - in which Bridget chronicles her weight gain, cigarettes smoked, alcohol units consumed and pathetic love life - is a novelistic device, the filmmakers barely refer to it and use narration in an attempt to achieve the same effect. But the entries communicate her compulsions in ways that supplement her comic desperation. When the film tries to achieve the latter without the diary's interior voice, the result is simply just funny rather than poignant. (And you do laugh at the wry audacity of having writer Salman Rushdie, who appears in a party scene, being asked for directions to the loo, twice.) Hugh Grant is the shagalicious boss she knows better than to trust yet does anyway. How Grant, whose past \"troubles\" do not have anything to do with Northern Ireland, has become the foppish British Everyman is perplexing. Here he is grimly insufferable, as required, and the effect is frankly unsettling rather than sexy. Colin Firth is a glum barrister named after the Jane Austen character he played in \"Pride and Prejudice,\" who dislikes Bridget as much as she dislikes him, which, of course, is every fairy tale's prelude to living happily ever after. Other delicious characters, such as Bridget's parents, wonderfully played by Gemma Jones and Jim Broadbent, are underdeveloped. Too, transitions in the character's lives, such as Bridget's career crisis, are abruptly portrayed and affect the film's pace and continuity. Such are the pitfalls of a debut director handling material whose appeal is a mystery in the first place."}, {"response": 1129, "author": "Ann", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (00:12)", "body": "http://ent.twincities.com/scripts/staticpage.dll?only=y&spage=AE/movies/movies_details.htm&id=29616&ck=&ver=2.8 Sentimental Journals By Chris Hewitt Saint Paul Pioneer Press Published: Thursday, April 12, 2001 Bridget Jones' mouth has two left feet. 3 stars out of 4 \"You tend to let out whatever's in your mouth without much thought to the consequences,\" a potential suitor tells her in \"Bridget Jones's Diary.\" That is the appeal of Bridget, a Londoner who blabs to us like a best friend about her obsessive quest to do less smoking, drinking and eating and more smooching. Bridget's mouth is also her downfall, especially when it has recently been occupied by an entire bottle of Chardonnay. \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" preserves the boisterous, ironic, slightly sentimental spirit of Helen Fielding's novel despite the inevitable changes it makes. Bridget's friends are barely in the movie, even though it was directed by Sharon Maguire, who is Fielding's real-life best friend and the model for the character of Shazzer. Apparently, they were cut in favor of Bridget's parents, whose troubled marriage gives \"Diary\" a few serious moments, interspersed between Bridget's guzzling, puffing and juggling of two men (priggish Colin Firth and duplicitous Hugh Grant). In its basics, \"Diary\" is pretty much the same story as TV's \"That Girl,\" with different vowels and liberal use of the f-word. The hiring of native Texan Renee Zellweger touched off controversy in England, but her accent sounds terrific to these Midwestern ears. Zellweger seems both more authoritative and more screwed up than in her other performances. That's perfect for the film, which represents Bridget's efforts to reconcile her own confidence in herself with her belief that the world thinks she's a loser. There's plenty of Bridget Jones in \"Bridget Jones's Diary,\" but not much diary. Bridget's day-by-day log of the cigarettes, glasses of wine and cupcakes she consumed was a hilarious part of the novel, but the movie wisely resists the temptation to translate all of that stuff into voice-over narration. Here, we get the idea early on (wittily, Bridget's diary entries taunt her from the billboard she walks by in Picadilly Square), and then the movie forgets about the diary until it's needed for a plot point. That plot point -- the wrong person gets his hands on Bridget's journal -- is the sort of hokey storytelling device that crops up in most romantic comedies. But \"Bridget\" distinguishes itself from the pack because the woman is the engine who powers the movie -- the heroine gets to make up her mind about what she wants, instead of being the rope in a tug-of-war between two chiseled jaws (in fact, when \"Bridget\" does get to the obligatory Firth/Grant punching match, it's depicted for what it is: ridiculous macho posturing). Another characteristic of current romantic comedies is an Agatha Christie-like insistence on withholding information from us. Even in the likable \"Someone Like You,\" the movie is so concerned about keeping us in suspense about which man Ashley Judd will choose that it makes both men look like jerks, so that neither seems to have an edge on the other. As a result, when she finally picks one, we're not sure why. \"Diary,\" on the other hand, manages to show what's appealing about both guys and, by the time Bridget figures out what she wants, her choice makes as much sense to us as if we'd been reading her diary all along."}, {"response": 1130, "author": "Ann", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (00:16)", "body": "http://ent.twincities.com/scripts/staticpage.dll?reviewid=164237&only=y&spage=AE/movies/movies_details.htm&id=29616&ck=&ver=2.8&userid=1&userpw=.&uh=1,0 , A sweet, feisty 'Bridget' By Mary F. Pols Contra Costa Times Published: Wednesday, April 11, 2001 3.5 of 4 stars Any fan of Helen Fielding's best seller \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" knew that elfin actress Ren\ufffde Zellweger would have to beef up to play the part of Bridget, a romantically challenged hedonist prone to late-night chocolate snacks and no sense of due diligence when it comes to exercise. Despite all the tales of Zellweger's enforced bingeing on milkshakes and pizzas in preparation for the role, it was hard not to be both resentful and skeptical. For Bridget, an extra roll or two around the stomach comes naturally, and achieving it was merely a matter of existing; it certainly didn't involve work. But from the opening frames of the movie version of \"Bridget Jones's Diary,\" when Zellweger's genuinely puffy face first heaves into sight atop a pair of slovenly pajamas, all that skepticism is likely to vanish. Oh, she's not fat at all, but then again, Bridget wasn't, either. She's just not thin in the way that, say, Zellweger typically is. She's fleshy, with most of the weight distributed between her breasts and her face. Her clothes never fit her quite right, and she has a habit of wearing inappropriately sexy or ill-fitting garments to her job at a London publishing house. There's even a glorious glimpse of cellulite on her thighs. Males welcome Zellweger's complete physical transformation into Bridget is just one of the pleasantly surprising ways in which Fielding's book has been translated into an extremely entertaining movie. The book's bawdy, hilarious sensibility is very much intact - there's heavy use of the F-word, as well as alcohol-swilling and smoking - but it's also been broadened into something that might actually appeal to a wider spectrum than its original, largely female demographic. A man who picked up the book might have felt as if he'd stumbled in on a conversation about bikini waxing, but he probably won't feel as excluded by the movie. This may be because Zellweger conveys an interesting blend of sweetness and feistiness, but none of Bridget's more bitter, off-putting (to some) qualities. Much of the success may also be owed to Fielding's early collaboration on the script, and the fact that Fielding's friend Sharon Maguire, a documentary filmmaker making her debut as a feature director, was the model for the character of Bridget's friend Shazzer. Clearly, the director knows the material. The book was unabashedly shallow. Each of Bridget's diary entries began with a litany of her sins: alcohol consumption, cigarettes smoked, weight gained or lost, poor judgment used in making phone calls to men. Bridget's distinct lack of self-esteem and her deep need for validation through male companionship appalled some of the more uptight feminists out there, who expressed both dismay and disbelief that women would still operate on this level. To which many would say, oh please. Yes, there are women out there who don't worry about never finding love, who have relaxed, have completely nonjudgmental attitudes about their own self-image and manage to entirely dodge the shallow cycle of need perpetuated by fashion magazines and such. Would you want to have a spa day with any of them? Regardless, the movie doesn't dwell on the diary as a construct, beyond an occasional scene of Zellweger scribbling. At one point, after Bridget has enjoyed a night of frolicking with her raffish boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), she's seen walking through the streets of London, with a big grin on her face, and a giant electronic billboard on a building flashes a quick diary entry. Maguire is smart enough to only use this too-cute technique once. Zellweger's Bridget gives enough away with her face and actions; she doesn't need this kind of assistance. Firth comes forth Also understandably absent is one of the book's assets, the way Bridget's life parallels \"Pride and Prejudice,\" including the fact that her love interest is a rather stiff but dashing lawyer named Mr. Darcy, whom her mother (the outstanding Gemma Jones, who played the mother in Emma Thompson's \"Sense and Sensibility\") wants her to date. Fielding's Bridget lusted after actor Colin Firth, who portrayed Mr. Darcy in the BBC's much-loved adaptation of Austen's novel, but since Firth plays Mark Darcy in the movie - in an absolutely inspired bit of casting - Zellweger's character could hardly talk about how hot the actor Firth is. Although if she did, she would be speaking the truth. As Mark Darcy, Firth is exquisitely haughty. None of the casting can be faulted, actually. Grant, after years of simpering and stammering, is finally playing a complete cad, the attractive office scoundrel who can't be trusted, and it's a perfect part for him. The trio who play Bridget's chain-smoking, hard-drinking best friends Sh"}, {"response": 1131, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (00:17)", "body": "The NY Times is up: http://www.nytimes.com/2001/04/13/arts/13BRID.html 'Bridget Jones's Diary': 120 Pounds and 1,000,000 Cigarettes Later By STEPHEN HOLDEN So what if you've put on a few extra pounds, appear gawky and tongue-tied in tense social situations, and wear bulky, little-girl underwear on a heavy date? And so what if you don't follow \"The Rules\" and still give your heart too easily to a suave charmer you suspect (no, you're pretty sure) of being a cad? What's important is being yourself. After all, isn't it the real you, the quirky, quick-witted, honest, plucky, chin-up, lovable, wonderful inner you that he's going to recognize as the genuine ruby shining amid a pile of fakes? Allegiance to blind faith in the true-blue inner you to attract Prince Charming is the reassuring romantic philosophy trumpeted by the film adaptation of Helen Fielding's best seller, \"Bridget Jones's Diary.\" That wisp of novel is so charming with its mixture of insouciance, wit and candor that it's enough to restore a belief in fairy tale endings to the most embittered casualty of the urban dating wars. True, Billy Joel expressed the same sentiment a bit more bluntly in a love song addressed to a woman he has long since divorced: \"I love you just the way you are.\" But the song and its promise live on. Who could resist such convincing valentines? Bridget Jones, in case you didn't know, is a 32-year-old bachelorette who works in a London publishing house and frets with sad amusement about her increasingly iffy prospects for finding a long-term relationship. Summoning up her shaky willpower, she decides to adopt the usual self-improvement regimen to make herself more desirable. She will lose 20 pounds, cut own on alcohol, cigarettes and sweets, and land the boat of her dreams. Her diary entries are prefaced with meticulous records of her progress (and lack thereof) in achieving her stringent numerical goals. What makes Bridget irresistible is that even when downhearted, she maintains a rueful sense of humor. Defeated by her immediate circumstances and gone into hiding, she remains intrepid in spirit. A woman who loves men and loves sex, she is a true believer in the possibility of romantic fulfillment without any moon-June-spoon ickiness: it's just you and me, babe, the real you and the real me. Openhearted and girlish in some ways, canny and sophisticated in others, Bridget's entertaining even when in the deepest funk. Most important, everything she thinks and says is informed by a critical, clear-eyed intelligence, even if she botches the actual words. Yet having soldiered through romantic diappointments, she remains remarkably uncurdled by bitterness and cynicism. Aside from her highly questionable taste in clothes and her inability to cook a multi-course home feast in which the soup isn't an alarmingly metallic shade of blue, what's not to adore? In translating \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" to the screen, all that really matters is bringing this complicated, somewhat reactionary character fully and lovably to life. In choosing the princess to play this princess, who could have imagined that Ren\ufffde Zellweger, a native Texan, who put on 20 pounds for the role, would be so perfect? Adopting an impeccable British accent that's not too hoity- toity, and softening her character's romantic desperation, Ms. Zellweger brings the same qualities \ufffd a flinty integrity, a childlike stubbornness and an innocent face across which emotions melt like strawberry ice cream \ufffd that animated her performances in \"Jerry Maguire\" and \"Nurse Betty.\" But this role is bigger and richer than those parts. Ms. Zellweger accomplishes the small miracle of making Bridget both entirely endearing and utterly real. It is a performance so airy you barely sense the work that must have gone into it. Throughout the film you ardently root for her to succeed and pray that the two men who end up coming to blows over her (in an improbable and awkwardly staged fistfight) recognize her goodness, inner beauty and all-around specialness. Those two men are her snaky but sexy boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), and Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), a grim young lawyer (and early childhood playmate) introduced to her by her dithery matchmaking mother (Gemma Jones). Although Bridget herself is no fashion plate, Darcy makes a disastrous first impression by wearing a silly looking reindeer sweater. A glib, elusive womanizer, Daniel elicits the same hooded-eyed Mephistopholean slipperiness in Mr. Grant that Woody Allen discovered and used so effectively in \"Small-Time Crooks.\" By lowering his eyelids and adopting a faintly supercilious tone of voice, Mr. Grant expertly adjusts his stock screen persona from the ingenuous, girly-boy stumblebum of movies like \"Notting Hill\" into a duplicitous, testosterone-driven lothario. The joke behind Mr. Firth's Darcy is that the same actor played a version of a similar character, Mr. Darcy, in a television mini-series of \"Pride and Prejudice.\" Here again, Mr."}, {"response": 1132, "author": "Ann", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (00:20)", "body": "http://ent.twincities.com/scripts/staticpage.dll?reviewid=164234&only=y&spage=AE/movies/movies_details.htm&id=29616&ck=&ver=2.8&userid=1&userpw=.&uh=1,0 , Diary of a Mad Singleton By Bruce Newman Mercury News Published: Wednesday, April 11, 2001 3 stars of 4 ...Darcy is played by Colin Firth, who not only was mentioned for his yummy looks in Fielding's book but who played Mr. Darcy in the 1995 BBC production of ``Pride and Prejudice.'' This Darcy, therefore, is based on the Austen character and on the actor who played him, and is played by the actor who played the Austen character upon whom his own character is based..."}, {"response": 1133, "author": "Ann", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (00:31)", "body": "The award for most Austen references in one review goes to... http://ent.twincities.com/scripts/staticpage.dll?reviewid=164262&only=y&spage=AE/movies/movies_details.htm&id=29616&ck=&ver=2.8&userid=1&userpw=.&uh=1,0 , A dear 'Diary' buoyed by an un-British Bridget By Carrie Rickey Philadelphia Inquirer Published: Friday, April 13, 2001 3 stars out of 4 London''s most amusing slinging single, that knockabout imbiber of alcohol, cigarettes and men, is made flesh, 130 weight-obsessed pounds of it, by Ren\ufffde Zellweger in \"Bridget Jones''s Diary.\" It is as adorable and predictable a film as the Helen Fielding best-seller that inspired it. The movie, like the novel, traces its DNA to Jane Austen''s \"Pride and Prejudice.\" To make it fit the rhyme scheme of a romantic comedy, its screenwriters - Fielding herself, Richard Curtis (\"Four Weddings and a Funeral\"), and the BBC''s veteran Austen adapter Andrew Davies - have imposed rhythms ineluctable as those of a limerick. This need not be so, as \"Clueless\" - a loveletter to Austen''s \"Emma\" postmarked Beverly Hills 90210 - nimbly showed. But it is so, and however unsurprising its surprises - the dashing man (Hugh Grant) is a cad and the sneering snob (Colin Firth) a dear - it is enjoyable to clock Austen''s insight about the swiftness of the female imagination, racing from blush to crush, love to matrimony in a heartbeat. You would think that Zellweger was closer to Austin, Texas, than to Austen, Jane, but you would be wrong. As the embodiment of the present-tense-imperfect modern career gal, she is present, tense and perfection. The ebullient Texan nails the English accent and self-deprecating attitude. And it''s not just the English she masters, but also the body English. Even when her gestures are irrepressibly, irresistibly, irretrievably American - her corkscrew of curls tangled up in her semaphore of arms - she doesn''t blow her bangs from her eyes (an American gesture of exasperation patented by Goldie Hawn and Meg Ryan), but struggles to recover a cockeyed composure, a \"veddy English\" Maggie Smith kind of dance. While Zellweger does her utmost to distill the book''s droll tone in the ding-dong of her voice-over narration, this proves a challenge for director Sharon Maguire (a documentarian and Fielding crony making her feature debut here). Bridget''s first-person account invites the reader to laugh with her. The movie camera is not subjective and necessarily sees from perspectives other than Bridget''s. The shift in vantage inadvertently encourages the audience to laugh at Bridget - her ungainly getups and her stammering soliloquies. While the novel involved the reader in Bridget''s tiny, face-saving self-deceits, the film magnifies these into huge, narcissistic self-delusions, which renders her a less sympathetic figure. The book made readers her confidants; the movie makes viewers her critics. I mentioned huge. There has been much talk about the whippet-like Zellweger''s bulking up 20 pounds to play the calorie-counting heroine. While it''s a pathetic commentary on Hollywood wraithdom that she had to gain to be on the slim side of average weight, it must be said that since most actresses are hardbodied size 4s, it''s novel to see a softfigured size 8 on-screen, even though she''s still easily 10 pounds shy of Bridget''s fighting weight. The bad news is that the screenwriters have reconfigured Bridget''s freewheeling narrative into a conventional love triangle. The good news is that the happy result includes a wickedly funny performance by Grant, oozing charm and toxic effluences, and an aloofly earnest turn by Firth, which should do for his career what \"Four Weddings\" did for Grant''s. Firth''s casting is something of an inside (or do we say intertextual?) joke. He played Darcy in the well-received BBC adaptation of \"Pride and Prejudice,\" a performance much commented upon and drooled over by Bridget in this \"P&P\" update. Thus Firth makes an ideal Mark Darcy, the barrister Bridget thinks too square and judgmental for her eccentric, kicky tastes. Janeites, as Austenians call themselves, will also note that while Firth''s BBC Darcy was something of a bare-chested hero out of a pulp romance novel, his performance here pays explicit homage to Laurence Olivier''s Darcy in the 1940 MGM version of \"P&P.\" Dreamy. So what we have here are three hilarious performances embedded in a humdrum context, which is more than one can say about most romantic comedies."}, {"response": 1134, "author": "Ann", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (00:35)", "body": "Actress adds heft to 'Bridget Jones's Diary' By Connie Ogle The Miami Herald Published: Friday, April 13, 2001 2.5 of 5 stars ...She's sick of her mum's attempts to fix her up, especially after meeting Mark Darcy (Colin Firth, probably stunned to find himself playing Mr. Darcy a second time), an aloof barrister with appalling taste in sweaters and a way of staring at Bridget like she's got two heads. He also seems to run into her whenever she's embarrassing herself. This happens a lot\ufffd. \ufffdStill, the cast could not be better. That the handsome Firth (Shakespeare in Love, The English Patient) reprises his role as Mr. Darcy may be the single most hilarious joke in the movie (he played Darcy in A & E's Pride and Prejudice and shows up as himself on the pages of Fielding's Bridget Jones sequel)..."}, {"response": 1135, "author": "Ann", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (00:38)", "body": "This guy's obviously never read P&P, since he calls Darcy \"D'Arcy\": http://ent.twincities.com/scripts/staticpage.dll?reviewid=164247&only=y&spage=AE/movies/movies_details.htm&id=29616&ck=&ver=2.8&userid=1&userpw=.&uh=1,0 , \"Bridget Jones\" won't challenge you, but does have a sugary charm By Lawrence Toppman The Charlotte Observer Published: 4/12/01 2.5 of 5 stars ...Firth's character, bizarrely, is an imaginary version of himself. Fielding watched the BBC \"Pride and Prejudice,\" an adaptation of Jane Austen's novel with Firth as Mr. D'Arcy. Then she tried to guess what the actor would be like in real life and gave her Darcy those attributes. So in \"Bridget,\" Firth is supposed to play Firth. He's OK at it."}, {"response": 1136, "author": "Ann", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (00:41)", "body": "http://ent.twincities.com/scripts/staticpage.dll?reviewid=164288&only=y&spage=AE/movies/movies_details.htm&id=29616&ck=&ver=2.8&userid=1&userpw=.&uh=1,0 , Fat chance: Renee Zellweger doesn't convince in dull \"Diary\" By Terry Lawson Detroit Free Press Published: 4/13/01 2 of 5 stars ...All the actors struggle gamely to make this look like fun, but except for a couple of Bridget's more amusing humiliations -- she shows up in bunny ears and fishnets for a costume party that isn't, and accidentally shows her \"enormous\" bum on national television -- there is not much they can do with such soggy material...."}, {"response": 1137, "author": "Ann", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (00:44)", "body": "Last one! Bad one to end on though: http://ent.twincities.com/scripts/staticpage.dll?reviewid=164261&only=y&spage=AE/movies/movies_details.htm&id=29616&ck=&ver=2.8&userid=1&userpw=.&uh=1,0 , Weighing in on Bridget's charms By Sono Motoyama Philadelphia Daily News Published: Friday, April 13, 2001 ...The only dud among the main characters is the dark and stand-offish Darcy (reference to the Jane Austen character intended), played by Colin Firth (who portrayed a come-hither Darcy in a BBC version of Austen's \"Pride and Prejudice\"). The character is so unpleasant and --worse--dull that we can't understand why a lovable incompetent like Bridget would think he was her Mr. Right. (There's also little chemistry between the two actors.)..."}, {"response": 1138, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (03:03)", "body": "Hmmm..reading the British reviews, all pro-Hugh, makes me realise why CF hesitated. Come along Colin, reprise the role that made you famous, but hey, let's get rid of the original script amd make it into a vehicle for Hughie boy(who's so-o-o sexy and irresistible and gets all the funny lines and gets to wear the wet shirt ) and he'll get all the good reviews, and you can be a dull, stiff, boring mummy's boy, whom no red-blooded male/female would root for. Excuse me? In the book, MD was never dull in a negative sense. And if he smiled and cracked jokes at their first meeting, there'd be no movie! Am seeing BJD this weekend...But the Brit reviews infuriate me...I feel as though Working Title have \"used \" Colin and let him take the flak from the (male)reviewers, whilst HG is re-born as \"sexy\". Hopefully female audiences will see things differently. And he should say \"no\" to a sequel. Thank goodness for (most of) the US reviews!!! It's a pity he reads the Guardian!"}, {"response": 1139, "author": "amw", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (06:55)", "body": "I agree Bethan, that most of the UK reviewers favour HG & RZ(rightly so in her case) but if you read the \"user reviews\" at the IMDB they praise Colin equally and have some very nice comments, such as \"dreamy, wonderful, etc.perfect casting\" The US reviews are more favourable towards ODB. HG does have the showier role buth there is more depth to MD, imo."}, {"response": 1140, "author": "heide", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (07:50)", "body": "Have you seen Ebert's review yet? Not near enough Colin so I guess we can guess at the Huge bent to this weekend's TV review."}, {"response": 1141, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (08:23)", "body": "Am wondering if Mari helped write that Philadelphia review. ;-D But Ebert gave it 3-1/2 stars; is v.g. review from someone who has obviously read the book (Alsatians not wild dogs) and wants to do a public service (defining cocktail gherkins as pickles). Liked the symetrical reference to Bridget's verbal incontinence to Mark's being emotionally constipated."}, {"response": 1142, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (08:32)", "body": "New York Post says \"Firth, on the other hand, seemed a little too dour and dark.\" http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/38351.htm Excellent review in NY Daily News (3-1/2 stars); very even comments re: Huge and CF: \"Firth's achievement is to seem simultaneously like Mr. Right and Mr. Wrong, a man who is handsome and clearheaded but who also wears dreadful socks.\" http://www.nydailynews.com/today/New_York_Now/Movies/a-107060.asp"}, {"response": 1143, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (08:39)", "body": "From the LA Times' Kenneth Turan: It is this essence of the character, rather than literary fidelity, that \"Bridget Jones\" is successfully focused on. Key central elements from the book do remain, but many things, critical details from the kind of sweater worn in a key scene to the kind of man Bridget's mother is attracted to, are changed. The screenwriters have both pared down the book and pumped up selected elements, like the rivalry between the two men in Bridget's life. They've also strengthened the book's charming parallels to \"Pride and Prejudice,\" down to having Firth, who played Mr. Darcy in the BBC version of the Jane Austen novel, expertly play the modern Mark Darcy here. http://www.calendarlive.com/top/1,1419,L-LATimes-Movies-X!ArticleDetail-28983,00.html OK, am done posting reviews. Are brilliant!!"}, {"response": 1144, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (09:23)", "body": "Thank you Ann, Mari and Karen for all of the reviews. I'm off to check The Miami Herald. Here again, Mr. Firth is the stiff-backed Mr. Right whose wonderfulness is revealed by degrees as he peels away layers of formality to bare the sensitive soul beneath his forbidding but handsome (despite sartorial misfires) exterior. LOL! He doesn't know the half of it!"}, {"response": 1145, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (09:28)", "body": "One more...from CNN, a v.g. review although says it is too long and \"Adding to the confusion over the what was and wasn't included in the film is this little fact: Some of the plot has been lifted from 'The Edge of Reason,' Fielding's second Bridget Jones book.\" Huh????? http://www.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/Movies/04/12/review.bridget.jones/index.html"}, {"response": 1146, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (09:36)", "body": "Gaah! Am on review overload! Thanks to all for posting (and especially to Ann for bolding the pertinent parts). Am off to see the movie at noon *leaping about in fits of ecstasy* Saw the HG Q&A and was grossed out (and it usually takes alot to gross me out). I don't remember the hemorrhoid one, though--was this cut from the broadcast as he dared them to? As for HG's glowing reviews taking precedence over CF's: Mari said it ages ago, RC would unquestionably make this a vehicle for his (what's the word? partner? protegee? pimp?)...whatever, you get my drift. As expected, HG's being pushed hard here in the states. The important thing at this point is that CF is getting more recognition than he did in SiL (not hard to accomplish), his reviews are mostly good (save the odd male critic, and I do mean *odd*) and the fan reaction will hopefully continue in the positive vein pointed out by Ann W. Whee! CF on Today and Rosie on Monday! * Will also believe it when I see it * Hurrah!"}, {"response": 1147, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (09:41)", "body": "Positive review from Jay Carr of the Boston Globe. Will try to drag boyfriend to film tonight (have sex toy party to attend... argh!); he is adamant about NOT seeing BJD, thinks it's a \"chick flick\"... typical male. Anyway, here is the review... Zellweger gets 'Diary' right By Jay Carr Boston Globe Published: 04/13/2001 She smokes too much, drinks too much, talks too much, worries too much about weighing too much, and is just about as adorable on the big screen as she was between the covers of Helen Fielding's novel. She is, of course, the heroine of ''Bridget Jones's Diary,'' which should handily survive the flap over whether Renee Zellweger has any business playing a Brit. The movie will speak as loudly as the book did to 30-something women whom Bridget describes as singletons and whom I can't help thinking of as afflicted with a condition much more debilitating than PMS. I call it TWM, short for Talented Woman Malaise, a mysterious condition of a severity that increases in direct proportion to intelligence. The most obvious symptom is the assumption that if something is missing from your life - the right man, say - it's your fault. The film gets off to a brilliant start, with Zellweger's self-flagellating Bridget in pj's, lip-synching the words to ''All by Myself,'' alone in her flat in an oddly shaped triangular housing block that doesn't quite seem to belong to the rest of the neighborhood. It sits like an upthrust piece of ocean floor that has crashed through the pavement, having taken on the permanent look of an alien outcropping. Which is pretty much how Bridget sees herself. She resents being shoved by her anxious mother into the field of vision of this or that eligible man, in this case Colin Firth. He's a boyhood playmate turned successful barrister, with a weakness for unsuitable holiday sweaters. Given her resentment-bred social death wish, her maladroitness exceeds his. She'd rather go all soft and mushy over her smooth but untrustworthy boss, a character cut to order for the dark side of Hugh Grant. Bridget's clumsiness in chasing him is exceeded only by her ill-advised abandon. Brave as Zellweger was to take on a British accent, she's even braver in having packed about 20 extra pounds onto her tiny frame and allow ed herself to be photographed from behind in a short skirt revealing lumpy thighs in black fishnet stockings. Zellweger's endearingly tarty plumpness may not be in a class with Robert De Niro's putting on 200 pounds or whatever it was to play Jake LaMotta in ''Raging Bull.'' Still, it's eye-catching. The main problem facing director Sharon Maguire (reportedly the model for Shazza, one of Bridget's confidantes) was how to turn an essentially interior monologue into external action. The differences between the novel and the film are sometimes pretty pronounced, even with Fielding on board to preside over the screenplay. The parts of the novel featuring Bridget's support network have been whittled down, and the additions include a brawl between Firth and Grant, both of whom, by the way, are excellent - Firth in his tight-lipped rectitude, Grant in his glib murmurings. The big challenge, however, lay in the preservation of Bridget's voice - not a matter of correct accent, but of sufficient presence. Maguire's direction sometimes seems choppy, as it perhaps inevitably must, given the novel's episodic structure. Still, the film not only works better than expected but gets the important things right, starting, of course, with Zellweger's Bridget and Bridget's mind-set. Nobody can say Zellweger hasn't dialed in to the precise frequency from which Bridget is transmitting. The actress's ability to project sweetness has never been in doubt, but ''Bridget Jones's Diary'' reminds us (as ''Nurse Betty'' did, but ''Me, Myself & Irene'' did not) of her comic timing and emotional vulnerability. In short, she gets the job done. Zellweger's Bridget is my kind of schlump."}, {"response": 1148, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (09:41)", "body": "NY Post also has an item about HF's lawsuit over her 'nightmare' LA home: http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/38326.htm"}, {"response": 1149, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (09:49)", "body": "Glad to see another city with a positive review. Still can't understand why Wash Post dissed the movie. Hmmm, must be those republicans. ;-D"}, {"response": 1150, "author": "JenniferR", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (09:56)", "body": "Another review from the Wash. Post (Post has a very byzantine system of movie reviewing--they have at least four reviewers on staff, who review for differrent sections of the paper.) http://washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A13423-2001Apr12.html Best bits: \"I also liked the part where he [Gnat]got beaten up. Any movie in which somebody kicks the crap out of Hugh Grant is okay by me.\" -and- \"Grant is casually fabulous and very amusing, but all power to Firth the actor. He's the compleat Darcy, and he never wavers. There's no sentimentality, no flirtation with the audience, no final moment of pandering to the niceness gods; he's a cold geek all the way through. You can see him simmering with rage -- at Bridget for being so attractive, at himself for never quite knowing what to say, at both of them for being prey to such childishness, at his libido for wanting and at his ego for fearing. Especially poignant are his long looks at her. You see in his eyes his yearning hunger and his fury at his own ineloquence and inability to find the will to move ahead, from across the unbridgeable distance of a large room filled with happy people.\""}, {"response": 1151, "author": "DanielleL", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (10:04)", "body": "I was talking to some of my coworkers, yesterday, who are going to see BJD this weekend and I said that CF was ever so handsome, they said 'Who?' My eyes widened, I paused and said 'Did you read the book?' They said yes and I said... 'OBVIOUSLY NOT!' Then I proceeded to give them a nice lecture on the lack of CF injections and told them where they could pick up a copy of P&P. And since it is a holiday weekend for us, they could spare 6 hours... (Moon) Thank you Ann, Mari and Karen for all of the reviews. Indeed! As regards to ODB, the reviews seem to go one way or another, but we love him dearly!"}, {"response": 1152, "author": "Ann", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (10:05)", "body": "Hmmm, must be those republicans. ; } Careful, I know at least one Republican who liked it :)"}, {"response": 1153, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (10:13)", "body": "\"...Any movie in which somebody kicks the crap out of Hugh Grant is okay by me.\" Clap, clap, clap!! Love that review's write-up of CF's performance. Am surprised is a man as is soooo observant. ;-D"}, {"response": 1154, "author": "amw", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (10:26)", "body": "Barry Norman (Barry Norman's Filmnight Sky Premier) (who incidentally loved P&P and preferred it to S&S, ), also loved the movie, lot of interviews with SM, HF, RZ & HG but there was also a tiny interview with Colin (in red shirt). BN praised HG and Renee who he said he has always thought would be excellent in the role and is pleased to have been provced correct. Of Colin's performance he says\" Firth develeops splendidly as every girl's dreamboat\"!! Hmmm."}, {"response": 1155, "author": "Ann", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (10:29)", "body": "Hugh just redeemed himself a little on Regis... \"Colin Firth, sexy Colin Firth...don't know why I call him sexy...\" He then goes on to say Bridge chooses Colin over him."}, {"response": 1156, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (10:47)", "body": ""}, {"response": 1157, "author": "heide", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (10:54)", "body": "Damn, missed that one and I'm even home today. Thanks for filling us in, Ann. (Eileen) Still can't understand why Wash Post dissed the movie. Hmmm, must be those republicans. ;-D LOL! 'Course the Post redeemed itself later with that lovely paean to Colin that Jen posted: You can see him simmering with rage -- at Bridget for being so attractive, at himself for never quite knowing what to say, at both of them for being prey to such childishness, at his libido for wanting and at his ego for fearing. Especially poignant are his long looks at her. You see in his eyes his yearning hunger and his fury at his own ineloquence and inability to find the will to move ahead, from across the unbridgeable distance of a large room filled with happy people.\" Substitute \"Elizabeth\" for \"Bridget\" and what do you get? I'm happy with 99% of the reviews. Colin is holding his own quite nicely. I thought I remembered some very positive mentions of him in the Brit reviews too. Watching what happens to this film in the next few months and the reaction to it will be quite an adventure, I think."}, {"response": 1158, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (11:03)", "body": "Miami Herald review, good but she had a problem with the end. She's read the books. Zellweger adds heft to `Bridget Jones's Diary' BY CONNIE OGLE The most common fear about the film version of Bridget Jones's Diary was whether a slim, attractive Texan (Ren\ufffde Zellweger) would be even remotely convincing as a slightly overweight, chain-smoking, wine-swilling Brit. No worries there. Zellweger, who reflected a sweet dignity and a great deal of heart as Tom Cruise's love interest in Jerry Maguire, is a funny, believable Bridget, and not just because she put on extra pounds and frequently allows the camera to zoom in on her backside. The real issue is this: Can Helen Fielding's popular novel be transferred to the screen in all its crude, hilarious glory? The answer is mostly yes, thanks to a talented, appealing cast and some clever translations of Bridget's diary entries. As a romantic comedy, the movie works better than most -- after all, Fielding swiped the basics from Jane Austen, who wielded quite an amusing pen herself in Pride and Prejudice. And viewers don't necessarily have to be familiar with the book to enjoy the good parts. But the promising screenplay sadly reels off track in the last half-hour. Bridget is 32, single, working in public relations for a publishing house. She decides one New Year's Day that she is going to change her life so that she won't be alone chugging vodka and singing bad Eric Carmen songs the next time the holidays roll around. She's sick of her mum's attempts to fix her up, especially after meeting Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), an aloof barrister with appalling taste in sweaters and a way of staring at Bridget like she's got two heads. He also seems to run into her whenever she's embarrassing herself. This happens a lot. But Bridget's not interested. In her diary, she vows to stop forming ``romantic attachments to any of the following: alcoholics, workaholics, commitmentphobics, peeping toms, megalomaniacs . . . or perverts.'' Unfortunately she also has a wicked crush on her boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant, immediately predatory), who embodies most if not all of those attributes and is fond of sending her innuendo-laced e-mails about her skirt (or lack thereof). In between discussions of her love life (or lack thereof) with boozy friends Jude, Shazza and Tom, Bridget worries that her mum (Gemma Jones) has left her dad (Jim Broadbent) for the host of a Home Shopping Network-style show. (Bridget's over-the-top mum, by the way, has been toned down as to be almost unrecognizable in the movie). Eventually, Bridget gets one boyfriend and then another, and if you know your Austen, you know many misunderstandings ensue before things work themselves out. The funny bits fly fast and furious at first. Bridget's diary takes the form of voice-overs, scribblings on the screen and her own imaginings. A strange sense of melodrama creeps in now and again, intruding on but never totally vanquishing the book's frenetic spirit. A baffling and unnecessary fistfight finally derails the movie -- it's too long and seems out of character for the combatants. The resolution itself seems awkward and forced, a cheap way to bring the diary back into the picture. What you want to happen, happens, just not in a way that makes actual sense. Still, the cast could not be better. That the handsome Firth, probably stunned to find himself playing Mr. Darcy a second time, reprises his role may be the single most hilarious joke in the movie (he played Darcy in BBC's Pride and Prejudice and shows up as himself on the pages of Fielding's Bridget Jones sequel). Grant flirts with stealing the whole show as bad boy Daniel, confounding expectations because you think you'll see him earnest, stammering and foppish and he's none of those. It's Zellweger's movie to win or lose, of course, and she succeeds without the slightest touch of Hollywood glamour. She sports neither a cloy asymmetrical Meg Ryan haircut nor fit, toned limbs (It's easy for Ashley Judd to prance around in skimpy underwear in Someone Like You; she didn't have to pack on 20 extra pounds). Not only has she mastered a natural accent, she's adept at eliciting laughter through her character's utter humiliation. That's the backbone of the best British humor. She also brings a vulnerability to the part not evident before. Fans unable to divorce themselves from the relentless hilarity of the novel may grumble, but it's kind of nice to see that Bridget, in addition to a sense of humor, also has a heart. ** 1/2 BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY"}, {"response": 1159, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (11:13)", "body": "Am reposting Evelyn's from above: Hey Allison.....Mid -America Oklahoma gave it 4 Stars. CBS This Morning interviewed Sharon Maguire. She talked about casting and said she always had Colin in mind for the role...no one else was even considered. Showed clips of P&P and she said HF and I had a big crush on Colin and here I was on the set directing him. (Bethan) But the Brit reviews infuriate me. They suck. He should leave the country...they don't appreciate him. I'm off to see the movie, someone pl find Dallas Morning News...they loved P&P."}, {"response": 1160, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (11:14)", "body": "\"...Any movie in which somebody kicks the crap out of Hugh Grant is okay by me.\" Clap, clap, clap!! Adding a standing ovation (of one)! *whew* Was wondering why I moved to this backwoods town... (Ann) Careful, I know at least one Republican who liked it :) Does he squint alot and have a wife with helmet head? ;-P Ooh, am 'very sorry' for that last remark. ;-) Am off to the show. Yippee! Happy Easter to all!"}, {"response": 1161, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (11:24)", "body": "and an aloofly earnest turn by Firth, which should do for his career what \"Four Weddings\" did for Grant''s. . . Firth''s casting is something of an inside (or do we say intertextual?) joke. He played Darcy in the well-received BBC adaptation of \"Pride and Prejudice,\" a performance much commented upon and drooled over . . . Thus Firth makes an ideal Mark Darcy . . . Dreamy. (Karen) Am wondering if Mari helped write that Philadelphia review. ;-D Helped write? Honey, I dictated it! LOL! Must send Ms. Carrie Rickey case of chardonnay.:-) The reviews are super for most part; all the biggies liked it--all the NY papers, LA Times, the Chicago papers, Ebert's big thumbs up, Boston, Philly, the 2nd Washington Post review obviously written by a Democrat of unimpeachable taste;-), Time and Newsweek. We really couldn't have asked for better on this side of the pond. Ann and Bethan, the Mail review was outstanding and that's the one most people read, no? Besides, in UK, this film will be critic-proof. BTW, has anyone else in US seen a change in the print ads? They're now using the UK poster, with MD's eyes showing and BJ partly covered by Diary."}, {"response": 1162, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (11:26)", "body": "Time to resolve ending! Have seen it twice here now as well. At last night's preview people got up the minutes the credits began (always someone!) and I said to my friend ,\"Hang on there's a great bit Coming\" I stared in disbelief as the old home movie did not materialise. Initially I was horrified as IMO it's a very clever final touch. Instead we have a different soundtrack ending and loads of stills of RZ only, soundtrack fades and we HG with \"new woman\" Paula. More stills of RZ then a bit from The Darcy's , sexist jokes from dad etc a bit from Neil Pearson 's Richard, then even more from HG (was even more horrified)!"}, {"response": 1163, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (11:28)", "body": "Just a side note, but The Bridget Jones's Diary ad in the Boston Globe was the only color ad in the paper (in the Arts & Entertainment section) and it was the one with Colin on the left, Huge on right and BJ covering her nose with the book (up to the eyes)."}, {"response": 1164, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (11:34)", "body": "Then final joke as Mari has related of DC's \"new partner\" and it ends in a still of RZ and Colin. Think I prefer US version at this stage, subtler touch and NO HG. Wonder what it says about each \"market\"? Am getting vg at waving at MarkG when he appears. Both showings I went to were very undersubscibed, so not really much atmosphere or audience reaction to to check out either. Possibly that's why I plumped for the US ending because that premiere had so much atmosphere. Need to go again with full UK audience in order to complete my research! What hardship. Thanks to everyone for all the reviews. It is Guardian's \"Film of the week\" only 3 stars, Spykids is on 4! Lovely picture of the kiss in today's Telegraph but lots of criticism too. Don't care, ODB has never looked better."}, {"response": 1165, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (11:37)", "body": "Apologies for disjointed post and typos! I have a severe case of \"whiskitosis\" brought on by kitchen scene! Actually sounds like I have been at a certain brand of cat food , better than Bridge's penchant for Branston thou'."}, {"response": 1166, "author": "ekelley", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (11:54)", "body": "This is from NY Newsday...a rag in its own right, but it has a monopoly over the Long Island print media market. http://www.newsday.com/content/movies/nd4652.htm By John Anderson Staff Writer (2 STARS[out of 4]) BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY. (R) Singleton Agonistes: From the best-selling novel by Helen Fielding, the self-told story of Bridget Jones, career girl, part-time inebriate and unconvincing cynic about romance. Not quite the book, but that doesn't make it a good movie. With Ren\ufffde Zellweger, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Gemma Jones, Jim Broadbent. Screenplay by Helen Fielding, Andrew Davies, Richard Curtis. Directed by Sharon Maguire. 1:34 (adult situations, content, language). At area theaters. NEW YORK comedian Scott Blakeman has a routine that goes something like this: \"Why does every political campaign have to be about 'the family,' or 'our kids'? Why doesn't a candidate ever stand up and say, 'This election is about being SINGLE! And DATING!!'\" Because, Scott, the tradeoff has been made: Marrieds get the politics; singles get the movies. \"Say It Isn't So,\" \"Someone Like You,\" \"The Brothers,\" \"Chocolat,\" \"Tomcats,\" \"The Wedding Planner.\" The last big-budget domestic movie, \"The Family Man,\" essentially was wedded bliss as nightmare. \"Gladiator\"? Wife and kid dead within minutes. In the movies, marriage means end of story, if not life itself. And what does America's cinematic slant on nuptial limbo have to do with the insistently English, English cast, English-made and suety \"Bridget Jones's Diary\"? Because it's an English movie for Americans-as were those other Working Title Films productions, \"Notting Hill\" and \"Four Weddings and a Funeral,\" which successfully reduced British culture down to a lump of softened, if not actually pre-chewed, Cadbury. The most humiliating situations are resolved with either exquisite good manners or painful self-effacement; the tawdriest of situations are made sophisticated, by precise placement of the proper bon mot. It's un-American in its manner and never good-mannered enough to be stuffy, unless the purpose is making Englishness seem amusing. Starring in this creation is the expertly vocally coached and calorie- enhanced Ren\ufffde Zellweger, whose presence must indicate that there are no film actresses available in Britain-or (gasp!) that the Working Title/ Miramax people couldn't trust a native to carry such a valuable literary property across to audiences in...you know where. This may also explain the totally awkward and distracting use of old Motown hits or Van Morrison (twice), which comes across like the last-minute insurance policy someone buys before their ValueJet takes off. Bridget Jones, slightly dissipated and lovelorn heroine of Fielding's faux memoir, is 32 years old, 129 pounds (\"but after Christmas\") and has few romantic prospects-other that her clearly untrustworthy editor and boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant, at his slightly gaunt and seedy best). Sick of \"smug marrieds\" and importune questions about her love life, Bridget begins a diary, telling it she's cutting back on booze, \"ciggies,\" the wrong kind of men(describing Cleaver to a tee) and sulking about said love life. Bridget's resolve, we can tell, will be somewhat less than steely. We can also tell, with very little effort, where the story is heading, Tip- off No. 1 being the suggestive name of Mark Darcy (actor Colin Firth, whose performance as Jane Austen's Darcy in \"Pride and Prejudice,\" coincidentally, is mentioned in the book). Bridget's mum (Gemma Jones)-who will soon leave Bridget's dad (the marvelous Jim Broadbent) for a ginger-skinned TV-shopping pitchman-wants to pair Bridget and Mark, but neither candidate is impressed, a sure sign of things to come. Bridget, meanwhile, trades suggestive office e-mail with Cleaver, who is easily the most entertaining character in this film (the debut feature by filmmaker Sharon Maguire, former commercial director and documentarian). Zellweger is, as usual, adorable; Firth is appropriately stolid and Grant gets all the good comic lines, or just knows how to deliver them. The thrust of the story is how miserable it is being a single young woman while still making it look like a lark. One peculiar note about \"Bridget Jones\" is, again, the music. The songs in the film itself-such as the Weather Girls singing the ubiquitous \"It's Raining Men\" (during a preposterous Darcy-Cleaver fistfight that I don't recall from the book), or the Supremes (\"Ain't No Mountain High Enough,\" for whatever reason) and the two versions of the same VanMorrison song, would seem to be imposed on the film to generate CD soundtrack sales-but the songs aren't on the CD. So don't be misled. This badly constructed pop score is just a badly constructed pop score."}, {"response": 1167, "author": "ekelley", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (11:56)", "body": "also, re: the discussion about the firepole scene not being on commercials: as I was watching the Today show this morning, towards the end, they played a commercial for the film. Bridge ending up on the camera was in it, along with Tom's \"Fight!\" line...plenty of CF (equal amount to HG). I'm really curious to know what was cut out of the film in the editing process..."}, {"response": 1168, "author": "Ann", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (12:34)", "body": "actor Colin Firth, whose performance as Jane Austen's Darcy in \"Pride and Prejudice,\" coincidentally, is mentioned in the book Twit. There was no coincidence about it. It was deliberate!"}, {"response": 1169, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (14:58)", "body": "(Lizza) I have a severe case of \"whiskitosis\" brought on by kitchen scene! LOL! Have just seen the movie and that scene is one of my faves. Don't think the rest of the audience got it, though (greater Washington has apparently never heard of beet root cubes). Salman Rusdie's cameo also 'rushed' (yukyukyuk) right over their heads, since I believe I was the only one laughing. Go figure. To make your day, Lizza, we had the home movie ending. V.v.g.! (Ann) Twit. There was no coincidence about it. It was deliberate! Can you stand these reviewers? Why do we listen to them? ;-D"}, {"response": 1170, "author": "LynnR", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (15:14)", "body": "I just got back from seeing the movie and I loved it. So did my friends who are not CF junkies (in fact of course they didn't know who he was.) Both thought they will be seeing him a lot more, though! I saw MarkG and pointed him out as well. I'll definitely be seeing it again. The theater was very empty, but it was the first show, 12:15, so I hope they will get a better turn out later."}, {"response": 1171, "author": "JenniferR", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (15:15)", "body": "Must confess--I am one of the Washingtonian's who has never heard of beet root cubes--am I missing some critical sub-text? Gah! Yet another Wash. Post critic has put in her two cents about the film--she liked the movie as a nice bit of fluff, but had the nerve to say (*cringes as she types*) \"...I'd rather take my chances with a scoundrel like Hugh Grant than a sober, steady sort like Colin Firth. What a stodge.\" What do they put in the water over there?!?! And for those still angry about the first review from the Post, the author (Desson Howe) hosts a discussion live on-line every Monday, 1230 pm Eastern. He's actually quite good about answering questions (although he is,unfortunately, a Man U fan--yet another strike against him). Cannot wait until tomorrow to see film again...believe I am suffering from whiskitosis, as well(what a great term, Lizza J!)"}, {"response": 1172, "author": "Ann", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (16:02)", "body": "I saw MarkG and pointed him out as well. Where was he in the film again? -- (Jen-Jen)-- (although he is,unfortunately, a Man U fan--yet another strike against him) Now we see the reason for the shoddy review. He obviously saw Fever Pitch and holds a grudge against CF for having played an Arsenal supporter."}, {"response": 1173, "author": "amw", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (17:58)", "body": "There is a very good review for Colin in the San Francisco Chronicle, actually very good for everyone and the film. very long address perhaps someone can post it."}, {"response": 1174, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (18:10)", "body": "Ann, you know I'd do anything for you.:-) Here's the SanFran Chonicle review, v.v. good! Dear 'Diary' 20 pounds, 1,100 cigarettes later, Zellweger triumphs in hilarious 'Bridget Jones' Carla Meyer, Chronicle Movie Critic \ufffdFriday, April 13, 2001 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" contains a sight so shocking it might upset sensitive viewers. It's cellulite! Up there on the big screen, in all its dimpled glory. On a leading lady, no less. It's but one of the let-it-all-hang-out joys of \"Bridget Jones,\" the hilarious and sexy adaptation of Helen Fielding's best-seller. Renee Zellweger gives a full-bodied, full-throttle performance as the weight-obsessed, chain-smoking and irrepressible single woman in her 30s. Matching her comic panache are Hugh Grant as her charming but romantically toxic boss and Colin Firth as his stiff but sincere romantic rival. Any trepidation about an American actress assuming the role of the very British Ms. Jones vanishes in the opening minutes. Zellweger's crack comic timing and enormously expressive face pre-empt the idea of any other Bridget. She embodies the daffy determination, self-skewering wit and vulnerability of her character. The 20 pounds she gained for the role fill out her face and enhance her girlish appeal, rendering her instantly and infinitely sympathetic. But Zellweger's Bridget is no chump. Self-destructive, sure. Goofy, yes. Occasionally arch, of course -- she's British. But Zellweger shows that the silly and sometimes slovenly character also has a spine. She demonstrates it through Bridget's tortured but determined attempts at public speaking or her surprising resolve in matters of the heart. \"Bridget Jones\" is a triumph for all involved. Screenwriters Fielding, Andrew Davies and Richard Curtis have wisely pared down or excised subplots to focus on Bridget's romantic travails and career missteps. Director Sharon Maguire, Fielding's pal and the inspiration for Bridget's cynical chum Shazzer in the book and movie, has crafted a production that zips along at a laugh-a-minute pace and fully involves the viewer in Bridget's little slice of life. Bridget works at a London publishing house and pines for her handsome cad of a boss, Daniel (Grant). She passes time by documenting her sad-sack life in her diary (Sample entry: \"Weight: 140 (but post-Christmas); cigarettes: 40!; alcohol units: 15!\") while slagging off the Smug Marrieds whose glowing self- satisfaction is an assault on her single status. Real life interferes when the boss shows interest and she succumbs to his roguish charms. Zellweger's chemistry with Grant is electric, and their scenes crackle with sexuality and quick-witted humor. Their sex talk is refreshingly frank and natural. Grant sheds his trademark stammering and fluttering in favor of an aging lothario's lived-in sexiness. He allows himself to look older onscreen, and it works wonderfully for the role. Grant's Daniel is witty, undeniably hot and maddeningly sheepish about commitment. Bridget's parents want to match her with the more solid Mark Darcy, a barrister who was her childhood playmate. In an inspired casting move, Darcy is played by Colin Firth, the actor who was Mr. Darcy in the BBC's \"Pride and Prejudice\" and also the object of Bridget's obsessive lust in the book. (The character's name is one of \"Bridget's\" nods to the Jane Austen story). At first, Firth seems to be channeling Mr. Darcy's diffidence and off- putting, cheerless manner. Ultimately, though, he proves a nice contrast to Zellweger as their characters' relationship starts to thaw. Zellweger's chemistry with Firth is just as palpable as it is with Grant but not as sexually charged. It's more a meeting of comic minds, with his straight-man countenance drawing out her wackiest work, like Burns and Allen. In one scene, Bridget struggles mightily to maintain a cool facade in front of Darcy, all while sporting a ridiculously windblown hairdo. Zellweger is playing so many emotions in this scene it's hard to keep track. There's pride, embarrassment and the conflict of realizing that she cares enough to put on a show for this guy. It's the kind of layered acting that makes a great performance -- and sublime comedy."}, {"response": 1175, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (18:25)", "body": "By Eleanor Ringel Gillespie Atlanta Journal-Constitution Staff Writer The verdict: Definitely keep up with this Jones. \"It all began on New Year's Day in my 32nd year of being single.\" So begins \"Bridget Jones's Diary,\" the delightful new romantic comedy based on Helen Fielding's best seller of the same name. As millions of Bridget buffs already know, she is a self-described \"Singleton\" who lives in London and works at a publishing house. Bridget worries about her weight. Worries about her alcohol intake. Worries about her nicotine addiction. And, most of all, worries that she'll never get married and will end up dying alone in her apartment, her undiscovered body half-eaten by dogs. Yes, Bridget can be a bit much. But as played by Renee Zellweger, she's simply irresistible. Directed by first-timer Sharon Maguire (a friend of Fielding's who also figures in the book), the movie chronicles a year in the life of the self-deprecating and often stingingly funny Bridget. She's looking for love in, well, any place she can. Even at her parents' (Gemma Jones and Jim Broadbent) annual New Year's Day party, where she will inevitably face \"the question dreaded by all Singletons: 'How's your love life?' \" Nor is she exactly ecstatic that her mother, as always, has invited a suitably available male into whose face she can thrust her unmarried daughter. This time, it's Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), a handsome but standoffish barrister who, after Bridget dutifully flounders through some small talk, dismisses her as a \"verbally incontinent spinster.\" No wonder she rushes home to resume the most meaningful relationship in her life: It's just her and a bottle of chardonnay. Back at the office, her devilishly sexy boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), initiates an e-mail flirtation. When she shows up in an extremely short skirt, he messages, \"Is skirt home sick?\" The film's first part is amusingly tart, with a number of poor-Bridget gags that are biting but not truly cruel. Though she's subjected to numerous humiliations, she's still capable of giving as good as she gets. Her take on dinner with \"the Smug Marrieds\" is hilarious. Though the romantic ending is telegraphed from the first scene (c'mon: Mark Darcy, as in Jane Austen's 19th-century dreamboat, Mr. Darcy?) the fun is in getting there. Watching Grant play a predatory cad is a welcome change from his bashful stutterers. Firth, who played Darcy on the BBC's splendid \"Pride and Prejudice,\" unwinds winningly, going from snooty to starry-eyed. Yet the film would be unimaginable without Zellweger. The whip-slim Texan transforms herself into a slightly plump Londoner not just through extra pounds but through adopting the attitude of a woman who has a hard time feeling good about herself. Zellweger brings to the role the same buoyant innocence she had in \"Nurse Betty.\" But where Betty was often oblivious, Bridget is all too self-aware. Thanks to the star, a heroine who could've seemed brittle or bitter becomes someone with a kind of blessed wide-eyed gumption. This Bridget is no loser; she's merely a victim of cultural circumstances and her own shaky self-confidence. Criticisms? There are about 12 endings too many and the early scenes' series of mortification can get repetitive. But that's quibbling. To echo Mark Darcy, we like Bridget (and Renee) \"just the way she is.\""}, {"response": 1176, "author": "DanielleL", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (18:33)", "body": "Actors, story make this 'Diary' a dear one Apr 13, 2001 BY DANIEL NEMAN - STAFF WRITER for the Richmond Times-Dispatch Poor Bridget Jones. She stumbles haplessly from disaster to disaster, a perpetual cloud of embarrassment hanging glumly over her resigned head. Her only shields against each new social crisis are too much booze and too many cigarettes. Naturally, we can't help but love her for her spirit, her pluck and her wickedly sharp sense of humor - she dismisses women who are glamorous and thin as \"stick insects,\" while a woolen floral vest her mother forces on her makes her look like she is \"wearing a carpet.\" The great paradox of Bridget is that she is so exceptionally charming, yet she has such trouble getting men into her life. It is this paradox that contributed to making Helen Fielding's book \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" such a blockbuster success. Countless women identified with Bridget, thinking themselves lovable and unloved. Men who read the book - and they were a significantly smaller number - liked it just because it was so hilarious. Inevitably, \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" has been made into a movie, which we are happy to report retains much of the charm of the original. Renee Zellweger stars, and her selection sparked a storm of protest in England, where the story is set, because many people insisted the actress should be English. But Zellweger turns out to be sparkling as Bridget, despite an accent that is wildly uneven at first. Even when her accent settles down, it is too posh for her character. The only real problem with Zellweger is that Bridget is supposed to be a little plump, and although Zellweger did indeed gain weight for the role, she will never see the 140 pounds Bridget hits in the movie, unless she is carrying bars of lead. Bridget's roguishly sexy boss is played by Hugh Grant, who does the irresistible cad thing extremely well. As Daniel, he conducts one of the great e-mail flirtations captured on page or film, and Grant makes it easy to see why Bridget would be so carried away by him. The other man running in and out of Bridget's life is the aloof and somewhat moody Mr. Darcy, played by Colin Firth. This casting selection is an uproarious joke, but it ends up limiting the movie a little. \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" is loosely based on \"Pride and Prejudice,\" and the character of Mr. Darcy is much the same in both. The book version of \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" takes place during the airing of the immensely successful television version of \"Pride and Prejudice,\" which starred Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. Sharon Maguire makes a decent debut as a director, though she relies far too heavily on song cues to emphasize an emotional point (during a fistfight between two men she plays the song \"It's Raining Men\"). Maguire was chosen in part because she was Fielding's real-life inspiration for the character Shazza, whose only characteristic is that she likes to use the f-word a lot. Apparently, Fielding knows her friend well. This movie tosses around the f-word like it just heard it for the first time and wants to impress everyone with how naughty it is. This movie is certainly the most profane version of \"Pride and Prejudice\" ever conceived. Yet it is mostly delightful. Although the movie falls apart a bit toward the end - and seems rushed before that - the fun part of \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" is getting there. *** Hmm? That last part seems repetitive..."}, {"response": 1177, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (18:36)", "body": "Big Bridget day for me. Saw film again and, shockingly, was another huge Colin fan in same row as self. Lots of audibles (moaning, groaning, ooohing and aaaahing) and applause when Colin's name first appeared in opening credits. Was a very good audience and I don't think that Huge stole the show...not from this audience. They were smart and onto him from the beginning. As this was professional and scientific day at movies, I decided to go a second time, as was on two screens in complex anyway. This time audience had more men. They responded loudly to Huge and the more crass and vulgar humor (firepole slide). Excellent responses overall. (Eileen) Salman Rusdie's cameo also 'rushed' (yukyukyuk) right over their heads, since I believe I was the only one laughing. And they probably had no clue as to the other literary gents standing in front of Bridget as she's making a complete ass of herself. Other than the quip about FR Leavis being dead since 19xx, Americans wouldn't grasp the significance of him either. Ann: MarkG is the only one in a suit (blue Burberry) walking on the sidewalk as Bridget and Daniel drive off for the minibreak. Excellent review from the Chronicle. Someone who gets it. Loved the opening re: cellulite."}, {"response": 1178, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (19:28)", "body": "(Ann) Careful, I know at least one Republican who liked it :) Two. My audience today applauded at the end...er.. I mean The Beginning.. They started to get up then sat down when home movies started. It's a charmer.Agree with Lizza...thankfully they spared us .At the end I've had enough of Huge and wouldn't care to see him again....evah. You are cheated by not getting this adorable ending of little Bridge and Markee.I hope you get it in the video.In the rest room I started to tell my companion ( a lurker) about the British ending. \"I'll tell you later\", I said. \"No ,No\"...came the cries from the other stalls....\"Tell us Now\". I had an audience!! My companion complained that Mark wasn't listed in the credits...hey they list the drivers fergodsakes. (evelyn)I'm off to see the movie, someone pl find Dallas Morning News...they loved P&P. So...No one found that one, uh? I'm away for the day doing my box office duty and this is what I get. Humph!! (I get no respect around here.Lazy lumps ;-)"}, {"response": 1179, "author": "winter", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (19:50)", "body": "(Evelyn) My companion complained that Mark wasn't listed in the credits...hey they list the drivers fergodsakes How should Mark be identified? My suggestion: \"Burberry Man\""}, {"response": 1180, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (19:52)", "body": "Opening Ren\ufffde's diary Actress underwent weighty changes to portray beloved Brit Bridget Jones Actress underwent weighty changes to portray beloved Brit Bridget Jones 04/08/2001 By Gary Dowell / The Dallas Morning News Actress Ren\ufffde Zellweger has had some tricky roles in the past \ufffd a Jewish woman experiencing a crisis of faith (A Price Above Rubies), a small-town waitress suffering a break from reality (Nurse Betty) and the girlfriend of pulp-literature bad boy Robert E. Howard (The Whole Wide World). But she really stuck her neck out as the title character in the film adaptation of Bridget Jones's Diary. When Helen Fielding's novel hit the stands in the United States and England in 1998, it was an instant success, and Bridget became a \"cultural icon,\" the quintessential '90s woman trying to balance a career and a love life while contending with ideas about how a modern woman should look and behave. English journalists, fans of the novel and its author took exception to the idea that an American actress \ufffd one from Texas, no less \ufffd could portray their beloved Bridget. Fears of shelling out pounds sterling only to hear \"Y'all want to go to the pub for a pint of bitter?\" abounded. But those skeptics may soon breathe a sigh of relief: Ms. Zellweger is the ideal choice for the klutzy and awkward yet spunky and unconventional heroine of the new movie, which opens Friday. The charming combination of bubbly goofiness (in a good way, mind you), irrepressible charm and sweet earnestness that she's used in the past suits Bridget to a tee. \"It was [involved], and it was pretty extraordinary at the same time, because the more involved it is, the more creatively satisfying it is, I suppose,\" says Ms. Zellweger, who had to gain 20 pounds and master a British accent for the role. During a telephone interview, her Texas twang is more noticeable than any leftover vestiges of an English accent, but a few tiny Britishisms occasionally slip through. The possibility of playing Bridget was \"a great shock, actually,\" says Ms. Zellweger, who had already read the book when her manager mentioned the role. Soon, she was off to London, where \"we sat down for a few days and we all kind of tested the waters to see if it was possible that I might not destroy this character in the translation, and we went from there.\" It marked the end of a two-year search for an actress who represented the embodiment of Bridget, as well as the beginning of a lot of preparation and dedication. Ms. Zellweger spent six months in London making the transformation from Yank to Brit under the tutelage of Barbara Berkery, the dialect guru who helped Gwyneth Paltrow pass as English in Sliding Doors and Shakespeare in Love. She then went undercover, sort of, on the staff of the London publishing house Picador, where she pretended to be a relative of the boss doing a temp job. Actually, it was to get a handle on Bridget's daily activities as a publicist as well as practice the middle-class English accent so necessary to the role. Still, many were skeptical at first. \"Well, me too, just by the way,\" adds Ms. Zellweger. \"I just knew we had some work to do and there was time to do it. It really, really quickly became our personal experience. It was about the day-to-day challenges and the work and 'Let's do it, let's do the work and use it to create this really neat thing.'\" One of Ms. Zellweger's challenges was to match Bridget physically. At 129 pounds, Bridget is barely chunky, but she obsesses about her weight. She also smokes like a chimney and drinks like a fish, all of which she details in her diary. \"It was just part of it, part of bringing her to life. And for me it was essential. I wanted her to look like she looked in my head when I read the book. It was part of the process.\" There may be a large cultural difference between them, but Ms. Zellweger thinks she and Bridget have a lot in common. \"I totally, completely, thoroughly understand the wax strip in the bathroom experience. I know that well,\" she jokes, referring to the art of leg waxing. \"I know the self-conscious, 'I'm absolutely going to destroy this moment' public-speaking experience. I know all about trying to find balance between personal and professional life. I understand that journey of self-discovery that she experiences in the book and in this film. Who can't relate to that?\" As for the pressure of living up to the expectations of fans of the novel, Ms. Zellweger did her best to put it out of her mind, focusing instead on how to bring to life a self-absorbed single woman in her 30s trying to work the kinks out of her life. \"Your world gets really small really quickly when you start to make a film, and again it becomes about the pressure that you put on yourself to not be the weak link in the project.\" During the course of her misadventures, Bridget (and \ufffd by extension \ufffd Ms. Zellweger) experiences the thrill of being torn between Hugh Grant, who plays Bridget's womanizing boss, Daniel Cleaver, an"}, {"response": 1181, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (20:00)", "body": "Sadly, The Houston Chronicle, her hometown, gave the film a C-. I won't even post the review. The reviewer just didn't get it."}, {"response": 1182, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (20:21)", "body": "(Evelyn)(I get no respect around here.Lazy lumps ;-) Hey, never let it be said that Ididn't take care of you--you've got an earlier article up there--here's the Dallas Morning News review--v.g. By Gary Dowell It takes a brave soul to attempt a film adaptation of a popular novel. Living up to the combined expectations of faithful readers is tricky business. If it works, you've got a classic along the lines of Gone With the Wind or The Godfather. If you fail, you're stuck with a Bonfire of the Vanities on your resum\ufffd.Fans of Bridget Jones's Diary can rest assured: The movie is true to its source and full of the book's trademark wit, style and good humor. And while it may not rate as high as one of the \"classics,\" it's no less enjoyable. Bridget (Ren\ufffde Zellweger) is an endearingly inept 30ish \"singleton\" who worries nonstop about her weight, smokes too much, drinks even more, and dreams of finding the perfect man before she's sentenced to a life of spinsterhood, \"destined to die alone and be found three weeks later, half-eaten by Alsatians.\" Unfortunately, the only eligible blokes she meets are her sexy, womanizing boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant, as an enjoyably unpleasant cad), and haughty, dull family friend Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). As the film begins, Bridget makes a New Year's resolution to get her act together, turn her life around and break all those old habits. On top of that, she soon has to deal with a career change, the potential breakup of her parents' marriage and being the subject of an emotional tug-of-war between Mark and Daniel. The result is a yearlong odyssey of heartache, embarrassment and obsessive calorie counting. Not surprisingly, the casting of a tiny Texan as a chunky Englishwoman caused a bit of an uproar among fans, the British press and even (initially) the book's author. If anything, the presence of Ms. Zellweger helps to make Bridget feel like more of an outsider trying to fit in, adding a subtle note of isolation and alienation to her performance. It doesn't hurt that she threw herself wholeheartedly into the role, putting on the extra pounds and spending many months in London working on the accent and other details. Ms. Zellweger even shows a knack for slapstick and gamely engages in a little self-deprecating humor, indulging in a few pratfalls and even running through a (simulated) snowstorm in leopard-print underwear. She hasn't been this funny since Jerry Maguire, or this endearing since Nurse Betty. Her earnestness and uniquely goofy charm bring depth and warmth to an otherwise brittle character. The casting of the gents is equally inspired. Mr. Grant's infamous incident with a Los Angeles hooker is made light of, and Mr. Firth played Mr. Darcy, the inspiration for the character of Mark Darcy, in the hit BBC miniseries version of Pride and Prejudice. Mr. Grant seems to be having the most fun he's had in years, and he's wonderfully rotten when he's at his worst. Mr. Firth is given the thankless task of portraying the tightly wound and seemingly unlovable Mark, and aptly rises to the occasion, gradually warming Bridget (and viewers) to the man. Granted, there's an air of familiarity about it and very little suspense as to how it will all end (it plays very much like Pride and Prejudice set in modern London), but what Bridget Jones's Diary lacks in original plot devices it makes up for in style and spunk."}, {"response": 1183, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (20:27)", "body": "Just got back from seeing BJD! Hurrah! At last can go to Spoilers! Film is wonderful. Colin is gorgeous! Never looked better! Not a sell-out at 5:30 showing, but a fair crowd. And they laughed. Even the men laughed. Renee is so good she made me want to cry in places. Huge was not particularly sexy in manner of \"love rat\", but was convincingly caddish, in manner of \"rat.\" Oh, but Colin. DING DONG!! BIG SIGH!!! At the end, one woman in the audience asked another WHO was that man? Felt v. good in manner of Smug Fan. Restrained self and did not say \"Keep your eyes to yourself you cow--he's MINE!!!!!!\""}, {"response": 1184, "author": "Ann", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (20:48)", "body": "My crowd today was sparse (to be expected at 12:40 on Good Friday), but I did hear a little clapping at the end, and I could feel everyone pulling for CF in the end. BTW, the new ads on the tv (the ones with the press quotes) clearly show the firepole scene. So, whoever was complaining about it must have gotten over it. Think I'll go for the second time today, and third over all this evening...need to go look for MarkG, and to bring along my watch to do a scientific study of the final kiss scene--it must be timed :) (BTW, over on the Tea Room at Austen, someone didn't like it! Very surprised :( )"}, {"response": 1185, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (20:57)", "body": "(Kate) \"Keep your eyes to yourself you cow--he's MINE!!!!!!\" LOL!!"}, {"response": 1186, "author": "LisaJH", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (21:17)", "body": "(Kate) At the end, one woman in the audience asked another WHO was that man? This seems to be the watershed moment for becoming a Firthette. Felt v. good in manner of Smug Fan. Ah, but on the other hand, this means she has not seen P&P2 yet. Boy, is she is for a treat! Has anyone else noticed that the OOP online video market is pedalling ODB's movies with a vengeance? Glad I bought my vids when demand was low\ufffd.:-) ."}, {"response": 1187, "author": "lyndaw", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (22:14)", "body": "Just got back from seeing BJD. What can I say that hasn't been said before? I loved everything about it, except that it was too skimpy on the BJ and MD relationship and left me wishing for more - but that's as it should be. Like a good book, a good film leaves one wanting more. Earlier in the week, I saw What Women Want and was getting itchy for it to come to an end. Not so with this film. The theatre was almost filled, and with a laughing audience throughout. HG was fine - but I certainly didn't fall in love with DC. The very brave RZ was terrific - funny, feisty and poignantly vulnerable by turn. ODB was beyond lovely to look at and listen to. The critic who preferred the foul-mouthed DC to the decent MD most be a masochist, even conceding, very grudgingly, that she might find HG more attractive than CF. Colin has never looked better and if this film does not get him noticed in a big way...? My 17-year old son and my DH enjoyed it as much as I did (well, almost, considering they were not drooling over MD).Turns out my husband is a closet RZ fan. I would have liked this film even without ODB, but will watch it again and again because of him. As will we all. And it is such a pleasure not to have to mortgage the house - and invest major amounts of time -to do so. There is something so pleasing to know that ODB the romantic lead, with second billing ahead of HG - not just on the poster, but in he film - is available on two screens less than ten minutes away from home. All and all, a real feel good movie. Now, am off to read the spoilers topic. Will keep my fingers crossed for Today and Rosie on the 16th."}, {"response": 1188, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (22:25)", "body": "From the Los Angeles Daily News : http://www.dailynews.com/socal/film/feature/0401/13/lif01.asp \ufffdZellweger gained more than respect for 'Bridget\ufffd Stuff we\ufffdve already heard, but this looks new: Colin Firth, who plays Mark Darcy, Bridget's more suitable suitor, isn't as generous toward his countrymen. \"It's bull----,\" Firth says. \"I've traveled around the world and I've never seen that kind of reaction from any other country. The English are simply too territorial. It's strange that people would have a problem with it. It is all about acting, after all.\" http://www.dailynews.com/socal/film/review/0401/13/mov01.asp 3 stars \ufffdPlus, Hugh Grant gets beat up, which makes the film slightly better than adequate.\ufffd"}, {"response": 1189, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (23:04)", "body": "Doesn't mince words, does he? ;-D Am putting this here as is question for London experts who may not be reading the spoiler topic, but will try to refrain from revealing important bits. In the last scene, the store appears in very ritzy area, which wouldn't be a few blocks away from Bridget's flat. Did that street look familiar?"}, {"response": 1190, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (23:24)", "body": "LOL, Karen...just noticed the hidden message under the picture. Glad this isn't a family site ;-) Thanks Mari...you can really dig 'em out. Tell'em Colin!"}, {"response": 1191, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (23:34)", "body": "Charlotte O'Sullivan provided this recap in The Independent: ARTS: THE WEEK IN REVIEW THE FILM BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY OVERVIEW The film of the book of the newspaper column has made it to the big screen. Renee Zellweger stars as the eponymous diarist, with Hugh Grant and Colin Firth as the love interests. CRITICAL VIEW \"Good news for men who prefer a woman to look like a woman,\" relished the Daily Mail. \"The film is shapeless and meanders into the cliches of romance,\" berated The Daily Telegraph. \"This adaptation sends you out with a smile on your face,\" countered Time Out. According to the Financial Times, it was a case of, \"Acting 9 (vg). Dialogue 8 (g). Ending 1 (must do better)\". \"A triumph, and one that I am looking forward to seeing again,\" gushed The Mirror. ON VIEW On general release. Certificate 15 OUR VIEW \"You forgive it everything because it's introduced you to Zellweger's Bridget... It's nice to go to the cinema and fall head-over- heels in love with a character.\" ***************** The Financial Times: THE ARTS: Acting 9 (v.g.) Dialogue 8 (g.) Ending 1: CINEMA: Nigel Andrews is mostly won over by Renee Zellweger as the definitive London worrier in 'Bridget Jones's Diary' Every diary-keeper is a Robinson Crusoe. Alone on his or her island, a wildlife refuge for manias, worries and self-obsessions, the loner taps out the daily bulletins. With Crusoe it was stuff about water, food and shelter, with occasional scares involving unknown footprints in the sand. With Bridget Jones it is stuff about weight, smoking and drinking, with occasional scares (or thrills) involving strange men tramping over her heart. The tone of Helen Fielding's bestselling original book was quintessentially English, a dowdy, semi-deranged Bohemianism full of comically transferred classism. Bridget's odious aristos were the Smug Marrieds, a collective reproach to her thirtyish single status. Her salt-of-the-earthers were her unattached, gossipy, happily slumming girlfriends like Jude and Shazzer, whose real-life role model Sharon Maguire directed this film. The tone had to be right in a screen version and mostly is. As Bridget, Renee Zellweger scatters the naysayers who complained of Hollywood casting by getting the measure of both role and accent. Barely a vowel is out of place, though one or two (\"neoghble\" for noble) are posher than needed. She can even do tipsy-and-slurring when Bridget, as not infrequently, ODs on the chardonnay. Fattening herself to play this definitive specimen of millennial London weight-worrier, she also bravely looks the part. Not even Robert De Niro in Raging Bull had to humiliate himself by tucking his calorie-enlarged girth into a bunny suit. Zellweger does so here for the \"tarts and clerics\" fancy-dress party, her surplus flesh trying to escape over her top like prisoners climbing over a wall, her face a moon of embarrassed social goodwill. [Ed note: Obviously these writers are not cognizant of engineering marvel of Playboy bunny suit.] The film's second casting triumph is Hugh Grant. Playing a creep with no morals, he excels. As Bridget's caddishly concupiscent boss and later boyfriend, Grant's Wodehousian twittishness is enhanced with a womanising leer and a curdled suavity. No woman could resist him, or no woman as frightened by potential shelf-life as Bridget, who can get drunk on one small dram of male attention. The strong screenwriting team - author Helen Fielding, Richard Notting Hill Curtis and TV adaptation veteran Andrew Davies - make fun fly in the first half, even though the book's diary format is downplayed in favour of a more orthodox comedy of Sloane or sub-Sloane manners. The writers especially re-nourish Bridget's parents for the screen, played with a twitchy, touching, beleaguered individuality by Gemma Jones and Jim Broadbent. The film goes astray only in the last half-hour when Bridget decides to jettison the awful-but-lovable Grant for Colin Firth's erect stick of a Mark Darcy. [Ed note: Andrew Davies script instruction, no doubt.] Playing the Jane Austen heartthrob's surnamesake as if the character had had a charm bypass, and with no wet-shirt sequence as when Firth played the original Darcy on TV, the actor provides scant reason why a girl as feckless, fun-loving and allergic to smugness as Bridget would end up yielding her heart to him in a snowbound London street. Come to that, why is the street snowbound? Did the makers decide that Frank Capra had to step in for Helen Fielding as the closing master of ceremonies; that instead of taking satirical particularity up to the wire they must send the filmgoer home with a head full of snow, feelgood music and fadeout clinching? I know what the book's Bridget would have said in her diary. \"Acting 9 (v.g.). Dialogue 8 (g.). Ending 1 (must do better).\""}, {"response": 1192, "author": "Ann", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (23:39)", "body": "Time between first lean in and actual lip contact, not counting 2 instances of prior neck nuzzling, 4 minutes 35 seconds."}, {"response": 1193, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr 13, 2001 (23:48)", "body": "(Evelyn) just noticed the hidden message under the picture Is dialogue from film. Glad this isn't a family site ;-) Precisely! Why do you think I'm here. ;-D And from The Scotsman's Damian Love (2 stars): WITH the appearance of Bridget Jones\ufffds Diary comes a lightening of the heart, like the feeling that greets the first hints of spring after winter. Because pretty soon, you realise, it\ufffdll all be over. Those posters of Ren\ufffde Zellweger sitting gazing up with that I\ufffdm-just-a-funny-little-lost-chicken look that have been appearing in more places than foot-and-mouth warning notices will begin disappearing and the chuntering buzz about the movie that has been pervading the atmosphere like background radiation will swiftly recede. By now, it doesn\ufffdt matter particularly whether the film of Bridget Jones\ufffds Diary is a good movie or a bad movie - the only thing that matters is that it is the film of Bridget Jones\ufffds Diary. By that standard, it succeeds: whatever else it may or may not be, there\ufffds no denying Sharon Maguire\ufffds film is an adaptation of Helen Fielding\ufffds book. But, of course, it is one other thing: the latest collaboration between scriptwriter Richard Curtis and Hugh Grant, the men who gave us Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill, and who bring with them that sweet smell of export-friendly success. So, in the UK, the movie is an event long before it is a movie and you have people modestly agreeing to be seen in it ironically, the way they once queued up to be seen ironically in the Spice Girls\ufffd film: here\ufffds Salman Rushdie; there\ufffds Jeffrey Archer. Fielding\ufffds novel became one of those lightning-in-a-bottle sensations, mostly through word of mouth, like Trainspotting with cigarettes instead of heroin. A lot of women found a character who drank and smoked and regretted it, who bought magazines and self-help books and got confused by them but half-realised they were ridiculous, who got embarrassed, pondered underwear, worried about her weight and wondered why she couldn\ufffdt find a decent man - who, that is, did all the stuff feminism was supposed to have drummed out, but in aware, post-feminist ways. And they decided \"this is me!\" - the way lots of men reading Nick Hornby books about football and old records reached the same conclusion. It\ufffds doubtful, however, that many viewers of Maguire\ufffds functional movie will make that tight connection. Part of the reason is that there\ufffds nothing to connect to. Zellweger is charming within the constraints of the role, but it\ufffds the constraints you notice. The film is pitched at a level close to a run-of-the-mill prime-time sitcom: people don\ufffdt talk and don\ufffdt listen but say lines, then wait, then say lines again; you see punchlines as they are set up and they turn out as disappointing as they looked from a distance. In the same way that conversations never develop, Bridget herself doesn\ufffdt come together as a character but as a set of character traits, moving predictably through a repetitious cycle of situations in a comfortable Sunday supplement Britain. Like a figure on the mechanical diorama of a clock above a village square: Bridget\ufffds sad. Bridget wants man. Bridget makes a fool of herself. Bridget sees right man and wrong man. Bridget goes for wrong man. Bridget makes a fool of herself. Bridget sees wrong man was wrong. Bridget\ufffds sad. Bridget makes a fool of herself. Bridget gets right man. As the wrong man, while obviously enjoying himself, Hugh Grant is still Hugh Grant, still fluttering and wincing and hesitating as though trying to dislodge wind before he says anything; it\ufffds just that, now, when he does say something, it\ufffds frightfully laddish-caddish and liberally sprinkled with virile \"f**ks\" and \"bollocks\". As the right man, Colin Firth plays Colin Firth. The other reason audiences might not look up at Ren\ufffde Zellweger and see themselves is precisely to do with all the chatter preceding the film\ufffds release. By osmosis, it\ufffds virtually impossible not to be aware of how Zellweger \"piled on the pounds\" for the role, \"ballooning up\" from her regular size to what is obviously considered a monstrous 12 or 14, and how she couldn\ufffdt wait to get back down to her usual fit again. As if Bridget resembled the aging Jake LaMotta. Maybe it\ufffds me, but this stuff adds a nasty flavour to the movie. OK, actors are not the people they play; but the curtain is pulled back here. It turns out the go-girl clutzy everywoman we\ufffdre supposed to be celebrating is actually regarded as someone to be scurried away from by the people asking us to pay to join the party. When Bridget steps on the scales in this film, even though she weighs just over nine and a half stones, she whimpers; meanwhile the wrapper surrounding her film screams that this is unacceptable, in very different tones. http://www.arts.scotsman.com/film/reviews_specific.cfm?id=3400"}, {"response": 1194, "author": "mari", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (00:40)", "body": "Here's Ebert's full review, which apparently was cut down on the Sun-Times' website. This is from his Compuserve column--lots more on Colin (highlighted). BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY by Roger Ebert * * * 1/2 Glory be, they didn't muck it up. \"Bridget Jones's Diary,\" a beloved book about a heroine both lovable and human, has been made against all odds into a funny and charming movie that understands the charm of the original, and preserves it. The book, a fictional diary by a plump, 30-something London office worker, was about a specific person in a specific place. When the role was cast with Renee Zellweger, who is not plump and is from Texas, there was gnashing and wailing. Obviously the Miramax boys would turn London's pride into a Manhattanite, or worse. Nothing doing. Zellweger put on 20-something pounds and developed the cutest little would-be double chin, as well as a British accent that sounds reasonable enough to me. (Sight & Sound, the British film magazine, has an ear for nuances and says the accent is \"just a little too studiedly posh,\" which from them is praise.) As in the book, Bridget arrives at her 32nd birthday determined to take control of her life, which until now has consisted of smoking too much, drinking too much, eating too much, and not finding the right man, or indeed much of any man. In her nightmares, she dies fat, drunk and lonely, and is eaten by Alsatian dogs. She determines to monitor her daily intake of tobacco and alcohol units, and her weight, which she measures in stones. (A stone is 14 pounds; the British not only have pounds along with kilos but stones on top of pounds, although the other day a London street vendor was arrested for selling bananas by the pound in defiance of the new European marching orders; the next step is obviously for Brussels to impound Bridget's diary.) Bridget's campaign proceeds unhappily when her mother (who \"comes from the time when pickles on toothpicks were still the height of sophistication\") introduces her to handsome Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), who is at a holiday party against his will and in a bad mood and is overheard (by Bridget) describing her as a \"verbally incontinent spinster.\" Things go better at work, where she exchanges saucy e-mails with her boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant). His opener: \"You appear to have forgotten your skirt.\" They begin an affair, while Darcy circles the outskirts of her consciousness, still looking luscious but acting emotionally constipated. Zellweger's Bridget is a reminder of the first time we became really aware of her in a movie, in \"Jerry Maguire,\" where she was so cute and vulnerable we wanted to tickle and console her at the same time. Her work in \"Nurse Betty\" (2000) was widely but not sufficiently praised, and now here she is, fully herself and fully Bridget Jones, both at once. A story like this can't work unless we feel unconditional affection for the heroine, and casting Zellweger achieves that; the only alternate I can think of is Kate Winslet, who comes close but lacks the self-destructive puppy aspects. The movie has otherwise been cast with dependable (perhaps infallible) British comic actors. The first time Hugh Grant appeared on screen, I chuckled for no good reason at all, just as I always do when I see Christopher Walken, Steve Buscemi, Tim Roth or Jack Nicholson -- because I know that whatever the role, they will infuse it with more than the doctor ordered. Grant can play a male Bridget Jones (as he did in \"Notting Hill\"), but he's better as a cad, and here he surpasses himself by lying to Bridget about Darcy and then cheating on her with a girl from the New York office. (An \"American stick insect,\" is what Bridget tells her diary.) Colin Firth on the other hand must unbend to become lovable, and when we do finally love him, it's largely because we know what an effort it took on his part. \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" is famously, if vaguely, patterned after Jane Austen's \"Pride and Prejudice\"; Firth played Mr. Darcy in the BBC's 1995 adaptation of the novel, and now plays another Darcy here. I didn't see the TV version but learn from the critic James Berardinelli that Firth \"plays this part exactly as he played the earlier role, making it evident that the two Darcys are essentially the same.\" It is a universal rule of romantic fiction that all great love stories must be mirrored by their low-comedy counterpoints. Just as Hal woos Katharine, Falstaff trifles with Doll Tearsheet. If Bridget must choose between Mark and Daniel, then her mother (Gemma Jones) must choose between her kindly but easy-chair-loving husband (Jim Broadbent) and a dashing huckster for a TV shopping channel. The movie strings together one funny set-piece after another, as when Bridget goes in costume to a party where she THOUGHT the theme was \"Tarts & Vicars.\" Or when she stumbles into a job on a TV news show and makes her famous premature entrance down the fire pole. Or when she has to decide at the beginning of an evening whe"}, {"response": 1195, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (03:33)", "body": "The film goes astray only in the last half-hour when Bridget decides to jettison the awful-but-lovable Grant for Colin Firth's erect stick of a Mark Darcy. [Ed note: Andrew Davies script instruction, no doubt.] Playing the Jane Austen heartthrob's surnamesake as if the character had had a charm bypass, and with no wet-shirt sequence as when Firth played the original Darcy on TV, the actor provides scant reason why a girl as feckless, fun-loving and allergic to smugness as Bridget would end up yielding her heart to him in a snowbound London street. (Financial Times) That's cruel. And again, the implication is that it's only the \"wet shirt\" that made Darcy attractive. And we wonder why CF doesn't want to play romantic roles. Who would in the UK? The change in the ending over the credits is significant (probably based on audience research!). In the US you get a heart-warming, life-affirming ending, we get tacky sexist jokes, and more super-stud Hugh Grant. GRRRRR!!! Has any British paper said anything nice about CF? I knew there'd be a BJD back lash in the UK, but it's the romantic aspect that sems to be catching the flak! Thanks for all the US reviews!!"}, {"response": 1196, "author": "amw", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (03:48)", "body": "Actually I have read nearly all the US reviews (at Rotten Tomoaoes, over 70), and I think Colin comes off very well andI agree with Heide, he certainly holds his own with HG, some very nice remarks. However, the UKcritics are another thing, except Christoper Tookey who said some nice things about ODB, but then I always like CT."}, {"response": 1197, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (04:06)", "body": "We're going to see the movie tonight, Ann (my DH has actually expressed interest in seeing it!) and so I'll stop whingeing about our male critics. But, jeez, they are a major let down....to put it politely! I noticed they trounced \"What women want\" which did extremely well at the Box Office.....evidently they do not know what women want. Shall not read our \"critics\" any more!!!"}, {"response": 1198, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (04:49)", "body": "Saw the film for a second time yesterday afternoon although should have opted for a later showing as cinema nowhere near full ;-( Took (for took read dragged ) with me my faithful, non-CF aware, friend and sat there, oozing smugness, in anticipation of the adoring noises and constant chuckling which would ensue. Gave friend strict instructions e.g. look out for this bit, don't forget such and such and ....look out for Burberry Man - we know him! Was disappointed as found was only person laughing in places but generally film was well received (though no sharp intakes of breath when MD appears in BJs flat *sigh* - unlike London Pre-Release screening). The fight scene and especially had everyone LOL and practically ROTF as well! At end credits stayed firmly (and even more smugly) rooted in seat as the 'masses' trundled out- only to race back in again when DC bits to camera appear. When we did eventually leave, the next audience were queueing and there were shed-loads of them so am feeling v pleased with sure-fire box office smash portents! Verdict from unbelieving friend? She loved it (but then she has read BJD and P&P so got some of the references) - did however think that the on screen scribblings should have continued through film to perpetuate diary motif. But AARRGGGHH - she still can't understand what I see in ODB, is the woman mad? Her saving grace is that when I dropped her home her DH was flicking though channels and P&P was showing on BBC Knowledge so she insisted I got another Darcy fix before I set of on the car journey home *double sigh - was Rosings piano scene and ill fated proposal episode* Hurrah! Survival BJ screening tickets have just plopped though letterbox am skipping around bedroom in manner of extremely happy (Easter) bunny and preparing, a tad too premature perhaps, to see HIM introduce the film....lets face it he could stand up there and read the entire London Telephone Directory and I don't suppose any of up die-hard droolies would notice ;-)"}, {"response": 1199, "author": "amw", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (05:55)", "body": "Jus thad to tell you about this review, the first one where the words \"and especially Firth\" have been said... From Appollo Guide - http://appolloguide.com/mov_fullrev.asp?CID=3053 , hope this works but if it doesn't go to appolloguide.com and find the review for BJD. Here is the bit I like \"Zellwegger is helped here by strong performances by Grant and ESPECIALLY FIRTH, whose restraint makes his character utterly real and all the more tantalising when he seems unattainable\" hurrah"}, {"response": 1200, "author": "amw", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (05:57)", "body": "Oh, it doesn't seem to be working but the review can be found at the iMDB. or http://appolloguide.com"}, {"response": 1201, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (07:49)", "body": "Someone was asking (forgive me I've forgotten who) about online retail sites for BJD soundtrack . Am gobsmacked as have just received my copy from Amazon.co.uk (according to local conventional stores it's not out until Monday) so am V V impressed with their service. UK \"Special Edition\" cover has BJ looking up with giary on her lap and back has usual lovely promo picture CF, RZ and HG (CF scowling at contents of diary Mmmmmm).Inside booklet has stills but only one MD i.e. MD & BJ in snow. Have just finished listening to it for the first time though cannot recall some of the tracks being in the film, never mind is v good listen. Have done obligatory air guitar/drum solo and screeching at top of voice to \"All By Myself\" *apologies to long suffering neighbours*"}, {"response": 1202, "author": "Brown32", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (07:55)", "body": "(Minor Spoilers) Where can I start? What can I say? I love Bridget Jones Hip Hip Hooray! With her pudding cheeks And her eyes full of hurts With her bosom so ample And her shortest of shirts She is awfully winning So real and so plucky No wonder men see her And hope they get lucky. And what a great fight! It couldn\ufffdt be better! Two men so inept At socking each other! Our Colin looked gorgeous Darcy through and through Only now not on cable And not just for the few. He\ufffds dressed in Saville And turtleneck sweaters No longer in breeches, Writing long letters. Cleaver is showy But Mark\ufffds got the part That shows with his eyes, The thoughts in his heart. And bring on the drums Shout oceans of bliss! He finally shows us He really CAN kiss! For at the end, In snow and full view... \ufffdBarrister\ufffds don\ufffdt kiss\ufffd\ufffd \ufffdYes, they fucking do!\ufffd Murph"}, {"response": 1203, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (08:16)", "body": "Loved the poem Murph - LOL! AnnW thanks for the direction to IMDB's reviews judging by reaction methinks we may have many many newbies before too long! Though one review puzzled me (I believe from KerryW: ) Firth too shows how far he's come from baring his backside in Pride and Prejudice. Hmmmm - wonder which version she's been watching??!!? \"A happy thought indeed\""}, {"response": 1204, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (09:29)", "body": "Has any British paper said anything nice about CF? Laura Tennant from The Independent, a 5 bottle review: Firth might as well have \"good husband material\" attooed across his forehead, but despite this, or perhaps because of it, he makes a devastatingly sexy Darcy. And ladies, I mean devastating. Your magazines have been far more complimentary. The newspaper critics are truly stuffed shirts. Alexander Walker, who didn't have Lottery money to carp about, chose to criticize the distribution of profits between the US and England. What has this to do with the film? It's as if there is something v. wrong about an enjoyable film. Sheesh, they can't all be Battleship Potemkin."}, {"response": 1205, "author": "Ann", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (09:43)", "body": "This link should work: http://apolloguide.com/mov_fullrev.asp?CID=3053 The problem was two p's in apollo."}, {"response": 1206, "author": "heide", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (10:43)", "body": "Colin Firth's erect stick of a Mark Darcy. [Ed note: Andrew Davies script instruction, no doubt.] LOL. Editorial note noted. And who cares what the Financial Times says anyway. (Ann)Time between first lean in and actual lip contact, not counting 2 instances of prior neck nuzzling, 4 minutes 35 seconds. Goodie, will wallow in those 4 minutes again today. Did I read in one of the reviews that there were about 15 different endings? I didn't want the movie to end at all. Notice a definite schizophrenic tendency among the Brit press. The articles before the film's release were very nice, complimentary, promising, etc. Looks like the reviewers couldn't wait to get their talons on this to show they weren't pushovers like those feature writers. Ah, I feel much better about Ebert's review now that I see there was more to it. I hope he remembers to say those nice things about Colin on TV. People Magazine has their review in. Not enough of a Colin mention... Zellweger, who continues to impress as a contemporary incarnation of Doris Day (!), more than holds her own with her leading men, both of whom, glow and a strong supporting cast. It's their Featured Attraction but no pic of Mark though Colin is their Pop Quiz subject on page 22. Don't care for the pic."}, {"response": 1207, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (11:14)", "body": "Did the makers decide that Frank Capra had to step in for Helen Fielding as the closing master of ceremonies; that instead of taking satirical particularity up to the wire they must send the filmgoer home with a head full of snow, feelgood music and fadeout clinching? LOL! I admit I did think that too! Why the snow? But if they went all out for a Capra effect--more power to them! Tracy, lucky girl! Can't wait to hear your report. Karen, I barely noticed the street! I was too busy looking for Mr. Darcy. ;-) Thanks for all the reviews!"}, {"response": 1208, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (13:36)", "body": "The Bridget/Mark love theme is Dreamsome by Shelby Lynne. Terrific sound track in the film. Wish they would have included an Elvis Costello,, though."}, {"response": 1209, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (14:06)", "body": "So you like Elvis Costello, Evelyn? Me too! I would have loved Todd Rundgren's \"I saw the Light.\" Wasn't that supposed to be in the movie? A wonderful Easter to all! Chocolate eggs tomorrow, yum!"}, {"response": 1210, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (14:07)", "body": "closing tag"}, {"response": 1211, "author": "amw", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (15:19)", "body": "Have just got back from my second of many viewings to come, much better audience response and a sigh when Colin turns round and shows off his reindeer jumper!! Full cinema which is very good for an Easter Saturday afternoon. I really can't wait for the video/dvd to come out, some many wonderful close-ups and don't you just love the little smile that creeps across Colin's face every so often especially when he is helping Brighet with the dinner. Also I just love it when he says \"crickey\", when Bridget tells him that she likes him too(at the Darcy's Ruby Wedding Party). Oh and thanky you Sharon Maguire for that lovely last long lingering kiss... Thanks Ann for finding the correct link."}, {"response": 1212, "author": "jcjc", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (16:23)", "body": "(Ann W)Also I just love it when he says \"crickey\", when Bridget tells him that she likes him too(at the Darcy's Ruby Wedding Party). Ann, what does \"crickey\" mean?"}, {"response": 1213, "author": "fitzwd", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (20:37)", "body": "All my men wear Burberry suits, or they wear nothing at all..."}, {"response": 1214, "author": "fitzwd", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (20:44)", "body": "Ahem, one more time: All my men wear Burberry suits, or they wear nothing at all..."}, {"response": 1215, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (21:09)", "body": "Donna! Did you have your James Bond cam with you? Brava!"}, {"response": 1216, "author": "mari", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (21:22)", "body": "That is some purposeful striding there, Mark! Well done. Can't wait to see what else Donna the pirate has in her stash.;-)"}, {"response": 1217, "author": "heide", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (21:57)", "body": "That is a Darcy stride if ever I saw one, Mark. Donna, you clever girl. Couldn't resist popping into the Bridget Jones message board on AOL when I saw it was featured when I logged in tonight. Some potential new fans for Colin or were these comments from you girls?: (CF is) \"Oozing sex apeal at the end. Yum yum. More Colin Firth\" \"Collin (sic) is very sexy.\" \"Colin Firth...what a doll! I'd like to meet that Mr. Darcy.\" There were even more. He definitely beat out Hugh in the raves."}, {"response": 1218, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (21:59)", "body": "Holy cow Donna!! What have you been up to? ;-D"}, {"response": 1219, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (22:28)", "body": "I know *another* British review is the last thing you'd want to read, but the Sunday Observer has weighed in. Thought it had promise as had Colin's reindeer boy pic on front page, then clicked to read this: \"The co-writers - Helen Fielding, Andrew Davies (in whose TV adaptation of Sense and Sensibility Colin Firth became a star)\" Read the rest at your own peril, but is definitely going in my special section of the Review page under Fuckwittage. http://www.observer.co.uk/screen/story/0,6903,473234,00.html"}, {"response": 1220, "author": "Ann", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (22:44)", "body": "Group sitting next to me tonight (viewing #4) had a woman in it who said she never goes to movies more than once, but this was her second time. I told them about COlin and that the part was written from the start for him :) TV station here called Mark Darcy a \"businessman\". My guess is the guy just read other reviews and didn't bother to see it himself."}, {"response": 1221, "author": "Cinder", "date": "Sat, Apr 14, 2001 (23:20)", "body": "unlurking once again..Just got back from seeing BJD for the second time....sigh x's infinity. I think I shall have to go back and see it once more, just so I do not forget a single moment. To move on..both the Rosie Odonnell and the Today show are acknowledging the appearance of Colin on Monday. Like I said in the last room..Lets cross our fingers shall we."}, {"response": 1222, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Apr 15, 2001 (01:13)", "body": "Finally, a realistic review from your shores. One with pretensions, no hidden agendas, no poses. Cosmo is probably just happy that a character has his name! http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/news/pages/sti/2001/04/15/sticulfil02005.html good, v.good: Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), a broody, moody hunk of manhood"}, {"response": 1223, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Apr 15, 2001 (01:14)", "body": "That s/b without all those things. *oops is late*"}, {"response": 1224, "author": "LisaJH", "date": "Sun, Apr 15, 2001 (01:15)", "body": "Donna, I am all astonishment! The connections you ladies have.... Oh no, not another review, Karen! *groan* Love the lovely new review section complete with special effects. :-D"}, {"response": 1225, "author": "amw", "date": "Sun, Apr 15, 2001 (03:46)", "body": "According to the Sunday Telegraph Renee has agreed to do a sequel as she will not have to put on so much weight and apparently BJD has broken UK Box Office Records for the first day and is expected to beat NH for the weekend. Hurrah. The report is online under UK news."}, {"response": 1226, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Sun, Apr 15, 2001 (03:57)", "body": "V.briefly as busy time looms ahead. Saw BJD last night with full house (and had to queue!!) and really enjoyed it. S-o-o nice to CF starring (and I do mean starring) in a popular mainstream movie!! Long article in the Sunday Telegraph on BJD. It took \ufffd1.7million in the UK on its opening night (twice as much as NH, the former record holder) and looks on course to be the most successful British-made film ever). Took \ufffd1.2 in US on opening night(is this good?), beaten only by SpyKids. STelegraph says RZ has agreed to do sequel, provided she doesn't have to put on weight. WT are going ahead with a sequel based on TEOR. It is hoped that the film's other stars will also appear in the sequel. Helen Fielding is working on the script. Eric Fellner, the producer, is \"sitting down on Tuesday to plan in detail how to film the sequel starring RZ. It had already been discussed with the cast\". Good review for BJD in the STelegraph. \"CF manages a slow-burning transition from grumpy and stodgy to masterful and sexy, in classic Mr Darcy fashion\" Only criticism...\"I wish (Sharon Maguire's) influence had been a litle stronger to dilute that of RC...the whiff of the RC formula was the film's only real drawback.\" Our local paper also gave BJD a very good review (have part quoted this before) and they often slam movies. (Male reviewer)\"CF is excellent as the stoic MD, playing his role with enough restraint and mystery to keep the plot bubbling in the final reel\". (Female) \"Number of times swooned over CF during film...47...CF is perfect as MD.\""}, {"response": 1227, "author": "Ann", "date": "Sun, Apr 15, 2001 (04:32)", "body": "Oh yeah, there was a line outside the theater I went to tonight too--quite a long one. ANd the theater was packed. Audience seemed a little quieter through the movie than last night, but applauded at the end, which didn't happen yesterday"}, {"response": 1228, "author": "Ann", "date": "Sun, Apr 15, 2001 (04:46)", "body": "Just saw Ebert & Roeper's review. Had some good clips of CF. Brief glimpse of him smiling at dinner party, extended view of him singing happy birthday, and of course the \"I like you\" line. Ebert also mentioned he played Darcy in P&P. They liked it and talked about Renee and Hugh being great."}, {"response": 1229, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Sun, Apr 15, 2001 (07:45)", "body": "Donna ... I don't know how you did that - I am all amazement; thank goodness had just seen the film first so could recognise self. Karen: In the last scene, the store appears in very ritzy area, which wouldn't be a few blocks away from Bridget's flat. Did that street look familiar? Apologies if anyone has answered this already (I tend to skip chunks of the reviews I must admit): the shop and parade is a real one just beside the Bank of England in the City - to get there, MD and BJ would have had to run over London Bridge and then all the way up King William St - dramatic licence of course. Must just add: those early reviewers who asked why would either DC or MD find Bridget attractive - who were you watching? RZ is wonderful IMO, and exactly captures the Bridget of the books, with all her feist and imagination as well as the ditziness. Burberry Man"}, {"response": 1230, "author": "fitzwd", "date": "Sun, Apr 15, 2001 (08:49)", "body": "(Mark) I don't know how you did that - I am all amazement; thank goodness had just seen the film first so could recognise self. LOL, this was my second viewing, so I came prepared. I planted myself early so that I could get a good seat, then I obnoxiously flung my feet on the chair in front of me so that people were discouraged from sitting nearby. Didn't want a fat head to get in the way. :-) I waited for Cleaver to grrr/roar as he revved up his engine, then snap snap snap. *Nonchalantly sticks the camera back in the bag and continues watching the movie*"}, {"response": 1231, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Apr 15, 2001 (09:39)", "body": "Lovely news, all! Thanks, Burberry Man, for the site identification. That's what I thought, in terms of being further away than it was made to appear. The Ebert & show had excellent clips. Lots and lots of Colin on view, especially during the fight. Many closeups of head on table, etc. It also seemed as though Ebert was going to say more about Colin (or just male leads) and then switched over to discuss how much he enjoyed Huge's performance from the first glimpse of him. Oh well, can't have everything.... BTW, you will be able to hear Ebert &'s comments online at their website shortly."}, {"response": 1232, "author": "amw", "date": "Sun, Apr 15, 2001 (10:30)", "body": "Ladies, please go to http://www.moviefone.com/ and to Feedback, and post your review, exulting Colin,of course. They have had the audacity to omit Colin from the credits, they have listed Honor Blackman for goodness sake and she was only in the film for 2 seconds!!"}, {"response": 1233, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Apr 15, 2001 (10:43)", "body": "Actually, Honor Blackman was in all the scenes where the parents gathered. She only had a line at the T&V party, but you can see her at the turkey curry buffet and at the Ruby Anniversary party. But your point is well-taken, Ann. ;-D It's more important IMHO to email the Charlie Rose show now. They need to act quickly to get Colin on. I have likened him to RF, plus described the wonderful reviews for his first short story and plans for a Hamlet. Go to it, people!!"}, {"response": 1234, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Sun, Apr 15, 2001 (12:15)", "body": "I saw BGD while on vacation in Santa Rosa the other night and thoroughly enjoyed it. Also noted, Karen R's BGD web pages our soaring off our charts!"}, {"response": 1235, "author": "kolin", "date": "Sun, Apr 15, 2001 (14:45)", "body": "FoF Dottie found this: http://www.sunspot.net/news/printedition/bal-to.bridget14apr14.story Chronicles of a true Firth fan Book: A Sun reporter compares a 'Diary' with 'Pride.' By Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan Sun Staff April 14, 2001 Thursday 5 April 7:25 p.m. Ohmigod. Have to attend advance screening of \"Bridget Jones's Diary.\" Refused to read the book when it first came out. Seemed v. v. silly and demeaning, and Bridget sounded like an annoying, desperate nutbag. But Colin Firth (to DIE for) is in it. Was SO swoonworthy in BBC's \"Pride and Prejudice\" and should make \"Bridget\" not entirely a waste of time. 9:30 p.m. My life is complete. Film was most excellent - v. v. funny even though Renee Zellweger was v. v. annoying (as expected of nutbag Bridget). Love that dry Brit wit, Hugh Grant is a magnificent rogue and, oh, that Colin Firth ... I swear he has perfected the art of playing a dashing Darcy. Friday 6 April Noon. People say BJD is a modern \"Pride and Prejudice,\" and it seems about right: Hugh's publishing whiz Daniel Cleaver possesses the smarm-charm of Elizabeth Bennet's initial love interest Mr. Wickham, Bridget's Mum runs off with a man just like Elizabeth's sister Lydia does. And Colin Firth plays a marvelous Mr. Darcy all over again! He's terribly adroit at conveying tormented passion without saying one word. Although, in BJD, Darcy is a wealthy, hardworking lawyer, unlike P&P's Mr. Darcy who was just born insanely rich and passes time shooting fowl, quietly performing good deeds for sport, and secretly desiring Elizabeth Bennet. (Not that that's a bad thing.) That Bridget, however, seems a lot more like Fanny Price in \"Mansfield Park\" than P&P's Elizabeth Bennet. Lizzy, at least, was a strong, intelligent woman. Bridget's more like Fanny, Austen's least likable heroine and a wimpy girl to boot. Note to self: Rent BBC series and read P&P again. Also, pick up copy of BJD. Sunday 8 April Am reading P&P and enjoying it v. v. much. Remarkable similarities to BJD, which am also endeavoring to read at the same time. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham both went to Cambridge University, so did Daniel Cleaver and Mark Darcy. Natasha, the wenchy barrister determined to snag Mark Darcy for herself in BJD, is a carbon copy of the conniving Ms. Bingley, who tries to scheme her way into becoming Lady Darcy. And Mr. Darcy makes his first appearance in P&P at a ball, where he sulks and refuses to dance. In BJD, Bridget first lays eyes on Mark Darcy at a party where he's looking all haughty and keeping to himself. She even notes: \"It struck me as pretty ridiculous to be called Mr. Darcy and to stand on your own looking snooty at a party. Read so intently that did not leave the apartment for whole evening and had week-old brownies for dinner. Must alter behavior or will end up like Bridget. Note to self: Look into buying scale. Monday 9 April Noon. BJD is getting old. Read till 2 a.m. and Bridget is getting v. v. grating. If she does not improve, I fear I shall have to start smoking again to cope with her shrill whining. She worries about her weight, her smoking, her eating, and suffers an exasperating lack of self-esteem. (Just say \"NO\" to Daniel Cleaver, woman!) P&P's strong-willed and level-headed Lizzy would never have felt so sorry for herself at being so v. v. unattached. In fact, even though Lizzy is of marriageable age and her mother is pressing her to wed, she has enough self-worth to resist Mr. Darcy when he first proposes, retorting: \"I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry.\" Now, that's girl power. Read in the BJD information kit that Andrew Davies, who wrote the P&P script, helped with author Helen Fielding and writer Richard Curtis with the BJD script. Also saw somewhere that BJD author Helen Fielding had a crush on Colin Firth. I have no doubt - in the book, Bridget pitches a story about Colin Firth when she becomes a news reporter. And then she ponders the Darcy-Elizabeth relationship: \"I would hate to see Darcy and Elizabeth in bed, smoking a cigarette afterward. That would be unnatural and wrong and I would quickly lose interest.\" I know what she means. I'm beginning to lose interest in the BJD versions of Darcy and Lizzy. BJD offers TOO MUCH INFORMATION about what they both would probably be like in modern times. 5:30 p.m. Discover there are many Web sites devoted to Colin Firth. Momentarily feel guilty for looking them up at work. But I am doing it for a story, after all. Tuesday 10 April There really are an amazing number of Colin Firth Web sites out there. Wednesday 11 April Holed myself up indoors all day to watch the 1995 BBC P&P miniseries. It was so v. v. brilliant and definitely far superior to BJD. In fact, BJD seems rather silly and foppish in comparison - even as a modern homage. Smoked four cigarettes. v. v. bad. I fear I am Bridget, after all. Thursday 12 April 10 p.m. Finally finished reading BJD. Loathed how forced"}, {"response": 1236, "author": "mari", "date": "Sun, Apr 15, 2001 (15:56)", "body": "Good news on the US box office front. BJD came in third with $10.8 million for the weekend, just beat out by films which were shown on many more screens: 1. Spy Kids--$12.8 million, from 3,172 screens 2. Along Came A Spider--$11.3 million, from 2,530 screens 3. Bridget Jones's Diary--$10.8 million, from 1,611 screens Just saw Colin interviewed (as part of junket, wearing his red shirt and dark suit) on CNN Showbiz. He looked very relaxed and smiley, told a cute anecdote about the guys having to pump up for their roles vs. RZ having to pack it on, and one day, someone dared the three of them to raise up their shirts and display their abdominals so they did. He said it was a contest to see who really had a six-pack. Then he added, Renee had about a one-pack."}, {"response": 1237, "author": "mari", "date": "Sun, Apr 15, 2001 (19:16)", "body": "LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The children's thriller ''Spy Kids'' ruled the North American box office for the third consecutive weekend, while the British romantic comedy ``Bridget Jones's Diary'' opened strongly on both sides of the Atlantic, according to studio estimates issued Sunday. ``Spy Kids'' grossed about $12.8 million from U.S. and Canadian theaters during the Friday-to-Sunday Easter holiday period. The Morgan Freeman thriller ``Along Came a Spider'' held steady at No. 2 with $11.3 million in its second weekend. ``Bridget Jones's Diary,'' based on British author Helen Fielding's best-selling novel about a neurotic single London woman, opened at No. 3 with $10.8 million. The film, starring Texas native Renee Zellweger and co-starring Hugh Grant, also bowed at No. 1 in the United Kingdom with a projected three-day haul of $8.4 million, a record for a British picture, and No. 8 on the all-time rankings. ``Diary'' was budgeted in the mid-$20 million area, and directed by English rookie feature filmmaker Sharon Maguire. It was released in North America by Miramax Films and in Britain by Universal Pictures. The studios co-produced with France's StudioCanal. In North America, women predictably accounted for about 60 percent of the audience, often coming in ``large packs,'' said David Brooks, executive vice president of marketing at Miramax. Pre-opening research had indicated that only 3 to 4 percent of potential moviegoers had heard of Fielding's book, which was a bestseller in the United Kingdom, but strong only in New York and Los Angeles, Brooks said. ``Diary'' played across the board geographically, and will expand to more than 2,000 theaters next weekend. It is currently at 1,611 theaters -- about half the total of ``Spy Kids.'' New York-based Miramax is a unit of Walt Disney Co., while Universal and StudioCanal are owned by Vivendi Universal."}, {"response": 1238, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Sun, Apr 15, 2001 (20:13)", "body": "In North America, women predictably accounted for about 60 percent of the audience, often coming in ``large packs,'' said David Brooks, executive vice president of marketing at Miramax. I resent this reviewer's comment. Makes us sound like pack of singleton-devouring alsatians!"}, {"response": 1239, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Sun, Apr 15, 2001 (20:27)", "body": "Just did my part at Moviephone. What F***wit at moviephone wrote the credits list???? Let's all get together and beat up Tom, who gave it an F!"}, {"response": 1240, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Apr 15, 2001 (22:10)", "body": "He said it was a contest to see who really had a six-pack. Then he added, Renee had about a one-pack. Knew he had it in him to be cute. ;-D Had a great audience at my noon viewing. Pretty full and perhaps 40 percent male, who laughed at different bits. I could sense absolutely no audience sympathy for Huge yet there was horror when Mark left her apartment. Lots of \"oh nos.\" Best news is that my older sister wants to borrow my P&P tapes, which I lent her ages ago, but she didn't like. She wanted to know all sorts of things about Jane Austen, when the book was written, and why was there such a cult following. Also wanted to know about Colin. I wonder why she thought I could answer those questions???? ;-D"}, {"response": 1241, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Apr 15, 2001 (22:19)", "body": "Have another question. The TV camera man who couldn't say whether other reporters had gotten interviews, said he was off doing \"slash.\" What is slash?"}, {"response": 1242, "author": "winter", "date": "Sun, Apr 15, 2001 (22:57)", "body": "What is slash? Isn't it going off to do, *ahem*... #1? (Someone confirm this)"}, {"response": 1243, "author": "amw", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (02:53)", "body": "quite right Winter, well put."}, {"response": 1244, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (07:58)", "body": "*embarrassed*"}, {"response": 1245, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (09:56)", "body": "Think BJD did gloriously well in US box office given last week's predictions. Ahahaha! Take *that*, Josie, Pussycats, and Joe Dirt! *long bronx cheer* *wiping monitor* Jen-Jen, will try to e-mail you so we might discuss the nuances of beet root cubes. ;-) About a hundred posts ago, there was something from AP about the fight and that Huge said it was his idea that they fight like girls, etc. etc. Just wait, ladies...any day now The Gnat will announce that he gave Helen Fielding the idea for Bridget. :-/"}, {"response": 1246, "author": "JennyM", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (10:50)", "body": "Just saw CF on the Today show. It was a great interview. I also happened to see that he will be on Live with Regis tomorrow. He looked great this morning, and I was glad to see he was finally on."}, {"response": 1247, "author": "vlyne", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (10:54)", "body": "Karen, I think your e-mails might be working! Renee Zellweger is scheduled to be on the Charlie Rose show tonight. I've got my fingers (and toes) crossed that they'll add CF to the panel as well..."}, {"response": 1248, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (10:56)", "body": "Wonderful news, Valerie. We're talking about Colin's appearances on television on Topic 143."}, {"response": 1249, "author": "vlyne", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (12:41)", "body": "oops. Sorry about that! I'll see you over there. ;-)"}, {"response": 1250, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (14:08)", "body": "No need for apologies. Just wanted to make sure you could join in with the rest of us."}, {"response": 1251, "author": "JenniferR", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (14:41)", "body": "Thanks for the offer Eileen, but have figured out reference upon second viewing. Feel rather silly, actually, for having totally missed the nuances of that scene the first time around. Hmmm...may have to go see it again, just to be sure. ;) Had my sister e-mailing me play-by-play of Today show interview--can't wait to go home and watch it!"}, {"response": 1252, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (14:50)", "body": "(Jen) Hmmm...may have to go see it again, just to be sure. ;) A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do! ;-) Don't think anyone in my audience last Fri. understood anything about the cooking scene, even when Mark called Bridget Una. :-/"}, {"response": 1253, "author": "Ann", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (14:55)", "body": "The beetroot cubes and such seemed to have been missed by all the audiences I've been in."}, {"response": 1254, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (14:55)", "body": "Local radio station was asking for callers to phone in with their opinions on BJD. First caller said that BJD was great, funniest movie and that it deserves to be remembered at next year\ufffds Academy Awards. The second caller said same and that she fell in love with CF, that she\ufffds now drooling over him. But Lara (deejay) steered conversation over to HG, and how he\ufffds the type all women love and can\ufffdt resist, even if he is no good."}, {"response": 1255, "author": "susanne", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (15:27)", "body": "This is from David Poland of voicesofhollywood.com I was shocked at how much I enjoyed Bridget Jones\ufffds Diary. I read the book at the behest of my 28-year-old niece and enjoyed it, though I wasn\ufffdt sure how it would play as a film. I listened to all the bitching and moaning about the hiring of American Renee Zellweger to play the quintessential British gal. And every appearance by Zellweger seemed to focus on her weight a lot more than it did on the movie. So, surrounded by a theater full of 30something women on Sunday afternoon, I didn\ufffdt anticipate much from the film. And as it started, I was still iffy. It seemed that first-time director Sharon Maguire was being a little too cute and trying a little too hard to match the structure of the book. But soon, that all fell away. Maguire is clearly not a great film stylist. But that slowly became the charm of the film as it went from being a big, hyped film to an art house find before my eyes. Zellweger\ufffds performance had all the curves of real life. Hugh Grant gave the most restrained, game free performance I\ufffdve seen for him in a while. And Colin Firth was drier than any martini. And all that was good. By the time I realized that things like Bridget having a Greek chorus of three friends and Hugh Grant to boot, I was already well past worrying that this was yet another homage to Four Weddings & A Funeral. (After the film, I realized that the producing team and writer behind Four Weddings and Notting Hill were behind this film as well.) I really like Four Weddings, but this one is gloriously different, choosing a level of imperfection that contrasts directly with the slick glibness of the progenitor. And for me, the message about the basic humanity of people trying to find a human connection was quite beautiful. Bridget is the clown princess of the effort. But the men around her are just as flawed, even without the extra weight and fashion faux pas. Even Bridget\ufffds parents have to deal with the things that being people together and tear them apart. For me the film was, in the end, about the forgiving heart. And that is a message that I was certainly ready to embrace."}, {"response": 1256, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (16:29)", "body": "Great to read everyone's reactions to the film, plus reviews etc I envy you all a UK audience reaction, promising to go to later showing next time to get one guaranteed. fabulous news about beating NH on first weekend too. Tracy, am joining you in exuberant dance to soundtrack, holding whisk in one hand and Survival ticket in the other!"}, {"response": 1257, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (17:49)", "body": "Lizza -am joining you in exuberant dance to soundtrack, holding whisk in one hand and Survival ticket in the other! All together now....*air guitar with drum accompaniment* All By myse-e-elf donwannabee....... What better way to spend a dull, lonely, Bank Holiday Monday than a third viewing of BJD (even if went alone in manner of confident singleton)? Maybe is just Medway mentality but profanities got the most laughs, plus \"Have it Oeuf\" - but all subtleties lost on crowd e.g FR Leavis plus they didn't seem to recognise Salman until he was mentioned in ill fated speech *hitting forehead*. Not unsurprisingly therefore crowd didn't get many of references (found myself the only one laughing way too loudly at beetroot cubes). Party of girlies in front let out a squeal of delight when MD turned up with cheeky grin and newspaper plus girl next to me shrieked \"Oh No!\" when DC arrives at party (forgave myslef a cruel chuckle at Huge's expense). Place went mad during fight scene - the audio was better at this cinema than on previous occasions so one got the full effect of the \"Eow-ing\" and \"Oof-ing\" during spazz-fight. Has ODB had more piercings recently - I counted three"}, {"response": 1258, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (17:50)", "body": "And Colin Firth was drier than any martini. I'll have my Cosmopolitan martini now, TUVM! ;-)"}, {"response": 1259, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (17:52)", "body": "Has ODB had more piercings recently - I counted three My what good eyes you have, Tracy! Do tell us where and don't keep it to the ears. ;-)"}, {"response": 1260, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (18:20)", "body": "Do tell us where and don't keep it to the ears. ;-) LOL! Most evident in the Agani-Heaney (sp) interview, counted one in right and two in left.........ears! Also noticed huge boil on Huge Gnat's chin, Mmmm very sexy NOT, whereas MD, of course, flawless...but may have to inspect again ..in the name of research ;-)"}, {"response": 1261, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (18:27)", "body": "CNN posted their interview w/ Helen Fielding: \ufffdA little bit of \ufffdBridget\ufffd in most women? http://www.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/Movies/04/16/bridget.qanda/index.html CNN: Did you visit the set very often? Fielding: Yes, and I especially liked watching Colin Firth playing Mark Darcy. When I was writing it (\"Bridget\"), \"Pride and Prejudice\" was on TV, and all the women in England were in love with Darcy -- or Colin Firth, as he's sometimes called. So, it was absolutely delicious to see Mister Darcy -- who is also Mister Firth -- playing Mark Darcy, who is also Mister Darcy. It was all very postmodern to watch."}, {"response": 1262, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (18:44)", "body": "Thanks, Marianne. How much material from the book ended up on the cutting room floor for the movie? And how can we get our hands on it! ;-) Her comment on the ending of the film tells us that she had written a different ending in her script. That's a direct question to ask her. I'm sure we would all like to know."}, {"response": 1263, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (19:01)", "body": ""}, {"response": 1264, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (19:01)", "body": "(Tracy) Most evident in the Agani-Heaney (sp) interview, counted one in right and two in left.........ears! So all of you were sitting in the first row, right? No girls in row in front of you, just screen, and lots of screen. Huge boil on Huge? Seems apropos somehow, but who is looking??? ;-D Thanks, Marianne, for the CNN link. Helen is looking v. healthy (tan). Must be because LA house has no roof."}, {"response": 1265, "author": "winter", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (19:24)", "body": "Helen is looking v. healthy (tan). Must be because LA house has no roof. Took a walk along the beach yesterday, and passed a woman who I could've sworn was HF. But she wouldn't be in the States for Easter... would she??? (Had on sunglasses and black jogging suit-type outfit. Was with another gentleman, a bit older than her)."}, {"response": 1266, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (19:28)", "body": "Why not? Do you think she had a turkey curry buffet to attend elsewhere? ;-D BTW, my last audience got a charge out of the way Colin pronounced buffet in the \"I like you just the way you are\" speech."}, {"response": 1267, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (20:47)", "body": "(Karen)BTW, my last audience got a charge out of the way Colin pronounced buffet in the \"I like you just the way you are\" speech. I noticed the pronunciation, too, although it didn't get any laughs, just a smile from me. (Whenever my DH and I take the train when we're in England, we always get something from the \"buffy\" car. It has become a joke for us since the first visit when the voice from the ceiling on the train announced that the \"buffy\" car was open and we had no idea what the \"buffy\" car was!)"}, {"response": 1268, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (20:47)", "body": "oops! did that turn off itals? Am blurry bad at this computer stuff."}, {"response": 1269, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (20:48)", "body": "did that do it?"}, {"response": 1270, "author": "mari", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (21:23)", "body": "Audiences and Top Critics Embrace 'Bridget Jones's Diary' High Per Screen Average Has US Exhibitors Craving Up to 2500 Dates With 'Bridget' Next Weekend NEW YORK, April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- This weekend, America discovered and fell for \"Bridget Jones,\" Britain's favourite singleton. \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" opened to the tune of a $10.7m box office gross, with an impressive $6,660 per-screen average in 1611 theaters. On the strength of this opening, which has theatre owners clamoring for more \"Bridget,\" Miramax Films aims to expand to as many as 2500 screens this coming weekend, it was announced by Mark Gill, president Miramax-LA and Rick Sands, Miramax chairman of worldwide distribution. \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" is a Miramax Films release of a Universal Pictures/Studio Canal/Miramax Films presentation of a Working Title Production. \"Bridget Jones's Diary,\" has become a word-of-mouth hit based on the strong audience response to nationwide sneak previews and opening weekend exit surveys which show that more than 80% of audiences rate the film as \"excellent\" or \"very good\" and more than 70% will \"definitely recommend\" \"Bridget\" to their friends. \"Bridget\" was also helped by widespread critical acclaim from top critics including Time (\"Renee Zellweger shines and Hugh Grant is irresistible\"), Newsweek (\"tremendously funny\"), Rolling Stone (\"A-List all the way\"), Good Morning America (\"One of the Best Film's of the Year! It's great!), Today (\"A smart comedy that's funny!\"), New York Times ('The best and smartest film of its kind in a long time\"), Los Angeles Times (\"Cheerful, cheeky entertainment that smartly mixes knock-about farce with fairy-tale romance\"), and Ebert & Roeper (\"two thumbs up\"). And it's not only American audiences that have responded to \"Bridget\"'s charm. In her native UK, with a release by Universal Pictures, \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" had the highest grossing opening weekend for any British film in history (approximately $10.4m). The film \"Bridget Jones's Diary,\" based on Helen Fielding's international best-seller, stars Renee Zellweger (\"Nurse Betty,\" \"Jerry Maguire\") in the title role as the dynamic, outrageously original Bridget Jones, with Hugh Grant (\"Four Weddings and A Funeral,\" \"Notting Hill\") and Colin Firth (\"Shakespeare In Love,\" \"The English Patient\") as Bridget's love interests. The film is directed by Sharon Maguire and produced by Eric Fellner, Tim Bevan and Jonathan Cavendish. Helen Fielding is the Executive Producer with Liza Chasin and Debra Hayward are co-producers. The screenplay was written by Richard Curtis, Andrew Davies and Helen Fielding based on the novel by Helen Fielding. SOURCE Miramax Films"}, {"response": 1271, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (23:38)", "body": "I'm very impressed with the UK numbers. From all I can access right now, the movie is only playing at 273 venues (not necessarily screens) and generated $10.4m, compared to $10.7m in the US on 1611 screens. I think the UK numbers are estimates for a four-day holiday weekend (your Bank holiday too) vs our 3 days, but still they seem impossible. The analyst in me is astounded and wants to delve deeper."}, {"response": 1272, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Apr 16, 2001 (23:42)", "body": "One more thing, as the above was Miramax press release, I'm glad that Miramax can't be criticized for buying BJD's success as in Chocolat, Cider House Rules, etc. The numbers and the critics' praises are, this time, for real. ;-D"}, {"response": 1273, "author": "amw", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (02:38)", "body": "Have just read 118 User Reviews! (is that sad or is that sad) at Yahoo Movies, for BJD and there are so many nice comments particulary about Colin, makes me proud to be a Firthfan!"}, {"response": 1274, "author": "tamzin", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (03:12)", "body": "Just to let all UK members know that there are still tickets available for the special screening of BJD in aid of Survival on the 26th April which is being introduced by Colin. Had to contact them for an extra ticket myself this morning. Link is www.survival-international.org/film.htm We must make sure there is a full house to greet him!!!"}, {"response": 1275, "author": "amw", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (03:19)", "body": "Gabrielle is #4in this week's Top Ten with OOR."}, {"response": 1276, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (03:23)", "body": "Audiences and Top Critics Embrace 'Bridget Jones's Diary' How nice to read this. Typically for the UK where all the smarta**e commentators have been hoping it would bomb, the Times on Monday had a piece by Sean Macaulay in LA on Easter movie releases in the US. Sample comment \"It may have swept the UK this weekend but it made only a modest impression at the US box office\"!! He does go on to say that this was a \"decent\" performance and that the film is expected to have \"legs\" unlike the other top performers at the box office. He then goes on to quote some good reviews but can't help giving prominence to the (was it the only?) bad review in the Washington Post which dubbed it One Wedding and a Funeral Makes me so cross. There is plenty that our press ought to criticise in Britain but they only ever try and denigrate that which is good."}, {"response": 1277, "author": "amw", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (05:18)", "body": "re the Rosie interview, I have read that the audience \"booed\" (sp) Colin, can this be correct, can you please enlighten me. Also apparently it was not a very responsive audience, they should be so lucky!"}, {"response": 1278, "author": "kolin", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (07:10)", "body": "\"re the Rosie interview, I have read that the audience \"booed\" (sp) Colin, can this be correct, can you please enlighten me. Also apparently it was not a very responsive audience, they should be so lucky!\" Yes, when Carolyn said that she tried for Gwyneth'r role in SIL, he asked her if she gained wight for that role as well ( she said previously that she tried for BJD and gained weight for that). The audience booed and he tried to rescue himself by saying that he meant that she was too thin and had to gain weight to be Gwyneth size. Very cute. He was charming and relaxed and a joy to watch."}, {"response": 1279, "author": "Moon", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (08:21)", "body": "There is plenty that our press ought to criticise in Britain but they only ever try and denigrate that which is good. I would like to hear some theories as to why this is so. They should learn to keep their foot in mouth. ;-) I thought Colin was more relaxed in the Rosie Show than with Katie (note: I only saw the Today interview on line and they did not include the part in which she says she has a crush on him), but Colin did a great deal of laughing on Rosie. Maybe he thought it would be the fun interview vs the serious one."}, {"response": 1280, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (08:29)", "body": "(AnnW) I have read that the audience \"booed\" (sp) Colin There's more on this at 143, as well as our impressions of Today vs. Rosie. Cannot wait to hear about the appearance on Regis today."}, {"response": 1281, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (08:54)", "body": "From a Variety article on the BJD boxoffice: \"The Renee Zellweger/Hugh Grant starrer is slated for Spain on June 8, Australia on July 26 and Germany, Latin America and Southeast Asia in August.\""}, {"response": 1282, "author": "fitzwd", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (09:00)", "body": "Regis - he's already been introduced at the top of the hour as \"sexy Colin Firth\" :-) Now on to the Chevy/Kelly drivel..."}, {"response": 1283, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (11:48)", "body": "I still haven't seen it. I'm a bad girl... still haven't seen it... haven't seen any interviews. I vegged yesterday and did nothing... I'm a bad girl."}, {"response": 1284, "author": "JennyM", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (13:01)", "body": "I'm going to see BJD TONIGHT!!!!! I can't wait, and also can't believe I waited this long, but I was home last weekend for Easter, so there were no friends around to go with. Can't wait!"}, {"response": 1285, "author": "Ann", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (13:03)", "body": "Laura, you and Bill have to go when you're in England!"}, {"response": 1286, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (13:04)", "body": "http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/fa/20010413.fa.02.ram Please forgive me if this has already been mentioned, but there is a commentary on BJD on the Fresh Air site. Loves Renee.... http://freshair.npr.org/ One of these should work."}, {"response": 1287, "author": "amw", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (13:47)", "body": "Well, I never thought I would hear a news item about a Colin Firth movie, but it happened today on the BBC2 5 0'clock news, \" BJD broke UK Box Office Records for opening weekend , beating NH by 2 millions pounds.....\" hurrahh, what a wonderful few days!"}, {"response": 1288, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (14:11)", "body": "Just came back from 2nd viewing of BJD. This time, audience was limited to only about 10 people. Humph. Still did not hear anyone laughing as much as I did. Humph again. Next time will see it on weekend night when people with sense of humor go to movies. (Jenny) so there were no friends around to go with Why not go alone? I highly recommend it...saves the trouble of explaining all the in-jokes. ;-)"}, {"response": 1289, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (14:59)", "body": "(Eileen) I highly recommend it...saves the trouble of explaining all the in-jokes. ;-) Yeah, but aren't you ever seized with the desire to turn around and tell someone, \"Hey! That was funny dammit!\""}, {"response": 1290, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (14:59)", "body": "(Eileen) I highly recommend it...saves the trouble of explaining all the in-jokes. ;-) Yeah, but aren't you ever seized with the desire to turn around and tell someone, \"Hey! That was funny dammit!\""}, {"response": 1291, "author": "amw", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (17:05)", "body": "UK ALERT, The Making of BJD is being shown on Channel 5 on Sunday 22nd April, at 12 noon, Lizza, Aishling, Tracy anyone , Help, we do not get Channel 5 in my neck of the woods."}, {"response": 1292, "author": "JennyM", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (18:27)", "body": "Eileen, I was home for Easter, and the closest theater that was even playing the movie was an hour and half away. My friends and I usually go there, but I didn't feel like driving all that way by myself. But I definitely can't wait to see it tonight!!!!"}, {"response": 1293, "author": "lafn", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (20:07)", "body": "...closest theater that was even playing the movie was an hour and half away.... but I didn't feel like driving all that way by myself. ROTF.... That's a way of life for me. This time I was lucky....I didn't have to fly to Dallas:-)))))"}, {"response": 1294, "author": "heide", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (22:06)", "body": "Great box office. Waiting for it to be #1. What's the competition opening this weekend?"}, {"response": 1295, "author": "jcjc", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (23:15)", "body": "Heide, the competition this weekend is: 1. Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles 2. Freddy Got Fingered 3. The Low Down"}, {"response": 1296, "author": "JennyM", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (23:41)", "body": "I just got back from the movie. It was the best movie. I never laugh out loud, but my friend and I were in hysterics the whole time. The fight scene has to be the funniest, yet most pathetic thing I've ever seen. Can't wait to see it again, or even better--when it comes out on video!!!"}, {"response": 1297, "author": "Donna", "date": "Tue, Apr 17, 2001 (23:43)", "body": "I am very happy to say that I rented Fever Pitch (vhs) at Blockbuster last night. At last I have seen it. I get to keep it until Saturday. Donna"}, {"response": 1298, "author": "lyndaw", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (00:01)", "body": "Saw BJD again with my sister-in-law tonight and she loved it too. Couldn't stop talking about it. Thought HG was good but not on the same planet as ODB. We decided that our favorite look was CF in the turtleneck and the to-die-for great coat. MD looked about 8 feet tall walking down the street in it. BTW, has anyone heard if there is to be published a making of or screenplay for BJD. I believe something of the sort was done for Four Weddings and Notting Hill, and just about every other film these days. If so, I hope they go for one with lots of color pix, not the type with the tiny b&w photos."}, {"response": 1299, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (00:17)", "body": "Rather strange column from Scotland on Sunday: Mr Darcy in novel twist BY WILLIAM HARE DIARY AS BRIDGET Jones's Diary hype continues to rage unabated in British cinemas, William Hare has discovered that a sequel based on Helen Fielding's second novel detailing the singleton lifestyle is lounging on the casting couch. Oh dear. The makers of BJD2 now have a new dilemma. The casting of Colin Firth as Jones' real (well, in the film anyway) boyfriend Mark Darcy, universally lauded as inspired, means that he can't really play himself as the real (well, fictional actually) Mr Darcy from the BBC's adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. An explanation for those who haven't read the Bridget Jones's Diary books and seen the first film: Poor Bridget lusts somewhat pathetically after Mr Darcy (Jane Austen's Mr Darcy, that is) in the second book, and when she actually meets him (well, meets the actor who plays him, Colin Firth) to interview him for a newspaper she makes a hash of it. But with Firth playing Mark Darcy in real life (well, in the film), who will the producers find to smoulder and fill those wet breeches when Darcy (well, Firth the actor) makes his appearance in the sequel? Now we all understand each other, here is Bridget's interview with Colin Firth from the book (it didn't really happen, it's fiction). [a bit of the interview] ~~~~~ Evidently Mr Hare doesn't realize they could do the same thing they did for the first, i.e., cut it all out."}, {"response": 1300, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (00:33)", "body": "Evidently Mr Hare doesn't realize they could do the same thing they did for the first, i.e., cut it all out. Exactly, but then again this guy doesn't even realize that the \"interview\" really did happen. No big stumbling block. EOR stands on its own without the interview."}, {"response": 1301, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (00:39)", "body": "Agreed, especially if they keep the original Persuasion plotline. ;-D"}, {"response": 1302, "author": "Renata", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (02:54)", "body": "I wonder why it should be impossible for him to play Mark Darcy AND himself in the same film, in a kind of double role (wouldn't be his first, heehee). We know how much he can change his appearance, and even though I haven't seen BJD yet I got the impression that his MD character/looks is different enough from Colin as himself. Would be a nice Escher twist, and probably THE challenge for him to play the \"real\" Colin for a change. ;-)"}, {"response": 1303, "author": "amw", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (05:06)", "body": "Another UK Alert, according to my friend who just telephoned there is an article about Colin in this week's \"Womans Own\"."}, {"response": 1304, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (07:18)", "body": "Producer Mulling Next Chapter for Bridget Jones April 18, 2001 4:54 am EST By Adam Dawtrey LONDON (Variety) - English producer Working Title Films is considering a sequel to its latest hit, \"Bridget Jones's Diary,\" after its blockbuster opening last weekend in the U.S. and the U.K. The company has optioned the follow-up book by Helen Fielding, \"Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason,\" and is negotiating a deal for her to write a screenplay. Working Title has never previously made a sequel. Co-chairman Eric Fellner described the process of deciding whether to go ahead with a second \"Bridget Jones\" as unknown territory. \"But when you get numbers like this, you've got the think about it,\" he said. Working Title also produced \"Four Weddings and a Funeral\" and \"Notting Hill.\" Fellner said no discussions have yet taken place with Renee Zellweger about whether she would be willing to reprise her starring role. There's also the question of whether there would be a role for Hugh Grant, whose character, the caddish Daniel Cleaver, does not feature in the second book. \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" shot straight to the top of the British box office in its first weekend, grossing $10 million, the biggest ever opening for a British film. In the United States, it opened at No. 3 with $10.7 million."}, {"response": 1305, "author": "JenniferR", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (08:17)", "body": "(Lynda) BTW, has anyone heard if there is to be published a making of or screenplay for BJD. I believe something of the sort was done for Four Weddings and Notting Hill, and just about every other film these days. If so, I hope they go for one with lots of color pix, not the type with the tiny b&w photos. Must confess, I ordered another copy of BJD from Amazon.co.uk last week--the film tie-in version. Got it yesterday: it's the original novel, but the cover is the actual movie poster, and it has a few color pictures in it. Only one of ODB--the trusty pic of him and Renee side-by-side pre-snog in the snow--but hallelujah, only one of the gnat as well. About four or five, I think, of Renee. That may be as close as they get to releasing the screenplay."}, {"response": 1306, "author": "Ann", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (08:44)", "body": "Actually, Daniel Cleaver is in the second book. He plays the \"Mr. Elliot\" role. It is in EoR that Mark punches Daniel. I wonder why it should be impossible for him to play Mark Darcy AND himself in the same film, in a kind of double role Fans of BJD and CF would get it, but the general audience would be extremely confused. However, they could have Jonathon Firth or someone play Colin. That would be so strange to have an actor named Colin Firth in the film, and another actor playing Colin Firth in the film. I can just see the closing credits now... Mark Darcy Colin Firth Colin Firth Jonathon Firth Jonathon Firth Peter Firth Peter Firth ..."}, {"response": 1307, "author": "Moon", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (08:48)", "body": "What's the competition opening this weekend? I read that Corelli's Mandolin is suppose to open in the UK this weekend? Has anyone heard anything? (Renate), Would be a nice Escher twist, and probably THE challenge for him to play the \"real\" Colin for a change. ;-) Start writing to him about this (via his agent). Afterall, he used it first. ;-)))"}, {"response": 1308, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (09:26)", "body": "I think it would be perfect if Colin Firth played Colin Firth AND Mark Darcy if they do a sequel. They could obviously make him look a bit different, perhaps have him dressed as Mr. Darcy from P&P2 (wearing that great GREAT Coat and perhaps astride a horse, while Bridge interviews him.) Well just my two cents worth. Am supposed to see movie tonight, but as it's snowing, I may just go home a curl up on couch and veg. Snow on April 18 should be banned. I hate New England weather!"}, {"response": 1309, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (09:36)", "body": "\"There's also the question of whether there would be a role for Hugh Grant\".. That's a plus... Do it Colin...I heard Sly is going to do \"Rocky VI\""}, {"response": 1310, "author": "aishling", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (09:50)", "body": "(AnnW) Help, we do not get Channel 5 in my neck of the woods Fear not. VCR will be ready. Six days off-line and hundreds of posts to read. Thanks to everyone for reviews etc. I too loved the film. The cinema was almost empty but it was a very early screening. It is being shown 10 times a day between two screens this week."}, {"response": 1311, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (09:55)", "body": "I've always thought he could play himself (hair lightened up, scummy clothes), even while they showed clips from P&P for the sequel...and said so ages ago. Three roles, in essence. But I think it is a nonnegotiable point with him. All references to him as a person or a TV character were taken out and would be again for the sequel. The Rome interview aside, the only scene that would be really lacking is when she and Mark split and Jude and Shazz administer P&P tape viewings of wet shirt scene (plus alcohol and food) in manner of ER. Interesting that the Variety article says no discussions have been held with RZ about even being willing to do it. So, who did the Telegraph talk to? Lynda, as BJ would say, 'not a sniff' of such a book here in the US though. Have checked online and at the bookstores. The novel has been rerelased with the poster cover, but there are no pictures (black and white or color) in it. Maybe later, as they want more people in the US to buy the HF books first."}, {"response": 1312, "author": "amw", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (10:09)", "body": "Thanks Aishling, and I am glad you enjoyed BJD Am going for my 3rd time on Saturday!!"}, {"response": 1313, "author": "Ann", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (10:18)", "body": "Fox News is reporting today that the book rights to Edge Of Reason have only now been sold for a movie. Said HF is again starting the writing of a screenplay. One more problem with the BJ-CF Rome interview: they were supposed to be talking about Fever Pitch, which no one would understand except us folks. Maybe she could interview HG ;)"}, {"response": 1314, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (12:21)", "body": "Maybe she could interview HG ;) I love it! If Daniel isn't in the movie, then Bridget could interview Hugh Grant. And to parallel the Firth interview, Bridget could be stuck on some previous thing about Huge (as she was stuck on the wet shirt, although Firth was supposed to be promoting FP. I'm sure Bridget could find SOMETHING to ask Huge about. (I'm thinking cameras rolling, I'm thinking Bridget in a silly little skirt, I'm thinking Bridget asking a DIVINE question)"}, {"response": 1315, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (13:34)", "body": "(Karen) So, who did the Telegraph talk to? Is simple. Telegraph spoke with RZ, the well-fed English girl. Working Title is in touch with RZ, the lean, sophisticated beauty who is on the cover of every magazine. ;-) I'm in the 'leave out all the CF references from an EOR film' camp. Too much of a good thing is just...too much. However, if CF doesn't agree to play MD (unforgivable sin), I reserve the right to change my mind. ;-) (Karen) I think it is a nonnegotiable point with him. Agree. IMO, he'd never go for it. (Kate) (I'm thinking cameras rolling, I'm thinking Bridget in a silly little skirt, I'm thinking Bridget asking a DIVINE question) LOL!"}, {"response": 1316, "author": "JennyM", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (14:10)", "body": "I think it would be best to leave out all P&P references. There weren't any in the movie, plus I think most people would just end up being confused."}, {"response": 1317, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (14:10)", "body": "There's a bit about \"the fight\" in this week's heat magazine (issue 113\" Aslo on letters page a pic of GF accompant=ying a letter from \"Liz\" is it one of us...well done that girl!! \" Let's not forget Colin Firth I'm glad you had an interview with Huge Gnat in heat issue 111, but have you all forgotten that the fabulous Colin Firth is in Bridget Jones's Diary as well? I think you should definitely include an interview with Mr Firth as he is the original Mr Darcy. Or just put some good pictures of him in!\" And so say all of us! Fight bit..... \"Everyone's talking about..... ......The Bridget fight scene. QWhen you think of celluloid fight scenes, certain examples spring immediately to mind: DeNiro in Raging Bull, Stallone in Rocky; Pitt in Fight Club. But now there's another you can add to that illustrious list: Grant & Firth in BJD. Yes, really. It's a classic. Set against the pulsating anthem that is Geri Halliwell's It's Raining Men, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth square up to each other outside Bridget's flat to decide who's really worthy of our comely heroine's affections. Jaws set, fists clenched, it appears to have the makings of an almighty punch-up - until they actually start wading in. As fight scenes go, it has all the clout of a wet fish - and that's the beauty of it. Effeminate kicking and girly left hooks that lack any power whatsoever combine to make one of the most hilarious scraps we've seen in a long time. Even the moment when our two protagonists crash through the restaurant window is so ridiculously camp it induces gales of laughter. Can't see that happening with Sly somehow. What's so brilliant about this scene is that it's been superbly choreographed to reflect the fact that real fights aren't always the dramatic bloodbaths moviemakers would have us believe. Because these two posh blokes can't fight at all. They can slap, pinch and swing handbags with the best of them, but they can't hit you so it hurts. And we wouldn't want it any other way.\""}, {"response": 1318, "author": "Tracy", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (14:15)", "body": "However, if CF doesn't agree to play MD (unforgivable sin), I reserve the right to change my mind. Today's Metro has it that RZ, HG and CF have all agreed to make EOR and that filming starts early next year.....do we dare believe ???? Gah!! Have just read previous posts ....the typos....the horror. OOH have just been informed by kindly mother that there is a feature-ette in today's Mirror (also online at www.mirror.co.uk check out features..\"Was Bridget Right?\") they're having a phone poll....*thinks must now log off and bombard Colin line with votes*"}, {"response": 1319, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (14:17)", "body": "swing handbags Gee, which version did this guy see? ;-D Thanks Tracy!"}, {"response": 1320, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (14:22)", "body": "(Tracy) Today's Metro has it that RZ, HG and CF have all agreed to make EOR and that filming starts early next year.....do we dare believe ???? Naw, I don't believe. There's not even a script yet. The only thing I do believe is that Working Title bought the rights to EOR at the same time they bought BJD. BTW, that reminds me--anyone else get a chuckle out of the amount of time it takes for all the production companies to 'introduce themselves' at the beginning of the movie? The Universal music swells...dumdumDUMMMM!!! You think the movie will start...no, here comes Studio Canal...then Working Title."}, {"response": 1321, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (15:29)", "body": "swing handbags (Eileen) Gee, which version did this guy see? ;-D Perhaps he's confused with RV????????????"}, {"response": 1322, "author": "Ann", "date": "Wed, Apr 18, 2001 (16:37)", "body": "If you went to Bridget's apartment, how would you get in? 1) If you are a friend, you'd use the intercom to ring her phone, she'd then buzz you in. 2) If you are a potential lover, you would walk right in, up to her door and knock. 3) If you were a former lover, you would walk right in, up to her door and ring the doorbell. So, was Mark too dense to notice there was a doorbell, or did Daniel just carry a natural buzz with him? Bit of a continuity problem there. (Ony struck me the 6th time seeing it, though.)"}, {"response": 1323, "author": "sarahmccoy", "date": "Mon, May  7, 2001 (05:02)", "body": "Hi all - newbie here, and a fairly recent Colin Firth convert. Pardon my not knowing, but what does \"OBD\" stand for?"}, {"response": 1324, "author": "sarahmccoy", "date": "Mon, May  7, 2001 (05:26)", "body": "For everyone in the US, CF is being interviewed on the NPR show \"Fresh Air\" today. In our area (SF Bay Area), they play Fresh Air twice a day, cannot speak for anywhere else. You can bet I'll be listening both times. Anyone who is interested can access the show online through this link http://www.kqed.org/fm/index.html . I believe they also do a realmedia version which you can listen to later at this site. Enjoy!"}, {"response": 1325, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Jun 11, 2001 (09:44)", "body": "BOXOFFICE CHART \"Hollywood's Horse Race... and they're off!\" =========================================== Weekend of June 8-10, Source: Exhibitor Relations Co. 1/N Swordfish $18.4/$18.4 2/2 Shrek $17.1/$176.6 3/1 Pearl Harbor $14.9/$144.1 4/N Evolution $13.2/$13.2 5/3 The Animal $9.8/$35.8 6/4 Moulin Rouge $7.6/$27.5 7/5 What's The Worst That Could Happen? $5.4/$22.2 8/6 The Mummy Returns $4.2/$188.2 9/7 A Knight's Tale $1.7/$52.7 10/8 Bridget Jones's Diary $1.2/$67.4 11/10 Momemento $718,262/$17,248,985 12/9 Angel Eyes $550,000/$23,024,000 movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 45, "subject": "Jurassic Park", "response_count": 216, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Oct 20, 1999 (20:23)", "body": "Competing with my Paleontology or Fossils Topics, or are we talking Live Dinosaurs???! *hugs* it is good to have you busy again in here *smile*"}, {"response": 2, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Oct 20, 1999 (20:24)", "body": "Actually, I wanted to use this topic to supplement yours and thought we could link the two up. Want to use this to explore the dinosaur age and whether or not the world is as old as \"they\" say it is. And to discuss theories as to what killed them off. A huge virus, meteor, what....."}, {"response": 3, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Oct 20, 1999 (20:26)", "body": "OK, I'll add this to my request for linkup between Collecting rocks and Geo..."}, {"response": 4, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Oct 20, 1999 (20:35)", "body": "Cfadm may have to create a new Paleo topic in Geo since this one is written in and there in one post in my Paleo...which is easily dispensed with as it was not important. I think this is an exciting prospect. I have loved dinosaurs since I was very little and taken to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. I still have my books about dinosaurs from when I was a kid!"}, {"response": 5, "author": "riette", "date": "Sun, Oct 24, 1999 (14:29)", "body": "Dinos are so cool!! Apparently new evidence shows that the T-REX lived in colonies. Don't you find that SCARY?? Imagine such mean animals in a pack! But apparently they weren't very nice to each other, and always picked on the smaller T-REX."}, {"response": 6, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Oct 24, 1999 (16:16)", "body": "They were the ultimate killing machine of the Jurassic, and they helped evolution out a lot by getting rid of the lame, stupid and slow so they did not pass those genes on to their offspring. Whatever happened to Natural Selection?! I think we need to have it back..."}, {"response": 7, "author": "riette", "date": "Tue, Oct 26, 1999 (05:00)", "body": "We do. That's why bad people get away with being bad so often..."}, {"response": 8, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Tue, Oct 26, 1999 (21:21)", "body": "I'm afraid you are right...It seems as though they are propagating faster than the good folks of the world, as well."}, {"response": 9, "author": "riette", "date": "Wed, Oct 27, 1999 (04:12)", "body": "Of course. Survival by means of depleting other people's means."}, {"response": 10, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Oct 27, 1999 (16:00)", "body": "As soon as there were two people on the Earth, there was the problem of depleting the other person's means...if for nothing else than to eliminate the competition. Seems we were at it from the very beginning. It is amazing that we survive as well as we do! We are now linked to Geo. Happy thought, Indeed...so now we can legitimately discuss gastroliths and coprolites *grin*"}, {"response": 11, "author": "riette", "date": "Thu, Oct 28, 1999 (06:39)", "body": "You mean farting and burping?"}, {"response": 12, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Oct 28, 1999 (09:58)", "body": "They've found a completely intact mammouth and are planning on cloing the dna and inseminating an African elephant with it (I may have the details garbled, I heard it on the car radio a few days ago), but the gist is that mammouths will walk the earth again. Jurrasic Park is real."}, {"response": 13, "author": "riette", "date": "Thu, Oct 28, 1999 (14:07)", "body": "You're late!"}, {"response": 14, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Oct 28, 1999 (15:10)", "body": "Terry, I think we discussed this on SpringArk 30 / Genetics:Animal Kingdom. I am really excited for them to do this and I hope they are successful. Not quite the Jurassic period, but far enough back that it piques our interest and imagination."}, {"response": 15, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Oct 28, 1999 (15:16)", "body": "(Ri\ufffdtte)You mean farting and burping? If we are talking coprolites, it is long past the flaming point and into fossilization (wouldn't that make a nifty engagement ring stone?!), as for Gastroliths...yup! But belching stones is not a pleasant thing to contemplate. Bouncing around in your gut at that size could be the cause of more than gastric distress! It might knock two stones together, cause a spark and ignite the whole Dinosaur. BOOOOOOOOOM!!!!"}, {"response": 16, "author": "patas", "date": "Thu, Oct 28, 1999 (16:18)", "body": "I wish these intersecting topics would show as \"read\" in all the conferences once they are read in one of them. Can this not be done, Marcia, Terry?"}, {"response": 17, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Oct 28, 1999 (16:54)", "body": "When I enter a conference I do it like this: http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/browse/Geo/all/new after I have accessed them and I go to SpringArk or Collecting (to which Geo is linked - as well as News and Parents - I do the same using browse/all/new. The ones already read should not appear again on the other place since you have accessed it."}, {"response": 18, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Oct 28, 1999 (16:57)", "body": "Well, so much for that. It did not work this time... Since each conference is independent one of the other it might be impossible to do what Gi requests."}, {"response": 19, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Oct 29, 1999 (21:42)", "body": "i've wondered the same thing myself!"}, {"response": 20, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Oct 29, 1999 (23:41)", "body": "I have done some looking at yapp capabilities, and this seems to be too convoluted for it to handle."}, {"response": 21, "author": "patas", "date": "Sat, Oct 30, 1999 (04:47)", "body": "Well, then, never mind! Some genius may think of that, though, the next time they write such a program :-)"}, {"response": 22, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sat, Oct 30, 1999 (15:00)", "body": "I think it just might take an exasperated non-expert to write such a program. I have been thinking about it, but am far from the stage of making useful suggestions - so I keep plugging at it, and another program which would keep posts on private boards from general display...!"}, {"response": 23, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sat, Oct 30, 1999 (20:12)", "body": "And, here I sit in telnet (actually double telnet) and am still coming up empty"}, {"response": 24, "author": "patas", "date": "Wed, Nov  3, 1999 (15:32)", "body": "I wonder if I Forget it in one conference will it be Forgotten in the other? Will try it. But then the object is defeated, which was to link to it from either conference."}, {"response": 25, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Nov  3, 1999 (20:15)", "body": "Hmmm....I think it is conference specific, but not sure. Please report your findings on this matter!"}, {"response": 26, "author": "patas", "date": "Thu, Nov  4, 1999 (16:42)", "body": "I Forgot it on SpringArk but it still showed up in Geo."}, {"response": 27, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Nov  4, 1999 (17:40)", "body": "Thank you! I was wondering, but since I am host on both of those conferences I did not think it would be a fair test."}, {"response": 28, "author": "patas", "date": "Fri, Nov  5, 1999 (09:26)", "body": "And it is still forgotten in SpringArk. So now we know :-)"}, {"response": 29, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Nov  5, 1999 (13:39)", "body": "Aha again! Good to know these things. Thanks, again *hugs*"}, {"response": 30, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Jan  7, 2000 (20:12)", "body": "Mammoth Stuck Outside New Museum NORMAN, Okla. (Reuters) - A life-size bronze sculpture of an Ice Age mammoth is proving to be a mammoth headache for the University of Oklahoma, which has been unable to fit the beast through the doors of the country's newest natural history museum, officials said on Thursday. When the massive bronze, whose 12-foot (3.6-metre) tusks make up more than half its 23-foot (6.9-metre) length, arrived on Wednesday, workers discovered the head was eight inches (20 cm) too high to fit upright through the loading doors of the Sam Noble Oklahoma Natural History Museum. The new University of Oklahoma museum is a large state-of-the-art facility built to showcase a university collection that has spent decades scattered in buildings across campus and in dilapidated storage sites. It is due to open on May 1. ``It's going to be a big pain and a lot of guys are going to be working on it,'' museum spokeswoman Linda Coldwell said. ''But we will get it in.'' She said a large crane would be brought to the site and the sculpture would be turned on its side to fit through the door, ''like you'd bring a sofa into your living room, around the door frame.'' The sculpture is of an Imperial Mammoth, a species that lived more than 10,000 years ago. The bronze weighs 5,000 pounds (2,250 kg). It will be mounted in a display called the ``Pleistocene Plaza'' alongside bronze sculptures of an early Native American family encountering the beast, a scene which could have easily occurred on the site of the new museum around 12,000 years ago, Coldwell said. The sculpture, by Nebraska artist Fred Hoppe, is based on the bones of a mammoth found in the fossil beds of Lincoln County, Nebraska, in 1922."}, {"response": 31, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Tue, Jan 18, 2000 (20:20)", "body": "Internet Auction Flogs T-Rex Bones for $5.8 Million SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - In a monster sale on the Internet, online auctioneers on Monday put a fossilized Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton on the block with the opening bid set at $5.8 million. The fossil dubbed ``Mr. Z-Rex'' and boasting the largest male skull with the longest teeth of any T. Rex ever discovered is being jointly offered by online auction sites run by Lycos Inc. (LCOS.O) and Millionaire.com. ``The fossil is absolutely breathtaking,'' its discoverer, paleontologist Alan Detrich, said in a statement. ``This truly is the King of T-Rex's.'' The fossil was estimated to bring in between $10 million and $12 million, according to the auctioneers. A 1997 Sotheby's auction for ``Sue,'' a female T. Rex dubbed ``The Queen of T. Rex's,'' fetched $8.36 million, the highest price ever paid for dinosaur fossils. That purchase was made by a group led by Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Michael Eisner on behalf of the Chicago Field Museum of Natural History. ``Mr. Z. Rex'' was discovered on Oct. 6, 1992 by Alan and Robert Detrich on a private cattle ranch in northwestern South Dakota. It is currently co-owned by Detrich Fossils and Fred J. Nuss Fossils, both Kansas-based paleontological groups. This is not the first time the massive fossil has been put up for sale over the Internet. In July 1999, Detrich Fossils offered the item over another online auction site, but the sale was scrapped after phony bidders put in too many illegitimate offers. The new sale will be limited to pre-qualified buyers, which could include natural history museums seeking to add the T-Rex to their attractions, company officials said. Appraisers have estimated that a T-Rex exhibit can boost museum revenues by as much as $40 million a year. ``When a significant boost in ticket sales is combined with revenue from souvenirs, casts of giant teeth, etc., the revenue from a T. Rex display could total millions of dollars per year, quickly earning back the original cost of the fossils,'' the companies' statement said. The auction, which closes on Feb. 10, is visible at www.auctions.lycos.com and www.millionaire.com."}, {"response": 32, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Jan 18, 2000 (21:42)", "body": "that's absurd! is it a hoax?"}, {"response": 33, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Tue, Jan 18, 2000 (22:18)", "body": "Nope. Complete T-Rex skelatons are so rare that this is up for the highest price it can fetch. There is world-wide interest in this guy without any meat on his bones and probably not gastroliths or coprolites, either."}, {"response": 34, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Jan 18, 2000 (22:22)", "body": "*wow*"}, {"response": 35, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Tue, Jan 18, 2000 (22:41)", "body": "Actually, if I am remembering correctly, this is the Only complete T-Rex skelaton ever found let alone successfully excavated. Btw, it is a female!"}, {"response": 36, "author": "laughingsky", "date": "Wed, Jan 19, 2000 (20:57)", "body": "Was it \"Sue\"? Then, again, I think that that Sue was the largest T-Rex, though not complete...missed the exhibition - rats!"}, {"response": 37, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Jan 19, 2000 (21:32)", "body": "No name that I remember seeing. I guess that honor goes to the person or institution willing to shell out $5+ million for the privilege of taking her home. But, I have not gone to the websites holding the auction...have been busy posting about the eclipse instead. I have seen the one in the American Museum of Natural History which is by far the largest of the ones currently on exhibit in major museums. I was disappointed by the small size of the British Museum of Natural History's specimen. But, a T- ex is impressive in any condition...I would jump at the chance to see another specimen."}, {"response": 38, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Jan 19, 2000 (21:51)", "body": "see, i don't understand why it's on the auction block. i thought those things were taken to museums not purchased. been to the natural history museum in d.c. and that thing was huge (the dinosaur, ok, the museum was too)"}, {"response": 39, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Jan 19, 2000 (22:04)", "body": "There is no law in this country that I am aware of which deals with \"treasure\" found on land not owned by anyone (is there such thing anymore?!). In Britain the discoverer can take possession and sell it to the highest bidder if it is lost property...anything dropped on the ground or lost by the owner. Finders Keepers. If it is buried or placed somewhere where the owner could reasonable be considered to return to use it, then it is in the custody of the state and as such it goes to the British Museum. e are a prickly bunch when it comes to the government taking things we discover in the wilderness - like Gold or dinosaur bones...!"}, {"response": 40, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Jan 19, 2000 (22:07)", "body": "I am all for things as unique as dinosaur bones or meteroites belonging to the nation and being kept in a museum for all to see. But, where do you draw the line??? It is almost a no-win situation!"}, {"response": 41, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Jan 19, 2000 (22:14)", "body": "wait, i didn't know the museums were govt run. i knew they got money, but the pieces were property of the museum and the general public, not the gov't. maybe i need to move to a smaller scale. finding an arrowhead is no big deal but finding a whole dinasour is just infathomable to me. can you imagine? my finding this thing in my backyard (of course, if i did, wouldn't that make headlines) and then what do i do with it? i dunno. just a question, not trying to start a fight! speaking of things we find in the wilderness, there are laws regarding the taking of certain feathers found lying about. the only \"civilian\" people allowed to take them are indians and then for ceremonial purposes. (of course, bird feathers are covered in mites and junk, so clean it really well!)"}, {"response": 42, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Jan 19, 2000 (22:23)", "body": "You will never get me to fight with you, Wolfie! *Hugs* is more like it =) I am just stating what exists in the world of archaeology...like the Dead Sea Scrolls and other things of that magnitude which should belong to all mankind. Most museums are run by a board of directors and get endowments from many sources. The Smithsonian is that way, but is also the Nation's repository of historically significant things. Most finds of the American Museum were by people hired to go out and find. Margaret Meade was on their payrole as was the man who did all of the dinosaur finds in Mongolia. Therefore his things belong to the museum. Other things, like the Hope Diamond were either sold or donated to the museum by their owners/discoverers I think all finds should be first the nation's and second the finder's...but this is the fight Mel Fisher is fighting over his gold salvage finds in the sea."}, {"response": 43, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Jan 19, 2000 (22:37)", "body": "if i found something significant, depending on what it was as to whether i'd want to keep it, i'd definitely want credit for unearthing the thing. perhaps the idea behind musuems and such is to preserve it for mankind and to take ownership away. i don't know. i thought archeology was for everyone's benefit. i guess there's the \"pirate's treasure\" deal going on for folks. to me, that's just greed. but i'd sure be tempted to keep it, am only human (thank goodness) just hate how things get exploited for t e sake of the almighty dollar. who's got $5M to lay out for some dinosaur bones anyway? what are they gonna do with it? put it in the foyer of their castle and hang christmas lights off of it? it belongs in a museum or such place so people can take a gander and see it to know that it's real IMMHO. i'd love to see it and touch the bones and know that this thing used to be alive. i'd love to pet the mammoth and feel the texture of it's fur and know that that thing, too, was alive."}, {"response": 44, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Jan 19, 2000 (22:56)", "body": "I agree! Put most eloquently, Wolfie...you expressed the frustration we all feel who care about these things. I am afraid the altruism which once was the rule in the world is long gone. It is now, \"What's in it for me?\" and getting worse by the moment!"}, {"response": 45, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Jan 20, 2000 (19:05)", "body": "Found this interesting article which addresses some of our worst fears: Wednesday, September 17, 1997 Fossil may be biggest T-rex ever Last modified at 1:36 a.m. on Wednesday, September 17, 1997 HELENA, Mont. (AP) -- What may be the largest Tyrannosaurus rex fossil ever found has been unearthed on a Montana cattle ranch, touching off a dispute over who has claim to the site. University of Notre Dame paleontologist Keith Rigby said identification of the fossil is not yet complete, but if it is not a T-rex it may be a completely new variety of dinosaur -- and the largest meat-eater ever found. \"There is some possibility that it may be new, and T-rex may have to become 'T-who?\"' Rigby said Tuesday. Rigby said he found a pubis bone, one of three bones in the pelvis, that measures at least 52 inches, compared with 48 inches in the largest T-Rex fossil ever measured. However, the femurs, or thigh bones, which paleontologists normally use to estimate the size of dinosaurs, are still unexcavated. The find is \"exciting, but not earth-shattering,\" said J. Michael Parrish, a dinosaur expert at Southern Illinois University. He said only a couple of dozen T-rex specimens are known and the largest size keeps changing, but that Rigby is probably right that his would be the biggest T-rex known. Parrish said other carnivores found recently in South America and Africa are thought to be larger than a T-rex, but comparisons among species are difficult. Rigby said he was forced to reveal the find before the fossil could be confirmed because of an unauthorized excavation over the weekend, which prompted federal agents to intervene to keep bones from being taken away. James Rector, a lawyer who has been helping Rigby, said he saw two sons of the former landowner and other relatives using a tractor to dig at the site on Sunday. Rector said he alerted the FBI and the federal Farm Service Agency, which owns the land. No one was arrested, but the FBI is investigating. Rector said he asked Steve Walton, a son of former landowner Edmund Walton, what he intended to do with the bones and the man replied: \"I'm going to save my farm and feed my children.\" T-rex fossils can be extremely valuable. A 50-foot fossil nicknamed Sue, which was found in South Dakota in 1990, is expected to bring more than $1 million when it is auctioned next month at Sotheby's in New York. Rigby said he began work at the Montana site more than a year ago with permission of people who claimed to own the land, but he later became suspicious. He said he did a title search and found that FSA took ownership of the land several years ago. Two men who identified themselves to The Associated Press in separate calls as Steve Walton and his cousin, Fred Walton, said Tuesday the group did not take anything from the site and were there merely out of curiosity. Both said ownership of the land is still in dispute and they might be entitled to some money from the dinosaur find. A similar fight was waged over Sue, one of the most complete T-Rex fossils ever found. It was seized by the government in 1992 from Peter L. Larsen, the fossil dealer who excavated it. The government said the land where Sue was found was under federal jurisdiction and off-limits to Larsen. Sotheby's is selling the fossil on behalf of the Sioux Indian on whose ranch Sue was found."}, {"response": 46, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Jan 20, 2000 (19:09)", "body": "The T-Rex Fossil The fossil, currently owned by Detrich fossils, a Kansas-based paleontological group, contains the most perfect skull and largest teeth (some measuring 13 inches) ever discovered. The fossil is nicknamed Mr. Z-Rex in honor of the owners of the private property where the fossil was discovered. Bids for the T-Rex are beginning at $5.8 million. Appraisers believe a T-Rex fossil of this quality can bring an additional $40 million in permanent, annual revenue to the museum that acquires it. Mr. Z-Rex was discovered on October 6, 1992 by paleontologists Alan & Robert Detrich while exploring fossil deposits on a private cattle ranch in northwestern South Dakota. The skull was found in a sand formation. It is thought that the T-Rex died on the sandy shoreline of a prehistoric river, sea or lake. Mr. Z-Rex has the best skull with the largest teeth I have seen. The fossil is absolutely breath-taking. This truly is the King of T-Rex's - a paleontologist's dream come true. -Alan Deitrich -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The specimen was excavated according to professional standards and transported without damage. Skeletal elements have been exposed by partial preparation from the original undersurface of three major blocks. These blocks contain, respectively, the skull, the presacral vertebrae, and elements of the hind limbs and anterior portion of the tail. Great care was taken to collect all fragments of bone from from the locality, which may permit the reassemblage of several bones which would otherwise have been lost. Stabilization of the skeletal parts will present no unusual problems, and the extraction of the bones from the sediment in which they are preserved will vary from relatively easy to requiring considerable skill. Details Length of skull 1370 mm Length of tooth row, left maxilla 560 mm (approximately) Length of tooth row, left dentary 530 mm Length of articulated cervicals from the anterior zygapophysis of C4 to the posterior zygapophysis of C10 985 mm Length of dorsal 4-6 taken at base of transverse processes 393 mm Length of posterior dorsal vertebra 140 mm Height of posterior dorsal vertebra 653 mm Length of 13 articulated caudal vertebrae 2780 mm Length of centra of two isolated caudals 152 and 132 mm Length of femur 1330 mm Circumference of femur 588 mm (indicating a weight of 5.5 metric tonnes) Length of fibula 965 mm (approximately) Length of metatarsal II 620 mm Length of metatarsal III 750 mm Length of metatarsal IV 640, 655 mm Length of phalanx r-1 120 mm The total length of the reconstructed skeleton is estimated to be approximately 10.8 m (35 feet). The total reconstructed height at the hips is estimated to be approximately 3.45 m (11.35 feet)."}, {"response": 47, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Jan 21, 2000 (12:53)", "body": "I wonder if this will affect the price of the one being auctioned now: BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) \ufffd Scientists working in the remote Patagonia region of Argentina say they have discovered partial remains of what may be the largest dinosaur species on record. Carlos Munoz, director of the Florentino Ameghino Museum of Natural Sciences, said Thursday a team of paleontologists unearthed the bones of a huge plant-eating dinosaur thought to have roamed Earth some 105 million years ago. The dinosaur is believed to have stretched between 157 and 167 feet from head to tail and weighed more than 10 tons. The creature is said to have been 27 feet longer than the 100-ton Argentinosaurus, considered by some experts to be the largest dinosaur ever recorded. The new dinosaur, which had a small head and a lengthy tail, has yet to be named or classified, Munoz said. Munoz said scientists working on a tip from a villager found a femur and two parts of a vertebra. The pieces of cervical vertebrae were nearly four feet high, he said. ``This is a spectacular find,'' said Munoz, whose team of nine students is still working in the remote area near the city of Neuquen, 640 miles southwest of Buenos Aires. Munoz said his team would continue to dig until the end of the month before returning to the museum to clean and classify what they uncovered. The scientists plan to officially release their findings in March in an Argentine paleontology magazine. John McIntosh, a dinosaur expert at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn., said in a telephone interview that if the new creature truly did reach 167 feet in length, ``it certainly would be the largest dinosaur yet recorded.'' But paleontologists say there are different ways of measuring the biggest dinosaur, which might add some controversy to the Patagonia discovery. Though possible shorter, the 100-ton Argentinosaurus would have been as much as 10 times heavier than the new dinosaur, according to scientists' estimates. And in November, researchers at the University of Oklahoma reported the discovery of a 60-ton, 60-foot tall giraffe-like creature that lived 100 million years ago along an ancient seacoast in what is now the south-central United States. Those measurements would give that dinosaur, called Sauroposeidon, the greatest height and longest neck \ufffd 40 feet \ufffd of any recorded species, researcher Richard Cifelli said."}, {"response": 48, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Jan 21, 2000 (21:02)", "body": "i heard about that one on the news and for some reason thought this and the one up for auction were the same. guess i was wrong! a 40 ft long neck?"}, {"response": 49, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Jan 21, 2000 (21:41)", "body": "You don't want to imagine a sore throat... Annette...Response 45 is about Sue. I Finally found the female. T-Rexes are very confusing. They all look alike..."}, {"response": 50, "author": "laughingsky", "date": "Sat, Jan 22, 2000 (08:24)", "body": "LOL, the female of the species is the largest (T-Rexes, guys! :-) )...but, it seems there might could have been different sizes within the species, male and female. I am digging desperately for an article that I cut out of our local newspaper, last year, re: the unearthing of a specimen which appeared to be T-Rex, at first, but, the head resembled that of a crocodile! I think that the dig took place in or around the Gobi desert. This species was thought to have actually used it long jaws to pluck fish and other small animals out of the rivers, similar to herons, and other water bir s...birds...?? (*wink!) Does anyone remember reading about that or seeing anything regarding it?"}, {"response": 51, "author": "laughingsky", "date": "Sat, Jan 22, 2000 (09:16)", "body": "http://jurassic.unicity.com/ Good Luck! ;)"}, {"response": 52, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sat, Jan 22, 2000 (13:14)", "body": "I have no memory off-hand regarding the incredible crocodile-headed dino, but I would not be surprised. The Gobi Desert is where most of the American Museum's fossils came from including that gigantic T-Rex I remember from childhood. Once upon a time it must have been one enormous swamp teaming with animals I do not ever wish to meet tooth-to-tooth. Thanks for the URL..."}, {"response": 53, "author": "laughingsky", "date": "Thu, Mar  2, 2000 (11:06)", "body": "Has anyone tried the game, yet? (the URL that I listed above...) I am not much of a gamer, which probably explains why I keep getting eaten by the Velociraptor...! Seems I can't make it to the next level...oh, well...maybe that is my fate, being lunch for the raptor, and all...;)"}, {"response": 54, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Mar  2, 2000 (12:52)", "body": "No..I don't dare. That is not my thing, and if I get going on it I could really mess up my latent Carpal-Tunnel problem. Typing for 16 hours a day is about all I can handle. Not much of a gamer, actually, but I'll bet there are some out there with kiddies who might like to try it. *lol* You must be very tasty!!!"}, {"response": 55, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Mar 11, 2000 (10:03)", "body": "ok, this may be old news (haha, a pun, get it?), today's paper has an article about finding a carnivorous dinosaur larger than t-rex, 45 ft bigger! can you imagine? the bones were found on the eastern slopes of the andes in south america."}, {"response": 56, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sat, Mar 11, 2000 (13:12)", "body": "I heard that on the radio yesterday and spent considerable amount of time chasing it down. Never did find out anything before we had to leave for Baseball. Thanks for posting at least that much. Oxymoron for sure about the old news. *grin*"}, {"response": 57, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Mar 11, 2000 (13:36)", "body": "ok, then here's the whole article from the shreveport times: Scientists have discovered the bones of what could be the largest meat-eating dinosaur ever to walk the Earth--a needle-nosed, razor-toothed beast that may have been more terrifying than even the Tyrannosaurus Rex. A team of researchers from Argentina and North America unearthed the fossilized bones of as many as six of the previously unknown species in Patagonia, a desert on the eastern slopes of the Andes in South America. The discovery of the predators' graveyard challenges the theory that the largest meat-eaters were loners. It also raises the possibility that they lived and hunted in packs--which would make them even more terrifying to their prey. \"You always think of these things as being solitary--now we know they traveled in packs,\" said Philip Currie, one of two scientists to make the discovery. He works with the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Alberta, Canada. Currie said the newly discovered species lived about 100 million years ago, and was heavier and had slightly shorter legs than the T-rex, which roamed North America. It had a tail and short front legs that were basically useless. The dinosaur also was characterized by a long, narrow skull and a jaw shaped like scissors. That suggests it could have dissected its prey with an almost surgical precision, \"where the Tyrannosaur had a nutcracker skull,\" Currie said. Researchers estimated the meat-eating giant was 45 feet longer, bigger than the reigning king of the carnivores, the 41-foot Gigantosaurus. The better-known T-rex was about 40 feet long. \"I think it would look just as nasty, if not worse,\" Currie said. She said the animal is apparantly related to the Gigantosaurus, but it's a new species and genus. ----- maybe i can find something on line. all msn news shows is stuff about the sun."}, {"response": 58, "author": "Ree", "date": "Sat, Mar 11, 2000 (13:57)", "body": "Must have been difficult to have been such a huge beast with so many useless bits."}, {"response": 59, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sat, Mar 11, 2000 (14:56)", "body": "Post a picture or send it to me and I'll post it if you find one. I have to leave for the Softball games in a little while. Thanks for the article. Amazing!"}, {"response": 60, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Sat, Mar 11, 2000 (15:06)", "body": "Maybe it dined on siesmosaurus, one of the largest herbovorous dinosaur fossils ever found."}, {"response": 61, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Mar 11, 2000 (22:11)", "body": "here is a rendition of the new beast, thanks to abcnews.com Courtesy of Robert F. Walters/Dinosaur Productions/AP Photo"}, {"response": 62, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sat, Mar 11, 2000 (23:28)", "body": "Thanks wolfie. That critter is mostly head! An eating machine!"}, {"response": 63, "author": "Ree", "date": "Sun, Mar 12, 2000 (06:09)", "body": "I wonder how those things managed to balance. I mean, it's got a huge head, it's arms are useless and it seems have such an akward spine. How could the spine hold all that weight? Amazing though, isn't it? Did you see that computer animated series about the dinosaurs? THat was GREAT!"}, {"response": 64, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Mar 12, 2000 (18:50)", "body": "Ree, that computer animated series WAS great. I hope they run it again! Speaking of such, on Discovery Channel this evening they are uncovering the Mammoth live from Siberia. Check your local schedules to see when it is on - it starts here at 6pm and re broadcasts at 9pm. It runs about 3 hours."}, {"response": 65, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar 12, 2000 (21:08)", "body": "that mammoth show is on right now (7-9CST)....will catch the beginning again at 9CST (back to back showing)"}, {"response": 66, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Mar 12, 2000 (21:19)", "body": "Thanks for that, Wolfie. I'll catch it at 6pm HST ( which is 11pm Eastern)"}, {"response": 67, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar 12, 2000 (21:21)", "body": "not a problem! they've got it out of the ice right now and showing his fur. amazing!!"}, {"response": 68, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Mar 12, 2000 (21:25)", "body": "Wow! Can't wait!....Must be really neat!"}, {"response": 69, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar 12, 2000 (21:31)", "body": "yeah, the stuff they've found is amazing. but am not gonna let the cat outta the bag, you'll just have to wait!"}, {"response": 70, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Mar 12, 2000 (21:35)", "body": "*sigh* we are always the last to know...*sigh* *Grin*"}, {"response": 71, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar 12, 2000 (21:40)", "body": "actually, i figured you'd be watching this right now too."}, {"response": 72, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar 12, 2000 (21:42)", "body": "\"Walking with Dinosaurs\" will premiere on the Discovery channel on Apr 16. be there!!"}, {"response": 73, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Mar 12, 2000 (22:55)", "body": "Remind me again and I will be there! It starts in 4 minutes so logging off for the eveing.. G'night, Wolfie! It was great again *hugs*"}, {"response": 74, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Mar 13, 2000 (12:49)", "body": "so didja like it? (i was unable to watch the second showing)"}, {"response": 75, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Mon, Mar 13, 2000 (14:44)", "body": "I really loved it. I was spellbound and all nervous that they would not get it out of the pit before winter set in again... Thanks for not giving away the ending. When it was over I was all elated and looked over at the house male and said how much I had liked it. He said it was boring. Back to the computer! This man is clueless...*sigh* I can't wait till they let us know what they did discover from tests and such."}, {"response": 76, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Mar 15, 2000 (18:47)", "body": "the news just reported that monkey bones the size of a human thumb have been discovered in China. they say that this may change the way they look at how monkeys evolved and later humans (!!)....anyway, the bones are very very old (didn't catch how old they were)..."}, {"response": 77, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Mar 15, 2000 (18:54)", "body": "L O N D O N, March 15 \ufffd Scientists have discovered 45-million-year-old foot bones in China from an extinct primate that may fill in a missing branch of the evolutionary tree. Paleontologist Dan Gebo of Northern Illinois University said Wednesday the tree-dwelling, mouse-size animal, called Eosimias, could solve the hotly debated issue of the origins of higher primates \ufffd monkeys, apes and humans. \ufffdThese fossils for the first time actually bridge that anatomical gap between the lower primates and the higher primates,\ufffd Gebo said in a telephone interview. Fossil Provides Crucial Link Contrary to expectations, the bones of Eosimias were found in Asia, not Africa, and they are older and tinier than scientists thought they would be. Until now only jaws and teeth of Eosimias had been found. \ufffdThese fossils are much smaller than what other people had been thinking about in terms of the ancestral condition of higher primates,\ufffd said Gebo. On the evolutionary tree, the creatures are somewhere between prosimians such as lemurs and tarsiers, which leaped and clung to trees, and anthropoids such as monkeys, apes and humans, which walk on four or two limbs. \ufffdThey are half prosimians and half anthropoids. They really do make that connection. Much of the debate in the field has been to figure out which of those early prosimian fossil primates gave rise to anthropoids,\ufffd he said. \ufffdWe needed something that is 50-50 and that\ufffds what we think Eosimias is.\ufffd Gebo and other scientists from the United States and China discovered the fossils in a limestone quarry 100 miles west of Shanghai and along the Yellow River, about 350 miles southeast of Beijing. The finding was reported in the science journal Nature. Complex Anatomical Features The lack of physical evidence led to doubts about whether Eosimias was a primate, and if it was, where it fit into the family tree. \ufffdThe most interesting aspect of these new foot bones is that they represent a mosaic,\ufffd Gebo said. \ufffdThey possess primitive lower-primate features as well as several advanced or higher-primate characteristics.\ufffd Scientists from the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago and the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology & Paleoanthropology in Beijing contributed to the study. the above was from abcnews.com"}, {"response": 78, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Mar 15, 2000 (19:10)", "body": "Fascinating stuff - thanks for posting it, Wolfie! At least it will show which way one branch of primates went...!"}, {"response": 79, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Mar 15, 2000 (19:12)", "body": "maybe they're related to the marmosettes (sp?)....."}, {"response": 80, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Mar 15, 2000 (19:30)", "body": "or lemurs or other little primates witht he big starey eyes which l@@k so cute."}, {"response": 81, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Mar 15, 2000 (20:10)", "body": "can you imagine how cute these guys must've been?"}, {"response": 82, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Mar 15, 2000 (20:39)", "body": "Incredible! I am smiling just thinking about them!"}, {"response": 83, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Mar 15, 2000 (22:02)", "body": "they have a terrible rendition of what the monkey might look like on msnews but i'm not gonna post it. the one on tv was cuter!"}, {"response": 84, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Mar 15, 2000 (22:08)", "body": "found a pic of the new monkey (that was on abc news):"}, {"response": 85, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Mar 15, 2000 (22:09)", "body": "can you imagine a primate this little?"}, {"response": 86, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Mar 15, 2000 (22:20)", "body": "i believe tamarins are the smallest primates existing today. they'll fit in your hand."}, {"response": 87, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Mar 15, 2000 (22:24)", "body": "That is Teeny indeed! Looks like the plastic ones kids get. It is adorable. I guess tamarinds are the tiniest ones now. How enchanting! Thanks for posting the picture - I had not seen it!"}, {"response": 88, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Mar 15, 2000 (22:24)", "body": "here's an informative website on the golden tamarin, who, btw, is an endangered species. i'll copy this info over to our ape topic as well. http://www.si.edu/glt/facts.htm"}, {"response": 89, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Mar 16, 2000 (13:16)", "body": "Cute and furry little dickens, isn't he?!"}, {"response": 90, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Tue, Mar 21, 2000 (12:57)", "body": "Space Science News for March 21, 2000 Scientists have discovered molecular buckyballs containing extraterrestrial helium from the era of the dinosaurs. The find comes from the global Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary layer. FULL STORY at http://spacescience.com/headlines/y2000/ast21mar_1.htm Buckyballs from Outer Space"}, {"response": 91, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Mar 21, 2000 (18:36)", "body": "what in the heck is a buckyball?"}, {"response": 92, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Tue, Mar 21, 2000 (20:10)", "body": "Have you ever seen a geodesic dome on a sports arena or some such thing? Buckminster Fuller, an engineer/architect invented the structure and it has been since applied to all sorts of physics and chemistry. (I have a caller bugging my phone and I do not get them out here very often. Sorry if I sound rattled...I am!) I'll check it out on the web and post a picture!"}, {"response": 93, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Tue, Mar 21, 2000 (20:15)", "body": "Saying that about the geodesic dome, if you go to that URL I posted, you'll see the similarity. \" Fullerenes -- better known as \"buckyballs\" -- are hollow, cage-like molecules made of carbon atoms. They are named in honor of Buckminster Fuller, designer of the geodesic dome that resembles the molecule. This image shows how extraterrestrial gases such as helium can be trapped inside the fullerene cage. One view shows a broken bond, or open \"window,\" with an atom moving out through window. \" http://spacescience.com/headlines/y2000/ast21mar_1.htm"}, {"response": 94, "author": "sociolingo", "date": "Thu, Mar 23, 2000 (13:42)", "body": "This isn't exactly right here but since David attenborough is the dinosaur bloke I guess it fits. I've added an brit/US glossary at the end.Film director Lord Attenborough locks himself out of his car and flies into a panic because he has an important ceremony to attend. Luckily his brother David passes by, and the movie-maker is certain he\ufffdll have a good suggestion to get him out of the scrape. \ufffdoh, darling, just in the nick of time! With all the horrible places you have had to visit, you must have learned a few survival tricks. Can you get me into my car?\ufffd \ufffdNo problem, stand aside\ufffd says Sir David. Then he steps forward and begins rubbing his trouser leg up against the car door. Within a few seconds there is a click and the door is opened. \ufffdDarling David, you\ufffdve done it! \ufffd declares the delighted Dickie. \ufffdBut do tell me, were you taught the secret by some isolated tribesman?\ufffd \ufffdNo, not really\ufffd said his smiling brother. \ufffdYou were just lucky that I am wearing my khaki trousers\ufffd. (Key: Richard Attenborough \ufffd movie director; David Attenborough \ufffd naturalist and \ufffdwalking with dinosaurs\ufffd etc. movie maker. Trousers = pants. Khaki \ufffd dullish green colour, pronounced \ufffdcar key\ufffd in Brit English)"}, {"response": 95, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Mar 23, 2000 (15:00)", "body": "LOL....You had me going until I wondered about the Khaki trousers (we call'um trousers too, on occasion, and Khaki is a very popular color here now as is olive drab (probably what you call khaki!) Thanks for another chapter in the Attenborough saga."}, {"response": 96, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Mar 23, 2000 (15:02)", "body": "Actually, more Americans might be curious about two men calling each other \"darling\"...!"}, {"response": 97, "author": "sociolingo", "date": "Thu, Mar 23, 2000 (17:47)", "body": "Didn't you know - they're luvvies!!! IMHO all theatre people do it! ALL the time!"}, {"response": 98, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Mar 23, 2000 (19:52)", "body": "...and they call eachother by diminutive names...dickie...larry...ralphy (you might know of whom I speak if you are a certain age and all that...!"}, {"response": 99, "author": "sociolingo", "date": "Fri, Mar 24, 2000 (02:26)", "body": "who me??"}, {"response": 100, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Mar 24, 2000 (13:40)", "body": "Ah, you did not read all of Olivier's books then?!"}, {"response": 101, "author": "sociolingo", "date": "Fri, Mar 24, 2000 (13:58)", "body": "books? - i thought he was an actor?"}, {"response": 102, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Mar 24, 2000 (14:39)", "body": "Oh, My Dear! He was the first great love of my life. He wrote two books and I have about 7 others written about him. An actor? That's like saying Shakespeare was a writer or that Beethoven wrote music...*sigh* But, that is where I learnt about luvvies (though they were not called that when they were written)"}, {"response": 103, "author": "sociolingo", "date": "Fri, Mar 24, 2000 (14:53)", "body": "I never knew that. I did sort of grow up with the teatre though. Wrote, produced and danced in my own ballet - the little mermaid."}, {"response": 104, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Mar 24, 2000 (15:01)", "body": "I AM impressed! Bet you were just as cute as the proverbial button, too *grin*"}, {"response": 105, "author": "sociolingo", "date": "Fri, Mar 24, 2000 (15:22)", "body": "Gave it up when I was sixteen - back injury. gotta sweet photo somewhere I'll dig it out."}, {"response": 106, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Fri, Mar 24, 2000 (17:01)", "body": "I read somewhere that \"khaki\" was British Army slang for, ahem I'll be polite, crap. It got the name when when the Army stopped wearing their famous red coats and the new uniforms where this beige sort of color. The soldiers thought the color was like that of crap."}, {"response": 107, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Mar 24, 2000 (17:08)", "body": "Kaka is babytalk for it over here... think it was a contribution of another language other than English, though."}, {"response": 108, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Fri, Mar 24, 2000 (17:12)", "body": "Probably, the word was borrowed from another language. I think the khaki uniforms were first issued by the British Army to soldiers in India."}, {"response": 109, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Mar 24, 2000 (17:21)", "body": "Indeed! I just looked it up and it is Hindi for \"dust-colored\" in my Webester's Collegiate Dictionary."}, {"response": 110, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Mar 25, 2000 (13:51)", "body": "olive drab is the perfect color of baby stuff. and that's what we wear all over....khaki is tan over here and rather a nice color when compared to olive drab *smile*"}, {"response": 111, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sat, Mar 25, 2000 (15:27)", "body": "Got that right, wolfie. On all counts, actually. I uderstand the wisdom of making uniforms the color of dirt in the locality - especially in a very dry area. However, wonder why they thought you'd get \"baby stuff\" all over you in the military - who uses olive drab more than any other color, I think!"}, {"response": 112, "author": "sociolingo", "date": "Sat, Mar 25, 2000 (17:07)", "body": "I guess i really started something here!! *grin*"}, {"response": 113, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sat, Mar 25, 2000 (17:54)", "body": "Just a little off-topic conversation to entertain us until the next dinosaur makes the newspaper and some kind soul posts it in here *grin*"}, {"response": 114, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Mar 25, 2000 (20:33)", "body": "actually, the bdu (battle dress uniform) is effective in camoflauge. there are also desert uniforms that are various shades of khaki."}, {"response": 115, "author": "sociolingo", "date": "Sun, Mar 26, 2000 (13:47)", "body": "OK here's the latest dinosaur dropping courtesy of The Times newspaper. One of the world's most important dinosaur skeletons has bee offered for sale over the internet for \ufffd15 million in a move that has appalled archeologists who fear historic specimens are being lost to private collectors. Alan Detrich and American fossil dealer, spent 2 half months digging up a 41 foot long 16 geet high tyrannosaurus rex with his brother, and is keeping it in his store house at Bend Point, Kansas. He claims to be close to selling what he says is the finest male tyrannosaurus in the world to a private buyer. Dietrich found the skeleton in south Dakota.'We found it in clay and sand which is why it is so well preserved' he said. 'We haven't cleaned it up yet becuase we figure the new owner can make money out of getting poeple to pay to see it being cleaned and prepared.' Paleontologists blame films and documentaries such as Jurassic park and the BBCs Walking with Dinosaurs for boosting the market in fossils. Many specimens for sale come from the American West where large numbers of fossils are found. However, fossils from britain's premier dinosaur site on the Isle of Wight have disappeared from digs in the past few months while paleontologists were still working on the sites. Scientists are calling for tighter controls, and want the law which at present covers man-made archeological objects to be extended to the collection of fossils."}, {"response": 116, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Mar 26, 2000 (15:38)", "body": "Thanks, Maggie. Think that is the one we were discussing should belong to all mankind rather than some odd collector with more money than social conscience. There must be a huge black market in such finds - something I cannot imagine! Check Geo 2 for an interesting picture of Geologist David from his college days."}, {"response": 117, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Mar 26, 2000 (21:22)", "body": "went and saw. how brave or crazy it must be to live near the vent (wrong topic but....)"}, {"response": 118, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Mar 26, 2000 (21:39)", "body": "That is what we say when other volcanoes are erupting...then people look at us and shake their heads.... But, ours is so well-mannered...so far..."}, {"response": 119, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Apr 19, 2000 (20:40)", "body": "We're just a few dinosaurs short of a full tank By DAVE BARRY If you've been to a gas station lately, you have no doubt been shocked by the prices -- $1.67, $1.78, even $1.92. And that's just for Hostess Twinkies. Gas prices are even worse! Americans are ticked off about this and with good reason, our rights are being violated! The First Amendment clearly states: \"In addition to freedom of speech, Americans shall always have low gasoline prices, so they can drive around in 'sport utility' vehicles the size of minor planets.\" And don't let any so-called \"economists\" try to tell you that foreigners pay more for gas than we do. Foreigners use metric gasoline which is sold in foreign units called \"kilometers,\" plus they are paying for it with foreign currencies such as the \"franc,\" the \"lira\" and the \"doubloon.\" So in fact, there is no mathematical way to tell WHAT they are paying! But here in the US we are definitely getting messed over and the question is, what are we going to do about it? Step one, of course, is to file a class-action lawsuit against the cigarette companies. They have nothing to do with gasoline, but juries really hate them, so we'd probably win several hundred billion dollars. But that is a short-term answer. To truly solve this problem, we must understand how the oil business works. Like most Americans, you probably think that gasoline comes from the pump at the gas station. Ha ha! What an idiot. In fact, the gasoline comes from tanks located UNDER the gas station. These tanks are connected to underground pipelines which carry large oil tankers filled with oil from the Middle East. But how did the oil get in the Middle East in the first place? To answer that question, we must go back millions of years to an era that geologists call the Voracious Period, when giant dinosaurs roamed the Earth eating everything that stood in their path, except for broccoli which they hated. And then, one fateful day (Oct. 8), a runaway asteroid, believed by scientists to be nearly twice the diameter of the late Orson Welles, slammed into the Earth and killed the dinosaurs, who by sheer bad luck all happened to be standing right where it landed. The massive impact turned the dinosaurs, via a process called photosynthesis, into oil. This oil was then gradually covered with a layer of sand, which in turn was gradually covered by a layer of people who hate each other and thus the Middle East was formed. For many years, the Middle East was content to supply the United States with as much oil as we wanted at fair constitutional prices. But then the major oil-producing nations -- Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Texas -- got all snotty and formed an organization called OPEC, which stands for \"North Atlantic Treaty Organization.\" In the 1970s, OPEC decided to raise prices, and soon the United States was caught up in a serious crisis -- The Disco Era. It was horrible. You couldn't go to a bar or wedding reception without being ordered onto the dance floor to learn \"The Hustle.\" At the same time, we also had an oil crisis which was caused by the fact that every motorist in the United States was determined to keep his or her automobile gas tank completely filled at all times. As soon as your gas gauge dropped from full to fifteen-sixteenths, you'd rush to a gas station and get in a huge line with hundreds of other motorists who also had nearly full tanks. Also a lot of people, including me, saved on heating oil by buying kerosene space heaters which enabled us to transform a cold, dank room into a cold, dank room filled with kerosene fumes. Buying gas and dancing \"The Hustle\" with people who smelled like kerosene -- that was the seventies. So anyway, the oil crisis finally ended and over time we got rid of our Volkswagen Rabbits and replaced them with Chevrolet Suburbans boasting the same fuel economy as the World Trade Center. Now, once again, we find ourselves facing rising gas prices and the question is this time, are we going to learn from the past? Are we finally going to get serious about energy conservation? Of course not! We have the brains of mealworms! So we need to get more oil somehow. As far as I can figure, there's only one practical way to do this. That's right, we need to clone more dinosaurs. We have the technology, as was shown in two blockbuster scientific movies, \"Jurassic Park\" and \"Jurassic Park Returns with Exactly the Same Plot.\" Once we have the dinosaurs, all we need is an asteroid, or, if he is available, Marlon Brando. If this plan makes sense to you, double your medication dosage, then write to your congressperson. Do it now! That way you'll be busy when I siphon your tank."}, {"response": 120, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Fri, Apr 21, 2000 (11:29)", "body": "During the Voracious Period the broccoli plants were the size of oak trees and you should have seen those cabbages. Why do Americans think it their undisputable right to have access to cheap gasoline?"}, {"response": 121, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Apr 21, 2000 (16:17)", "body": "Cheryl, it is a complex problem. The US produces a great deal of oil. Alalska alone could supply us pretty well, but we cannot use it in the US - all of it is marked for export to Japan. (Don't ask!!). You don't think it is manipulated like DeBeers manipulates the prices of diamonds? Sooner or later we are gonna have to give up being greedy and share what we have - or use our own. America has rich natural resources. That is why. it is here and cartels are getting rich over selling cars which burn huge amounts of the stuff when they have already built the engines which would put them out of business. Power and Control. Don't blame the American tax-payers so quickly. It is a very difficult and tortuous situation. I'd be interested in hearing your suggestions on how to rememdy this problem."}, {"response": 122, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Fri, Apr 21, 2000 (18:59)", "body": "Maybe it's just a crazy theory, but could it be that George W's dad called on his Gulf War cronies to jack up the prices while his son runs for election? Bush can't win in a sparkling economy."}, {"response": 123, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Apr 21, 2000 (19:24)", "body": "Anything is possible, including your idea. It did not occur to me...but it certainly is plausible...scary!"}, {"response": 124, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Fri, Apr 21, 2000 (20:26)", "body": "Just a crazy idea. But who knows?"}, {"response": 125, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Apr 21, 2000 (20:46)", "body": "Indeed! Crazier things than that have happened. All's fair in love, war, and politics, I hear...!"}, {"response": 126, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Apr 21, 2000 (21:46)", "body": "John agrees that with such high stakes, anything goes; nothing is outside of the realm of possibility."}, {"response": 127, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Mon, Apr 24, 2000 (00:24)", "body": "Protesters Knock 'Cents' Into Oil Company TORONTO (Reuters) - The annual meeting of Canada's biggest oil company, Imperial Oil Ltd., was disrupted briefly when protesters showered shareholders and directors with pennies. ``Outrageous! Esso penny pinches while Torontonians choke!'' yelled one person protesting the high sulfur content of Imperial's gasoline, marketed under the Esso brand. Exxon Mobil Corp. of Irving, Tex., owns 69.6 percent of Imperial. Imperial and several other Canadian oil companies have warned the Canadian government that implementing new, lower sulfur, regulations for gasoline would result in higher gas prices. Gasoline sold in Canada now has some of the highest sulfur levels among industrialized countries and Esso gas has the highest levels of sulfur in Canada, according to figures supplied to the government by Imperial. ``Come on Imperial can't afford to spend a penny a liter to clean up the gasoline, reduce smog and protect our children from asthma? Nonsense!'' three protesters shouted Thursday. Imperial Oil maintains it meets current government standards and is working to meet new requirements for cleaner gasoline by 2004, a year ahead of schedule. Lobby group Friend of the Earth said sulfur particles spewed from cars are the most health-damaging component of smog. The lobby group is calling for a boycott of Esso gasoline in the heart of summer driving season between Earth Day, April 22, and Labor Day. Sulfur in gasoline causes increased emissions of sulfur dioxide and sulfates particles from cars which can contribute to asthma, chronic heart or lung disease, said Trevor Hancock, chair of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, in a statement. The protesters were escorted out of the meeting without further incident. ``Well, for long time attenders, that was a change of pace,'' said Imperial Oil chairman Bob Peterson."}, {"response": 128, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Wed, Apr 26, 2000 (18:53)", "body": "Excuse me while I atempt to get my virtual foot out of my virtual mouth. I do take your point Marcia that American tax-payers have been and are continuing to be manipulated by businessmen and politicians. It's like Eisenhower said in his farewell speech as president, \"Beware of the military-industrial complex.\" I also know something of advertising and marketing. The American consumer is courted by the safety factor in driving an SUV. Yes, you are statisically and realistically safer in a larger vehicle than a small one. That is an important point, and it well used on consumers. Mass transit and rail travel were eviscerated in the US from circa 1946 through 1960 by the automobile industry. What was good for General Motors was good for America. GM wanted the interstate system and they got. The ruse which Congress used was National Security. The roads were there for use by the Army in case of national emergency. The laws were passed, the land appropriated. The dream of two cars in every garage. The most famous of the mass transit scandals was the Red Car Scandal in Los Angeles. It's hard to believe but Los Angeles once had the most enviable mass transit system in America. The trolleys went everywhere, and the ran every 8 to 10 minutes. So this is the lifestyle of enormous petroleum consumption to which Americans have been conditioned by many factors. About the assertion that George W's daddy might have his cronies in the oil business pulling strings to affect the presidential election -- scary stuff. It is, however, plausible. The elder Bush was once the head of the CIA."}, {"response": 129, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Apr 26, 2000 (19:38)", "body": "Excellent points, Cheryl! (You did not have your foot in your mouth - you were provoking discourse!) As a non-driver (yup, there are still some of us out here) and on a finite island with everything fuel brought in by ship, we are very aware of the crippling effects of things we cannot control - such as strikes by longshoremen and such - and that we are at the mercy of the big boys when it comes to petroleum prices. We can hardly drive to the next state or the next island, for that matter for better prices. I would put nothing beyond the rich and powerful. Thanks for that well-considered post, dear!"}, {"response": 130, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Wed, Apr 26, 2000 (19:54)", "body": "You don't drive, wow! I never knew that. I guess it's easy to get around on a small island with a bike or a bus. One of my room mates at Quail Creek, Dora, walks or takes the bus everywhere. She got a job at Dell, which is real close by the house. Dora cleans the pool, mows the lawn, cleans the bath rooms, and vacuums the carpets. She was just out by the pool cleaning the bbq grills and the tarp. We like having Dora around here!"}, {"response": 131, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Apr 26, 2000 (20:14)", "body": "You did not read my discourse with Alexander in Cultures on the subject?! He suggested it was because I had so many admirers circling for the honor of driving me places...but not the case, necessarily and not the reason, in this case. Dora sounds Heaven-sent. Be sure you tell her how nice she is making the place...(not too much or she'll ask for a raise, but...)"}, {"response": 132, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Apr 26, 2000 (20:44)", "body": "i can't imagine life without my car. why do you think i drive to all my classes? (and to think i used to be afraid to go anywhere of distance)...."}, {"response": 133, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Wed, Apr 26, 2000 (21:13)", "body": "You've gotta have a car in Austin, but I can see where it wouldn't be that desireable on a small island."}, {"response": 134, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Apr 26, 2000 (22:01)", "body": "Guess I'd better avoid Austin...or get me a chauffeur..."}, {"response": 135, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Thu, Apr 27, 2000 (06:47)", "body": "Actually, there's a pretty good bus system here. It just takes longer to get places. I've enjoyed the bus rides I've taken around town, just not the waits at the bus stops. And there are some good bike trails."}, {"response": 136, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Apr 27, 2000 (19:31)", "body": "...I had thought to visit, sometime. Perhaps I should bring my own driver."}, {"response": 137, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Apr 27, 2000 (19:33)", "body": ""}, {"response": 138, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Apr 27, 2000 (20:46)", "body": "Mega-Artichokes to Power Homes? LONDON (Reuters) - Spanish farmers are growing three-meter high artichokes for burning in special power stations to produce electricity, the Independent newspaper reported on Thursday. The genetically-modified monster vegetables, which boast seven meter roots, will be generating power for 60,000 people when operations in the northern towns of Villabilla de Burgos and Alcala de Gurrea begin in two years. The newspaper said twin power stations will burn 105,000 tonnes of the dried and pulped Cynara Cardunculs each year. Farmers were persuaded to sow the prickly plant by EU subsidies and price guarantees from the electricity generator. Burning plants for energy is not a new idea, but the biomass sector has seen a revival in recent years as environmental concerns rise. While there are already a number of biomass schemes in Europe they often struggle to compete commercially with other green energy schemes. An Irish scheme to burn cannabis as a fuel foundered last year because of it was considered too expensive compared with wind power projects."}, {"response": 139, "author": "sprin5", "date": "Thu, Apr 27, 2000 (21:28)", "body": "Wow, pot powered cities."}, {"response": 140, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Apr 27, 2000 (21:46)", "body": "Can you see the Chamber of Commerce ads now? Stressed? Come to PotTown and take a deep breath. Or something like that, anyway. I gather they are gonna burn industrial waste from the fiber hemp plant and not the mind-altering sort."}, {"response": 141, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Sat, Apr 29, 2000 (16:44)", "body": "Burning cannabis for electricity. That doesn't seem to likely in the US. Can you hear the political debate on that one. What would the Religious Right make of that? I mean no offense to those posting who hold conservative views. It's just that it would fuel (pardon the pun) debate. Fun fact: both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew cannabis on their plantations. It was an ordinance in Virginia. So much acreage had to be planted in hemp. It was used for rope and sailcloth for the sailing ships of the era."}, {"response": 142, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sat, Apr 29, 2000 (17:08)", "body": "Like I said before somewhere (here?), the Hawaii Visitors Bureau could advertise that the air here is not only clean but is stress-relieving. Our public workers don't get much work done now...can you imagine the Polynesian Paralysis which would ensue downwind of the power plant?! Lest someone get the wrong idea about the industrial hemp grown by our founding fathers, it contains so little of the stuff which makes marijuana so popular, that it is not worth mentioning. That, however, would not keep the rabid right from attacking it just on the name Hemp alone. I agree!"}, {"response": 143, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Mon, May 15, 2000 (12:48)", "body": "Fossil gives clues into T. rex's behavior CHICAGO (AP) - In ''Jurassic Park,'' the terrified kids held perfectly still so a hungry celluloid Tyrannosaurus rex couldn't detect them. In reality, scientists say, they would've been lunch meat. CT-scanning of the desk-sized skull of Sue, the most complete T. rex fossil ever found, suggests the supreme carnivore in North America 65 million years ago had acute senses. Its forward-pointing eyes provided a wide field of view, and ear structures suggest it could hear well. But Sue's key advantage was smell. Its olfactory bulbs were grapefruit-sized. The skull opening for the bundle of olfactory nerves leading to the brain is wider than the spinal cord. ''The olfactory bulbs are larger than the cerebrum,'' said paleontologist Chris Brochu of the Field Museum of Natural History, the only scientist to have extensively examined the Sue fossil. The dinosaur ''smelled its way through life,'' he said. Sue's skeleton will be unveiled at the Field Museum on May 17 after nearly three years of cleaning and assembly. For now, it is off-limits to outsiders. Brochu has yet to reveal many details. At a recent paleontology meeting, he said it was unlikely that the bones, however complete, would settle key debates about the superstar of dinosaurs. Among them: T. rex's color and vocalizations, whether it was warm-blooded, hunter or scavenger, male or female. Others are more hopeful. Thomas R. Holtz, Jr. of the University of Maryland examined Sue briefly before it was auctioned in 1997, but key parts were still jacketed in protective plaster. ''The complete tail of a T. rex has not yet been described,'' he said. ''I would like to see if the furcula, or wishbone, is present.'' Peter Larson, president of the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research in Hill City, S.D., directed the fossil's excavation in 1990. He spent two years examining the bones until they were seized by federal agents in a legal dispute. He believes the Sue fossil is an older female. Among predatory birds, fish and insects, females are larger than males, he notes. Sue has a wider pelvis that would accommodate egg-laying. And, similar to crocodile anatomy, she lacks an extra bone that male crocs and smaller, presumably male T. rex skeletons both have. Reading behavior based on bones is trickier. Sue's teeth are foot-long cylinders with serrated edges. Her stomach contents included acid-etched bones of a duckbilled dinosaur. Other T. rex remains include bones from triceratops and other plentiful herbivores. A T. rex gulped everything and relied on a powerful digestive tract to process bone and horn. In the movies, T. rex is a solitary killer. But many scientists believe the real-life carnivores hunted in packs. Evidence? The Sue excavation also yielded juvenile and infant T. rexes in the same location. Long before dying, Sue suffered a broken left leg that was slow to heal. ''She couldn't have hunted on it,'' Larson said. ''I think her mate helped her.'' How did Sue die? T. rexes fought each other, probably over territory, food and mates. Embedded in Sue's ribcage is the tooth of another T. rex. The left side of the skull is smashed, with holes along her jaw. Brochu doubts it is evidence of a fatal encounter. The holes don't line up with the bite of a T. rex, he said. Larson disagrees. ''In her last fight she didn't do so well,'' he said. T. rex might have ruled North America in the late Cretaceous Period. But on the roster of the biggest and baddest dinosaurs, some formidable predators are emerging around the world. In March, scientists announced the discovery in Argentina of a yet-to-be-named meat eater that lived 100 million years ago. At 45 feet, it was 10% longer than T. rex. It had a long, narrow skull with scissor-like jaws, whereas the T. rex had nutcracker jaws. ''It probably attacked and dismembered its prey with a surgical precision,'' said Phil Currie of the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Alberta, Canada. ''T. rex was a creature of brute force.'' In 1998, researchers in central Africa found Suchomimus tenerensis. It was as large as a T. rex, but it prowled 30 million years earlier. Its pointy crocodile-like jaw sported 100 teeth. It also had 16-inch sickle claws. In Argentina, Gigantosaurus was discovered in 1995. It weighed 50% more than T. rex and was a contemporary of Suchomimus about when Africa and South America were connected. It had thin, flat teeth like daggers."}, {"response": 144, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, May 24, 2000 (18:31)", "body": "HERE WE GO AGAIN The price of gasoline is going up again. The latest Lundberg Survey shows that gas prices went up by five cents over the past two weeks. Nationwide, the average price for a gallon of self-serve regular last Friday was $1.58.41. Trilby Lundberg, who publishes the survey, says the two main reasons for the higher prices are higher prices for crude oil and a new federal requirement that refineries turn out more environmentally friendly gasoline. Refineries have taken steps to produce \"greener\" gas by reducing sulfur content and cutting down on other pollutants in the final product. Prices dropped over the past two weeks in some states, such as California, where stricter emissions standards have already forced refiners to produce \"greener\" gas."}, {"response": 145, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Jun 18, 2000 (22:07)", "body": "saw an interesting show on discovery today: two dinosaur experts had opposite theories concerning our beloved T. Rex. was the t. rex a scavenger or a predator. both really held up their theories with what is known about scavengers and predators today. for example, t. rex has a better sense of smell than of sight. how does this influence whether they were scavengers or predators? i don't know but they thought it was significant. most predators today have excellent eyesight as well as smell. also, the teeth played a role in their theories but i only heard the predator theory of where the teeth curved inward so for a critter to attempt escape, they'd have to (ironically) go down the t. rex's throat. of course, i'm no expert. but does t. rex being a predator or a scavenger seriously affect our whole idea of dinosaurs and rearrange the \"givens\" significantly? (unfortunately, i didn't see the conclusion of the show)."}, {"response": 146, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Mon, Jun 19, 2000 (00:51)", "body": "Did not see it. However, considering the musculature in the hind legs T-rex would almost certainly have been a preditor. Who needs legs like those to run down a dead animal?"}, {"response": 147, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Jun 19, 2000 (09:11)", "body": "curious. i think an animal like the t. rex could have his meal anyway he'd like it-dead or alive. *grin*"}, {"response": 148, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Mon, Jun 19, 2000 (15:30)", "body": "I think he was probably an opportunist as well as a predator. you are right!"}, {"response": 149, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Mon, Jun 19, 2000 (16:46)", "body": "Even today predators will scavenge when they can. Lions are prime examples of this. They are adept hunters, but aren't beneath driving another animal off its kill. That's one of the reasons leopards carry their kills into trees; so it won't be stolen by lions. Lions are too large to climb and leopards are the most athetic of the cats."}, {"response": 150, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Mon, Jun 19, 2000 (17:35)", "body": "Indeed!"}, {"response": 151, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Jun 29, 2000 (19:26)", "body": "Science News - Week of June 24, 2000; Vol. 157, No. 26 Overlooked fossil spread first feathers S. Milius A new look at a fossil that had been lying in a drawer in Moscow for nearly 30 years has uncovered the oldest known feathered animal, says a team of U.S. and Russian researchers. First honors go to the 10-inch-long, lizardlike Longisquama insignis, which is not a dinosaur itself but a related ancient reptile, say Terry D. Jones of Oregon State University in Corvallis and eight colleagues. It sported six to eight pairs of long, narrow feathers on its back, the researchers argue in the June 23 Science. The creature didn't fly but may have been able to glide from tree to tree, they suggest. Longisquama dates from some 220 million years ago, at least 75 million years before Archaeopteryx, the first known bird, the researchers note. They don't claim that Longisquama gave rise to birds, explains coauthor Alan Feduccia of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. However, he says, the fossil \"points toward the right time to look for the ancestors of birds.\" More... http://www.sciencenews.org/20000624/fob2.asp"}, {"response": 152, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, May 18, 2001 (10:03)", "body": "I hear there's a new Jurassic Park movie due out this summer. They crash on another island full of 'saurs. Ya' think they would have learned . . ."}, {"response": 153, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, May 18, 2001 (19:34)", "body": "i heard that too!"}, {"response": 154, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, May 18, 2001 (23:44)", "body": "And what do you want to bet, they will chased by dinosaurs?"}, {"response": 155, "author": "sociolingo", "date": "Sun, May 20, 2001 (00:36)", "body": "Can't wait .......Grin"}, {"response": 156, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Mon, May 21, 2001 (00:15)", "body": "And, more parents will take little kids to see the cute little dinosaurs and have the living whatevers scared out of their little skulls full of mush. Sounds like a sure thing, to me!"}, {"response": 157, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Wed, May 23, 2001 (20:01)", "body": "Marcia, do I detect a hint of irritation and disapproval of those computer generated dinos and \"The Jurassic Park\" franchise?"}, {"response": 158, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, May 24, 2001 (01:32)", "body": "Moi?! Not at all. This is America where parents give their kids money instead of raising them properly. Let um go get the Beejeepers scared out of um. Mine is all raised and can hold his own hand if he is scared in the dark! Seriously, I did hear that little kids, who were hooked on dinosaurs, got their parents to take them to Jurassic Park movie and it is not for little kids! I have seen none of the movies and probably will not see them. Rather read a good book than watch mechanical dinosaurs. Just my 'umble opinion. Has anyone seen this stuff and is it fit for kiddies?"}, {"response": 159, "author": "sociolingo", "date": "Thu, May 24, 2001 (02:09)", "body": "Well, I have to admit I enjoyed the first movie ..and look forward to the second. Actually the dinosaurs were pretty good ... for mechanical items ....Enjoyed a very good expose on TV on how they made them."}, {"response": 160, "author": "wolf", "date": "Thu, May 24, 2001 (19:59)", "body": "the whole family enjoyed the movie. but, my kids understand the \"it's all pretend\" part and though we jumped at the appropriate moments, my son still wanted themed bed linen. parents just need to be involved and not let these movies and tv's become babysitters. we enjoy going to the movies together."}, {"response": 161, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, May 24, 2001 (20:23)", "body": "I did see the program about how they did the dinosaurs. perhaps it is just me with no kiddies to take along. I am relieved to know seen under the right parental accompaniment, that it is a good bit of entertainment. I guess I am still hoping to see real ones..."}, {"response": 162, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, May 25, 2001 (14:48)", "body": "Did anyone know they are filming the new Jurassic Park movie here on the Big Island? Lots of locals are being used for extras, but you won't see me. /\\~~~"}, {"response": 163, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, May 25, 2001 (14:56)", "body": "Oh, come on, Marci, do it!"}, {"response": 164, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, May 25, 2001 (15:12)", "body": ""}, {"response": 165, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, May 25, 2001 (15:14)", "body": "correcting spelling on the above post: Terry, they requested Wild long unkempt hair for the locals (guess they wanted us to be the savages or some other indignity) and I think they specified in some politically correct way that they also wanted Someone with much darker skin and nappier hair than I have. Alas, you may have to wait for another movie. Our car with me inside was in a Debra Winger grade zilch movie some years ago, \"The Black Widow\" I think it was called. They used Hilo Junior High School for the court house. It was fun to watch!"}, {"response": 166, "author": "sociolingo", "date": "Fri, May 25, 2001 (16:35)", "body": "(they were filming outside the gym while I was on the bike the other day ...dunno what but I did see one character looking like a panto dame so it was probably a Christmas thingy ..oh the gym is on the Thames at Marlow ..where Steve Redgrave comes from Marcia!)"}, {"response": 167, "author": "sociolingo", "date": "Fri, May 25, 2001 (17:10)", "body": "Scientist: Brazil Dinosaur Find May Be Oldest Yet By Carlos DeJuana SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) - A Brazilian (news - web sites) paleontologist said on Friday he may have discovered a new ``strange'' prehistoric reptile, which, if proven to be a dinosaur, could be the oldest one ever found. The creature, which had a 12-inch-long head and was about 8 feet long, appears to be about 235 million years old -- placing it on the edge of the middle and high Triassic period, said Jorge Ferigolo of the Rio Grande do Sul Zoobotanical Foundation. Discovered in Brazil's southern Rio Grande do Sul state in February, the fossil shows signs that appear to make it either a very old dinosaur or very evolved thecodont, which were early pre-dinosaur reptiles. ``If it is a dinosaur, it's a pretty strange one,'' Ferigolo told Reuters by telephone from his office in the city of Porto Alegre. The fossils were found about 155 miles (250 km) west of the city. ``We still can't tell if it's a dinosaur or not,'' he added. ''If it was a dinosaur, it would have been the world's oldest.'' He said the carnivorous creature appears to have walked on the flat of its foot, like a thecodont, and not on its toes, like most dinosaurs. However, early examination of the fossils also showed dinosaur-like traits in its backbone and skull. The fossils, which were found alongside two other creatures of the same species, are most similar to the Coelophysis -- a type of flesh-eating North American dinosaur that weighed about 35-65 pounds (16-30 kg). But Ferigolo said it's still not clear whether the new find walked on four legs or on two, like Coelophysis. He hopes to be able to publish his first finds in at least a year. ``The south of Brazil and northern Argentina is where the dinosaurs were born, it's where you find some of the most ancient dinosaurs. So it wouldn't be so strange if it was (a dinosaur),'' said Sergio Azevedo, a paleontologist at the National Museum in Rio de Janeiro. A number of important dinosaur fossils have been found in Brazil and Argentina in recent years, including last year's discovery of the Santanaraptor, one of the oldest dinosaurs in the world and predecessor to its more famous cousin, the Tyrannosaurus Rex. Azevedo agreed the fossils needed to be further studied. ``If it's really a primitive dinosaur, it's pretty important,'' he said. ``If it's not, it's also great. If it's a thecodont, it is still a good piece of information.''"}, {"response": 168, "author": "sociolingo", "date": "Fri, May 25, 2001 (17:11)", "body": ""}, {"response": 169, "author": "sociolingo", "date": "Fri, May 25, 2001 (17:14)", "body": "Friday May 25 1:14 PM ET U.S. Museum Unveils Computer-Enhanced Triceratops By Deborah Zabarenko WASHINGTON (Reuters) - With a bigger skull, better posture and a computer-engineered look, a 65-million-year-old Triceratops began its latest incarnation this week at the U.S. Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History. The Triceratops, an elephant-sized vegetarian dinosaur with two big horns above its eyes and a bony ruff around its neck, probably lived in what is now Wyoming when it walked the earth, said museum paleontologist Ralph Chapman. Its skeleton had been on display at the Smithsonian since 1905, and conservators noticed about two years ago that the bones were literally decaying from the inside out. They decided to take the bones down from their metal supports and to use new technology to capture each bone on a computer. Chapman was in charge of what came to be known as the virtual Triceratops. Using a laser scanner and other devices, Chapman said he and others got detailed images of every available bone in the skeleton. They found that at least a dozen different Triceratops were used to make the original exhibit. From these images, they built miniature copies of the Triceratops, about one-sixth actual size. These were used to help paleontologists and other researchers figure out how the bones went together, which would have been impossible with the decaying but still unwieldy full-sized bones. What they found made big changes in how the Triceratops would be exhibited, Chapman said in a telephone interview. The Triceratops skull the exhibit used to have was too small to belong with the body; Chapman said it was the head of a younger, smaller dinosaur. The museum's researchers believed that the younger animal was probably at a stage where the proportions would have been the same as it matured and grew, so they made a new head to fit with the body based on the old head's measurements. The old head was about 6 feet long, while the new one measures about 7 feet. From nose to tail, the skeleton measures about 21 feet, Chapman said. ``It's an impressive animal with this big head,'' Chapman said. Exhibited right across from a skeleton of the carnivorous Tyrannosaurus rex, the Triceratops looks as if it might hold its own, he said: ``The Tyrannosaurus would probably have avoided it.'' Researchers also realized that the back feet were all wrong; in fact, they belonged to a duck-footed dinosaur, according to Chapman. These were changed to more accurately reflect the Triceratops. The dinosaur's posture was also changed from its earlier state, which had the front end ``more sprawled'' than it is now, Chapman said. ``The animal looks like a real animal,'' he said. ``It looks like if you were to look at the skeleton of a rhino or a horse or a cow ... It's lovely.''"}, {"response": 170, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sat, May 26, 2001 (23:33)", "body": "Oooh have you seen him? Thanks for posting. Your little town is so pretty it should be in all the archetypal English movies... *Looking for Maggie in the extras*"}, {"response": 171, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, May 27, 2001 (09:33)", "body": "Early Preview of JPI: Dinosaur Field Guide A few lucky site readers got a chance to review a copy of the upcoming \"Jurassic Park Institute: Dinosaur Field Guide, the first in a new series of JP3 tie-ins about the science of dinosaurs. The book, written by several dino experts, will be released June 12. Here's Jordan Mallon's review: At first glance, the book seems rather smallish, although it does contain a good 160 pages of text. It starts off with an essay written by the authors (Dr. Thomas Holtz Jr. and Dr. Michael Brett-Surman) called \"Why Are Dinosaurs So Popular?\" This commentary is followed up by an article on the dinosaurian timeline and other typically paleontology-related topics (including \"Finding Fossils\", \"How to Draw Dinosaurs\", \"How Dinosaurs Are Classified\", etc.) The bulk of the book, however, consists of what is basically a large dinosaur dictionary, featuring some 100 genera. Each dinosaur has at least one page dedicated to its history, trivia, friends/enemies, and even \ufffdfun facts\ufffd. (Did you know that _Psittacosaurus_ has horns on its cheeks called \ufffdjugal horns\ufffd?) Interestingly, some of the old dinosaur inaccuracies made in the JP series are also clarified, which is something any paleo-buff can appreciate. (_Velociraptor_ was only 1.5 feet tall at the hips! Ahem! Excuse me.) Some non-dinosaurian animals are also listed in the back, such as the pterosaurs, mosasaurs, and other archosaurian relatives. The dinosaur paintings are beautifully executed by professional paleolife artist Robert Walters, and I think the book is worth buying for his illustrations alone. If not that, then perhaps some of the readers might enjoy looking at some of the screen shots taken from the JP movies, including the upcoming Jurassic Park 3 film. Most interestingly, the Field Guide also contains a \ufffdfree dinosaur poster\ufffd inside! It\ufffds basically an illustrated list of all the dinosaurs in the book and features the Jurassic Park Institute logo at the top. At any rate, that\ufffds about it review-wise. The back of the book lists a website to go to if you\ufffdre looking to \ufffdbegin an adventure of a lifetime.\ufffd It can be found at www.jpinstitute.com, although it is not yet open to the public (I tried!). Overall, I\ufffdd say this book is easily one of the most accurate and up-to-date works for children, although I would think that even most adults would enjoy this one too. It\ufffds not clich\ufffdd like some of the older dinosaur books, and I feel it\ufffds well worth the $10.99 pricetag. http://www.dansjp3page.com/index2.asp"}, {"response": 172, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, May 27, 2001 (09:35)", "body": "And from the same site: New JP3 Theater Display Spotted Nate wrote in to say that he spotted a JP3 standee last night at his local theater, which he describes as \"HUGE -- at least 8 or 10 feet tall, and 16 to 18 feet long. It was made of a thick cardboard and it was just a huge image like the new posters that are out, with the JP3 logo and then the wing span of the [pteranodon] across it. It was awesome, that was all there was too it, but it looked like from a distance that there actually could be a dino flying over head and that was the actual shadow it was casting, that is how big this thing is. The display was in 4 panels, and it had the sturdy supports in the back of it to hold the beast up. All I can say is I will be waiting in line to take this home the moment they want to throw it away, the only problem is, I dont think I have any where to put it, more over a car or van large enough to bring it home! \" Hey, I want one!"}, {"response": 173, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, May 27, 2001 (14:53)", "body": "i saw previews when i went to the theatre on friday....it looks good."}, {"response": 174, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, May 27, 2001 (17:38)", "body": "Wow, the previews are out already."}, {"response": 175, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, May 27, 2001 (19:02)", "body": "I want one too. Would be great with the Volcano erupting for a backdrop. Sounds amazing. I think this one I will do to see!"}, {"response": 176, "author": "sociolingo", "date": "Fri, Jun  1, 2001 (07:37)", "body": "Thursday May 31 2:05 PM ET http://dailynews.yahoo.com/htx/nm/20010531/sc/science_dinosaur_dc_1.html Fossil of Gargantuan Dinosaur Unearthed in Egypt By Will Dunham WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Fossilized remains of a gargantuan plant-eating dinosaur, the second most massive animal ever to walk the Earth, have been unearthed in a desert oasis in Egypt at a site that eons ago was a lush coastal paradise, researchers said on Thursday. The discovery of a partial skeleton of Paralititan stromeri was made by 31-year-old University of Pennsylvania doctoral student Joshua Smith, who went on a dinosaur hunt at a remote site that had yielded spectacular finds in the first half of the 20th century in expeditions led by German paleontologist Ernest Stromer von Reichenbach. But the fossils of the four new dinosaurs Stromer uncovered were lost to the world during World War Two when British warplanes bombed the Bayerische Staatssammlung museum during a raid over Munich on April 24, 1944. Stromer's excavation site remained largely ignored in the decades since then. Paralititan (pronounced pah-ral-ih-TY-tan and meaning ''tidal giant'') lived 94 million years ago during the middle of the Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic Era. The long-necked, long-tailed quadruped looked much like the familiar Brontosaurus (formal name Apatosaurus) that lived tens of millions of years earlier, except that its back may have been studded with bony body armor as protection from predators. The finding was published in the journal Science. ``It was an enormous dinosaur by anybody's reckoning,'' Smith, who was 29 when he found it, said in an interview. ``We think that a large individual might have massed about 70 tons, 75 tons maybe and it might have approached 100 feet in length. As far as tall, stack four African elephants on top of each other. That's about the height. It would look through a third-story window without much problem.'' FIRST RUNNER-UP IN THE WEIGHT CATEGORY The only dinosaur known to be heavier than Paralititan is Argentinosaurus, which looked much like the new dinosaur (both are classified as titanosaurid sauropods) but is estimated to have been about 7 percent more massive. The remains of only one example of these two colossal dinosaurs exist. Smith found the partial skeleton preserved in fine-grained sediments full of plant remains and root casts in the Bahariya Oasis in the Sahara desert some 180 miles southwest of Cairo. He said the evidence suggests that the arid Bahariya site once resembled the tropical mangrove coasts of Florida, a low-energy, shallow water area of tidal flats and tidal channels. He compares it to the Everglades. And based in part on Stromer's earlier finding of three massive carnivorous dinosaurs at the site, Smith said the area must have been teeming with life. Smith believes the massive herbivore was standing on the edge of a tidal channel in very shallow water when it died. His team also found evidence that the carcass had been scavenged by a flesh-eating dinosaur, including a tooth that may come from Carcharodontosaurus, whose name means ''shark-tooth lizard'' and whose size, 45 feet (13.5 meters) long, was comparable to Tyrannosaurus rex. In addition, the pelvis was ripped apart as if it had been eaten. It's unclear whether Paralititan lost a life-or-death struggle with the predator or became a meal after dying for other reasons, Smith said. ``All we know is that the animal died and somebody came along and munched on it.'' PARTIAL REMAINS FOUND Smith said the skeleton of Paralititan is only 20 to 25 percent complete. Most impressive is a humerus (upper forelimb bone) that measures 6 foot, 7 inches long. The remains also include several vertebrae, ribs and both shoulder blades. The Penn team also found fossils of fish, sharks, turtles, marine reptiles and other dinosaurs. Dumb luck played a role in the discovery, Smith admits. He and University of Pennsylvania graduate student Matthew Lamanna, who at age 25 is a co-author of the study, dreamed up the idea of finding the sites that had been so productive for Stromer, who worked there extensively starting in 1911. Smith said in 1999 he tagged along on another Penn expedition to Egypt and was given all of two days to search for dinosaurs. Another problem was finding the Stromer's exact site because he did not leave behind any maps or directions. Scientific literature found in Cairo pointed the way, but Smith ended up in the wrong place anyway. But as luck would have it, on Feb. 23, 1999, Smith spotted from the window of his Toyota Land Cruiser three pieces of Paralititan's forelimb. He said he may have stumbled on ``dinosaur heaven,'' adding: ''Nobody thought for a second that we'd find anything, including me. Paralititan was the first thing we found the first morning we looked. It's just ridiculou .''"}, {"response": 177, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sat, Jun  2, 2001 (22:53)", "body": "Just when we thought it could not get any bigger...! Thanks Maggie! That is amazing!"}, {"response": 178, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Jun 14, 2001 (16:29)", "body": "From Maggie, who is really allowed to post her own stuff... *sigh* Just finished watching today's report of the five-day dinosaur dig at the isle of Wight. here's the web site for you ......do look ..it's fascinating. http://www.bbc.co.uk/dinosaurs/dinosaur_island/index.shtml"}, {"response": 179, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Jun 15, 2001 (10:43)", "body": "There's a story in the news conference today about a Kimono lizard, perhaps it should have been in this topic. You'll gasp when you read it."}, {"response": 180, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Jun 15, 2001 (14:26)", "body": "Here's Terry's story about the Komodo Dragon. They eat people!!! Yeah, it's really weird and more than a little ghastly! Thanks, I think! Phil Bronstein, of SF Chronicle, is in the hospital after having been bitten (mauled sounds more like it) on the foot by a Kimodo Dragon at I forget which Zoo (LA I think). He was on a special just for him for father's day back stage tour of the zoo, esp. to see the Kimodo Dragon. Apparently he was wearing white sneakers and was told that they might appear to resemble the white mice fed to the Kimodo Dragon. So instead he was barefoot when he was attacked by said KD. Sounds like he's lost much of a big toe and is danger of umpteen different kinds of extemely nasty bacteria which can cause sepsis. Apparently there are left over particles of food in the KD's mouth which fester in nasty ways. This happened about a week ago. Here's the story: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2001/06/10/MN156967.DTL Should I have put this in the Jurassic Park topic? Isn't this the weirdest story?"}, {"response": 181, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Jun 15, 2001 (14:47)", "body": "I think that is why they put \"Don't Feed The Animals\" Signs on the cages!"}, {"response": 182, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Jun 15, 2001 (16:37)", "body": "Not mentioned. The guy's married to Sharon Stone and the visit was a gift from her."}, {"response": 183, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Jun 15, 2001 (23:17)", "body": "That helps!!!"}, {"response": 184, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Jun 16, 2001 (11:07)", "body": "*laugh* i imagine that man's getting his share of vaccinations now."}, {"response": 185, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Jun 16, 2001 (11:40)", "body": "What was the movie Sharon Stone was in with Michael Douglas called, does sending her hubby in with an attack lizard remind you of this? Or maybe I'm thinking of Glenn Close? This white guy with white shoes and white socks takes them off so he'll be in his white as can be feet."}, {"response": 186, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Jun 16, 2001 (13:58)", "body": "oh, terry, i know what movie you're talking about...it was along the genre of romancing the stone (which had michael douglas and that other blonde lady--oh, i can't think of her name!)"}, {"response": 187, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sat, Jun 16, 2001 (14:34)", "body": "Kathleen Turner, Wolfie. Yup I remember that movie to whihc Terry refers and I cannot think which it is."}, {"response": 188, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Jun 16, 2001 (17:54)", "body": "the one with glenn close and michael douglas was...hmmmm....now i can't remember that one either (have a whiny daughter in the background which may have messed up my brain files for the moment)...."}, {"response": 189, "author": "mikeg", "date": "Mon, Jun 18, 2001 (18:10)", "body": "errr.....Fatal Attraction???"}, {"response": 190, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Mon, Jun 18, 2001 (20:22)", "body": "Uh Huh!!! Our resident Babe expert comes to the rescue!"}, {"response": 191, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Jun 18, 2001 (20:30)", "body": "That's it."}, {"response": 192, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Tue, Jun 19, 2001 (21:27)", "body": ""}, {"response": 193, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Tue, Jun 19, 2001 (21:27)", "body": "Go to http://www.discovery.com and punch in your zip code- they will give you a list of what dinosaurs used to live in your area."}, {"response": 194, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Jun 19, 2001 (21:30)", "body": "cool!"}, {"response": 195, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Jun 19, 2001 (21:33)", "body": "mine came up with sauropods..."}, {"response": 196, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Jun 19, 2001 (23:00)", "body": "Allosaurus and Tenontosaurus here."}, {"response": 197, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Jun 20, 2001 (01:07)", "body": "I want to know where my ichytheosaurs are!!! We are not nearly old enough. I think the machine looked at my zip in the middle of the ocean and BINGO. Had to be some sea-dweller."}, {"response": 198, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Jun 20, 2001 (01:08)", "body": "WOW, Autumn, you got BIG stuff in your area. Great going!"}, {"response": 199, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Jun 25, 2001 (16:37)", "body": "Yeah, well, you know what they say about big prehistoric dinosaurs in your area--we're overcompensating!!"}, {"response": 200, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Sun, Jul  1, 2001 (16:01)", "body": "My neighborhood was once the home to Theropods and Ornithischians. They allegedly left footprints."}, {"response": 201, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Jul  1, 2001 (18:43)", "body": "Wow! I have trod your sacred land and did not realize upon which I stepped. I think I dated one of those Ornithiscians, but how was I to know he was in a very old religious sect?! (They sound birdlike so I will be off to www.google.com to find them)"}, {"response": 202, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Mon, Jul  2, 2001 (19:43)", "body": "Please tell us more about the Ornithiscian you'd once dated and the arcane religious practices of their sect. That is if you don't have to kill the person(s) to whom divulge such information."}, {"response": 203, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Jul  5, 2001 (16:39)", "body": "*GRIN* I was sworn to secrecy, but it did involve a great deal of unbuttoning and attempts to rebutton faster than it was undone. As for the feathers... Perhaps that is best left to the imagnation."}, {"response": 204, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Sun, Jul  8, 2001 (15:57)", "body": "Marcia, it seems it might have been a bit of a ticklish situation. *Grin* Say no more."}, {"response": 205, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (22:22)", "body": "*Laugh* Cheryl, I can tell you have been to college, too!"}, {"response": 206, "author": "sociolingo", "date": "Sun, Jul 15, 2001 (04:34)", "body": "Welcome to this week's edition of DINOSAURNEWS. For the full story visit the FREE webzine at this address: http://www.dinosaurnews.org . The headlines: ** War victims include rare fossils Allied bombing in September 1943 damaged the Natural History Museum at Humbolt University in Berlin, home of the largest mounted dinosaur skeleton in the world, the mighty Brachiosaurus ** County chipping in for Sue skeleton A signed contract will end a month of nail biting by museum officials, who have been worried the deal would fall through ** Dino tracks par for course The West's past and its future came down to a gritty conversation Monday in an old clay mine here, where a golf course is pitted against dinosaur tracks. ** Eggs of dinosaur found Scientists from the Florentino Ameghino museum will continue to excavate the site in August in the hope of finding more nests as well as the skeletal remains of adult dinosaurs ____________________________________________________________________________ ___ Advertisement: SURVIVAL OR EXTINCTION The Dinosaur game NEW Package! Winner of 10 industry awards for quality and value! Ideal for ages 5 & up Become a dinosaur!! Learn to Survive! Fun for the whole family! In the DINOGAMES section http://www.dinosaurnews.org ____________________________________________________________________________ ___ ** Dinosaur special includes newly discovered species Among the new dinos featured are a two-legged, meat-eating member of the Coelurosaur species, yet unnamed, and Nothronychus, a bizarre, long-necked plant-eater ** Fossil being freed from ancient rock Project Prosauropod is enabling fossil fanciers with Internet access to watch the unearthing of a 200 million-year-old dinosaur's fossilized bones from the comfort of their own home. ** T-REX may throw paleontologists a bone Bone-hunting paleontologists will walk behind earthmoving equipment during the T-REX highway project, searching for fossilized plants and the remains of dinosaurs ** Dino Went Down to Georgia Recently, two of the world's most unusual dinosaur fossils went on display at that city's Fernbank Museum ** Dinosaur State Park plans eventful summer Dinosaurs will not be the only creatures making tracks at Dinosaur State Park this summer, according to a park spokesperson. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____ FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO DINOSAURNEWS - Send an email to subscribe@dinosaurnews.org ____________________________________________________________________________ ____ ** Day of the 'Dinosaur' Several leading paleontologists are gathering Sunday at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County for \"Dinosaur Discoverers,\" a five-hour-plus symposium ** Prints reveal dinosaurs may have hunted in packs It's the first evidence found in Africa to contradict the belief dinosaurs were solitary beasts ** This Month's Feature Website A Dinosaur's Neighborhood - What if a dinosaur, like this one, lived in your neighborhood?. Activity sheet from National Geographic ** Dinosaur Tracks - New Mexico QTVR Panoramas from New Mexico In conjunction with New Mexico State University. ____________________________________________________________________________ __ DINOSAURNEWS webzine with the latest Dinosaur Books, Dinosaur Games, Dinolinks and a Dinomall. Read something ferocious this week: http://www.dinosaurnews.org"}, {"response": 207, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Mon, Jul 16, 2001 (17:19)", "body": "Wow!!! Dinosaur news! Thank you Maggie *HUGS* for posting this!"}, {"response": 208, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Jul 24, 2001 (18:25)", "body": "watched the movie this weekend and i really liked it. i think the dinosaurs are cool and no nightmares for the kids!"}, {"response": 209, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Tue, Jul 24, 2001 (23:51)", "body": "I guess I got spoiled by seeing real ones all those years in the American Museum of Natural History. The archaeologist and paleontologist in me also rebels at putting feelings into these creatures. We have found so few of somes of them we have no idea how they lived. Yeah, I know. I just take the kids and be quiet. Only I don't have any kids to take. Too dark in there to read a good book...*sigh* I'm delighted you enjoyed it, Wolfie!"}, {"response": 210, "author": "wolf", "date": "Wed, Jul 25, 2001 (22:18)", "body": "i don't know if anyone can say exactly what these creatures did but i could hardly contain myself thinking about all the work that went into these creatures whose roars sounded like they came out of their mouths and the dilating pupils, and to think that T Rex was my fave out of all their critters. that's what amazed me the most!"}, {"response": 211, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Jul 26, 2001 (01:07)", "body": "I was watching a special on the movie on Discovery Channel and there is a 1000 hp (one thousand horse power) motor running that T Rex. Check out that chariot that gets you to the grocery store. That whole movie represents Huge amounts of money. Whether it might have been better used is a question I will not even think of answering. I am delighted both you and the kids (or is it all of you kids?!) enjoyed it."}, {"response": 212, "author": "wolf", "date": "Thu, Jul 26, 2001 (18:58)", "body": "the kids and i enjoyed it while the big kid did not."}, {"response": 213, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Fri, Jul 27, 2001 (16:04)", "body": "Big Kids are always the most difficult. I have one of my own, so I know... *HUGS*"}, {"response": 214, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Sun, Jul 29, 2001 (15:39)", "body": "Marcia, could you imagine getting to the grocery store in a 1,000 hp motorized T.Rex. That could make the neighbors sit up and take notice. Wolfie, glad that you and the kids enjoyed the movie. I haven't seen it yet."}, {"response": 215, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sun, Jul 29, 2001 (18:50)", "body": "In California, a 1000 hp T Rex is the ONLY way to get from point A to point B on the freeways. At least we would be intact. No guarantees on scratches or dents, though. Don't you wonder what something like that eats? Anything it wants!"}, {"response": 216, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Mon, Jul 30, 2001 (18:59)", "body": "Whenever it wants! movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 46, "subject": "Atlantis, the Lost Empire", "response_count": 2, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Jun 21, 2001 (09:48)", "body": "What I've heard second hand. I've heard lots of good things and lots of bad things. You could almost roll your own review from what I've gathered. I guess we'll have to wait for some first hand reports."}, {"response": 2, "author": "wolf", "date": "Thu, Jun 21, 2001 (19:20)", "body": "well, i loved it but i'm an atlantis fan. knowing the hard work that went into the movie made it so much better. and the facial expressions and body language were great for a cartoon. i've heard different reviews too. don't base your opinion on reviews. go see it for yourself! movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 47, "subject": "Mists of Avalon", "response_count": 9, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Jul 16, 2001 (23:19)", "body": "If you haven't caught it, here are the replay dates and times. All times Eastern/Pacific. Friday July 20 8 pm on TNT. Saturday July 21 at 12 pm on TNT. Monday July 30 at 8 pm on TNT."}, {"response": 2, "author": "admin", "date": "Tue, Jul 17, 2001 (23:11)", "body": "Spoiler, this is the ending so don't read this if you haven't seen it. From Malory: Therefore, said Arthur unto Sir Bedivere, take thou Excalibur, my good sword, and go with it to yonder water side, and when thou comest there I charge thee throw my sword in that water, and come again and tell me what thou there seest. My lord, said Bedivere, your commandment shall be done, and lightly bring you word again. So Sir Bedivere departed, and by the way he beheld that noble sword, that the pommel and the haft was all of precious stones; and then he said to himself: If I throw this rich sword in the water, thereof shall never come good, but harm and loss. And then Sir Bedivere hid Excalibur under a tree. And so, as soon as he might, he came again unto the king, and said he had been at the water, and had thrown the sword in the water. What saw thou there? said the king. Sir, he said, I saw nothing but waves and winds. That is untruly said of thee, said the king, therefore go thou lightly again, and do my commandment; as thou art to me lief and dear, spare not, but throw it in. Then Sir Bedivere returned again, and took the sword in his hand; and then him thought sin and shame to throw away that noble sword, and so eft he hid the sword, and returned again, and told to the king that he had been at the water, and done his commandment. What saw thou there? said the king. Sir, he said, I saw nothing but the waters wap and waves wan. Ah, traitor untrue, said King Arthur, now hast thou betrayed me twice. Who would have weened that, thou that hast been to me so lief and dear? and thou art named a noble knight, and would betray me for the richness of the sword. But now go again lightly, for thy long tarrying putteth me in great jeopardy of my life, for I have taken cold. And but if thou do now as I bid thee, if ever I may see thee, I shall slay thee with mine own hands; for thou wouldst for my rich sword see me dead. Then Sir Bedivere departed, and went to the sword, and lightly took it up, and went to the water side; and there he bound the girdle about the hilts, and then he threw the sword as far into the water as he might; and there came an arm and an hand above the water and met it, and caught it, and so shook it thrice and brandished, and then vanished away the hand with the sword in the water."}, {"response": 3, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Jul 18, 2001 (00:32)", "body": "You are right - want to check on Geoffery of Monmouth? I have that, too. I rather enjoyed the show but not as I envisioned Arthur, Lancelot nor Gwenivere"}, {"response": 4, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Jul 18, 2001 (10:35)", "body": "The ending departed substantially from the print version, or most print vresions like the above."}, {"response": 5, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Wed, Jul 18, 2001 (17:13)", "body": "I was discussing the differences between the miniseries and the book (together we must have read it about 10 times). We came to the conclusion that they enlarged some roles and changed others from the way it was originally written. We also agreed that it is such a complex book that 6 part miniseries might do it better justice. That is a book to get lost in. When I first read it, I finished the last page and immediately began again. I was not willing to leave it so quickly. If you liked the series, get the book! I got mine for $1.00 at a garage sale to add to my collection of Arthuriana. Little did I know I would like it quite as much as I do."}, {"response": 6, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Jul 19, 2001 (00:05)", "body": "I agree. The first part was very satisfying. The first two hours. The second part was kind of compressed and rushed. I thought part two could have been expanded to 4 to 6 hours. I would have like to have seen more character development, especially the character of the son, Mordred (sp?). Wow, ten times! You must know every detail, that's a pretty big book too."}, {"response": 7, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Jul 19, 2001 (00:22)", "body": "I read fast. I also crawl into a book and only grudgingly emerge when necessary until I am finished. Herman's book on Books 31 is that big and I have it just about memorized. I have a large collection of Arthutiana from archaeology straight stuff to off the wall - Geoffrey of Monmouth to Geoffrey Ashe. I have most of all that has been written including Mark Twain's opus. My least favorite was one everyone will jump me for - T. H. White's Once and Future King . I hated how he characterized Merlin! We can haggle about it in Books 23."}, {"response": 8, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Jul 19, 2001 (00:31)", "body": "OK, bring it up in books 23! I'll follow up. Angelica Huston was particularly suited for her role. She grew up in an English castle. She was so adept at her role, didn't you think? The lady who played Morgaine was great, and I liked Joan Allen as well (who played a villain instead of a good person like she usually does). The story got kind of kinky around the cave scene where Mordred was conceived, but I guess that was the way back then? Or was it?"}, {"response": 9, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Jul  2, 2006 (04:26)", "body": "I need to move this from vhs to dvd. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 48, "subject": "DVD Players", "response_count": 6, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Aug  6, 2001 (12:00)", "body": "Linked to this conference from computer and music conferences."}, {"response": 2, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Nov  4, 2001 (20:40)", "body": "we picked up a samsung DVD/VHS player. it's pretty neat!"}, {"response": 3, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Nov  4, 2001 (21:03)", "body": "Cool. A two in one unit!"}, {"response": 4, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Nov  5, 2001 (20:28)", "body": "i know! that's what we liked about it. of course, there are a lot of those out there but this one had the best price for us (under $250)."}, {"response": 5, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Nov  6, 2001 (14:22)", "body": "Wow, that's just slightly more than I paid for our VHS VCR a few years ago."}, {"response": 6, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Jul  2, 2006 (04:27)", "body": "Bob Nagy - http://bobnagy.com - just got a high def dvd. He swears by it. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 49, "subject": "Future of Movies", "response_count": 3, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Aug 17, 2001 (09:27)", "body": "New York Times story picked up by the SFChron this morning, pg. 2: \"Hollywood reveals plan for Internet movie service: Backing by major studios -- but not Disney, Fox\" by Rick Lyman, NYT \"Los Angeles -- Five major movie studios, including some of Hollywood's top players, unveiled plans yesterday for a joint venture that will allow computer users to download rental copies of feature films over the Internet... The new venture is also seen by many studio executives as a first step toward the coming world of true video - on - demand, when consumers will be able to watch any moview they want, whenever they want. \"Initially, the films will be available for download only onto personal computers -- or television monitors linked to an Internet connection... \"The studios that will be partners in the new service are MGM, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Warner Brothers and Universal Pictures... Officials at Sony's Moviefly, an Internet movies - on - demand effort that will provide the technical backbone... \"This new venture will be neither the first video - on - demand service (cable operators in a few markets have offered such a service to some of their customers though the movie selection has been limited) nor the first time that feature films have been available for download on the Internet (Web - based companies like CinemaNow and SightSound Technologies have offered a limited roster of films for download). But it does mark the first effort involving the Hollywood studios and offers the promise of thousands of potential titles. \"The service... will be available only to those with high - speed Internet connections... The average feature film will take 20 to 40 minutes to download... Studio officials estimate there are 10 million households with broadband connections. The films will remain on a computer's hard drive for 30 days, but will erase themselves 24 hours after they are first run. During that 24 - hour window, consumers will be able to watch the film as many times as they wish... films would be released only after becoming available on pay - per - view, with similar rates.\" AP article on the same online at, http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2001/08/17/national0351EDT0455.DTL"}, {"response": 2, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Wed, Oct 31, 2001 (11:33)", "body": "has anyone seen linklater's 'waking life'? i saw it in seattle- is it a big event in austin? what theaters are showing it? (it was terrific, by the way)..."}, {"response": 3, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Oct 31, 2001 (12:07)", "body": "It's big here, I haven't seen it yet. I've heard from folks who have and they were very impressed. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 5, "subject": "Favorite non-Austen movies", "response_count": 203, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "elder", "date": "Wed, Dec  4, 1996 (20:01)", "body": "Favorite movies: My Fair Lady Marty All About Eve and probably a lot of others if I think about it too long."}, {"response": 2, "author": "Ann", "date": "Wed, Dec  4, 1996 (20:14)", "body": "Year of Living Dangerously -- deliscious Mel! Music Box -- Jessica Lange, very good very powerful. Raiders of the Lost Ark -- just for fun L.A. Story -- Alas poor Yurik! Charlie and the Chocolate Factory -- a little nonsense now and then is cherished by the wisest men! Mr. North -- do do that voodoo! More recently: Once Were Warriors -- NZ's best! Fargo -- I live in Mpls. And lots of others I can't think of at the moment."}, {"response": 3, "author": "JohanneD", "date": "Wed, Dec  4, 1996 (22:23)", "body": "Old stuff : anything with Errol Flynn/Laurence Olivier/Branagh, Twelve angry man, the Scarlet Pimpernel, Les parapluies de Cherbourg, Farenheit 451, most of Depardieu's especially Cyrano, Boys from Brazil, Great Escape All time favorite from the past : a Brit-comedy with the two boys who played in Oliver (60's) and blow a bomb at the end + music from CSNY and BeeGee's. Saw it when I was around 10 and never saw it again, anybody know the title and particulars and recently : Eat drink man woman French Kiss Les Mis\ufffdrables du XX\ufffdme si\ufffdcle Emma, oups... does'nt count"}, {"response": 4, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Dec  4, 1996 (22:31)", "body": "Eat Drink Man Woman was a great movie. I really enjoyed the interactions in this movie."}, {"response": 5, "author": "JohanneD", "date": "Wed, Dec  4, 1996 (22:57)", "body": "Terry, Absolutely. You rarely see this quality with such simplicity. Forgot to mention anything with Rowan Atkinson."}, {"response": 6, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Thu, Dec  5, 1996 (02:36)", "body": "Too many to name, but of course, that won't stop me from trying! Old MGM musicals: Singing in the Rain, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Anything with Jimmy Stewart or Cary Grant: It's a Wonderful Life, The Philadelphia Story, Arsenic and Old Lace Hitchcock: Rear Window (added points for Stewart!), North by Northwest (added points for Grant!) Other Movies: the Star Wars movies, Amadeus, Bull Durham, The Lion in Winter and of course Casablanca!"}, {"response": 7, "author": "Amy", "date": "Thu, Dec  5, 1996 (03:50)", "body": "Hannah and Her Sisters Field of Dreams The Razor's Edge Harvey Casablanca The Player Mr Smith Goes to Washington North by Northwest"}, {"response": 8, "author": "Linda409", "date": "Thu, Dec  5, 1996 (08:20)", "body": "Not in order of preference. Not an complete list. Seven Days In May Twelve Angry Men Inherit The Wind Stage Door The Sound Of Music Linda"}, {"response": 9, "author": "Kim", "date": "Thu, Dec  5, 1996 (08:48)", "body": "I suppose my all time favorite movie is Gone With the Wind. I also love Tombstone . I watch anything with Bette Davis; she is my favorite actress. Ialso enjoy movies with Joan Fontaine and Gene Tierney."}, {"response": 10, "author": "JohanneD", "date": "Thu, Dec  5, 1996 (15:51)", "body": "But the way, att. Caroline regarding Rupert Everett and my interest in Gabriel Garcia-Marquez, anybody ever see Bayardo San Roman's Chronicle of a Death Foretold (1987) ? Great movie starring also Ornella Mutti (?spell). You can really feel the heat."}, {"response": 11, "author": "PatK", "date": "Thu, Dec  5, 1996 (19:41)", "body": ""}, {"response": 12, "author": "PatK", "date": "Thu, Dec  5, 1996 (19:50)", "body": "The Bishop's Wife, Affair to Remember (just about anything with Cary Grant) Moonstruck The Bridges of Madison County The American President Bambi Tim Shirley Valentine Sabrina (old version though I do like the new one too) Sleepless in Seatle The Shoes of the Fisherman Guess Who's Coming to Dinner Gentleman's Agreement A Walk In The Clouds Not a favorite necessarily but a fun movie to watch : The Ref with Dennis Leary"}, {"response": 13, "author": "Amy", "date": "Thu, Dec  5, 1996 (21:29)", "body": "Moonstruck!"}, {"response": 14, "author": "mich", "date": "Thu, Dec  5, 1996 (22:36)", "body": "Just a few that come to mind Anne of Green Gables Anne of Avonlea An Affair to remember King & I Sleepless in Seatle I remember Mama"}, {"response": 15, "author": "Donna", "date": "Thu, Dec  5, 1996 (22:57)", "body": "I like so many movies/actors: old and new Jimmy Stewart-\"It's a Wonderful Life\" Rear Window ect.ect. Gregory Peck-\"To Kill A Mockingbird\" ect. Carey Grant-\"An Affair To Remember\" Bishop's Wife {remake of this}Denzel Washington is the Angel. Charles Laughton-\"Les Miserables\" ect. Gary Cooper-\"Saratoga Trunk\"1945 Clark Gable-\"The Misfits\"ect. Montgomery Clift-\"The Heiress\"1949 There is more \"Gaslight\", Moonstruck,Bridges of Madison County any Audrey Hepburn, K. Hepburn & Spencer Tracey, The King and I ect.ect.ect. I know I watch to many movies.The list goes on forever."}, {"response": 16, "author": "fen", "date": "Fri, Dec  6, 1996 (08:28)", "body": "Almost any British film with: Peter O'Toole ( Lawrence of Arabia, Becket , etc.), Peter Sellers; Richard Burton; the old \"Carry on\" comedies; etc. Medicine Man (Sean Connery) Carmen (flamenco dancers version) Black Orpheus Cat on a Hot Tin Roof A Passage to India of course I periodically see a film like Space Jam just for R & R."}, {"response": 17, "author": "Hilary", "date": "Mon, Dec  9, 1996 (17:58)", "body": "Moonstruck and Hannah and her Sisters also, Amy. Oh Lucky man Bliss The year my voice broke Ordinary people"}, {"response": 18, "author": "Kali", "date": "Tue, Dec 10, 1996 (17:12)", "body": "I concur on GWTW , To Kill a Mockingbird , and Mr. Smith . Other movies I particularly love include Goodbye, Mr. Chips , a lovely film about love, family, education, and war; Auntie Mame , a warning to all of the Babbitty elements of the world; Spartacus ; The Odd Couple ; and Don't Start the Revolution Without Me ... A crappy movie that I like, mainly becuase I'm in it, in utero, is Alex and the Gypsy , with Jack Lemmon. During the Greek picnic scene, it features my pregnant mother as an extra, one of my father's friends telling fortunes with coffee grounds, and my parents, uncle, and godfather as the Greek band...the song they play was written by my father for me, even though I wan't quite born yet...;)"}, {"response": 19, "author": "Kaffeine", "date": "Tue, Dec 10, 1996 (17:26)", "body": "\"and Don't Start the Revolution Without Me... \" Kali - If you mean the Gene Wilder/Donald Sutherland film, I'll know we're long lost twins!! I was going to mention that one, but figured nobody had ever heard of it. Its one of my favorites! Along similar lines, have you seen \"The Producers\" or \"The Twelve Chairs\"? Very funny!"}, {"response": 20, "author": "Kali", "date": "Tue, Dec 10, 1996 (17:49)", "body": "Okay, Kaff...then it's official: we're long lost twins...born how many years and miles apart? I was born on June 23, 1975 in Lodi, CA..."}, {"response": 21, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Tue, Dec 10, 1996 (18:48)", "body": "\"The Producers!\" One of my all-time favorites! How could I have overlooked this on my list?! I love the scene in Zero Mostel's office when Gene Wilder gets hysterical and needs his blankie! And \"Springtime for Hitler!\" I'll be humming it the rest of the day now..."}, {"response": 22, "author": "Kaffeine", "date": "Tue, Dec 10, 1996 (20:10)", "body": "The blankie scene! If you can play .wav files, try this: http://userwww.service.emory.edu/~mgros/brooks/producer%20Folder/BLANKET.WAV :)"}, {"response": 23, "author": "Kali", "date": "Tue, Dec 10, 1996 (23:53)", "body": "Kaff: \"But I thought it was a costume ball!\""}, {"response": 24, "author": "Amy", "date": "Wed, Dec 11, 1996 (08:43)", "body": "How about favorite movie characters and character types. HC is quite right about my loving geeks. I have a thing for the eccentric brilliant geeky academic types: Ian Malcolm the mathmatician in Jurassic Park; Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady; Doc Brown in Back to the Future; Prof Falken in WarGames; even Jaime Escalante in Stand and Deliver. Amy"}, {"response": 25, "author": "saskia", "date": "Wed, Dec 11, 1996 (10:46)", "body": "The tapes getting gray on my video-player are (besides P&P2): Impromptu (about Chopin and George Sand), Groundhog Day (about becoming a good person, I think) and Clueless (clueless! not really an Austen-movie, but I thought it a very nice version of Emma)."}, {"response": 26, "author": "Hilary", "date": "Wed, Dec 11, 1996 (14:09)", "body": "Did I mention 'A company of Strangers' -thats a great film."}, {"response": 27, "author": "Carolyn", "date": "Wed, Dec 11, 1996 (16:01)", "body": "To Sir with Love Disney's Beauty & the Beast Disney's Lady & the Tramp Strictly Ballroom Stripes True Lies Star Wars trilogy Long Walk Home Late for Dinner Raiders of the Lost Ark & IJ & the Last Crusade Pretty Woman The Fugitive The Cowboys Favorite television show: Remember WENN on AMC (this show has some of the best writing on television)"}, {"response": 28, "author": "Amy", "date": "Wed, Dec 11, 1996 (16:04)", "body": "Sleuth"}, {"response": 29, "author": "Kali", "date": "Wed, Dec 11, 1996 (16:27)", "body": "Oh, and the Bond Films... Dr. No is the first and best..."}, {"response": 30, "author": "Kali", "date": "Wed, Dec 11, 1996 (16:31)", "body": "And Enchanted April and The Party , starring Peter Sellars...oh, and Stage Door , with young Katharine Hepburn and Lucille Ball..."}, {"response": 31, "author": "Amy", "date": "Wed, Dec 11, 1996 (16:39)", "body": "Annie Hall. I can't believe nobody has mentioned it."}, {"response": 32, "author": "kendall", "date": "Wed, Dec 11, 1996 (19:29)", "body": "Fresh Horses (city-rural culture clash - I am sure I must have been there and met those people). While you were Sleeping Probably any 'chick flick' that gets good critical reviews and a few that did not. Cousins Teen movies like Breakfast Club, American Grafitti, Sixteen Candles, Clueless. Moonstruck (where Cher almost marries Mr. Collins)"}, {"response": 33, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Dec 11, 1996 (19:44)", "body": "Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Waynes World. Dave. Groundhog Day."}, {"response": 34, "author": "Amy", "date": "Wed, Dec 11, 1996 (19:50)", "body": "I love Groundhog Day."}, {"response": 35, "author": "elder", "date": "Wed, Dec 11, 1996 (20:27)", "body": "I enjoyed Groundhog Day, too, Amy & Terry (and all). I managed to watch it several times one week last winter -- it must have been on several times in the same week on HBO, or whatever. Anyway, I may have even watched it through from beginning to end -- unusual for me, being a channel surfer of the 1st degree. Bill Murray actually showed more dramatic flair than usual."}, {"response": 36, "author": "PatK", "date": "Thu, Dec 12, 1996 (07:35)", "body": "I too like Groundhog Day, Dave, While You Were Sleeping (saw it again last night),To Sir With Love -- I guess I have a lot more favorites than I first listed. Carolyn -- saw that you listed Late For Dinner -- can't say it's my favorite but enjoyed it (love Brian Wimmer - have since he played Boonie on China Beach - another favorite). Speaking of TV shows (as some have also listed): China Beach, Beauty and the Beast, Star Trek TNG, Voyager, DS9, Babylon 5, NYPD Blue, ER, Touched By an Angel, Murder She Wrote, Grace Under Fire, Cybil (though I don't get to watch it as much as I'd like), MASH."}, {"response": 37, "author": "Amy", "date": "Thu, Dec 12, 1996 (08:06)", "body": "I am happy to say that the net has diminished my TV watching, which never occupied a lot of time. In past years, I had adopted just one regular network show to watch each week. It has ranged from Hill Street Blues to Northern Exposure. I don't have one currently. Amy"}, {"response": 38, "author": "jane", "date": "Thu, Dec 12, 1996 (09:31)", "body": "Amy, I am like you in sticking with only about one show at a time, and Northern Exposure was it. Previously, I watched thirtysomething, and right now I watch NOTHING having weaned myself from E.R. It is more logistical rather than being a strong feeling about TV quality--like many of our group, I suspect that a diversion like this that is very flexible as to timing works best (and I don't like programming my VCR---if I am going to watch a show, I want to do it when everyone else is. Come to think of it, w en I put in a P&P tape, chances are someone else I sort of know is doing the same thing!"}, {"response": 39, "author": "mrobens", "date": "Thu, Dec 12, 1996 (09:37)", "body": "]In past years, I had adopted just one regular network show to watch each week. It has ranged from Hill Street Blues to Northern Exposure. I don't have one currently. Not even X-Files, Amy?"}, {"response": 40, "author": "jwinsor", "date": "Thu, Dec 12, 1996 (19:56)", "body": "X-files is mine, but I hate that they moved it to Sunday! I often tape it and watch it on Friday anyway. If they think they can jerk around my schedule, they have another think coming! [grin]"}, {"response": 41, "author": "Donna", "date": "Thu, Dec 12, 1996 (23:18)", "body": "St. Elsewhere,Northern Exsposure,China Beach, and L.A.Law {this all started bcause of Hill Street Blues} Love Groundhog Day,When Harry Met Sally {Bill Crystal is so talented},Love Tom Hanks. The movie I saw the most at a theater was \"Hard Days Night\" 28 times."}, {"response": 42, "author": "Karen", "date": "Thu, Dec 12, 1996 (23:26)", "body": "A Room with a View Enchanted April Lady Hawke A Walk in the Clouds Speed The Rock Glory To Sir with Love"}, {"response": 43, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Dec 12, 1996 (23:30)", "body": "Donna, do you have something going with the Beatles?"}, {"response": 44, "author": "Kali", "date": "Thu, Dec 12, 1996 (23:48)", "body": "The Beatles are wonderful...seen HELP! , Donna? ;)"}, {"response": 45, "author": "MaryC", "date": "Thu, Dec 12, 1996 (23:51)", "body": "Admirable lists so far. I tend to like anything with Paul Newman, Harrison Ford, Robert Redford, Sean Connery and Michael Keaton (presently). In former years, the old Errol Flynn movies were fascinating. All time favorite in the adventure category (seen on the giant screen no less) was \"Hunt for Red October\". But then, there were also those 'Star Wars' movies... I see the problem here; once you get started you can just go on and on. Bye!"}, {"response": 46, "author": "Donna", "date": "Fri, Dec 13, 1996 (00:53)", "body": "I grew up on the Beatles Terry, their music is classic. My first non-classic piano lessons was \"Yesterday\". HDN 28 times when I was a teenager. I did see HELP!"}, {"response": 47, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Fri, Dec 13, 1996 (01:10)", "body": "Donna, I'm right there with you- my all time favs! The Beatles and Mozart!"}, {"response": 48, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Dec 13, 1996 (07:03)", "body": "We have a Beatles topic in the music conference, in case you ever wander over there. I'm a big Beatles fan too."}, {"response": 49, "author": "lisaC", "date": "Fri, Dec 13, 1996 (11:54)", "body": "A Room with a View Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Speed A Walk in the Clouds Groundhog Day Rocky I,II,II,IV,V Jane Eyre (with William Hurt, I rented it last night and thought it was brilliant. If only Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle played the lead roles it would have been heaven.)"}, {"response": 50, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Dec 13, 1996 (16:41)", "body": "Groundhog Day keeps building up momentum."}, {"response": 51, "author": "Amy", "date": "Fri, Dec 13, 1996 (16:55)", "body": "It's a deeoozy!"}, {"response": 52, "author": "kendall", "date": "Fri, Dec 13, 1996 (18:03)", "body": "I watched Groundhog Day 40 times - loved the way it took Bill Murry all the way form total jerk to real sweetheart (with a small detour into suicidal)."}, {"response": 53, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Sat, Dec 14, 1996 (01:38)", "body": "Ok, Ok, I'll come out as another \"Groundhog Day\" fan! Love when he finally has everything figured out and has to make the rounds... changing the tire... doing the Heimlich... saving the ungrateful kid falling out of the tree \"you never say thank you! I'll be here tomorrow!\"..."}, {"response": 54, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Dec 14, 1996 (07:18)", "body": "I woke up today and turned on my notebook computer and the folks in the Austen conference were talking about groundhog day. This has been happening to me for the last three days. It's like I'm reliving the same day over and over again."}, {"response": 55, "author": "elder", "date": "Sat, Dec 14, 1996 (19:10)", "body": "Hey Terry, it's deja vu all over again (to quote Yogi Berra). But maybe you are implying that us Austen folks are obsessive or compulsive? In that case, I agree 100%. Is there anything you would like to (re)say about the movie Groundhog Day? (By the way, have you finished P&P2 tapes yet? What do you think?)"}, {"response": 56, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Dec 14, 1996 (20:22)", "body": "The tapes are great. 2 down and 1 more to go. Groundhog Day is such a fantasy, it's intriguing to think how it would be to get another chance at some things in life."}, {"response": 57, "author": "JohanneD", "date": "Sat, Dec 14, 1996 (23:50)", "body": "Count me in for Groundhog Day and To Sir with love. Who can forget Lulu's song? GD : Fascinating concept, like Back to the future."}, {"response": 58, "author": "Kali", "date": "Sun, Dec 15, 1996 (15:49)", "body": "Ah! Back to the Future...I'm still waiting for fusion technology to save the world. Oh, and did I mention Dangerous Liaisons ? Another great film..."}, {"response": 59, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Sun, Dec 15, 1996 (19:20)", "body": "I need to add the early Mel Brooks movies to my list: Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, The Producers, Twelve Chairs...funny, funny stuff..."}, {"response": 60, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Dec 15, 1996 (19:27)", "body": "Mel Brooks was on PBS with Sid Caesar and about 12 other comedy greats from the early days of tv. Great, spontaneous discussion of early tv."}, {"response": 61, "author": "Kali", "date": "Sun, Dec 15, 1996 (19:41)", "body": "Ah, Sid Caesar...a true genius...and yes, Mel Brooks is hilarious! I liked History of the World Part 1... and Blazing Saddles was tres hilar...Sheriff Bart!"}, {"response": 62, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Sun, Dec 15, 1996 (19:49)", "body": "Hey Kal! \"rarr rarr!\" (authentic frontiersman gibberish)"}, {"response": 63, "author": "Arnessa", "date": "Sun, Dec 15, 1996 (21:36)", "body": "Yes, Amy! I like geeks, too, in movies... I loved War Games, I'd have to say it's my favorite movie of all time. Don't ask me why. What about Matthew Broderick, a geek-lover's dream date? I also liked the Star Wars trilogy. Luke Skywalker, another geek who makes good. Hmmm... And I like anything with Cary Grant, too. What about, \"It Happened One Night?\" Oh, and The Philadephia Story, and Imitation of Life and I guess that's all. I don't see movies that often."}, {"response": 64, "author": "Amy", "date": "Sun, Dec 15, 1996 (21:46)", "body": "Arnessa, we'll still have to watch the Razors Edge together, even if nobody else wants to."}, {"response": 65, "author": "Mixu", "date": "Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (08:45)", "body": "Some of the non-mentioned films I'd like to add to the list (OK, at least I didn't see them on the list...) Citizen Kane (and also The Touch of Evil. Very cinematic movies). Three Colours - trilogy - and practically all by Kiezslowsky (Oh, those Polish names...) The Dark Crystal The Chinese Ghost Story - the \"almost perfect\" movie for me. The perfect one hasn't been made yet. I LOVE to watch E.T. once a decade. Or at least have loved for this two decades (and two times) I've seen it."}, {"response": 66, "author": "Donna", "date": "Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (11:24)", "body": "A few others, Now Voyager,Bye Bye Birdie, Life with Father,Dark at the Top of the Stairs, Music Man, Labyrinth and anything with William Powell,Grease, West Side Story,LifeBoat,anything Abbot and Costello and Chritmas Story{about the Red Rider bb gun}. ET and Close Encounters."}, {"response": 67, "author": "jane", "date": "Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (14:51)", "body": "Perhaps these were mentioned early on in the list, but if not here are a couple of relatively recent movies that are great for people who like wit, conversation and the process of courtship/relationships (hey, that sounds like all of us): The Brothers McMullen Barcelona"}, {"response": 68, "author": "Amy", "date": "Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (15:31)", "body": "The Brothers McMullen is remarkable, I think, Jane. Did you know it was made for $25,000?"}, {"response": 69, "author": "jane", "date": "Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (17:24)", "body": "Amy, I didn't know about the super-low budget, and almost can't believe it. I want to see the newer movie by that writer, although I can't remember the name."}, {"response": 70, "author": "Inko", "date": "Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (17:47)", "body": "Some of my favorites have already been mentioned but here goes: Now Voyager, Anatomy of a Murder, Inherit the Wind, Citizen Kane, The Third Man, In Which we Serve, Brief Encounter (first, original one), Goodbye Mr. Chips (original with Robert Donat), all the Ealing comedies, especially The Lavendar Hill Mob, Whisky Galore (aka Tight Little Island), The Titfield Thunderbolt, The Man in the White Suit, Passport to Pimlico, and Kind Hearts and Coronets. All Audrey Hepburn movies, Cary Grant movies, and most of David Lean's films - especially Lawrence of rabia and Dr. Zhivago. There are so many, it's hard to think of all of them, but this will do for now."}, {"response": 71, "author": "Ann", "date": "Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (17:58)", "body": "Someone else has seen Passport to Pimlico !!! I saw most of it once, and have been wanting to see it again, but it is not findable."}, {"response": 72, "author": "jane", "date": "Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (18:54)", "body": "Inko, A few years ago I saw Lawrence of Arabia on a really big screen after they had freshened it up. I got it into my head that I had to go to the desert. I was obsessed. Luckily I had a break between jobs shortly after, and was able to go to Egypt. The other movie that inspired a vacation was Milagro Beanfield War, and so I went to New Mexico, including the town where it was filmed, on my honeymoon. Impressionable, aren't I?"}, {"response": 73, "author": "Inko", "date": "Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (20:17)", "body": "Ann, I've seen Passport to Pimlico several times. About 10-15 years ago, when we first got a Beta VCR, our local PBS aired the Ealing comedies at 2 p.m in the afternoon and we got most of them on tape. Alas, we no longer have a workable Beta machine, otherwise I'd volunteer to copy it for you. Jane, maybe on your next vacation you should go to England and visit Lacock, Lyme Park, etc.! I visited Lacock last summer and it's a lovely village, even if the street is really paved over and there are cars parked in front of the buildings."}, {"response": 74, "author": "MSK", "date": "Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:09)", "body": "Of those that were mentioned, two of my favorites are A Room with a View and Strictly Ballroom. Also, somewhat recent (last couple years) movies I have enjoyed include Smoke, Fargo, and two movies which I suppose might be considered childrens' movies but I would recommend to adults - The Little Princess (most recent version) and the absolutely lovely The Secret of Roan Inish. John Sayles made that, I also enjoyed his more recent movie about some quirky characters and a murder mystery in a Texas border t wn, but I can't think of the name of it... Also, an unbelievably amazing movie which I recently saw on video is last year's Les Miserables. The movie was long, but never seemed like it, I would have popped it right in and watched it again. It's set during World War II and not really an adaptation. It's hard to describe, but wonderful."}, {"response": 75, "author": "Ann", "date": "Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:12)", "body": "Mary-- Lone Star"}, {"response": 76, "author": "Arnessa", "date": "Tue, Dec 17, 1996 (21:50)", "body": "OK, Amy, I'm up for The Razor's Edge whenever you are. Are there geeks galore?"}, {"response": 77, "author": "Amy", "date": "Tue, Dec 17, 1996 (21:55)", "body": "No geeks in Razor's Edge, Arnessa. When? I have a copy. So just me know when you locate it and we'll watch it at the same time and talk after. This will be fun. It's another story in which I identify with a male character. But Larry is nothing like Mr Bennet. Just a searcher."}, {"response": 78, "author": "JohanneD", "date": "Wed, Dec 18, 1996 (23:26)", "body": "MSK, happy you enjoyed Les mis\ufffdrables of the XXth century. Belmondo and Boujenah at their best. The biggest budget film ever made in France. Well worth it. Any other Euro films ?"}, {"response": 79, "author": "Becks", "date": "Thu, Dec 19, 1996 (14:40)", "body": "Let's see... Sixteen Candles Uncle Buck Clueless Dead Man Walking Antonia's Line The Crow ET Sound of Music Trainspotting Le Confessional Heavenly Creatures Pulp Fiction Pretty Woman Bond films Romeo & Juliet (the new version) Muriel's Wedding Seven But my all-time fave is definitely S&S!"}, {"response": 80, "author": "Becks", "date": "Thu, Dec 19, 1996 (14:53)", "body": "Oh my, I forgot one of my very fave... In the Name of the Father Circle of Friends"}, {"response": 81, "author": "elder", "date": "Thu, Dec 19, 1996 (15:42)", "body": "Another good movie, although very dark, is The Professional. Jean Reno has an incredible face; his eyes show so much even though he seems to be repressing all emotion. I happened across this movie while channel surfing and something about his eyes just caught me. Natalie Portman was also very good as the girl."}, {"response": 82, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Dec 19, 1996 (20:57)", "body": "An odd sort of movie, but I liked Leaving Las Vegas."}, {"response": 83, "author": "Carolineevans", "date": "Sat, Dec 21, 1996 (10:46)", "body": "Anyone for Le Zebre 2001 Barry Lyndon?"}, {"response": 84, "author": "MSK", "date": "Mon, Dec 23, 1996 (15:04)", "body": "Johanne - One of my other favorite European movies is Europa, Europa. I also liked White a lot (of the three colors trilogy). I didn't like Blue as well, although my husband did very much. We haven't seen Red yet. My husband is from Poland, so we tend to see a lot of Polish movies or movies by Polish directors. Oh, and I also really like The Double life of Veronique. Mary"}, {"response": 85, "author": "JohanneD", "date": "Fri, Dec 27, 1996 (20:18)", "body": "To be honest, I'll have to brush up on others european movies (read continental), things not featuring Depardieu, Deneuve, Thierry L'Hermitte or other more comedy/commercial type. Le Zebre was quite interesting, ever read the book Caroline? Can borrow it from me anytime. Anything with Philippe Noiret I usualy enjoy. Anyone saw Il Postino lately? Will be renting your suggestions MSK, keep you posted;-) Saw Queen Margot last night, bloody and rendered me speachless for a while. Kathleen, The Professional - great movie - this guy has real potential and did'nt do too bad in Mission Impossible, smale part but well rendered. Taking his place in the Hollywood sun. He can play both or should I say all : the good, the bad and the ugly (with his rugged(sp?) but endearing face)"}, {"response": 86, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Dec 27, 1996 (22:14)", "body": "Il Postino was terrific. I rented four movies over the holidays. Henry and June, Strange Days, a Paul Newman feel good movie filmed in a small Minnesota town (I forget the name now), and another movie that is not worth mentioning. Henry and June was about the Paris days of Henry Miller and Anais (ah nay eees) Nin. What a life these people had, to spend all their time going from one erotic encounter to another and making a living writing about these encounters. Strange Days was a feel bad movie, about the chaos in LA and the eve of the year 2000 when cerebral cortex devices that recreate real events in the mind take the place of drugs, are outlawed and dealt on the streets. The Paul Newman movie was great, he leads a disheveled life but the encounters and scenes in the small Minnesota town are great. A feel bad movie from the great North is Fargo."}, {"response": 87, "author": "Ann", "date": "Sat, Dec 28, 1996 (00:11)", "body": "Nobody's Fool--Newman movie with Melenie Griffith and Bruce Willis in interesting cameos. One of the last appearences of Jessica Tandy."}, {"response": 88, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Dec 28, 1996 (00:54)", "body": "What movies are folks thinking about going to see that they haven't seen yet?"}, {"response": 89, "author": "kendall", "date": "Sat, Dec 28, 1996 (01:07)", "body": "Movies I want to see: The Preacher's Wife because the Bishop's wife is one of my xmas favorites"}, {"response": 90, "author": "Amy", "date": "Sat, Dec 28, 1996 (01:30)", "body": "I still haven't seen the English Patient. And I better not wait too much longer. It can't be kept in Bloomington for too much longer. Seems like it has been on for 5 or 6 weeks?"}, {"response": 91, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Dec 28, 1996 (01:59)", "body": "Same here Amy. I need to see it before it leaves the Village."}, {"response": 92, "author": "Carolineevans", "date": "Sat, Dec 28, 1996 (22:29)", "body": "Ditto. But the chances of it being shown within one hour's drive of where I live are less than 50-50. Any news of a video version yet? I spent Boxing day watching \"Les Miserables\" and was enchanted. Loved M.Eiffel Tower and the whole letter-writing thing.Capital, Capital! Johanne, I'd love to borrow \"Le Zebre\". E-mail me, would you?"}, {"response": 93, "author": "elder", "date": "Mon, Dec 30, 1996 (11:23)", "body": "[resp 82] Johanne: \" . . . The Professional - great movie - this guy has real potential and didn't do too bad in Mission Impossible, small part but well rendered. Taking his place in the Hollywood sun. He can play both or should I say all : the good, the bad and the ugly (with his rugged(sp?) but endearing face) I agree -- Jean Reno's eyes and world weary face catch my attention every time he is onscreen. He had a very small part (as Kevin Kline's policeman friend) in French Kiss, and I look forward to seeing him in more films."}, {"response": 94, "author": "Tay", "date": "Thu, Jan  2, 1997 (15:37)", "body": "I just rewatched \"It's A Wonderful Life\" sometime ago, and its just so sweet! Jame Stewart is his best in this movie, and Donna Reed so pretty! I also saw \"The Sound of Music\". Have all those songs memorize, me and my sises (there's five of us against our one lone brother) sing it all the time at the top of our voices \"Eidelweis\" \"Do Re Me\" \"The Hills are Alive . . . with the Sound of Music . . .\" Oooh! Just wonderful! Wonderful! The Wiz of Oz is so cute, always been my favourite. Well, these are all classics, and I'm sure you've all seen them plenty of times! Just couldn't resist speaking about them, since I just rewatched them all last week!"}, {"response": 95, "author": "MSK", "date": "Thu, Jan  9, 1997 (20:37)", "body": "Has anyone seen the Spanish film \"Women on the verge of a nervous breakdown\"? Very funny. If you want to see Antonio Banderas before he was known at all in the U.S., rent it. He's very shy and sweet in this movie, not the action hero he seems to have been turned into here. Well, maybe not - I haven't seen Evita yet. Wonder how he'll be in that..."}, {"response": 96, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Jan  9, 1997 (22:18)", "body": "And kaf has the ultimate Banderas site, it's killer!"}, {"response": 97, "author": "Ann", "date": "Thu, Jan  9, 1997 (23:59)", "body": "He even sings in Evita!"}, {"response": 98, "author": "Ann", "date": "Fri, Jan 10, 1997 (00:00)", "body": ""}, {"response": 99, "author": "Kali", "date": "Tue, Jan 14, 1997 (06:25)", "body": "How could I forget: THe Blues Bros. and the Monty Python Movies... Nih! Also, I concur with Amy2 on LA Story... Wallace and Gromit Trilogy...Grand Day Out, The Wrong Trousers, A CLose SHave (Wallace's sheep washing/shearing machine would be an asset to any 4-H program...)"}, {"response": 100, "author": "Mixu", "date": "Wed, Jan 15, 1997 (10:04)", "body": "Kali, I think I'm in love ;0)... The Blues Brothers is my favourite musical (next one is, surprise, surprise, TRHPS). I've been a total fan of Monthy Python since their 1st appearance on Finnish tv a couple of years ago (unbelievable, isn't it?), and Wallace & Gromit is another of my great loves. Yes, I've been turned into a newt..."}, {"response": 101, "author": "Anna", "date": "Wed, Jan 15, 1997 (16:30)", "body": "]Yes, I've been turned into a newt... Got Better?"}, {"response": 102, "author": "Ann2", "date": "Thu, Jan 16, 1997 (15:20)", "body": "Kali, I saw that Wallace and Grommit about sheep the other day and really loved it! Has Leslie Howard been mentioned here? Above all 'Pimpernel Smith', the film I fore many years considered to contain the best LOOK ever. Does anybody remember. The professor and the girl are looking at the photo he always carries with him, a picture of the perfect woman, Aphrodite ! Then suddenly, he tears it appart and the girl quite startles \"Why did you do that?-\"Oh she has gone so dim lately, hm, just marble...and he looks at her.Oohh.His eyes."}, {"response": 103, "author": "Inko", "date": "Thu, Jan 16, 1997 (16:50)", "body": "Ann2, I remember seeing \"Pimpernil Smith\" and loving it, but haven't seen it for years. I'll have to see if I can rent it somewhere and rewatch it. I also liked Leslie Howard - remember \"Intermezzo\" with Ingrid Bergman in her first movie?? Of course, you should in Sweden!;-)"}, {"response": 104, "author": "DaRcYfAn", "date": "Thu, Jan 16, 1997 (21:43)", "body": "I would like to add my favorites: Anne of Green Gables Anne of Avonlea Sarah, Plain and Tall Skylark (sequel to above) American President Bridges of Madison County Little Women (June Allison, Elizabeth Taylor version) Meet Me in St. Louis Wizard Of Oz (My daughter just said \"No one ever gets tired of watching it) Nell (Liam Neeson - shoved to 2nd place after P&P 2) The Good Earth (a very oldie) Funny Girl That's all I can think of for now...... Linda In Georgia"}, {"response": 105, "author": "Anna", "date": "Fri, Jan 17, 1997 (04:00)", "body": "Blues Brothers and Monty Python; yes indeed. I also really enjoyed a couple of Python 'spin-offs'; \"Yellowbeard\" and \"A Fish Called Wanda\". They both had a really strong woman character, which the early Python lacked. Mrs Beard (Madeline Kahn) in particular; hysterically funny, super cool..."}, {"response": 106, "author": "Donna", "date": "Fri, Jan 17, 1997 (08:23)", "body": "I don't know if anyone put this up yet so I will. Pythonline http://www.pythonline.com I just happen to be shopping at Walmart and found a Yahoo! mag.Fill with many useful sites. There also is a great interview with Robin Williams. He loves the internet. http://www.yil.com this is the complete list of the tear-out sheet from the mag. I hope they work."}, {"response": 107, "author": "Anna", "date": "Fri, Jan 17, 1997 (20:30)", "body": "thanks Donna, I think I'll just pop over to Python to take a look now..."}, {"response": 108, "author": "Kali", "date": "Sat, Jan 18, 1997 (00:13)", "body": "Ah yes...Leslie Howard...Ashley Wilkes. Sigh. Folks, I'm so glad there are other Blues Brothers fans out there...maybe you guys will understand my strange affection for Elwood? ;)"}, {"response": 109, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Sat, Jan 18, 1997 (00:38)", "body": "Kali: maybe you guys will understand my strange affection for Elwood? ;) I am trying my dear...;-) Rrrrrubber Biiiiiiscuit!"}, {"response": 110, "author": "Kali", "date": "Sat, Jan 18, 1997 (02:32)", "body": "No, just some dry white toast, please...;)"}, {"response": 111, "author": "Anna", "date": "Sat, Jan 18, 1997 (17:26)", "body": "]maybe you guys will understand my strange affection for Elwood? ;) Elwood I can comprehend. Jake, now there I think Princess Leia had a point ;-)"}, {"response": 112, "author": "Kali", "date": "Sat, Jan 18, 1997 (18:09)", "body": "No kidding...she should've given him the bazooka treatment whilst she had him groveling in the mud... So, you also have a soft spot for Elwood? ;)"}, {"response": 113, "author": "Inko", "date": "Sat, Jan 18, 1997 (20:10)", "body": "Has anyone seen \"Shine\" yet? I just got back from seeing it - fantastic acting and cinemaphotography, and, of course, beautiful music. Another intense film where I'd happily have strangled the father if he'd still been alive by the end!;-)"}, {"response": 114, "author": "Ann2", "date": "Sun, Jan 19, 1997 (09:17)", "body": "//Ah yes...Leslie Howard...Ashley Wilkes. Sigh. // Kali, you surprise me! I would never have guessed you were an 'Ashley woman' More inclined to Rhett I thought. //Folks, I'm so glad there are other Blues Brothers fans ..// This film I taped two days ago. Shall enjoy it more, now I know that you think highly of it."}, {"response": 115, "author": "Kali", "date": "Sun, Jan 19, 1997 (18:02)", "body": "I guess I'm both, Ann2...I need someone like Rhett to beat me over the head with reality every once in awhile, but Ashley is such a dear...;) And the Blues Brothers is such fun! It will grow on you, even if it is incredibly silly."}, {"response": 116, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Jan 19, 1997 (19:39)", "body": "Teh Golden Globes are on tonight with some movie awards."}, {"response": 117, "author": "DaRcYfAn", "date": "Mon, Jan 20, 1997 (08:48)", "body": "Did you hear when they announced the Best Movie \"English Patient\" that the Director thanked Colin????? (He thanked others too...I only remember Colin). Linda In Ga."}, {"response": 118, "author": "Donna", "date": "Mon, Jan 20, 1997 (09:52)", "body": "I know Linda. I was happy that he mentioned his name,too."}, {"response": 119, "author": "Mari", "date": "Mon, Jan 20, 1997 (12:53)", "body": "I must add my favorite comedy; ''The Court Jester'' with Danny Kaye. Once you see this movie, you'll recognise that every ''sword'' film since has stolen something from this little gem."}, {"response": 120, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Mon, Jan 20, 1997 (13:29)", "body": "Oh Mari! \"The pellet with the poison is in the vessel with the pestle, the flagon with the dragon is the brew that is true!\" LOL! One of my favorites too! :-)"}, {"response": 121, "author": "jwinsor", "date": "Mon, Jan 20, 1997 (22:04)", "body": "The vessel with the pestle has the pellet with the poison; the flagon with the dragon has the brew that is true! And I cannot believe that nobody (myself included) has yet mentioned Fantasia!"}, {"response": 122, "author": "Anna", "date": "Mon, Jan 20, 1997 (22:24)", "body": "] Fantasia! and also Allegro non Troppo !"}, {"response": 123, "author": "jane", "date": "Tue, Jan 21, 1997 (13:46)", "body": "Fantasia. I can't tell you how many times I have watched it, in bits and pieces, with my 2 year old. That and Babe are her 2 videos that I really like."}, {"response": 124, "author": "Mari", "date": "Tue, Jan 21, 1997 (18:30)", "body": "But ladies, dont't forget, that before they broke the chalice with the picture of the palace, it was the Flagon with the dragon had the pellet with the poison, and the chalice from the palace had the brew that is true!"}, {"response": 125, "author": "Kali", "date": "Tue, Jan 21, 1997 (19:19)", "body": "Oooh, Fantasia! The \"night on Bald Mountain\" segment is my favorite...the animation is a sharp visual conception of the piece (I love Mussorgsky!). I'm also in love with the \"Ave Maria\"segment, which is juxtaposed to it."}, {"response": 126, "author": "jane", "date": "Wed, Jan 22, 1997 (14:51)", "body": "Kali, Night on Bald Mountain is very disturbing! Scary and violent. I think it is beautifully done, though, and the Ave Maria is a great antidote."}, {"response": 127, "author": "Mari", "date": "Wed, Jan 22, 1997 (17:47)", "body": "Yes, my kids (aged 2, 4-1/2, 4-1/2) will make me promise to skip this part before they agree to a viewing of this video."}, {"response": 128, "author": "Kali", "date": "Wed, Jan 22, 1997 (22:52)", "body": "I think it's supposed to be disturbing, Jane! ;-P But that's why it's so enthralling...it's stimulating, magnetic, and seamless. Perfectly and symmetrically horrible! Mari, I'm certain that it will become their favorite part in ten years! ;)"}, {"response": 129, "author": "JohanneD", "date": "Wed, Jan 22, 1997 (23:23)", "body": "Mari, you made my day. ROTFLOL re 120 and 124... talk about watching Errol Flynn in a different light... Mentionned the Wallace and Gromit trilogy which my 2 1/2 asks for almost every night, sometimes instead of her bedtime story. Nobody ever mention my fav US python-like : This is Spinal Tap. Stonehenge replica with dwarfs dancing around it is absolutely hilarious."}, {"response": 130, "author": "Mixu", "date": "Thu, Jan 23, 1997 (07:50)", "body": "Fantasia... how could I forget it? I am waiting for the Fantasia II, although I fear it will be too computer-generated, because that is what bothers Disney cartoons nowadays (IMHO). I think they'd forgotten the story and concentrated too much on the visual side (although that would be an advantage in case of Fantasia). And one of the best things in Fantasia is its hand-made feeling... ah, those fairies, dancing hippos and daemons! Another excellent cartoon is Don Bluth's (former chief animator in Disney, but got out) classic \"The Secret of NIMH\", which is based on the story\"Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH\" by Robert O'Brien. An excellent example of a Disney-style cartoon that doesn't put on the brakes - it is really scary at times (I love the Owl). I recommend both the book and the movie to everyone. Couldn't remember any links, but try Yahoo or Alta Vista or... BTW, I heard (not confirmed info) that the world's critics (or some critics association) selected the \"Secret of NIMH\" as the best cartoon movie in the 80's."}, {"response": 131, "author": "cassandra", "date": "Tue, Jan 28, 1997 (22:59)", "body": "Favorite movies(too many to name, but as usual I'll try): above all Casablanca, GWTW, anything with Cary Grant(especially His Girl Friday and Bringing Up Baby with Katherine Hepburn), Vertigo, Now Voyager, The Maltese Falcon, The Razor's Edge, Laura, Midnight, Gaslight, Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Sabrina(anything then with Audrey Hepburn), Hard Day's Night, Age of Innocence, the Sea Hawk, the Heiress, A Man and a Woman, Umbrellas of Cherburg, Cyrano, Top Hat, The Bandwagon, Singing in the Rain Rebecca, Citizen Kane, the Third Man, Summertime, the lady Eve....."}, {"response": 132, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Tue, Jan 28, 1997 (23:46)", "body": "Cassandra, a lot of my favorites are there too! ;-) Re A Hard Day's Night..are you a big Beatles fan? I got the Anthology videos for Xmas and am having a great time going through them...Eight Days a Week! ;-)"}, {"response": 133, "author": "Kali", "date": "Thu, Jan 30, 1997 (02:34)", "body": "I LOVE His Girl Friday...Roz is a goddess! --- I'm also fond of Kate Hepburn...faves are Morning Glory (\"My stage name is Lovelace, Eva Lovelace...\") and Stage Door...lots of great young actresses in that one!"}, {"response": 134, "author": "cassandra", "date": "Thu, Jan 30, 1997 (13:38)", "body": "Cheryl-I absolutley adore the Beatles-I saw the anthology on TV. Fantastic. And, I was lucky enough to see Paul in concert a few years ago. And, yes with Linda.a Actually, I have an even sronger connection to the Beatles. My Mother was supposed to marry Ringo. She sent him a box of candy and a lipstick-covered offer of marriage, but according to her-it got lost in the mail. That would have been interesting-Cassandra Star. And-I read that you love MGM musicals, too. I'm a complete fanatic-Singing in the R in, the Bandwagon, Gigi-I can watch them for hours."}, {"response": 135, "author": "cassandra", "date": "Thu, Jan 30, 1997 (13:43)", "body": "I love HIS Girl Friday-ROZ is a Goddess! Kali-I'm starting to think that we were separated at birth. I love RR! Have you seen her in the Women? And Kate Hepburn, one of my idols. I really enjoyed her autobiography. I love all of those movies you listed. Stage Door-Yes great cast, KH, Ginger Rogers, Lucy, and even a young Anne Miller. Have you seen Alice Adams or Summertime?(great shots of Venice in that one)"}, {"response": 136, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Thu, Jan 30, 1997 (13:50)", "body": "Oh Cass! A kindred spirit! Did you know that there is almost 5 hours more of the Anthology in the videos that was not shown on TV? Yes indeedy! I saw Paul in concert too, yes, we are on a first name basis, and it was wonderful...a life-long dream! *sigh* MGM musicals-- the BEST! ;-)"}, {"response": 137, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Thu, Jan 30, 1997 (13:53)", "body": "Oh Cass! A kindred spirit! Did you know that there is almost 5 hours more of the Anthology in the videos that was not shown on TV? Yes indeedy! I saw Paul in concert too, yes, we are on a first name basis, and it was wonderful...a life-long dream! *sigh* MGM musicals-- the BEST! ;-)"}, {"response": 138, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Thu, Jan 30, 1997 (13:55)", "body": "I hate when that happens! :-("}, {"response": 139, "author": "cassandra", "date": "Thu, Jan 30, 1997 (18:07)", "body": "Oh Sister! I'm going to have to rush out and buy the video set. You can never have too much of John, George, Paul & Ringo! And, do you like Help? That's really a showcase for DAD, I mean Ringo. And-Yes MGM musicals are the BEST. THAT's Entertainment!!!!They don't make em' like that anymore. TO have danced with Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly. Sigh."}, {"response": 140, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Fri, Jan 31, 1997 (01:34)", "body": "Cass: TO have danced with Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly. Sigh. And now they are making Fred dance with a vaccuum! Sacriledge! Blasphemy!"}, {"response": 141, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Jan 31, 1997 (07:59)", "body": "Forrest Gump started this treand."}, {"response": 142, "author": "Donna", "date": "Fri, Jan 31, 1997 (10:35)", "body": "How about that \"Groundhog Day\". Everytime I try to rent it is gone."}, {"response": 143, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Fri, Jan 31, 1997 (14:34)", "body": "Donna, I love Groundhog Day as well...perhaps the time of year has something to do with the scarcity of the video? ;-)"}, {"response": 144, "author": "mrobens", "date": "Fri, Jan 31, 1997 (14:38)", "body": "Cheryl - are you still around? Why aren't you reading???"}, {"response": 145, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Fri, Jan 31, 1997 (15:10)", "body": "I did Sister dear! Check your mailbox! ;-)"}, {"response": 146, "author": "JohanneD", "date": "Fri, Jan 31, 1997 (22:05)", "body": "Donna, is it happening to you? are you going to videostore at the same day and time over and over an over again?"}, {"response": 147, "author": "Donna", "date": "Sat, Feb  1, 1997 (11:14)", "body": "Oh my! That must be it. Oh my! That must be it, be it, be it,be it, be it (echo)"}, {"response": 148, "author": "Anne3", "date": "Sat, Feb  1, 1997 (11:14)", "body": "What about the Astaire/Rogers pictures? Any other fanatics out there? I have them all except The Story of Vernon & Irene Castle, and some books about them. Also some of Fred's solo flicks, like Royal Wedding, though he & Ginger were utterly perfecto together whatever he said about it himself. My top fave at the moment is Swing Time, and the highlight of that is the \"Never Gonna Dance\" sequence. That is what entertainment in heaven will be like."}, {"response": 149, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Sat, Feb  1, 1997 (11:36)", "body": "Anne3, I LOVE the Fred and Ginger movies! I have so many favorite dances that that it is hard to narrow them down, but I shall just mention the \"Pick myself up, dust myself off, start all over again\" dance in Swing Time, the \"Isn't it a lovely day to be caught in the rain\" from Top Hat, the \"They Can't take that away from me\" from The Barkley's of Broadway... My favorite solo Fred dance is \"Stepping out\" in Easter Parade...for the moment, anyway! ;-)"}, {"response": 150, "author": "Anne3", "date": "Sat, Feb  1, 1997 (11:56)", "body": "And what about the \"Night and Day\" number in The Gay Divorcee? I love the end, when he gently lowers her down and she gazes up at him in speechless wonder . . . \"who is this man I've been dancing with, who suddenly turned into a god . . .\""}, {"response": 151, "author": "kendall", "date": "Sat, Feb  1, 1997 (12:00)", "body": "After watching and enjoying Valmont this month, a movie I had previously avoided because I had not enjoyed Dangerous Liaisons at all, I decided to rewatch the Glen Close-John Malkivich movie. Last night, I saw Dangerous Liaisons through 'new eyes'. It is a powerful movie. The maliciousness of the central characters and the ending death and destruction had really caught me by surprize the first time. Maybe I was expecting romantic comedy. Valmont was more fun and would be more pleasant to 'rewatch' - prettier, sweeter, less obsessed by revenge and destruction - but I believe Dangerous Liaisons was the be ter movie."}, {"response": 152, "author": "Ann", "date": "Sat, Feb  1, 1997 (13:35)", "body": "I'm partial to the \"Drum Crazy\" number from Easter Parade."}, {"response": 153, "author": "cassandra", "date": "Sat, Feb  1, 1997 (14:03)", "body": "Anne, Cheryl-I absolutely adore Fred Astaire. I too have all of his movies and many books about his art and life. My dance teacher used to call me Ginger, because that's all I talked about. FRed, Fred, Fred!!! You can imagine how much I enjoyed that one. It's hard picking my favorite Astaire dance-but I guess I love Night and Day from the Gay Divorcee-the chase-surrender aspects. The moment she slaps him and he staggers, spinning in the dance. Sigh. Oh, but I also love the playful Isn't it a wonderful day to be caught in the rain, Smoke gets in your Eyes, Change Partners, and the exhuberant-They all Laughed from Shall we Dance when he lifts her onto the piano, lifts her down and spins her around, before ever so gently and gracefully depositing her back there. I also love Gene Kelly. I wanted to be Leslie Caron, gliding with him along the Seine in An American in Paris."}, {"response": 154, "author": "Amy", "date": "Sat, Feb  1, 1997 (16:16)", "body": "I love Astaire's and Kelly's smoothness. But I have a liking for the stiff springy raucous dancing style of Cagney as George M. Cohan or Brenner as The King. I saw part of the King and I last night and marveled at the way Yul hopped around as if on tight coiled springs in \"Shall We Dance?\" Some of you have mentioned you saw him in the role on stage in his later years. Could he still bounce?"}, {"response": 155, "author": "cassandra", "date": "Sat, Feb  1, 1997 (16:44)", "body": "Amy-I love Cagney too-the Cohan strut-Wow! And who didn't want to be Deborah Kerr, being spun around and around by Brenner in the King and I? Have any of you seen the movie Love Me or Leave me, with Doris day and Cagney? I really like that one-it has some great dramatic scenes and one of the few movies that, for me, successfully re-creates the 1920s era. Great songs too! Just to get back to Astaire-Do you also like some of his later, non-Rogers films, namely the Bandwagon and Funny Face? I really love FF-It has everything Astaire, Hepburn, Paris and Gershwin!"}, {"response": 156, "author": "Susan", "date": "Sun, Feb  2, 1997 (01:10)", "body": "#151 I believe Dangerous Liaisons was the better movie. I agree, even though I did enjoy Valmont also. They're just very different. Someone else mentioned Late for Dinner. Excellent movie I highly recommend. Funny and very loving."}, {"response": 157, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Sun, Feb  2, 1997 (01:22)", "body": "Cass: Just to get back to Astaire-Do you also like some of his later, non-Rogers films Of his Non-Rogers films, I think that Bandwagon is my favorite...I love the dance in Central Park with Cyd Charis...what a romantic dance and Cyd is a Goddess! Easter Parade is my other fave non-Ginger...I'm with Ann as to being very fond of the Drum Crazy number, and it's just plain funny! When Fred is auditioning Judy Garland...LOL! I like Funny Face, but not as well...Audrey Hepburn is lovely to look at, but she can't sing or dance! :-("}, {"response": 158, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Sun, Feb  2, 1997 (01:34)", "body": "Ok, now on to my other idol...Gene Kelly! :-) My favorite is (of course!) Singing in the Rain ...fave dance is Moses Supposes with Donald O'Conner, they just look like they're having so much fun! I'm also very fond of the Gotta Dance sequence, especially the part with the Goddess Cyd...the sexiest dance ever! (Of course that the actual Singin in the Rain number is a fave goes without saying, right?) I also like Summer Stock , the dance with the newspaper...and everything in An American in Paris ...as Amy said, the Our Love is Here to Stay dance is so lovely! *sigh* And also everything else that Gene ever did! :-)"}, {"response": 159, "author": "Ann", "date": "Sun, Feb  2, 1997 (02:31)", "body": "\"I also like Summer Stock, the dance with the newspaper\" Oh Yes!!!!! What that man could do with a piece of newspaper and a squeeky floor!"}, {"response": 160, "author": "Kali", "date": "Sun, Feb  2, 1997 (04:05)", "body": "I love Yule in The King and I...and I ADORE the Beatles...but everybody knew that already...;)"}, {"response": 161, "author": "Kali", "date": "Sun, Feb  2, 1997 (04:05)", "body": "I love Yule in The King and I...and I ADORE the Beatles...but everybody knew that already...;) Oh yeah...and I saw Evita and I liked it. Forgive me..."}, {"response": 162, "author": "JohanneD", "date": "Sun, Feb  2, 1997 (09:02)", "body": "Regarding Yul Brenner, he had an important pulminary disease (emphysema I think) and had a lot of difficulty breathing. He convinced the producers he was capable of doing it and felt strongly in doing the dance sequence himself. So when came time to film the dance, he would take a needed brake to inhale oxygen (from bottle and mask) between takes. You could never have guessed it by watching him hop around, would you... saw that on Biography"}, {"response": 163, "author": "cassandra", "date": "Sun, Feb  2, 1997 (13:53)", "body": "Cheryl-I agree that Audrey is no Ginger Rogers. Still, I think she held her own with him in the Funny Face dance when he spins her around the chair. It's simple, but elegant-doesn't push her capabilities too far. I love the movie-two of my favorite stars together. And Oh sister-the dancing in the dark dance from the Bandwagon. YES!Yes! Fred in that white suit and those beige and white shoes. And-Cyd looking ever so lovely in that simple white dress. My favorite moment is when the music builds and he lifts her off the bench and the very end-when they spin up the stairs. Pure Astaire! I also like the Girl Hunt Ballet-Cyd in that red sequined dress-she is magnificent. Oh-and I also love Easter Parade. The look on Judy's face when he dips her ever so gently and then hollers-lunch. That's priceless. Love Drum crazy-too-but my fav Astaire solo has to be Fancy Free from Top Hat when he wakes Ginger up."}, {"response": 164, "author": "Amy", "date": "Sun, Feb  2, 1997 (14:05)", "body": "] It's simple, but elegant-doesn't push her capabilities too far __ I adore Audrey, but you have to admit she was lucky so many people thought she was so great they bent over backward to accomodate her shortcomings. Like Moon River, written for her for Breakfast at Tiffany's, especially for her one-octave range? Hey, I should add BatT to the fave movies thread. Holly Golightly is a fellow ladie eccentric."}, {"response": 165, "author": "cassandra", "date": "Sun, Feb  2, 1997 (14:10)", "body": "I forgot Gene Kelly-As I said, I've dreamt about being Leslie Caron, dancing along the Seine to Our Love is Here To say. And the Ameican in Paris Ballet-Breathtaking. I also love On the Town(especially the dance on the Empire State Building) and of course Singing in the Rain. I like his Fit as a Fiddle with Donald and of course Good Morning. My absolute fav-the romantic, whimsical you were meant for me with Debbie Reynolds. Gene's really at his best here. Sigh. Have any of you seen Roman Holiday with Hepburn and drop-dead goregeous Greg Peck( I don't know why but Jeremy reminds me of a young Gregoru Peck). It's every bit as a romantic as an Astaire/Kelly movie. I love the end-the tears in her eyes when she looks back at Peck."}, {"response": 166, "author": "Susan", "date": "Sun, Feb  2, 1997 (16:06)", "body": "Speaking of Leslie Caron, how about the movie Gigi? It's one of my favorites."}, {"response": 167, "author": "Inko", "date": "Sun, Feb  2, 1997 (16:15)", "body": "I love reading all your posts, and agree with them. I have a difficult time deciding which is my favorite between FA and GK, and loved all the movies everyone has mentioned. And Roman Holiday--oh yes, one of my all time favorite movies. I can rewatch that over and over again. Just love it. Also Gigi, but Roman Holiday is still No. 1 with me."}, {"response": 168, "author": "cassandra", "date": "Sun, Feb  2, 1997 (19:44)", "body": "Susan-Gigi is another of my all-time favorite films.(and yes-I am a movie-maniac) The scene that I remember most fondly is Louis Joudan's Rex-Harrison like rendition of the title song set in the Tuileries Garden. And-then it's replayed again when Gaston decides to marry her-all of those wonderful, atmospheric shots of Paris at night. I like the line too-Bad table manners have broken up more households than infedelity."}, {"response": 169, "author": "Susan", "date": "Mon, Feb  3, 1997 (02:08)", "body": "Yes, Cassandra, I love that Garden scene also; he's finally become aware how much he loves her. I enjoyed the entire soundtrack and just thought Leslie Caron was delightful. I got the biggest kick out of her \"education.\""}, {"response": 170, "author": "mhc", "date": "Wed, Feb  5, 1997 (19:01)", "body": "moved from topic 167 HAMLET Wed, Feb 5, 1997 (09:33) | Laura McCarthy (LauraMM) Everyone must see this movie. It is incredible. Kenneth Branagh, I think outdoes himself everytime."}, {"response": 171, "author": "elder", "date": "Wed, Feb  5, 1997 (21:56)", "body": "I just caught part of the recent \"Othello\" w/ Branagh as Iago. Very intense, very good in that part as well."}, {"response": 172, "author": "elder", "date": "Wed, Feb  5, 1997 (21:58)", "body": "[an interrupted submission -- drat!!] I meant to add that this was on cable tv tonight (Wed), and Branagh was looking ever so fine."}, {"response": 173, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Wed, Feb  5, 1997 (22:27)", "body": "kathleen: and Branagh was looking ever so fine. Hie thee over to the Branagh Drooling Topic! ;-)"}, {"response": 174, "author": "Donna", "date": "Wed, Feb  5, 1997 (22:28)", "body": "You can rent Othello."}, {"response": 175, "author": "Elaine", "date": "Fri, Feb  7, 1997 (10:02)", "body": "Not enough can be said about Hamlet. It was most certainly a mesmerizing movie. You're barely conscious of the passage of 4 hours. Close-ups make you feel as thought you're in the middle of the action, not more than 5 inches away. You can see and feel every twitch, wince, freckle and fear. Branagh's eyes frequently fill with tears;at first, there is nothing more than a feeling of tears and then, just an impression of tears, slowly they build, as does his emotions, and then you are in the midst of a te pest. All parts were wonderfully cast and scenes painstakingly set."}, {"response": 176, "author": "Ann", "date": "Fri, Feb  7, 1997 (11:13)", "body": "I thought the soliloquy was interesting. It almost wasn't a soliloquy. It seemed almost intentionally aimed at Claudius, who was hiding behind the mirror. It was quite interesting. Usually you see that scene only from Hamlet's perspective, here you saw it more from Claudius'. There was the standing question throughout: Did Hamlet know he was talking to his Uncle, or was it, from his standpoint, a pure soliloquy?"}, {"response": 177, "author": "Mari", "date": "Fri, Feb  7, 1997 (12:32)", "body": "Ladies, I am dying to see this movie, but the hassle of getting (and paying) for a baby-sitter usually limits my movie theater experiences to three or four times a year. Since the end is no secret to me, please discuss all the best scenes freely; I prefer to have you excite my anticipation. I am finally going to see TEP with one of my sisters and my mom tonight! Hurrah!"}, {"response": 178, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Fri, Feb  7, 1997 (13:48)", "body": "I cannot wait for Hamlet to get here! I am all anticipation...tell me more about it! ;-)"}, {"response": 179, "author": "JohanneD", "date": "Fri, Feb  7, 1997 (16:07)", "body": "Mari, how I know the feeling, good on you dear. Just cannot bring myself to trust a 13-14 year old (at 15 they don't babysit anymore cause to busy doing other stuff) of which you know practically zilch"}, {"response": 180, "author": "cassandra", "date": "Mon, Feb 24, 1997 (17:24)", "body": "Does anyone like Grease with John Travolta? Grease had a big impact on my life-I can't count the number of times I've seen it. My sister and I acted it out and played the record continuously. We would alternate between Rizzo and Sandy."}, {"response": 181, "author": "Becks", "date": "Mon, Feb 24, 1997 (17:43)", "body": "I have to watch it at least once a year. Pure magic."}, {"response": 182, "author": "Tracey", "date": "Tue, Feb 25, 1997 (08:19)", "body": "I saw Grease 5 times in the theatre, and still have the album somewhere, gathering dust. My friends and I would \"perform\" the musical in the basement. Yeah, I guess you could say it affected me.... :-)"}, {"response": 183, "author": "bernhard", "date": "Wed, Feb 26, 1997 (21:24)", "body": "HELP! Anybody! Pleaase, HELP! While i was tring to come up with a chicken-house-robbery-justification, I suddenly remembered an old movie my mom and I used to watch (my dateless Sat. nights). I think it was Anthony Hopkins(or not) playing a younger man having a fling with a married, neglected lady (why do I want to say Ingrid Bergman?). Things move along, the man finds out (or gets suspicious or warned or...), resolves to mend his ways, Mrs. breaks it off with the young guy (this is where the crying comes in - so verry hard to break ff this wonderful, loving relationship), things get much better for Mr. and Mrs., then ends when hubby sinks back into old ways. So beautiful in its symmetry. I came to the conclusion that it has precious little to do with the chicken theives, but can anybody relieve my suffering and fill in the blanks?"}, {"response": 184, "author": "kendall", "date": "Thu, Feb 27, 1997 (15:34)", "body": "I can think oof two justifications for it. for one thing, it gave Mr. Woodhouse his great \"First six hens and now Miss Taylor\" line. For another, it avoided the necessity of throwing in a brand new circumstance (the hen house robbery) after the central couple have come to their agreement to marry. This way poultry house robberies were old news and needed little attention to distract from the upcoming weddings."}, {"response": 185, "author": "Donna", "date": "Fri, Feb 28, 1997 (00:45)", "body": "The irony at the end would be if it were Mr. Knightley's chichens that were being taken. Also, it ended as it started."}, {"response": 186, "author": "Amy", "date": "Fri, Feb 28, 1997 (00:47)", "body": "Donna, where have you been? And what are you doing up so late? I have not talked to you in ages, dear."}, {"response": 187, "author": "Donna", "date": "Fri, Feb 28, 1997 (01:00)", "body": "Oh, I have been here. To much coffee today,Amy."}, {"response": 188, "author": "lasalle", "date": "Fri, Feb 28, 1997 (11:04)", "body": "I sort of liked that movie \"Fargo\" that came out a while back. Interesting for the triple metaphores. (1)The centrifugal forces that pull people apart, such as the greed that motivated the staged kidnapping and how it rapidly flew out of control, coupled with the (2) centripetal forces pulling people together, such as in the case of the pregnant sheriff investigating the case and the closeness of her family. All this set against (3) a blank, white, souless universe, totally indifferent to whatever good or or whatever evil takes place in it. Kind of depressing and the violenc is shocking. Nevertheless it was riveting. Got my attention. It was supposedly based on a true story. Anyone know if the true story was ever published?"}, {"response": 189, "author": "Tracey", "date": "Fri, Feb 28, 1997 (11:20)", "body": "\"It was supposedly based on a true story. Anyone know if the true story was ever published?\" Actually, I heard Michael Medved, the critic on some TV show saying that Fargo wasn't actually based on any real events - he was using the film as an illustration to a point he was making about the blurring of truth by the entertainment industry. I was surprised by that, to say the least! I also enjoyed Fargo - I just love those Cohen brothers! Raising Arizona is one of my favorite movies of all time. It's sort of a flip side of Fargo: set in a hot, arid landscape, involves a kidnapping, but has a redemptive message at the end....."}, {"response": 190, "author": "JohanneD", "date": "Fri, Feb 28, 1997 (11:43)", "body": "Raizing Arizona, the song still rings in my mind : on a lighter side, no dark violence which is now so common aka Trainspotting"}, {"response": 191, "author": "Ann", "date": "Fri, Feb 28, 1997 (12:05)", "body": "If Fargo is based on a true story, it is only in the sense that someone might have been murdered once in Brainerd. I live in Minneapolis (where much of Fargo was filmed), and the papers all did stories on how the movie is not based on a true story."}, {"response": 192, "author": "Cheryl", "date": "Fri, Feb 28, 1997 (12:31)", "body": "I liked Fargo very much...yah, sure, you betcha...;-)"}, {"response": 193, "author": "Anne3", "date": "Fri, Feb 28, 1997 (13:08)", "body": "I also liked Fargo , but one aspect of it bothered me a lot. I felt that we were being asked to laugh at a lot of good people for no reason other than they talked funny and were always friendly. I read somewhere that the Coen brothers grew up in Minnesota and hated it for its banality, and I couldn't help thinking that they were getting their own back with Fargo."}, {"response": 194, "author": "Ann", "date": "Fri, Feb 28, 1997 (13:45)", "body": "I saw Fargo in a Minneapolis theater, and we probably laughed harder than people in other parts of the country. The Coen brothers did grow up a few miles from where I am right now, in Saint Louis Park, MN (Minneapolis suburb)."}, {"response": 195, "author": "Tracey", "date": "Fri, Feb 28, 1997 (14:52)", "body": "Anne3: I felt that we were being asked to laugh at a lot of good people for no reason other than they talked funny... Speaking as a southerner, I totally understand that statement! Still, I never felt that the laughter was mean-spirited (or at least mine wasn't); it seemed almost a necessary ingredient in such a dark film. Johanne - Speaking of Raising Arizona music, I had the Ode to Joy as the recessional at my wedding (not the main theme, but the kazoo music that plays intermittently in the film) because I love it so much! Well, and because I figured I'd need a laugh to break up those wedding day jitters......"}, {"response": 196, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Wed, Apr  9, 1997 (14:36)", "body": "As usual I'm a day late and a dollar short! Ditto to almost all of the above (except the Groundhog Day stuff...it left me stangely unaffected). I know I will be incapable of making an actual list of my \"favorites\" since I'm an indiscriminate addict, but I was absolutely blown away by Wings of Desire--saw it years ago (88) in London, all alone, no one to share it with, wandered around in a daze afterwards. On the other hand, the movie Arthur has the best lines for quoting in day to day situations (I cra k myself up all the time that way). So you have my two extremes, I guess. Of course my list always starts with Born Free because it was made near where I was born. Let me think some more and get back to you (of course, there's no one here anymore, you all went to another party somewhere else!)"}, {"response": 197, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Apr  9, 1997 (21:18)", "body": "That's ok, we'll start a new party. And the other partygoers know they're welcome here anytime."}, {"response": 198, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Thu, Apr 10, 1997 (12:29)", "body": "Hey! You're here! I thought I was all alone! So, I spent most of last night making notes about all the TV stuff I wanted to say (see my voluminous comments in that conference, topic \"favorite shows\"); maybe I'll try to sort out some thoughts for this section tonight. In the meantime, I meant to mention Peter Greenaway as the most amazingly painterly moviemaker ever--at the same time I saw WoD in London, I was also totally blown away by Drowning By Numbers--Whew!! Now thhat's a rich and satisfying vie ing experience. He can be grossout at times (CookThiefWifeLover has some unwatchable portions) but visually, they are so rich you almost can't even take it in. So I wanted to introduce a possible topic: Amazing Movie Moments--NOT really cool scenes that make thhe movie special, or great dialogue or a line thhat is eminently quotable (do I have to many rules here?) but those millimicor seconds on the screen that just blow you away. I have three off the top of my head: (1) Brideshead Revisited--the blo de guy has demanded that Ben Cross (?)(Jeremy Irons? this was a long time ago and my memory is poor) race to his side to aid and succor, but when Ben/Jeremy shows up it turns out the injury in question was grossly exaggerated...and the look of mingled exasperation and adoration that Ben/Jeremy shoots down just makes my heart explode just to think of it (2) Broadcast News--when Albert Brooks reveals his love for Holly Hunter, her flinch in response punches me in the gut every time I remember it (3) All hat Jazz--one of the dream sequences, Anne Reinking does this amazing leap (ok, let's call it a grande jete, shall we), doffs her top hat and blows a kiss, well, I wish I could freeze frame that into a poster. Anyone else have any?"}, {"response": 199, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Apr 10, 1997 (22:13)", "body": "Hey, this could be a new *topic*. Should I create it in the movie conference? Or would you like to create it?"}, {"response": 200, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Fri, Apr 11, 1997 (12:10)", "body": "If I try to create it, we'll have computers crashing from here to Zanzibar. I am having terrible trouble with my (\"my\"???it belongs to the dept!)computer today but I could sure try next week, or you could go right ahead with my blessing...do you have any movie moments (ONSCREEN I mean, this IS a G-rated show!)? The Sony theatre near me starts its movies with a great collection of clips that illustrate their various \"rules\" ie, no smoking is accompanied by Frankenstein lighting his thumb and Inspector Cl useau throwing a bomb to his sidekick, etc. It's so entertaining--do they have that at all the Sony's?"}, {"response": 201, "author": "aubrey", "date": "Mon, Apr 14, 1997 (08:55)", "body": "re your message in the tv topic about how easy it is to html (and yes, tho I know it doesn't, for me it always means HoT MeaL) etc--I'm sure starting a new topic is easy (I read through that most excellent intro for newcomers) and I'll get right on it!"}, {"response": 202, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Jun  7, 1997 (08:51)", "body": "I saw it last night. It was ok. I was kind of tired because it was the 12:15 show at the Great Hills. And I had just come from aerobics, swimming and dancing. It was a little too pat. Spielberg is ready to go on to something totally new and different, I think this one has run it's course. Well, I guess that up to Michael Crichton, what's he up to next? Anyone know? I'm talking about the Lost World."}, {"response": 203, "author": "semtex", "date": "Mon, Aug  4, 1997 (16:08)", "body": "there have been some great movies made over the years, in all genres. some of my favorites are: CITY LIGHTS, with charlie chaplin; BROKEN BLOSSOMS (1908)with lillian gish; FIVE EASY PIECES, a great one for jack nicholson; IT'S A MAD, MAD WORLD with a large crew, including jonathan winters, spencer tracy, ethel merman, phil silvers, louie nye and spouse, milton berle, terry thomas, and so on; SCHINDLER'S LIST, the best by speilberg so far; THE GUNS OF NAVARONE, with anthony quinn and gregory peck; BLADE RUNNER; THE SHINING; ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA, with deniro, woods, et al; THE UNTOUCHABLES, with sean connery and co; SLING BLADE, from this year; DAS BOOT; FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE; THE MILAGRO BEANFIELD WAR; and one or two others that do not come to mind now. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 50, "subject": "Emmy", "response_count": 7, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Nov  4, 2001 (21:17)", "body": "then it's Marg Helgenberger and William Petersen from C.S.I., who are going to present the Emmy for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. And the nominees are: Dominic Chianese and Michael Imperioli from The Sopranos, and Richard Schiff, John Spencer and Bradley Whitford from The West Wing. And the Emmy goes to: Whitford, who wins with his first nomination, and thanks the obligatory list of coworkers, etc. \"And most of all, and I've waited to say this, I want to thank my electric, hilarious wife (Malcolm in the Middle star) Jane Kaczmarek, my love...you have brought such color and laughter and sweet life to me, and my heart is so full of you.\" \"Aw...,\" says Ellen in reference to just how sweet Whitford's remarks about his wife were. Yeah, if there's anybody who's gettin' some post-Emmy lovin' tonight, it would be the West Wing boy. http://netscape.eonline.com/Features/Awards/Emmys2001/Blow/index2.html"}, {"response": 2, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Nov  4, 2001 (21:25)", "body": "This is the award up now. Supporting Actor, Miniseries or Movie Alan Alda, Club Land (Showtime) Colin Firth, Conspiracy (HBO) Stanley Tucci, Conspiracy (HB0) Sir Ian Holm, The Last of the Blonde Bombshells (HBO) Victor Garber, Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows (ABC) Brian Cox, Nuremberg (TNT)"}, {"response": 3, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Nov  4, 2001 (21:25)", "body": "Brian Cox. Awww, I was hoping Colin would get it!"}, {"response": 4, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Nov  4, 2001 (22:12)", "body": "Wow, Conspiracy got two Emmy Awards in a row, for the writer and for Kenneth Branaugh. The writer included Colin Firth in his thank yous. Wow, the World Series game seven is on at the same time. It's keeping my thumb busy surfing back and forth. Score: NYY 0 Arz 1 7th no outs, Yankees at bat Larry King, who introduces a special segment paying tribute to the entertainers of the USO, who demonstrated \"the healing power of a hug from home.\" Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Bugs Bunny, John Wayne, Jay Leno, Lee Greenwood and others who have played for troops from World War II to the Gulf War. \"We know Bob Hope is watching at home tonight,\" King says, \"and you should know, dear Robert, we're thinking of you...Thanks for the memories.\" - e online Next, Ellen is up to introduce \"two women who could easily kick my ass,\" Dark Angel's Jessica Alba and Alias' Jennifer Garner, as they introduce nominees for directing in a variety or music program. The winner? David Mallet, for Cirque du Soleil's Dralion on HBO. He, too, is a no show. He's in England. - e online Yankees tie it up 1-1 on a hit by Martinez off Schilling. We're in the seventh inning of the World Series and the Academy Awards."}, {"response": 5, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Nov  4, 2001 (22:19)", "body": "A lot of no shows tonight. Steve Martin just walked on stage (as a joke) to accept Judy Davis Emmy and had to be dragged off by Martin Sheen:e"}, {"response": 6, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Nov  4, 2001 (22:30)", "body": "e online's version: Next up, all hail to the chief. West Wing prez Martin Sheen saves his political commentary for another time, cutting straight to the nominees for Outstanding Lead Actress for a Miniseries or Movie: Emma Thompson for Wit, Hannah Taylor Gordon for Anne Frank, Judi Dench for The Last of the Blonde Bombshells, Holly Hunter (When Billie Beat Bobby) and Judy Davis for Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows. The winner? Judy for Judy. Sigh. She's not here. \"Judy Davis is in Australia...\" Sheen begins, before Steve Martin steps onstage. \"I'm annoyed with all these awards going unclaimed,\" he says grabbing the Emmy. So he accepts it. \"It's so great not to go home empty-handed!\" the wild-and-crazy guy announces, as he's dragged offstage by Sheen. \"And I don't have to thank anybody!\""}, {"response": 7, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Nov  4, 2001 (23:46)", "body": "All the Contenders, All the Categories Supporting Actress, Comedy Doris Roberts, Everybody Loves Raymond (CBS) Jennifer Aniston, Friends (NBC) Lisa Kudrow, Friends (NBC) Kim Cattrall, Sex and the City (HBO) Megan Mullally, Will & Grace (NBC) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Directing, Comedy Series James Frawley, (pilot) Ed (NBC) Todd Holland, \"Bowling,\" Malcolm in the Middle (Fox) Jeff Melman, \"Flashback,\" Malcolm in the Middle (Fox) Charles McDougall, \"Easy Come, Easy Go,\" Sex and the City (HBO) James Burrows, Will & Grace (NBC) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Supporting Actor, Comedy Series Peter MacNicol, Ally McBeal (Fox) Robert Downey Jr., Ally McBeal (Fox) Peter Boyle, Everybody Loves Raymond (CBS) David Hyde Pierce, Frasier (NBC) Sean Hayes, Will & Grace (NBC) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Writing, Comedy Series Rob Burnett and Jon Beckerman, Ed (NBC) Paul Feig, Freaks and Geeks (NBC) Alex Reid, Malcolm in the Middle (Fox) Michael Patrick King, Sex and the City (HBO) Jeff Greenstein, Will & Grace (NBC) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Directing, Variety or Music Program Louis J. Horvitz, 73rd Annual Academy Awards (ABC) Chris Hilson, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (HBO) David Mallet, Cirque du Soleil Dralion (HBO) Jerry Foley, Late Show with David Letterman (CBS) Paul Miller, The Tony Awards (CBS) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Writing, Variety, Music or Comedy Program The Chris Rock Show (HBO) The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (Comedy Central) Late Night with Conan O'Brien (NBC) Late Show with David Letterman (CBS) Saturday Night Live (NBC) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Performance, Variety or Music Program Steve Martin, 73rd Annual Academy Awards (ABC) Barbra Streisand, Barbra Streisand: Timeless (Fox) Ellen DeGeneres, Ellen DeGeneres: The Beginning (HBO) David Letterman, Late Show with David Letterman (CBS) Will Ferrell, Saturday Night Live (NBC) Wayne Brady, Whose Line Is It Anyway? (ABC) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Supporting Actress, Drama Series Maura Tierney, ER (NBC) Tyne Daly, Judging Amy (CBS) Aida Turturro, The Sopranos (HBO) Stockard Channing, The West Wing (NBC) Allison Janney, The West Wing (NBC) Supporting Actor, Drama Series Michael Imperioli, The Sopranos (HBO) Dominic Chianese, The Sopranos (HBO) Bradley Whitford, The West Wing (NBC) John Spencer, The West Wing (NBC) Richard Schiff, The West Wing (NBC) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Supporting Actor, Miniseries or Movie Alan Alda, Club Land (Showtime) Colin Firth, Conspiracy (HBO) Stanley Tucci, Conspiracy (HB0) Sir Ian Holm, The Last of the Blonde Bombshells (HBO) Victor Garber, Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows (ABC) Brian Cox, Nuremberg (TNT) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Directing, Miniseries or Movie Robert Dornhelm, Anne Frank (ABC) Frank Pierson, Conspiracy (HBO) Robert Allan Ackerman, Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows (ABC) Billy Crystal, 61* (HBO) Mike Nichols, Wit (HBO) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Supporting Actress, Miniseries or Movie Brenda Blethyn, Anne Frank (ABC) Anne Bancroft, Haven (CBS) Tammy Blanchard, Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows (ABC) Holly Hunter, Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her (Showtime) Audra McDonald, Wit (HBO) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Writing, Miniseries or Movie Kirk Ellis, Anne Frank (ABC) Loring Mandel, Conspiracy (HBO) Robert L. Freedman, Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows (ABC) Hank Steinberg, 61* (HBO) Emma Thompson and Mike Nichols, Wit (HBO) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Variety, Music or Comedy Special 73rd Annual Academy Awards (ABC) Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band (HBO) Cirque du Soleil's Dralion (Bravo) Ellen DeGeneres: The Beginning (HBO) Saturday Night Live's \"Presidential Bash 2000\" (NBC) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Variety, Music or Comedy Series The Chris Rock Show (HBO) The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (Comedy Central) Late Show with David Letterman (CBS) Politically Incorrect, with Bill Maher (ABC) Saturday Night Live (NBC) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Made-for-TV Movie Conspiracy (HBO) For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story (HBO) Neil Simon's Laughter on the 23rd Floor (HBO) 61* (HBO) Wit (HBO) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Directing, Drama Series Jonathan Kaplan,"}]}, {"num": 51, "subject": "Harry Potter", "response_count": 38, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, Nov  9, 2001 (08:56)", "body": "Don't know. I have to admit I haven 't read any of the books. Have you?"}, {"response": 2, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Fri, Nov  9, 2001 (11:56)", "body": "I have read all the books. They are captivating. The phenom is that they can magically appeal to both children AND adults, without pandering to either. The characters are vividly drawn and while the setting is a fantasy realm, the situations are those that most people can relate to (bullies in school, winning the big game, studying for exams, etc.). I was skeptical, too. All you need do is read the first book. Or even the first chapter of the first book."}, {"response": 3, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Nov  9, 2001 (18:22)", "body": "i haven't read any of it yet."}, {"response": 4, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Nov  9, 2001 (18:33)", "body": "did i mention the sister topic in books?"}, {"response": 5, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Nov 11, 2001 (10:12)", "body": "The movie was reviewed last night on Ebert & Roeper and they gave it a huge endorsement. What struck me particularly about their comments was Roeper (I think) saying it was the \"Wizard of Oz\" of our times and Ebert agreeing (or the other way around) and that it succeeded mainly because of two things: (1) being totally faithful to the book and (2) the child actors. Makes me wonder how many more book adaptations would fare better if they were \"faithful\" to their books. ;-)"}, {"response": 6, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sun, Nov 11, 2001 (13:11)", "body": "(Karen)Makes me wonder how many more book adaptations would fare better if they were \"faithful\" to their books. ;-) In HP's case, it was at the insistence of the author, JK Rowling...ie part of the contract. In fact she had held off signing a film contract until Warner Bros consented to her wishes. I suppose any author could do the same."}, {"response": 7, "author": "fitzwd", "date": "Wed, Nov 14, 2001 (14:38)", "body": "London Times reviewer didn't care for the film. \"Fans will be delighted to see a living, breathing, walking, talking, flying Harry on the big screen, and without suffering Americanisations or new characters or preposterous warping of the plot. It\ufffds all there from the page. But it\ufffds what\ufffds not there that makes me pause.\" Will wait for someone to translate Americanisations for me. http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/0,,9013-2001392761,00.html"}, {"response": 8, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Wed, Nov 14, 2001 (19:55)", "body": "\"what's not there\". I guess the reviewer would have preferred a 7-hour film."}, {"response": 9, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Nov 17, 2001 (09:22)", "body": ""}, {"response": 10, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Nov 17, 2001 (09:24)", "body": "Comment originally posted by Andie (Evelyn)Know who you mean....last name \"Black\"? Spot on! You can read my mind. (Evelyn)That picture...yup, he's audtioning for Sirius Black Oh, how I wish!! But Jeremy Irons?? Isn't he a bit, er, too old for the part? Remember seeing him in Brideshead Revisted years n years ago (was admiring Aloysius, Anthony Andrew's teddy bear). Besides, Sirius has been described as 'handsome' in his pre-prison days. Can't see how JI will fit in. Hope he doesn't get his way...he'll be better off playing Barty Crouch (sorry if I sound too mean, in case there are any JI fans around)"}, {"response": 11, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sat, Nov 17, 2001 (10:04)", "body": "(Donna)Will wait for someone to translate Americanisations for me. Me too. I read that the Director,took great pains to make sure the script sounded British. Oh well, I knew the London Times would trash HP for something. Have my tickets for Monday:-))"}, {"response": 12, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sat, Nov 17, 2001 (14:47)", "body": "In the \"You Can't Win Dept\": NY Times doesn't like it either.LOL. Says the film followed the book too closely!! \"The most highly awaited movie of the year has a dreary, literal-minded competence, following the letter of the law as laid down by the author. The movie comes across as a covers act by an extremely competent tribute band -- not the real thing but an incredible simulation -- and there's an audience for this sort of thing. But watching 'Harry Potter' is like seeing 'Beatlemania' staged in the Hollywood Bowl, where the cheers and screams will drown out whatever's unfolding onstage. \"A lack of imagination pervades the movie,\" says Mitchell, \"because it so slavishly follows the book. The filmmakers, the producers and the studio seem panicked by anything that might feel like a departure from the book -- which already feels film-ready -- so 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' never takes on a life of its own. Someone has cast a sleepwalker's spell over the proceedings, and at nearly two and a half hours you may go under, too.\" http://nyt.com/2001/11/16/movies/16POTT.html?rd=hcmcp?p=041VMi041VNd3N5s012000mZiKjZgfh Other cheap shots. \"At a time when London is filled with faces of color, the fleeting appearances by minority kids is scarier than Voldemort. (Harry's gorgeous owl, snow white with sunken dark eyes and feather tails dappled with black, gets more screen time than they do.) \""}, {"response": 13, "author": "mari", "date": "Sat, Nov 17, 2001 (21:11)", "body": "I saw HP today and liked it very much. It really does transport you into Harry's world. The Hogwarts sets are fabulous, very much like the way you see them in your mind from the books. The chess match was especially good. The humor is definitely intact, with the early scenes at the Dursleys a real hoot. I thought the kids were very good, especially the two boys; it's their movie all the way. I did think it was a bit too long; it dragged a bit about 2/3 of the way through, but the kids in the audience didn't seem to mind. BTW, Alan Rickman looks like Adam Sandler's Operaman character with that black pageboy wig."}, {"response": 14, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sat, Nov 17, 2001 (21:59)", "body": "I came late to Lord of the Rings . Now, my new daughter-in-law adores Harry Potter. Guess I will come late to him, too. Books first, as always. If I love them too much I don't dare see the movie. I was one of the few who absolutely hated Ben Hur ."}, {"response": 15, "author": "mari", "date": "Sun, Nov 18, 2001 (15:13)", "body": "By Dean Goodman LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - All hail Harry! ``Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone,'' a hugely hyped fantasy about an English boy wizard, bewitched moviegoers of all ages in North America and Britain over the weekend, smashing industry records in the process. According to studio estimates issued on Sunday, the film grossed $93.5 million in the United States and Canada in its first three days of release. It surpassed the three-day record of $72.1 million set four years ago by Steven Spielberg's ``The Lost World: Jurassic Park.'' In Britain, where it also opened on Friday and is called ''Harry Potter (news - web sites) and the Philosopher's Stone,'' the film conjured up $23 million (including previews), beating the record of $14.7 million attained by George Lucas' ``Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace'' in 1999. ``To be up there with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, what an honor,'' said ``Harry Potter'' producer David Heyman, adding that he was smiling from ``ear to ear.'' Based on the best-selling children's books by English author J.K. Rowling (news - web sites), ``Harry Potter'' follows the exploits of a bespectacled orphan with magical powers who attends the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Newcomer Daniel Radcliffe played the title character. The box office data were provided by executives at Warner Bros. Pictures, a unit of AOL Time Warner Inc. . Rival studios said the North American estimate appeared generous, with their own tallies averaging about $89 million. One studio reportedly put the opening as low as $83 million. Final figures will be released on Monday. Either way, the film dominated the box office. Walt Disney Co.'s animated ``Monsters, Inc.'' slipped to No. 2 with $23.0 million, followed by Twentieth Century Fox comedy ``Shallow Hal'' with $12.7 million. The top 12 films grossed $157.1 million, up 35 percent from last weekend and up seven percent from the year-ago period, when ``Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas'' opened at No. 1. HARRY A ``WIN-WIN'' ``Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone,'' which reportedly cost Warner Bros. $125 million to produce and an additional $40 million to market in North America alone, played on more than 8,200 screens at a record 3,672 theaters. Warner Bros. distribution president Dan Fellman said exit polls were ``spectacular'' and the film played broadly to both parents and children, readers and nonreaders. ``It's just a win-win all the way around for us,'' Fellman said. The film's Saturday haul of $32.9 million becomes the highest single-day gross in movie history, beating the opening day of ``Phantom Menace'' ($28.5 million). Its respective Friday and Sunday tallies of $31.6 million and $29 million also set new records for those particular days. The only major record that hangs in the balance is the race to $100 million. ``Phantom Menace'' took five days, and Fellman hoped ``Harry Potter'' could get there on Monday, in four days. He expected business to remain very strong over the week, boosted by the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday. Heyman said principal photography on the sequel, ``Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,'' will begin on Monday. Director Chris Columbus will return to shoot the film. Warner Bros. hopes that Harry Potter will become a huge franchise along the lines of the ``Star Wars'' and James Bond films, and its corporate parent is using the muscle of its other businesses, such as its America Online flagship, to get the word out."}, {"response": 16, "author": "lafn", "date": "Tue, Nov 20, 2001 (11:00)", "body": "No adult should be allowed to review HP. It is written and filmed for a child's mindset, IMO. I saw it yesterday and yes part of it lagged . But I had two little people with me who sat transfixed for the whole time. One commented as the credits roled..\"I wish the second one was starting right now.\""}, {"response": 17, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Nov 20, 2001 (11:04)", "body": "But they are saying it is equally entertaining for adults. Will let you know how I like it once the timeframe is over when the studios get like 100% of the receipts and the poor, near-bankrupt theatre owners get a crumb. Sorry, but I'm not going to support WB's slash-and-burn rollout this time around."}, {"response": 18, "author": "Moon", "date": "Tue, Nov 20, 2001 (18:30)", "body": "You have a good point, Karen. I liked it, but found it very slow at times. The kids were great!"}, {"response": 19, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Tue, Oct 29, 2002 (13:29)", "body": "I can see no one's posted in close to a year ... but I just had to get on the HP bandwagon and let you know that DR, RG & EW will on today's Oprah (saw the wildfeed). Here are the highlights: 1) Introduction, a CoS viewing party, CoS trailer (the 2nd year) and the dueling scene, followed by Oprah introducing Daniel Radcliffe 2) Clip of the Harry & Ron in the flying Ford Anglia, reviews from the CoS viewing party, DR's comments that he \"loved the dueling scene,\" very brief shots of the spiders, Lockhart & Dobby, and clip of Lockhart trying to repair Harry's broken arm (the special effects have greatly improved!) 3) Introduction of Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, clips of the Whomping Willow, Eat Slugs!, and Dobby (Oprah loves Dobby) 4) Clip of Harry and Dobby, special guest Matty (sorry can't remember his surname) who is presented with an invitation to Hogwarts and a wand by Daniel (can I just say, that DR is such a sweetie ... polite, courteous, and his parents are doing a wonderful job in raising him) 5) Clip of the Rogue Bludger scene 6) skip ... preview for the next Oprah show 7) Clips of the Cornish pixies and drinking the polyjuice potion, and brief interview with David Heyman (in the audience) about meeting DR and how he got the role 8) Oprah thanking the guests and audience and to check out the follow-up on the Oxygen network (which I unfortunately, do not get)"}, {"response": 20, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Tue, Oct 29, 2002 (18:47)", "body": "First \"Harry Potter\", then \"The Fellowship Of The Ring\"... Wake me up when they bring out the movie version of \"The Chronicles of Narnia Part 1: The Magician's Nephew\"."}, {"response": 21, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Sun, Nov 17, 2002 (20:47)", "body": "This is not a review (well sort of) of the CoS \ufffd just wanted to mention that I attended the BAFTA/LA screening of HP & CoS, and spoke to the film\ufffds producer, David Heyman, about the film and the upcoming PoA: What were they thinking when they had Lucius begin to say Avada to Harry or Dobby (take your pick). My reading of Lucius just wouldn\ufffdt do that, he\ufffds too conscientious of how it would look, after all didn\ufffdt he chastise Draco for not being prudent about his jealousy of Harry, and that they\ufffdre at Hogwarts w/ Dumbledore nearby. DH: Dumbledore is not there to witness it, and JKR okayed it. I very politely asked if Remus Lupin & Sirius Black had been cast yet \ufffd no, according to him. I then asked if I could suggest 2 actors that I have in mind for the roles: JN for Sirius & CF for Lupin. Fortunately, he didn\ufffdt ask who they were & what they\ufffdve done before \ufffd oh and I heard some sighs when I mentioned both their names. Lastly, I asked him if Christian Coulson (Tom Riddle) is as handsome in real life as he is in the film. Yes, very. One other thing, DH asked what my name was a couple of times, so I may find myself banned from future BAFTA screenings, and/or he\ufffdll be informing JI, JN, CF & CC to watch out for this crazed fan."}, {"response": 22, "author": "moonstar", "date": "Tue, Nov 19, 2002 (17:17)", "body": "Marianne, thanks for putting in a good word for JN & CF for PoA. I had heard that CF had been mentioned as a casting possibility for Ludo Bagman on some fan sites, and I was not pleased. I mean, really, does CF look like a Beater who has gone to seed? I think not :) I don't know if we are supposed to be posting any reviews or whatnot here, but I will give my likes & dislikes of the film: The good: --Production design--Wow! The production designer (whose name unfortunately escapes me right now) really did a fantastic job. They took everything from SS and used that as a base, adding layer upon layer of detail. The new stuff was fantastic, as well; I especially liked the Burrow. --Daniel Radcliffe--has greatly improved; not nearly as wooden as he was in the first film --Quidditch--a vast improvement from the first film; not nearly as video game looking --Dobby--the anti-Jar Jar --The special effects in general were greatly improved from the first film; I believe that I had heard that CC had given the effects people more time to complete their work, and it really showed. The Bad: --The ending--sheesh, how schmaltzy can you get?! Ugh! Why were the students fawning all over Hagrid? He was stuck in Azkaban for most of the movie! --Lucius Malfoy's thwarted AK spell--This made no sense whatsoever! They are at Hogwart's, practically right outside Dumbledore's office, and LM tries to kill Harry? No, no, no, no. --Turning Ron into nothing more than comic relief--very vexing; even stole some of his good lines to give to Hermione --Mrs. Weasley--what happened with Julie Waters? She's done good work (Billy Elliot comes to mind), but seemed to be overacting terribly. The Odd: --When Draco & Harry are under the stands during the Quidditch game, going round & round, why did it sound just like the pod race from Star Wars, Episode 1? --Did anyone else get a very brother/sister vibe from Harry & Hermione? I did, and I hope they aren't going there; it would be very Star Wars (again) of them --This was the strangest, but the dh saw it too: I got the distinct impression at one point that Draco has a thing for Hermione. I never once got this from the books, so this might be something unintended. Or, it might just be me & the dh seeing this, though; we can be a little strange at times :) Well, those are just a few things off the top of my head. Hope this thread picks up a bit..."}, {"response": 23, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Wed, Nov 20, 2002 (00:17)", "body": "moonstar: Did anyone else get a very brother/sister vibe from Harry & Hermione? No. This was the strangest, but the dh saw it too: I got the distinct impression at one point that Draco has a thing for Hermione. I saw it too. I haven't quite made up my mind on who I want Hermione to end up with. I could see her w/ Harry (they need each other) ... and I could also see her Draco (opposites attract, and I want him to be redeemed)."}, {"response": 24, "author": "gomezdo", "date": "Wed, Nov 20, 2002 (00:34)", "body": "(Marianne) I could also see her Draco (opposites attract) Noticed that a flash of interest in her, too, despite the insults. This scenario would be more interesting. Very Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Spike it would be. (Moonstar) Did anyone else get a very brother/sister vibe from Harry & Hermione? Not at all."}, {"response": 25, "author": "moonstar", "date": "Wed, Nov 20, 2002 (08:51)", "body": "LOL! I thought the sibling-esque relationship that I saw was obvious, & the Draco/Hermione thing was something that only my convoluted mind could see. Oh well, that shows how messed up I am :)"}, {"response": 26, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Dec 12, 2002 (14:41)", "body": "Ada's message moved Response 319 of 319: AdaVW (shdwmoon) * Thu, Dec 12, 2002 (14:24) This probably belongs on the Harry Potter conference but I saw this and wanted to let you all know. On the official HP website, in their dialogue center,(lots of young kids posting) they were nominating people for certain roles in the next movie..anyway, someone nominated ODB for Sirius Black. That wasn't so important as the answer back to that, which was; \"Colin Firth's too CHUBBY for the role of Sirius Black\"! It struck me as hilarious, especially with some of us saying that he was looking too skinny and gaunt in the WAGW trailer, so I just had to share. But if anyone wants to ask about casting for the next HP movie, I did get an address to request for information. If anyone wants it, just let me know."}, {"response": 27, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Sun, Sep  7, 2003 (02:20)", "body": "Just testing ..."}, {"response": 28, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Mon, Sep  8, 2003 (01:09)", "body": "still testing ... from TLC"}, {"response": 29, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Fri, Sep 12, 2003 (15:18)", "body": "testing"}, {"response": 30, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Sun, Sep 14, 2003 (03:42)", "body": ""}, {"response": 31, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Sun, Sep 14, 2003 (03:43)", "body": ""}, {"response": 32, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Wed, Sep 24, 2003 (17:43)", "body": "TF-UK site"}, {"response": 33, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Sat, Sep 27, 2003 (16:54)", "body": "Dear JK Rowling: Perhaps you could introduce a new character into Hogwarts? Tim of Auuuggh, second-generation Hogwarts student and distant descentant of the Tim the Sorcerer of Auuuggh who assisted King Arthur in his quest for the Holy Grail... The descendants of the ancient, fabled Tim the Sorcerer of Auuuggh would have a special dispensation to have a rabbit instead of an owl, a cat or a toad."}, {"response": 34, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Fri, Oct 10, 2003 (00:54)", "body": "http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/wink.gif"}, {"response": 35, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Fri, Oct 10, 2003 (00:55)", "body": ""}, {"response": 36, "author": "wolf", "date": "Fri, Oct 10, 2003 (20:43)", "body": "luv that smiley, marianne!"}, {"response": 37, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Thu, Nov  6, 2003 (17:54)", "body": ""}, {"response": 38, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Jul  2, 2006 (04:28)", "body": "What a media brouhaha over J K Rowling's announcement that this would be the last Harry Potter book. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 52, "subject": "Fellowship of the Ring", "response_count": 9, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Tue, Dec 25, 2001 (13:39)", "body": "Incredible almost seems an inadequate word. As a rather jaded film-goer who thought she has seen it all, I was amazed to find myself surprised by the wizardry of this film. The set designs alone will stay with me forever. The first look at Lothlorien literally took my breath away. And the Balrog was a special effect that made all other special effects look amateurish. I have not felt wonder like what I felt during the fireworks display at Bilbo's birthday party since I first saw Close Encounters of the Third Kind. And don't even get me started on Viggo Mortenson. Yes, it's long. Yes, if you've read the books, you already know the story. But still this is a thrill you owe yourself. See it, then come back here and tell me I am wrong."}, {"response": 2, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Dec 26, 2001 (08:42)", "body": "For the uninitiated among us, would you mind going in to a bit more detail on \"Lothloriend\bn\", \"Blarog\" othlorien\" and \"Balrog\"; mind you, this may spur me on to read the book. The movie at first sitting was overwhelming, it sweeps you away. Were the Hobbits what you imagined them to be? What about the roles of the two women that were expanded in the movie, was this ok?"}, {"response": 3, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Fri, Dec 28, 2001 (10:48)", "body": "I honestly did not envision the hobbits as there were depicted in the film. I never saw them as cute or as clean as Elijah Wood, et al. But in this case, it was my imagination that erred, not the film. I felt the casting was spot-on, and Frodo will forevermore look like Elijah Wood in my mind. Lothlorien was the elf city, where the elf queen (Kate Blanscett) lived. Remember when the Fellowship spiraled up the walkway that encircled the giant tree? The Balrog was the demon in Moria, the mines of the dwarves. It was the thing that caught Gandalf by the ankles as it plummetted. It's been more than 30 years since I read the books, so I honestly don't recall the size of the women's roles. I did not find them intrusive, however."}, {"response": 4, "author": "AotearoaKiwi", "date": "Mon, Feb 11, 2002 (04:36)", "body": "Hi all I am bound to say this, coming from New Zealand, but I was staggered by the brilliance of The Fellowship of the Ring. Peter Jackson quite craftily used the New Zealand landscape to his advantage and I can point out where some of the movie was shot. The mountain scenes with the snow capped peaks were done in the Southern Alps of the South Island where some peaks exceed 12,000 feet in height. The rainforest scene at the end where the raft goes over the waterfall would have been in Westland judging by the rainforest, and the scene where the volcano to which they are going with the ring in real life is Ngauruhoe. In real life Ngauruhoe is dormant. Great movie and superb acting. Rob"}, {"response": 5, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Feb 11, 2002 (08:55)", "body": "Where was the little Hobbit village?"}, {"response": 6, "author": "AotearoaKiwi", "date": "Tue, Feb 12, 2002 (06:18)", "body": "Hi all Good question. Maybe south Canterbury, or Waikato, Northland, East Cape. I can't say Taranaki because it is dominated by a volcano, and I don't think any filming was done in coastal Otago or Southland. Don't know, but these are the most likely areas. Rob"}, {"response": 7, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Feb 12, 2002 (20:07)", "body": "One of my cohorts, Eric Moore, lived in New Zealand for 3 years. He treated me, Koti, and Vincent Lowe to lunch today at UR Cooks."}, {"response": 8, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Tue, Feb 12, 2002 (23:13)", "body": "I obviously need to see this movie! I adore the books, hae everything Tolkein ever wrote, and his biography, too plus \"Guide to Middle Earth\". I've seen snippets of it and I also did not envision Hobbits this way, either. Strider better be gorgeous!"}, {"response": 9, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Wed, Feb 13, 2002 (19:07)", "body": "Oh. My. God. Strider. Gorgeous. All I can tell you is that I had erotic dreams for days after seeing the film. DAYS! When I first heard that Viggo Mortenson had nabbed this role, I was a little disappointed, because he was not well known and I was not sure if he could carry off such an important role. Well! He carried it off, and then some! He will make you weep. He will make your knees weak just to see him stride dripping from the lake. He will make you roar with pride after each of his many muscular victories. Oh do see it soon and come tell me if I am not right. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 53, "subject": "Point Break", "response_count": 9, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Mar  5, 2002 (19:26)", "body": "haven't seen it yet!!"}, {"response": 2, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Mar  6, 2002 (02:16)", "body": "It's an oldie, it's been out a long time. The \"Point Break Pipeline\" website at http://personal.vineyard.net/bond007/vortex/pb/pb.htm is where I got the above sound bytes. Here are the basics from Hollywood.com: Point Break (1991) Synopsis: A rookie FBI agent, hoping to break a bank robbery ring, infiltrates a colony of surfers in Southern California. Genre(s): thriller action Rating: MPAA R Distributor(s): Penta Distribuzione (Italy) Finnkino (Finland) Cannon/Holland (Netherlands) 20th Century Fox (worldwide-except Japan) FoxVideo (video-USA) Japan Victor Company (JVC)/Nippon Herald (Japan) Manuel Salvador (Spain) Kommunenes Filmcentral (KF) (Norway) Theatrical Release: Jul 12 1991 Location: Hawaii\\Los Angeles, California Cast: Lee Tergesen Rosie Keanu Reeves Johnny Utah Lori Petty Tyler Ann Endicott John C McGinley Ben Harp Patrick Swayze Bodhi Crew: Kathryn Bigelow Director James Cameron Executive producer Gary Goetzman Music supervisor Gary Cole Swing gang Mark Isham Music"}, {"response": 3, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Mar  6, 2002 (02:19)", "body": "Spoiler Alert kamera.com sez: With an oeuvre of six feature films Kathryn Bigelow's work comprises a set of highly cinematic mixed-genre products demonstrating a stylistic flair and strong thematic choices as a director. None of her films are simply singular and each demonstrates diverse qualities and focuses, cinematic and thematic. The crisis-crossing of genre-play, themes, character types, modes and styles makes her work as a director highly intriguing. Bigelow is positioned in an interesting and edgy relationship with mainstream Hollywood cinema, making films which are at once commercial in their appeal and independent in their subtextual concerns, both highly sophisticated and highly populist. One of the central tenents of the crime film genre is structured around the relationships between dark and light. Good and evil engage in a complex interaction culminating in the realisation that the borderlines that distinguish these states are essentially fluid - divisions appearing only in reference to a notional designated \"law\". Kathryn Bigelow's Point Break (1991) takes this understanding to an extreme length, positioning the relationship between the oppositional forces in an intricate and spiritual dimension. The opening sequence of Point Break anticipates the meeting of the cop and criminal lines. Shots of Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves) training at a firing range are juxtaposed with shots of Bodhi (Patrick Swayze) surfing. This connection is emphasised as both actors' names literally collide and pass through one another. But the opening credits only initiate the beginning of this complex link. The movement that brings Bodhi and Utah together is not a simple dialectic equation leading towards unity, not a matter of recognition and attraction between self and other, cop and criminal, law and transgression. Point Break is not simply the story of one-line-the-law pursing and capturing the other-the-criminal. This is about what happens when the two lines cross, when two waves collide and go off in a new direction, what Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari term a perpendicular direction, a transversal movement that sweeps one and the other away. Point Break takes its time in reaching this \"transversal\" moment. When the movie opens, the FBI is confounded by the work of the Ex-Presidents, who have robbed 28 banks in three years and left behind virtually no clues. They are consummate professional criminals, (disguised in the masks of ex-US Presidents Reagan, Carter, Nixon and Johnson) in and out of banks in 90 seconds, restricting themselves only to the cash draws so as not to risk capture by spending too much time in the bank. No one has any definite theories, except Utah's senior partner Pappas (Gary Busey) who suggests that they are surfers who rob banks during the summer in order to finance their travels through the surfing beaches of the Southern Hemisphere. The other FBI officials think this theory is a joke, but Utah, inexperienced, eager and lacking the cynicism of the other agents, is willing to give it a shot. The first hour of the film follows Johnny Utah along the FBI's line of capture. We see Utah and Pappas working the case in a typically generic way; searching computer archives and data, talking through details of the case, following leads, working stake-outs, going undercover. This culminates with Utah pursing Bodhi in a brilliant chase sequence through the streets of Los Angeles. Yet the chase results in neither a capture nor an escape. At the moment of suspense, the logic of capture \"stutters\"; Utah cannot fire his gun or apprehend the criminal. In Point Break surfing is established as a quasi-religious experience and emphasized by Bodhi; he seeks the ultimate adrenaline rush, the perfect wave that will affirm as he says that \"the human spirit is still alive\". Bodhi thrives by surrendering to and embracing the rush of events that propel him; indeed for Bodhi, catching a wave is the philosophy to live by. But the other wave that flows co-presently through Point Break is the wave of law, of judicial control. From the moment Utah is buzzed through a series of doors on his first day at the FBI's bank robbery unit in Los Angeles, we see the mechanisms that control societies in operation. As they banter statistics back and forth, Utah's superior instructs him that crime-fighting is all about the manipulation of information. \"Do you know how we nail the bad guy Utah? \ufffd By crunching data. Good crime scene work, good lab work, and most importantly, good data based analysis.\" This process of organizing the flow of digital information, \"cracking\" and controlling the code, catching the wave of data, it is suggested, is the way to locating the criminal body. Capturing the criminal means capturing code. Control and resistance are both matters of direction and speed, both cops and criminals are surfers. Johnny and Bodhi, pursuer and prey, establish a complicated bond, and the dynamics between them shift and turn in co"}, {"response": 4, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Mar  6, 2002 (02:28)", "body": "And feedmyego.com sez: There is a certain point past which action movie cliches lose their effectiveness. You can only see so many chase scenes, both in car and on foot, before it looks like nothing so much as an excuse to hire lots of stunt guys. Once in a while, a movie makes all of the old tricks look worthwhile again, and Point Break joins the ranks. Even though \"Cops\" should've rendered me totally immune to the chase through the suburban neighborhood, Point Break made it exciting with the simple question of the prey's identity. Most astonishing, even though I'd seen a full movie's quota of action by the three-quarter mark, the movie still had scintillating scenes almost to the end. I feel bad for the audiences in the Summer of 1991 who would've missed Point Break amid the excitement over Terminator 2, which beat it into theaters by less than two weeks. T2's opening weekend gross beat Point Break's entire U.S. run. Point Break also makes the list of movies that don't make Keanu Reeves look like an idiot. Although he doesn't quite have the steely reserve he used so well in Speed, Keanu never looks out of depth bringing the character to life. Incredibly enough, this is the first time I've seen Patrick Swayze in a movie, having escaped both Ghost and Dirty Dancing. As a new-wave surfer, he's perfect. John C. McGinley revitalizes the old castigation-happy law enforcement superior with deliciously incisive yelling."}, {"response": 5, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Mar  6, 2002 (02:33)", "body": "You can buy a used copy of this movie on amazon.com for $1.45. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/offering-page/ref=sdp_used_v/103-1922357-1471865?index=fixed-price&field-offering-type=used&field-asin=6302256615&field-status=open&size=25&rank=+price"}, {"response": 6, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Mar  6, 2002 (02:38)", "body": "I just bought a used dvd of Pt Break an amazon.com for 7.48 including shipping. Not too bad."}, {"response": 7, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Mar  6, 2002 (02:47)", "body": "I have an admission to make. I am embarassed to admit that I love this movie, it's such a lowbrow surfer flick on one level. I guess it's just one of those guilty pleasures that you have to go through. I'll work through this!"}, {"response": 8, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Mar 12, 2002 (11:41)", "body": "It's the guilty pleasures that make life more enjoyable! Sometimes it's fun to embrace the lowbrow."}, {"response": 9, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Jul  2, 2006 (04:42)", "body": "I would watch this movie again, Autumn. I'm that guilty. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 54, "subject": "Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 4)", "response_count": 998, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Sat, Jun 16, 2001 (00:58)", "body": "Always wanted to be either #1 or #1999 on one of these things, so here's my chance. Sorry to hear about your car, KJArt, but at least you had ODB to comfort you. Just imagine yourself and CF in rain after your car died, with CF wrapping his raincoat protectively around you. Now there's an image to warm your cockles--and some other parts as well!"}, {"response": 2, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Sat, Jun 16, 2001 (15:45)", "body": "Yes and I am sure you weren't \" Ever so slightly less elegant under pressure.\" either Moon. Hope someone retreived your headscarf;-D"}, {"response": 3, "author": "KJArt", "date": "Sat, Jun 16, 2001 (17:27)", "body": "(LouiseJ) Just imagine yourself and CF in rain after your car died, with CF wrapping his raincoat protectively around you. Now there's an image to warm your cockles--and some other parts as well! Yes, I believe it was something like that... My cockles are truly toasty!! Thanks, Louise! ;-) KJ"}, {"response": 4, "author": "KJArt", "date": "Sun, Jun 17, 2001 (18:35)", "body": "A piece of advice: If your cockles get too overheated, rub them gently with dry ice! ;-) KJ"}, {"response": 5, "author": "patas", "date": "Mon, Jun 18, 2001 (13:39)", "body": "Sorry about your car KJ, and having to brave all that discomfort. I hope you get a new car soon. Only a Toyota - or a Rolls - would live 24 years anyway ;-)"}, {"response": 6, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Wed, Jun 20, 2001 (16:15)", "body": "Well, I had a serious BJ moment yesterday - I just got a new cellphone that has a clippy-dealie that you can use to clip it on your waistband or whatever. I had it clipped on my pocket as I was leaving work; I had to get home, grab some stuff, and drive up to SF for a concert. As I was quickly walking down the street, with my regular bag and bag of cellphone paraphenalia and remains of my lunch, the cellphone kept on slipping around so it would get sideways on my pocket. I felt so needlessly pretentious trying to arrange my cellphone and everything, and \"Shut up please, I am very busy and important\" kept going through my head. :)"}, {"response": 7, "author": "Bryonny", "date": "Wed, Jun 20, 2001 (16:25)", "body": "I was hoping there'd be BJD calendar this year from the folks at calcom.uk.com (they make those huge UK calendars) but I just got this reply: I am sorry, but I don't think we will have a Bridget Jones Calendar or Colin Firth for 2002. Our preliminary lists from the suppliers do not include either of these titles. We have never had a Colin Firth calendar on our listings, but do keep an eye on the website once the new products are added (a little later in the year), just in case something is added to the list as a late arrival. V. sad. I had high hopes for this one. And it looks like this will be the last week for BJD in its last 2 theatres in Edmonton. On the bright side, I'll save money going to the cheap theatres; or not save money and see the movie twice as often!"}, {"response": 8, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Thu, Jun 21, 2001 (10:35)", "body": "(Bryonny)I'll save money going to the cheap theatres; or not save money and see the movie twice as often! I know what my choice would be! Actually, for me, it isn't so much about how much money I'm spending to see BJD, it's the ridicule I have to take from my friends. My DH is very patient about this, but I think he'll be glad to see BJD leave the theaters. However, he does expect that I will be glued to the TV as soon as the video/DVD comes out! I think BJD is at the end of its run in NJ, too. It's in very few theaters, with only one or two showings each day. I live in an area of huge malls and multiplex theaters, and I don't think there are any \"second-run\" theaters near me to take BJD through another viewing cycle. (My sister-in-law says that the second-run theater near her already has Pearl Harbor, but not BJD. I'm not sure what that means, though.)"}, {"response": 9, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Thu, Jun 21, 2001 (10:38)", "body": "And about calendars--I doubt that ODB would go for that. He has a jaundiced view of fame, and I think he'd feel strange knowing that he was on a calendar. He might be willing to be part of a BJD calendar, as it wouldn't be just him (OK, so for us, it is all about HIM). Actually, he might not have a choice about BJD-related merchandising. Can't the movie producers can do what they want with anything from the film??"}, {"response": 10, "author": "Moon", "date": "Thu, Jun 21, 2001 (12:02)", "body": "he might not have a choice about BJD-related merchandising. That's right, bring on the MD, BJ and DC dolls! And make them anotomically correct. ;-))))))"}, {"response": 11, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Thu, Jun 21, 2001 (17:39)", "body": "BJD is still at number 4 in the UK Box Office and still showing at almost the same number of screens as a few weeks go. At \ufffd38.6million it seems set to overtake \"The Full Monty\" as the most successful British movie ever. BJD the Book is still at No 1, and TEOR is up to No 4 (nice to see that a lot of people are discovering that TEOR is a very enjoyable read...it got undeservedly poor (jealous?) reviews when it first came out. The soundtack is also, I think, number 1. For once, we're actually supporting our own. \"The Mummy\", by contrast, has only taken \ufffd18 million."}, {"response": 12, "author": "lafn", "date": "Thu, Jun 21, 2001 (18:16)", "body": "Congratulations Bethan.I bet Renee is really smiling away. After all the early whining from the press ,who could have guessed that the UK public would keep that film up there. Incredible.They should be commended."}, {"response": 13, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Jun 21, 2001 (19:42)", "body": "I think BJD is at the end of its run in NJ, too. What part of our fair state do you live in, Kate? Or should I say, what exit? Yuk, yuk, yuk, a little Jersey humor there.;-) Down here, it's still playing in 15 theaters; the only difference from last week is that a few that were showing it on 2 screens are now down to one. Still getting decent crowds. Bethan, those UK numbers are phenomenal. I think it's close to $70 million here, which is considered very very good for a film of this type, but proportionately those UK figures are stratospheric. Let's see, that's about $130 million or so combined so far--on a film that cost in the mid $20 million range to make. It has to be one of the most profitable films out there this year, if not *the* most profitable. I hope hope hope CF does more Working Title films--for the most part, they make good, smart movies that the public actually wants to pay to see."}, {"response": 14, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Thu, Jun 21, 2001 (22:10)", "body": "(Mari)Or should I say, what exit? I HATE THAT JOKE!!!! I generally have a sense of humor about being from NJ (northern), but I really hate that particular joke! (Moon)That's right, bring on the MD, BJ and DC dolls! And make them anotomically correct. ;-)))))) Hmmm. I forsee a whole new round of Hugh-bashing. We might have to forgo the nickname \"Huge\"!!! ;-)"}, {"response": 15, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Fri, Jun 22, 2001 (06:57)", "body": "Who could have guessed that the UK public would keep that film up there. Incredible.They should be commended. Evelyn commends the UK public! Never thought I'd see the day ... but it is interesting - if you assume no repeat viewings, ONE IN TEN of our population has been to the cinema and seen the film, not just the 18-24 year olds who normally make up 50% of the cinema-going public but the whole population (babies and grandpas too). Maybe that 50% demographic will be different for 2001. Obviously the stars and the director and producers take credit, but I seriously think that this audience has been \"earned\" most by HF, who infiltrated BJ's character into the national consciousness over several years. The character, like the film, has been more of a word-of-mouth hit than a promotional coup. And that whole word-of-mouth thing builds up into a snowball effect. Here in London, in many circles, people have to \"confess\" to NOT having seen the film, and explain why!"}, {"response": 16, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Jun 22, 2001 (10:02)", "body": "(Mark)Evelyn commends the UK public! Never thought I'd see the day .. ROTF, Mark. See how fair 'n square I am??? But watch this space when TIOBE is released;-))"}, {"response": 17, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Fri, Jun 22, 2001 (11:21)", "body": "(Mark)Here in London, in many circles, people have to \"confess\" to NOT having seen the film, and explain why! Bridget Jones, already a legend! :-)) Checked my paper this AM to find that BJD is still going in NJ, but on fewer screens. No theater in my county or any adjacent county still has it. Summer's here, kids are out of school. Atlantis, Shrek, and other such kid-friendly films are pushing r-rated Bridget out. Still, my newspaper still has the capsule review and a small ad. This week's ad says \"THIS WEEKEND, GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR INNER BRIDGET.\" the photo is just RZ, which is a good thing, because if they reduced the photo of the three stars to fit this ad, ODB's mother probably wouldn't recognize him!"}, {"response": 18, "author": "caribou", "date": "Fri, Jun 22, 2001 (15:52)", "body": "No ad, no picture, only one theater in our medium city. Sigh.:-( A girl could get used to seeing his picture in her newpaper every week."}, {"response": 19, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Fri, Jun 22, 2001 (19:46)", "body": "6/22/01 No. of times seen BJD to date: 8 v.g. but must make resolution NOT to see it again until out on DVD ;-) BJD has now moved to the 32 seat theatre in my cineplex. Was actually a lot of fun, (since I seem to have memorized the f$%^ing movie ;-D) to observe audience reaction \"up close\" and personal. Theatre was reasonably full, and many patrons enjoyed it v. much and got caught up in the movie. Especially the guys. Many audible gasps during finger snapping episode. There was one \"oh sh*t\" from a female patron when DC showed up at birthday dinner. V. funny. I do have one observation and question: Doesn't MTV give annual awards for things like \"best screen kiss\" and the like? The ending snog in this movie absolutely would win hands down! Since I'm in that over 40 CF demographic, I am not up on MTV, so would appreciate a heads up from you younger folk, so that I can tape the awards show. ;-D"}, {"response": 20, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Jun 22, 2001 (20:32)", "body": "(Mari) Or should I say, what exit? Yuk, yuk, yuk, a little Jersey humor there.;-) Stoppit. You are making me homesick. ;-) DH went moping off to see Pearl Harbor tonight. I refused (alas, BJD is no longer playing at that theater or I might have struck a deal with him). I saw absolutely nothing in the movie listings I cared to see--that is, down here at Exit 33 off the Beltway. ;-)"}, {"response": 21, "author": "heide", "date": "Sat, Jun 23, 2001 (11:02)", "body": "Meredith, I think the current MTV awards are \"awarding\" earlier films like Gladiator. Maybe next year for BJD if that kiss has staying power for the MTV generation. I know it does for the VH-1 generation. BJD's been out of my area for 2 weeks now though it's still in one theater in the next county. Movie pickin's are very slim outside of the larger cities."}, {"response": 22, "author": "Bryonny", "date": "Mon, Jun 25, 2001 (12:02)", "body": "Well, BJD is still in our big theatres even though more recent movies like \"Evolution\" have already been moved! I know I've seen BJD too much because I now spend most of my time watching all the background to see if I've missed anything. I laugh out loud during the \"book launch party\" as Natasha asks Salman Rushdie if his books are autobiographical. He says something along the lines of \"What an interesting question. No one has ever asked me that before.\" I'm sure he's been asked that plenty of times. He's either humoring her, or trying to hit on her. And I'm obviously desperate to find even more reasons to see the film again. ;-) Plus, I rented \"Nurse Betty\" the other day, and the Olivier \"P&P\"! I'll watch any obscure connection now to CF and BJD. :-)"}, {"response": 23, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Mon, Jun 25, 2001 (12:08)", "body": "(Bryonny)I know I've seen BJD too much because I now spend most of my time watching all the background to see if I've missed anything. I'll bet there are still *some* scenes where you haven't spent much time on the background! I'm thinking newspaper delivery, I'm thinking omelets, I'm thinking snogging in the snow... ;-)"}, {"response": 24, "author": "Bryonny", "date": "Mon, Jun 25, 2001 (16:56)", "body": "I'll bet there are still *some* scenes where you haven't spent much time on the background! I'm thinking newspaper delivery, I'm thinking omelets, I'm thinking snogging in the snow... ;-) LOL! This is very true. I can't wait to be able to rewind with a remote control!I've been watching the 'good' parts of RV lately, and that rewind button is very handy. :-) Also, the fast forward during the rest of it!"}, {"response": 25, "author": "JenniferR", "date": "Tue, Jun 26, 2001 (08:30)", "body": "I visited my local Olsson's bookstore today to kill time, and what do I see as I'm leaving but a huge (no, not Hugh--*huge*) cardboard cutout advertising the BJD soundtrack. I of course promptly turned around and ran (no joke) back into the store. The clerk was quite helpful when I asked if I could claim it, until I said that I simply had to have it because Colin was on it. She then promptly burst out laughing. You would think that a person who works at Olsson's would appreciate ODB, as it is kind of the \"thinking person's bookstore\" of the DC area--or so I'd been led to believe. At any rate, the cardboard cutout was successfully claimed, so the whole experience was well worth it."}, {"response": 26, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Jun 26, 2001 (09:40)", "body": "From Ananova: Nominees announced for Hollywood movie awards Bridget Jones's Diary, Pearl Harbor, Shrek, Moulin Rouge, Memento and Blow have all been nominated for the Movie of the Year Award at the Hollywood Film Festival. The winner will be decided by the public who can vote online at the Entertainment Tonight website or Variety online from July 1. For Actor of the Year the nominees are Johnny Depp, Colin Firth, Anthony Hopkins, Ben Kingsley, Ewan McGregor and Guy Pearce. Kate Beckinsale, Penelope Cruz, Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore and Renee Zellweger are all nominated for Actress of the Year. The winners will be announced at the Hollywood Movie Awards Gala Ceremony on August 6."}, {"response": 27, "author": "toyce", "date": "Tue, Jun 26, 2001 (10:30)", "body": "Yippee! I knew our ODB should be tops! Now, if only the everyone else thinks so as well."}, {"response": 28, "author": "lafn", "date": "Tue, Jun 26, 2001 (10:35)", "body": "What a line-up! He's gonna win it hands -down. Hollywood Movie Awards Gala Ceremony on August 6. Oh,Oh...he won't show -up..he'll be on vacation."}, {"response": 29, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Tue, Jun 26, 2001 (10:42)", "body": "Hurrah! Well-deserved recognition at last. Mark your calendars for July 1 and get out there and vote. Or as they say in Jersey City, \"vote early, vote often.\""}, {"response": 30, "author": "toyce", "date": "Tue, Jun 26, 2001 (11:16)", "body": "Hopefully, we'll be able to vote often, if they haven't been smart enough to detect the multiple votes!"}, {"response": 31, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Jun 26, 2001 (11:21)", "body": "Am making plans to reroute my driving patterns to go by the only Hollywood Video I know, plus I have some quality time coming up at a cable-modem-connected house. ;-)"}, {"response": 32, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Jun 26, 2001 (15:56)", "body": "(Kate)Or as they say in Jersey City, \"vote early, vote often.\" I HATE THAT JOKE! Kidding!!!!! LOL! Full press release posted on 143. Evelyn, you took the words out of my mouth; he's just going to have to come back sooner from vacation.;-) We have to get the vote out for this one, gang. It's not a slam dunk."}, {"response": 33, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Jun 26, 2001 (16:06)", "body": "The winners are notified in advance and they do show up for this one. Can't imageine him winning this one and begging off because he's lollygagging around Italy. Of course, cannot imagine him winning this anyway. ;-)"}, {"response": 34, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Jun 26, 2001 (16:07)", "body": "\"vote early, vote often.\" Since when did Jersey City appropriate the Chicago city motto (is embroidered on our flag, you know, beneath the three stars)? ;-)"}, {"response": 35, "author": "lafn", "date": "Tue, Jun 26, 2001 (18:24)", "body": "(Mari)It's not a slam dunk. Karen) Of course, cannot imagine him winning this anyway. ;-) I do. IMO his big competition is Johnny Depp. And he consistently plays weirdos ."}, {"response": 36, "author": "Moon", "date": "Tue, Jun 26, 2001 (20:03)", "body": "Can't imageine him winning this one and begging off because he's lollygagging around Italy. Of course, cannot imagine him winning this anyway. ;-) Someone's finally got himself a publicist! I will be in Italy when this thing happens. I don't see him going to LA early in Aug. for this especially since he will probably accompany Will back home after the Holidays. He can always send a tape from beautiful Umbria. Since when did Jersey City appropriate the Chicago city motto (is embroidered on our flag, you know, beneath the three stars)? ;-) Something to be proud of, right, Karen? ;-)"}, {"response": 37, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Jun 26, 2001 (21:54)", "body": "(Moon) since he will probably accompany Will back home after the Holidays. After what holidays? Labor Day? Don't the kids start school before that? Besides, the kid has probably flown by himself quite a bit. (Moon) Something to be proud of, right, Karen? ;-) Absolutely, from the city that gave the country JFK as president! ;-)"}, {"response": 38, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Tue, Jun 26, 2001 (23:32)", "body": "(Karen)Since when did Jersey City appropriate the Chicago city motto (is embroidered on our flag, you know, beneath the three stars)? ;-) Trust me, The dead Democrats vote in Jersey City, too. There aren't as many as in Chicago, though. I just hope that the voting at the video stores doesn't invove punch cards and chads."}, {"response": 39, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Jun 26, 2001 (23:46)", "body": "Our cemetaries have their own precincts. ;-)"}, {"response": 40, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Jun 27, 2001 (09:24)", "body": "(Karen) Since when did Jersey City appropriate the Chicago city motto Uh uh uh, Kate, Karen's right about this one. Though JC has plenty of its own charms about which to boast. ;-D (Kate) I just hope that the voting at the video stores doesn't invove punch cards and chads. *Heehee* (Karen) Don't the kids start school before that? Depends on the region. In the northeast they don't. In the south and midwest they do. Am not sure about LA--Jana? Winter?"}, {"response": 41, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Wed, Jun 27, 2001 (13:11)", "body": "Per their web site, classes in Los Angeles Unified School District start September 5 (day after Labor Day), but I suspect CF's son is in a \"private\" school, which may not follow the same schedule."}, {"response": 42, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Jun 27, 2001 (15:31)", "body": "Even if it's public school, it may not be LA. Friends of ours just moved to Southern. Cal and their kids go year round--3 weeks on, 1 week off, 3 weeks on, etc. Apparently more school districts are pushing for this, as they're finding that they lose too much time trying to bring the kids back up to speed after the usual 2.5 month break, which was really designed to accomodate the agrarian society of days long gone. Must make it tough for working parents to have to arrange child care that way, though. Our cemetaries have their own precincts. ;-) LOL! Same here. We have voters (generally Dems, I must admit) who haven't had a pulse since the Coolidge Administration.;-)"}, {"response": 43, "author": "winter", "date": "Wed, Jun 27, 2001 (19:32)", "body": "Also, the Malibu/Santa Monica area has its own school district. From what I remember, Meg Tilly lives in the Malibu area, so they are likely not to be LAUSD (which is in big financial trouble, BTW)."}, {"response": 44, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Jun 28, 2001 (08:39)", "body": "I received this info by email, but no source as to where it came from. The Bridget Jones' Diary DVD will be released October 9 at $29.99. The disc will contain a commentary by the director, a Featurette, Music videos, deleted scenes, original diary columns and more."}, {"response": 45, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Jun 28, 2001 (10:05)", "body": "Thanks, Karen. Sounds credible to me (don't fall over onto your keyboards, everyone ;-P)."}, {"response": 46, "author": "rachael", "date": "Thu, Jun 28, 2001 (17:00)", "body": "Karen, do you know if the video will be the same as the DVD? ie will it have the same bonuses?"}, {"response": 47, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Jun 28, 2001 (17:03)", "body": "Videos generally don't have any *extras*. You have to get the DVD to see all the extra stuff, that's part of the popularity of them, plus the higher quality picture and sound."}, {"response": 48, "author": "rachael", "date": "Thu, Jun 28, 2001 (17:43)", "body": "ack - that means I have to buy a DVD thing. Sigh. Anyone think of any (legal) ways to make some extra money? Preferably not the way the wee boy suggested in MLSF? ;)"}, {"response": 49, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Thu, Jun 28, 2001 (19:45)", "body": "One can rent one, can't one, from Blockbuster et al? I dunno, I always went over to my friends' places to use a DVD player, until I sneakily moved in w/ a boyfriend who had one. ;)"}, {"response": 50, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Thu, Jun 28, 2001 (19:59)", "body": "You obviously have high standards in men, Laura. Good for you! My DH already knows that I intend to buy a DVD this fall. I recently told him that I would get a DVD for Bridget. He wasn't a bit surprised."}, {"response": 51, "author": "toyce", "date": "Fri, Jun 29, 2001 (10:51)", "body": "Kate: BJD is what is going to prompt me to get a DVD player too. By the way, is there any advantage to getting a multi-regional player, and if so, where does one purchase same?"}, {"response": 52, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Fri, Jun 29, 2001 (13:05)", "body": "Oh, Toyce, you're asking the wrong person. I'm just starting to research this--after all, I have until October to make up my mind. If I didn't spend so much time at Drool, I'd be checking out manufacturer's websites. ;-)"}, {"response": 53, "author": "dina", "date": "Fri, Jun 29, 2001 (13:24)", "body": "I saved this from RoP board: Elaborate on region-coding or on the P&P R2 set? Written by keeba (5/14/2001 10:32 p.m.) in consequence of the missive, Region 2?, penned by Haley [Back to Board] DVDs are coded by region, [Are you new?] North America [except Mexico] being region 1, Europe - region 2, Asia - region 3, Australia - region 4, etc. DVDs coded for one region will not play on players coded for another region. If you have a multi-region player you can get around this hardware restriction. But you also have to deal with PAL vs. NTSC. The cheap Apex player that I told people about last year is both multi-region and multi-format. You can no longer get this player but there are others on the market. The R2 P&P set includes a making of documentary and apparently, a much better DVD transfer than the existing R1 set. But A&E is expected to remaster the R1 set, presumably to match the contents of the R2 set."}, {"response": 54, "author": "toyce", "date": "Fri, Jun 29, 2001 (13:58)", "body": "I've been told to try Circuit City, although I'm sure it would have to be special ordered. I want one, just like you, to get all the extra goodies on BJD."}, {"response": 55, "author": "sarahmccoy", "date": "Sat, Jun 30, 2001 (12:50)", "body": "RE: multi-region DVD players - it is apparently now illegal to sell or purchase multi-region DVD players in the US. (This is how much power the movie-makers have in this country!) It didn't stop me from buying one, of course. If you'd like to do some research on multi-region DVDs, one of the best places is at DVDcity.com ( http://www.dvdcity.com/codefree/codefreeindex.php3 ) where they are referred to as \"code free DVDs\". I went with the SMC DVD330s for a number of reasons. It's the least expensive It plays PAL on NTSC tvs, NTSC on PAL tvs, and all region DVDs It's 110/240 so I can take it if I move overseas It got great reviews It has been working great for me since I got it about 6 weeks ago. If you'd like further info, please feel free to email me (click on my user id above)."}, {"response": 56, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Jun 30, 2001 (21:51)", "body": "it is apparently now illegal to sell or purchase multi-region DVD players in the US Not quite true. The only ones that are illegal are those which disable anti-copying mechanisms. Being multi-format in and of itself is not illegal."}, {"response": 57, "author": "toyce", "date": "Sun, Jul  1, 2001 (17:22)", "body": "Sarah: Thanks for the info. My gosh! Are there players that do both VHS and DVD? Did I read your post correctly? If so, I'm buying one within the next day or two."}, {"response": 58, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Jul  3, 2001 (10:15)", "body": "As we've all done so brilliantly on the BJD campaign, I think we should toss our names into the mix: Miramax veteran Granata leaving top publicity post NEW YORK -- Miramax Films president of publicity and corporate communications Marcy Granata on Monday announced plans to exit the company after seven years to \"dedicate more time to her family for the next year.\" Granata, who said she will continue to maintain a \"close relationship\" with the mini-major, joined the company in 1994 from Columbia TriStar, where she had served as vp publicity for six years. Los Angeles-based senior vp publicity Janet Hill will act as head of the department during the company's search to replace Granata, who will depart Miramax after Wednesday. Miramax said Monday that its publicity activities will continue to be headquartered in New York once a replacement for Granata is found. \"I've traveled a very satisfying road for the past seven years, and I cannot imagine a better professional experience or a more talented group of people than those I leave behind in Miramax's publicity department,\" Granata said. \"Harvey and Bob (Weinstein) have been wonderful in understanding that I've recently started a family and want to devote full-time attention to them now.\" Added Miramax co-topper Harvey Weinstein: \"Marcy revolutionized the Miramax publicity department and led some of the most successful campaigns in the company's history, including 'Pulp Fiction,' 'Il Postino,' 'The English Patient,' 'Shakespeare in Love' and 'Life Is Beautiful,' through our recent boxoffice success with 'Bridget Jones's Diary.' She is one of the most talented publicity executives in the business.\" The development comes after a flurry of staffing moves within the Miramax publicity division, including the recent promotion of Matthew Hiltzik to vp corporate communications (HR 6/21), and the appointment of Daniel Scheffey as senior vp publicity (HR 6/28). Elizabeth Clark will remain as head of publicity for Miramax genre arm Dimension Films, which recently tapped former CBS executive Emily Bear as a vp publicity."}, {"response": 59, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Tue, Jul  3, 2001 (15:41)", "body": "Posted this on 150 too \ufffd Sam West\ufffds replies to a questionnaire his fans sent him: If you had been offered a part in Bridget Jones' Diary, which role would you choosen? Haven't seen it. Umm... Anything that Colin does is probably worth coveting. (He's doing Hamlet next, which is nice) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SamWest/message/4508 His answers are very amusing."}, {"response": 60, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Jul  3, 2001 (19:46)", "body": "OK, the BJD DVD info for the US has been released at a DVD website, and remember that VHS tapes are typically released on the same date. Note, that we're going to get to see the UK ending too!! Keeping up with the Joneses A true sleeper hit at the box office this past spring (to the tune of over $50 million and counting) Buena Vista will release a DVD special edition of Bridget Jones's Diary on 10/9. Features include an anamorphic widescreen transfer, English 5.1 surround and English and French subtitle tracks, an audio commentary with director Sharon Maguire, a making-of featurette, deleted scenes with optional commentary, two music videos, the international end credit sequence, the original Bridget Jones's Diary columns, and trailers. A very nice package, and retail is $29.95."}, {"response": 61, "author": "lafn", "date": "Tue, Jul  3, 2001 (20:13)", "body": "I don't want the UK ending.Sounds gross. Why, oh why, do they do this. I *hate* the US CD soundtrack too. Can't get it to work on my CD ROM. Can't wait to buy the UK version."}, {"response": 62, "author": "DanielleL", "date": "Tue, Jul  3, 2001 (20:31)", "body": "Excellent news, Karen! I'll put that date down in my calendar. the international end credit sequence... Is that the 'Have you met Miss Jones?' sequence that we saw in the US or the vignettes as seen by our friends in England? If it's the vignettes then I'm with Evelyn and will skip over that segment. However, I'll be ready to purchase my BJD as soon as it comes out!"}, {"response": 63, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Tue, Jul  3, 2001 (21:03)", "body": "Don't you think that \"international end credits\" means as an optional bit, the US DVD will have the UK credit sequence. Like a featurette, trailers, etc. If they only knew, that in a smallish corner of cyberspace, they could charge LOTS more... Just tell me where to pre-order ;-) Off to watch SLOW, which I recorded this AM."}, {"response": 64, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Jul  3, 2001 (21:09)", "body": "Thanks for the info, Karen. I don't mind seeing the alternate ending, as long as they also include the paddling pool end credits as well--that was in the original script, after all. I dislike the idea of the film ending with yet more of you-know-Hugh. Wonder why they did that--maybe they thought the original that we saw here was too cute. \"Cute\" plays better in America than elsewhere, I guess. The paddling pool brings it full circle, explains what we've previously heard in earlier scenes, and puts the focus back on the central relationship--BJ and MD--which apparently was a love match from the start.:-) I don't want to complain too much though--am delighted that they're putting in some extras. And what $50 million? Try $70 million here and well over $50 million in the UK--and still counting."}, {"response": 65, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Jul  3, 2001 (21:32)", "body": "Don't you think that \"international end credits\" means as an optional bit, the US DVD will have the UK credit sequence. Like a featurette, trailers, etc. Yes, I agree, Meredith. It seems they listed the things that are \"extras,\" meaning in additon to what we've already seen in the theaters."}, {"response": 66, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Jul  3, 2001 (22:16)", "body": "Right, all those things are *extras* The movie will be just as we saw it and then you go to the menu to watch the other stuff."}, {"response": 67, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Wed, Jul  4, 2001 (02:50)", "body": "I think BJD has just crossed \ufffd40 million in the UK, making it *the* most successful ever British film. Has easily beaten NH and 4 Weddings."}, {"response": 68, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Wed, Jul  4, 2001 (10:39)", "body": "(Bethan)I think BJD has just crossed \ufffd40 million in the UK, making it *the* most successful ever British film. Has easily beaten NH and 4 Weddings. And just wait until the DVD comes out. Those things will fly off the shelves! They better do a huge batch (whatever the DVD equivalent of a press run is)."}, {"response": 69, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Wed, Jul  4, 2001 (13:02)", "body": "Re the total box office of BJD: the following quote is from the Box Office Mojo site, which predicts that the foreign box office will be over $100 million. That, together with the U.S. $70 million and the DVD/video sales should make quite a tidy profit for somebody (wasn't the cost about $25 million?). I wonder if HF has a percentage? It looks like Bridget Jones's Diary should pass the century mark by the end of its foreign market campaign, with huge thanks to the U.K.'s $54.8 million (and still going strong) and several other markets. In Spain, it eased by 22%, retaining the top spot, and penning $3 million in 10 days. In Poland it has an excellent $1.1 million in 10 days and $1 million in 11 days in The Netherlands, where the market is falling."}, {"response": 70, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Jul  4, 2001 (16:20)", "body": "I wish we could get some of the foreign reviews."}, {"response": 71, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Jul  4, 2001 (18:25)", "body": "And translated too??? BJD has only opened in The Netherlands, Poland and Spain. There's been quite a lot in the Australian press, as it opens shortly. I'm sure either Ann or Cathey will post the relevant reviews from Australia. And, in terms of box office, wait until it hits Japan; it should do boffo business as they say. ;-)"}, {"response": 72, "author": "lafn", "date": "Thu, Jul  5, 2001 (10:36)", "body": "(E)I wish we could get some of the foreign reviews. (Karen)And translated too??? Am I asking too much of you?? ;-)) Anybody see \"Bridget\"last night in Philly reading The Declaration of Independence? I missed the british accent;-)"}, {"response": 73, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Jul  5, 2001 (12:13)", "body": "I watched it last night, Evelyn. I thought it was moving and unique. Kevin Spacey in particular is a wonderful orator, isn't he? If he were advocating a coup, I'd *still* follow him.;-) And tell the truth, who had better fireworks, Philly or NY?;-)"}, {"response": 74, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Thu, Jul  5, 2001 (13:27)", "body": ".;-) And tell the truth, who had better fireworks, Philly or NY?;-) BOSTON!!!! hee hee:)"}, {"response": 75, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Thu, Jul  5, 2001 (15:19)", "body": "BJD is still at number five (or six?) in the UK Box Office charts, after sixteen weeks. BJD the book is still topping the charts, selling about 25,000 copies a week. It's not going away."}, {"response": 76, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Thu, Jul  5, 2001 (23:34)", "body": "Just saw BJD for eighth and probably last time in regular theater. It was a good crowd--mostly women. Several (including self) knew all the \"in\" jokes. Heard several more chatting afterward about how good it was and how they wanted to read the book. One of them hadn't heard about it until her friend asked her to go tonight. I wonder which rock she's been hiding under? I suspect that many more \"literarily and cinematically challenged\" will discover the film on video, which bodes well for the sequel. One of the more subtle references to P&P2: I still love BJ's line to MD during the ruby wedding heart-to-heart: \"you should seriously consider changing the length of your sideburns\". Too funny. Sept 18th can't come too soon (\"only\" 75 days)."}, {"response": 77, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Fri, Jul  6, 2001 (11:31)", "body": "(Louise)One of them hadn't heard about it until her friend asked her to go tonight. I wonder which rock she's been hiding under? I ran into one of those at about week 7, and had the same thought. I really had to bite my tongue--wanted to say \"Durr! Where have you been all this time, sieving your gravy or cutting up beetroot cubes?!?\" I think I've already seen BJD for the last time. I had hoped that it might return for a stray week in a theater near me, but I could find it in only one theater about 2 hours away. And my local paper has no ad at all for it, which is disappointing, as I'd hoped to see them do something cute with the ad for this weekend, to go up against \"legally blonde.\""}, {"response": 78, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Fri, Jul  6, 2001 (12:08)", "body": "OKay, I have a really stupid question, Karen, I think you can answer it for me. I have printed out from archives all of the BJD weekly installments, but it ends in Sept. '98. Now, didn't it go until December of '98? How do I go about printing the next three months? AND no, I threw mine away when I did major house cleaning... Oh, am proud new owner of 1984 528e BMW (auto), that b/f bought for me yesterday!!!! (Ford Taurus that I had for one month died...)"}, {"response": 79, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Jul  6, 2001 (12:23)", "body": "Go to the Bucket's BJD site http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjdcols.html and you will find links to the rest of the columns. The Telegraph changed its naming system and somehow these are out in limbo, but available if you know how to find them. ;-)"}, {"response": 80, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Fri, Jul  6, 2001 (12:52)", "body": "muchas gracias, Karen. I knew I could count on you! All my friends are clamoring for them. (I should start charging!);)"}, {"response": 81, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Fri, Jul  6, 2001 (13:51)", "body": "you should seriously consider changing the length of your sideburns That reminds me, I was home sick, and The Pretender was on TV, and that phrase kept on going through my head. I swear, why do otherwise attractive men wear extremely strange haircuts and facial hair (cf the guy in The Invisible Man on scifi)? However, to bring this back on topic sorta :) CF has never had what I'd call bad hair, and in BJD I thought it was lovely. Perhaps cause he gets his hair done at that fancy salon mentioned a while ago. :)"}, {"response": 82, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Jul  6, 2001 (14:31)", "body": "CF has never had what I'd call bad hair, and in BJD I thought it was lovely. Too dark. I prefer light brown , his natural color. Like in WOF."}, {"response": 83, "author": "heide", "date": "Sat, Jul  7, 2001 (08:41)", "body": "(Louise) I still love BJ's line to MD during the ruby wedding heart-to-heart: \"you should seriously consider changing the length of your sideburns\". That line was always a sure laugh-getter. I find it amusing too that Mark didn't take Bridget's advice. Sideburns are just as long when he returns from NYC. And after I just gave that spoiler away ;-), I hope it won't be much longer before all of our overseas cohorts have seen the film and will jump in. Gi, any hope?"}, {"response": 84, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Sat, Jul  7, 2001 (09:44)", "body": "You know you've seen BJD too many times...when you are curious about the tiniest detail, such as: What is it that the \"urban family\" is drinking when they meet to discuss the \"just the way you are\" episode. It looks a little like beer (or perhaps lager), but they are drinking it with straws. Some bizarre foreign drink? ;-D"}, {"response": 85, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Sat, Jul  7, 2001 (12:48)", "body": "Heide: I find it amusing too that Mark didn't take Bridget's advice. Sideburns are just as long when he returns from NYC. Interesting. . . I always thought Bridget meant that Mark should grow them even longer so that he would look even more like FD in P&P2! This was the only reference I could find in the film version to BJ's literary obsession with Darcy in P&P2. Does anyone else have any others?"}, {"response": 86, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Sat, Jul  7, 2001 (15:24)", "body": "BJD is still showing at 272 screens in the UK , not very much down on the 400 plus for blockbusters, and holding on to the number 5 spot. Hughie was in the news today, attending an Elton John charity bash. Hughie was in the company of Jemima Khan, and his new girlfriend, somebody Lauren. He moves in very starry circles! Would expect the DVD to do very well if it includes extra scenes!"}, {"response": 87, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Jul  7, 2001 (23:51)", "body": "Trust me, this has some relevance to this topic. ;-) From the Sunday Times: Costume dramas 'failing Britain' Richard Brooks, Arts Editor KIM HOWELLS, the new films and tourism minister, has called on movie-makers to make fewer period dramas because they fail to present the right image of modern Britain. He wants more realism, with film-makers addressing subjects such as the foot and mouth crisis rather than the bonnets and country houses of Jane Austen. In his first interview on the film industry, Howells said: \"I'm not a fan of heritage movies. We're still cashing in too much on our heritage in our movies. It's the easy option.\" \"Heritage\" films have been a hallmark of British movie making for the past 20 years, with productions such as Sense and Sensibility, Mrs Brown and Howards End either winning or being nominated for Oscars. However, Howells, a former art student and ex-Communist but now an enthusiastic supporter of new Labour, said film-makers needed to look more at society today: \"That includes political issues in the widest sense. When are we going to have, for example, the first film about the foot and mouth crisis? \"I just heard on Friday morning a repeat of Jack Lemmon on Desert Island Discs. He said his best film was Missing - the one about a father's search for his missing son in Chile. It is political, but popular and well-made - the type of films we should be making.\" Howells also believed Britain was making too many \"arty-farty\" films. He said: \"Too many film writers are allowed just to be literary. There is too much reliance on what I call the Cambridge Footlights and Rada school of film-makers.\" The MP for Pontypridd said he could not think of a British film he had really admired since The Commitments, which was made in 1991. He was not a fan of The Full Monty, which he called \"clich\ufffd-ridden\", nor of Four Weddings and a Funeral or Notting Hill. \"I suppose I did quite like Bridget Jones, though,\" he said. Some tourism experts warned that his criticism of heritage movies, a genre made popular by the film-makers Ismail Merchant and James Ivory, could be counterproductive. The British Tourist Authority (BTA) said overseas visitors still regarded our heritage as the prime reason for coming to Britain. English Heritage said visits to Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, where Queen Victoria stayed, increased by 25% in the year after Mrs Brown. Visits to Kirby Hall in Northamptonshire also went up when it was a location for Mansfield Park, the 1999 film version of Jane Austen's book. Kenwood House in north London, another English Heritage-owned property, which was used in both Notting Hill and 101 Dalmatians, also saw a rise as a result. A gritty modern film such as Trainspotting, however, will not have brought visitors rushing to see the seamier side of Edinburgh. Both the BTA, which has been trying to counter adverse publicity from the foot and mouth crisis, and English Heritage said Howells was entitled to his views. Both bodies report to the culture department where Howells is a minister. \"Britain is not a heritage theme park,\" said Sandie Dawe, marketing director of the BTA. \"But tourists do enjoy our heritage, Americans in particular.\" Dawe said he thought the problem lay more with screen versions of \"class issues\" rather than heritage. \"Too much of that has given the impression that we are a snobby society.\" Howells is expected to outline his views on the types of films Britain should make at a meeting tomorrow with Alan Parker, the film director and chairman of the Film Council. Howells, like Parker, is proposing that money should be directed towards better scripts and mini Hollywood-style companies. \"I once went to Hollywood to look around and was hugely impressed with the way that their writers forgot about their egos and just wrote, rewrote, rewrote and rewrote again until it was right,\" said Howells. \"What I admired was the factory idea. An industrial process, if you like.\" Later this week the Film Council will announce funding for seven film companies, which already have proven business and creative records. ~~~~~~~ All of which proves that communists have no financial sense. I can see them queuing up to see films about foot and mouth disease. ;-)"}, {"response": 88, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Sun, Jul  8, 2001 (04:38)", "body": "However, Howells, a former art student and ex-Communist but now an enthusiastic supporter of new Labour, said film-makers needed to look more at society today: \"That includes political issues in the widest sense. When are we going to have, for example, the first film about the foot and mouth crisis? We spend our lives coping with the problems of \"society today\". Most people go to the movies to be entertained/amused/transported into other worlds. There's certainly a place for docu-drama, social reality, political commentary (perhaps more on television), but don't expect the crowds to queue up. Perhaps TIOBE should include some background shots of sheep culling, or how about the odd dead cow?"}, {"response": 89, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sun, Jul  8, 2001 (10:24)", "body": "\"The British Tourist Authority (BTA) said overseas visitors still regarded our heritage as the prime reason for coming to Britain. \" Oh yeah...:-))))) \"A gritty modern film such as Trainspotting, however, will not have brought visitors rushing to see the seamier side of Edinburgh.\" How about Hammersmith??? I dunno...I plan to take the BJD tour ;-)"}, {"response": 90, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sun, Jul  8, 2001 (10:24)", "body": "Closed....sorry"}, {"response": 91, "author": "studybees", "date": "Sun, Jul  8, 2001 (13:14)", "body": "There are some of us who want to see something inbetween glossy blockbusters, literary adaptations and arthouse films. BJD isn't deep, but is much more ... real than the likes of NH and Four Weddings even. The Full Monty WAS cliche ridden and patronising where the likes of Brassed Off was genuinely affecting and reflected Britain's social history. Literary adaptations have their place, but it is really an easy cop-out for filmmakers as they know the films will have an audience (unless they make a very poor film) and sell internationally. The class thing is a big deal especially over here. RZ being prepared to look less than her best wouldn't have happened in an American blockbuster. I don't mean weight either... look at Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich. Poor and tired white trash, essentially, but she was a glossy version thereof. Designer rags, perfect makeup etc. Not worn down by the kids, poor skin, cig hanging out of the mouth and so on. You wouldn't see her shaving her legs unless it was eroticised in some way. CF in FP - scruffy, not designer scruffy, looked like an ordinary football fan. That's good. Not gritty social realism, and should have been *more* popular. But why is it the UK produces reams of literary adaptations and gritty rubbish (usually made by patronising posh Tarquins and Tristrams anyway) and poor gangster films (bored already, and why glamorise it?). Look at me, I've delurked and probably annoyed lots of you :( Oh well, I've been reading for ages. I was waiting to post until I could say something proper and it's all long and rambly."}, {"response": 92, "author": "amw", "date": "Sun, Jul  8, 2001 (16:57)", "body": "Welcome Penny, you have not annoyed anyone I am sure, keep posting. Do I take it that you are from the UK as I am myself, and I agree FP should have been more popular and I can't quite understand why it wasn't as it had great reviews and on the 3 occasions I went to see it at the cinema the cinema was full and everyone seemed to enjoy it!!"}, {"response": 93, "author": "studybees", "date": "Sun, Jul  8, 2001 (17:10)", "body": "I am indeed from the UK :) Thank you for your welcome"}, {"response": 94, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sun, Jul  8, 2001 (17:11)", "body": "(AnnW)I agree FP should have been more popular and I can't quite understand why it wasn't That's news to me. I was lead to believe that FP was v. popular in UK. A hit. Welcome Penny.I like your social- conscious films... Billy Elliot, DQ. I have a hard time understanding some of the Scottish accents though. (Penny)The class thing is a big deal especially over here. We don't understand that mode here...find it boring."}, {"response": 95, "author": "amw", "date": "Sun, Jul  8, 2001 (17:24)", "body": "Fever Pitch did okay at the box Office but not brilliantly but made up for it when it went to video where it did quite well but no it didn't do as well as expected at the Box Office."}, {"response": 96, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Jul  8, 2001 (17:27)", "body": "Penny!! I've delurked and probably annoyed lots of you You haven't annoyed me, as probably 99% of the people who participate here agree about the sorry state of films. I go to many films and very few of the blockbuster variety. However I would disagree with you about Julia Roberts and her designer look in EB. She's an actress who is not afraid to do without makeup and I've seen it numerous times. Granted, she didn't gain the weight for her upcoming release \"American Beauties\"??? but I don't know how much of the film actually deals with the time when her character was supposed to weigh 60 lbs more. In terms of the flashy trailer trashy look for Erin B, all you have to do is look at the real woman she played and that's how she looked. She is a good looking woman, who wore flashy clothes and who put her boobs out on the front lines! ;-) Anyway, delurking is good for one's health. I can't imagine keeping one's comments about CF to oneself (although hiding them from one's family is not unusual)."}, {"response": 97, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Sun, Jul  8, 2001 (22:47)", "body": "(Karen)Anyway, delurking is good for one's health. I can't imagine keeping one's comments about CF to oneself (although hiding them from one's family is not unusual). Absolutely! I only delurked a few months ago, and I wish I'd done so sooner. It's a treat to be able to obsess knowing that others will understand. My sister-in-law, on the other hand, has been mumbling something about interventions..."}, {"response": 98, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (02:52)", "body": "Spare us from ministers who \"know\" their subjects! Just when we've all been having a good laugh about the new sports minister who can't name any sportsmen, we get a film-buff Films Minister who hasn't seen a good \"British\" film since The Commitments (er, I daresay it was a co-production, but I suspect the Irish will be spitting chips). Here's a hint why there may be so many period dramas, Kim - stories that have stood the test of time often make good films. (Of course updates of good stories can work too, like BJD)"}, {"response": 99, "author": "Jana2", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (03:00)", "body": "Welcome, Penny! I found your comments very interesting. (Penny) There are some of us who want to see something inbetween glossy blockbusters, literary adaptations and arthouse films. BJD isn't deep, but is much more ... real than the likes of NH and Four Weddings even. I agree and wish there were more films \"in between\". Oftentimes after a grueling work week I can't find the mental energy to spend two hours with a hugely challenging arthouse film, but it usually seems the only alternative is a something silly and unmemorable. I also agree that BJD was a nice in between movie. Women and men from all walks of life seem to be able to relate the characters and situations which provides a more memorable experience than typical of fluffy rom-coms. (Penny) where the likes of Brassed Off was genuinely affecting and reflected Britain's social history. Ahhhh, I really, really enjoyed this film - so did my DH. It's one of those I can watch over and over again. There are so many finely drawn characters, great acting and a really poignant script that makes you feel the pain of losing ones livelihood through no fault of ones own. I wish more movies like this one were made!"}, {"response": 100, "author": "MysteryMan", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (08:26)", "body": "Delurking. Brassed Off was a gem of a movie. My favourite."}, {"response": 101, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (08:39)", "body": ""}, {"response": 102, "author": "DianeLund", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (08:57)", "body": "simply can't wait to see it;o)"}, {"response": 103, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (12:07)", "body": "Welcome Penny, Mystery Man and Diane! (Mark), Here's a hint why there may be so many period dramas, Kim - stories that have stood the test of time often make good films. (Of course updates of good stories can work too, like BJD) Actually, there arent't many new period dramas being filmed. Nothing in comparison to the \"trailer trash\" \"gritty gansters\" \"modern day grunge\" films that are being made in UK. The \"Foot and Mouth\" may deserve a documentary, but it's not the Potato Famin, the Holocust, the Desaparecidos, the Balkans, etc. to warrant stories filmed. I subscribed to BBC/America thinking I would get period dramas and good documentaries, instead, the programming is quite the opposite. Let's not forget that BJD is partly a US production. (Penny) where the likes of Brassed Off was genuinely affecting and reflected Britain's social history. And it had music as a main character. That always helps."}, {"response": 104, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (12:54)", "body": "(Moon) I subscribed to BBC/America thinking I would get period dramas and good documentaries, instead, the programming is quite the opposite. Wot!? You don't like to watch Men Behaving Badly 24/7? ;-) Be prepared for the next bit of British fluff to come down the pike... Greenfingers. Saw it last year and is nothing; totally forgetable IMO. However, you really should see Sexy Beast, not for the story or the ultra-stylish direction, but for Ben Kingsley's performance. Ray Winstone isn't bad either, but Kingsley's is a standout."}, {"response": 105, "author": "toyce", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (13:14)", "body": "I've seen the Sexy Beast trailer. I'm hooked already. Can't wait for it to show up locally."}, {"response": 106, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (13:34)", "body": "I watch some cooking game show on BBC America... with Ainsley Harriott (who I recall had a cooking/talk show here in the states for a bit). Most of the time, it's just a rehash of stuff I've already seen. I do wish they'd show ABFAB, LOVED that show!"}, {"response": 107, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (13:55)", "body": "(Moon)I subscribed to BBC/America thinking I would get period dramas and good documentaries, instead, the programming is quite the opposite. I agree. BBC-America came with my new digital cable package, and I haven't been excited about what I've seen so far. On the 4th they ran the six most popular Monty Pythons. OK, so I love the Spanish Inquisition and the Dead Parrot Sketch, but really, haven't we seen these enough?!? They do run some British movies, so I'm hoping to catch something with ODB in it. Who knows, maybe DQ may make it to BBC-America, not that I'm holding my breath. I will confess, sometimes I watch BBC-America just to hear the accents. BTW, was ABFAB a BBC production? Somewhere I read there's a new series being made."}, {"response": 108, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (14:08)", "body": "Yep, it was a BBC production. They only did a few shows per year. Weird schedule. I would LOVE if there is a new series being made with the orginal cast:) Perhaps, they'll do a weekly BJD series. That would be cute."}, {"response": 109, "author": "DianeLund", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (14:09)", "body": "It would indeed;OD"}, {"response": 110, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (14:24)", "body": "They only did a few shows per year. That's the norm with most British television shows. They only do about 6 compared to 20+ which is a full season here."}, {"response": 111, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (14:25)", "body": "(Penny)The class thing is a big deal especially over here. (Evelyn) We don't understand that mode here...find it boring. I dunno, I love it. Especially since American filmmakers seem unable to deal with issues of socioeconomic class without resorting to tired cliches and racial stereotypes. That was one of the things I loved about Brassed Off , like others have mentioned. Speaking of the Potato Famine, Moon, has anyone read My Dream of You ? It would make a good movie, kinda in the mold of Possession, with the current-day story contrasted with the historical story. ObBJD: BJD is still playing at 8 theatres in the Bay Area, mostly second-run cheaper places. I think I'll have to get one more viewing in before it disappears from the screens."}, {"response": 112, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (15:48)", "body": "(LauraT), Speaking of the Potato Famine, Moon, has anyone read My Dream of You? It would make a good movie, kinda in the mold of Possession, with the current-day story contrasted with the historical story. That's an idea! I would see it. (Karen), Wot!? You don't like to watch Men Behaving Badly 24/7? ;-) Can someone please explain to me who the audience is for that show? \"Ugly People Behaving in Their Usual Way.\" To think that the BBC is promoting in that US? (Laura), I do wish they'd show ABFAB, LOVED that show! If it's \"Absolutely Fabulous\" they do show it in the evenings. I do manage to sit through \"Changing Rooms.\" It's fun to see what decorators can do on a small budget."}, {"response": 113, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (15:56)", "body": "(Penny)The class thing is a big deal especially over here. (Evelyn) We don't understand that mode here...find it boring. (LauraT), I dunno, I love it. I love it too! I don't think they find it boring here, it is just not part of the culture. They're fascinated by royalty because they have become such a prt o the media and everyone knows who they are. But an understanding of the Upper class and the Lower class in a Monarchy would not interest most \"politically correct\" Americans. Yours truly is a royalist. :-)"}, {"response": 114, "author": "studybees", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (15:56)", "body": "Thank you all for welcoming me. Hey, I *like* Men Behaving Badly. But not for the men... I think Caroline Quentin is hilarious. She's usually good- in Jonathan Creek and Kiss Me Kate also. I would post some more about BJD and CF, but I have just swapped rooms with my sister (she is away at uni, I chose to study closer to home, her room is bigger) and have been moving furniture. I put something in the wardrobe before I moved the television to a more secure position on the IKEA shelving unit... bad move. Telly crashed down onto the back of my heel. Telly fine, heel KILLING. AAAAArgh I screamed. And then cried some :( Might watch my BJD pirate video later to cheer me up."}, {"response": 115, "author": "DianeLund", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (16:00)", "body": "(PennyB) Hope you'll get better, I think CF will do the trick...;o)"}, {"response": 116, "author": "studybees", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (16:03)", "body": "Thank you all for welcoming me. Hey, I *like* Men Behaving Badly. But not for the men... I think Caroline Quentin is hilarious. She's usually good- in Jonathan Creek and Kiss Me Kate also. I would post some more about BJD and CF, but I have just swapped rooms with my sister (she is away at uni, I chose to study closer to home, her room is bigger) and have been moving furniture. I put something in the wardrobe before I moved the television to a more secure position on the IKEA shelving unit... bad move. Telly crashed down onto the back of my heel. Telly fine, heel KILLING. AAAAArgh I screamed. And then cried some :( Might watch my BJD pirate video later to cheer me up."}, {"response": 117, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (16:06)", "body": "AB FAB is absolutely Fabulous. Just shortened it as it's easier. Brits like that only 6 shows? I'd go nuts! I watched Ballykissangel when it first aired on PBS a few years back, really liked it. But like everything else, it became a soap opera;) I think I've only seen Jonathan Creek once, the guy who plays him is quite funny."}, {"response": 118, "author": "studybees", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (16:08)", "body": "sorry about the double post, my PC crashed :("}, {"response": 119, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (17:33)", "body": "(Moon)I do manage to sit through \"Changing Rooms.\" I love Changing Rooms! They made an American version of it that's on HGTV now that's sorta entertaining too. They're so much more realistic than most of the other home dec shows - I wish I had that much money and that much space and that much time! PennyB, hope your foot improves, oww. A good viewing of CF will cure most anything. ;) BTW, I just got Pride, Prejudice, & Jasmin Field from WH Smith and was reading it at lunch, and it's amazing how much it's like BJD. CF and RZ could slip right into the main roles (except RZ would have to dye her hair dark and gain weight again)."}, {"response": 120, "author": "lafn", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (17:42)", "body": "(Penny)The class thing is a big deal especially over here. (Evelyn) We don't understand that mode here...find it boring. (LauraT), I dunno, I love it. (Moon)I love it too! I don't think they find it boring here, it is just not part of the culture. OK. *I* find it boring. .. I'm a cultural boor. * Scratching head..wondering which last \"class thing film\" was a big commercial success....* Except for RV of course;-)"}, {"response": 121, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (18:59)", "body": "Two quickly come to mind. The one with Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins (forget the name) Plus, \"A room with a View.\""}, {"response": 122, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (19:00)", "body": "\"Howard's End\""}, {"response": 123, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (21:23)", "body": "(Laura)I watched Ballykissangel when it first aired on PBS a few years back, really liked it. But like everything else, it became a soap opera;) It is running its final year in the US now, and the original writer/producer came back. It's less soapy."}, {"response": 124, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Jul  9, 2001 (21:46)", "body": "From Screen Daily: Ladies Day: Lara & Bridget rule UK Who says there are no good roles for women? Films with female leads dominated the box office in the UK at the weekend. Computer-game icon Lara Croft demonstrated her pulling power taking $5.4m (\ufffd3.8m) in her first big screen venture: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Played by Hollywood hot-property Angelina Jolie, Lara Croft achieved a stunning $12,184 site average from 444 sites. The figures included one-day previews of $547,433 (\ufffd389,225). Meanwhile in fifth position and dropping just 19% from the previous week, despite being on release for 13 weeks, Bridget Jones's Diary continued to make a significant entry. The local favourite, starring Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant, has now taken $56.4m (\ufffd40.1m) at the UK box office. The comedy is only the sixth film ever to pass the \ufffd40m mark in the territory, behind Titanic, The Full Monty, Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace, Jurassic Park and Toy Story 2."}, {"response": 125, "author": "DianeLund", "date": "Tue, Jul 10, 2001 (14:38)", "body": "There will be an interview with Hugh Grant in the Danish magazine Eurowoman, witch is out from 26th of july, propably on the BJD-subject, as BJD is released in Denmark the 27th of july... I'll try to translate it to you when I get my hands on the magazine:o)"}, {"response": 126, "author": "DianeLund", "date": "Tue, Jul 10, 2001 (18:31)", "body": "which even"}, {"response": 127, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Wed, Jul 11, 2001 (20:19)", "body": "Being not objective AT ALL about this movie (and CF), I'd be interested in any opinions expressed by those NOT obsessed with CF. What did your friends, who do NOT know the background of P&P2, mentions in the book BJD, etc. think of CF and the movie? Did they have the \"ding-dong\" reaction, and \"who is this guy?!\" or were they more interested in Hugh Grant? Just wondering about the general public's reaction to CF. If Katie Couric's reaction was any indication...;-)"}, {"response": 128, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Wed, Jul 11, 2001 (20:51)", "body": "A friend of mine, after we saw BJD, compared her reaction to CF to my reaction to Johnny Depp - very attractive, but not quite her type. Several of my female friends think that P&P2, and CF's performance in it, were a little too calculated-ly 'repressed Englishman to have fantasies about'. My boyfriend thinks I'm nuts. But that's nothing new. ;)"}, {"response": 129, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Wed, Jul 11, 2001 (22:10)", "body": "My best friend has teased me for ages about Colin. When we watched the video of SIL together, she told me that every time Colin is on screen I smile. And she's right. The first two times I saw BJD, my face hurt from smiling. Now, when I hear \"Have you Met Miss Jones?\" I remember how good I felt at the end of the move and I grin all over again. When I finally took this friend to see BJD, her reaction was similar to Laura's friends. Nice, but not her type. I think she was amused at my reaction to Colin. I almost smacked her when she said that Hugh Grant looked good. But hey, she's a big Kevin Costner fan, so Colin is clearly not her type. Several other women I know who didn't know much about Colin (they're not close friends, or they'd have heard LOTS about him from me!) are now fans. Not perhaps, as rabid as we are, but new fans are always appreciated. Another friend who saw BJD with me is a already big Colin fan. On the way to the theater, she said that she couldn't imagine that he looks better than he did as Darcy. I promised her that he does, and when she saw him, she squealed \"Omigod! You're right! He's even better!\""}, {"response": 130, "author": "Becka", "date": "Wed, Jul 11, 2001 (22:15)", "body": "As I posted here before, some of my friends couldn't understand why I liked CF, with his 'lactose intolerant' looks and all. And more than one of them also complimented Hugh's performance - one said he looks so much better as he aged. They prefer the funny Brit to the stiff Englishman - but I told them just think about what is under all that repression!!! ;-P"}, {"response": 131, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Jul 12, 2001 (09:38)", "body": "My youngest sister had no comments about CF but said HG was perfect in his role. Humph. As Seinfeld says, 'too much chlorine in the gene pool.'"}, {"response": 132, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Thu, Jul 12, 2001 (11:01)", "body": "Well, HG was the perfect Daniel. The first time you see him, the elevator doors open and he does this shifty-eyed thing that's almost reptilian. But how much acting did that take? Nobody involved in the film said \"Oh, Hugh is so different from Daniel.\" But several people did comment that Colin is much more pleasant, livelier, etc. in person than he was as Mark. As the Master Thespian would say, \"ACTING!\""}, {"response": 133, "author": "toyce", "date": "Thu, Jul 12, 2001 (11:10)", "body": "Hugh wasn't acting (at least not all that much) when it came to Daniel. I believe he was only doing what came naturally!"}, {"response": 134, "author": "rachael", "date": "Thu, Jul 12, 2001 (13:24)", "body": "my work mate (who is aware of my firthaholism) said she much preferred Daniel to Mark as Mark is boring (mind you, her taste in men ...??? I knew her last 2 boyfriends *ouch*) and Colin's sideburns are too long! However to be fair, when we watched SiL at her house a few weeks ago, she did catch on that she had to shut up every time Colin appeared on screen ..."}, {"response": 135, "author": "catheyp", "date": "Thu, Jul 12, 2001 (17:21)", "body": "BJD is about to open in Australia. Although its *official* debut is 26 July, most cinemas seem to be having advanced screenings commencing around 19 July; guess what I'll be doing on the weekend of 21/22 July? ;-) That's after I go on the evening of 19 July of course! A friend in Perth won tickets to a very advanced screening (over a week ago) and she tells me that we have the Hugh ending over here, rather than the USA ending. This is what I expected but was still hoping .... Nevermind, the kiss is still there ;-) I'm thinking of putting an announcement up at work to say \"yes I know Colin is in a new film; yes I will be going to see it (even though I have seen it twice already; once with Colin in attendance)\". At least they all seem to know who he is now. Once upon a time they would have said \"Colin who?\". Although I'm not a big magazine reader, I have been keeping one eye open for any *new* articles. I also have a friend looking for me too but as yet, there doesn't seem to be anything major; except for the Sun Herald article which Karen posted a little while ago. If I do find anything, I'll be sure to let you know."}, {"response": 136, "author": "caribou", "date": "Thu, Jul 12, 2001 (19:46)", "body": "RE: What non-obsessed people think of CF.: My friend commented on him during the boating scene; she said, \"He is so jealous.\" She gets it! She gets it! How great he is at communicating without saying a word. :-)"}, {"response": 137, "author": "Echo", "date": "Thu, Jul 12, 2001 (20:02)", "body": "HG was the perfect Daniel. The first time you see him, the elevator doors open and he does this shifty-eyed thing that's almost reptilian. In fact I thought it was an interesting twist with another - intentional? - link to P&P: this scene reminded me of the first few times we see Fitzw. Darcy in P&P - a total sourpuss... only Darcy transforms and Daniel remains the same."}, {"response": 138, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Thu, Jul 12, 2001 (20:20)", "body": "I didn't think Daniel was sour. More like sneaky, untrustworthy, wonder-what-sort-of-trouble-I-can-get-into-today kind of guy."}, {"response": 139, "author": "Echo", "date": "Thu, Jul 12, 2001 (20:23)", "body": "I didn't mean that he *was* sour, merely that he *looked* sour in that opening shot."}, {"response": 140, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Thu, Jul 12, 2001 (20:50)", "body": "No, Daniel definitely looks shifty. What is so funny about his introduction is that because he looks so shifty you know that Bridge shouldn't get involved with him, yet his shiftiness is appealing to women who think low of themselves, AND Hugh Grant is delicious (yes, delicious, I wouldn't kick him out of bed if he asked!)"}, {"response": 141, "author": "rachael", "date": "Fri, Jul 13, 2001 (07:09)", "body": "a while ago, a bloke mate of ours asked why women didn't go for the nice guys but \"the bastard with the twinkle in his eye\" - we said, the twinkle, of course!! This, I think, is Daniel's appeal - Mark is the nice steady guy, sweet and kind, but women are drawn to the naughty twinkle Daniel has"}, {"response": 142, "author": "Echo", "date": "Fri, Jul 13, 2001 (09:54)", "body": "OK, shifty AND sour, then. ;-) And I don't find HG tempting in the least. Or feel like I wanna go for bastards with the twinkle in their... whatever. But there just aren't enough Mark Darcys in the world to go round, my dears... or are they all drawn to little blondes with big busts and small brains? Typical men, eh? ;-)"}, {"response": 143, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Fri, Jul 13, 2001 (10:13)", "body": "First of all, most guys that are bastards don't allow you to see that until WELL into the relationship. And if I recall, Mark Darcy is a bastard just as well, he's definitely not perfect (Rebecca, anyone???). Mark Darcy cannot communicate his feelings, so he comes across as cold. (I'm talking of the books, articles, rather than CF's portrayal of him in movie). I see a blurring here. Mark does not clean up after himself, he steals flowers rather than purchase them and yes he's come round to Bridge's JUST FOR SEX!!!"}, {"response": 144, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Fri, Jul 13, 2001 (12:01)", "body": "(Laura)because he looks so shifty you know that Bridge shouldn't get involved with him, yet his shiftiness is appealing to women who think low of themselves Yes, it is. I've seen this too often with women I know (not me, I'm way too arrogant to put up with a creep just because he's cute). You want to tell them, \"You can do better than this.\" So often, they find this out for themselves too late. Partly it's because such men don't show themselves for the bastards they are, and partly it's becaues the women refuse to see it. Bridget knows from the start that Daniel is not a nice guy. In the diary, she resolves not to get involved with a long list of characteristics that are exemplified by Daniel. And then she seems to regret email flirting with \"office scoundrel.\" So she has a clue about him, but ignores it anyhow."}, {"response": 145, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Fri, Jul 13, 2001 (12:11)", "body": "Daniel is paying attention to her. She's flirting, he's flirting, she's vulnerable. I mean Bridge mentions in her diary the type of person she wants to stay away from, but like a moth to flame, she can't deny the sexual attraction that she has to these \"bastards\". There is part of us that like the guy who isn't exactly what he appears to be. Think James Dean, Marlon Brando. I think we all have fantasies of being dominated at one point or another."}, {"response": 146, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Jul 13, 2001 (12:29)", "body": "(Laura) Think James Dean... And what has he to do with the subject?"}, {"response": 147, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Fri, Jul 13, 2001 (12:34)", "body": "And what has he to do with the subject? As the bad boy...and the good girls who adored him..."}, {"response": 148, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Jul 13, 2001 (12:43)", "body": "Sorry, but that was not his persona. Are you thinking about, perhaps, Cal Trask in East of Eden or Jett Rink in Giant? Certainly not Jim Stark in Rebel Without a Cause. I wouldn't equate any of characters with the Daniel Cleaver cad type, nor would I put him in that category. Wearing a leather jacket doesn't mean one is bad boy."}, {"response": 149, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Fri, Jul 13, 2001 (12:45)", "body": "Wearing a leather jacket doesn't mean one is bad boy. No??? Damn;) But YOU get my point!!! I bet had JD lived long enough he'd have played a cad, so it's now hypothetical:)"}, {"response": 150, "author": "rachael", "date": "Fri, Jul 13, 2001 (17:29)", "body": "but Laura, even in the books, Mark may be unable to communicate but is esentially caring whereas Daniel is just a user - and the \"user\" bit comes across well in the film, IMO, when he turns up at Bridget's birthday dinner - total contrast to Mark who has tidied up the kitchen while she's cleaned herself up then he helps her (also does this in the book although the dinner party scenes are different)"}, {"response": 151, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Sat, Jul 14, 2001 (00:14)", "body": "I agree with both Laura (Daniel definitely looks shifty) and Echo (I don't find HG tempting in the least). I wouldn't have either HG or DC on a silver platter. As my granny used to say, \"Handsome is as handsome does.\" I wouldn't waste my valuable time on someone who would probably enjoy Divine Brown's company as much as mine--more, probably, as she doesn't need to be wined and dined."}, {"response": 152, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Jul 16, 2001 (23:44)", "body": "Ah this news items returns to BJD like a little boomerang... ;-0 From The Sunday Observer: My Left Foot and Mouth... and other tasteful tales by Euan Ferguson Almost enough fun has been had since 7 June at the expense of MPs who know nothing about their jobs - transport supremos who can't drive; sports Ministers who assume Formula One is the stuff sitting in a grim pool behind the Grecian 2000; Harriet Harman - but one that slipped under the net was Kim Howells, the new films and tourism Minister, who said last week that the country's film industry should now address its vast talents to contemporary issues. 'When are we going to have, for example, the first film about the foot and mouth crisis?' Not soon enough, Kim, obviously: but the trouble here is that you're giving us no guidelines. The problem isn't simply the idea of a British film about how a bovine virus caused varying levels of microeconomic destabilisation within the parameters of an already complex European farming returns policy - Hollywood lives for little else - but which type of British film, for we do, of course, only three. A soft orange light washes Cotswold stone. The strains begin of Richard Robbins' haunting 'Ode to Repeating The Same Five Gentle Lucrative Chords in Different Orders for Merchant-Ivory Forever and, Stunningly, Getting Away With It Rather Than Landing In Pokey'. Charles Dance, tenderly hefting his traditional farming tools across his broad shoulders - an ancient hoe on one, on the other his trusty Sturmey-Archer Brainfever III bolt-gun - turns to Maggie Smith with a sigh. 'In India, you know, cows are sacred.' She purses her lips, makes some acerbic reference to his father's sexual abilities, and we... Cut to: India. A soft orange light washes Delhi stone. Jeremy Irons, Helena Bonham-Carter and Emma Thompson engage in a wittering three-hour longeur about social mores and someone eventually takes off a petticoat by a river in the sunshine. We see some carvings of cows. Another two hours pass. Suddenly, nothing happens. Or we could, getting more modern, pull in Richard Curtis. Pretty American Girl in church, acting slightly archly: 'But, look... how can I come and live here while you've got this... cow thing?' Hugh Grant (after 10-second goldfish-mouth thing): 'Gosh. Um... yes. Um... no. Um... Josh?' Other Floppy-Haired Type, but fatter and richer: 'Not a problem, gorgeous. It only affects poor people.' Everyone laughs. Hugh kisses Pretty American Girl, to the haunting strains of in-jokes about Colin Firth and Helen Fielding. The audience smiles appreciatively, being composed wholly of Time Out and Guardian film reviewers who live next to each other. Or do we truly modernise, go the whole hog, pull in the Trainspotting team? A farmer shoots up into a distended green vein while standing by a silo of infected cowshit. Twa dabs and he's away with it. Blasted his jammy wee crozzle intae orbit. Up comes his wife and pukes on him and they slip right intae the shit an start choking on it. Robert Carlyle arrives, dressed as a Maff inspector and carrying a shotgun. The farmer gasps, his face a mask of blood and snotters and shit and puke, and begs: 'End it! Jist end it all, now!' Actually, Kim, maybe you're on to something."}, {"response": 153, "author": "Bethanne", "date": "Tue, Jul 17, 2001 (11:02)", "body": "Lord Karen, that was just tooooooo funny, for words. I especially loved the Merchant Ivory bit \" Suddenly nothing happened \"....."}, {"response": 154, "author": "Echo", "date": "Tue, Jul 17, 2001 (15:36)", "body": "That sounds very nice, but \"Lady Karen\" would be better still."}, {"response": 155, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Jul 17, 2001 (23:46)", "body": "Long article about HG from the Melbourne paper about BJD: http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/2001/07/16/FFXXB4R47PC.html"}, {"response": 156, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Jul 18, 2001 (10:52)", "body": "Thanks Karen. That's a hysterical article.The guy is a natural DC. Didn't know HF had been a former girlfriend. Helen gets around;-) \"And Grant is now one of Britain's highest paid actors, commanding about $US 8 million a film, plus a nice percentage of the box-office profits.\" He'll make a bundle with BJD. Think Colin is getting a cut of the BO? Which would account for his willingness to publicize."}, {"response": 157, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Jul 18, 2001 (23:21)", "body": "I found this little bit interesting in the Australian article: Some of the film's most outr\ufffd dialogue comes when Grant's blue language surfaces in the script (and boy, can he do blue). In the pivotal seduction scenes with Bridget, we get the unabridged Grant going through the gamut, from naughty (\"Silly little skirt, silly little shoes, f... me, absolutely enormous pants\") to frankly risqu\ufffd (\"Turn over and let me abominate you\"). That last line is definitely *not* in the US version. I wonder if it's in the UK one. Someone wrote me that had seen both and mentioned that the 'wild dogs' done in voiceover twice are Alsatians in the UK version, as were in the book. Does the 'abominate' line appear in the UK version?"}, {"response": 158, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Jul 18, 2001 (23:29)", "body": "From USA Today (7/18): Hollywood dreams of sequels By Josh Chetwynd USA TODAY It's a Hollywood tradition: A good, old idea is usually better than an untested one. If a movie is a blockbuster (or sometimes if it just turns a profit), studio execs usually aim for a sequel. While those efforts don't always work out (Basic Instinct 2 appeared a go before casting problems, among other glitches, nixed it), Hollywood is always on the lookout. A few potential sequels that hope to cash in on their reps: * Bridget Jones's Diary. Early stages. Working Title, which produced Diary, has the movie rights to Helen Fielding's follow-up book, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. But there have been no specific talks."}, {"response": 159, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Thu, Jul 19, 2001 (03:49)", "body": "In the UK version, we had \"Alsatians\" twice (accompanied by pictures of Alsatians, which don't look particularly wild to me, sniffing around a body). And definitely no \"abominate\"."}, {"response": 160, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Thu, Jul 19, 2001 (05:09)", "body": "I'll second that having just come from yet another screening! This was the funniest so far. I was sitting next to two ladies, and as the opening scene in Snowshill unfolded commented on the \"luvlay\" swans in the Jones' garden. I knew I was in for non stop comments. Phew! When they saw ODB at the TCB, they said \"Is that Colin Firth? Is he Luvlay?\" but were totally won over and I had to endure sighs and swoons from them. They kept repeating \"No but he is gorgeous\" and enjoying reading out all the slogans, labels etc to be seen in the film. The only time they were silent was when MarkG makes his entrance, so at least I could get my own back!! Why didn't I move ? Happy to say that even in week 14 the cinema was pretty full."}, {"response": 161, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Thu, Jul 19, 2001 (12:48)", "body": "Happy to say that even in week 14 the cinema was pretty full It's still going strong (number 5 ?), taking more per screen than Pearl Harbour and the Mummy which opened later. The HG Melbourne article appeared first in the Telegraph magazine. All the initial promo in the UK concentrated on RZ (naturally) and \"sexy Hugh\". I remember seeing a BJD trailer on Channel 4 (target audience) and CF wasn't even in it. I'm not sure if this was a marketing ploy (keeping CF in reserve as the secret weapon, which, actually, doesn't amke sense) or whether HG was predicted to be the automatic draw, with CF as the also-ran. But after BJD opened, CF seemed to get equal ranking, and then more mentions than Hughie!"}, {"response": 162, "author": "Bethanne", "date": "Thu, Jul 19, 2001 (13:04)", "body": "It was the same Stateside before the movie came out. I saw several trailers that didn't even feature CF at all, but Hughie was all over the place in them. I'm not surprised that happened in the States, coz HG is much better known over here, than Col, but I'm pretty shocked that it happened in the UK too."}, {"response": 163, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Thu, Jul 19, 2001 (13:38)", "body": "BJD is actually at no 6 - it took \ufffd269,00 at the weekend, after 14 weeks. Hughie \"riding high on his success in BJD\" (quote)i s reported to have been offered the role of Gilderoy Lockhart in the next Harry Potter movie. That makes about the fifth role for Hughie I've read about! News of CF soon please!!!"}, {"response": 164, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Thu, Jul 19, 2001 (14:41)", "body": "Oh and I caught The Gnat on the cover of \"Hello\" or \"OK\" this week with Kate Winslet, so he's doing the celeb circuit, still resplendant with the \"Tiggywinkle\" cut."}, {"response": 165, "author": "lafn", "date": "Thu, Jul 19, 2001 (16:27)", "body": "Do we post film commitments for RZ here or on O&E? Or #150 (-; I've read about 3.Next is White Oleander.The latest on 7/17: FRom Variety: HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - Renee Zellweger, star of \"Bridget Jones's Diary\", is in talks to star in \"13 Going on 30,\" which is described as a female version of \"Big\". The director has not been assigned yet."}, {"response": 166, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Thu, Jul 19, 2001 (16:55)", "body": "From an Australian review.... For some strange reason, Firth has spent much of his recent career portraying buffoonish cuckolds who lose their women to one or another fellow named Fiennes, from Lord Wessex in SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE to the ill-fated Geoffrey Clifton in THE ENGLISH PATIENT. Yet Firth has more sex appeal in his pinky than either of those guys, and than Hugh Grant, and if BRIDGET JONES is redeemed by anything, it's that Our Boy Colin finally gets the girl."}, {"response": 167, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Thu, Jul 19, 2001 (16:57)", "body": "From an Australian review.... I love it, Bethan. Where is it from?"}, {"response": 168, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Jul 19, 2001 (17:37)", "body": "In case anyone wants to watch the trailers in German (Colin in German?? ugh), here you go: http://trailer.uip.de/bridgetjones/trailers.html"}, {"response": 169, "author": "Echo", "date": "Thu, Jul 19, 2001 (18:17)", "body": "Have read today that RZ is in advanced stages of negotiations for the BJD sequel."}, {"response": 170, "author": "Bethanne", "date": "Thu, Jul 19, 2001 (20:13)", "body": "Really Echo, where ? Is it a reliable source ?"}, {"response": 171, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Thu, Jul 19, 2001 (21:00)", "body": "(review) Yet Firth has more sex appeal in his pinky than either of those guys, and than Hugh Grant, and if BRIDGET JONES is redeemed by anything, it's that Our Boy Colin finally gets the girl. OOH! A reviewer with excellent taste in men!!!! Firth has spent much of his recent career portraying buffoonish cuckolds who lose their women to one or another fellow named Fiennes This is the image many people had of Colin if they hadn't seen P&P. But before he was losing women, he was getting plenty of them--two out of three sisters in ATA, the serving wench in HotP (and the gypsy girl fancied him, too, I think), etc."}, {"response": 172, "author": "lafn", "date": "Thu, Jul 19, 2001 (21:01)", "body": "\"Just curious\", Echo, where?"}, {"response": 173, "author": "catheyp", "date": "Fri, Jul 20, 2001 (03:32)", "body": "Does the 'abominate' line appear in the UK version? I'm going to my first \"Australian\" viewing tonight, so I will pay particular attention and let you know next week whether its there or not. Its Friday for me and I'm not back at my computer until Tuesday."}, {"response": 174, "author": "Echo", "date": "Fri, Jul 20, 2001 (07:50)", "body": "(A chorus of curiosity) Where? Where? Where? ;-) Daily Express, probably the best quality tabloid in the UK... but they are citing \"Hollywood trade paper Variety\" as their source."}, {"response": 175, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Jul 20, 2001 (10:31)", "body": "I guess the 30 going on 13 one will have to wait. This sounds good and both these ladies are among my faves. From Ananova: Renee Zellweger to star in comedy film Renee Zellweger and Toni Collette are to star in a new comedy movie, Why Can't I Be Audrey Hepburn? Ryan Murphy will write, produce and direct the \ufffd25 million film, set against the backdrop of the acting world in New York. The project has been in development for more than four years, with Tea Leoni once marked down to play the starring role. Ashley Judd and Buffy star Sarah Michelle Gellar were also keen to portray the would-be stage star who falls for a Broadway producer. Zellweger, who starred in Bridget Jones's Diary, has just finished making the drama White Oleander. Australian star Collette found fame in The Sixth Sense, and has just completed Stephen Daldry's The Hours with Nicole Kidman and Claire Danes. Filming of Why Can't I Be Audrey Hepburn? starts in the autumn."}, {"response": 176, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Jul 20, 2001 (11:13)", "body": "(Mari) guess the 30 going on 13 one will have to wait. Since it doesn't even have a director attached, I would think so... Besides, RZ will probably need a couple of months off to be with her dog. ;-)"}, {"response": 177, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Jul 20, 2001 (11:22)", "body": "\"13 Going on 30,\" which is described as a female version of \"Big\" Yeeccch. That's been sooo, like, done . Why Can't I Be Audrey Hepburn?...set against the backdrop of the acting world in New York...would-be stage star who falls for a Broadway producer Better."}, {"response": 178, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Fri, Jul 20, 2001 (21:58)", "body": "I just saw \"America's Sweethearts,\" and as the trailer shows, there is a fight scene. But it isn't much--no birthday cake, no \"It's Raining Men,\" no crash through a window. And something else was missing, too... After the vigil we all kept watching for interviews and articles about Colin and BJD, I found the scenes of the press junket interviews very funny, especially noticing how anecdotes kept changing."}, {"response": 179, "author": "Lora", "date": "Sat, Jul 21, 2001 (17:39)", "body": "Has anyone seen \"Legally Blonde\" and wondered where the idea of the bunny costume (as seen in the previews on TV) came from? The storyline behind the reason for inserting the bunny costume gag is pretty familiar, too ;-). Oh well, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. The movie is actually very funny, and RW is very good in it. Reese's boyfriends in the movie reminded me of two other boyfriends, but as Kate says above, something was missing...no body plays the noble, helpful boyfriend better than Colin!"}, {"response": 180, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Sat, Jul 21, 2001 (18:03)", "body": "BJD is actually back up at number 4 (from number 5 last week)in the London Box Office! If there's a sequel, what happens to Hughie? Daniel's role in TEOR is only a cameo. Major re-write, or do RZ and CF carry the show?"}, {"response": 181, "author": "Bethanne", "date": "Sun, Jul 22, 2001 (00:21)", "body": "My guess is Hughie pops up again in the sequel, if they are able to write him in. He is after all, a bigger \"star\" than Colin and, movie producers always have an eye on the drawing power of their actors. Plus, I think he earned some new fans with his bad boy image in BJD and, Hughie him self would probably want to capitalize on that. I for one, hope he comes back. I'm not a huge fan of his, but I thought he was very funny in BJD."}, {"response": 182, "author": "Renata", "date": "Sun, Jul 22, 2001 (01:08)", "body": "(Bethan) If there's a sequel, what happens to Hughie? Daniel's role in TEOR is only a cameo. Major re-write, or do RZ and CF carry the show? I guess it will be the major re-write. I can already see where the bad boy Daniel Cleaver could fit in: as the one who hides the drugs in Bridgets luggage. With many others I hope there will be more of Bridgets friends this time, which should be easy, because EOR was modelled after Persuasion. Now I wonder how it will go on after that since HF has not written a third part... I'm speculating: it will go to television, with some actors one has never heard of before, and will be made into an endless series. ;-)"}, {"response": 183, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Jul 22, 2001 (12:13)", "body": "Have just found out that Husbands-Bosworth is the name of a village in Leicestershire. How funny. ;-) Here are some aerial shots: http://www.skyfilmsnational.fsnet.co.uk/husbands_bosworth.htm"}, {"response": 184, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Sun, Jul 22, 2001 (15:56)", "body": "Iread somewhere that JK Rowling used to collect unusual place names ready for her books. Maybe HF does too!"}, {"response": 185, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Jul 23, 2001 (09:18)", "body": "Review of BJD from the Sydney Morning-Herald, which says: \"There's a delicious irony to the casting of Firth, the only actor alive who can look interestingly grim and not just snotty.\" http://www.smh.com.au/news/0107/23/entertainment/entertain25.html"}, {"response": 186, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Mon, Jul 23, 2001 (10:42)", "body": "Thumbs from Down Under! Won't do any more spoilers save to say LOL at the bit about Hughie not just acting with his hair, c'mon , it wasn't the hair , was always the eyelids ;-) Thanks for sharing Karen"}, {"response": 187, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Mon, Jul 23, 2001 (23:02)", "body": "I always thought it was the hair which caused the eyelids to blink rapidly, which distracted HG and caused him to stutter."}, {"response": 188, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Jul 23, 2001 (23:05)", "body": "test post"}, {"response": 189, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Tue, Jul 24, 2001 (00:16)", "body": "I've been trying to figure out who would be the best person to play swingy-haired, Mark Darcy-purloining Rebecca in the sequel to BJD. Rebecca reminds me greatly of Sigourney Weaver's character in \"Working Girl\", but I can't figure out who could play her. All of the actresses I come up with who would be perfect (Uma Thurman, Gwynneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz) are all used to being leading ladies, so they are out. Have any of you given any thought to casting BJD2? Just curious."}, {"response": 190, "author": "Lora", "date": "Tue, Jul 24, 2001 (00:28)", "body": "(Louise)but I can't figure out who could play her What do you think about Elizabeth Hurley as Rebecca? Maybe the script could be rewritten to have her (EH) end up with Daniel (Hugh) instead of Mark's friend (who Bridget helps out with the woman problem). Therefore giving Hugh a bigger part (but not the best part ;-)). It might be pretty interesting."}, {"response": 191, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Tue, Jul 24, 2001 (00:42)", "body": "Excellent choice! However, I would definitely miss seeing Rebecca ending up with fat old rich guy instead of luscious MD. I love the scene in the church where she's trying to get MD back. She might not be so desperate if she had DC in reserve. Also would hate to see HG trying to steal ODB's limelight. He should be left in a cameo role (if any), where he belongs. Who do you think should play Vile Richard and Simon?"}, {"response": 192, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Jul 24, 2001 (08:49)", "body": "This weekend's foreign box office report: After scoring a phenomenal $58.4 million in the U.K. and a lusty $8 million in Spain, \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" saw sexy figures in Sweden ($581,000), Norway ($465,000) and New Zealand ($207,000). Its foreign total is $74.6 million from just seven countries."}, {"response": 193, "author": "Lora", "date": "Tue, Jul 24, 2001 (10:53)", "body": "(Louise)I would definitely miss seeing Rebecca ending up with fat old rich guy instead of luscious MD. You're right about that. Maybe HG could be the one to gain weight this time for the movie ;-). Do you think HG would do the movie if he has just a tiny cameo like in the book? As for Vile Richard and Simon, I haven't a clue. But I'm glad you asked, Louise, since I was just thinking about who might work as Rebecca. I also think Cate Blanchett could handle Rebecca quite well. She'd give her all the appropriate nuances here and there."}, {"response": 194, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Tue, Jul 24, 2001 (13:48)", "body": "Yes, she could definitely act the part. But the role definitely calls for swingy hair, and I always think of her with non-swingy hair (as in Elizabeth). Perhaps her real hair is swingy (can't remember enough about what her hair looked like in \"Pushing Tin\"), or she could wear a swingy wig."}, {"response": 195, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Jul 24, 2001 (14:44)", "body": "Could this girl get any hotter? Super cast, if it comes to pass. From ET online, where you'd better all be casting your votes for Colin, RZ, and BJD today!!:-) REN\ufffdE IN CHICAGO July 24, 2001 | REN\ufffdE ZELLWEGER is in talks to join CATHERINE ZETA-JONES and KEVIN SPACEY in the movie version of the BOB FOSSE musical, Chicago. KATHY BATES is also on board for the adaptation executive produced by CRAIG ZADAN and NEIL MERON, the team responsible for recent musical TV hits \"Annie\" and \"Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows.\" Jones, who began her career in musical theater, will play Velma - the role originated by CHITA RIVERA in 1977."}, {"response": 196, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Jul 24, 2001 (16:44)", "body": "Hot news on the BJD front. Looks like we have a date for the UK video release. It's Dec 3rd. I expect the delay has to do with the very slow rollout across Europe and other PAL countries. Wouldn't do to have the PAL video on the market when it is still in theatres. It can be preordered for \ufffd13.59 (\ufffd16.99 list) from: http://www.choicesdirect.co.uk/cgi-bin/ChoicesDirect.storefront/1338807406/Product/View/69296"}, {"response": 197, "author": "rachael", "date": "Tue, Jul 24, 2001 (17:25)", "body": "BJD still showing on the multiplex near me, 4 times a day - Pearl Harbour down to 1 a day, Captain Corelli long gone - still haven't managed my ambition of having the whole cinema to myself for a totally exclusive experience *LOL* guess I'll just have to go again. how about Gwynnie for Rebecca - swingy hair, can do a Brit accent ;-)"}, {"response": 198, "author": "Bethanne", "date": "Tue, Jul 24, 2001 (21:45)", "body": "How about Madonna ? Her English accent is pretty much flawless now and she ain't even acting......I'm kidding, I'm kidding.....runs to avoid bricks being thrown at my head...."}, {"response": 199, "author": "amw", "date": "Wed, Jul 25, 2001 (10:32)", "body": "Three very positive reviews for BJD at Urban Cinefile, a very thorough Austalian Film website and can you believe BJD is #2 in the Box Office and it is only previewing!wonder where it will be next week. Thanks Karen for the information re the relase of the video in the UK, is that the date for the DVD as well and do you know if there are any extra's for the UK. I hear there are quite a lot of extra's with the US DVD. Definitely going on my Christmas list."}, {"response": 200, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Wed, Jul 25, 2001 (16:13)", "body": "I went to see BJD again (and got grief from the BF! the rudeness! ;)). It seems to me that the little things are what elevate this movie from just fun to really good - Natasha's uncomfortable look during the 'single 30yo women' conversation at the dinner party; Bridget's nervous \"okay\" before she started on the conversation with Mark by the Xmas tree; Shaz's little wave from the car near the end; etc., etc.... But am I the only one who finds the American ending credits bit kinda icky? I dunno, there's something about the kiddos mirroring what will happen in the future that just creeps me out. Everyone else in all the theatres I've been in sure thought it was cute, though. :)"}, {"response": 201, "author": "toyce", "date": "Wed, Jul 25, 2001 (16:53)", "body": "I'm sort of like you. It's cute, but I'm not exactly fond of it myself. I like them using the song, but I think they could have left both the party and interview credits off. Not that I've seen the other version, though."}, {"response": 202, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Wed, Jul 25, 2001 (20:08)", "body": "I love the home movies at the end! The whole paddling pool thing comes up several times in the film, so it's fun to see what *really* happened in the pool. From what I've heard, the home movies are better than the interviews (I never did like that park a bike/balance a pint of beer line)."}, {"response": 203, "author": "rachael", "date": "Wed, Jul 25, 2001 (20:10)", "body": "never saw the home movies bit, being a Brit - if I go when in Oz will I see a different ending?"}, {"response": 204, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Wed, Jul 25, 2001 (21:49)", "body": "I loved the home movies ending also. I kept thinking that Mark was thinking of his eighth birthday party with fond memories every time he saw Bridget--and especially at her birthday party. She hadn't changed much and neither had he, really, not underneath where it counts--they were still soul mates. Hee, hee."}, {"response": 205, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Jul 26, 2001 (10:17)", "body": "(Kate, LouiseJ) I love the home movies at the end! Me three. Was v. glad RC (assuming it was his idea) elected to look back, not into the future like he did in both 4W and NH. Would've hated seeing BJ and MD cavorting with their child or reading in the park over a preganant abd."}, {"response": 206, "author": "Lora", "date": "Thu, Jul 26, 2001 (11:19)", "body": "(Louise)they were still soul mates (Kate, LouiseJ,Eileen) I love the home movies at the end! The home movie was such a pleasure to watch and see that their relationship really did have such a tender start, especially after watching them \"re-find\" each other in the main movie. They became soul mates early on, whether they realized it then or not. As I watched the home movie ending, even the first time, it also reminded me of the TV couple, Dharma and Greg, who are very similar to Bridget and Mark. Clever Lucy-like blonde with tall, dark, and handsome attorney/barrister. D & G also had a soul mate beginning when they ran into each other on a subway as children while with their parents. Someone jokingly mentioned BJD as a series in the UK, maybe D & G could be used as a model, *hee hee*."}, {"response": 207, "author": "Bethanne", "date": "Thu, Jul 26, 2001 (13:49)", "body": "I thought the home movie was really cute too, it didn't bother me at all."}, {"response": 208, "author": "Bethanne", "date": "Thu, Jul 26, 2001 (13:49)", "body": ""}, {"response": 209, "author": "catheyp", "date": "Thu, Jul 26, 2001 (16:42)", "body": "(Rachael) never saw the home movies bit, being a Brit - if I go when in Oz will I see a different ending? Sorry Rachael, you will have to get the USA video or DVD, we have the same ending over here as you guys. Seems to be the trend; we had the same MLSF as you too."}, {"response": 210, "author": "rachael", "date": "Thu, Jul 26, 2001 (17:11)", "body": "there's a different MLSF? in what way? oops looks like I need to spend some more evening reading old boards"}, {"response": 211, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Jul 26, 2001 (17:30)", "body": "(Rachael) there's a different MLSF? in what way? Yup, again the ending. However, the video in the UK *is* the US version. You would've had to have seen the movie in the cinemas in order to see the UK/Aussie ending (which also omitted the waltzing in the rain bit). You would probably see a discussion of the MLSFs on the Spoiler board but way back."}, {"response": 212, "author": "rachael", "date": "Thu, Jul 26, 2001 (17:35)", "body": "aha. I have the video - ex rental from Blockbuster - curiously, the branch I usually go to had sold their copy of SLOW, (curses!) another branch in town is still renting it, and the other had never had it - something to do with culture and location I guess. ooh if I tried hard I could sound like Natasha *slaps self, opens bottle of Chardonnay*"}, {"response": 213, "author": "dina", "date": "Fri, Jul 27, 2001 (16:52)", "body": "\"in my 32th year..\"; \"...you're forty...\"; \"I was eight and you were four\"; pray tell how can all these statements go together? (don't throw tomatoes, no nasa scientist here) :-("}, {"response": 214, "author": "heide", "date": "Sat, Jul 28, 2001 (10:41)", "body": "Where did I miss \"...you're forty...\" ? I don't remember Mark's age being mentioned at all."}, {"response": 215, "author": "catheyp", "date": "Sun, Jul 29, 2001 (16:43)", "body": "I don't remember Mark's age being mentioned at all. Me neither; I guess I'll have to go again tomorrow now, just to make sure ;-) Such hardship!!!"}, {"response": 216, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Jul 30, 2001 (09:01)", "body": "Yesterday, Cathy and I carefully reviewed whether it is mentioned that MD is 40 and didn't hear it anywhere. Seems like Price Waterhouse was brought in to carefully check the movie before it was released. ;-)"}, {"response": 217, "author": "amw", "date": "Mon, Jul 30, 2001 (09:36)", "body": "According to Teletext BJD is #1 in Australia, well done CathyP and everyone in Oz. who went to see Bridget & friends."}, {"response": 218, "author": "Lora", "date": "Mon, Jul 30, 2001 (10:31)", "body": "(dina)\"in my 32th year..\"; \"...you're forty...\"; \"I was eight and you were four\"; pray tell how can all these statements go together? Dina, I think it was all the publicity that we were reading when BJD hit the screens (and during its run) that always mentioned that CF was 40 that was in your (our) mind during the movie because I remember thinking during the kitchen part of the birthday scene (probably on the 3rd or 4th viewing) -- \"Okay, CF is playing someone younger than he is...that's not hard for him to do at all\" ;-)."}, {"response": 219, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Mon, Jul 30, 2001 (12:05)", "body": "I think Bridget says, \"...you're 40\" to Mark at his parents' Ruby anniversary party, when she takes him aside to say that she likes him too."}, {"response": 220, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Jul 30, 2001 (12:55)", "body": "(Marianne) I think Bridget says, \"...you're 40\" to Mark at his parents' Ruby anniversary party, when she takes him aside to say that she likes him too. Nope, we checked."}, {"response": 221, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Mon, Jul 30, 2001 (15:26)", "body": "I think Bridget tells him he's haughty, not forty."}, {"response": 222, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Jul 30, 2001 (15:37)", "body": "Brilliant, Mark, I think you've cracked it. She does tell him he's haughty. BTW, we waved at you."}, {"response": 223, "author": "Bethanne", "date": "Mon, Jul 30, 2001 (15:56)", "body": "Yup, I think Mark is right. I have no recollection of Mark's age being mentioned in the movie, other than him saying he was 8 and Bridge was 4 during the infamous paddling pool \"incident\"."}, {"response": 224, "author": "Echo", "date": "Mon, Jul 30, 2001 (17:51)", "body": "Which makes him about 37 in the film. Effortlessly believable. \"Okay, CF is playing someone younger than he is...that's not hard for him to do at all\" ;-). And he has played lots of such roles from his earliest days - in AC, Dutch Girls, Tumbledown..."}, {"response": 225, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Mon, Jul 30, 2001 (20:35)", "body": "Obviously, I wasn't paying attention ... will just have to back and see BJD yet again."}, {"response": 226, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Mon, Jul 30, 2001 (22:14)", "body": "I wanted to place an advance order for BJD on Amazon (along with the new P&P2 dvd), but they are not showing that BJD is due out on Sept. 18. Please tell me that Amazon is just being foolishly dilatory in not raking in advance sales, and that someone else will have BJD available on that date. Has anyone found it offered elsewhere?"}, {"response": 227, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Jul 30, 2001 (23:24)", "body": "(Louise) but they are not showing that BJD is due out on Sept. 18. I doubt the date is any good. The DVD will be out on 10/9. Both are typically released on the same date."}, {"response": 228, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Tue, Jul 31, 2001 (00:27)", "body": "Darn. It was going to be part of my birthday present to me, but Oct 9 is too late. Here's hoping they're not kidding about P&P2 on Sep. 25. Must remember that will have Londinium in early Sept, P&P2 in lated Sept, and BJD on Oct 9. Talk about a hat trick. Am going to splurge on DVD player. My VCR's slo-mo/pause just doesn't do justice to ODB."}, {"response": 229, "author": "catheyp", "date": "Tue, Jul 31, 2001 (16:48)", "body": "According to Teletext BJD is #1 in Australia, well done CathyP and everyone in Oz. who went to see Bridget & friends Thanks Ann. My opening line when I meet anyone I even remotely know is \"have you been to see BJD yet? its a great movie, you must see it. If you need someone to tag along with you, just give me a call; I'll be available\" Must be working ;-)"}, {"response": 230, "author": "studybees", "date": "Wed, Aug  1, 2001 (07:56)", "body": "So it's not just me who did that tagging along line ... ;)"}, {"response": 231, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Aug  3, 2001 (13:05)", "body": "Update on the BJ DVD, from DVD reviews. Hmmm . . .no mention of deleted scenes. Am certain is oversight.;-) Take a peek at Bridget Jones's Diary August 1, 2001 One of the biggest box office surprises of the year has been the romantic comedy that kickstarted Renee Zellweger's career, Bridget Jones's Diary. The film, based on the Helen Fielding novel, pulled in over $71 million, and now it's coming to DVD from Miramax. This hilarious romantic comedy is the story of Bridget Jones (Zellweger), a 32 year old \"singleton\" who decides to take control of her life by keeping a diary. With a taste for adventure and an opinion on every subject - from her circle of friends, to men, food, sex and everything in between, she's decided to turn the page on a whole new life. Despite her efforts to get her act together, she finds herself caught between two men - a man who's too good to be true, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) and a man who's so wrong for her he could be right, Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). The new DVD will come with an anamorphic transfer and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio tracks in English and French. The disc will also contain an audio commentary with director Sharon Maguire, a behind the scenes featurette, music videos for Shelby Lynn's \"Killin' Kind\" and \"Out of Reach\" by Gabrielle, International End Credit Sequence, and original Bridget Jones Columns. \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" has been a crowd pleaser in theatres. On October 9th, the film will come home to DVD."}, {"response": 232, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Aug  3, 2001 (13:10)", "body": "Here's the cover:"}, {"response": 233, "author": "Bethanne", "date": "Fri, Aug  3, 2001 (14:30)", "body": "Sign up here to have the Sharon Maguire's audio commentary replaced by one of Col's......well, shoot we can hope can't we."}, {"response": 234, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Tue, Aug  7, 2001 (15:12)", "body": "I think, as a minimum, one of those round table discussions, like the cast of \"The Winslow Boy\" did on the DVD, would be most agreeable..."}, {"response": 235, "author": "lafn", "date": "Tue, Aug  7, 2001 (18:32)", "body": "From THR: \"The United Kingdom record industry had its best-ever second quarter this year as releases from acts including Dido, Stereophonics, Travis and Destiny's Child drove album revenue up year-on-year by almost 18% to #227.8 million ($325.6 million), the Bitish Phonographic Industry said Monday. Total revenue from U.K. recorded music in the April-June period was up 14.1% to #254.5 million ($363.8 million) over last year. Other albums that helped boost sales included new releases by Shaggy and R.E.M.;compilations from Billy Joel and Eddy Grant; \"Now 48,\" an all-star compilation of artists from EMI, Virgin and Universal; and the the soundtrack from the film \"Bridget Jones's Diary. \""}, {"response": 236, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Aug  8, 2001 (10:15)", "body": "With this, I'd say we can put any sequel filming to rest for some time. From Variety: Renee Zellweger is poised to join Catherine Zeta-Jones as the larcenous murdering dancer-singers who topline \"Chicago,\" the Miramax version of the Tony-winning Bob Fosse musical being prepped for an early 2002 shoot. While Zellweger wouldn't seem the most obvious choice for a song-and-dance film, the actress has been eyed for some time by the studio that distributed her last hit, \"Bridget Jones's Diary.\" Zellweger showed off her talents to the film's director, Rob Marshall, in Gotham late last week and demonstrated enough singing and dancing ability to win an offer for the role of Roxie. She accepted, and the dealmaking is commencing. http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20010808/en/film-zellweger_1.html"}, {"response": 237, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Aug  8, 2001 (10:52)", "body": "Good for Renee..going for muscial comedies.The only singing I've heard was the Christmas party in BJD. Doubt that would have gotten the Roxie role in Chicago;-)"}, {"response": 238, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Mon, Aug 13, 2001 (14:45)", "body": "Hmmm, I dunno about this. I love RZ, and I hope she does well, but can she and CZ-J handle the dancing? The original choreography was Fosse, and the revival was based on his choreography. Fosse dancing is a definite style, and (I've read) not easy to learn. I've seen plenty of musicals where they've dubbed the singing, but you can't dub the dancing. Well, you could body-double, but I doubt the producers would do that."}, {"response": 239, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Mon, Aug 13, 2001 (18:26)", "body": "Karen-have almost *exploded* from inability to ask this question in the last 24 hours ;-) On your Locarno page at The Bucket, what question is CF answering when he refers to the \"sequel\"? I assume that he's talking about the book (EOR), but for a brief, irrational time, I thought it might be the movie. Was v. excited and overwrought. Am calm now... ;-) So glad to have the conferences back!"}, {"response": 240, "author": "mari", "date": "Mon, Aug 13, 2001 (20:28)", "body": "Well, CZJ started out as a dancer, doing musicals since her teens. As for RZ, this kid is fearless and an incredibly hard worker. She's not afraid to put herself out there and take risks. And Spacey and Bates are to be in this one, too? I'll be there when they open the doors! :-)"}, {"response": 241, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Aug 13, 2001 (22:48)", "body": "Rene Zellwegger is going to be on one of the talk shows this week. I know. I saw it on http://www.tvreviewer.com"}, {"response": 242, "author": "Bryonny", "date": "Tue, Aug 14, 2001 (17:42)", "body": "I see that amazon.uk is selling a Bridget Jones's Diary Karaoke VHS tape on Aug. 27. Does anyone here know what that might be? And Renee will be on a rerun of the View on Aug.21. I don't think I've seen that one."}, {"response": 243, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Wed, Aug 15, 2001 (00:44)", "body": "Don't know about the karaoke part. Unless they mean Bridget singing \"All by Myself\" in her jammies, \"I Can't Live (if living is without you)\" at Christmas party, and Happy Birthday sung during fight?"}, {"response": 244, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Aug 15, 2001 (00:46)", "body": "A guess, purely a guess, on my part is that you can buy karaoke versions of most of the songs on the soundtrack to play at parties, etc. Do people do that???"}, {"response": 245, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Aug 15, 2001 (14:24)", "body": "Saw this while thumbing through this week's Newsweek. It gave me a chuckle. Romancing New Readers To woo young women, bodice-rippers try to get hip By Jane Spencer NEWSWEEK Aug. 20 issue \ufffd In \ufffdSee Jane Date,\ufffd a soon-to-be published novel, the heroine is a 28-year-old Manhattan publishing assistant who dreams about DKNY sweaters, frets about her hip measurements and goes through men almost as fast as she goes through Marlboro Lights. She spends her weekends drinking cosmopolitans at trendy TriBeCa bars and fantasizes about her Pierce Brosnan-esque boss. But even though the book is being published by Harlequin Enterprises Ltd., the reigning champion of supermarket trash, there are no Fabio look-alikes, wealthy cowboys or amnesiac brides anywhere within its 284 pages. \ufffdSEE JANE DATE\ufffd represents the cheeky new face of the $1.4 billion romance industry. In an effort to seduce younger readers, romance publishers are expanding into the exploding \ufffdchick lit\ufffd genre. The new titles aim to surf the commercial wave created by Penguin\ufffds \ufffdBridget Jones\ufffds Diary,\ufffd a British import that sold more than a million copies in the United States and spawned a recent hit Miramax film. The loyal following of shows like HBO\ufffds \ufffdSex and the City\ufffd also convinced romance publishers that they needed to freshen their image. In recent months they\ufffdve started peppering their plots with career-driven heroines, spicier sex scenes and urban settings. Harlequin is taking things a bit further, launching a new imprint called Red Dress Ink. \ufffdThey\ufffdre edgy, they\ufffdve got attitude and a certain hipness to them,\ufffd says Margaret Marbury, editor of the series. \ufffdSee Jane Date\ufffd by Melissa Senate, due to hit stores this November, is the first book in the line. Harlequin intends to distance the new line from the lowbrow stigma associated with romance fiction. The name Harlequin won\ufffdt appear anywhere on the book jacket. (Harlequin will continue to publish its traditional offerings as well.) While eying the attractive new demographic, the traditional romance market is not about to fizzle out. Nearly 20 percent of all books sold are romances, and industry profits increase dependably each year. In the mid-\ufffd90s, however, many supermarkets and drugstores dropped their romance lines in favor of megasellers by authors like Stephen King and Danielle Steel. The change dramatically reduced the number of outlets stocking romance novels and considerably tightened competition in the field. Romance sales are also particularly weak among readers under 35, as titles like \ufffdThe Widower\ufffds Folly,\ufffd and \ufffdOutlaw\ufffds Bride\ufffd may not strike a chord with the Bridget Jones crowd. To lure those readers, publishers are kissing the traditional romance-plot formula goodbye. Until now, novels followed a very familiar story line, says Harold Lowry, president of Romance Writers of America: \ufffdBoy meets girl, boy loses girl because of a problem of some sort, and then they work it out and live happily ever after.\ufffd All romances conclude with the promise of marriage, if not an actual walk down the aisle. (Publishers of gay and lesbian romances make a few necessary gender adjustments.) Harlequin\ufffds Red Dress Ink books might be best described as \ufffdgirl meets boys\ufffd stories, and they promise no tidy endings. Many in the romance world believe the uncertainty will resonate better with younger readers. \ufffdThey might have trouble seeing a 28-year-old heroine settling down at the end for happily ever after,\ufffd says Hope Tarr, who writes romances for Jove\ufffds Seduction line. In hitting the singles scene, romance publishers are once again showing their ability to target extremely narrow markets. Existing romance subgenres include Regency historicals (set in 19th-century England with titles like \ufffdThe Prude and the Prodigal\ufffd)[ ed. note: Pfft! ], Westerns (populated by strapping Texan ranch hands), inspirationals (spiritual themes and no consummation of love) and Rubenesques (heroines are not perfect 10s). But in this instance, romance writers face ample competition from literary publishers and each other. \ufffdPersonally, I think they\ufffdre getting there a little late,\ufffd says Donald Maass, president of the Donald Maass Literary Agency, which represents roughly 100 commercial-fiction authors. \ufffdThere have been so many \ufffdBridget Jones\ufffd imitations about neurotic women dealing with bad bosses.\ufffd And there has been some grumbling in the romance world over the break with tradition. However, many view the chick-lit invasion as simply the latest twist in a field that has been growing and changing since the day Jane Eyre laid eyes on Mr. Rochester at Thornfield Hall. \ufffdIf we have a nuclear war, the only things left would be cockroaches and romance novels,\ufffd says Jennifer Crusie, a best-selling romance author for St. Martin\ufffds Press. \ufffdYou just can\ufffdt kill it.\ufffd Here's a link to the article and a poll (sorry, Ev) where you can vote for your favorite \"chick lit\" book. http://www.msnbc.com/news/612298.asp"}, {"response": 246, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Aug 15, 2001 (14:41)", "body": "Westerns (populated by strapping Texan ranch hands) Oooooh!! Visions of tight jeans. Any titles provided?? ;-) \ufffdIf we have a nuclear war, the only things left would be cockroaches and romance novels,\ufffd ROTFLOL!"}, {"response": 247, "author": "Bethanne", "date": "Wed, Aug 15, 2001 (15:33)", "body": "and Cher"}, {"response": 248, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Aug 15, 2001 (17:42)", "body": "(Eileen)Here's a link to the article and a poll (sorry, Ev) where you can vote for your favorite \"chick lit\" book. LOL. OK ,I voted....just because the *others* looked like \"cockroaches\". Bridget Jones's Diary\" 31% \"Girls' Guide To Hunting and Fishing\" 11% \"Sex and the City\" 26% \"Mr. Maybe\" 2% Other 30%"}, {"response": 249, "author": "Becka", "date": "Wed, Aug 15, 2001 (19:12)", "body": "The Prude and the Prodigal??!!! LOL! Now that is funny!!!"}, {"response": 250, "author": "odessa", "date": "Thu, Aug 16, 2001 (15:14)", "body": "BJD is been advertised on tv now, but there`s only a short glimpse of Colin (from behind).Yet lot`s of HC. Was it like that in UK too?"}, {"response": 251, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Thu, Aug 16, 2001 (16:49)", "body": "Aha! Just voted in the chick lit poll. As a matter of research, I visited the site a second time. In case anyone is curious, yes, it is a \"cookied\" poll. (Odessa)BJD is been advertised on tv now, but there`s only a short glimpse of Colin (from behind). Depending on the shot, that isn't all bad. If it's the shot from first time we see him at the turkey curry buffet..."}, {"response": 252, "author": "caribou", "date": "Fri, Aug 17, 2001 (16:13)", "body": "I really liked those glimpses from behind. I think that is how Andrew Davies added the Darcy element. It happens several time in P&P, too."}, {"response": 253, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Wed, Aug 22, 2001 (10:54)", "body": "BJD is winning a lot of new converts to P&P! I enjoyed reading this (posted at IMDB) :-) \"Brilliant - I only wish I'd caught it first time round. I recently read Pride and Prejudice, having read and enjoyed Bridget Jones and knowing that it is based on P+P. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, although it took a long time to get through as the writing is such good quality. I remembered the series being shown in 1995, and although I was too young to watch it or have any interest then, I still remember the way it captured the hearts of the whole nation in a way that nothing else had done before or has done since. I managed to scab the video off a friend, and settled myself down one evening to start watching it with my mum. I was expecting it to be good, but - what can I say, it blew me away. We watched about 2 hours that night, and the next day I was so impatient to see the rest that I watched the next 3 hours in one go, without my mum, who wasn't best pleased with me... All of the humour of the book was captured perfectly. The characters of Mr and Mrs Bennet, Miss Bingley, Lydia and Mary were all hillarious, although I must admit, there were times when all I wanted was to see Darcy! (That lake scene... I have never seen anything quite so erotic!) You could feel the sexual tension and chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy, they must be one of the best screen pairings ever. Not many others could say so much with one look. I recommend this very VERY highly, although I do bitterly disappoint having missed out on the frenzy of 6 years ago. Hopefully some other such thing will come along soon. :-)\""}, {"response": 254, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Wed, Aug 22, 2001 (11:55)", "body": "(IMDB post)although I do bitterly disappoint having missed out on the frenzy of 6 years ago This fan seems to think the frenzy was something that took place 6 years ago and is now over. Little does she know..."}, {"response": 255, "author": "Echo", "date": "Wed, Aug 22, 2001 (18:15)", "body": "Who's going to tell her? :-)"}, {"response": 256, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Aug 23, 2001 (10:33)", "body": "From Ananova: Bainbridge blasts 'chick lit' women's fiction Beryl Bainbridge has denounced women's stories about the search for Mr Right. Feminist writer Doris Lessing agreed and asked why women write such \"instantly forgettable\" books. However, Helen Fielding - creator of Bridget Jones's Diary - said critics had missed the point and the book was not meant to be taken seriously. Popular author Bainbridge, favourite to win the Booker Prize for fiction, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: \"It is a froth sort of thing. What is the point writing a whole novel about it? \"As people spend so little time reading it is a pity they perhaps can't read something a bit deeper, a bit more profound, something with a bit of bite to it.\" Lessing said: \"It's a pity that so many young women are writing like that. I wonder if they are just writing like this because they think they are going to get published. \"It would be better, perhaps, if they wrote books about their lives as they really saw them and not these helpless girls, drunken, worrying about their weight and so on.\" Fielding said: \"Sometimes I have had people getting their knickers in a twist about Bridget Jones being a disgrace to feminism and so on. \"But it is good to be able to represent women as they actually are in the age in which you are living.\" Feminist and author Jeanette Winterson defended the \"chick lit\" genre: \"I am unashamedly high art. There is such a thing and we need it in our lives,\" she said. \"But I also like entertainment. Chick lit? No problem. Bridget Jones's Diary? Love it, just great, and I feel completely easy with all that.\" And former Booker winner Pat Barker said reading such books was just a phase readers grew out of. \"Young people, because they have an insecure sense of their own identity, love reading books that confirm that identity,\" she said. \"I think as people get older they need that from their reading less and less and most of us end up much broader minded about what it is we are prepared to read.\""}, {"response": 257, "author": "studybees", "date": "Thu, Aug 23, 2001 (10:44)", "body": "Pat Barker said: Young people, because they have an insecure sense of their own identity, love reading books that confirm that identity,\" she said. \"I think as people get older they need that from their reading less and less and most of us end up much broader minded about what it is we are prepared to read.\" My response to that, as someone not yet twenty one, is \"F*** off, you patronising cow\". (sorry) She may well have written Regeneration etc but that does not put her in a position to comment on the reading habits of young people. I read books I enjoy, whether high or low art (I'm with the excellent Winterson on this)."}, {"response": 258, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Aug 23, 2001 (10:45)", "body": "Another possible appearance??? Dinard film fest arranges date with \"Bridget\" \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" will make its French debut at the 12th Dinard Festival of British Film (Oct. 4-7), whose highlights this year include a tribute to the late John Gielgud."}, {"response": 259, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Thu, Aug 23, 2001 (11:06)", "body": "Penny, love yuor response to the Pat Barker comment! \"As people spend so little time reading it is a pity they perhaps can't read something a bit deeper, a bit more profound, something with a bit of bite to it.\" Maybe if you can't see the underlying depth in something like BJD, it's you who's not so profound, Ms Bainbridge. And if you make \"chick-lit\" more \"deep\" (trans: dull), people will spend even less time reading. Sad jealousy, IMO. Jeanette Winterson's viewpoint is as usual refreshing, and HF herself is serenely calm and non-defensive."}, {"response": 260, "author": "studybees", "date": "Thu, Aug 23, 2001 (11:21)", "body": "Ms Bainbridge is clearly just desperate for publicity so she can get a Booker prize. She's probably just bitter that Booker didn't give her one of her Cash 'n' Carry cards so she has to pay full price for her Chardonnay and ciggies and decided to go all pretentious and gobby instead of taking the Bridget route."}, {"response": 261, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Aug 23, 2001 (11:21)", "body": "BBC News' take on same article. A few more quotes and more filler between them: Female fiction 'dumbs down' Has chick lit reached the end of the line? By arts correspondent Rebecca Jones Women are spoilt for choice. Go into any bookshop and there will be a pile of paperbacks, written by women, about women, who are invariably searching - for men. Among those on offer is a sweeping tale of love between cousins on an Argentinian ranch. Another is about a frustrated florist whose life \"isn't coming up roses\" and yet another promises to be \"an eye-wetting read\" about a smart single girl. Women buy more books than men and the publishing world is falling over itself to sell them what's become known as \"chick-lit\". But a literary row is brewing. The novelist Beryl Bainbridge has dismissed chick-lit as \"a waste of time, this froth sort of thing\". Beryl Bainbridge is one of the most influential writers of her generation, and is favourite to win this year's Booker Prize. On Friday she will be speaking at the Edinburgh Book Festival, discussing her new novel According to Queeney, about the last years of Dr Johnson. She despairs of literary dumbing down. \"As people spend so little time reading it's a pity they perhaps can't read something a bit deeper, a bit more profound, something with a bit of bite to it,\" she says. The writer and feminist icon Doris Lessing agrees. And she cannot understand why women want to write what she calls instantly forgettable, poor literature. \"It's a pity that so many young women are trying to write that,\" she says. \"I wonder if they're just writing like this because they think they're going to get published? \"It would be better perhaps if they wrote books about their lives as they really saw them, and not these helpless girls, drunk and worrying about their weight.\" The godmother of the genre is arguably Helen Fielding, who created Bridget Jones's Diary - about a single girl's struggles with sex and slimming. It has sold more than 1.5 million copies. Helen Fielding thinks critics of Bridget Jones have missed the point: the book is not meant to be taken seriously. \"It's good for women to be able to be funny about women and not to be afraid to be funny,\" she says. \"Sometimes I've had people getting their knickers in a twist about Bridget Jones being a disgrace to feminism and so on. \"But the point is, it's good to be able to represent women as they actually are in the age you're living when you're a writer.\" But if Bridget Jones, and the hundreds of pale imitiations she has spawned, merely hold a mirror up to women's lives, they will never expand horizons or stretch intellects in the way serious literary fiction can. Surprisingly perhaps, the writer and feminist Jeannette Winterson, does not think that matters. \"Look, I'm unashamedly high art, there is such a thing and we need it in our lives,\" she says. \"But I also like entertainment. I have no problem with chick lit, I love Bridget Jones's Diary, it's just great. \"It's all the muck in the middle I mind. I hate anything that's middle brow. Let's have art or let's have entertainment.\" And Pat Barker, a former winner of the Booker Prize says that type of entertainment is just a phase - ultimately it is something readers should grow out of. \"I think chick lit and lad lit are to do with age,\" she says. \"I think young people, because they have an insecure sense of their own identity love reading books which confirm that identity, which mirror their lifestyle choices back to them. \"I think as people get older they need that from their reading less and less - most of us end up much broader-minded about what it is we're prepared to read.\""}, {"response": 262, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Thu, Aug 23, 2001 (12:21)", "body": "\"I think chick lit and lad lit are to do with age,\" she says. \"I think young people, because they have an insecure sense of their own identity love reading books which confirm that identity, which mirror their lifestyle choices back to them. ] and I read PG Wodehouse and EM Forster does that mean I want to live in Victorian (Georgian?) England? I read for escapism. Reading about the escapades of Bridget or Elizabeth or whoever is WHY I read the books, should they mimic my life at the time, is purely coincindental and I will not sue;)"}, {"response": 263, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Aug 23, 2001 (12:25)", "body": "Sacrilege!! He should be erased from the movie and soundtrack. Is veritable slap in the face of all Bridgetophiles. ;-) (from the WeMakeUpPeopleNews site) Robbie in chocolate row: Singer turns down Milk Tray job Many women might swoon at the idea of Robbie Williams swooping through their bedroom windows armed with a box of chocolates and a cheeky grin. This image, however, will have to remain in the imagination for now \ufffd the former Take That singer has turned down an offer to be the new Milk Tray man. Cadbury offered the resurrected role to the singer, but angered him when they issued a statement advertising the fact. A source close to Robbie said: 'It looks like they deliberately linked their name with Robbie's for a bit of free publicity.' A Cadbury's spokesman said: 'Our offer remains \ufffd we'd still love him to be the Milk Tray man.'"}, {"response": 264, "author": "odessa", "date": "Thu, Aug 23, 2001 (12:35)", "body": "Every magazine seems to have somekind of article about BJD/RZ/CF (because the premiere is tomorrow). One interview was made with the same style as Bridget`s interview with Colin. The interviewer was sorry that Colin`s shirt wasn`t more transparent, admired his voice, etc. (The actual situation had been very professional, I think)"}, {"response": 265, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Aug 23, 2001 (13:48)", "body": "My response to that, as someone not yet twenty one, is \"F*** off, you patronising cow\". Pfft! Love it, Penny--I'm with you. Helen Fielding rules!:-)"}, {"response": 266, "author": "Moon", "date": "Thu, Aug 23, 2001 (14:29)", "body": "Hey Mark, something that is deep is not neccessarily dull. Take in our film discussions some day. ;-) \"As people spend so little time reading it is a pity they perhaps can't read something a bit deeper, a bit more profound, something with a bit of bite to it.\" I like to do both."}, {"response": 267, "author": "Bethanne", "date": "Thu, Aug 23, 2001 (15:02)", "body": "Lord this condescending attitude of Beryl Bainbridge is so annoying. Why must we all be labeled as being shallow simply for liking BJD and such ? I hate it when the media has to put restricting lables on people and categorize them as only one sort of another. I have a stack of books by my bed that contains Jane Austen, Anthony Trollope,Charles Dickens, Paul Theoroux, Judith Krantz, and Helen Fielding. Sometimes I am in the mood for something heavy, sometimes I want the mindless escapism of Princess Daisy. Is that wrong of me ? Does that make me shallow ? I really don't think so. I strongly resent it when it is implied that I am some weak willed little doormat of a woman, simply binding time until my Prince Charming arrives to take me away to his castle, just by reading light fiction from time to time. Get over yourself, Beryl."}, {"response": 268, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Thu, Aug 23, 2001 (15:28)", "body": "Not that I would ever intentionally point ppl toward literary theory ;) but there's an interesting body of work on the symbolism of the 'romance' and its development in modern culture. Some of the older books are painfully classist highbrow vs lowbrow stuff; later stuff is more accessible (if it isn't too academic), like the collection of essays edited by Jayne Ann Krentz (Dangerous Men & Adventurous Women: Romance Writers on the Appeal of the Romance, sez amazon). My point, slowly arrived at :), is that there's a lot more going on in romances than a literal 'search for a man', and these critics might see that if they weren't so determined that chick-lit is fluff before they even start reading."}, {"response": 269, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Thu, Aug 23, 2001 (20:43)", "body": "these critics might see that if they weren't so determined that chick-lit is fluff before they even start reading. You don't think that these literary snobs have actually read any so-called \"chick-lit\", do you? The closest they have ever come to it is probably reading the sales figures for \"chick-lit\" and getting their knickers in a knot because the C-L figures are geometrically greater than their own \"award-winning\" book sales. It's \"libris\" envy, that's all."}, {"response": 270, "author": "ommin", "date": "Thu, Aug 23, 2001 (22:06)", "body": "A few months ago I tried to read Beryl Bainbridge - I found her pretentious and utterly boring needless to say I did not finish the book. I too have Trollope, Austin, Dickens etc. amongst my many books. The 'Booker' prize in my opinion is a bit of a farce - have any of you tried to read Salman Rushdie."}, {"response": 271, "author": "Bethanne", "date": "Thu, Aug 23, 2001 (23:04)", "body": "Nope, I did try Ben Okri's The Famished Road though, does that count ? Am not at liberty to divuldge if I got any further than Bridget did."}, {"response": 272, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Aug 24, 2001 (00:03)", "body": "(Louise) It's \"libris\" envy, that's all. LOL! (Anne) The 'Booker' prize in my opinion is a bit of a farce - have any of you tried to read Salman Rushdie. Aw, I wouldn't condemn the Booker, as there have been many fine books/authors honored by its panel. (Possession won it!) However, I find it amazing that Bainbridge took out after chick lit, when she shares the shortlist with Nick Hornby's How to Be Good. While that's a good book, an enjoyable read that approaches philosophical issues, a literary agent I know in NYC, a veteran of the world of publishing, said that such a book would never be nominated for our Pulitzer, PEN Faulkner, National Book, or National Book Critics Circle Award."}, {"response": 273, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Fri, Aug 24, 2001 (03:53)", "body": "Moon: Hey Mark, something that is deep is not neccessarily dull. Take in our film discussions some day. ;-) I know this (and the film discussions confirm it). It's Beryl's definition of deep that I was translating as dull. (But I did spot the winkie) ;-)"}, {"response": 274, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Aug 24, 2001 (07:46)", "body": "(Karen), Aw, I wouldn't condemn the Booker, as there have been many fine books/authors honored by its panel. (Possession won it!) Although P is a slow starter, IMO, that is the only exception. Have you tried the others? ZZZZ How to Be Good. While that's a good book, an enjoyable read that approaches philosophical issues, Philosophical issues ala Hornby? LOL!"}, {"response": 275, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Aug 24, 2001 (10:49)", "body": "(Louise) It's \"libris\" envy, that's all. (Anne) A few months ago I tried to read Beryl Bainbridge - I found her pretentious and utterly boring I think Beryl could use a good...*never mind* ;-)"}, {"response": 276, "author": "rachael", "date": "Fri, Aug 24, 2001 (13:23)", "body": "good response from Jenny Colgan in today's G2 about the whole chick lit thing - if you can't get it via the web site I'll type it out for anyone who wants it"}, {"response": 277, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Aug 26, 2001 (23:58)", "body": "From Variety: In Germany, the video game-inspired picture [Final Fantasy] reaped about $1.69 million over three days, ahead of \"Bridget Jones's Diary,\" which took about $1.29 million. In Austria, \"Bridget Jones\" took top spot with about $171,000, while \"Final Fantasy\" took $153,000."}, {"response": 278, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Aug 27, 2001 (08:06)", "body": "BGD is still playing at a couple of theaters in Austin. Any idea on the DVD release date? I want to offer it on our website."}, {"response": 279, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Aug 27, 2001 (10:34)", "body": "\"It's Raining Men\" is very popular in Italy this summer, even my boys know it. The original is so much better."}, {"response": 280, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Aug 28, 2001 (00:06)", "body": "Back on the Beryl Beat... from The Times last Thursday: Q&A: chick lit Beryl Bainbridge, whose novel According to Queeney has been nominated for this year's Booker Prize, has denounced chick lit as \"froth\". Melissa Katsoulis, The Times Deputy Literary Editor, offers a guide to the genre. What is chick lit? It's cheap and cheerful, easy-to read fiction by, for and about thirtysomething women. Usually focusing on the quest for the perfect man / job / flat / hairdo. The warts and all successors to Jilly Cooper and Jackie Collins. Who invented it? Helen Fielding was the star of chick lit with Bridget Jones's Diary, but of course women's writing about finding a man is hardly a 20th-century phenomenon. Who are the big chick-lit authors? Marian Keyes has made her fortune with novels like Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married and Sushi for Beginners, and Wendy Holden has just followed the successes of Simply Divine, Bad Heir Day and Shell Shock with a new contribution, Pastures Nouveax. Other big names are Louise Bagshawe, billed as a young Jackie Collins, Anna Maxted and Freya North. What are the cheap imitations? You could say that the whole genre is a cheap imitation of writers such as Fay Weldon, Margaret Atwood and Angela Carter, all of whom have written about women's lives with real intellectual panache. Anna Maxted made her name as a writer of sex guides before segueing in to fiction with Running in Heels. Can men write chick lit? I think not. Realistic, affectionate, funny writing about the truth of women's lives today is something women do best. Plus many female readers want to read books by other women because turning to a book is like turning to a girlfriend - someone who automatically understands you and doesn't think less of you for crying over a dodgy haircut. Is there a trick to writing chick lit? The diary format of Bridget Jones was key to its success, but it has not been widely imitated. The trick seems to be having a flawed heroine - a woman whose life is not perfect and to whose anxieties about work, family and self-image we can all relate. Do any authors admit to writing chick lit? Not to my knowledge. I don't think women even refer to themselves as chicks these days, do they? How popular is it? The bestseller charts have been chick-lit-heavy for the last few years, and of course as many books are lent and borrowed as bought. So we can assume that most women under 40 are at least acquainted with the genre. Are there problems with defining chick lit as a genre? Men are probably put off, but I fear that their reading books about needy, scheming, thirtysomething women would only put them off women as well. One problem with the genre is the kind of jazzy, lower-case, pink-themed cover designs that suggest primary school reading schemes rather than grown-up fiction. Why is Beryl Bainbridge so critical of chick lit? Bainbridge is an important literary figure of many years' standing. Even if she does sit around fretting about her carbohydrate intake and dreaming about Colin Firth, she is not likely to consider such trifles the stuff of great literature. Writers are as diverse as any other profession and there is room for everyone - spring chicks as well as old mother hens. Is there an equivalent \"lad lit\"? Recently writers such as Tony Parsons and Toby Litt have joined Nick Hornby on the bestseller lists with books about thirtysomething men facing roughly the same problems as Bridget et al. So far these exponents of \"lad lit\" have not been received with the same degree of disdain - Parsons, Litt and Hornby are all good writers. But as the genre grows there will be more room for bad books. That's when the claws will come out."}, {"response": 281, "author": "Moon", "date": "Tue, Aug 28, 2001 (08:40)", "body": "she does sit around fretting about her carbohydrate intake and dreaming about Colin Firth LOL! Now she's hitting on a universal theme."}, {"response": 282, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Aug 28, 2001 (09:25)", "body": "I can see the next iteration of this story. The headline will read: Bainbridge A Fraud!!! The Times discloses she's a rabid calorie counter and obsessed with Colin Firth. ;-)"}, {"response": 283, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Aug 28, 2001 (09:59)", "body": "From THR: Bridget Jones's Diary\" will have its French premiere when it opens the 12th Dinard Festival of British Film on Oct. 4, organizers said Monday."}, {"response": 284, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Tue, Aug 28, 2001 (14:00)", "body": "I don't think women even refer to themselves as chicks these days, do they? I dunno, I do. In a rather ironic way, anyway. \"Stop the PCing of language - reclaim yourself as a chick!\" - ? There's a wink-wink-nudge-nudge Darcy reference in the Earlene Fowler book I'm reading; I'll type it in when I'm at home."}, {"response": 285, "author": "Echo", "date": "Tue, Aug 28, 2001 (19:22)", "body": "I don't think women even refer to themselves as chicks these days Well... in this context I'd have to refer to myself as old bird - and that I absolutely refuse to do. ;-P"}, {"response": 286, "author": "Bryonny", "date": "Tue, Aug 28, 2001 (23:27)", "body": "There was an article in the Canadian news today about how the Toronto-based Atlantis-Alliance film company is turning a profit this year with much thanks to BJD. I don't know what their share of the money was since there were so many companies represented in the opening of the film (Studio Canal, Universal, etc.). That reminded me of all the people given credit for \"Romeo and Juliet\" in SIL. Meanwhile, BJD is still playing here albeit in the cheap theatres, but many films have come and gone since BJD's release. The prints must be absolutely shredded by now. Maybe I should go and check. Or can I hold out for the DVD? I suppose I should get a DVD player :-)"}, {"response": 287, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Aug 29, 2001 (08:24)", "body": "Wednesday August 29 4:06 AM ET Bullock, Grant pair for laffs By Dana Harris HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant will star in an untitled romantic comedy targeted a Christmas 2002 bow in theaters. Bullock will play a successful but somewhat neurotic attorney, with Grant as her enchanting, reckless and moneyed boss. Bullock's Fortis Films will produce the picture. Shooting will begin next February on location in Gotham. The Castle Rock/Warner Bros. project was written by Marc Lawrence, who will make his directing debut on the film. His writing credits include Castle Rock's ``Miss Congeniality,'' starring Bullock, and ``Mickey Blue Eyes,'' starring Grant. Bullock and Grant are coming off strong box office performers, ``Miss Congeniality'' and ``Bridget Jones's Diary,'' respectively. Castle Rock's next release is ``Hearts in Atlantis,'' a coming-of-age tale starring Anthony Hopkins. It is set for a Sept. 28 release."}, {"response": 288, "author": "Moon", "date": "Wed, Aug 29, 2001 (08:42)", "body": "Thanks, Mari. We now know of several HG films post BJD. What about ODB? Why is he not able to make a killing after the success of BJD? We need to get some psychology expert here to explain this phenomenon. ;-)"}, {"response": 289, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Aug 29, 2001 (09:18)", "body": "Let's put this in perspective. Huge has only made one film since Bridget (AAAB) and Colin has done the same (TIOBE). The only difference is that Huge's name has been floated in the press as being up for a number of movies, none of which is apparently being made as yet. We should be hearing something soon and it will likely be going under production far sooner than Feb. *fingers, legs, toes and eyes crossed*"}, {"response": 290, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Aug 29, 2001 (11:11)", "body": "Karen, I pray you're right. **Novena card in hand** I think Moon is just bracing for the letdown that some of us have experienced all too often. Moon, ah feel yo pain, honeychile.;-) Helen Fielding is listed as a guest on David Letterman's show this Friday. Not sure if it's a re-run--I don't recall her being on before. And speaking of Letterman, sorry, but I can't resist posting last night's top ten list: Top Ten Ways Gary Condit Can Improve His Image 10. New campaign slogan: \"Oh, like you've never killed anybody!\" 9. Blame everything on his idiot brother Jeb Condit 8. Stop screaming at reporters, \"Holy crap! I'm actually getting away with it!\" 7. Get himself really cool nickname, like \"G. Conditty\" 6. Release lengthy list of former interns he did not kill 5. Announce he hasn't been the same since the break-up with Nicole Kidman 4. Grow a full, reassuring, Kenny Rogers-style white beard 3. Confess, resign, serve 50-to-life 2. Focus on the 25% of voters who don't think he's a loathsome prick 1. Have sex with Monica Lewinsky"}, {"response": 291, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Aug 29, 2001 (11:38)", "body": "HF on Letterman? Interesting. Letterman isn't on reruns this week (although Leno is). (Mari) bracing for the letdown Wot! You know something I don't, like which project?? He's got to go back to work some time. Documentary filmmakers don't make all that much to support his lifestyle's requirements. ;-)"}, {"response": 292, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Aug 29, 2001 (12:20)", "body": "No inside info here. It's called fearing to hope for the best while preparing for the worst.;-) Hey, I'm a lifelong Phillies fan, after all. He's got to go back to work some time. Well, he does have those \"film commitments\" come . . . January."}, {"response": 293, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Aug 29, 2001 (13:13)", "body": "(Variety) The Castle Rock/Warner Bros. project was written by Marc Lawrence, who will make his directing debut on the film. His writing credits include Castle Rock's ``Miss Congeniality,'' starring Bullock, and ``Mickey Blue Eyes,'' starring Grant. Two films with wonderful premises but awful scripts, IMO. Am glad CF is not attached to this new one. (Letterman) 7. Get himself really cool nickname, like \"G. Conditty\" ROTF! Too funny!"}, {"response": 294, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Aug 29, 2001 (13:26)", "body": "My personal favs are: 6. Release lengthy list of former interns he did not kill 5. Announce he hasn't been the same since the break-up with Nicole Kidman 2. Focus on the 25% of voters who don't think he's a loathsome prick (Mari) Well, he does have those \"film commitments\" come . . . January. Could be December or February too, but you know how it is on those hush-hush projects that no one else seems to have..."}, {"response": 295, "author": "Bethanne", "date": "Wed, Aug 29, 2001 (13:49)", "body": "Gee, another romantic comedy for Hugh G, now THERE'S a shocker !!! It's nice to see Hughie stretching himself artistically. I can see him now, smiling bashfully at the judge, hair flopping O so endearingly into his eyes as he mumbles \" Actually your honour, I'm terribly sorry but if its all right with you, I'd like to object. \" Hysterical top ten Mari. Ya gotta love that Dave. But I have to ask, do a whopping 25% of Californians NOT think G Conditty is a loathsome pr*ck ? Who are these people and should we take up a collection to help pay for the medical care they obviously need ?"}, {"response": 296, "author": "Moon", "date": "Wed, Aug 29, 2001 (14:13)", "body": "Funny, Mari! I might cheer up at his birthday bash. Top 10 Reasons why Colin can't attend his Birthday Bash: 10. Filming in Penn. 9. Filming in OK 8. Filming in NJ 7. Filming in D.C. 6. Filming in LA 5. Filming in Canada 4. Filming in London 3. Filming in Rome 2. Filming in Chicago 1. Filming in Miami *Hey, he just got that video cam. and Luca is sooo cute* ;-) Documentary filmmakers don't make all that much Calling her a DF is an exageration, please!!!"}, {"response": 297, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Aug 29, 2001 (14:20)", "body": "Now, those wouldn't be my \"worst fears\" hehehe"}, {"response": 298, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Aug 29, 2001 (14:42)", "body": "Love the list, Moon. Think #3 needs to drop to #10. ;-D"}, {"response": 299, "author": "Moon", "date": "Wed, Aug 29, 2001 (15:25)", "body": "I just assume he was traveling, Eileen. ;-)"}, {"response": 300, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Wed, Aug 29, 2001 (16:48)", "body": "Bullock will play a successful but somewhat neurotic attorney, with Grant as her enchanting, reckless and moneyed boss Enchanting? I thought that Hughie was going to play a tennis pro who falls in love with an American during the Wimbledon fortnight (yawn, yawn). Or is that another project? Mark Herman's CV at PFD lists \"New Cardiff\" (in development Buena Vista/Fragile Films))as his current 2001 project (Writer/Director), which makes it sound pretty definite, for him at least!"}, {"response": 301, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Aug 29, 2001 (23:10)", "body": "From Screendaily: Bridget Jones's Diary records $100m Robert Mitchell in London On a weekend that saw a sharp disappointment for UK box office hopeful Lucky Break, UK mega-hit Bridget Jones's Diary passed the $100m international box office mark, having debuted in several territories, including Germany, Switzerland, Hungary and Finland. Distributed in most international territories by UIP, the romantic comedy has taken a massive $104.1m to date and clearly has a long life ahead of it, with several major territories including Hong Kong and France still to receive the feature. Starring Texan actress Renee Zellweger and leading British talent including Hugh Grant, Colin Firth and Jim Broadbent, the film has seen strong numbers in most territories. Last weekend's releases saw Bridget beat off fellow opener Planet Of The Apes in Switzerland where the film managed $181,217 from 35 screens. Although losing out to Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within in Germany, the comedy scored $1.96m, placing it ahead of five-week German box office leader Der Schuh Des Manitu. Hungarian and Finnish audiences awarded the film with the leading position in their charts where it grossed $110,078 from 24 screens and $295,921 from 36 screens respectively over the three-day weekend. Bridget's good legs in other key territories include the UK ($60.5m) where it dropped out of the top 15 for the first time in 20 weeks at the weekend; Spain ($11.3m), Australia ($8.9m), The Netherlands ($4.9m), Sweden ($3.3m), Norway ($3.1m), Poland ($3m) and Denmark ($1.6m). The Working Title produced film opened to number one positions in all of these territories. Bridget Jones's Diary should easily surpass the $117m achieved internationally by Brit hit Four Weddings And A Funeral, but has a long way to go to match The Full Monty (over $210m) and Notting Hill (more than $245m)."}, {"response": 302, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Aug 29, 2001 (23:48)", "body": "Bridget Jones is only a half Monty."}, {"response": 303, "author": "amw", "date": "Thu, Aug 30, 2001 (04:09)", "body": "Karen, does the figure of $210m for the Full Monty and $245m.for Notting Hill include the US because I am sure the the figure for BJD of $104.1m does not and the $70m. or so it made in the US would certainly bring it nearer to TFM & NH."}, {"response": 304, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Thu, Aug 30, 2001 (07:07)", "body": "From Now magazine: \" Hugh wants to be a millionaire Huge Gnat is to pit his wits against Chris Tarrant on a special edition of Who Wants to be a Millionaire. The Four Weddings star is a big fan of the show, and hopes to win money for charity. TV company Celador are hoping to sign up one other big-name star for the special edition of the quiz.\" Hmm, an intelligent and well-informed celebrity rival for HG? Nope, nobody springs to mind.... ;-)"}, {"response": 305, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Aug 30, 2001 (08:36)", "body": "(Ann) does the figure of $210m for the Full Monty and $245m.for Notting Hill include the US Haven't a clue, but the intl figures for BJD given above surely do not. You might want to write Screendaily. Celador are hoping to sign up one other big-name star for the special edition of the quiz.\" Ooooh! I'd pay extra to see that. ;-) BTW, Huge has talked about how he's a Millionaire addict on our chat shows."}, {"response": 306, "author": "patas", "date": "Thu, Aug 30, 2001 (10:47)", "body": "Finally seen BJD last evening. It has been advertised on newspapers in the last two weeks \"Cold - Unavailable - Always ready for a romp\" - who do you think this means? Because none of the main characters can, IMO, be thus described. Anyway. Went with my best friend, who laughed all through it, and at the end said she wasn't fond of any of the 3 main actors but enjoyed the movie and could relate to a number of situations. She said she'd take Daniel over Mark, adding I knew what poor taste she had in men. Had read only one review. Sorry, Ev, I'm not going to translate the whole thing, but what it came down to was, \"much of the book's edge has been lost in this adaptation\", and the fault is strangely but indubitably HF's, who had control over everything - from writing the script with ex-boyfriend Richard Curtis and Andrew Davies to choosing pal to be director from controling the cast. Don't ask me where they got the idea from. Now to the movie: I loved it. Must see it again, of course, although I was already aware of much that was going on thanks to everybody's comments here (thanks, ladies!). I never looked for C B-C. But of course I looked for MarkG, and excitedly told my friend about you just as you were moving across the screen. Many scenes wee much better than I expected, namely, the whole birthday dinner sequence and the fight scenes. Hugh's lines are great. Like in P&P2, where I liked Wickham very much for a while and then... not, while Darcy grew on me, this is exactly how I felt about Daniel and Mark (I'm not talking about Hugh and Colin). Hugh seems to be a great kisser... Colin is getting better though ;-) I got the \"international credits\" at the end, and liked them mainly because of Daniel ending up with a transvestite... Oops! But I suppose everybody has already seen this movie so this is no spoiler anymore. Please forgive me if I'm wrong. Also saw MLSF which has come out directly on video. A nice movie but didn't do much for me, I liked SLOW better ;-) On the Edward-&-Heloise-in-the-barn-question, my take is, nothing happened beyond a few unwanted kisses and petting. If she had been raped, she would not say such a lame thing as \"Don't ever do this again; You're behaving like a child\". She gets angrier later, when she mulls over it, more because of what she considers his hypocrisy. I know. Wrong topic. But this is all I wanted to say anyway :-) This and Welcome to all recent arrivals, hope you will enjoy it here."}, {"response": 307, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Aug 30, 2001 (12:11)", "body": "Mark Herman's CV at PFD lists \"New Cardiff\" (in development Buena Vista/Fragile Films))as his current 2001 project (Writer/Director), which makes it sound pretty definite, for him at least! Bethan, what's PFD--I'm blanking here. So, Charlie the weirdo Webb isn't adapting his book for the screen? And Mark Herman is the same guy who did Little Voice (which I really enjoyed)? If so, I'm feeling much better about this one!"}, {"response": 308, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Aug 30, 2001 (12:31)", "body": "(Ann) does the figure of $210m for the Full Monty and $245m.for Notting Hill include the US Apparently they don't, Ann. I was just checking the box office figures at the imdb and it looks like the figures above are close to the figures shown for \"non-USA\". BTW, very positive user comments for BJD continue to come in on imdb--nice to see so many people from around the world embracing it!:-) Hello, Gi!"}, {"response": 309, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Aug 30, 2001 (13:14)", "body": "Mari, PFD is an agency. Surely, you remember the Mark Herman bit. That's who Nick Hornby had told me was attached to the movie."}, {"response": 310, "author": "Moon", "date": "Thu, Aug 30, 2001 (14:03)", "body": "BTW, Huge has talked about how he's a Millionaire addict on our chat shows. Our chat shows, Karen? hmm I wonder when BJD will be in Italy. The Venice Film Fest. starts this weekend. Has anyone checked? I have a feeling it might be there. (If they got to the Italian translation yet) ;-)"}, {"response": 311, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Aug 30, 2001 (14:32)", "body": "Surely, you remember the Mark Herman bit. That's who Nick Hornby had told me was attached to the movie. I honestly don't. Was struck down with apoplexy upon hearing \"no Hamlet\"--everything else about that conversation is a blur, I'm afraid.;-)"}, {"response": 312, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Aug 30, 2001 (15:23)", "body": "True, it was posted during the early stages of Nohamlet trauma at: http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/150.186 Mark Herman was also the writer/director Brassed Off."}, {"response": 313, "author": "patas", "date": "Thu, Aug 30, 2001 (15:59)", "body": "Hallo Mari :-)"}, {"response": 314, "author": "caribou", "date": "Thu, Aug 30, 2001 (16:19)", "body": "(Karen) Documentary filmmakers don't make all that much to support his lifestyle's requirements. ;-) I have a tacky question: does anyone know how much CF was paid for doing BJD? I think Huge got $4M and Renee got $2M so, could ODB have gotten at least $1M?"}, {"response": 315, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Thu, Aug 30, 2001 (16:47)", "body": "so, could ODB have gotten at least $1M? If he did we can expect him to take a very long holiday...:-("}, {"response": 316, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Thu, Aug 30, 2001 (17:26)", "body": "Well, I'm crossing my fingers for New Cardiff given the director's previous work and the descriptions of the book I've seen. One can always hope."}, {"response": 317, "author": "Echo", "date": "Thu, Aug 30, 2001 (18:20)", "body": "could ODB have gotten at least $1M? Yes, he definitely could. Why not? The question is, did he?"}, {"response": 318, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Fri, Aug 31, 2001 (03:06)", "body": "Didn't he get that for SIL? For BJD he may have got more."}, {"response": 319, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Fri, Aug 31, 2001 (04:36)", "body": "Gi: It has been advertised on newspapers in the last two weeks \"Cold - Unavailable - Always ready for a romp\" - who do you think this means? I suspect that \"Aloof. Unavailable. Ice-queen. Hmm, fancy a shag, though\" doesn't translate too clearly into Portuguese."}, {"response": 320, "author": "amw", "date": "Fri, Aug 31, 2001 (06:15)", "body": "Mari, thanks for the info re Box Office nos., however, don't you think it is odd that they don't include US Box Office figures."}, {"response": 321, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Fri, Aug 31, 2001 (06:55)", "body": "The BJD Box Office figures must be for non-US markets only. If combined BJD must surely be over $170 million by now? Well, I'm crossing my fingers for New Cardiff given the director's previous work and the descriptions of the book I've seen. One can always hope. Regardless of who gets the lead role, I think that this will be an easy movie to sell, in the UK at least. We've had a very successful stage revival of \"The Graduate\" (still going strong, loads of publicity) and if you combine this with \"Director of \"Brassed Off etc\", you'll spark press and public interest. One of the reasons BJD did so well in the UK was that it was extremely well promoted...everyone knew that the movie was coming. \ufffd40million is really fantastic....especially when you look at the performance of the recent string of small British movies (good reviews too) which are taking about \ufffd1million and then disappearing. Didn't he get that for SIL? For BJD he may have got more. I can remember seeing various figures in the press (whether they're accurate is another matter!)........for BJD, HG $8million, plus a share of profits (oh lucky man!), RZ $3million. I know the original (pre-Hughie) budget quoted for BJD was only $8million, so go figure! SIL...Geoffrey Rush (with his Oscar) was quoted as earning $300,000.....I don't think ODB would have been in the same league!"}, {"response": 322, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Fri, Aug 31, 2001 (10:43)", "body": "SIL...Geoffrey Rush (with his Oscar) was quoted as earning $300,000 Maybe my memory is playing tricks but I thought GR got $2m and CF $1m. $300,000 doesn't sound much for an Oscar winner does it?"}, {"response": 323, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Aug 31, 2001 (13:12)", "body": "Would this be pounds or dollars?"}, {"response": 324, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Fri, Aug 31, 2001 (13:36)", "body": "$$$$"}, {"response": 325, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Aug 31, 2001 (13:51)", "body": "don't you think it is odd that they don't include US Box Office figures. Ann, it seems to me that these articles resulted from a press release that the non-US distributor (Universal/UIP) put out, and therefore would only include figures for the countries in which it had distribution rights. Miramax distributed over here, and apparently UIP doesn't/can't report on those numbers. I agree, it's misleading when the press prints it as a worldwide figure. BTW, BJD is still playing in a theater near me and I'm sure elsewhere, though Miramax has stopped reporting its figures for the purposes of those box office charts. It will be interesting to see what the final tally will be. It will do very, very well in video rentals, I predict. One of the reasons BJD did so well in the UK was that it was extremely well promoted...everyone knew that the movie was coming. \ufffd40million is really fantastic It certainly is. Just goes to show, give the people something they want to see, in a quality production, and they'll come out for it. Good for the UK audiences for supporting it so fantastically. Regardless of who gets the lead role, I think that this will be an easy movie to sell, in the UK at least. We've had a very successful stage revival of \"The Graduate\" (still going strong, loads of publicity) and if you combine this with \"Director of \"Brassed Off etc\", you'll spark press and public interest. I just read the Graduate is being brought to Broadway with Kathleen Turner reprising her London role; should do well. Mark Herman's work has gotten good reviews here and has done decent box-office too. I'll have to get hold of the book. Do you think CF would commit to filming in Vermont, though? I'm not trying to be a wiseacre here, it's just that clearly he has committed to working close to home. On the other hand, I suppose they could film in England, as large parts of New England look like parts of England."}, {"response": 326, "author": "studybees", "date": "Fri, Aug 31, 2001 (14:00)", "body": "I saw Kathleen Turner in The Graduate, with the excellent young Welsh actor Matthew Rhys (has had a run of poor UK movies, not his fault, but great on stage and TV and is Ioan Gruffud's best friend and flatmate). Great production, crap set. Well, I didn't like it, anyway. We had a spare ticket and sold it outside the theatre no problem, tickets were that hot."}, {"response": 327, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Aug 31, 2001 (14:01)", "body": "Do you think CF would commit to filming in Vermont, though? And I just turned an invitation to Vermont for the leaves changing! AKA Autumm. When would this start production? Vermont air good for Luca, not the winter, it is d... cold."}, {"response": 328, "author": "MysteryMan", "date": "Fri, Aug 31, 2001 (14:29)", "body": "New Cardiff will be filmed in Canada."}, {"response": 329, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Aug 31, 2001 (15:31)", "body": "Canada's rather large. Will it be in BC? And when?"}, {"response": 330, "author": "Becka", "date": "Fri, Aug 31, 2001 (16:11)", "body": "CF maybe be coming to Canada?! Pray, someone get me my smelling salts!!"}, {"response": 331, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Aug 31, 2001 (16:40)", "body": "Having forgotten my fiduciary reponsibilities to stem potential hysteria and garden-variety rumor-mongering... (MM) New Cardiff will be filmed in Canada. Pray tell, how do you know this?"}, {"response": 332, "author": "MysteryMan", "date": "Fri, Aug 31, 2001 (17:40)", "body": "British Film Institute"}, {"response": 333, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Aug 31, 2001 (17:56)", "body": "Please elaborate. Plus there was a question of where in Canada and when in addition to the more relevant one of is CF in it."}, {"response": 334, "author": "Echo", "date": "Fri, Aug 31, 2001 (19:17)", "body": "(MM) Oh, heck. These are my real life initials, but I'll be damned if anyone tries to pin this one on me as well (since I traditionally get blamed for most of the mischief around here). Fortunately (in this particular case only!) I have no links to BFI. Pray, continue, MM."}, {"response": 335, "author": "patas", "date": "Sat, Sep  1, 2001 (05:07)", "body": "MarkG, thanks for explaining - that sounds more like it."}, {"response": 336, "author": "heide", "date": "Sat, Sep  1, 2001 (10:22)", "body": "Yeah! Gi, I'm so glad you saw it finally . Is Portugal the last country in the world to finally unveil Bridget? It was well worth the wait. Hugh seems to be a great kisser... Colin is getting better though ;-) Ooooh, quite so. Go see it again and again."}, {"response": 337, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sat, Sep  1, 2001 (11:41)", "body": "so, could ODB have gotten at least $1M? (Allison)If he did we can expect him to take a very long holiday...:-( Not with his lifestyle...think homes in at least two countries, think air-fares,think school fees... So glad you finally got to see BJD, Gi. Has DH seen it? Approved?LOL . I fondly remember YDH saying he was no longer 'objective' on CF projects. Dear man:-))"}, {"response": 338, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sat, Sep  1, 2001 (12:38)", "body": "Is Portugal the last country in the world to finally unveil Bridget? It is not out in Italy. Gi, I can't believe you like SLOW better than MLSF. Is BJD dubbed or did you get it with subtitles? In Italy, it will be dubbed. :-("}, {"response": 339, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sat, Sep  1, 2001 (14:53)", "body": "BJD will be available to rent at Blockbusters as of Oct. 9th."}, {"response": 340, "author": "rachael", "date": "Sat, Sep  1, 2001 (18:20)", "body": "I like SLOW much much better than MLSF In fact, I was going to ask, I really like the music in SLOW, and since its hardly likely to be available as a soundtrack album ;-) does anyone know if the bands who did the music for the film have released anything?"}, {"response": 341, "author": "rachael", "date": "Sat, Sep  1, 2001 (18:22)", "body": "oops wrong place, sorry, thought I was in topic 150 note to self ... *concentrate* get off drool boards, get back to writing shower scene for Beth .... *ROFL*"}, {"response": 342, "author": "patas", "date": "Sun, Sep  2, 2001 (06:41)", "body": "(Heide) Gi, I'm so glad you saw it finally (...)It was well worth the wait. Indeed it was :-) (Evelyn) So glad you finally got to see BJD, Gi. Has DH seen it? Approved?LOL . I fondly remember YDH saying he was no longer 'objective' on CF projects. Dear man:-)) No, I saw it with a (female) friend; and really doubt whether DH will be willing to see it. He was told that it was \"a film for women, not for men\" :-( Perhaps he'll be curious enough, though... (Moon) Gi, I can't believe you like SLOW better than MLSF. Oh definitely. Edward is too much of a clown for my taste, also (possibly because events are seen through a child's eyes) the characters are shallow and the plot underdeveloped. In SLOW, the marriage arrangements, the hyerarchical distinctions, the cultural surprises, were quite believable, and Matthew was very attractive. Is BJD dubbed or did you get it with subtitles? In Italy, it will be dubbed. :-( We never get dubbed unless it's animations meant for children. Thank the gods! It would be unpardonable to miss out on some actors' voices ;-) I once saw part of a Mel Gibson movie on spanish television - dubbed - and half his charm wasn't there."}, {"response": 343, "author": "Bethanne", "date": "Tue, Sep  4, 2001 (04:38)", "body": "Actually Rachie-poo, I was kinda' hoping for a sequel to the burnt out coffee pot scene. I was thinking maybe a burnt out oven or a microwave..... But hey, I'm not one to stiffle someone else's....ahem..... artistic impulses, so a shower scene will perfectly ok."}, {"response": 344, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Tue, Sep  4, 2001 (23:39)", "body": "I was just checking Amazon.com and noticed that BJD is #24 in sales rank and P&P2 DVD is #34, and they're not even available yet. They also seem to be making an effort to get more of ODB's \"classic\" films in stock, although they seem to be running out rather quickly. Hmmmmm. Do you think maybe their ordering \"wizards\" have figured out that people can't buy it if you don't have it? Someone should give them an award for figuring out the obvious. Maybe some of those \"hard-to-get\" videos like AMITC will appear soon. I'll keep you posted."}, {"response": 345, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Sep  5, 2001 (10:02)", "body": "Another article analyzing BJD's potential for end-of-year awards from THR's Martin Grove: Looking at the rest of what's already opened this year doesn't present a wealth of likely nominees, but there are more worth mentioning than you might at first think. In April, for instance, there was Miramax and Universal's well-liked \"Bridget Jones's Diary,\" for which Renee Zellwegger is a likely Globes nominee for best actress (musical or comedy) and a possible best actress Oscar nominee, although comedies often don't get the respect they deserve from Academy voters. On the best picture front, \"Bridget's\" best prospects are in the Globes where it could compete for best picture (comedy or musical). With the right campaign -- emphasizing its story's more serious side -- and sufficient other awards sizzle, it might have best picture Oscar potential, as well. \"Bridget's\" prospects are attractive on the writing front for its screenplay adaptation by Helen Fielding and Andrew Davis and Richard Curtis from Fielding's novel. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hollywoodreporter/columnists/grove/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1040573"}, {"response": 346, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Wed, Sep  5, 2001 (11:44)", "body": "I thought there was a conspiracy of silence here not to talk about the O****s for fear of hexing the film Is there a Best Extra category?"}, {"response": 347, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Sep  5, 2001 (12:18)", "body": ""}, {"response": 348, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Sep  5, 2001 (12:19)", "body": "Silence has the least relevance to the Oscars. One must create buzz and throw big bucks at the media in order to secure even a nomination. Will start campaign for Best Extra. Off to look for AMPAS' email addy. How would you like your name shown, Burberry Man? ;-)"}, {"response": 349, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Sep  5, 2001 (14:27)", "body": "(Karen) One must create buzz and throw big bucks at the media in order to secure even a nomination. Go Harvey! Go Harvey! Never mind all that stuff we wrote about you when MLSF came out. We think you are brilliant. ;-D HarVEY! HarVEY!"}, {"response": 350, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Sep  5, 2001 (17:48)", "body": "What else does Miramax have coming out? I know he sunk big bucks into Gangs of New York."}, {"response": 351, "author": "Moon", "date": "Wed, Sep  5, 2001 (18:36)", "body": "Lord of the Rings is another Weinstein Bros."}, {"response": 352, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Sep  5, 2001 (21:36)", "body": "Miramax has The Shipping News (Kevin Spacey, Judi Dench, Julianne Moore)coming out on Christmas Day. Director is Lasse Halstrom. That and Gangs Of NY will get a huge Oscar push. RZ too. New Line is the studio behind Lord Of The Rings. Did anyone see Helen Fielding on the Letterman show last week? She was funny and adorable as usual. I think that's the nicest I've ever seen Dave be toward anyone; he was truly charmed. They mentioned her script of BJD a number of times; methinks HF is prepping for awards season, and good for her. Dave briefly held up a copy of Cause Celeb--which was published eons ago--but they didn't even talk about it, so there really was no other logical reason for her to be on."}, {"response": 353, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Sep  5, 2001 (23:25)", "body": "(Mari) methinks HF is prepping for awards season Very possibly. They need to get her name out there, just as in the Martin Grove article. I thought Helen was extremely nervous and Dave was completely rooting for her to do well. It was obvious that he was a big fan of the book (BJD, that is). He knew his stuff and he knew the topics that would go over well."}, {"response": 354, "author": "Bryonny", "date": "Fri, Sep  7, 2001 (16:13)", "body": "(Mari)Did anyone see Helen Fielding on the Letterman show last week? I had the impression that Dave just recently read the book and enjoyed it. In the past he's had authors on if he likes the book. And he didn't seem to like the movie as much when RZ was on his show. Helen was v. sweet and I'm sure she'll be back. Then Paul Shaffer plays \"It's Raining Men\" and makes a few more dollars, since he cowrote it. By the by, BJD is gone from all my theatres as of today. So sad :-("}, {"response": 355, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Fri, Sep  7, 2001 (17:42)", "body": "The music guy from Letterman cowrote It's Raining Men? How very bizarre. I wondered where the heck that song came from."}, {"response": 356, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Sep  7, 2001 (21:55)", "body": "Paul Shafer is best known for his extraordinary wit. He also manages to write a few good songs."}, {"response": 357, "author": "Bethanne", "date": "Sat, Sep  8, 2001 (15:54)", "body": "Does he actaully display this wit on Dave ? I tended to equate him with that grinning buffoon on Leno...Kevin somethingorother. So I may have to revise my opinion..LOL Though mind you, that was pretty jaw droppin stuff when he asked Julia Roberts if she was \"getting any\", just after she broke up with BB."}, {"response": 358, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sat, Sep  8, 2001 (18:07)", "body": "Paul has set Dave up on many occasions. I wish Dave used him more like he did in the early days."}, {"response": 359, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sat, Sep  8, 2001 (18:07)", "body": "This might be OT..do we do HF stuff here? The October issue of PREMIERE has just arrived. \"A Woman's Touch :What would Hollywood movies be like if women called all the shots?We asked three female writers to reimagine a scene from some classic \"guy\" films. Hold onto your skirts\" HF re-writes \"Pearl Harbor\"with a tinge of Bridget. v. cute. Too long to type;-))"}, {"response": 360, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Sep 10, 2001 (13:13)", "body": "Cindy Adams' column in teh NY Post says RZ is *confirmed* to star in Chicago with Catherine C-Z which films in Toronto."}, {"response": 361, "author": "mari", "date": "Mon, Sep 10, 2001 (21:17)", "body": "in Chicago which films in Toronto. No comment. Maybe we could get Ewan McG to write a letter.;-)"}, {"response": 362, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Sep 10, 2001 (23:59)", "body": "From the 10 Sept Guardian, an article about Best Movies about Life in the Office: Bridget Jones's Diary For any girl who's had an endless run of duff boyfriends and boring jobs, this year's great hit, BJD, will have you grinning in sympathy. Renee Zellweger plays the plump singleton in search of a life, whose relationship with vodka, cigarettes and the local gym are more meaningful than those with her boyfriend. Hugh Grant does a fine job as the posh publishing rat while Colin Firth is the well-starched, but badly dressed barrister with a heart. Look out for a special Bridget Jones video/ Office Hours giveaway on October 15."}, {"response": 363, "author": "caribou", "date": "Sat, Sep 15, 2001 (12:50)", "body": "During this week, I'll take any good news I can get. So, good news : BJD ffffiiiinnnaaallly made it to our dollar theater. Am hoping to go with a friend this coming week. I don't think she's seen it yet but she was the first person I knew that had heard of CF, had a copy of Nostromo, and would indulge me while I talked of him. She is not infected with Firth Fever, like yours truly, but she can at least understand."}, {"response": 364, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Sep 16, 2001 (18:34)", "body": "From Screendaily (16 Sept) by Robert Mitchell: Bridget Jones's Diary crosses $200m worldwide Bridget Jones\ufffds Diary was set to cross the $200m barrier in worldwide box office this weekend as it continues to pull in audiences across the globe. With an international running total of $125.4m to add to its $71.5m North American receipts, the romantic comedy needed to make just $3.05m internationally over the three-day weekend to cross the mark, a feat Bridget should have taken in its stride. Having taken number one spots in nearly every territory where it has been released, including both Switzerland and Germany last weekend, although after three weeks on release having opened at a lower position, the film also claimed another lead last week, opening in Hong Kong on September 6 to take a seven-day gross of $459,705 from just 24 screens and achieving a massive $19,154 screen average. Other strong international territories include the UK ($59.6m), Spain ($11.3m), Australia ($10.5m) and Germany ($9.99m), all of which are still clocking up the numbers. Foreign-language territories account for 43% ($54m) of the international takings and the Working Title production has yet to open in several major markets, including France and Italy. The comedy stars Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant and is directed by first timer Sharon Maguire. The film is based on Helen Fielding\ufffds best-selling novel of the same name. The DVD details have already been announced for the US release on Oct 9 and UK on Dec 1 \ufffd which will include deleted- and behind-the-scenes material as well as a running commentary from Maguire to accompany the film."}, {"response": 365, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sun, Sep 16, 2001 (21:44)", "body": "Wouldn't it be something if CF had points on it?"}, {"response": 366, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Mon, Sep 17, 2001 (17:38)", "body": "Impressive figures! How would BJD rate in a league for net profitability? Fairly high, I would think.If it cost $20million to make and (guessing)had a $10million budget for promotion, then (counting on fingers) it has a net profit so far of $170million, plus all video/dvd rentals/sales to come. Other movies have much bigger gross returns, but they often cost $100million to make and have a promotion budget of $30million or more. Big posters up for BJD in local video store, plus a row of BJD flags around the counter. Can't miss it!"}, {"response": 367, "author": "amw", "date": "Mon, Sep 17, 2001 (18:43)", "body": "I have just read the BJD has it's French Premiere in Paris tomorrow, I wonder if Colin will attend."}, {"response": 368, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Sep 17, 2001 (18:49)", "body": "So it looks like Italy will be last. I am very curious to see how the French will like it."}, {"response": 369, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Sep 18, 2001 (11:17)", "body": "Must have been backlash against Beryl Bainbridge for her dismissal of chick-lit. The odds-on fav for the Booker's short list didn't make it."}, {"response": 370, "author": "Moon", "date": "Tue, Sep 18, 2001 (11:45)", "body": "Which just goes to show what a tight-knit mafia the book industry is in England."}, {"response": 371, "author": "Bryonny", "date": "Wed, Sep 19, 2001 (21:55)", "body": "I found this description of BJD at Rogers Video site: \ufffd Sex/Nudity: sexual conversation, comments and innuendoes; people have sex; animals mate; a woman\ufffds bare buttocks; scantily clad women; someone groped \ufffd Drugs/Alcohol: excessive drinking; people get drunk; excessive smoking; a child drinking (suggested) \ufffd Violence/Scariness: fist fights; someone thrown through a window; fatal shooting on television \ufffd Objectional Words/Phrases: Approx. 55 I think that pretty much covers the movie! I couldn't remember animals mating, at first. \"people have sex\"--barely, I say. And there are 55 objectionable words? Does 'Cleaver' count? :-) You might want to check this site out for CF movies, including a trailer for Advocate that I hadn't seen before: http://www.rogersvideo.ca/search.asp"}, {"response": 372, "author": "rachael", "date": "Wed, Sep 19, 2001 (17:24)", "body": "hmmm if only I'd realised it was that saucy when I saw it *ROFL* animals mate, and fatal shooting? does bare buttocks mean the knickers scene? *desperately trying to remember crucial chunks of film*"}, {"response": 373, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Sep 19, 2001 (17:27)", "body": "Almost read that as \"people have sex with animals.\" Again, Cleaver might count there as well. ;-)"}, {"response": 374, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Wed, Sep 19, 2001 (20:31)", "body": "fatal shooting? I don't remember that, when did that happen? Had almost forgotten about the animals mating bit on tv."}, {"response": 375, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Sep 19, 2001 (20:35)", "body": "Glenn Close"}, {"response": 376, "author": "Girl", "date": "Thu, Sep 20, 2001 (09:55)", "body": "I found BJD really quite refreshing... I don't know about most people, but I'm certainly no supermodel. I found it unique in representing a relatively 'normal' person. Things go wrong all the time, with very embarrassing outcomes, and (I'm cringing here) I related to BJ quite well. (I haven't read many earlier postings, so I don't know what your consensus is.)"}, {"response": 377, "author": "maryw", "date": "Thu, Sep 20, 2001 (11:21)", "body": "(Carrie)(I haven't read many earlier postings, so I don't know what your consensus is.) As far as consensus is concerned - I vote with my purse..I'm still contributing heavily to the phenomenal box-office draw of BJD, having not seen it for the zillionth time and possible more. (Carrie)I related to BJ quite well. I must say that I wish I can **relate** much better to ODB rather than BJ (hee hee)"}, {"response": 378, "author": "maryw", "date": "Thu, Sep 20, 2001 (11:23)", "body": "Ooops.. having not seen it for the zillionth time and possible more. That was meant to be having *now* seen it..."}, {"response": 379, "author": "Lora", "date": "Thu, Sep 20, 2001 (16:58)", "body": "Welcome Minkee and Carrie! I'm sort of still a newbie myself (from April), still learning the ropes and the initials ;-). But you all seem comfortable with posting already and you'll find everyone on the board very helpful. Enjoy!"}, {"response": 380, "author": "Girl", "date": "Fri, Sep 21, 2001 (03:11)", "body": "Thanks Lora! This is probably an outdated question, but what's everyone's favourite part?? :-)"}, {"response": 381, "author": "amw", "date": "Fri, Sep 21, 2001 (05:36)", "body": "Ah, my favourite part, Carrrie, and I am glad you asked, is when Mark arrives at Bridget's flat just before the other's arrive, paper in hand, dimples in place and the most gorgeous cute smile, he is congraulating her on her article."}, {"response": 382, "author": "Girl", "date": "Fri, Sep 21, 2001 (05:43)", "body": "Ann, that part is priceless, isn't it? The way his eyes laugh ever so slightly is really great! I think I have to see it again before I make my final decision though. It's only just been released in Germany (luckily there's an English cinema just around the corner - can't miss that voice!) so I might consider another little trip tomorrow night! :-)"}, {"response": 383, "author": "Lora", "date": "Fri, Sep 21, 2001 (09:14)", "body": "(Carrie)This is probably an outdated question, but what's everyone's favourite part?? :-) Never an outdated question...as you can see we never tire of discussing and re-discussing these things ;-). I loved CF in his barrister's suit and the endearing look he gave BJ in the A-H interview when he was wearing it. Also what he does with his winter coat at the end of the movie is simply the best! It's just what I think my subconscious was thinking he needs to do, and then he does it! And who but ODB could do a more sexy scene with clothes on?"}, {"response": 384, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Sep 21, 2001 (10:55)", "body": "And who but ODB could do a more sexy scene with clothes on? Yes, but just think, Lora... ;-)"}, {"response": 385, "author": "maryw", "date": "Fri, Sep 21, 2001 (11:30)", "body": "Carrie: the complete answer is - all of the last 3/4 hour which contain the dinner scene, the Ruby Wedding scene and the Snow scene..but I can manage to provide further and better particulars as follows and in order of OBD intensity: 1 when he wraps his coat around BJ in the very last scene 2 when he bends down and nuzzles BJ's neck in the doorway 3 the 2nd attempt at a kiss in the same doorway...especially as he moves from stage right to middle, bows head a bit and encourages BJ to lift head for kiss.(I am flabbergasted as to why she walked away!!!! Knickers or no knickers - he would have been flat against the wall, if that was me!!! - \"I don't want to be unkind to our sex..but there it is\" -Lizzie Bennett) 4 while stirring the blue soup - delivering his funny lines with glorious deep dimples on cheeks appearing 5 2 tied for 5th place - short sequence \"Goodbye Bridget\" then walks/runs up the steps\" after delivering \"just as you are\" lines tied with His \"walk\" - as he strides away from BJ's flat. 6 \"my wife...my heart\" this is the ZEN of all deliveries IMO Maybe the more appropriate question is : which scenes did we like least?? I know I will be attacked for heresy here but I did not like the early part of \"just as you are\" scene until he delivered the lines \"what I'm trying to say very inarticulately\" So Carrie - I recommend that you print this out and go back to the theatre and study the whole movie again to assess whether there is any merit to what me and the other ladies have been saying. I believe just one more viewing is not enough to do this task justice - try another 2 at least!!!"}, {"response": 386, "author": "KJArt", "date": "Fri, Sep 21, 2001 (17:30)", "body": "(Minkee) I know I will be attacked for heresy here but I did not like the early part of \"just as you are\" scene until he delivered the lines \"what I'm trying to say very inarticulately\" You're not supposed to \"like\" them. They are meant to parallel the backhanded compliments in the first proposal scene in P&P2, I believe. ;-) KJ"}, {"response": 387, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Fri, Sep 21, 2001 (18:46)", "body": "I think my favorite moments are MD's brief discomfiture as Bridget's friends show up for the birthday dinner, and \"alright, outside\". He's so funny before the fight, like \"I can't believe I'm doing this, but I just have to\"."}, {"response": 388, "author": "maryw", "date": "Fri, Sep 21, 2001 (19:41)", "body": "(KJ) - You're not supposed to \"like\" them. They are meant to parallel the backhanded compliments in the first proposal scene in P&P2, I believe. ;-) KJ Yeah - that was fairly obvious - what I meant was I did not like how he played it...that's the heresy."}, {"response": 389, "author": "WinniePeg", "date": "Fri, Sep 21, 2001 (20:05)", "body": "My faves are when he wraps his coat around her at the end and when he and Bridget are calling each other Pam and Una over the lumpy gravy... Also liked the remark he made about loving her Lewisham fire hall report..."}, {"response": 390, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Sat, Sep 22, 2001 (00:11)", "body": "(Minkee)Maybe the more appropriate question is : which scenes did we like least?? Any scene with HG instead of ODB, of course!!! The coat-wrapping thing is the BEST. And the smile when he delivers the paper is good, too. And the way he pauses and looks at Bridget during the interview (when he says something about E Heany doing all this \"for the man she loves.\") Another favorite of mine is the scene in the boat when he looks longingly at her as she laughs at HG. V. subtle, but v. sweet."}, {"response": 391, "author": "rachael", "date": "Sat, Sep 22, 2001 (12:13)", "body": "favourite scenes: agre with lots of ones listed above, especially coat scene, nuzzling in the door way scene (Minkee, I'm with you absolutely, who would even think about their knickers in that situation??), turning up on the door step with the paper; but I think my favourite is the birthday party, where Tom says \"we like her just as she is\" and they toast her - the look in Mark's eyes over his wine glass *swoon* *thunk* :-)"}, {"response": 392, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sat, Sep 22, 2001 (12:47)", "body": "For me it's the nuzzling in the door way scene and when he tells her he likes her \"just as you are.\""}, {"response": 393, "author": "caribou", "date": "Sat, Sep 22, 2001 (13:04)", "body": "I concede he does need Moon's kissing lessons but he has perfected the art of nuzzling. I'm thinking SLOW; I'm thinking, L'dumb; I'm thinking, especially, BJD. :-) Favorite scene: All of the above. As usual, his scenes are the best in any movie."}, {"response": 394, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Sat, Sep 22, 2001 (20:28)", "body": "Blue food recipes in NY Times! I finally got around to reading last Sunday's NY Times Magazine, and discovered an article about blue and white--dishes, decor, etc. But what about food? Apparently, the Times has decided that there isn't enough blue food. \"'There are no blue foods,' says Hank Thomashevski, the private caterer who devised the recipes below. 'Even blueberries turn purple. So I played with the idea of blue and white.'\" He then provided a recipe for blue angel cake (angel food cake with frosting colored blue by the addition of blue curacao--which is blue only because they put food coloring in it!!) In the article, the frosting on the cake is about the color of Bridget's soup. Also a receipe for, are you ready for this... BLUE SOUP! It's a pretty typical potato soup, only you use blue potatoes. I do not know where you're supposed to get blue potatoes. I know they exist, as I've had the blue potato chips. But I've never seen blue potatoes in the supermarket. No photo of the soup. If anyone really wants to know the recipes, I'll post them, if that's legal. (Don't want the Spring to be sued by NY Times!)"}, {"response": 395, "author": "Girl", "date": "Sun, Sep 23, 2001 (04:34)", "body": "Okay - okay - I've decided, apart from \"all\" those mentioned above, I love the part during her B'day dinner, when they're on (the 2nd course, I think?) and he says something along the lines of \"No, this really is the most incredible S**T\" and then laughs. The laugh looks SO cute!! Of course, the coat, nuzzling, cooking and fighting scenes were all wonderful too. What also cracks me up is when BJ goes to great lengths at her work function to introduce Darcy 'correctly' and then he, naughtily, introduces her as someone who used to play naked in his paddling pool!"}, {"response": 396, "author": "heide", "date": "Sun, Sep 23, 2001 (10:12)", "body": "(Kate) BLUE SOUP! ... If anyone really wants to know the recipes.. Just tell me this - does the recipe mention string? ;-) I've never seen blue potatoes either."}, {"response": 397, "author": "ekelley", "date": "Sun, Sep 23, 2001 (11:38)", "body": "have any of you ever had terra chips? There are, I think, blue potatoes in there..."}, {"response": 398, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Sep 23, 2001 (17:16)", "body": "You can get blue potatoes in fancy grocery stores or farmers' markets where they have stands for organic ($$$$$) farmers. They're like $3/lb."}, {"response": 399, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Sun, Sep 23, 2001 (22:07)", "body": "$3/lb?? Food coloring is cheaper! (No string in the recipe I saw)"}, {"response": 400, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Sep 23, 2001 (23:36)", "body": "(Kate) $3/lb?? Food coloring is cheaper! Yup. There are all sorts of new trendy potatoes, including these \"finger\" ones, which must resemble the fingers of arthritic people. ;-)"}, {"response": 401, "author": "winter", "date": "Mon, Sep 24, 2001 (10:47)", "body": "(Karen) new trendy potatoes, including these \"finger\" ones, which must resemble the fingers of arthritic people. Ewww... Not what I wanted to read about first thing in the morning..."}, {"response": 402, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Sep 25, 2001 (09:44)", "body": "Looks like BJD has finally opened in Japan: \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" wooed an estimated $3 million in three days in Japan, where data were sketchy due to a public holiday Monday. The Renee Zellweger starrer was reckoned to be No. 2 behind local toon \"Spirited Away,\" which sailed through its 10th weekend. The romantic comedy overshadowed \"Captain Corelli's Mandolin,\" which whistled up a modest $860,000 in two days. \"Bridget's\" estimated foreign total reached $138 million, including Germany's fab $14.4 million, where it ruled in its fifth outing. \"Corelli's\" has earned $18.3 million in eight territories: Factoring out the U.K.'s $13.5 million indicates skimpy results in countries including France, Australia and Belgium."}, {"response": 403, "author": "Anek", "date": "Wed, Sep 26, 2001 (10:33)", "body": "I like all the moments with CF described in above messages. One of my favourites is at the launching party. MD is looking on BJ, stops the conversation with N, turns round, wants to approach BJ when suddenly she's surrounded by DC. And that look of MD when they're leaving the party. And at this scene his silhouette takes almost all the screen. (Minkee)Maybe the more appropriate question is : which scenes did we like least?? I dislike the scene at the hotel between BJ and DC when she asks him if he loves her. Every moment I see BJD I found this moment and DC's answers in the film quite disgusting. I know it supposed to be funny but it has always the opposite effect on me."}, {"response": 404, "author": "Echo", "date": "Wed, Sep 26, 2001 (10:53)", "body": "I'm glad you've said that, Aniutek! I thought that perhaps I was - strangely - too old-fashioned in my views and wasn't getting something supposedly \"modern\" in the film when I found some scenes unnecessarily deprecating towards Bridget in particular and the female kind in general. I thought she was supposed to be quite intelligent but some of her desperate attempts at attaching herself to DC were below par IMO."}, {"response": 405, "author": "Moon", "date": "Wed, Sep 26, 2001 (13:30)", "body": "but some of her desperate attempts at attaching herself to DC were below par IMO. I agree! I also thought some of the outfits she wore to the office were as well. It made BJ seem too lower class when she's not. I wonder why Sharon did that? And I agree with whomever posted that BJ seemed to have a better on-sreen chemistry with DC than MD."}, {"response": 406, "author": "maryw", "date": "Wed, Sep 26, 2001 (13:56)", "body": "(Moon)nd I agree with whomever posted that BJ seemed to have a better on-screen chemistry with DC than MD. In particular - rewind your brain back to when she interviews Mark for Sit Up Britain - he hesitates for a few seconds in the middle of his sentence, after saying \"the woman she loves..\" and \"looks\" at BJ (in manner of \"aha - I'm realising that I might really like you!)\". BJ was supposed to look back in same vein. But the effect did not quite work on the screen methinks. And yet, on the balcony at her bday dinner when Daniel tries to con her back into the relationship, it was not difficult for the viewer to imagine she was about to fall again."}, {"response": 407, "author": "amw", "date": "Wed, Sep 26, 2001 (18:37)", "body": "I don't think it was so much lack of chemisty Minkee, in the \"Sit up Britian\" interview so much as bad editing and I loved the chemisty between CF & Renee in the very last kiss \"oh yes they f----- do\" scene."}, {"response": 408, "author": "maryw", "date": "Wed, Sep 26, 2001 (19:09)", "body": "Won't complain about THAT last kiss Ann! Manna from heaven. But I still think RZ had a more intuitive positive reaction to HG's kiss (Arghh!) Hmmm...another good reason to watch again!!"}, {"response": 409, "author": "Echo", "date": "Wed, Sep 26, 2001 (20:34)", "body": "I wonder why Sharon did that? I think she/they (writers/producers) were trying to make it as funny as they dared. On the whole they have succeeded, of course, but not without pushing some scenes to the brink of an over-the-top farse. The public is in hysterics, but when one starts analysing it seriously, one gets this \"now, wait a minute...\" kind of second reaction. The film is amusing and well made, but one is not supposed to analyse it too seriously. Apparently."}, {"response": 410, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Thu, Sep 27, 2001 (14:17)", "body": "Could it have also been an attempt to get a particular response from the audience about the Bridget/Daniel relationship? After all, it was funny, but would anyone actually want to have a long-term relationship with someone where that was the main type of conversing? I dunno, I got that 'cute, but no substance' reaction."}, {"response": 411, "author": "catheyp", "date": "Thu, Sep 27, 2001 (17:02)", "body": "I know this is late (not new for me) but I thought I'd add *one* of my many favourite parts of BJD. Its when Mark comes back from New York and asks Bridget if she is available for weddings and bar mitzvahs etc. I thought he looked absolutely gob smacking gorgeous and the they way he looked at her and his voice ....... Argh, I want a Mark Darcy for Christmas!"}, {"response": 412, "author": "Bethanne", "date": "Thu, Sep 27, 2001 (17:09)", "body": "LOL Cathey, get in line !! Lord A'mighty, just imagine getting up on Xmas morning to find Him lying under the Christmas tree. I can't decide if I want him decked out in the bunny rabbit flannel PJ's I bought him, or that reindeer jumper, or ( dare I say it ) wearing nothing at all but a smile .... sigh...decisions, decisions..."}, {"response": 413, "author": "maryw", "date": "Thu, Sep 27, 2001 (17:17)", "body": "(Cathey)Its when Mark comes back from New York and asks Bridget if she is available for weddings and bar mitzvahs etc. I'm with you Cathey - that scene sets off some serious heart flutters. With TIOBE not scheduled for release til mid 2002 (is this correct?) and NC maybe a few months after that - it will be a long time between drinks for us wouldn't it? Even Paul Ashworth only had a couple of months to wait in between seasons. Life is tough for Firthettes!"}, {"response": 414, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Thu, Sep 27, 2001 (17:34)", "body": "\"*excellent* speech\" with that little half-grin... swoon."}, {"response": 415, "author": "rachael", "date": "Fri, Sep 28, 2001 (03:14)", "body": "ooh yes, I agree, that \"excellent\" is AFG!! so, anyway, I've flown half way round the world just so I can tell you what the inflight BJD is like *LOL* hmmmm as we knew, Shazza becomes \"a journalist who likes to say 'freak' alot\" and there are all sorts of other changes - how much do you want me to say? Not exactly spoilers cos I'm not giving away a story since we already know it, but do you want to know all the changes?"}, {"response": 416, "author": "maryw", "date": "Fri, Sep 28, 2001 (03:20)", "body": "Rachel - Which airline is showing it - some of us might want to fly halfway round as well. (or do all airlines show the same movies at the same time?) BTW what's \"AFG\"?"}, {"response": 417, "author": "rachael", "date": "Fri, Sep 28, 2001 (03:34)", "body": "Minkee I flew on Emirates AFG is Absolutely F***ing Gorgeous!! Or, in the case of the airline BJD, Absolutely Freaking Gorgeous"}, {"response": 418, "author": "Echo", "date": "Fri, Sep 28, 2001 (08:00)", "body": "Am not too enthusiastic about playing to the gallery by overusing the \"f***ing\" epithet. F***ing cheap and nasty."}, {"response": 419, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Sep 28, 2001 (09:03)", "body": "Cutting in. Rachael, I would love to hear all about it."}, {"response": 420, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Fri, Sep 28, 2001 (13:12)", "body": "yeah, what about the \"Daniel comes...\" bit during the friends' dinner?"}, {"response": 421, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Fri, Sep 28, 2001 (17:04)", "body": "Sadly BJD ended here yesterday, pulled to make way for Enigma etc Luckily managed to see it for the final time with a BJD virgin (had to pick myself up off the floor too!). I got quite emotional having to say goodbye to that whisk for thelast time on the big screen. boo hoo. During the Summer I saw a live performance from Alistair McGowan (impressionist with a show on BBC 1) I was more that amused to see him discussing how Huge Gnat's delivery is like a \"helicopter\" and he proceeded to give several examples by improvising Huge talking to \"Darcy\". Got very appreciative laugh from large audience, so am wondering if any BJD dialogue will make it into his \"Xmas Special.\""}, {"response": 422, "author": "catheyp", "date": "Sat, Sep 29, 2001 (21:29)", "body": "BJD is also coming to an end in Australia, although I have found one cinema resonably close that is still showing it once per day; and that's where I'm off to this afternoon. I think I'll take tissues, just in case it hits me that I may not see it on the big screen again"}, {"response": 423, "author": "rachael", "date": "Sun, Sep 30, 2001 (03:23)", "body": "hi Moon and Laura re changes - some are just blurred over, I can't remember what \"Daniel comes\" is changed to, will have to watch again when flying home, oh what a hardship ;) the oddest one is when Bridget's on the phone to Jude - \"he's a big nobody with no body\" errr what?? \"a very bad man within my reach\" when on the phone to Mum/Dad at the end of the fight, where in the film Daniel calls Mark a w***er , on the flight version its changed to \"coward\" - which changes the whole meaning IMO will go and look at my book to remember more :-) (Yes, I made notes, yes I'm sad)"}, {"response": 424, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Sun, Sep 30, 2001 (19:40)", "body": "Ewww, I hate it when they dub movies. I think the old days of just blanking out objectionable words was better. (OT comment: I remember seeing one of the Lethal Weapon movies on TV, and when Mel says \"Now I'm really pissed!\" It came out \"Now I'm really miffed.\" Miffed???? Who are they kidding.) When I saw BJD in a hotel on ppv, it had the original dialogue. Back to blue potatoes. I found some at the farm market this morning, so I tried the blue potato soup. It came out pale blue, sort of gray. Tasted fine, but looked ucky. Definitely did not come out \"Bridget Blue.\" And no, I did not screw up the recipe, as am something of a genius in the kitchen. Sorry, Karen, was planning to photograph it and post a bowl of it as a belated birthday gift."}, {"response": 425, "author": "ommin", "date": "Sun, Sep 30, 2001 (21:24)", "body": "Re Blue Potatoes - we tried them - the greengrocer suggested we used them for making 'french fries' they were delicious! But wouldn't want to mash or boil them. Re: BJD still in four cinemas in Perth and environs - but came off most cinemas last Thursday - children are on holidays so lots of kids films instead."}, {"response": 426, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Sep 30, 2001 (23:38)", "body": "(Kate) I hate it when they dub movies Who doesn't? But I believe the airlines do it because it has to be brought down to a more general audience rating level. Hey, the kiddies get headsets too."}, {"response": 427, "author": "mari", "date": "Mon, Oct  1, 2001 (14:46)", "body": "I'm starting to see full page color ads in the magazines for the BJD DVD. Same poster we've seen in the US before, of CF, RZ and HG, with a \"post-it\" indicating the extras. They're promising deleted scenes--hurry October 9!:-)"}, {"response": 428, "author": "Bethanne", "date": "Tue, Oct  2, 2001 (15:26)", "body": "MTV just ran a delicious ad for the BJD DVD.....mainly Renee, but a teeny, tiny, delicious snippet of Col."}, {"response": 429, "author": "caribou", "date": "Tue, Oct  2, 2001 (16:02)", "body": "I hope its not too late for another blue potato story. I have to agree with Mark Darcy - there isn't enough blue food. Six years ago, I served mashed potatoes with blue food coloring in them because there were six children and only four adults at dinner. It was hilarious to see the other adults barely able to put them in their mouths- the kids loved it. I would suggest it, if you're feeling bored but only if your friends love you as much as Bridget's."}, {"response": 430, "author": "Anek", "date": "Wed, Oct  3, 2001 (04:34)", "body": "I read yesterday in October edition of FILM about BJD DVD premiere in Poland. It is set on November (no exact day given) so it'll be earlier in Poland than in UK. I had thougth that it would the opposite so I was going to buy it through Amazon. Luckily not only will it be cheaper here but also no shipment costs. It is to be a widescreen version and it will be distributed by Columbia Tristar. Up to know, I know nothing about extra material. I wish they would include both endings, cutting scenes, interviews with main actors, \"The Making of BJD\" and etc.. One can dream, can't he? BJD is still on in 7 cinemas in my city. In total, it collected around 980 000 viewers for 13 weeks. It may seem not much to you, but the statistical Pole goes very rarely to the cinema. So it's a very good result and much more than Pearl Harbour did and on the similar level as Shrek."}, {"response": 431, "author": "Anek", "date": "Wed, Oct  3, 2001 (04:36)", "body": "The number of viewers refers to the whole Poland's audience (not 1 city)."}, {"response": 432, "author": "Moon", "date": "Wed, Oct  3, 2001 (08:36)", "body": "I have a feeling they will do a pre-Xmas release in Italy. That might give Colin a chance to attend a premiere if there is one. :-D"}, {"response": 433, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Oct  3, 2001 (14:29)", "body": "Have gotten an email that my BJD DVD was shipped already!!"}, {"response": 434, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Oct  3, 2001 (16:19)", "body": "Anybody see ET last night? Apparently RZ and George Clooney are dating. \"Quiet little dinners at his place\". Hmmmmm.He is a hunk, but has left a string of broken hearts behind."}, {"response": 435, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Oct  4, 2001 (00:19)", "body": "The place to order Bridget Jones Diary for the Spring to get credit: http://www.vstore.com/cgi-bin/pagegen/vstoredvds/springdvd/page.html?mode=itempage&file=/page/itempagev4/itempage.spl&prodID=1640106&catID=128999"}, {"response": 436, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Thu, Oct  4, 2001 (16:48)", "body": "The \"George and Renee\" show made it , \"world exclusive\" to the front of one of our magazines too. Bet George doesn't watch as many re runs of BJD as we do!"}, {"response": 437, "author": "Anek", "date": "Fri, Oct  5, 2001 (08:09)", "body": "According to Annanova UK BJD DVD will include the director's commentary, a behind-the-scenes featurette, Bridget Jones articles, music videos and deleted scenes. Does it mean they'll include pool ending or not?"}, {"response": 438, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Oct  5, 2001 (08:41)", "body": "Is the DVD available for rent too?"}, {"response": 439, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Oct  5, 2001 (09:10)", "body": "(Moon) Is the DVD available for rent too? Absolutely."}, {"response": 440, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Oct  5, 2001 (09:19)", "body": "From Ananova: Hugh Grant attends French Film Festival Hugh Grant has attended a screening of Bridget Jones's Diary at the Dinard Film Festival in France. The film opened the 12th Dinard Film Festival. The screening was followed by a banquet at the local Casino Grand Hotel. The festival includes a special tribute to Sir John Gielgud. Bridget Jones is available to reserve on video and DVD now at discounted prices. [blackstar.co.uk]"}, {"response": 441, "author": "odessa", "date": "Fri, Oct  5, 2001 (10:08)", "body": "BJD is now this year`s second most watched movie in Finland"}, {"response": 442, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Oct  5, 2001 (16:59)", "body": "Drool is kicking off its Annual Fund-Raising Drive. Spring needs money in order to operate and we appreciate whatever people can send to help keep this place online every single day of the week, barring screw-ups by Terry when he's trying to make untested changes on a live server. ;-) This year, I've made arrangements with Tracy in the UK to collect funds, which she can then easily send on to me. For other countries, we have alternatives that have worked fine in the past. Our Drool boards are a source of enjoyment for many people, participants and lurkers alike. So if you'd like to make a contribution, please contact me for information, as no addresses will be posted on this board."}, {"response": 443, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Oct  6, 2001 (18:44)", "body": "As Bridget would write: Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck! My DVD arrived today and I immediately ripped it open. Not one deleted scene with Colin, just more of that Huge Gnat. What a huge huge huge disapppointment. The Behind the Scenes Featurette is made up of lots of bits we've seen before from both US and UK TV stuff. There are few new comments here and there. The other ending is shown with deleted scenes. I didn't see any Colin in it, just Hugh and a girl, Hugh and another girl, etc. Bloody waste of time...."}, {"response": 444, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sat, Oct  6, 2001 (18:57)", "body": "Soory to hear it, Karen! Lora and I were planning to see it on Thursday. You did know that the other was only HG with other girls, didn't you? Someone write to Sharon and tell her to get it right. We want the left-out Darcy scenes!"}, {"response": 445, "author": "WinniePeg", "date": "Sat, Oct  6, 2001 (19:00)", "body": "Nooooooo!"}, {"response": 446, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sat, Oct  6, 2001 (20:46)", "body": "Bummer. He was screwed again. But he gets extra scenes in the P&P DVD and a solo cover;-) I hear the \"Lizzie look\" at Pemberley has been shortened considerably. Win some...lose some....."}, {"response": 447, "author": "Echo", "date": "Sat, Oct  6, 2001 (21:29)", "body": "Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck! Huge grunt."}, {"response": 448, "author": "mari", "date": "Sun, Oct  7, 2001 (00:18)", "body": "Karen, are there *any* deleted scenes (other than the Huge Gnatified end credits)?"}, {"response": 449, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Oct  7, 2001 (01:15)", "body": "Yes, there are 7 deleted scenes: (1) Have you met Miss Jones - the train station opening scene with homeless people. (2) BJ - Marketing Genius - shows her doing a presentation to author and HG (3) Dad - Not VG - probably one of the scenes *before* the ringing dustbin, as Dad has come over to talk about problems with Mum. (4) Phone Message: Not VG - when Bridge leaves phone message for Daniel (5) How to Attract a Man - Magda giving Bridge advice, with all the friends' advice on being \"aloof, unavailable ice queen\" as Daniel is hovering near her desk. (6) The Perfect Relationship - Bridge and Daniel watching various sports on couch (suggestive language) and her wanting to go on minibreak (7) And Finally - the other end credit sequence"}, {"response": 450, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Sun, Oct  7, 2001 (09:58)", "body": "Oh Karen \"Crikey\" what a bummer. Did you like the Mr and Mrs Darcy scene in the end sequence?"}, {"response": 451, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sun, Oct  7, 2001 (10:23)", "body": "No dustbin scene? He commented in an interview that they were going to shoot that scene the next day."}, {"response": 452, "author": "amw", "date": "Sun, Oct  7, 2001 (10:32)", "body": "Maybe they are saving the dustbin scene for the sequel EOR and maybe they are using other Colin deleted scenes, not the exact scenes, but the theme for EOR."}, {"response": 453, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Sun, Oct  7, 2001 (10:54)", "body": "From today's Sunday Times: \"Collecting two of the inaugural Whitaker awards for staggering sales last week, BJ's creator recalled seeing someone being asked \"What is the title of the fictional diary by Helen Fielding?\" in the US version of the Weakest Link. \"The Diary of Anne Frank?\" was the plaintive reply."}, {"response": 454, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Oct  7, 2001 (12:26)", "body": "I've just watched the movie with Sharon Maguire's audio commentary going throughout. Only a few good Colin bits in her commentary. As I've suspected all along, she's a Huge person. (1) When we first see Mark at the Turkey Curry Buffet, Sharon does a \"a ha!\" and \"ding dong.\" She says that her direction to Colin was always \"more haughty\" then she talks about how the reindeer jumper was the star of the scene and how the crew would always laugh at the shots where it was featured. (2) Sharon does another well-timed 'ding dong' when car pulls away from curb and Burberry Man strides purposefully into view. (3) During the entire Kafir Aghani bit, with interview, Sharon doesn't comment at all on the scene and instead drones on and on about how HF started writing the column. Blech! (4) At end of \"Someone Like You\" speech as Mark is being called away by Natasha, Sharon does another 'ding dong.' (5) During most of the birthday party, she talks about creating a balance between romance and comedy and how they strove to get more comedy in. *rolling eyes* (6) Dialogue was improvised during the birthday party dinner, e.g., Colin's line \"the most incredible shit\" was his and that was real laughter. (7) Rather than making relevant comments on Colin's punches, Sharon emphasizes how punchable Hugh's face was because of the sneers. (8) She says that she got a lot of letters about how people wanted to see more of the friends, but she replies that they had to economize and that a rom-com shouldn't be anymore than 90 minutes long. (9) Now the good stuff, her commentary for the ending scenes - Sharon's direction for the meeting between Bridge and Mark at the car. They're in a trance and should give the impression of wanting to 'rip each other's clothes off.' When he bends down to nuzzle her neck, Sharon does a 'oh, he's so sexy' and 'he's a tiger under all that aloofness.' For the final kiss, she says they did lots of takes 'mainly for my enjoyment.' And Mark's last words should give a hint that he isn't the polite goody goody he has appeared to be."}, {"response": 455, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sun, Oct  7, 2001 (12:47)", "body": "that a rom-com shouldn't be anymore than 90 minutes long. Excuse me, Ms Expert after-one-film-director. And Mark's last words should give a hint that he isn't the polite goody goody he has appeared to be. What's so bad about MD being a goody goody. Who would care about a c word MD? When he bends down to nuzzle her neck, Sharon does a 'oh, he's so sexy' and 'he's a tiger under all that aloofness.' That worked for me. Too bad it was too short. for the meeting between Bridge and Mark at the car. They're in a trance and should give the impression of wanting to 'rip each other's clothes off.' I didn't get this from that scene, but will watch attentively for it. Why would B want to waste time changing bloomis if she really wanted to rip his clothes off a minute before? That scene never worked for me."}, {"response": 456, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Sun, Oct  7, 2001 (13:14)", "body": "Thanks Karen for all those details. I could see she was a Huge fan in those clips of them on the sofa, where she is sitting next to him and flirting and giggling with him.ODB at the other end of the sofa didn't get a look in, and probably wasn't meant to. I loved the revelation about the dialogue in the dinner scene, he delivers it so naturally! And after he has said it he sort of hesitates for a nanosecond and laughs in that wonderful half self conscious way. How could you NOT comment about the Kafir Ahgani scene. Beats me."}, {"response": 457, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sun, Oct  7, 2001 (13:15)", "body": "Thanks Karen. I think that DVD is a renter. (Ann)Maybe they are saving the dustbin scene for the sequel EOR They're gonna get a thin Bridge next time. She says she won't put all that weight on again."}, {"response": 458, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Oct  7, 2001 (13:19)", "body": "Yo, Lizza! Sharon said that one of the restaurant scenes (North African decor) was at Momo's. Didn't you tell me you'd been there? It's been on my list for a long time. (Lizza) How could you NOT comment about the Kafir Ahgani scene. Beats me. No kidding! It is pivotal and she doesn't say anything about what is going on between BJ and Mark and the looks he's giving her, the things she's saying and whether they refer to Mark or Kafir. Utter waste. Sharon really let down *our* side. She needs to get some feedback."}, {"response": 459, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sun, Oct  7, 2001 (13:23)", "body": "(Karen)Sharon really let down *our* side. She needs to get some feedback. How? Email? Snail mail? Am ready for battle.... One would think that HF would have had some input....inasmuch as they are best friends and HF is such a fan of ODB. Disgusting."}, {"response": 460, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Sun, Oct  7, 2001 (13:26)", "body": "Exactly! Well said, we need to bombard her with feedback. She seriously needs to rethink the length of her faux fur sweater collars, if you ask me.! Re Momo, I think it was Moro I went to (It was the most overpriced incredible s%$&!). Seriously tho' yes Momo is listed inall the guides and the decor was what they were looking for."}, {"response": 461, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Sun, Oct  7, 2001 (13:27)", "body": "Let battle commence......!"}, {"response": 462, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Oct  7, 2001 (13:30)", "body": "Letter writing to Sharon c/o Working Title and I think Miramax deserves to get an earful as well. Pathetic, truly pathetic. IMO most of the deleted scenes were ones that had been in the version shown to the critics."}, {"response": 463, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sun, Oct  7, 2001 (13:37)", "body": "Addresses Have pen in hand. Am watching P&P on Marathon.At least A&E still appreciates him. If only he'd realize that was his best role yet."}, {"response": 464, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sun, Oct  7, 2001 (13:48)", "body": "If only he'd realize that was his best role yet. OK, ladies, everyone at my house for coctails and P&P. We'll wrap it up with a fun dinner and The Emmys. (I am working on a new drink, the ultimate cuckholtail). ;-)))"}, {"response": 465, "author": "mari", "date": "Sun, Oct  7, 2001 (15:03)", "body": "the ultimate cuckholtail). PFFT! Moon's a roll today--LOL!"}, {"response": 466, "author": "mari", "date": "Sun, Oct  7, 2001 (15:03)", "body": "Actually, she's on a roll today, too. ;-)"}, {"response": 467, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Sun, Oct  7, 2001 (15:06)", "body": "Cheers, count me in. Am green at your marathon. Happy greatcoat viewing everyone."}, {"response": 468, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sun, Oct  7, 2001 (15:26)", "body": "(Moon)OK, ladies, everyone at my house for coctails and P&P. We'll wrap it up with a fun dinner and The Emmys. (I am working on a new drink, the ultimate cuckholtail). ;-))) Be there in a minute. *Getting on my broomstick*;-)"}, {"response": 469, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sun, Oct  7, 2001 (16:36)", "body": "Be there in a minute. *Getting on my broomstick*;-) LOL! I'm happy to report that Evelyn arrived safely! For a moment there, I thought she might be landing in the pool, phew! Actually, she's on a roll today, too. ;-) Mari, to this compliment I must say that you are an inspiration, in fact, this place rocks. Now, back to the cuckholtail. Hic!"}, {"response": 470, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Mon, Oct  8, 2001 (07:25)", "body": "In defence of Sharon: I think she's very brave to regard her first feature film as \"just rom-com, must be kept to 90 minutes\" - many British directors have fallen into the trap of thinking that each of their films is the defining moment in the genre, and made them too long and too dull; thus getting trounced by Hollywood's more production-line, give-the-public-what-it-wants fare. And she didn't do badly for Ms Expert after-one-film director. As to her clearly preferring HG over CF: (1) it's not unknown(!), (2) CF's stealing of the film, under the nose of the director and crew, is even more to his credit than when he was just pinching it from Hugh."}, {"response": 471, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Oct  8, 2001 (08:36)", "body": "many British directors have fallen into the trap of thinking that each of their films is the defining moment in the genre, and made them too long and too dull; True, but Sharon had much to work with here and she had an audience of readers that wanted more. The dustbin scene should have been added. Our major complaint as we waited for the expanded DVD is that she left out CF and added more HG. And she didn't do badly for Ms Expert after-one-film director. Yes and no. ;-D"}, {"response": 472, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Oct  8, 2001 (09:40)", "body": "I wouldn't give Sharon all that much credit. The 90-minute dictum would've been laid down by the US studios. We all know that's the maximum length of time Harvey can sit. Just a couple of days ago, I read Harvey told Martin Scorcese to trim about a half hour from Gangs of NY. My main complaint is that the they failed to supply anything worthwhile as an extra. None of the deleted scenes added much to the package in the way that other DVDs have done. Shoot, even Notting Hill showed Sally Philips' deleted scene."}, {"response": 473, "author": "mari", "date": "Mon, Oct  8, 2001 (13:50)", "body": "Just a thought on the DVD: Sharon might not have been given much of a budget to work with. Disney squeezes a nickel 'til the buffalo sh*ts. Maybe she felt she couldn't do much more than what was on the critic's screener."}, {"response": 474, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Oct  8, 2001 (15:54)", "body": "Humph. What a disappointment. Agree with Evelyn, it's a renter. :-/ Thanks for the run-down of Sharon's comments, Karen. AnnW--there isn't even a script for EOR yet, let alone a director or star(s). I highly doubt they're already 'saving scenes' for it."}, {"response": 475, "author": "amw", "date": "Mon, Oct  8, 2001 (16:07)", "body": "it was just a thought Eileen, as it came from the EOR second book. (a very hopeful thought as I would love them to do the sequel)"}, {"response": 476, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Tue, Oct  9, 2001 (17:03)", "body": "My dvd was shipped today, according to the email from amazon, so I rented the tape. (am v. impatient) I am watching on the TV in my office as I type this. It occurs to me that, if SM did lots of tapes on the greatcoat scene, we wouldn't have minded more of that footage as an extra! BTW, the first thing on the video is the trailer for Serendipity. Arrgh! as if I haven't seen THAT ten times already!!!!"}, {"response": 477, "author": "Bryonny", "date": "Wed, Oct 10, 2001 (11:53)", "body": "Big disappointment here yesterday. The Canadian BJD DVD was delayed a week probably due to shipping from the US. But the video came, and Thank God the Serendipity trailer wasn't on ours (small favours). We got Lord of the Rings and that Leonardo and Daniel Day Lewis film."}, {"response": 478, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Oct 10, 2001 (15:44)", "body": "Pretty glum picture of the present and future of the British film industry (so what else is new?) FRom the Evening Standard: BRITISH FILMS ARE STILL A LOTTERY \"The clear winner has been Bridget Jones's Diary, with over \ufffd41 million gross. Bestsellerdom and good word of mouth, plus an entertaining film, explain this jackpot; but also the fact that it was backed by an American studio through its British partner, Working Title, and most of the profits will go to Hollywood. But even Working Title couldn't deliver the expected grosses with their other \"bestseller\" project, Captain Corelli's Mandolin. Bad word of mouth and a turgid film that fell far short of filmgoers' expectations, have ratcheted up a \"mere\" \ufffd9.3 million so far. \" ....."}, {"response": 479, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Oct 10, 2001 (15:45)", "body": "Entire article: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/html/hottx/film/top_direct.html"}, {"response": 480, "author": "caribou", "date": "Wed, Oct 10, 2001 (17:06)", "body": "(Evelyn)...and good word of mouth... I think Karen and Drool is appropriately being given credit. I took a moment at the video superstore today to enjoy 62 pictures of CF all in one place at one time. It was definitely a Firth first for me."}, {"response": 481, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Oct 10, 2001 (18:11)", "body": "Yeah, right. LOL!"}, {"response": 482, "author": "Echo", "date": "Wed, Oct 10, 2001 (19:11)", "body": ""}, {"response": 483, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Oct 11, 2001 (11:01)", "body": "From a report in the Guardian about the Festival du Film Britannique in Dinard: Royalty, in the shape of Edward and Sophie attended once. But generally British stars are the focal point for the autograph hunters, and almost every famous name has been to Dinard at one time or another. This year, the attraction was Hugh Grant, whose most important task, apart from supporting a screening of Bridget Jones' Diary, was to take part in the hard-fought Britain versus France golf match. He won his contest 4 up and 3 to play, and thus became an instant hero, enabling the match to be an honourable draw. [...] No one, however, could honestly say that the competition, or indeed the whole programme, was strong this year even though the presence of Bridget Jones' Diary, representing Britain most obvious international success, and Ken Loach's The Navigators, representing one of our most prestigious film-makers, ensured some excitment.... http://film.guardian.co.uk/features/featurepages/0,4120,566118,00.html"}, {"response": 484, "author": "lafn", "date": "Thu, Oct 11, 2001 (11:16)", "body": "\"and Ken Loach's The Navigators, representing one of our most prestigious film-makers, ensured some excitment.... \" But apparently not enough; it's going to television. Thanks K."}, {"response": 485, "author": "Moon", "date": "Thu, Oct 11, 2001 (15:53)", "body": "Hugh Grant, whose most important task, apart from supporting a screening of Bridget Jones' Diary, was to take part in the hard-fought Britain versus France golf match. Did we have to know this, Karen? ;-)"}, {"response": 486, "author": "Moon", "date": "Thu, Oct 11, 2001 (15:59)", "body": "Lora and I watched the BJD/DVD and can join everyone in the disappointment of not having more MD. The snuggle scene is till a killer even at slow speed. ;-)))"}, {"response": 487, "author": "maryw", "date": "Thu, Oct 11, 2001 (17:25)", "body": "The snuggle scene is till a killer even at slow speed. ;-))) Still on the BIG SCREEN where I am. Saw it again (!) last night with a friend who was hiding under a rock somewhere and have never seen it before. Sparse audience but made up of seemingly CF die-hards (all that giggling and swooning) and appreciative males around too. Nice to have like-minded audience."}, {"response": 488, "author": "rachael", "date": "Thu, Oct 11, 2001 (17:45)", "body": "hey Minkee, so you finally managed to find a fellow-obsessive to go with?? what on earth are you doing on the computer at this time? shoudln't you be having your breakfast? I'm about to go to bed! a couple more changes I noticed from the (third) in-flight viewing - when Daniel falls in the lake, Bridget says \"you're stupid ... oh!\" which i suppose does the right mouth shapes but sounds odd; also, re changes, the publishers party is one of the biggest: the whole chunk from the end of \"I am the intellectual equal of everyone here\" through the \"where's the loo\" scene is wiped, so it leaps from \"I am the equal ..\" to \"can't get any worse\" then she sees Mark - but if you hadn't seen the film before, you'd be wondering why it couldn't get any worse; then the whole speech about best book/ well, one of the best books and the scan round the room spotting famous authors is lost, so it goes straight into \"and definitely one of the top 30 books of our time\" - not only does it sound odd, it also removes the justification for Mark to say later on \"you really are an appallingly bad public speaker\" - we haven't heard Bridget speak in public so how would we know? someone asked about the \"Daniel comes\" speech - it's cut - Shazza's line is cut at \"and Daniel\" and it hops straight to the next bit. I think that's all, apart from odd little things here and there. Go and fly, then you'll see!"}, {"response": 489, "author": "Moon", "date": "Thu, Oct 11, 2001 (17:52)", "body": "\"you really are an appallingly bad public speaker\" This stems from her introduction at the book launch party."}, {"response": 490, "author": "rachael", "date": "Thu, Oct 11, 2001 (18:08)", "body": "(R) \"you really are an appallingly bad public speaker\" (Moon) This stems from her introduction at the book launch party. yes - which as I said, is cut from the airline version of the film."}, {"response": 491, "author": "maryw", "date": "Thu, Oct 11, 2001 (23:19)", "body": "(Rachael)hey Minkee...what on earth are you doing on the computer at this time? shoudln't you be having your breakfast? I'm about to go to bed! Not normally this obsessive with Drool but actually haven't been to bed (for 2 nights)as working on big project. Drool and another viewing of BJD with co-obsessed friend was my \"break\" from work. Will go to sleep tonight at last - hopefully to dream about...."}, {"response": 492, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (00:42)", "body": "I still can't believe that the blurb on the back of the BJD DVD barely mentions CF. They go on and on about RZ (understandable) and HG (not), but hardly anything about CF. Grrrr. Don't they know by now that a lot of the return business in theaters was due to Darcy fans? I know that some of you don't think much of NC, but I hope it does really well. Then they'll have to accept that CF is the reason. Or do you think they'll say the success was all down to Oliver Platt?"}, {"response": 493, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (08:25)", "body": "some of you don't think much of NC, but I hope it does really well. Louise, we all want NC to do really well. We all feel that Colin is leading man material. (Rachael)which as I said, is cut from the airline version of the film. Why would they cut from the launch party? That scene is vv funny. I can understand them cutting the anal scene and hope they did because it was so unnecessary, did they?"}, {"response": 494, "author": "rachael", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (09:51)", "body": "Moon, I don't know - I thought it was very funny too, both the \"where's the loo\" and with her spotting various authors and digging herself into a deeper hole the more she tried to get out of it - I can't see why that had to go, no justification as far as language ... and now its missing, it makes that segment of the film rather odd. And no, the anal scene stayed! I can't see the logic in that set of decisions."}, {"response": 495, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (10:00)", "body": "(Louise) some of you don't think much of NC, but I hope it does really well As Moon said, we *do* want NC to do well and will of course go see it and support. You might not remember but all of us who have read the book have said it was cute, enjoyable, well-written, etc. Our only quibble is that it is lightweight stuff...again. And for that we are disappointed. It is not a Hamlet. Period."}, {"response": 496, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (12:35)", "body": "Interesting what you said about DVD cover Louise! I suppose I should learn but here I go again getting mad at Colin being so sidelined in all the vid publicity. \"Entertainment Today\" had a feature from LA on the vid release this morning on TV. The article had been running for several minutes before Colin appeared in a bit of his interview, don't even think he was in any clips either, apart from 2 seconds! Then the Guardian reviews it today wittering on about how wonderful in the role Huge is and finally mentions ODB in the SAME sentence as Neil Pearson! Pleeeeze! It's like he only has ten lines too and is a minor player. Guess the weekend papers will be gearing up for more of the same, so I will try and remain calm."}, {"response": 497, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (13:08)", "body": "From the \"this is more like it\" department . . . If it's any consolation, BJD is the featured DVD at the IMDB today: BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY Renee Zellweger is the thirty year old British \"singleton\" in this adaptation of Helen Fielding's best-selling novel. Sort of a modern reworking of Jane Austin's \"Pride and Prejudice,\" she's torn between her charismatic but manipulative boss (Hugh Grant) and the stiff, conservative Barrister (Colin Firth) who hides a passion beneath his snobby exterior. What luck the film had in landing Firth, who virtually reprises his role of Darcy from the BBC Pride and Prejudice mini-series. Brit romance specialists Andrew Davies (who also scripted Pride--another coup) and Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral) help Fielding adapt her novel to the screen with plenty of snap and verve, and Zellweger is appropriately daffy and cynical and charming as the chain-smoking , overeating career woman. And her British accent is just fine. Gemma Jones plays Bridget's matchmaking Mum, Jim Broadbent is her Dad, and Shirley Henderson, Embeth Davidtz, and Honor Blackman co-star. Director Sharon Maguire opens her own diary in a commentary track and the DVD features a behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes, Helen Fielding's original \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" columns, two music videos, and the trailer. DETAILS: Lbx (2.35:1, 16x9), 5.1 Dolby Digital, with optional French soundtrack. R. Miramax."}, {"response": 498, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (13:34)", "body": "Only slightly off-topic: I've wondered about the uproar about RZ's casting, and her accent, vs. Reese Witherspoon (another frightful American ;-) in TIOBE. Not a whimper about that one. And actually, was there *really* an uproar? Or more publicity stunt than uproar? Is it just because Bridget was the quintissential British character, and SO popular, main character, etc. I guess TIOBE part is pretty low on the radar?"}, {"response": 499, "author": "Lora", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (13:46)", "body": "I, too,(as Moon mentioned above) am disappointed in the very little \"extras\" we get of Colin in the BJD DVD. So since I've now found the zoom button on my remote (Moon, you have to rewatch with the zoom ;-)) I've been watching and rewatching his scenes and have come up with three new things about him in this movie. 1. In the scene on Bridget's balcony, after Daniel has interrupted her birthday dinner, DC is trying to recharm BJ and is about to get her to kiss him. But where the empty space remains between them is a perfect fit for MD/CF's face and aura at a distance. With his presence there when he comes to say goodbye, he foils the kiss. It's a great shot because he is not standing between them, he's between them at a distance. Ah, *sign*, great foreshadowing ;-). 2. In the final coat scene I love the way CF deftly puts his great coat around RZ while *still* holding the diary in his gloved hands. He has to transfer the diary from one gloved hand to the other as he holds each edge of the coat as well! I hadn't noticed how well he does this before. I guess it could have taken many takes, but the one in the movie makes it look like quite masterful. 3. The third thing I've noticed is a line which I wish was there but is not. After MD helps BJ get the A-H interview, I wish that when he came to her birthday party that she would have thanked him for what he had done for her (much like Elizabeth does to Mr. Darcy on the walk at the end of P & P2 - for helping with Lydia). There is no thank you at all (she even had a picture of herself in the paper over it). It could have been one line, and MD would have been so touched by it ;-)."}, {"response": 500, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (13:47)", "body": "Got and watched the DVD last night - what was with the interface design for the menus and that hideous music? Icky. I liked the non-U.S. credits bit in the deleted scenes, cute and sarcastic. I got my bf to watch it too, and he actually liked it, shocker. :) Somebody had already commented on the audio commentary thing - is it worth listening to?"}, {"response": 501, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (14:01)", "body": "(Lora) I wish that when he came to her birthday party that she would have thanked him for what he had done for her (much like Elizabeth does to Mr. Darcy on the walk at the end of P & P2 - for helping with Lydia) *Breathlessly* \"Mr. Dahcy, please..please allow me to thank for your kindness( to my sistah) in helping me get the interview.\" and then he would have said: *gazing into her eyes* \"Not at awl...I did it only for *you*\" *sigh*...*swoon*"}, {"response": 502, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (14:08)", "body": "(LauraT) what was with the interface design for the menus and that hideous music? Icky. You said it, sistah! More Andy Williams-type, Bridget's parents and their friends' theme music! What were they thinking??? Am convinced the marketeers for BJD are clueless."}, {"response": 503, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (14:16)", "body": "(Evelyn) *Breathlessly*...\"Not at awl...I did it only for *you*\" *sigh*...*swoon* Stoppit! Stoppit, you're killin' me here! ;-D"}, {"response": 504, "author": "maryw", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (14:39)", "body": "(Lora) But where the empty space remains between them is a perfect fit for MD/CF's face and aura at a distance. First time I saw this scene in BJD, it reminded me of the ball at Sir Williams' where Lizzy and Charlotte are talking in the foreground of the screen and Mr Darcy enters from screen right in the background then stands between the two ladies' faces in the shot and then stare at them."}, {"response": 505, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (14:45)", "body": "(Evelyn) *Breathlessly*...\"Not at awl...I did it only for *you*\" *sigh*...*swoon* You're right it would have been purrrfect! Moon, you have to rewatch with the zoom ;-)) Lora, I would love to zoom in on the snuggle. Must find the time. :-D Is it just because Bridget was the quintissential British character, and SO popular, main character, etc. I guess TIOBE part is pretty low on the radar? BJD is popular culture. Oscar Wilde is literature. What luck the film had in landing Firth, who virtually reprises his role of Darcy from the BBC Pride and Prejudice mini-series. Luck indeed!!! Remember he debated doing MD? (Rachael), And no, the anal scene stayed! I can't see the logic in that set of decisions. That's incredible! Must be men making that decision. :-("}, {"response": 506, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (15:29)", "body": "Ahhhhhh! Going green with envy here. Still at least we can rent it from blockbuster from Monday..... in the version starring Neil Pearson of course!"}, {"response": 507, "author": "Lora", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (16:36)", "body": "(Evelyn)*Breathlessly* \"Mr. Dahcy, please..please allow me to thank for your kindness( to my sistah) in helping me get the interview.\" and then he would have said: *gazing into her eyes* \"Not at awl...I did it only for *you*\" *sigh*...*swoon* LOL! Maybe Rachael can come up with a few modern lines for a thank you scene at Bridget's apartment and put it in fanfic! (You are very creative, Rachael :-)). It is *so* missing from the movie. I kept waiting for it to be said, and it would have been a great interaction between them. (Minkee)First time I saw this scene in BJD, it reminded me of the ball at Sir Williams' where Lizzy and Charlotte are talking in the foreground of the screen and Mr Darcy enters from screen right in the background then stands between the two ladies' faces in the shot and then stare at them. You're right, it is very similar, though in BJD it's a love triangle ;-)."}, {"response": 508, "author": "rachael", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (17:32)", "body": "(Lora) You are very creative, Rachael *blush* you are too kind! Not sure if I can weave this request into what remains of the saga, but will see what I can do!"}, {"response": 509, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (17:53)", "body": "(Use if you're redeeming a promotional certificate or coupon.) Returning customer? Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering. (We'll set one up for you) View my Wish List Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) List Price: $29.99 Our Price: $22.49 You Save: $7.50 (25%) Used Price: $19.99 Availability: In stock Rated: Not for sale to persons under age 18. Starring: Ren\ufffde Zellweger, Colin Firth, et al. Director: Sharon Maguire 1 collectible from $30.00 1 used from $19.99 I have one to sell! Edition Details: \ufffd Region 1 encoding (US and Canada only) \ufffd Color, Closed-captioned, Widescreen \ufffd ASIN: B00003CXT7 Click here for more technical details about this edition... Other Formats: VHS, Theatrical Amazon.com Sales Rank: 6 Rate this item to get personal recommendations. Average Customer Review: Based on 106 reviews. Write a review. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Customers who bought this DVD also bought: Someone Like You (2001) DVD ~ Ashley Judd Heartbreakers (2001) DVD ~ Sigourney Weaver A Knight's Tale (2001) DVD ~ Heath Ledger Explore similar items -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Editorial Reviews Amazon.com Featuring a blousy, winningly inept size-12 heroine, Bridget Jones's Diary is a fetching adaptation of Helen Fielding's runaway bestseller, grittier than Ally McBeal but sweeter than Sex and the City. The normally sylphlike Ren\ufffde Zellweger (Nurse Betty, Me, Myself and Irene) wolfed pasta to gain poundage to play \"singleton\" Bridget, a London-based publicist who divides her free time between binge eating in front of the TV, downing Chardonnay with her friends, and updating the diary in which she records her negligible weight fluctuations and romantic misadventures of the year. Things start off badly at Christmas when her mother tries to set her up with seemingly standoffish lawyer Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), whom Bridget accidentally overhears dissing her. Instead she embarks on a disastrous liaison with her raffish boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant, infinitely more likeable when he's playing a baddie instead of his patented tongue-tied fops). Eventually, Bridget comes to wonder if she's let her pride prejudice her against the surprisingly attractive Mr. Darcy. If the plot sounds familiar, that's because Fielding's novel was itself a retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, whose romantic male lead is also named Mr. Darcy. An extra ironic poke in the ribs is added by the casting of Firth, who played Austen's haughty hero in the acclaimed BBC adaptation of Austen's novel. First-time director Sharon Maguire directs with confident comic zest, while Zellweger twinkles charmingly, fearlessly baring her cellulite and pulling off a spot-on English accent. Like Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill (both of which were written by this film's coscreenwriter, Richard Curtis), Bridget Jones's stock-in-trade is a very English self-deprecating sense of humor, a mild suspicion of Americans (especially if they're thin and successful), and a subtly expressed analysis of thirtysomething fears about growing up and becoming a \"smug married.\" The whole is, as Bridget would say, v. good. --Leslie Felperin --This text refers to the Theatrical Release edition. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Customer Reviews Avg. Customer Review: Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. Awesome, October 9, 2001 Reviewer: Peter Diotte from Janesville, WI United States This is one the best movies I've ever seen. Rene is terrific as are the gents. Funny. You'll be laughing within minutes. Was this review helpful to you? Grab this one!, October 9, 2001 Reviewer: funnybookworm (see more about me) from WV USA I think this movie may have just moved up to one of my favorites. I saw it in the theater and counted the days until I could buy it. For those of you who read the book - watch the movie, it is just as good if not better. And even if you didnt read the book, the movie will make you want to. Was this review helpful to you? The DVD, October 9, 2001 Reviewer: A viewer from Oakland, CA Found this review at amazon.com.....should be forwarded to whosoever decided on the content of the DVD! Don't they realise that extra CF scenes equals extra sales. Where's the mobile phone scene? Binned? ......... I heard that the DVD does not contain any deleted scenes with Colin Firth. I'm trying to confirm this, before I decide whether to order it. I still might, since I liked the movie so much. However, the movie was severly edited and there weren't enough scenes with Firth to give us much of a clue as to why BJ would be interested in him. Although I'd give the movie close to 5 stars, if there's no more Firth, that's really stupid and it will decrease my rating on the DVD"}, {"response": 510, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (17:56)", "body": "Oh gawd, sorry. Only meant to cut and paste the last review, but somehow I've given you all of it. Just scroll down!"}, {"response": 511, "author": "maryw", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (17:59)", "body": "No worries! Interesting read anyway. Am glad to see people publicly speaking out re lack of CF. Do you think anything will come of it?"}, {"response": 512, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (20:02)", "body": "(Minkee)where Lizzy and Charlotte are talking in the foreground of the screen and Mr Darcy enters from screen right in the background (Lora)You're right, it is very similar, though in BJD it's a love triangle ;-) Hmmm, there's a fanfic idea.... =) (Though I'm sure it's been done somewhere...)"}, {"response": 513, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (20:51)", "body": "I did not mean to imply that those of you who think NC is \"lightweight\" do not want it to do well. But I guess I just have a somewhat different view of what might actually help CF's career the most. As I see it, to the average movie/TV producer, CF is on a semi-roll: he had a starring role in a bona fide hit movie (BJD) and had an award-nominated supporting role in a critically-acclaimed cable program (Conspiracy). However, to the average non-CF fanatic producer, it might seem that the success of these two projects was due to others (RZ, HG, KB, ST, etc.) If you assume that CF wants to improve his chances of getting good meaty roles in \"serious\" films, what is the best thing for him to do next? I think that if CF has one or two \"hits\" in \"lightweight\" films in which he is the \"star\", he will have a better chance to do the more serious roles he wants to do. In an ideal world, he would get to do serious roles in \"important\" movies because he's such a good actor. But in the real world, good actors have a better chance at serious roles if they've been in a couple of successful movies--and not just in supporting roles like TEP and SIL. Personally, I'd rather see CF mix in more \"commercial\" films with his serious films if that's what it takes. But not drivel like \"L'dumbium\". And even though a critically well-received performance in Hamlet might have some effect in England, would it necessarily get him lead roles in British films? If this is how things work, why is it that Hugh Grant seems to be in every other film made in England? It's because he has been successful in \"lightweight\" comedies, not because he played Hamlet to glowing reviews. And what if CF's Hamlet didn't get glowing reviews? It's not like there haven't been any successful productions of it lately. What if the critics decided that it was just another Hamlet among many? Would that do CF's career any good? Somehow, I don't think so. The few thousand people who got to see it in England might think it was the greatest thing since sliced bread, but would that help him to get starring roles in great movies made by American producers? I guess what I'm trying to say is that none of us knows why CF chose NC. Who knows, maybe it was on Hornby's recommendation. And maybe he never really had a chance at BB, so he took NC as the best offer he had. Heaven knows, it's better than \"L'dumb\". I guess I'm just easy to please, but to me, any reasonably good starring movie role that might give CF a chance at better things in the future is OK with me. So sue me (ducking brickbats)."}, {"response": 514, "author": "maryw", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (21:42)", "body": "And maybe he never really had a chance at BB, so he took NC as the best offer he had. Heaven knows I'm going to put 2 and 2 here...Remember what Mystery Man said about be on the lookout for NC news in Oct and then BB? And then I think it was Evelyn who recently posted after the no-CF-in-BB news that CF would be wanting family friendly locations and skeds. Well, methinks that CF did indeed have a serious chance at BB, but after the WTC attacks and general decline in safety worldwide, he then backed out of BB. Didn't Jolie say that she has been asked to report in December to an Asian location? Anyway, just another theory in a chain of them going around this Board. And you're quite safe from brickbats, Louise (at least from me);0)"}, {"response": 515, "author": "maryw", "date": "Fri, Oct 12, 2001 (21:44)", "body": "Oops - I think you and I posted in wrong topic Louise!"}, {"response": 516, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sat, Oct 13, 2001 (11:35)", "body": "So sue me (ducking brickbats). I don't throw brickbats...I just scroll through them. Like I've said...everyone is entitled .... That's why we pay for the real estate."}, {"response": 517, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Sat, Oct 13, 2001 (16:34)", "body": "From UK's \"Best\" magazine.. \"Plenty of fans would welcome another Bridget Jones movie, but a sequel is still a long way off. We hear the film company is further ahead on the soundtrack for Bridget 2, no doubt motivated by the fact that the first, which included tracks from Robbie and Geri, waas such a moneyspinner. Soundtracks are often released ahead of films - but could we actually end up with a CD without the movie?\" \"Bridget 2\" sounds hopeful...and if they're already working on the soundtrack, there must be a film, surely?"}, {"response": 518, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sat, Oct 13, 2001 (17:32)", "body": "How materialistic! Who's ever heard of doing the soundtrack first? I am totally disgusted by this and hope it is not true."}, {"response": 519, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Sat, Oct 13, 2001 (17:39)", "body": "Hey, if it's an incentive to get cracking on BJD2, I'll *buy* that CD ;-) Just \"listened\" to EOR, and am suffering MD withdrawal, despite having received my DVD this week. ;-)"}, {"response": 520, "author": "lafn", "date": "Mon, Oct 15, 2001 (17:09)", "body": "Warning : Votes Solicitited if you are so inclined :Colin ,Sharon Maguire, and BJD Two weeks to go Empire online: Vote for the People 's Choice segment of the European Film Awards http://www.empireonline.co.uk/news/news.asp?3461"}, {"response": 521, "author": "Bryonny", "date": "Tue, Oct 16, 2001 (17:44)", "body": "Got my Canadian BJD DVD today! Hurrah! Inside is a piece of paper (no booklet) listing chapters on one side (in French on the other side). Anything better in the US version? Am also re-reading the BJD book. Bridget talks about seeing a pic of Colin and Jennifer in a meadow (modern day luvvies) in the Standard. Does anyone know if this was a real photo. CF w/pencil moustache? Please post if you have a copy. (I'm thinking Murph might have in her amazing collection?)"}, {"response": 522, "author": "Becka", "date": "Tue, Oct 16, 2001 (20:56)", "body": "This is from Jennifer's website http://members.tripod.com/djwan_2/jen_misc.html"}, {"response": 523, "author": "lafn", "date": "Tue, Oct 16, 2001 (21:04)", "body": "Tripod won't allow you to pinch their pictures. Let's see....is this the one you were looking for Rebecca?"}, {"response": 524, "author": "Becka", "date": "Tue, Oct 16, 2001 (22:16)", "body": "Thanks Evelyn. It appeared briefly for a minute, but I'm glad it's not my horrible HTML skills."}, {"response": 525, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Wed, Oct 17, 2001 (15:42)", "body": "Is it the one also known as \"in the Blue Peter Garden\" taken at BBC?"}, {"response": 526, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Oct 17, 2001 (16:32)", "body": "Is it the one also known as \"in the Blue Peter Garden\" taken at BBC? I never heard that one. It's from Meluchie's FOF website and originally it was known as the \"Bill & Hilary\" pic. It was taken by BBC however."}, {"response": 527, "author": "Bryonny", "date": "Wed, Oct 17, 2001 (16:51)", "body": "Thanks for the photo! I have to admit I was picturing something much more romantic (and attractive). I don't blame Bridget with being disappointed at seeing her favourite characters as real people :-)"}, {"response": 528, "author": "Bryonny", "date": "Wed, Oct 17, 2001 (17:51)", "body": "Oh dear, I'm having trouble getting that photo out of my head now. Didn't CF film CoF before P&P? Was he with JE before P&P? Or do I have the timeline mixed up? At least I'm hoping he has that moustache for CoF."}, {"response": 529, "author": "Echo", "date": "Wed, Oct 17, 2001 (21:13)", "body": "Is it the one also known as \"in the Blue Peter Garden\" taken at BBC? That's where it was taken. Actually there are two photos (two different poses) which were taken at that time. The other one is b/w, they are sitting on the grass, she between his knees. Didn't CF film CoF before P&P? Yes, and also \"The Widowing Of Mrs Holroyd\". Was he with JE before P&P? I don't believe so, though they had met before."}, {"response": 530, "author": "Becka", "date": "Wed, Oct 17, 2001 (23:10)", "body": "That's where it was taken. Actually there are two photos (two different poses) which were taken at that time. The other one is b/w, they are sitting on the grass, she between his knees I haven't seen this one! Is there a copy of it floating around somewhere?"}, {"response": 531, "author": "Echo", "date": "Thu, Oct 18, 2001 (10:25)", "body": "I can't find it at the moment... but if you're prepared to be patient, there's a chance that the Three Deers might oblige one day...;-)"}, {"response": 532, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Thu, Oct 18, 2001 (11:48)", "body": "BJD video was out in the UK on Monday. Went to local video shop on Tuesday and couldn't see a copy. Was told that they had 65 copies and all had been rented within the first hour. Fortunately, one copy had been returned. But that's pretty impressive for a movie that most people have already seen!"}, {"response": 533, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Fri, Oct 19, 2001 (00:35)", "body": "I just noticed that when he shows up on Bridget's door step at the end of BJD, and keeps trying to kiss her but keeps getting interrupted, CF stands in the gutter while RZ is on the sidewalk, so that he doesn't tower over her quite so much. (I seem to have height on the brain tonight.) I was finally able to show BJD to my mom (she doesn't do movie theaters). She agreed with me that no one in her right mind would choose DC over MD and found the film very entertaining. She particularly liked the dinner preparation scene (that's my Mom!) and laughed out loud when MD spooned up the \"green gunge\". She also laughed at Bridget's sideburns remark at the ruby wedding party. I explained to her that it was an \"inside joke\" referring back to P&P2. Did I dream it, or did Shazzer say in the voiceover commentary that HG's wardrobe came from Saville Row but that CF's came from (couldn't hear it but she said it was a cheap store). If that's really true, the cheap guys should pay CF to model their stuff, as he makes it look like a million bucks. ;-)"}, {"response": 534, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Oct 19, 2001 (10:18)", "body": "HG's wardrobe came from Saville Row but that CF's came from (couldn't hear it but she said it was a cheap store). She said that HG wanted his suits tailored and that he wanted Cloin to wear cheap clothes. But she decided to get him nice ones too."}, {"response": 535, "author": "Echo", "date": "Fri, Oct 19, 2001 (21:18)", "body": "Cloin ........... ;-)"}, {"response": 536, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Sun, Oct 21, 2001 (00:41)", "body": "Earlier, I rewatched the fun parts of the DVD (i.e. little DC, much MD), and had the following thought - at the end, outside the stationary (?) store, shouldn't MD's \"Oh, yes, they f*&!ing do\" have some sort of response from Bridget, a smile or something? I realize she was mesmerized by his studliness ;), but still... It seems odd not to have some sort of response. Must agree with whoever earlier said that the coat-wrapping-around move was very slick, and probably required much practice :)"}, {"response": 537, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Sun, Oct 21, 2001 (00:52)", "body": "shouldn't MD's \"Oh, yes, they f*&!ing do\" have some sort of response from Bridget, a smile or something? I believe her immediate reponse was to lock lips with him--she probably figured she should take care of the most important stuff first--time for smiling and talking later--much later. Personally, I'd have dragged him back to the flat as soon as possible, if not sooner. Then again, I'd have dragged him into the bedroom as soon as the front door closed behind us when he showed up on my doorstep, tiny knickers or not, especially when he started nuzzling my neck. I guess I'm just not into \"romantic\" delays. ;-)"}, {"response": 538, "author": "maryw", "date": "Sun, Oct 21, 2001 (02:10)", "body": "Romantic delays....If Fielding/Shazza thought they were compensating for the lack of lips-locking at end of PP2 by longer snogging at end of BJD - they've now just created another source of frustration...Heavens's above!! Why anyone would think about putting on any size of knickers when CF/MD is already nuzzling one's neck is beyond me. Shouldn't it be about taking it off, rather than putting it on? BJ needed some talking to from the Firthettes!!"}, {"response": 539, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Sun, Oct 21, 2001 (19:45)", "body": "Minkee, Louise, I agree completely. Having watched that \"chapter\" of my DVD a *few* times, I find it frustrating. I haven't listened to SM's commentary, but Karen said that SM's direction when they have the conversation in the snow and then go inside was supposedly to look like they wanted to tear each other's clothes off (or something like that). I don't see that in Bridget, but Mark's attempts at nuzzling are very seductive. I certainly couldn't resist! Bridget still doesn't get the point. If he likes her just as she is, he'll like her just as she's dressed... Two details that seem different from the movie. When Bridget is on her way to the booklaunch, the last time we see her outside, she is clearly fussing with her scary-stomach-holding-in pants. I don't remember that much adjusting in the movie. The other is the introduction to Shazzer \"Likes to say f**k a lot.\" In the DVD, there's a pause before \"a lot,\" but I don't remember that pause in the movie."}, {"response": 540, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Mon, Oct 22, 2001 (07:18)", "body": "I think the pauses might have been \"muffled\" by laughter in the theatre. They may have seemed shorter with an audience."}, {"response": 541, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Oct 22, 2001 (10:07)", "body": "Renee Zellweger starrer \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" penned $275,000 in two days in Italy's key cities (representing some 30% of the nationwide box office)."}, {"response": 542, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Wed, Oct 24, 2001 (23:45)", "body": "For those of you who don't own a DVD player, can't afford the \"rental price\", and have access to Pay per view: BJD is on next month (around Thanksgiving, I believe, how appropriate--blue soup and turkey). Anyway, here's the link for the schedule: http://www.tv-now.com/stars/firth.html And if you haven't seen Relative Values, it's on about a zillion times on Starz."}, {"response": 543, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Oct 25, 2001 (08:16)", "body": "'Cinderella' pic casting spell on Zellweger By Zorianna Kit LOS ANGELES (The Hollywood Reporter) --- Renee Zellweger is in negotiations to star opposite Russell Crowe in Universal Pictures/Miramax Films' \"The Cinderella Man\" for director Lasse Hallstrom. The project is expected to go into production in August. \"Cinderella\" reunites Zellweger with the two studios that co-produced \"Bridget Jones's Diary,\" in which she starred. \"Cinderella\" also continues to strengthen the Zellweger's relationship with Miramax, for which she's currently prepping to star in \"Chicago\" (HR 8/29). Crowe, who received the offer on \"Cinderella\" last week, is negotiating to star in the film as real-life heavyweight boxing champ Jim Braddock. During the 1930s, Braddock was an aging boxer who made a comeback while trying to save his family during the Depression. Zellweger, whose deal is subject to Crowe closing his, will star as his supportive wife. Cliff Hollingsworth and Charlie Mitchell wrote the screenplay for the project. Zellweger, repped by CAA and manager John Carrabino, recently wrapped Warner Bros.' \"White Oleander\" with Michelle Pfeiffer and Robin Wright Penn. Zellweger won a Golden Globe this year for her performance in USA Films' \"Nurse Betty.\" Miramax declined comment."}, {"response": 544, "author": "lafn", "date": "Thu, Oct 25, 2001 (10:40)", "body": "See Renee with Tom Cruise in Cold Mountain... See Renee with Russell Crowe in Cinderella.... What else? Wha'appened to the spy one she was going to do in London ? Along with too many Hamlets...too many Renees."}, {"response": 545, "author": "LaurenB", "date": "Thu, Oct 25, 2001 (11:39)", "body": "(Evelyn) See Renee with Tom Cruise in Cold Mountain... See Renee with Russell Crowe in Cinderella.... What else? See Renee in Chicago."}, {"response": 546, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Oct 25, 2001 (12:26)", "body": "Wha'appened to the spy one she was going to do in London ? The one with Banderas and Williams? The financing fell through. Is Cold Mountain a go, or is it still in the planning stages? Some of these films take forever to develop, even though the wish-list cast is announced early on."}, {"response": 547, "author": "Moon", "date": "Thu, Oct 25, 2001 (13:25)", "body": "Zellweger, whose deal is subject to Crowe closing his, will star as his supportive wife. Smart cookie, this one. She doesn't exactly give off that cunning vibe when you hear her speak. (Evelyn),Along with too many Hamlets...too many Renees. LOL! You're right. Must be the repeated viewings of BJD. ;-) (I still don't like her voice)"}, {"response": 548, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Oct 25, 2001 (14:29)", "body": "Not yet! But it could be. This is the final week of our Annual Drool Fundraising Drive. Please contact me to get information on how to make your contribution. If you haven't received an acknowledgment from me, then I haven't received it yet. There are still quite a few people who emailed me, but from whom I haven't received anything yet. So, if it's slipped your mind, now is the time to get that checkbook out. We are nowhere near the $1,300 raised last year. We all find Spring's Drool boards very entertaining and some even consider them an important part of the day. What if they wasn't there anymore? Every little bit helps."}, {"response": 549, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Sat, Oct 27, 2001 (12:25)", "body": "BJD is still unavailable at local Blockbusters \"due to incredible demand\". I've really enjoyed scrutinising it on video. One thing you realise that in the actual script, the cards are all held by HG (good lines etc). CF does most of the acting with his eyes."}, {"response": 550, "author": "odessa", "date": "Sat, Oct 27, 2001 (12:40)", "body": "\"The making of BJD\"(or how is it called in English)was on tv today and I didn`t notice it:( Tell me that I didn`t miss much?"}, {"response": 551, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Sat, Oct 27, 2001 (12:47)", "body": "Funnily enough Bethan, Blockbuster did a BJD mailshot thro' my letterbox this morning. The review says \"The plot? If you don't know already it's Pride and Prejudice for the 21st century as we follow Bridget's entries as she rebounds from one man to the next like a horny ball- bearing on a testosterone fuelled pinball table. Zellweger fits the Jones tights perfectly while Colin Firth and Hugh Grant are ideal as the rival suitors. Utterly brilliant.\" Hee Hee. CF does most of the acting with his eyes Well HG couldn't convey emotions as well without speaking as ODB!"}, {"response": 552, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Sat, Oct 27, 2001 (18:31)", "body": "Well HG couldn't convey emotions as well without speaking as ODB! CF, as ever, does a lot with (relatively speaking) very little. The Daily Telegraph (not known for singing CF's praises!) review of the video said that \"CF does far more than you realise with the role of MD\". Why CF is not a star...!! From a review at amazon.com... \"Renee is wonderful, Hugh played a fabulous slime ball and the real star of the show was the guy who played the keeper.. Name? I can't remember! I was too enthralled in the end scene.\" BTW I'm wondering what will happen re the sequel, assuming there is one. Apparently the 2nd Harry Potter starts shooting in November (ie exactly a year after the first) Stuart Little 2 was filmed almost immediately, ditto the Scream movies. It seems that if a movie is popular (and can provide a natural sequel) there's no delay these days."}, {"response": 553, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sat, Oct 27, 2001 (21:59)", "body": "(Bethan)BJD is still unavailable at local Blockbusters \"due to incredible demand\". Come to Houston, Bethan. Last night I counted a wall full of BJD (84). Only 20 were checked out :-((("}, {"response": 554, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Sun, Oct 28, 2001 (16:09)", "body": "Do not despair! 'Tis obvious that the intelligent people in Houston simply bought a copy, and therefore did not need to rent one! Very thrifty."}, {"response": 555, "author": "AnnieZ", "date": "Mon, Oct 29, 2001 (14:12)", "body": "Evelyn: Come to Houston, Bethan. Last night I counted a wall full of BJD (84). Only 20 were checked out :-((( I have to add to this with my own ;-) The Blockbuster near where I live has 30 copies of BJD VHS and 40 copies of DVD. To my disappointment (and pleasure too) for last two weekends, they were all checked out, every single one! I talked to the manager and he said that they ordered more. Hopefully I can get it on the next weekend."}, {"response": 556, "author": "AnnieZ", "date": "Mon, Oct 29, 2001 (14:18)", "body": "Oh, one more thing. There are an half shelf of MLSF and the other half FP right underneath BJD (the shelves are in the back center of store face the main entry). Oddly RZ's NB were located in the corner on the other side of store. Anyway I'm so pleased ;-)"}, {"response": 557, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Mon, Oct 29, 2001 (17:25)", "body": "Looks like BJD will be on Pay-per-view this month in the US. Must suppress urge to \"rent\", as own personal copy of DVD ;-D"}, {"response": 558, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Tue, Oct 30, 2001 (20:58)", "body": "*Bridget Jones story sent by Ananova \"Bridget Jones's Diary has broken this year's record for the number of video rentals. Almost 800,000 copies of the film were rented in its first week of release. The previous first week record holder was Gladiator, which was hired out 837,020 times on its release last year.\" Is this just for the UK? Am not familiar with rental volumes in the US to be able to tell. This warms my heart, as I was NOT a Gladiator fan (JMO, of course)."}, {"response": 559, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Oct 31, 2001 (10:14)", "body": "Someone on Virtual Views posted that a new BJD 2 soundtrack has been released in UK including Van Morrison's \"Someone Like You\" and \"Ain't No Mountain High Enough\". The slugs!"}, {"response": 560, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Oct 31, 2001 (10:20)", "body": "And you believed it?! ;-) There's no Van Morrison \"Someone Like You\" on it. Check the song listing at amazon.co.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005RC8Y/o/qid=1004541548/sr=8-2/ref=sr_aps_pm_2_2/026-1979821-5113220 IMO, this CD isn't worth it. Hardly *any* were featured in the movie or were barely discernable in the background and some were likely background in parts that were cut out. This is money-grubbing pure and simple."}, {"response": 561, "author": "studybees", "date": "Wed, Oct 31, 2001 (12:52)", "body": "No, that's a mistake on the part of Amazon. I saw the real life CD the other day and Van Morrison sings Someone Like You and Elvis Costello does My Funny Valentine. And I'm not lying, I sell CDs as part of my job."}, {"response": 562, "author": "studybees", "date": "Wed, Oct 31, 2001 (12:53)", "body": "Oh and En Vogue do My Lovin' - Never Gonna Get It."}, {"response": 563, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Oct 31, 2001 (13:14)", "body": "Thanks for the update, Penny. Still not worth it IMO since I already have a custom CD with the Van Morrison version plus the original Weathergirls!"}, {"response": 564, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Wed, Oct 31, 2001 (13:55)", "body": "The figure re BJD rentals is spot on! I saw the figures too, to put it into context, the second most rented video on the list for the UK (which I have convieniently forgotten!) was about 110,000 so that's a huge difference."}, {"response": 565, "author": "rachael", "date": "Wed, Oct 31, 2001 (14:07)", "body": "re the BJD2 CD - saw it advertised on TV the other night - interesting to note, in the ad, there are movie clips of BJ with MD but not DC; also the shot of MD looking at her straight after \"1 in 3\" - so does this mean MD is a bigger selling point than DC? (at last)"}, {"response": 566, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Nov  1, 2001 (10:34)", "body": "I found a listing of video rental ratings at Rotten Tomatoes. BJD is in 5th place, having grossed $4.88 million cumulatively in its second week, doing about the same as it did during the first week. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/videodvd/top_rentals.php"}, {"response": 567, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Thu, Nov  1, 2001 (21:28)", "body": "Yep, I was at Blockbuster on Wednesday night, and all of the DVD and VHS copies were out (although I would have thought they'd have more of them, there were only about 10 of each)."}, {"response": 568, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sat, Nov  3, 2001 (16:07)", "body": "Another one for Renee: \" Ren\ufffde Zellweger is getting \"Down with Love\". Zellweger is in talks to play a feminist writer who falls for her exact opposite: a chauvinistic journalist. Bring It On helmer Peyton Reed is slated to direct for Fox 2000. \""}, {"response": 569, "author": "maryw", "date": "Sat, Nov  3, 2001 (19:32)", "body": "Hhmmmm...does Our Man do \"chauvinistic journalist\"? Surely, it wouldn't be difficult to imagine waves of loathing emanating from the audience then!"}, {"response": 570, "author": "Bryonny", "date": "Mon, Nov  5, 2001 (17:59)", "body": "After listening to SM's commentary on the BJD DVD I had to look this up: http://www.artnet.com/ag/fineartdetail.asp?wid=51810&aid=1655&page=1&group=&max_tn_page=2 \"When I was young, I never needed anyone...\""}, {"response": 571, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Nov  5, 2001 (18:26)", "body": "v.g. Bryonny. Sharon did evoke the same image. Doubt, however, that the girl in Knightsbridge was bemoaning loss of Huge Gnat though. ;-)"}, {"response": 572, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Nov  6, 2001 (12:33)", "body": "From an article in today's This is London on Andrew Davies: \"But he is adapting The Edge of Reason, the second Bridget Jones. Davies is doing the first draft. So Renee Zellweger has signed up to put on several stone again? \"She understandably doesn't want to put on all that weight again, so I'm trying to make fewer references to Bridget's weight.\""}, {"response": 573, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Tue, Nov  6, 2001 (12:43)", "body": "Sounds v. positive! Good news!"}, {"response": 574, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Tue, Nov  6, 2001 (12:43)", "body": "Andrew Davies is also a very fast worker."}, {"response": 575, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Tue, Nov  6, 2001 (14:05)", "body": "He lives in Cardiff I believe, that's old Cardiff to you and me;-)"}, {"response": 576, "author": "Becka", "date": "Tue, Nov  6, 2001 (15:45)", "body": "Here is the full article: Return of the bodice ripper by Jasper Rees It's like a festival in the religious calendar, a secular saint's day. Round it comes every year, the mid-November Sunday when the BBC launches its annual instalment of Andrew Davies. They ought to call it St Davies Day, to celebrate the patron saint of classical adaptation. Last year it was Take A Girl Like You. The year before, Wives and Daughters. Before that, Vanity Fair. This year, he's serving up a dollop of Trollope. (As in Anthony, not Joanna.) You could see Davies in a monk's habit, with his pinkish face, his white crew-cut and his paunch. Only he famously doesn't have a monk's habits, what with his obsession with putting all the sex back in that the Victorian novelists left out. \"I'd like it very much if any controversy about The Way We Live Now doesn't centre on 'Has he dragged more sex in than was in the book?'\" he says, before explaining how he has done just that. The Way We Live Now is Trollope's door-stopping account of a Victorian England besieged by its own greed. It's a sort of prototype Bonfire of the Vanities. David Suchet, as the monstrous financier Melmotte, joins the queue of actors, including Ian Richardson, Colin Firth, Juliet Aubrey and Natasha Little, who have given the performances of their career in a script by Davies. \"It wasn't my idea,\" Davies says. \"But I guess what struck me was it was utterly unlike my mental picture of Trollope, a bit long-winded, a bit gentle, a bit cathedral-closey. Trollope was deeply disillusioned when he wrote the book. He had been abroad and came back and suddenly looked at London and England with a fresh eye and thought, it's all so corrupt. I just thought you could do this in quite a bold expressionist kind of way.\" Trollope boom in the Nineties, in which John Major's fandom was deemed significant. Davies thinks the High Tories were seduced by the Palliser novels in which \"you have the sense that things would probably work out all right in the end because we're all British. In this one the British are a lot of greedy acquisitive bastards, just as bad as anybody else.\" Davies's monopoly of the market is a bit like Man U winning the title every year. He has such a stranglehold, to use his own word, on the genre that there are now more than enough shows to start an Andrew Davies channel on satellite, showing endless reruns of A Very Peculiar Practice and the iffy sitcom Game On alongside Middlemarch and co. After Darcymania, ITV was persuaded that it might be worth its while to do the odd classic too, and who did it hire? Next month Davies's modern version of Othello, set in the Metropolitan Police force, is on ITV. And it's entirely possible that Davies will be scheduled against himself next year, when his BBC Daniel Deronda and ITV Dr Zhivago will both be made. \"It's very nice to be regarded as the top adapter. It means I'll get more nice jobs at an age where most writers, especially for film and television, are regarded as being well past it. I could, in the manner of somebody refusing a drink that he loves, say, 'No no, I won't do it this year. I'm going to write something original.' And indeed I think I ought to do more original stuff. But then these tempting things come along. I find it much easier doing this than thinking up a good story. I don't mind if the dialogue is crap or the plot doesn't quite work. It's always easier to fiddle with something that's already there.\" Davies lives with his wife in a Victorian semi in Kenilworth, near Warwick, where he used to teach at the university before he gave up to write full time. It's exactly the kind of street where you feel his work is appreciated, even if the BBC1 poster at the end of the road advertises Walking With Beasts. There's a Lexus in the forecourt, but no other signs of great wealth, although he did buy and knock through to the house next door. He works there. You look at the books casually cast around his diningroom and assume that's what you'll be watching on TV within a couple of years. There's a Le Carr\ufffd, Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem, and an Italian dictionary, none of which he is adapting. But he is adapting The Edge of Reason, the second Bridget Jones. Davies is doing the first draft. So Renee Zellweger has signed up to put on several stone again? \"She understandably doesn't want to put on all that weight again, so I'm trying to make fewer references to Bridget's weight.\" Occasionally, people tell him what he should adapt next. A woman in a shop told him Villette was the best novel by a Bronte (whom, as with Dickens and Hardy, he has never adapted). He read it and it confirmed his view that the Brontes' novels are \"little more than young girls' fantasies\". I tell him if he's so hard he should have a crack at War and Peace. It would be a good way to see in his 65th birthday. \"You think two things about that at the same time: 'Wow, that would be great', and 'I'd love to see the finished product'. But the "}, {"response": 577, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Tue, Nov  6, 2001 (17:08)", "body": "An interesting review of BJD: http://www.chicklit.com/paperjam/paperjam16.html I disagree w/ several points, but might be nice for discussion."}, {"response": 578, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Tue, Nov  6, 2001 (17:11)", "body": "Ooops! The person who told me he lived in Cardiff won't be getting any CF \"exclusives\" again from me ;-)"}, {"response": 579, "author": "maryw", "date": "Wed, Nov  7, 2001 (01:12)", "body": "(Mari) : \"But he is adapting The Edge of Reason, the second Bridget Jones. Davies is doing the first draft.\" Was lurking on one of the other CF boards on the w/e. There was a post from somebody who wrote to HF enquiring about sequel. Apparently, HF recently wrote back to say that there is definitely going to be a sequel and EoR adaptation is now being drafted. Sorry - couldn't remember which board it was on."}, {"response": 580, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Nov  7, 2001 (08:42)", "body": "They'll probably change the title to BJD2 ;-)"}, {"response": 581, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Nov  7, 2001 (09:22)", "body": "BJD has received a nomination for Best European Film by the European Film Academy. Full listing on 148. The previous nominations were for popularity, audience-type awards to be voted on by the public. These are academy members."}, {"response": 582, "author": "Merryanne", "date": "Wed, Nov  7, 2001 (14:08)", "body": "Just had to come out of lurkdom to say I just bought a DVD and the main reason I did was to watch BJD. my poor daughter just shakes her head and says \"Again\" :). I think I've watched it everyday for the last two weeks. ;) I just love this movie. If I don't have my MD fix before going off to work, the day just drags by. I miss some of the posts off and on so just wanted to ask, sorry if's it been mentioned already. Is CF going to do the second one? Does anyone know? I do remember someone saying that MD and BJ split up in the second one, if so how much of Colin are we to see if they do? It won't be as good if he's not there."}, {"response": 583, "author": "funnylas", "date": "Wed, Nov  7, 2001 (21:43)", "body": "I just discovered this web site about my fav actor, CF. I can't believe how many women are crazy about this man. I have eight pictures of him on my desk to get my motor started each day. I go through the video stores looking for movies to rent. How can that be at my age? I'm a grandmother for heavens sake! I just watched A Thousand Acres this past weekend, but missed his accent. He was lovely to look at none the less!"}, {"response": 584, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Wed, Nov  7, 2001 (23:19)", "body": "Welcome, ladies. It's always a pleasure to have new droolers come aboard. Especially those who know how to start the day right! In the beginning of the second book, Bridget wakes up early just to watch MD sleep so she can drool without interruption. A kindred spirit, n'est-ce pas? If they don't put that scene in the movie, it'll be a crime, IMO. And if CF isn't in the second movie, well, it just won't be Mark Darcy, will it? We must just trust that Andrew Davies (and whoever else works on the script) will do such a superlative job of writing it that ODB wouldn't dream of turning it down. (And we must also light the votive candles just in case.) ;-)"}, {"response": 585, "author": "Moon", "date": "Wed, Nov  7, 2001 (23:59)", "body": "Don't fret. Colin will do it. What else has he got lined up? ;-)"}, {"response": 586, "author": "Bethanne", "date": "Thu, Nov  8, 2001 (02:13)", "body": "Yeah, but I'm gonna sacrafice a few dead chickens, get out the voodoo dolls and incense and make a trip to Lourdes just in case."}, {"response": 587, "author": "lafn", "date": "Thu, Nov  8, 2001 (09:45)", "body": "WELCOME SANDEE We love new members. Don't worry about age...several grands around;-) This is an \"Equal Opportunity\" board!! (Louise)We must just trust that Andrew Davies (and whoever else works on the script) You better light a few candles for Richard Curtis too, Beth. The first time around AD couldn't make it on his own."}, {"response": 588, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Nov  8, 2001 (09:52)", "body": "(Evelyn) The first time around AD couldn't make it on his own. Didn't he say at the U of W that he was only called in to work on a couple of scenes? Welcome Sandee! Come join us on 155 to talk about your Firthfatuation. :-)"}, {"response": 589, "author": "NitaE", "date": "Thu, Nov  8, 2001 (10:31)", "body": "Can anyone tell me when and in what newspaper Bridget Jones first appeared? Thanks"}, {"response": 590, "author": "Bethanne", "date": "Thu, Nov  8, 2001 (15:57)", "body": "It first appeared in The Telegraph back in the autumn of 1997....am I right in saying '97 fellow Firthologists ? There is a link to the original columns in the BJD section of Karens wonderful site, The Bucket"}, {"response": 591, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Nov  8, 2001 (17:20)", "body": "Actually that's not the case."}, {"response": 592, "author": "lafn", "date": "Thu, Nov  8, 2001 (17:23)", "body": "(Evelyn) The first time around AD couldn't make it on his own. (Karen)Didn't he say at the U of W that he was only called in to work on a couple of scenes? Ad hoc he wuz CUA;-)))"}, {"response": 593, "author": "KJArt", "date": "Thu, Nov  8, 2001 (20:05)", "body": "I think prior to the publication of BJD -- the book, the columns appeared in the Independent. Haven't found an online site for those yet. Has anyone else?"}, {"response": 594, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Fri, Nov  9, 2001 (06:05)", "body": "Yes, the columns ran in the Independent each week for about a year, and then transferred to the Daily Telegraph. The book (both books) re-used a fair amount of stuff from the columns, although they were obviously more fully plotted."}, {"response": 595, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Nov  9, 2001 (14:01)", "body": "(KJ) Haven't found an online site for those yet. Has anyone else? You don't have to look very far--Karen has links to the columns up at the Bucket. Click on the BJD page. The one with the Christmas shopping discussion is my all-time fave. ;-)"}, {"response": 596, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Nov  9, 2001 (14:07)", "body": "Whoopsie, I'm wrong. Karen has links to the Telegraph columns only."}, {"response": 597, "author": "maryw", "date": "Fri, Nov  9, 2001 (16:03)", "body": "Eileen - Crhistmas shopping dialogue was classic. If I recall, did not make that to EoR. Wonder whether they will resurrect for the script. If not, hope they retain the scene in the book where R Finch telephones and interrupts a very *critical* moment bet BJ and MD. LOL when MD answered! ;~)"}, {"response": 598, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Nov  9, 2001 (18:34)", "body": "The Independent never put the columns online. *fools*"}, {"response": 599, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Fri, Nov  9, 2001 (22:53)", "body": "The one with the Christmas shopping discussion is my all-time fave. ;-) Mine too. That would be such a great scene for BJD2--a classic: \"It's very hard!\" Swooooon!"}, {"response": 600, "author": "NitaE", "date": "Sat, Nov 10, 2001 (05:04)", "body": "Tanks for the information about the link. I'm going to read the column as soon as I find the time for it."}, {"response": 601, "author": "Bryonny", "date": "Thu, Nov 15, 2001 (16:51)", "body": "(Thanks to LizzieD for this!) http://www.womencentral.msn.com/beautystyle/articles/aj_1029.asp Five holiday fashion mistakes 1. Abuse of white and cherry red. White shoes, white tights, white angora sweaters with satin applique and glittery bits hanging off them, white blouses with pie-crust collars and mutton-chop sleeves. Red satin skirts, red overcoats with little black velvet buttons (a la Princess Beatrice), big fat red ribbons (a la Bakery window) worn on too-tight cavalry pony tails. Stop right there. 2. Tartan and velvet in the same outfit. 3. Clothes with Christmas motifs printed, embroidered or knitted onto them. Remember that ghastly moose sweater in Bridget Jones\ufffds Diary? 4. Christmas accessories like look anything like tinsel or bulbs. 5. Fluffy hair. And Bryonny says, \"Excuse me, but his mother gave it to him! He's a good boy.\" :-)"}, {"response": 602, "author": "Moon", "date": "Thu, Nov 15, 2001 (17:24)", "body": "That was his excuse for the sweater, but what about the fluffy hair? ;-)"}, {"response": 603, "author": "rachael", "date": "Thu, Nov 15, 2001 (17:56)", "body": "(Moon) That was his excuse for the sweater, but what about the fluffy hair? ;-) tugging sweater on and off while fighting with his Mum \"no I won't wear it\" \"oh yes you will\""}, {"response": 604, "author": "Lora", "date": "Thu, Nov 15, 2001 (19:33)", "body": "(rachael)tugging sweater on and off while fighting with his Mum \"no I won't wear it\" \"oh yes you will\" LOL! Cue to inspirational background music, \"Aint No Mountain High Enough...\" ;-)"}, {"response": 605, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Nov 16, 2001 (12:34)", "body": "Ananova reports that BJD has been nominated for the British Comedy Awards 2001 category of Best Comedy Film, along with Best In Show and Shrek."}, {"response": 606, "author": "KJArt", "date": "Sun, Nov 18, 2001 (04:49)", "body": "(Minkee -- from 148.1279) Did we throw a bday party for Bridget Jones herself? Have not kept up with all the posts but we may have overlooked BJ's own birthday last November 9! Was watching BJD video a few days ago and noticed calendar on her desk just before the High Court scene leading to the blue soup bday dinner. This date was also announced in the voiceover just before she was assigned the Agani/Heeny trial. Wasn't BJ's Birthday sometime in March for the book? (Don't have a copy, so can't double check -- depending on failing memory here). She had her friends over and messed up a shepherd's pie dinner, but was taken out to a restaurant by her whole gang of friends, including Magda, etc. Wasn't the November dinner party (including the blue soup and stuff) devised by BJ and friends as an excuse to invite Darcy over, after her blowing the date (literally) with the loud hair dryer, and then being granted a reprieve for it with the interview offer? The same night of *that* party was when she got the call from her Dad about her criminal Mom! I was kind of disoriented when they combined the two events and moved the birthday up to November in the movie. Maybe we should ask Helen Fielding which birthday we should honor as the *official* one!"}, {"response": 607, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Nov 18, 2001 (10:35)", "body": "You're quite right, KJ. Bridget's birthday is March 21 in the book is labeled as such. That's when she stepped into a pan of mashed potatoes. The second was November 21 but not so much a thank you for the interview but that she needs to make the next move as she's blown the date."}, {"response": 608, "author": "KJArt", "date": "Sun, Nov 18, 2001 (12:24)", "body": "Oh, good! Nice to know I haven't become completely senile! Thanks, Karen!"}, {"response": 609, "author": "LouiseJ", "date": "Sun, Nov 25, 2001 (00:32)", "body": "Have just finished taping BJD on PPV, even though I have the DVD. I do have a legitimate reason, though. My VCR is in the bedroom, while the DVD player is in the living room, so if I want to see MD in bed (so to speak), now I can! So I don't really need therapy."}, {"response": 610, "author": "maryw", "date": "Sun, Nov 25, 2001 (02:08)", "body": "(Louise)...so if I want to see MD in bed (so to speak), now I can! So I don't really need therapy. ROTFL When MDH is away, I take my PC notebook to bed and play the FreshAir interview. Louise, *YOU* see MD in bed; *I* listed to ODB in bed, next to me! *YOU* think you don't need therapy. *I* think I most definitely do!! I say again : \"I shall conquer this! I shall!!\" - Methinks am in the denial stage of really bad dose of Colinitis."}, {"response": 611, "author": "maryw", "date": "Sun, Nov 25, 2001 (02:09)", "body": "oops... listed supposed to be listen"}, {"response": 612, "author": "catheyp", "date": "Mon, Nov 26, 2001 (01:09)", "body": "The following article appeared in last week\ufffds TV Week in Australia. I don\ufffdt think it has been reproduced here but if it has I apologise for duplicating. There is also a photo which is similar to others that we have seen. I will try to arrange for a copy of it to be scanned in; I know you *need* to see it ;-) \ufffd COMING UP IN: The sequel to Bridget Jones\ufffds Diary \ufffd will he or won\ufffdt he? Renee Zellweger may have turned down the lead role, but the word is that Colin is close to signing on the dotted line to reprise his role as Bridget Jones\ufffd shy, diffident suitor Mark Darcy in the follow-up, which is currently being penned by Helen Fielding. BACK STORY: In the fickle streets of Tinseltown, 41 year old Colin has only just been discovered, but he has been plying his trade there for some years. He played the Vicomte de Valmont in Valmont (1989) and had a prominent role in the 1995 hit Circle of Friends . Colin also starred in The English Patient (1996). A Thousand Acres (1997), the very British Fever Pitch (1997) and Shakespeare in Love (1998). Colin\ufffds wet shirt scene as Mr Darcy in the saucy and hugely popular UK TV adaptation of Pride & Prejudice (1995) launched him as a sex symbol. With his role in Bridget Jones\ufffds Diary , the label seems to be sticking.\ufffd"}, {"response": 613, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Mon, Nov 26, 2001 (04:44)", "body": "The reindeer sweater turned up, being worn by the male host of BBC1's Saturday morning kids' programme The Saturday Show this weekend. Don't know why, as I only saw the last minute of it. Did anybody (or their kids) see more and know why he had it (and if it was a replica)?"}, {"response": 614, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Mon, Nov 26, 2001 (06:31)", "body": "Thanks for the article Cathey, look forward to the photo. Mark, you can't fool us with your nonchalent Reindeer sweater remarks, we know that cast members are priveledged to insider info ;-) Anyone caught the BJD \"to buy\" campaign on TV yet? It's the Dinner party scene with blue soup featuring heavily and MD saying \"excellent\", for once no HG at all!"}, {"response": 615, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Nov 26, 2001 (08:44)", "body": "Renee Zellweger may have turned down the lead role, When? I thought she was the first one to agree to do it, but not to lose the weight. Frankly they did such a good job with stuffing Julia Roberts (in that film with C Zeta Jones), that I'm sure they can work something out for Renee. the word is that Colin is close to signing on the dotted line And if he's smart, he'll negotiate points. ;-) Thanks for posting it, Cathey! (Mark), The reindeer sweater turned up, being worn by the male host of BBC1's Saturday morning kids' programme Who will want it now?! LOL! It's hard to believe that there would only be one such sweater."}, {"response": 616, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Nov 26, 2001 (11:17)", "body": "(TV Week) the word is that Colin is close to signing on the dotted line Yeah, right. This is a ways off, folks. Unless CF is now into signing before reading the script--he used this approach for L, after all. ;-)"}, {"response": 617, "author": "KJArt", "date": "Mon, Nov 26, 2001 (13:45)", "body": "(Eileen) This is a ways off, folks Yes, it all sounds like 3rd hand information, 2 months old. Another indicator which is currently being penned by Helen Fielding. Wasn't there that article on Andrew Davies with a direct quote from him saying *he* was at work on EOR?"}, {"response": 618, "author": "KJArt", "date": "Mon, Nov 26, 2001 (14:53)", "body": "Yes, there was. And by Jasper Rees who is pretty dependable on his facts, even if he *does* tend to \"posit\" above and beyond the call of duty (\"pulling a Jasper\" was what we used to call it, I think) ;-) http://www.thisislondon.com/dynamic/lifestyle/londonlife/top_review.html?in_review_id=471694&review_text_id = (3rd paragraph up from the bottom)."}, {"response": 619, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Mon, Nov 26, 2001 (15:50)", "body": "(Lizza)for once no HG at all! Well, that's refreshing. I saw a pay-per-view commercial for BJD the other day, and there was no footage of CF at all, just RZ and HG. Very disappointing. :)"}, {"response": 620, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Nov 27, 2001 (10:52)", "body": "Here's the photo accompanying Cathey's article: It's from the same photoshoot as a layout used by the Evening Standard's magazine of June 9, 2000. http://www.spring.net/karenr/articles/es060900.html Other than looking up Colin's filmography, did the writer do any current follow-up? I don't think so."}, {"response": 621, "author": "Lora", "date": "Tue, Nov 27, 2001 (13:05)", "body": "Just noticed from watching again that the funky music on the BJD DVD during the main menu is music that is played in background at the launch party when Bridget enters party room and goes up to Rushdie group and Mark Darcy. I know we discussed this silly little music before but not sure if we discussed it being in the movie as well."}, {"response": 622, "author": "KJArt", "date": "Tue, Nov 27, 2001 (14:59)", "body": "(KarenR) It's from the same photoshoot as a layout used by the Evening Standard's magazine of June 9, 2000 And if it seems to look a little funny, that's because they reversed the image. Compare with the full-face at the top of Karen's article..."}, {"response": 623, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Tue, Nov 27, 2001 (17:16)", "body": "OOops, more news on the BJD tv campaign, there's the reindeer sweater bit as another ad and also Colin in the boat as another (sadly they had to let HG in on the act eventually). Seems like they have done several different adverts hopefully a different on every night until Dec 1st."}, {"response": 624, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Tue, Nov 27, 2001 (17:28)", "body": "Wait, does that mean that pic is the same as what CF sees in the mirror each morning (i.e. reversed)? I remember reading somewhere that that's why most ppl think they look a bit odd in photographs, cause they're used to seeing themselves in the mirror."}, {"response": 625, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Nov 27, 2001 (19:36)", "body": "(KJ) that's because they reversed the image That occurred to me too--that they flipped it. I was checking out the little curl of hair at the top to see if it matched."}, {"response": 626, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Nov 28, 2001 (15:29)", "body": "Miramax website: http://www.miramaxhighlights.com/ \" BJD will return to select NY & LA theatres Friday Nov. 30th.\" Pushing for Award Nominations?? Hip, Hip, Hooray"}, {"response": 627, "author": "LauraT", "date": "Wed, Nov 28, 2001 (15:32)", "body": "Ok, now here's an off-the-wall parallel. My bf has this thing about Robotech, and he was watching some of the recently-released DVDs of the show. There was a scene almost exactly like the scene in BJD at the Ruby Wedding, or at least the version in the script where she actually says I love you. One female member of the triangle comes up to the other two (it's in the middle of some apocalyptic battle for Earth, of course) and says goodbye, I have to go off on an intergalactic mission to find the evil alien masters, have a nice few years, cya later, oh, and [guy], I just have to say, I love you. There is much twittering and drama, she runs off, etc. Ok, maybe this should go in the \"You Know You've Been Watching Too Much BJD When\" section..."}, {"response": 628, "author": "caribou", "date": "Wed, Nov 28, 2001 (16:51)", "body": "Re Celebrity Special Photo: His hands, Louisa!"}, {"response": 629, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Nov 29, 2001 (10:05)", "body": "(Evelyn) Pushing for Award Nominations?? You betcha."}, {"response": 630, "author": "Merryanne", "date": "Thu, Nov 29, 2001 (15:39)", "body": "I've had my own experience lately with \"Having watched BJD too much\". My daughter has started using the line \"Come the f..k on Bridget\" when she was tired of waiting for me. ;)"}, {"response": 631, "author": "Merryanne", "date": "Thu, Nov 29, 2001 (16:05)", "body": "I was wondering if someone on the list could help me. I'm trying to buy all of ODB films. The problem being, I haven't seen them all. And some of course are having trouble even renting. Where I need the help is figuring out which to buy first. I'm unfortunately not independently wealthy so have to pick and choose which to get at any given time. What I would like is if it's possible to have a list of his films in order of his appearance. ie: Fever Pitch is pretty much all Colin, him being the main star. Shakespeare in Love, however, he only comes in once in a great while. While it's a great movie,I think, he isn't in it much. I would live to get the films he's in most first. Is it possible for someone on the list who has seen them to send me a list from most to least.?"}, {"response": 632, "author": "lafn", "date": "Thu, Nov 29, 2001 (16:22)", "body": "Me...I like \"Camille\";-)) He stars in Femme Fatale,Apt Zero, The Advocate,Playmaker, (not great...except for the steamy scenes:-)))))All available from the online video websites or ebay. Unfortunately, his best starring projects were on British TV and are not easy to find. But you can catch them for sale occasionally on ebay.Worth persevering. Good luck!"}, {"response": 633, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Nov 29, 2001 (18:57)", "body": ""}, {"response": 634, "author": "catheyp", "date": "Fri, Nov 30, 2001 (20:31)", "body": "\"Come the f..k on ....\" LOL, that has become on of my sayings too. Must admit I get some looks when I use it a work ;-)"}, {"response": 635, "author": "Echo", "date": "Fri, Nov 30, 2001 (21:27)", "body": "Unfortunately, his best starring projects were on British TV and are not easy to find. But you can catch them for sale occasionally on ebay.Worth persevering. Have you seen the prices for Tumbledown and Lost Empires recently? And surely these are just copies of copies... Try to befriend a CF fan with a well stocked video library and copying facilities. Copies may not be first class, but the costs will. :-)"}, {"response": 636, "author": "caribou", "date": "Sat, Dec  1, 2001 (12:58)", "body": "Just wanted to report that Bridget shaking her bunny bottom made it to the new Coke commercial they are showing in theaters. V.G."}, {"response": 637, "author": "KJArt", "date": "Sun, Dec  2, 2001 (04:07)", "body": "Does anyone get the Sundance Channel (I don't). ODB won the People's choice award for Best European Actor for BJD, but wasn't present, so Sharon Maguire accepted (in Berlin). Can anyone get the telecast of it and check out what his \"speech\" was to have been?"}, {"response": 638, "author": "KJArt", "date": "Sun, Dec  2, 2001 (04:21)", "body": "From Sundance's own homepage: http://www.sundancechannel.com/schedule/ Sundance Channel: Sat, Dec 1. 09:00 PM European Film Awards 2001 Original Production ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Live from Berlin's Tempodrom, the European Film Academy presents the 2001 European Film Awards. Rebroadcasts: Sunday 12.02.2001; 3:30PM Wednesday 12.05.2001; 10:30AM Wednesday 12.05.2001; 10:30PM Saturday 12.08.2001; 5:00PM Tuesday 12.11.2001; 11:00AM Wednesday 12.12.2001; 1:00AM Friday 12.14.2001; 2:00PM"}, {"response": 639, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Dec  2, 2001 (09:24)", "body": "Thanks, KJ, I've been wondering about that one. Saw some news items about who was attend and saw Jude Law's name and figured he was to receive the People's Choice actor award instead of CF. How nice!"}, {"response": 640, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Dec  2, 2001 (09:28)", "body": "Plus he beat out the Huge Gnat! *hee hee*"}, {"response": 641, "author": "Echo", "date": "Sun, Dec  2, 2001 (09:41)", "body": "Huge Grunt... ;-)"}, {"response": 642, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Sun, Dec  2, 2001 (12:46)", "body": "Miramax is definitely getting into the pre-nomoinations push. Today's NYTimes had several movie ads (all Miramax) that had a tiny line at the bottom saying ACE, ADG, ASC, BAFTA LA & BAFTA NY [and many more initials] members would get in free by whoing membership card. One of the ads was for BJD. There is a \"special return engagment\" in NY. It would appear that they're pushing RZ and the movie primarily. The ad says \"BRIDGET's BACK!\" The photo shows only RZ. KJ, I get Sundance. I'll check it out this afternoon good thing the Giants have a \"bye\" week and I won't have to fight DH for the TV that has digital cable!"}, {"response": 643, "author": "KJArt", "date": "Sun, Dec  2, 2001 (13:13)", "body": "For our UK contingent, according to European Film Awards site: The Awards will be complemented by an extensive weekend programme, and will be broadcast in the UK by FilmFour/ Channel Four... but I don't have a schedule."}, {"response": 644, "author": "KateDF", "date": "Sun, Dec  2, 2001 (16:24)", "body": "I watched the start of the European Film Awards. Colin's was the first one, so I stopped at that point. Sharon's acceptance on his behalf is posted on 155."}, {"response": 645, "author": "Andie", "date": "Thu, Dec  6, 2001 (04:07)", "body": "The UK edition of the BJD DVD has been released this month, and I wonder if there is any difference from the US edition. I noticed on the Amazon UK website that there are 9 deleted scenes included, but I remember reading somewhere that there are only 7 in the US version. Hmmm, could there be a reason to hope that there is more of CF in the UK version? Maybe the protests abt the US version did register somewhere? Would really appreciate if anyone who has the UK version could kindly enlighten on this, and also whether this has the home movie (with little Mark and Bridget) ending. BTW, saw that this is no. 1 on the DVD sales rank in Amazon UK."}, {"response": 646, "author": "lafn", "date": "Thu, Dec  6, 2001 (10:48)", "body": "Aishling has it..."}, {"response": 647, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Dec  6, 2001 (17:41)", "body": "The list of 7 \"coulda-stayed-deleted\" scenes from the US DVD are about 200 messages back."}, {"response": 648, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Fri, Dec  7, 2001 (04:26)", "body": "And ... same scenes are on UK DVD. Only difference: as well as the US ending, there are some extra scenes in UK-ending-style."}, {"response": 649, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Dec  7, 2001 (09:16)", "body": "(Mark) there are some extra scenes in UK-ending-style. So there are scenes of other people commenting on Bridget & Mark that were cut out? If so, the big question (drum roll) are there any with Colin? *looking for large knife*"}, {"response": 650, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Dec  7, 2001 (11:03)", "body": "So there are scenes of other people commenting on Bridget & Mark that were cut out? If so, the big question (drum roll) are there any with Colin? *looking for large knife* The DVD that I saw had the added scenes from the UK ending plus more that were not included in the film but they were mostly Hugh additions, no Colin. I commented to Lora the same thing the time we saw it."}, {"response": 651, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Dec  7, 2001 (11:12)", "body": "But, from what I've heard, the UK ending *had* additional shots of other people, including Colin, talking. I believe they are on the Asian bootleg copies (VCD or the downloadable internet version). In fact, I've got a screen capture of Colin during one of those bits that didn't make it."}, {"response": 652, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Dec  7, 2001 (13:02)", "body": "(Karen) I've got a screen capture of Colin during one of those bits that didn't make it. Bwaaaaaaaa. I wanna see the scene at the rubbish bin."}, {"response": 653, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Dec  7, 2001 (16:55)", "body": "Nag, nag, nag... but since I've got a new bag of pecans... ;-) They're not too good. I would imagine we'll get better ones now that the UK DVD is out and someone should be able to do screen captures over there. What does he say?"}, {"response": 654, "author": "Jackie2", "date": "Fri, Dec  7, 2001 (17:06)", "body": "Where is that scene from, Karen?"}, {"response": 655, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Dec  7, 2001 (18:01)", "body": "Never saw that one! Why would it be on an Asian bootleg? Is it in the British version?"}, {"response": 656, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Fri, Dec  7, 2001 (18:18)", "body": "Thanks for putting that up Karen. Not in the British version I'm afraid Moon :-( I prefer the Ziegfield version best;-))"}, {"response": 657, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Dec  7, 2001 (18:40)", "body": "Right! It would've been in the version that critics saw (started at the train station with homeless people) and is the one being bootlegged out of Asia. It almost seems like all the deleted scenes (US & UK DVDs) are ones that had been on that version. In other words, they didn't give compiling the DVD too much thought. Just picked up the most recent scraps."}, {"response": 658, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Dec  7, 2001 (18:48)", "body": "(Jackie) Where is that scene from, Karen? BJD;-) (Karen) Nag, nag, nag.. LOL. The only way....Thanks Boss. (K)they didn't give compiling the DVD too much thought Screwed again...like the CD soundtrack. Slugs:-(("}, {"response": 659, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Dec  7, 2001 (19:56)", "body": "Not just us, but everyone. They never went back for better scenes."}, {"response": 660, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sat, Dec  8, 2001 (09:33)", "body": "It would've been in the version that critics saw (started at the train station with homeless people) and is the one being bootlegged out of Asia. I want one of those. How can I get one?"}, {"response": 661, "author": "Andie", "date": "Sat, Dec  8, 2001 (10:16)", "body": "Many thanks to Karen for putting up the pics, and everyone for sharing the info on the different versions. The BJD VCDs are widely available here, just saw them at the supermart today. These are not the pirated ones (btw, there are lots of crackdown on piracy over here these days). Am very tempted to get my hands on the VCD now that Karen has put up the pics. Hmmm, nice outfit. But what I really want is the DVD (with max CF/MD exposure), though now it seems that there is no difference betw the UK and US versions in terms of the most important things. So much for waiting so long :(( But how to justify to my DH for buying both the VCD and DVD of the same movie? Oh gosh, this is getting complicated."}, {"response": 662, "author": "caribou", "date": "Sat, Dec  8, 2001 (12:38)", "body": "(Karen) What does he say? I have just been concentrating on the very great pleasure a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow."}, {"response": 663, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sat, Dec  8, 2001 (13:15)", "body": "(K)It would've been in the version that critics saw (started at the train station with homeless people) and is the one being bootlegged out of Asia. (Moon)I want one of those. How can I get one? Stanley Market in Hong Kong. And China Town, street corners in NYC."}, {"response": 664, "author": "katimichele", "date": "Sat, Dec  8, 2001 (13:28)", "body": "Does anybody know if there will be a third installment in the Bridget Jones book series?"}, {"response": 665, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Dec 11, 2001 (10:21)", "body": "*Have fallen off chair!!!!* Miramax is actually putting Colin's name forward on the 'For Your Consideration' ads that go in the trades for BEST ACTOR, with the Gnat in the supporting category. OK, we know this isn't going to happen, but I reached for the defibillator just the same. ;-)"}, {"response": 666, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Dec 11, 2001 (10:23)", "body": "Notice at the bottom how Miramax has highlighted Colin's win at the European Film awards (must say People's Choice in the small print)"}, {"response": 667, "author": "lafn", "date": "Tue, Dec 11, 2001 (10:26)", "body": "Hooray!! Don't you love seeing the \"Best Actor European Film Awards\"featured!!"}, {"response": 668, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Tue, Dec 11, 2001 (12:01)", "body": "Karen-Am not convinced that this is not just one of the most excellent \"doctoring\" jobs one sees in these parts. 'Fess up now ;-) It cannot be true! We are all astonishment! ;-D"}, {"response": 669, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Tue, Dec 11, 2001 (13:37)", "body": "Karen, pass me those defib paddles when you're done. ;-) Hmmm, should we look for re-tooled TV ads featuring CF instead of HG? =8-D"}, {"response": 670, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Tue, Dec 11, 2001 (14:23)", "body": "Oh dear! I am wondering if this is a way of getting a nomination for the Gnat. It was a substantial supporting part for which he received many plaudits. As a main part, Mark Darcy was insubstantial (tho completely droolworthy, it goes without saying). If they want as many gongs as possible, that would be the way to go. What are the rules about what is a supporting actor?"}, {"response": 671, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Dec 11, 2001 (14:39)", "body": "(Allison) What are the rules about what is a supporting actor? Other than rules surrounding dates and circumstances of release, original use of material, etc., actor vs. supporting actor issues are rather flexible. More than one actor with a lead role has been pushed into the supporting actor category to improve his/her chances of getting the award. However, in this situation, Miramax is targeting the Golden Globes, which has two different categories for its awards: Drama and Comedy/Musical. Bridget's going to be nominated for Best Comedy/Musical and RZ and going to get nominated for Best Actress in a Comedy/Musical. (She won last year for Nurse Betty in this category). Miramax is pushing Colin's name for the same. However, the GG's supporting categories combine both Dramas and Comedy/Musicals, so the likelihood of Huge getting very far is dubious at best. As we all know, the Oscars rarely acknowledge comedy performances, although RZ's got a chance because of the dearth of female acting parts worthy of note. They could be scrapping the bottom of the dramatic barrel this year."}, {"response": 672, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Tue, Dec 11, 2001 (15:22)", "body": "What's her name in Memento was very good. Other than that, I can't think of anyone else..."}, {"response": 673, "author": "lafn", "date": "Tue, Dec 11, 2001 (16:00)", "body": "(Laura)Other than that, I can't think of anyone else... Wait til \"Charlotte Gray\"....This is gonna be Cate Blanchett's year. And then there's KW coming in \"Iris\""}, {"response": 674, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Dec 11, 2001 (21:47)", "body": "Thanks for the ad, Karen--what a nice surprise! I think you've called it: CF has an outside shot at a Golden Globe nom for Best Actor/Comedy or Musical. Also, I think the Gnat *might* have an outside shot at a supporting actor nom for Oscar. So, maybe they've positioned the two guys where tyhey think they might have the best chance. It's so tough to predict this year, as they've held back most of the \"quality\" releases even longer than usual, so it's difficult to determine who the competition will be. The studios seem only concerned with getting the one week run in NY and LA in, to qualify for Oscar. So, who will CF's competition be in the Comedy/Musical category? I'm thinking Ewan McWhiner for Moulin Rouge. Gene Hackman for The Royal Tenenbaums. The Gnat could very well slip in there, no matter how they position him in the ads. Maybe Cusack or Crystal for America's Sweethearts (which stank, IMO). Cusack for Serendipity? Jackman for Kate & Leopold? Early reviews on that one are not good. Other than those, am drawing a blank. Any thoughts? Who am I missing?"}, {"response": 675, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Dec 11, 2001 (23:35)", "body": "Miramax has put in a half-page black and white FYC ad for Colin in the trades. Here's a portion of it from an eBay auction. You LA folks should be thumbing through the papers on a regular basis. Maybe they'll spring for a color one shortly. ;-) (Mari) So, who will CF's competition be in the Comedy/Musical category? I've got an article about the entire GGs, with lots of possibilities named. Unfortunately, it was put together in November *before* the hideous reviews for Kate & Leopold. From THR: In the Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical category, Ewan McGregor, as the crooning writer in \"Moulin Rouge,\" would seem a shoo-in. Gene Hackman, as the presiding patriarch of \"The Royal Tenenbaums,\" offers the tempting prospect of a dramatic actor doing a comic turn. Clooney, who walked off with the prize last year for his performance in \"O Brother, Where Art Thou?\" could make a repeat visit, possibly with co-star Pitt in tow. Hugh Jackman, the romantic lead in \"Kate & Leopold,\" is a possibility as is John Cameron Mitchell from \"Hedwig\" and John Cusack from \"America's Sweethearts.\" No mention of KNW but that is what the ads are for."}, {"response": 676, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Dec 11, 2001 (23:39)", "body": "On Supporting Actor (which is a mixed category): The struggle for supporting actor, in contrast, is a regular free-for-all. The big titles all include prominent actors who regularly score come awards time: \"A Beautiful Mind\" includes Ed Harris as a CIA agent; \"Ali\" promises a toupeed Jon Voight as sportscaster Howard Cosell and Jamie Foxx as cornerman Drew Brown; \"The Majestic\" features Martin Landau as a small-town theater operator; the troops in \"Black Hawk Down\" include McGregor and Tom Sizemore; and among the fellowship in \"The Lord of the Rings\" are such denizens of Middle Earth as Viggo Mortensen, Ian Holm and Elijah Wood. But smaller movies are also expected to figure in the equation: Ben Kingsley has already earned a critical thumbs-up for his gangster portrayal in \"Sexy Beast,\" as have Jude Law in \"A.I.,\" Joe Pantoliano in \"Memento\" and Tony Shalhoub in \"The Man Who Wasn't There.\" But before any of them can be considered a lock, they all must withstand a new wave of competition from such year-end openers as \"Iris,\" which co-stars Jim Broadbent; \"The Shipping News,\" which features Scott Glenn and Pete Postlethwaite; and \"Last Orders,\" which is a virtual who's who of British actors such as Bob Hoskins, Tom Courtenay, David Hemmings and Winstone. Finally, just to throw a curveball, DreamWorks is even talking up the suggestion that Eddie Murphy deserves a supporting nod for giving voice to a donkey in \"Shrek.\""}, {"response": 677, "author": "maryw", "date": "Wed, Dec 12, 2001 (08:31)", "body": "Thanks Karen for the GG news. Sure - only FYC at the moment but sure beats being the \"invisible man\". LOL! It now seems only such a short time ago when seeing news footage showing ODB walking behind someone being interviewed on camera sent this whole board delirious! Look at him now! WOW - very unimaginative unoriginal word, I know - but all I can say in stunned but ecstatic amazement at Miramax campaign. Does this make up for shortcomings re MLSF and SIL. ;~) Who's in charge of lighting candles? Am also very admiring of the *old-timers* on this Board, lurkers or otherwise, who have stuck with ODB through the \"lean\" years."}, {"response": 678, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Dec 12, 2001 (11:06)", "body": "(Mari)\"Ewan McWhiner for Moulin Rouge\" ROTF. THR\"John Cusack from \"America's Sweethearts.\", Oh puhleeze.Lousy movie, lousy performance.And not a mention of Ray Winstone for Sexy Beast.Or the Memento guy. Nobody from Gosford Park???"}, {"response": 679, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Dec 12, 2001 (11:24)", "body": "Ev, remember we're talking about the Comedy/Musical category. Otherwise, *none* of these guys would have a shot. Drama will be a whole other ballgame. Also, see 155 for my opinion of THR's opinions. ;-) Am surprised to see they consider Ocean's 11 a comedy?"}, {"response": 680, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Dec 12, 2001 (11:26)", "body": "Just keep in mind that THR is very establishment-oriented and for that matter so is the very small group of people who comprise the H foreign press corps that selects the GGs. They are into celebs, not acting. Shoot! The awards show is put on by Dick Clark of all people. What does tell you? ;-) (Evelyn) And not a mention of Ray Winstone for Sexy Beast.Or the Memento guy. Nobody from Gosford Park??? That was the Best Actor in a Comedy/Musical category. Sexy Beast, Memento and Gosford Park would be in the Drama category."}, {"response": 681, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Dec 12, 2001 (13:08)", "body": "Looks like we posted at virtually the same time. ;-) (Mari) Am surprised to see they consider Ocean's 11 a comedy? I have heard it is funny and not at all done as a serious *caper* movie."}, {"response": 682, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Dec 12, 2001 (16:32)", "body": "Looks like we posted at virtually the same time. ;-) Great minds!:-) Re Ocean's 11: I have heard it is funny and not at all done as a serious *caper* movie. I'm going to try to see it this weekend. I love Georgie Porgie to bits, you know, but he already has a well-deserved Comedy GG from last year (for the excellent \"Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou?\"). Give somebody else a chance. I want Colin in that Lead Comedy category, and that's final. ;-) ;-)"}, {"response": 683, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Dec 12, 2001 (19:32)", "body": "Oceans 11 is hilarious. V. unsoderbergh.Lots of good cinematic techniques.And Georgie was born to wear a tux."}, {"response": 684, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Dec 12, 2001 (19:43)", "body": "And Georgie was born to wear a tux. Oh, you're makin' me drool!:-) That's my weekend movie. Well, I'd be very happy to see Jorge get another GG nom, but then someone else will have to drop out to make room for CF.;-) Speaking of the likely competition, did anyone see Hugh Jackman on Leno last night? Jeez, could Jay have raved any more about Kate & Leopold? I could have done without HJ's charming anecdote about peeing his pants on stage.:-( He did a good job on SNL last week, though. HJ is a real schmoozer, you can tell, very outgoing, gregarious, confident; I'm sure he has those GG people salivating. So let's see, McWhiner will get the third slot. Hackman the fourth. Spots are dwindling .. . .:-("}, {"response": 685, "author": "Becka", "date": "Wed, Dec 12, 2001 (23:27)", "body": "Mari - I'm sure you saw the clip they showed. Another Darcy rip-off with 'the' white shirt and light coloured breeches. Pfft. As much as Hugh is adorable, I want ODB! The role is not a stretch, but doesn't he know what breeches does for his career?!"}, {"response": 686, "author": "Jackie2", "date": "Thu, Dec 13, 2001 (06:28)", "body": "Mari, you love George to bits? Did you know George and gorgeous have the same latin origin? Just a bit of trivia ;-) Do you love him more than you love Colin ? Sounds like it. Fess up. ;-)"}, {"response": 687, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Dec 13, 2001 (10:23)", "body": "*swatting nasty cyberpests* *swat* *swat*"}, {"response": 688, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Dec 13, 2001 (12:16)", "body": "Jackie, my mommy always told me to date a lot of boys and not tie myself down to any one in particular too soon. So, Colin is still my # 1 boyfriend and always will be, but if he can't take me to the prom, then I'm asking George. And if George can't go, then I'm asking Jermey Northam. So, I think I'm set. Oh, but then there's the ring dance and the sock hop to worry about . . .:-)"}, {"response": 689, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Dec 13, 2001 (12:58)", "body": "*lower lip stuck out* But HE'S my boyfriend! He has asked ME to go steady. ;-)"}, {"response": 690, "author": "Lora", "date": "Thu, Dec 13, 2001 (13:17)", "body": "Whoa...it's a Firth fight, a *real* Firth fight...the tomatoes should be easy to duck since their SLOW, but watch out for those bahnahnahs that, yes, we *do* happen to have today, and strawberries, well, they make a real mess, especially on white shirts ;-)!"}, {"response": 691, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Dec 13, 2001 (13:29)", "body": "But *I* am wearing his ring!:-) Alright, Rosenberg, outside. I should have done this years ago. ;-)"}, {"response": 692, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Dec 13, 2001 (16:27)", "body": "Aw, you can have him. I'm done with him. There's a much more interesting guy I've met at the movies... Gotta go. Love being an usherette. ;-)"}, {"response": 693, "author": "lafn", "date": "Thu, Dec 13, 2001 (17:29)", "body": "*swatting nasty cyberpests* LMAO. We seem to have had a few this week.Good riddance;-) LOL. We've never had a Firthfight before...firthtime!"}, {"response": 694, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Dec 13, 2001 (17:38)", "body": "Poetry, anyone? Mari and Geo-orge sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes love Then comes marriage Then comes George Jr. in a baby carriage! Well, it was the kiss of death in my playground days."}, {"response": 695, "author": "Lora", "date": "Thu, Dec 13, 2001 (19:50)", "body": "(Evelyn)We've never had a Firthfight before...firthtime! Have you got eggs? ;-)*this time keeping the Firthfight on topic* :-) (and above, their should be they're -yikes, it always looks right until *after* I submit :-\\)"}, {"response": 696, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Fri, Dec 14, 2001 (15:36)", "body": "LOL Ladies!! I'm not bothering to go to the movies this w/e , you are all more fun! Take a collective bow as you collect your Oscar, but don't fight over it."}, {"response": 697, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Dec 27, 2001 (09:24)", "body": "Are they nuts? (Although I do use the phrase from #4 all the time) From Ananova: A scene from Bridget Jones's Diary has been voted the top movie moment of all time. The memorable scene sees Bridget's boss Daniel Cleaver encounter her huge pants. The survey involved more than 1,000 UK filmgoers. It was carried out by www.yell.com. The Top 10 Movie Moments were: 1. Bridget Jones's Diary: When Bridget's granny knickers are exposed on her date with sexy boss Daniel Cleaver. 2. The Matrix: When Neo stops the bullets and becomes The One towards the end of the film. 3. Braveheart: When William Wallace cries: \"You'll never take our freedom\" as he fights for his cause. 4. Pretty Woman: When Vivian returns to the shop where the assistants were rude to her, expensively dressed and oaded with shopping bags and says: \"Big Mistake. Huge.\" 5. Gladiator: When Maximus kills Commodus in the last fight in the gladiatorial ring, exacting revenge on the man responsible for the death of his family. 6. The Italian Job: When Charlie says: \"You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!\" when they are practising explosions for the bank raid they were planning. 7. Breakfast at Tiffany's: When Holly is window shopping at Tiffany's in an evening dress and with a croissant in her hand after having been out all night on a date. 8. Pulp Fiction: The scene when Vincent Vega is dancing with the wife of Marsellus Wallace, played by Uma Thurman, in a club's dancing competition. 9. American Beauty: When Jane and Ricky are watching the film Ricky has made of a plastic bag being blown about in the wind. 10. Saving Private Ryan: The opening battle scene of the D-Day landings."}, {"response": 698, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Thu, Dec 27, 2001 (13:00)", "body": "So many moments...so little time. Hmmm...wonder who they asked ;-) Note to self, must make list of favorite moments in BJD, then rank. V. difficult task! But research part pleasant."}, {"response": 699, "author": "odessa", "date": "Sat, Dec 29, 2001 (10:33)", "body": "I found this old interview and decided to try and translate it. It was in a Finnish magazine in August, but it seems it was done in March. I did type the whole interview but then managed accidentally to delete it, so I retype parts of it. (Warning:May contain spelling mistakes) \"Date with BJD\" Sun 18 March I`m going to L.A to interview CF, the mr Darcy from PP.Actually, I`m going to interview couple of others too: RZ,HG,director SM and author HF.And the subject isn`t mr Darcy, it`s BJD. 10pm Yes, the movie was hilarious. Now I\ufffdm even more excited to meet CF, because in this movie too he was just like mr Darcy, looking sullen. You\ufffdll remember that scene where Darcy comes from the lake with his shirt all wet. I hope he`ll be wearing very thin shirt tomorrow. Mon 19 March 9.02am Mmmm. I\ufffdll meet CF today. Mmm 9.15am But first there`s director SM, whom I know nothing about. I read that she has done many awarded documents. And she`s also a friend of HF. I see. 1.30pm I`m interviewing SM. She\ufffds wearing very open orange dress and for some reason she keeps fingering a vitamin container. 1.55pm Sharon haven`t got a ring. But she`s wearing push-ups. Every female reporter agree me on this. 2.30 Oops. HG is sitting next to me. 2.33pm HG keeps joking all the time. He claims he doesn`t think that he`s good looking, and that he`s not wearing any make up at the moment and that he has never considered going to a plastic surgery. 2.40pm I don`t think Hugh is a joker. `By covering you reveal something`. I`m very irritated. A Norwegian reporter giggles every time he says something funny. Finally she askes:\"Hugh, how does it feel to be a sex symbol?\" 2.45pm I decided to ask whether H can identify himself to Bridget`s problems. \"Which one?\" \"Well...being a single...and desperate?\" \"No\" he says and drinks cherry vichy. 2.55pm Haa! The Norwegian reporter tries to get into the same photo with HG, but the camera won`t work. 4pm RZ steps in. Oh she`s so beauiful and so small. She has fully lips and honey blond hair. 4.01pm Everybody knows that R is Jim Carreys ex-girl friend. I`d like to ask how was it to kiss his rubbery lips, but instead I ask which one was better kisser, HG or CF? She doesn`t answer. \"People would make conclusions.\" I just hate diplomatic people. 4.15pm R reveals that she can bake Norwegian pastrys. Her Emis-father is from Norway and mother from Switzerland. They met on a ferry from Denmark to Sweden. That must have been love at first sight because the trip only takes 1 hour. 4.23pm I read that R is loosing her weight with Ally McBeal thecnique: No carbohydrates. That`s horrible. 4.30pm CF, OOH! 4.32pm \"Colin, why do all the women get a crush on Mr Darcy?\" Oh no! 4.32pm CF doesn`t get mad.No, he`s smiling.Unfortunately his shirt isn`t that thin. 4.45pm \"I\ufffdts difficult to know when people like me or when they like my role. That`s why you just have to rely on yourself.\" 4.50pm Question:\"Can you identify yourself as a man to Bridget`s problems?\" (Hey, I can`t think anything else) \"Absolutely!\" Colin Answers and describes how lonelyness is the plague of modern society. There you go, Hugh! 4.55pm I could listen Colin`s soft English till the next earthquake. He says that he doesn`t need status symbols anymore. He`s not one of those guys who pack themselves into too small sport cars. I`ll ask what car he drives. He smiles:\"Volkswagen Golf.\" 5pm CF has gone. OOH!"}, {"response": 700, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Dec 29, 2001 (10:55)", "body": "Thank you for translating and posting this, Odessa. You did very well. The humor came through. I especially liked the catty push-up comment. LOL!"}, {"response": 701, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sat, Dec 29, 2001 (11:02)", "body": "Thank you Odessa for taking the time to translate and type -up the interview. I think your reporter asked interesting questions without being intrusive. Well Done!! CF\"He says that he doesn`t need status symbols anymore.\" Er...a...except for Van Cleef Arpels \"Zanzibar\"@ $43.bucks a bottle;-))"}, {"response": 702, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sat, Dec 29, 2001 (20:46)", "body": "I ask which one was better kisser, HG or CF? She doesn`t answer. \"People would make conclusions.\" I just hate diplomatic people. Well here we have definite opinions on the subject. ;-) Thanks for posting Odessa."}, {"response": 703, "author": "maryw", "date": "Sat, Dec 29, 2001 (22:51)", "body": "The Sun-Herald, one of 2 major Sunday papers in Sydney, voted RZ as their choice of Best Actor (Female)for 2001. \"The world was stunned when American RZ was hired to play Britain's most famous modern fictional heroine. But the Jerry Maguire star was the perfect fit for author HF's \"singleton\". RZ had the guts to stack on the kilos and actually look like a normal woman. She nailed that Pommy accent. She captured the drunken singing of a home-alone spinster. And she proved that real women have curves - sexy ones - and a sense of humour.\" Hounourable mentions : J Binoche (Chocolat); S Bullock (Miss Congeniality); Rose Byrne (The Goddess of 1967)"}, {"response": 704, "author": "Bethanne", "date": "Mon, Dec 31, 2001 (01:44)", "body": ".....spits coffee all over computer screen.....have been away from a computer for nearly a month...did I REALLY just read that Col has rubbery lips....or am I just seriously jet lagged and sleep deprived ?"}, {"response": 705, "author": "odessa", "date": "Mon, Dec 31, 2001 (08:59)", "body": "Not Colin, Jim Carrey ;) (of course I don`t know, maybe he has too)"}, {"response": 706, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Jan  4, 2002 (09:14)", "body": "Item about the international box office take by studio had the following: Universal scored with a number of heavy-hitters, including a record five pictures that crossed the $100 million mark. The Mummy Returns hit $228 million; Bridget Jones's Diary, $208.5 million; Hannibal, $184 million; Jurassic Park III, $183 million; and American Pie 2, which has reached $131.5 million with six territories recently opened and three as yet unfurled. DreamWorks' Shrek also registered an almighty $202 million as the studio posted an international box office of $537.5 million. The success of Universal's slate \"shows the strength and the depth of our films and our marketing and distribution effort,\" said Randy Greenberg, the studio's senior VP of marketing and distribution. He singled out the worldwide marketing campaign for \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" and star Renee Zellweger's willingness to travel the world plumping the picture as key to its success."}, {"response": 707, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Jan  4, 2002 (10:27)", "body": "\" star Renee Zellweger's willingness to travel the world plumping the picture as key to its success.\" And thereby opening doors to more roles;-)What director and producer doesn't love a star like that!"}, {"response": 708, "author": "Lora", "date": "Fri, Jan  4, 2002 (11:59)", "body": "plumping the picture as key to its success I thought she already did this by gaining the 20 pounds. ;-)"}, {"response": 709, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Jan  4, 2002 (17:40)", "body": "The London Film Critics' Circle Award nominations were announced today, but this is the only item I can find and it's ridiculously incomplete. What shoddy reporting by Teletext: London critics ignore Harry Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe does not figure in the nominations for the 22nd Awards of the London Film Critics' Circle. But co-star Rupert Grint does. He is one of five nominees for British Newcomer of the Year. British Actress nominees include Helena Bonham Carter for Planet Of The Apes and Judi Dench for Iris. Michael Caine (Last Orders) and Ewan McGregor (Moulin Rouge) are up for British Actor. Best Actor (international) nominees include Jeff Bridges (The Contender), Jack Nicholson (The Pledge) and Ryan Gosling (The Believer). Stephen Frears (Liam), Ken Loach (Bread And Roses) and Michael Apted (Enigma) are among British Director nominees. Best British Film nominees include Bridget Jones's Diary and Gosford Park. Film Of The Year may be Amelie, The Others or Lord Of The Rings."}, {"response": 710, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Fri, Jan  4, 2002 (18:24)", "body": "(Karen)But co-star Rupert Grint does. He is one of five nominees for British Newcomer of the Year. I thought he was the best out of the lot AND it was his first role EVER. Good for him! and Yeah for Bridget, but waht about CF for British Actor???? huh????"}, {"response": 711, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Sun, Jan  6, 2002 (13:29)", "body": "Rupert Grint was singled out in quite a few reviews here along with the actress who plays Hermione, acted the socks off Harry."}, {"response": 712, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Jan  7, 2002 (10:16)", "body": "More incomplete information on the London Film Critics Circle Awards from THR today. Why hasn't anyone published a complete listing????? Film of the Year The Man Who Wasn't There Moulin Rouge Amelie The Others The Fellowship of the Ring Best screenwriter category Joel and Ethan Coen, (The Man Who Wasn't There) Kenneth Lonergan (You Can Count on Me) Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Guillaume Laurant (Amelie) Michael Haneke (Code Unknown and The Piano Teacher) Alejandro Amenabar (The Others) Best Director Joel Coen (The Man Who Wasn't There) Aljandro Amenabar (The Others) Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring) Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge) Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu (Amores Perros) Best Actor Billy Bob Thornton (The Man Who Wasn't There) Jeff Bridges (The Contender) Jack Nicholson (The Pledge) Ryan Gosling (The Believer) Javier Bardem (Before Night Falls) Best Actress [Ed note: A major slap in the face!] Joan Allen (The Contender) Reese Witherspoon (Legally Blonde) Audrey Tautou (Amelie) Nicole Kidman (Moulin Rouge and The Others) Isabelle Huppert (The Piano Teacher and Merci pour le chocolat) British film of the year (Ed note: none of which apparently garnered any nominations!) Last Orders Bridget Jones's Diary Enigma Gosford Park Iris The ceremony also includes awards for foreign language film, British newcomer of the year, British screenwriter, British actor, British actress, British actor in a supporting role, British actress in a supporting role and British director. [No names provided.] The awards will be handed out in a Feb. 13 ceremony at London's Dorchester Hotel. ~~~~~~~~ Isn't there someplace to call to get the full list????"}, {"response": 713, "author": "mari", "date": "Mon, Jan  7, 2002 (11:34)", "body": "Best Actress [Ed note: A major slap in the face!] You're not kidding. Seems like these critics still haven't gotten over it. Either that, or they can't admit they were wrong. How small.:-("}, {"response": 714, "author": "lafn", "date": "Mon, Jan  7, 2002 (12:12)", "body": "Boo hiss. Major shut-out for our Bridge::(( So where's Sexy Beast? Thanks Karen."}, {"response": 715, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Jan  8, 2002 (10:55)", "body": "A spy within WT says that the sequel is definitely in the works and that both RZ and CF has signed on to appear in it."}, {"response": 716, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Jan  8, 2002 (11:23)", "body": "YIPPPPEEEE!!!! Have decorated office in manner of Thai jail cell, while dancing in bra and singing \"Like A Virgin.\" ;-) ;-) Bring on the towel scene! Bring on some no-towel scenes! Lizza, the whisk, please!:-) Many thanks to you and the WT deep throat, Karen.:-) \" . . .touched for the very first time. Like a vir-er-er-er-gin. When your heart beats. . . next to my-ine.\""}, {"response": 717, "author": "Becka", "date": "Tue, Jan  8, 2002 (11:33)", "body": "Where is my Chardonnay for a toast?! :-P Great news Karen!"}, {"response": 718, "author": "lafn", "date": "Tue, Jan  8, 2002 (12:06)", "body": "Time to Party!"}, {"response": 719, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Tue, Jan  8, 2002 (13:15)", "body": "Normally I'd be questioning this report (wot? CF signing earlier than the day before shooting begins?) *but* anyone with half a brain could see a sequel without RZ and CF would be doomed. Dooooomed! Thanks for the info, Karen. Am sure you'll keep pressing said spy for details as they emerge."}, {"response": 720, "author": "Moon", "date": "Tue, Jan  8, 2002 (13:32)", "body": "Happy about the news, too! I bet they sgned on for points too. ;-) Best Actress [Ed note: A major slap in the face!] (Mari), You're not kidding. Seems like these critics still haven't gotten over it. Either that, or they can't admit they were wrong. How small.:-( Majot, major slap!!! The British have a tendency to do that. It happens with the Booker Prize too. Why is Amelie there, when it should be in the Foreign film category? Che pasticcio Bridget Jones!, What a mess BJ!, appears to be the title of the second book in Italy."}, {"response": 721, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Tue, Jan  8, 2002 (15:44)", "body": "Excellent news Karen! I'm whisked into a frenzy already Mari! Here we come again Zeigfeld;-) Omigod but that does mean \"BJD 3, The Soundtrack.\" Bet we can guess what they'll choose already...... time for a top ten list ladies;-0"}, {"response": 722, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Jan  8, 2002 (17:21)", "body": "Here we come again Zeigfeld;-) Yes! (But *someone* had better implement some family planning techniques in advance!;-)"}, {"response": 723, "author": "Moon", "date": "Tue, Jan  8, 2002 (18:13)", "body": "Yes! (But *someone* had better implement some family planning techniques in advance!;-) LOL! It is too much to ask. ;-)"}, {"response": 724, "author": "heide", "date": "Tue, Jan  8, 2002 (18:24)", "body": "Happy news. Hope he's booking his appointments now with the Trainer to the Stars. I want that towel scene. Ooh,and perhaps we'll get to see him ski too so we can add to our collection of Firth sports moments. (Jumping the gun? Who me?)"}, {"response": 725, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Wed, Jan  9, 2002 (11:54)", "body": "Super news! Presumable HG is not needed, as all that happens to him in EOR is a punch in the face from Mark Darcy, if I remember correctly - and he's had that already! I will rely on your spies, Karen, to try and get me enough info to barge in on the filming of the sequel.... Now, who will play the jellyfisher Rebecca?"}, {"response": 726, "author": "lafn", "date": "Wed, Jan  9, 2002 (12:57)", "body": "I will rely on your spies, Karen, to try and get me enough info to barge in on the filming of the sequel.... Dust off the suit, Burberry Man! And waddamean \"barge in\"? You're a pro now. (You're really clear in the DVD Mark. Mucho better that in the VHS)"}, {"response": 727, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Wed, Jan  9, 2002 (19:18)", "body": "Geez! Took me this long to figure out what \"WT\" was. And I call myself a moviegoer ;-) Excellent news (and connections), Karen! One can develop serious hope!"}, {"response": 728, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Jan 10, 2002 (10:19)", "body": "(Mari, on topic 148) I doubt if BJD2 will start filming any time soon Is the script even finished? Has it hit the mandatory final writer (RC) yet? We know HF and AD have had their turns."}, {"response": 729, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Jan 11, 2002 (17:04)", "body": "From Ananova. (And it was \"Can't Live\" that was screeched; she didn't make a sound on ABM!): Chicago song and dance act a big challenge for Rene Zellweger Renee Zellweger says her forthcoming role in the film version of Chicago is one of the biggest challenges of her career. She says it is a long time since she had to sing and dance. Zellweger will star alongside Catherine Zeta Jones and Richard Gere in the big screen version of the hit musical. She last sang on screen when she screeched out the ballad All By Myself in the opening sequence of Bridget Jones's Diary. Zellweger told Ananova: \"That was meant to sound pretty grim.The stuff I have to do now is slightly more serious. \"I don't think, Bridget apart, I have had a bigger challenge than this. It has been a long time since I have sung and danced. \"I did dance class when I was a kid but I quit and stormed out because they made me shake my butt to silly music. \"I was, as Bridget might have said, dead stroppy. But I wasn't going to be a bimbo.\" Director Rob Marshall is convinced Zellweger is the right actress to play the role of Roxie Hart. He said: \"Trust me, she sings beautifully and she moves very well.\""}, {"response": 730, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Jan 13, 2002 (23:47)", "body": "February 5 is the sell-through date for new BJD videos. List will go down to $14.99."}, {"response": 731, "author": "elizh", "date": "Thu, Jan 17, 2002 (09:29)", "body": "VCR alert for North America!! E!TV features Bridget and ODB on their Behind the Scenes program at 3:00PM EST, Friday, 17January. I think it's the \"Making of...\" feature; my daughter says she saw it when it was on earlier this week."}, {"response": 732, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Jan 18, 2002 (11:22)", "body": "Friday is the 18th. I just checked the schedule, it is on this afternoon. Thanks for the tipoff, Elizh. Hmm. Is this the one in which HG hogs the conversation and ODB looks as though he'd rather be taking a trip to the moon? Or was that the one on VH1? :-/ Will tune in."}, {"response": 733, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Jan 25, 2002 (09:08)", "body": "The nominations for Empire's awards: Best Debut Radcliffe/Grint/Watson - Harry Potter Billy Boyd/Dominic Monaghan - The Lord of The Rings Orlando Bloom - The Lord of The Rings Sharon Maguire - Bridget Jones's Diary Keira Knightley - The Hole Best British Actress Olivia Williams - Lucky Break Helena Bonham-Carter - Planet of The Apes Kate Winslet - Enigma Rachel Weisz - The Mummy Returns Catherine Zeta Jones - Traffic Best British Actor Hugh Grant - Bridget Jones's Diary Sean Bean - The Lord of The Rings Ewan McGregor - Moulin Rouge Tim Roth - Planet of The Apes Sir Ian McKellen - The Lord of The Rings Best British Film Mike Basset: England Manager Bridget Jones's Diary The Parole Officer Enigma Lucky Break Independent Spirit Award Jean Pierre Jeunet - Amelie Gael Bernitz - Amorres Perros Terry Swigoff - Ghost World Alejandro Amenabar - The Others Best Actress Renee Zellweger - Bridge Jones's Diary Nicole Kidman - Moulin Rouge Frances O'Connor - A.I. Artificial Intelligence Audrey Tautou - Amelie Nicole Kidman - The Others Best Actor Elijah Wood - The Lord of The Rings Viggo Mortensen - The Lord of The Rings Billy Bob Thornton - The Man Who Wasn't There Benicio Del Toro - Traffic Haley Joel Osment - A.I. Artificial Intelligence Best Director Peter Jackson - The Lord of The Rings Baz Luhrmann - Moulin Rouge Steven Spielberg - A.I. Artificial Intelligence Steven Soderbergh - Traffic Cameron Crowe - Almost Famous Best Film The Others The Lord of The Rings A.I. Artificial Intelligence Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone Moulin Rouge"}, {"response": 734, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Fri, Jan 25, 2002 (14:55)", "body": "Just caught a really funny snippet on Radio 4's comedy programme, Samuel Pepys diary done in the style of BJD. v v good"}, {"response": 735, "author": "kattas", "date": "Sat, Feb  2, 2002 (18:47)", "body": "I'm normaly a lurker, but I felt I just had to post this! Kat Celebrity News : 1st February 2002 Lead Stars Back For Bridget Jones's Diary Sequel Ren\ufffde Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth are reuniting for a sequel to hit movie comedy Bridget Jones's Diary. The film's script is currently being completed, and while it will be based on Helen Fielding's second Bridget Jones book The Edge Of Reason, it will be amended to feature Grant's devilish character Daniel Cleaver - as he does not feature in the follow-up novel. An executive on the new production explains, \"We needed the lead trio back for the second film to work.\" Zellweger has accepted to reprise her lead role on the condition the script is an improvement on the massively successful first instalment. While she has agreed to pile weight back on for the part of a thirty-something British singleton, it will not be as much as the 20 pounds she gained last time."}, {"response": 736, "author": "kayasp", "date": "Sun, Feb  3, 2002 (00:12)", "body": "Maybe this is in very earlier posts, but... does anyone know the name of the designer that made Renee's dress for the London premiere of BJD?"}, {"response": 737, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Sun, Feb  3, 2002 (20:21)", "body": "Kay: ...does anyone know the name of the designer that made Renee's dress for the London premiere of BJD? Azzedine Alaia http://www.peoplenews.co.uk/delivery/common/parties/index/party/0,2443,1-4560-24,00.html"}, {"response": 738, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Feb  4, 2002 (08:47)", "body": "BJD won two awards at the Evening Standard British Film Awards held last night: Best Screenplay and Peter Sellers Award for Comedy (Hugh Grant). Here are the other categories: Best Film: Gosford Park Best Actor: Linus Roache (for Pandaemonium) Best Actress: Kate Winslet (for Quills, Enigma and Iris) Carlton Television Most Promising Newcomer: Ben Hopkins (for The Nine Lives of Tomas Katz) Best Screenplay: Bridget Jones's Diary Peter Sellers Award for Comedy: Hugh Grant Technical Achievement: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Special Achievement Award: Christopher Lee ********* Tony Blair was a surprise guest at the Evening Standard British Film Awards for 2001 - but the Prime Minister got a surprise of his own. It was mischievously suggested that Mr Blair was the \"sizzling\" inspiration for the Mark Darcy portrayed by Bridget Jones's Diary heart-throb Colin Firth. Richard Curtis and co-writer Helen Fielding collected the Evening Standard Best Screenplay award from the Prime Minister, who said he had enjoyed the \"shrewdly observed\" film immensely. In return, Curtis said that like Mr Darcy, Mr Blair was \"full of intelligence, fighting for justice here and abroad - and sizzling with repressed sexuality\". The Prime Minister looked suitably abashed. They joined a host of British film's finest - and a smattering of Hollywood visitors - at The Savoy for the ceremony, presented by Jack Dee. Introducing the awards, outgoing Evening Standard editor Max Hastings said: \"It is a pleasure to see such a dazzling assembly of talent, the men and women responsible for giving us some of the greatest entertainment on earth.\" The audience, including Sir Ben Kingsley, Charles Dance, Terry Gilliam, Jade Jagger, Kate Winslet, Anna Paquin, and Timothy Spall roared their approval of Robert Altman, 76, the American director whose Gosford Park won the Best Film Award, and veteran actor Christopher Lee, who received the Special Achievement Award. Lee, 79, whose roles have included Bond villain Scaramanga in The Man With The Golden Gun, was presented with his award by the British super-spy's current incarnation, Pierce Brosnan, 48. Kate Winslet took the Best Actress prize, despite the strong claims of Dame Judi Dench and Kelly Macdonald-She was presented with her award by Mick Jagger, producer of Enigma, who said she \"brings an intelligence to every part she plays\". Jagger jokingly referred to her roles in Iris - which opens with her swimming underwater - and Titanic, saying: \"Her ability to act well in water always astounds me.\" Winslet was honoured for her part in three films, Enigma, Quills, and the hot Oscar tip Iris. Linus Roache won the Best Actor award for Samuel Coleridge in Pandaemonium, but was abroad filming and unable to collect the award in person, which was presented by Hollywood actors Anna Paquin and Jake Gyllemhaal.... Greta Scacchi presented production designer Stuart Craig with the Best Technical Achievement Award for the magic he has woven in the first Harry Potter film. Hugh Grant was a hugely popular winner of The Peter Sellers Award for Comedy for his portrayal of the hapless cad Daniel Cleaver in Bridget Jones's Diary, opposite Renee Zellweger. Grant, 41, sent a message from Los Angeles via video in typically self deprecating style: \"The whole project for me was a little bit scary because, as you probably know, I like on the whole as an actor to play exactly the same part in every single film I do.\" Ewan McGregor, presenting director Ben Hopkins, 32, with the Carlton Television Best Newcomer award for his compelling vision of London The Nine Lives of Tomas Katz. The ceremony will be screened tonight on Carlton at 11.30pm."}, {"response": 739, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Feb  4, 2002 (08:56)", "body": "Article about how the awards were determined by the panel (Neil Norman, Alexander Walker of the Evening Standard, Derek Malcolm of The Guardian, Angie Errigo of Empire magazine and film journalist and film-maker Richard Jobson). In the Peter Sellers comedy category, there was only one candidate. http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/hottx/review.html?in_review_id=495251&in_review_text_id=455416"}, {"response": 740, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Mon, Feb  4, 2002 (09:06)", "body": "(Gnat) as you probably know, I like on the whole as an actor to play exactly the same part in every single film I do.\" *snort* Touche!"}, {"response": 741, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Feb  4, 2002 (09:19)", "body": "Tony Blair making the presentation to Helen and Richard:"}, {"response": 742, "author": "NitaE", "date": "Mon, Feb  4, 2002 (09:45)", "body": "Is there any confirmation about CF and RZ doing the sequel? I read in a Swiss paper (quoting peoplenews) filming was to start in 7 weeks."}, {"response": 743, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Feb  4, 2002 (10:27)", "body": "7 weeks?! Oh my, something appears to have gotten lost in the translation or is a perfect example of that party game where you whisper a rumor to a person and see how it ends up at the close. Here's the source of all these news items, Baz's column from Friday's Daily, which Aishling provided: Renee will pile on the pounds for a new date with Hugh Comeback for Bridget and her men Renee Zellweger and her big-screen lovers Hugh Grant and Colin Firth will get back together to film the Bridget Jones movie sequel this autumn. Screenwriter Andrew Davies is writing a screenplay based in part on Helen Fielding's second Bridget Jones novel, The Edge of Reason, although those close to the production of Working Title and Universal tell me the movie's plot will not entirely follow the book's storyline. Ms Zellweger said that as long as the script improves upon the original, she will be happy to recreate the role of the Chardonnay-swigging 'singleton' and will spend two or three months before filming starts preparing for the picture. That will include piling on the pounds--although I understand not as much as the stone-and-a-half she had to gain for the original movie, which was released last year and took close to \ufffd45 million in the UK alone and $300 million globally. When I saw the actress in the US several days ago, she was as slim as can be for her role as a killer chorus girl in the movie musical Chicago, which she and Catherine Zeta Jones are filming in Toronto. Renee then moves on to a romantic comedy with Ewan McGregor, and following that she may take a role in Anthony Minghell's film of Cold Mountain with Tom Cruise-although Cruise may not be the right man for that project. If Davies can complete his draft screenplay within the next six to seven weeks--and if everyone concerned agrees on it--then the Bridget Jones sequel could begin filming later this year. Otherwise it will go before the camera in 2003. 'We needed the lead trio back for the second film to work--even though Hugh's character, Daniel Cleaver, doesn't feature in the second book,' an executive told me in LA. The floppy-haired Grant, who normally plays the romantic lead, was the personification of an English bastard in Bridget Jones and received rave reviews for playing so convincingly against type. He plays another bastard-though this time one with a few more redeeming qualities than the odious Mr Cleaver--in his next film, About a Boy, based on the novel by Nick Hornby. I predict the picture, due out in Spring, will be a box-office hit and may garner Grant the nomination for Best Actor in the Orange-British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards which he was denied this week for Bridget Jones (Zellweger and Firth were nominated). 'The script for the sequel has got to be better than the first, otherwise the whole thing will be suspect,' an executive connected to the Bridget sequel told me. 'There's no point in re-hashing--we have to be better!' ~~~~~~~~~~ I am going to repost Mari's assessment of this article as I think it's spot on: (Mari) My old PR instincts (you didn't know I was Puerto Rican, eh?) ;-) tells me this is \"non news,\" planted by Huge's people because he's stung over not getting a BAFTA nom, when RZ and CF did. When you think about it, it *is* embarrassing and HG isn't used to taking a back seat. The \"executive in LA\" is probably his publicist. The article is careful to emphasize how important HG is to the sequel and then goes on the About A Boy tangent, with the \"prediction\" that he'll get a nom next year. Very transparent to me."}, {"response": 744, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Feb  5, 2002 (14:35)", "body": "I guess the online voting wasn't successful...From Ananova: Kate Winslet and Ewan McGregor have been named Britain's top acting talents for a record fourth time by moviegoers at the Empire Film Awards. The pair have been named best British actress and actor for more than half of the seven years which the magazine has been running its annual event, voted for by readers.... Box office hit Bridget Jones's Diary was named best British film but missed out on any other prizes. The Empires are the only major British movie awards voted for by moviegoers themselves. The full list of winners is as follows: Best debut - Orlando Bloom (Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring). Best British actress - Kate Winslet (Enigma). Best British actor - Ewan McGregor (Moulin Rouge). Best British film - Bridget Jones's Diary. Independent spirit award - Alejandro Amenabar (The Others). Best actress - Nicole Kidman (Moulin Rouge). Best actor - Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings). Best director - Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge). Best film - Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Empire inspiration award - Michael Mann. Empire lifetime achievement award - Christopher Lee."}, {"response": 745, "author": "kattas", "date": "Thu, Feb  7, 2002 (06:30)", "body": "Well, here's more from Sharon McGuire, director of BJD: Bridget Jones's Diary director confirms sequel Director Sharon Maguire has confirmed there will be a sequel to Bridget Jones's Diary. Maguire says work on the film version of The Edge Of Reason is at an early stage. She has refused to confirm reports that Hugh Grant's part will be expanded from the book. Grant played Daniel Cleaver in the first film. Bridget's creator, Helen Fielding, feels he has to be given a bigger role than the one he has in the book. She told www.empireonline.co.uk: \"'They have to write him in because he was so fantastic in the first one. \"He only has about four pages in the second book, but you can't confine Hugh to two scenes or something so there definitely needs to be more.\" Story filed: 11:00 Thursday 7th February 2002"}, {"response": 746, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Feb  7, 2002 (08:59)", "body": "Thanks, Kat. Yeech. Can't think of any way to expand the role of DC without altering the book all together. Hmmm. Maybe it will be DC who meets them in Thailand and plants the drugs in their bags (though I'd prefer it if they drop that particular storyline). (HF) They have to write him in because he was so fantastic in the first one. As if *HG* was the reason people loved this movie... :-/"}, {"response": 747, "author": "kattas", "date": "Thu, Feb  7, 2002 (17:06)", "body": "Right. As if *he* was the sole start of the show. But I think Mari is right (see response #743) - HG's publicist is probably making a splash to highlight their client. That's OK with me, though, as it's given us more news about the sequel! Kat"}, {"response": 748, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Feb  7, 2002 (17:30)", "body": "Actually, is the same news chewed up and spit out again at a different site. You should read the spin the Guardian has put on the same nonstory. These people must be chowing down on burritos before bedtime. ;-)"}, {"response": 749, "author": "kattas", "date": "Sat, Feb  9, 2002 (13:44)", "body": "Have also been hearing Colin Firth's going to be in \"Le Divorce\" and Merchant Ivory Productions has denied that, too. Seems to be a lot of stuff floating around out there. Must be slow days for news! Kat"}, {"response": 750, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Feb  9, 2002 (14:07)", "body": "Kat, why don't you check topic 155 for other CF news. That's where news on Le Divorce and other rumored projects is discussed. BTW, you will see Mari's original post from MI there."}, {"response": 751, "author": "Becka", "date": "Tue, Feb 12, 2002 (07:38)", "body": "RENEE DID IT!!! WOO HOO!"}, {"response": 752, "author": "kayasp", "date": "Tue, Feb 12, 2002 (09:50)", "body": "Yeah Renee'!!!!!!!!! Totally deserved nomination!! Let's keep our fingers crossed."}, {"response": 753, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Feb 12, 2002 (10:14)", "body": "Have you met Miss Jones???? YIPPPEEEE!!! So very happy for Renee--well deserved! More Oscar chat on 148."}, {"response": 754, "author": "lafn", "date": "Tue, Feb 12, 2002 (10:27)", "body": "For Renee...the whole cast,Sharon Maguire ,Helen Fielding,& all the guys from Working Title who believed she could do it. Renees Revenge: A Big Buzzy Bronx Cheer to all you said \"A Texan couldn't play Bridget\"."}, {"response": 755, "author": "lafn", "date": "Tue, Feb 12, 2002 (11:08)", "body": "Miramax has scenes of BJD on their website for the Academy's consideration. Here is the \"Just as you are\" trailer... http://www.miramaxhighlights.com/bridgetjonesdiary/mom_justasyouare.html"}, {"response": 756, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Tue, Feb 12, 2002 (14:27)", "body": "Well done Rene! She deserves it! From imdb.com....I liked this! 4 February 2002 Summary: Oh, this is so much fun!! I watched this movie unwillingly--a friend encouraged me to see it, since I thought it was just going to be a sex-diary sort of movie. As a fan of Zellweger's from \"Nurse Betty,\" I really enjoyed seeing her in this film. She looked like a \"normal\" woman, and the humor was wonderfully down-to-earth. I've never been a fan of Grant's, but I was happy to finally seeing him playing the greasy playboy I've always thought he was, and happy that he DIDN'T get the girl! (Drove me nuts that he kept playing stuttering nice guys in all these period movies, getting all dressed up and looking innocently lost. Gag.) But the guy who DID get the girl... \"Ummm,\" I thought (since I was unable to really get out a coherent thought :), \"Who IS this guy?!\" He gets the girl in this movie opposite two well-known movie stars, and I've never heard of him before!? So I wandered over to the IMDb and discovered Colin Firth (and \"Pride and Prejudice\"! WATCH THIS MOVIE!! :), and have never been the same since. :) People wrote articles ask ng the question: \"Grant or Firth?\" and I snort. Firth, of course. Hands-down. No competition, and there never was. Grant is just an overly-confident British guy with a posh accent. Firth...is worth admiring. The final sequence of the film with him in that great coat and turtleneck and look oh so...um... Anyway, that whole sequence makes up for all of the grating you have to endure for Bridget's sake to get through the Grant parts to the really good parts at the end of film, when Grant's character is finally out of the picture."}, {"response": 757, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Tue, Feb 12, 2002 (15:20)", "body": "Okay. Own up. Which of you wrote that? :-))"}, {"response": 758, "author": "maryw", "date": "Wed, Feb 13, 2002 (15:08)", "body": "Wow - good to come back to fantastic news. Congrats Renee. Well deserved. I feel like she's won already even if she does not actually get the statue. MDH's only remark after seeing BJD was...\"It's good to see normal looking women on the big screen\". I say - it's good to see normal looking women getting nommed. Oh my - I hope she looks \"normal\" when she attends the Oscars. But maybe I'm asking too much."}, {"response": 759, "author": "Moon", "date": "Wed, Feb 13, 2002 (16:15)", "body": "Renee's current look is very, very, very skinny. But I am looking forward to her Oscar outfit. I loved the yellow vintage gown she wore last year."}, {"response": 760, "author": "elizh", "date": "Wed, Feb 13, 2002 (16:43)", "body": ""}, {"response": 761, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Feb 14, 2002 (07:19)", "body": "From Ananova: Bridget Jones writers confident Zellweger will reprise role in sequel The writers of Bridget Jones's Diary say the sequel is \"looking good.\" Andrew Davies has already written two drafts of the second film, to be called Edge Of Reason. His writing partner Richard Curtis says he's pretty sure Renee Zellweger will star in the film. \"She's an Oscar nominee for the first one. We're f***ed if she doesn't,\" Curtis told Ananova. Curtis and Davies refused to comment on whether Hugh Grant's role would be expanded in the sequel. But speaking at the London Film Critics' Awards, where they won the Best British Screenwriters award, they did say they had a \"very cunning\" way around the dilemma they face over Colin Firth. In Helen Fielding's book, Bridget Jones interviews the real-life actor Firth, who is expected to star again in the film as Mark Darcy."}, {"response": 762, "author": "Moon", "date": "Thu, Feb 14, 2002 (07:40)", "body": "Top 10 \"very cunning\" ways around the dilemma they face over Colin Firth. 10. Colin Firth plays himself. 9. Colin Firth plays himself. 8. Colin Firth plays himself. 7. Colin Firth plays himself. 6. Colin Firth plays himself. 5. Colin Firth plays himself. 4. Colin Firth plays himself. 3. Colin Firth plays himself. 2. Colin Firth plays himself. And 1. Colin Firth plays himself. Hey dude where's my edge of reason? ;-)"}, {"response": 763, "author": "aishling", "date": "Thu, Feb 14, 2002 (08:00)", "body": "\"very cunning\" way around the dilemma they face over Colin Firth Hey Mari - remember when KarenR overcame this *dilemma* a couple of years ago. He can play all three parts. Seems logical IMO."}, {"response": 764, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Feb 14, 2002 (08:41)", "body": "confident expected pretty sure LOL! They've backed off from the \"will be back\"...unless someone forgot the \"we hope\" bit. Richard Curtis being mentioned is new though, but \"expected.\" ;-) \"Cunning\" way around it? Uh oh, call in Baldrick. ;-)"}, {"response": 765, "author": "kattas", "date": "Thu, Feb 14, 2002 (08:57)", "body": "So, KarenR, how did you propose they get around the \"dilemna?\" Kat"}, {"response": 766, "author": "AnnieZ", "date": "Thu, Feb 14, 2002 (09:52)", "body": "Just read this about Oscar: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Oscar Reax: Shock, Shameless Dancing Wed Feb 13, 8:58 PM ET (E! Online) So much for British decorum. Ren\ufffde Zellweger let it all hang out upon hearing the news of her nomination for Best Actress for Bridget Jones's Diary . \"I'm shocked, honored and grateful and shamelessly laughing and dancing around the apartment,\" said the petite Texan, who turned into a pudgy Brit for the role. \"I'm just happy, so happy.\" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I'm very happy for her and Bridget too ;-) Also, on intertops.com where people bet for Oscar best Actress winner, the current result is: Closing Date: Mar 24, 2002 21:00 Bet Selections Win Odds Bet! Sissy Spacek -167 Halle Berry +215 Nicole Kidman +250 Judi Dench +800 Renee Zellweger +1500 (Minkee): MDH's only remark after seeing BJD was...\"It's good to see normal looking women on the big screen\". I say - it's good to see normal looking women getting nommed. I'd say that it's good to see a normal looking woman gets an unusual handsome man ;-) BTW, I think that RZ is very pretty and adorable."}, {"response": 767, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Feb 14, 2002 (12:45)", "body": "From your friends at cunningsolutions.com Bridget Jones, the new face of British public affairs, heads to Rome to interview Colin Firth (with whom she longs to have a private affair). At the airport, Bridge is subjected to a full 10-piggy search by the shoe removal police upon their discovery of myriad holes and runs in her pantyhose, surely signifying ample hiding places for explosives. The delay causes her to miss her 10 a.m. flight, so she hops on the 11, arriving in the Eternal City, oh, noonish. Racing to the car rental agency, Bridget is confronted with the intricacies of IST (Italian Standard Tikme), meaning they haven't yet opened for the day. Finally hailing a cab driven by a Bond girl, BJ arrives at the appointed meeting place, Ristorante Nohamletta. Tragically, she finds that Mr. Firth has already departed, having left word with the maitre 'd that he had other film commitments. Distraught, Bridget rings Mark Darcy on her mobile, sobbing out her predicament: BJ: \"Oh God. I'll be sacked.\" MD: \"I have a plan.\" A photographer is dispatched to Darcy's office, where Mark discards his barrister's suit in favor of a \"Fela Kuti Rules\" T-shirt borrowed from a client. The photo is snapped, BJ files her \"story,\" and no one is ever the wiser. ;-)"}, {"response": 768, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Feb 14, 2002 (13:55)", "body": "Ristorante Nohamletta...having left word with the maitre 'd that he had other film commitments. Mark discards his barrister's suit in favor of a \"Fela Kuti Rules\" T-shirt borrowed from a client. ROTFLMAO!! Naturally, the maitre 'd resembled Baldrick who hadn't bathed since Elizabethan times. ;-)"}, {"response": 769, "author": "Lora", "date": "Thu, Feb 14, 2002 (16:29)", "body": "(Mari) Finally hailing a cab driven by a Bond girl Mari, you had me up until \"Bond girl\" - LOL! Then I had to reread from the top and am still LOL holding my sides! cunningsolutions.com cunningly slipped right by me :-/ Btw, who is Baldrick? Am not familiar with this character as yet...or am I? Has he cunningly slipped by me as well? Thanks :-)"}, {"response": 770, "author": "lafn", "date": "Thu, Feb 14, 2002 (16:38)", "body": "Mari...you had *me* til... she finds that Mr. Firth has already departed, having left word with the maitre 'd that he had other film commitments LMAO , along with the wet shirt...the guy will never live that one down.... serves him right;-)"}, {"response": 771, "author": "SBRobinson", "date": "Thu, Feb 14, 2002 (17:02)", "body": "Am sitting in cubical of new job trying desperately not to laugh hysterically over this, *snort* to funny Mari! :-) my favorite bit was the \"I have a plan\" LOL! btw Lora, Baldrick is the flunky in the Blackadder series..."}, {"response": 772, "author": "kattas", "date": "Thu, Feb 14, 2002 (17:10)", "body": "Mari, that was too, too funny! Loved it! Kat"}, {"response": 773, "author": "Moon", "date": "Thu, Feb 14, 2002 (17:14)", "body": "*smoosh* Mari! LOL!"}, {"response": 774, "author": "Lora", "date": "Thu, Feb 14, 2002 (17:27)", "body": "(SB)Baldrick is the flunky in the Blackadder series... Ah ha, thanks for that. I haven't seen that yet. Does Colin play two parts in that series? Is that why Baldrick is being mentioned here?"}, {"response": 775, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Feb 14, 2002 (17:46)", "body": "Because Richard Curtis is one of the writers/creators of Blackadder and Baldrick always has a \"cunning\" solution."}, {"response": 776, "author": "rachael", "date": "Thu, Feb 14, 2002 (17:48)", "body": "Colin was Shakespeare in Blackadder Back and Forth, which was the Millenium special. Baldrick (Blackadder's idiot sidekick) always used to say \"I have a cunning plan\" which inevitably was either stupid or disastrous, or indeed both."}, {"response": 777, "author": "Lora", "date": "Thu, Feb 14, 2002 (18:05)", "body": "Now I get the picture. Thank you, Karen and Rachael, for the explanations. Let's just hope that Curtis and Davies have a plan that isn't stupid or disastrous. Wish there was a way for Mari to submit her plan for their consideration ;-D"}, {"response": 778, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Feb 16, 2002 (10:43)", "body": "Apparently, the Pandora (gossip) column in the Independent has printed its own version of the sequel situation. Talk about going from Point A to Point B via Timbuktu ;-) Hugh Grant, who starred as the cad Daniel Cleaver in Bridget Jones's Diary, was apparently so good that Bridget's life is going to be re-written to accommodate him in the sequel. \"He only has about four pages in the second book,\" the book's author, Helen Fielding, tells Empire magazine, \"but you can't confine Hugh to two, so there definitely needs to be more. He was so fantastic in the first one.\" It sounds as though Grant has displaced Colin Firth, Fielding's original crush for whom the character of Mark Darcy was written, in the author's affections, but Firth still gets to appear again too."}, {"response": 779, "author": "kattas", "date": "Sat, Feb 16, 2002 (13:23)", "body": "Ah so Firth gets to appear, too, does he? Awfully big of them! Actually, a couple of other BJD fans and I have been speculating just how does Daniel Cleaver get to play a bigger role in the sequel? My idea: He could be the one who meets her in Thailand and gets her in jail for possessing drugs. He'd be sleazy enough to use her in such a fashion."}, {"response": 780, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sat, Feb 16, 2002 (15:21)", "body": "Ah so Firth gets to appear, too, does he? Awfully big of them! Oh, no! Are we back to this? If Hugh was so good, where's the Bafta nom? Colin should fight for his part to be BIG this time. But we all know that he doesn't. :-("}, {"response": 781, "author": "Lora", "date": "Sat, Feb 16, 2002 (16:08)", "body": "(Kat)He could be the one who meets her in Thailand and gets her in jail for possessing drugs. He'd be sleazy enough to use her in such a fashion. True he's sleazy, but that part is not that big either. Plus I could do without the Thailand episode in the sequel. Has anyone here seen the movie \"Brokendown Palace?\" The Thailand part of EoR is exactly that movie condensed. We don't need to see it again. I think Hugh should take the part of the collegue of Mark's (though he doesn't have to be his collegue anymore) who has an affection for Bridget but ends up nursing poor Rebecca back to health after her fall. He then falls in love with Rebecca (who could be played by Liz Hurley ;-)heehee). That would put him at the country house where lots of the action takes place. Then everyone could end up happily ever after :-). Whatdaya think?"}, {"response": 782, "author": "Lora", "date": "Sat, Feb 16, 2002 (16:54)", "body": "oops...make that \"colleague\" \"Brokendown Palace\" was with Claire Danes and Kate Beckensale, btw, to help you remember it."}, {"response": 783, "author": "kattas", "date": "Sat, Feb 16, 2002 (18:02)", "body": "Yes, but how would one explain away his uncanny resemblance to Daniel Cleaver? Com'on, that would be two uncanny resemblances to explain away in the film! I think Hugh should take the part of the collegue of Mark's (though he doesn't have to be his collegue anymore) who has an affection for Bridget but ends up nursing poor Rebecca back to health after her fall. He then falls in love with Rebecca (who could be played by Liz Hurley ;-)heehee). That would put him at the country house where lots of the action takes place. Then everyone could end up happily ever after :-). Whatdaya think?"}, {"response": 784, "author": "KJArt", "date": "Sat, Feb 16, 2002 (20:41)", "body": "(Pandora) It sounds as though Grant has displaced Colin Firth, And to think I had just managed to finally calm down hysteria in other quarters about this... >:-( It sure does SOUND that way! But remember the remarks of the writers and the director for this second film to the contrary, and also remind yourself that Ms. Fielding is neither one of these (which Pandora has neglected to point out). She is only giving out strong hints in the direction of her own personal desires at this point, and the media just love to grab this ball and run with it. Considering that HF doesn't really have much power or say on the pruduction this time around, I think we needn't run into the night screaming just yet."}, {"response": 785, "author": "kattas", "date": "Sat, Feb 16, 2002 (20:57)", "body": "I guess I'm puzzled. Why would there be hysteria about this? EOR almost totally does away with Daniel Cleaver, and I cannot quite see how they could bring him back in a much bigger role in the story. Colin Firth's being in the sequel's a given, so... You're right, it's all in the very preliminary stages and Helen Fielding isn't taking an active part in the script writing at this point. And to think I had just managed to finally calm down hysteria in other quarters about this..."}, {"response": 786, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Feb 16, 2002 (22:00)", "body": "Well, if there was any hysteria here, thanks for dealing with it, KJ. :) Sorry, Lora, I would doubt that they'd have the Gnat play a character other than Daniel. Perhaps, they'd have Bridge bring Daniel to some function that Mark is attending with Rebecca to make him nuts...sort of in manner of young whippersnapper. Bringing Daniel back is unfortunately a financial decision on Working Title's part. My fear is that they'll remake the first movie, instead of taking the Bridget-Mark relationship further as was done in the book and letting \"Another Woman\" break it up. If we have two guys and a gal again, the critics will be relentlessly pointing out that it's the same story, different animal jumper. ;-)"}, {"response": 787, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sun, Feb 17, 2002 (09:31)", "body": "remind yourself that Ms. Fielding is neither one of these (which Pandora has neglected to point out). She is only giving out strong hints in the direction of her own personal desires at this point That's the puzzle, KJ. Why would HF do that? I thought she loved CF? What has changed her mind? Did CF ignore her recently? Did he not invite her to Luca's Christening? I think it should be two gals and a guy this time. Of course, the way Pandora thinks, they'd have to get Julia Roberts to be the other gal. That would satisfy their marketing dept. :-("}, {"response": 788, "author": "Lora", "date": "Sun, Feb 17, 2002 (09:36)", "body": "Okay, sorry I wasn't clear about this idea. Daniel is Daniel not the colleague anymore but with the same part as the colleague (the one who has a sort of affection for Bridget but ends up nursing Rebecca). He could be a tag-a-long to the weekend in the country somehow. He solicits Bridget's help with women (since he also has trouble with this - like the colleague character), Rebecca falls, Daniel becomes her caretaker and falls in love with her. This would keep it like Persuasion, but give him the more pivotal part in the sequel he wants (the one who redirects Rebecca away from Mark). Thus the happily ever after thing."}, {"response": 789, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Feb 17, 2002 (09:41)", "body": "(Moon) Why would HF do that? I thought she loved CF? What has changed her mind? All HF has said is that he would have a bigger part than the book, in which he only appeared for four pages. Pandora has come to the unsuppportable conclusion that that Huge would edge out Colin completely."}, {"response": 790, "author": "Moon", "date": "Sun, Feb 17, 2002 (10:01)", "body": "Pandora has come to the unsuppportable conclusion that that Huge would edge out Colin completely. HF is only giving out strong hints in the direction of her own personal desires at this point. 1+1=2 HF has said is that he would have a bigger part than the book In order for Hugh to sign on, he will have another big part in the sequel. I think it's a shame that HF did not stick up CF and TEOR as she should have in the press."}, {"response": 791, "author": "kattas", "date": "Sun, Feb 17, 2002 (10:37)", "body": "Yes, I can see this scenario working. He's still ending up with blondes, except it's Rebecca,the jellyfisher. So, now, who would be good to play Rebecca? Kristen Scott Thomas, perhaps? Kat Okay, sorry I wasn't clear about this idea. Daniel is Daniel not the colleague anymore but with the same part as the colleague (the one who has a sort of affection for Bridget but ends up nursing Rebecca). He could be a tag-a- long to the weekend in the country somehow. He solicits Bridget's help with women (since he also has trouble with this - like the colleague character), Rebecca falls, Daniel becomes her caretaker and falls in love with her. This would keep it like Persuasion, but give him the more pivotal part in the sequel he wants (the one who redirects Rebecca away from Mark). Thus the happily ever after thing."}, {"response": 792, "author": "Lora", "date": "Sun, Feb 17, 2002 (11:12)", "body": "(Kat)He's still ending up with blondes, except it's Rebecca,the jellyfisher. So, now, who would be good to play Rebecca? Kristen Scott Thomas, perhaps? Rebecca, the jellyfisher, exactly! That's why I thought it would be interesting for Rebecca to be played by Liz Hurley. Even though Huge is more the jellyfish than she, symbolically and IRL they represent a couple who have helped each other through tough (controversial) times (90's style) sort of like the couple who end up together in the Persuasion scenario (more 18th century style). It's another Escher-like portrait ;-). Plus LH has swingy hair and could easily flirt with and divert Mark D., for the moment at least ;-)."}, {"response": 793, "author": "kattas", "date": "Sun, Feb 17, 2002 (20:23)", "body": "Interesting and I like it, but when is Liz's baby due? Wouldn't they have to film around her pregnancy? Kat Rebecca, the jellyfisher, exactly! That's why I thought it would be interesting for Rebecca to be played by Liz Hurley. Even though Huge is more the jellyfish than she, symbolically and IRL they represent a couple who have helped each other through tough (controversial) times (90's style) sort of like the couple who end up together in the Persuasion scenario (more 18th century style). It's another Escher-like portrait ;-). Plus LH has swingy hair and could easily flirt with and divert Mark D., for the moment at least ;-)."}, {"response": 794, "author": "Lora", "date": "Sun, Feb 17, 2002 (22:52)", "body": "People.com says she's due in April, so by the summer or fall she should be in fine shape ;-). Isn't it sometime then that they think production may begin and not before? We'll see if she even gets considered for the part, though. There's still lots of time before that will be decided. They're still working on the script, right?"}, {"response": 795, "author": "lafn", "date": "Mon, Feb 18, 2002 (14:25)", "body": "Roger Ebert on \"Oscar Noms\": \"The academy is notorious for its short attention span, and films have the best chance at nominations if they open in the last three months of the year. That the academy reached back to April to single out Zellweger's work in \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" is noteworthy. Zellweger's casting as the heroine of the popular British comic novel was controversial--Winslet was reckoned the obvious choice--but even London critics said she was wonderful in the role, for which she put on 25 pounds. This year's Oscar ceremony, emceed by Whoopi Goldberg, is scheduled for Sunday, March 24, at the academy's new headquarters on Hollywood Boulevard.\""}, {"response": 796, "author": "kattas", "date": "Mon, Feb 18, 2002 (17:30)", "body": "(Lora) People.com says she's due in April, so by the summer or fall she should be in fine shape ;-). Isn't it sometime then that they think production may begin and not before? We'll see if she even gets considered for the part, though. There's still lots of time before that will be decided. They're still working on the script, right? Yes, they're still working on the script, and of course nothing has been announced beyond that. I didn't know when Liz's baby was due; I didn't even know she was pregnant until last week! Goes to show you how little I keep up with celebrities. LOL Had lunch with a friend from work who's a real Colin Firth fan; she's got just about every film he's done on tape. Kat"}, {"response": 797, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Feb 19, 2002 (08:45)", "body": "From THR: British video sales leaped 20% to a record 34.3 million units in December, according to figures released Monday by the British Video Assn. \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" took the top slot for the month, shifting some 1.9 million units, followed by \"Shrek\" with 1.5 million and \"Cats & Dogs\" with 1.4 million. Other million-sellers in the month included \"The Mummy Returns\" (1.2 million) and \"Pearl Harbor\" (1 million)."}, {"response": 798, "author": "kattas", "date": "Wed, Feb 20, 2002 (05:27)", "body": "I'm a relative newcomer, and so was catching up on the posts on the earlier BJD conferences. What particularly caught my fancy in one thread was the comment that going to see BJD numerous times can be like going to see the \"Rocky Horror Picture Show\" (which I did the play in London back in the 1970s and the movie several times), Another film that seems to elicit the same reaction from the audience is \"Animal House\" which I saw when I was in grad school. The audience was full of students wearing togas and they were echoing lines along with actors and threw packets of catsup and sugar at the screen during the food fight scene. All of which led me to speculate to a male friend of mine just what one would wear to a BJD screening. A bunny outfit? A micro mini? A see-through blouse with a black bra? The workout sweats? The underwear and cardie? Well, I told him what I would wear would be the pajamas. As for him, (he's seen the film twice), he'd wear Hugh Grant's outfit - the unbuttoned shirt, and he'd spray some water on himself before going into the theatre. LOL I'd hoped that since Renee is up for an Oscar, Miramax might distribute the film again to theatres, but I don't think that's very likely. Does anyone else know anything about that? Kat"}, {"response": 799, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Feb 21, 2002 (16:27)", "body": "Here's something rather humorous and fairly clever and well-done. It is an account of the birthday party and subsequent street fight told from Tom's perspective. Please don't read it if you have no sense of humor and take all this Bridget/Darcy stuff too seriously: http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=513995"}, {"response": 800, "author": "rachael", "date": "Thu, Feb 21, 2002 (16:43)", "body": "too funny Karen!! what an interesting, ummmm , turn in the tale!"}, {"response": 801, "author": "kattas", "date": "Thu, Feb 21, 2002 (16:54)", "body": "Yes, it's a quite interesting turn, isn't it? I thought it was hilarious. Kat"}, {"response": 802, "author": "odessa", "date": "Fri, Feb 22, 2002 (05:38)", "body": "help,help! link to that Tom-story isn`t working (or is it just my computer?)"}, {"response": 803, "author": "kattas", "date": "Fri, Feb 22, 2002 (05:49)", "body": "(Odessa) help,help! link to that Tom-story isn`t working (or is it just my computer?) The whole site seems to be down right now. You might want to try again later. Kat"}, {"response": 804, "author": "SBRobinson", "date": "Fri, Feb 22, 2002 (13:23)", "body": "*snorting with laughter* Tom story is Too Funny! Thanks for the link Karen :-)"}, {"response": 805, "author": "odessa", "date": "Fri, Feb 22, 2002 (14:45)", "body": "you`ll never know what can happen...LOL!"}, {"response": 806, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Fri, Feb 22, 2002 (19:30)", "body": "Definitely a \"twist\"... (even if it was extremely predictable;))... Karen, thanks for sharing..."}, {"response": 807, "author": "freddie", "date": "Fri, Feb 22, 2002 (19:51)", "body": ""}, {"response": 808, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Sun, Feb 24, 2002 (16:22)", "body": "And CONGRATULATIONS to our very own BAFTA winner, Mark G !!! His shoes were the focus of our favourite BJD clip. Better luck at the Oscars Mark, next time your whole body should make the cut."}, {"response": 809, "author": "HeatherLynn", "date": "Mon, Feb 25, 2002 (17:11)", "body": "Hey! I open up my browser and what's front & center? Bridget Jones' Style! W/ a photo of Renee'! Yay! Here's the link: So cool! Its a nice little page about how they put together the 'Bridget look' but I enjoyed it!"}, {"response": 810, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Feb 28, 2002 (07:27)", "body": "For you LA folks (thanks to Diana): Helen Fielding is scheduled to appear at Book Soup on Thursday, March 14th, at 8 pm to promote the paperback release of Cause Celeb. Book Soup 8818 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069 310-659-3110"}, {"response": 811, "author": "winter", "date": "Thu, Feb 28, 2002 (22:15)", "body": "Marianne! Jana2! Are any of you going?"}, {"response": 812, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Fri, Mar  1, 2002 (13:12)", "body": "winter: Are any of you going? Sure, why not."}, {"response": 813, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Mar  1, 2002 (14:25)", "body": "Glad to hear to it! I wish I could join you for another BJD reunion. Remember to ask questions about the sequel, and... if she's considering a third BJD book."}, {"response": 814, "author": "winter", "date": "Sat, Mar  2, 2002 (02:02)", "body": "Marianne Sure, why not. Yay! Now here's the bad side... I can't! (I'm *finally* in Indonesia) But be sure to give us juicy details of her visit, and remember to ask that gratutitous \"What's Colin Firth up to these days?\" Book Soup may have her appear at the Bev. Hills library. The store's WAY too small."}, {"response": 815, "author": "Jana2", "date": "Sun, Mar  3, 2002 (03:42)", "body": "(winter:) Are any of you going? (Marianne) Sure, why not. As of now it looks like my work schedule has me in town that week (have been traveling a lot) so I will try and make it too! Marianne, I'll keep my eyes peeled so we can hopefully sit together. (Moon) I wish I could join you for another BJD reunion. Me too. Thinking optimistiaclly, we'll just have to make a date right now to meet up for the premiere of TEOR. Surely your DH won't mind knowing what a fan he is of ODB ;-). (winter) Book Soup may have her appear at the Bev. Hills library. The store's WAY too small. Ahhh, brings back fond memories of the last time we saw HF at the Nick Hornby book signing (not to mention John Cusack..... heart is still beating faster over that one.) Winter, we will miss you but hope you are enjoying your time in Indonesia."}, {"response": 816, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar  5, 2002 (08:35)", "body": "From an item in THR about summer overseas releases, it mentioned BJD's total grosses at an \"astounding $278.2 million worldwide -- $206 million of which came from international markets.\" (UIP execs were hoping About A Boy will duplicate such results)"}, {"response": 817, "author": "Moon", "date": "Tue, Mar  5, 2002 (09:35)", "body": "(UIP execs were hoping About A Boy will duplicate such results) I'm willing to put down a bet that it won't. The BJD trio will negotiate a hefty salary for TEOR. Lucky them!"}, {"response": 818, "author": "rachael", "date": "Tue, Mar  5, 2002 (13:19)", "body": "Saw the trailer for About a Boy last weekend - Huge looks better with short hair than floppy, IMO; trailer was very short and doesn't say much about the story. Released here 26th April"}, {"response": 819, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Tue, Mar  5, 2002 (14:20)", "body": "Have been a few stills released in a magazine, Hugh with baby, Hugh with child.. ... high grossing? We think not and we know not;-)"}, {"response": 820, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Tue, Mar  5, 2002 (15:43)", "body": "I loved the book, I think it will and can bring in the money. Rachel Weisz is becoming well-known in the states, and I think everyone (well everyone I know) really likes Toni Collette. As for Hugh, I think he'll play a great Will. They'll definitely target the female genre (i.e., most men griped about seeing BJD, but once they did, they really liked it because it wasn't a \"dumbed down\" chickflick, (a term I hate!); I definitely would like to see this. I think it'll be a great date movie! (now, I just have to find a guy I like....hmmmmm)"}, {"response": 821, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Tue, Mar  5, 2002 (16:44)", "body": "Great book I agree Laura, but the publicity and hype won't be generated to the same degree that BJD was here, caught the imagination long ago in the newspaper columns etc Could be a great date movie ..... loads of places to keep your eyes closed when HG is on too;-) Oops taking an affectionate swipe at the Gnat dies hard, especially on this topic. Plus it's always hard to cheer along a NH project that doesn't have ODB ( or the class of John Cussack) hee hee."}, {"response": 822, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Wed, Mar  6, 2002 (02:41)", "body": "This movie may be more popular in the States. I get the impression that here (in the UK)it is not only some of us diehard CF fans who a bit sceptical about HG. How else could Stephen Fry dare to raise a laugh about the Huge Grunt at the BAFTAs?"}, {"response": 823, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Wed, Mar  6, 2002 (16:03)", "body": "It will be interesting to see how successful the Nick Hornby/HG combination will be in the UK, and how the publicity fanfare compares with that for BJD. According to the Telegraph, Nick Hornby has just completed a screenplay, co-authored with Emma Thompson. It's a romantic comedy about two totally incompatible people (now there's an original concept!)"}, {"response": 824, "author": "Bryonny", "date": "Sat, Mar  9, 2002 (19:21)", "body": "Since there isn't much Bridget news lately and I'm having a slow day, I thought I'd add this for all you BJD/Lord of the Rings fans: http://freespace.virgin.net/speedy.russell/myweb/thepurist/bridget_baggins_diary2.htm Anyone see the episode of Family Guy a few weeks ago that had a preview of Hugh's next movie? It was called \"What's My Appeal?\" and had a v. cute stammering cartoon Hugh. It was probably supposed to be insulting but I thought it was a compliment for him to be mentioned."}, {"response": 825, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sun, Mar 10, 2002 (08:21)", "body": "(Bethan)According to the Telegraph, Nick Hornby has just completed a screenplay, co-authored with Emma Thompson. It's a romantic comedy about two totally incompatible people (now there's an original concept!) Fever Pitch"}, {"response": 826, "author": "mari", "date": "Tue, Mar 12, 2002 (11:34)", "body": "Found this blurb on \"Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason\" at movies.com This sequel to Bridget Jones's Diary picks up four weeks after the end of the first film, when Bridget is trying to cope with living with another person and the arrival on the scene of Rebecca, a beautiful man-hunter."}, {"response": 827, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Tue, Mar 12, 2002 (12:23)", "body": "Hmmmm... wonder who will play Rebecca???? (and Mark and Bridge didn't live together!)"}, {"response": 828, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Tue, Mar 12, 2002 (12:36)", "body": "Wonder how movies.com got this scoop since script is tippy-top secret. :-/ (Laura) (and Mark and Bridge didn't live together!) Well, Mark and Daniel didn't beat eachother up in the book version of BJD either. You know how it is when books morph into movies. wonder who will play Rebecca? Ooh, is it time to have a guess-fest like we did with Bridget?"}, {"response": 829, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Tue, Mar 12, 2002 (15:35)", "body": "Well, Mark and Daniel didn't beat eachother up in the book version of BJD either. You know how it is when books morph into movies. ] true, but five weeks after dating??? how many people move in with each other after five weeks????? ] In regards to Rebecca she better be beautiful and bitchy!"}, {"response": 830, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 12, 2002 (17:38)", "body": "(movies.com) when Bridget is trying to cope with living with another person And we're jumping to the conclusion that it is Mark? Could be Gary. ;-D Wonder if I can run this one-liner past one of my sources for a confirmation of sorts..."}, {"response": 831, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Tue, Mar 12, 2002 (18:16)", "body": "And we're jumping to the conclusion that it is Mark? Could be Gary. ;-D ] I still say that HF blew that one out of the water. Gary could've been a good foil for Mark when he was with Rebecca. but noooooooooooo she had to make Gary out to be a stalker! Stupid git:)"}, {"response": 832, "author": "kattas", "date": "Wed, Mar 13, 2002 (07:13)", "body": "(Laura) I still say that HF blew that one out of the water. Gary could've been a good foil for Mark when he was with Rebecca. but noooooooooooo she had to make Gary out to be a stalker! Stupid git:) Interesting viewpoint. :-) Hmmm... I can just see it: Mark ditches Bridget and Bridget ditches Gary. Then Gary in retaliation, sends the bullet to Bridget. Yes, it would have worked. Wonder why HF had to do the Thailand thing? I remember thinking it was so out of place when I first read EOR."}, {"response": 833, "author": "KJArt", "date": "Wed, Mar 13, 2002 (19:11)", "body": "(Kat) she had to make Gary out to be a stalker! Stupid git:) I thought Gary sent her the bullet over her reporting him for leaving the hole in the wall and doing no work. No Thailand in that, I thought (though, indirectly, HF did the Thailand thing for Bridget to regain faith in her own abilities, and she reported Gary out of renewed self-esteem)."}, {"response": 834, "author": "kattas", "date": "Thu, Mar 14, 2002 (05:11)", "body": ""}, {"response": 835, "author": "kattas", "date": "Thu, Mar 14, 2002 (05:17)", "body": "(KJArt)I thought Gary sent her the bullet over her reporting him for leaving the hole in the wall and doing no work. No Thailand in that, I thought (though, indirectly, HF did the Thailand thing for Bridget to regain faith in her own abilities, and she reported Gary out of renewed self-esteem). (Sorry about hitting the key too soon there) Yes, you're right. I went back last night and re-read those passages as it'd been a while since I'd read the book. I dunno about the reason for the Thailand thing. If I remember corrretly, the EOR story columns in The Telegraph , Bridget doesn't go to Thailand, Mark dumps Bridget in front of her apartment building, and the three have a confrontation in the apartment. No mention of Gary or a bullet in that scene. Maybe that would have made EOR too short?"}, {"response": 836, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Mar 14, 2002 (08:29)", "body": "(Kat) If I remember corrretly, the EOR story columns in The Telegraph, Bridget doesn't go to Thailand Actually, Bridget did go to Thailand and Mark did save her, but that happened while HF was still writing for the Independent. Quite a bit was changed though from the Telegraph columns for the book, especially as it concerned Gary."}, {"response": 837, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Fri, Mar 15, 2002 (00:15)", "body": "Just got back from the reading/Q&A/book signing for Helen Fielding\ufffds book Cause Celeb . It was fantastic, I really enjoyed myself \ufffd but he wasn\ufffdt there. As far as I could tell, there were no celebrities in sight. She read two excerpts from CC(Nadia - the model and the refugees, and meeting O\ufffdRourke for the first time) and one from The Edge of Reason (the bad haircut). Frantically trying to remember things, before my mind turns to mush \ufffd I asked her was the script finished? No, Andrew Davies was still writing it. He\ufffds wonderful at adaptations, and that he\ufffds very good about writing for Mark Darcy. She\ufffds good at Bridget and Richard Curtis is good at romantic comedy. Will there be a sequel to the EOR? No, she\ufffds currently writing something on the Caribbean \ufffd and that she\ufffds only page 4, but you never know \ufffd And has her roof been fixed? Yes, big smile of relief on her face, then she brings up Bridget\ufffds troubles with Gary and the hole in the wall. So I ask, Gary will be in the movie? Maybe \ufffd No one wants to commit until they\ufffdve seen the script. But shooting may begin this summer??? She did say jokingly that O\ufffdRourke\ufffds line of \ufffddirty bitch\ufffd was inspired by Hugh Grant. Would she like CC to be made into a movie, and who would play Rosie and O\ufffdRourke? It would be difficult as the story is set amidst famine, but if it was made into a movie, Russell Crowe. Will Bridget\ufffds interview with Colin Firth be in the movie? She\ufffdd like it to be in there \ufffd she said that CF should play himself in a beard and mustache??? About Daniel? She said that got in trouble for joking about having to make HG\ufffds part bigger. Who will play Rebecca? Gwyneth Paltrow? Cate Blanchett? She didn\ufffdt really answer so much as say that she was envious/annoyed? with women who could toss back their long beautiful hair. Will she be attending the Academy Awards? No, but she has been invited to a party. She didn\ufffdt say, but it must be the Miramax party. Some of the questions were stuff we\ufffdve already heard and read about. Like what was your reaction to the casting of RZ? Why did RZ have to put on weight, cause Bridget wasn\ufffdt fat? HF replied that she never said how tall Bridget was and that everyone thinks they\ufffdre fat anyway. If Cecilbee was at the Q&A, maybe you could add more information that I missed. And I wish I had made a list of questions to ask her and bought the book :("}, {"response": 838, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Fri, Mar 15, 2002 (02:01)", "body": "Remembered a few more anecdotes related to BJD and EOR \ufffd She was asked if she got to appear in the movie? No, but did you think she was the tall thin one? Who\ufffds going to direct? No one mentioned yet. Will she be participating in this one? Only if shooting will involve the trip to Thailand."}, {"response": 839, "author": "winter", "date": "Fri, Mar 15, 2002 (02:43)", "body": "Hurrah MArianne! Good sleuthing! Asked all the good questions too! Were you the one to ask about the roof? LOL..."}, {"response": 840, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar 15, 2002 (08:01)", "body": "Excellent questions, Marianne. You really tried to nail her down. She seems to give real answers when the questioner knows her stuff, as you sure do. (We train well here!) The other, neophyte types get blown off with her usual soundbites. she said that CF should play himself in a beard and mustache??? Haven't we been saying that for ages? ;-D"}, {"response": 841, "author": "Lora", "date": "Fri, Mar 15, 2002 (08:52)", "body": "Marianne, you asked great questions. One of our top \"CNN\" reporters, really :-)! (Marianne)I asked her was the script finished? No, Andrew Davies was still writing it. He\ufffds wonderful at adaptations, and that he\ufffds very good about writing for Mark Darcy. She\ufffds good at Bridget and Richard Curtis is good at romantic comedy. Interesting answer as to how each writer has a subject that he's best at. But there doesn't seem to be an expert writer for Daniel/Hugh! Maybe his part is not bigger after all or he can just get the leftover lines ;-). Well done, Marianne!"}, {"response": 842, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Mar 15, 2002 (09:28)", "body": "Thanks, Marianne. *clapclap* Capital! Capital! (Karen) She seems to give real answers when the questioner knows her stuff, as you sure do. (We train well here!) The other, neophyte types get blown off with her usual soundbites. Good point, v. true. We've taken the advanced course. ;-) IMO it's great that HF supplies new info when asked the right questions, even if it's a little vague. For example, it's good to know the script isn't finished at this point. It helps put newsie bits (such as that movies.com 'leak') in perspective. (Lora) But there doesn't seem to be an expert writer for Daniel/Hugh! Maybe his part is not bigger after all or he can just get the leftover lines ;-). Note HF's comment regarding that issue: (Marianne) She said that [they?] got in trouble for joking about having to make HG\ufffds part bigger. Aha! Ahahaha!"}, {"response": 843, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Fri, Mar 15, 2002 (09:34)", "body": "Thanks for all the praise, but I can't take all the credit for getting all the answers. There was one other lady there (Cecilbee???) who got the ball rolling by asking about HG's role, he is only in about 2 or 3 scenes, and some other good questions. HF's reply was that joke about making his part/piece bigger ... she just laughed and laughed, full of innuendo there."}, {"response": 844, "author": "Lora", "date": "Fri, Mar 15, 2002 (10:09)", "body": "(Eileen)Note HF's comment regarding that issue: (Marianne) She said that [they?] got in trouble for joking about having to make HG\ufffds part bigger. Aha! Ahahaha! (Marianne)HF's reply was that joke about making his part/piece bigger ... she just laughed and laughed, full of innuendo there. Innuendo, exactly. Was it really a joke? Or is it now another comment to throw us off the path again? They seem to like to keep the well-trained ones guessing ;-). I just don't think HG will take a small part in this sequel. It will be an equal one or none at all. Remember how he said he counted the lines last time? (he said it with a winkie or did he? ;-))"}, {"response": 845, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar 15, 2002 (10:17)", "body": "(Lora) But there doesn't seem to be an expert writer for Daniel/Hugh! I think it's safe to say that Richard Curtis takes care of Hugh. Coincidentally, this is on Empire's site today: As if Tony Blair didn\ufffdt have enough problems, now he's got a new Hugh Grant film to worry about. Grant will take the part of the Prime Minister in a new comedy penned by \ufffd surprise! - Richard Curtis. According to Grant, who said shooting would begin this autumn, Curtis will also direct the still-unnamed project. Grant, who is in New York filming his next rom-com with Sandra Bullock, spilled the beans during a taping session for US TV series Inside the Actors\ufffd Studio. 'To my horror,' he deadpanned, '[the script] was really good, which means I\ufffdll have to do it.' Presuming that what he said during the show, which is only screened in the US, wouldn't get back to Blightly, Grant was fairly harsh on his homeland when the show's host asked why English humour was so 'sublime'. 'You\ufffdve got to have something to be funny against...the average English person is in an agony of embarrassment 24 hours a day. It's the awfulness of being English.' The session ended with a personality-based round of questions during which Grant revealed that he hopes God is a luvvie. Asked if he did eventually make it to the Pearly Gates, what he would want to hear from the Supreme Being, Grant replied; 'Fabulous, darling!'"}, {"response": 846, "author": "odessa", "date": "Fri, Mar 15, 2002 (10:53)", "body": "just something that was on newspaper today... (my translation, see the book cover here: DISCOVERY: BRIDGET JONES`S LEGS Did you think that those legs on the cover of Bridget Jones`s Diary belong to some professional model or RZ who plays Bridget in the movie? Wrong! The legs on the cover of Finnish version belong to Leena Fyrqvist, 26 year-old day nursery assistant. About 4 years ago she had a summer job at her aunt`s shop. One day, someone from the opposite photo shop came and asked her to borrow her legs. BJ wasn`t yet a world famous singelton, but Leena agreed right away. \"I laughed with my friends that they wanted my legs! I never have had thin legs!\" A couple of years ago Leena`s legs were borrowed again, to the cover of the sequel. You could think that her legs have become famous. But no: \"Nobody has recognized them yet!\""}, {"response": 847, "author": "odessa", "date": "Fri, Mar 15, 2002 (10:54)", "body": "so the link wasn`t working :( http://www.booknet.fi/kirjat1998/luokat/03/03.0302.html"}, {"response": 848, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Mar 15, 2002 (14:49)", "body": "Well done, Marianne! This is the first time we get better answers from HF. Thank you! (Lora) But there doesn't seem to be an expert writer for Daniel/Hugh! (Karen), I think it's safe to say that Richard Curtis takes care of Hugh. So I ask, Gary will be in the movie? Maybe \ufffd Maybe HG will play Gary with a beard and a mustache. ;-) what he would want to hear from the Supreme Being, Grant replied; 'Fabulous, darling!' I guess he's not tired of that line. As if Tony Blair didn\ufffdt have enough problems, now he's got a new Hugh Grant film to worry about. Grant will take the part of the Prime Minister in a new comedy penned by \ufffd surprise! - Richard Curtis. Wasn't this role talked about in the press for Colin? Maybe this was something Colin was waiting for, thinking, I've worked with RC, we are on good terms, etc. etc. Now Hugh gets the part. (picture Big Sucker here)"}, {"response": 849, "author": "freddie", "date": "Fri, Mar 15, 2002 (15:45)", "body": "What a lot of information. Good memory. Thanks Marianne! How much fun that must have been to be part of the evening. And, I concur, your questions were well thought out and got excellent responses."}, {"response": 850, "author": "SBRobinson", "date": "Mon, Mar 18, 2002 (10:45)", "body": "Bridget made the front cover of Romantic Times this month!! almost fell over in shock when i saw it (had insane, mind-numbing hope that HF had slipped a 3rd BJ to the publisher w/o us knowing about it, before sanity returned) -normally RT only puts new releases on the front, but there was BJD headlining for a feature on \"Chick Lit\" a new genre of woman's literature. Article sighted HF as leading the 'new' craze, list other authors who have similar styles. Only one i personally think comes close to being as enjoyable as HF is Jenny Colgan (Amanda's Wedding/Talking with Addison) -But there is a list of 'like reads' listed, for any one who's interested."}, {"response": 851, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Mar 18, 2002 (15:44)", "body": "(Moon) Wasn't this role talked about in the press for Colin? Not the same production. The other one was to be developed by the BBC as more of an \"inside politics\" type thing. Can't seem to find the article in my Rumor/No-Go file..."}, {"response": 852, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Wed, Mar 20, 2002 (11:20)", "body": "Great questions, Marianne and co-questioner. Fantastic work to catch HF on the hop before she's got her soundbites down pat, as Karen remarks. Wonder how many times we'll hear the \"beard and moustache\" line from here on in? I'm still wondering whether HG will make the film at all. Taking Mari's smart read on the previous story as pure HG publicity (begging for a role), maybe they're following the book and leaving him out. In which case I'd still love to see Liz Hurley given a shot at Rebecca (just for the in-joke, not the acting talent)."}, {"response": 853, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 20, 2002 (11:36)", "body": "(Mark) In which case I'd still love to see Liz Hurley given a shot at Rebecca (just for the in-joke, not the acting talent). Actually, I think she would be v.g. in the role. She looks the part and can do the right attitude. I saw her in that devil role (hey, it was on TV!) and she's could be a formidable Rebecca, one that could make RZ's Bridget easily feel inadequate."}, {"response": 854, "author": "Moon", "date": "Wed, Mar 20, 2002 (12:00)", "body": "she could be a formidable Rebecca, one that could make RZ's Bridget easily feel inadequate. Especially if she wears those tight Versace dresses she's so very fond of."}, {"response": 855, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Wed, Mar 20, 2002 (13:39)", "body": "um, but one thing you guys are neglecting??? She's preggers!!!! :)"}, {"response": 856, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Wed, Mar 20, 2002 (14:13)", "body": "(Laura) She's preggers! EoR won't shoot for months and months. Surely she'll have the baby by then...unless she's expecting an elephant. :-P"}, {"response": 857, "author": "kattas", "date": "Wed, Mar 20, 2002 (16:16)", "body": "(Eileen) EoR won't shoot for months and months. Surely she'll have the baby by then...unless she's expecting an elephant. :-P Just looked her up on Internet Movie Database and the baby's due 02 April, so there's plenty of time."}, {"response": 858, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Wed, Mar 20, 2002 (21:22)", "body": "Yeah, but one who has had a baby, doesn't necessarily mean that kid is coming on 02 April....:)"}, {"response": 859, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Mar 20, 2002 (21:31)", "body": "unless she's expecting an elephant. :-P Judging by the looks of Bing-Laden, she's delivering a Baby Huey. ;-) Sorry, but that guy is a pig. I feel bad for Liz, but she's really shown some grace and guts throughout this, IMO. Would love to see her as Rebecca. Mark, nice to hear from you!:-)"}, {"response": 860, "author": "LauraMM", "date": "Thu, Mar 21, 2002 (07:38)", "body": "Are there any pix of a pregnant Liz??? I haven't seen any."}, {"response": 861, "author": "Moon", "date": "Thu, Mar 21, 2002 (07:38)", "body": "(Mari), I feel bad for Liz, Please! If anyone could turn the phrase dumb blond into dumb brunette, she's the one."}, {"response": 862, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Mar 22, 2002 (07:47)", "body": "Ah, Moon, you know what a softie I am. ;-) Nice article in today's New York Post: WHY ZELLWEGER DESERVES THE OSCAR By JONATHAN FOREMAN -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- March 22, 2002 -- IT'S infuriating but true: Ren\ufffde Zellweger has almost no chance of winning the Oscar for Best Actress. In fact, she was lucky to have been nominated at all for \"Bridget Jones's Diary,\" given the Motion Picture Academy's strange allergy to comedic performances. Still, if there were any justice in these things, the plucky young Texan will be taking home a statuette on Sunday night. Because with the possible exception of Judi Dench's turn as Iris, Zellweger's performance as the bouncy, awkwardly endearing British \"singleton\" was simply a far more impressive achievement than any of the others nominated. It's not than any of them were bad - though Nicole Kidman does very little actual acting in \"Moulin Rouge.\" It's just that in an age when the standard of Hollywood acting is so much higher than the standard of Hollywood writing, you expect competent professional performances in roles that don't require tremendous skill or effort. In \"In the Bedroom,\" Sissy Spacek, who continues to be the favorite (though Halle Berry is surging), was fine in what was really a supporting role. All she had to do was look like she was bottling up her rage at the loss of her son and at one point shout at Tom Wilkinson. There wasn't much else to her character. Berry's role in \"Monsters' Ball\" was more demanding and certainly showier: This preternaturally gorgeous actress was required to weep, shout, sulk and writhe around half-naked with Billy Bob Thornton. But - and it wasn't her fault that the screenplay was so clunky and clich\ufffd-ridden - there was no subtlety or nuance in the role. She carried out what was required of her with the competence you would expect from the star of TV's \"Introducing Dorothy Dandridge\" but no more. Zellweger was more than competent as \"Bridget.\" She was terrific. It wasn't just that she took the risk incredibly rare among Hollywood actresses of allowing herself to appear much less conventionally attractive than in real life by packing on the pounds. Nor was it just that she caught a specific foreign accent more precisely than any technician since Meryl Streep in \"Sophie's Choice\" (as someone educated in the U.K., I can attest to its perfection.) She did all these things and, at the same time, transformed a comic persona - one miles away from any character she'd attempted before - into a real, believable, wholly winsome person. Comedy is really, really difficult to do well, as anyone can tell from the vast numbers of failed comic exercises that come out of Hollywood. And it's absurd and unfair that those who pull it off, like Ren\ufffde Zellweger, should so often come second to actors playing heart-tugging, afflicted characters."}, {"response": 863, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Mar 22, 2002 (09:23)", "body": "Comedy is really, really difficult to do well, as anyone can tell from the vast numbers of failed comic exercises that come out of Hollywood. And it's absurd and unfair that those who pull it off, like Ren\ufffde Zellweger, should so often come second to actors playing heart-tugging, afflicted characters. Words of wisdom. Thanks, Mari!"}, {"response": 864, "author": "Lora", "date": "Fri, Mar 22, 2002 (09:34)", "body": "Very good article, Mari, thanks for sharing it. The writer is so right. Those are my sentiments exactly. Wish the voters appreciated and understood what she accomplished. I think they will vote for the spectacular display of Nicole and MR instead. Hollywood seems to be more impressed with that, and lets face it many of them are voters :-(."}, {"response": 865, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Mar 22, 2002 (09:52)", "body": "If that journo wanted to have any impact, this article should've been printed WEEKS ago!! Then, it could've been used by Miramorons to spearhead some kind of publicity campaign. There are so many accurate statements about the other actors' performances that it might have served to instill a little guilt in Academy voters minds about their propensity to go for the showier, dramatic performances. To wit: Nicole Kidman does very little actual acting in \"Moulin Rouge True. Berry's role in \"Monsters' Ball\" was more demanding and certainly showier...But...there was no subtlety or nuance in the role. Precisely."}, {"response": 866, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Fri, Mar 22, 2002 (10:19)", "body": "Ditto, ditto, thanks for sharing, Mari. RZ's nom doesn't even get mentioned in many of the Oscar run-up speculation shows. :-/ That aside, I find myself v.v. disgruntled about the Oscars. Am sure this cr*p goes on every year (though those in the know say the campaigning has reached an all time high) but...unless Congress passes an Oscar campaign reform bill along with the other campaign reform bill (quick! Get McCain on the phone) things will only get worse. I haven't seen many of the films so I won't be making any guesses myself. Regardless, I will be glued to the set on Sunday. Can't wait to see what Steve Cojo (whatever his name is) is wearing. Anyone else think he's getting to look more and more like Michael Jackson?"}, {"response": 867, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Mar 22, 2002 (10:38)", "body": "LOL, Eileen! Reforms are needed in so many places. I don't know who Steve Cojo is. ( Karen), To wit: Nicole Kidman does very little actual acting in \"Moulin Rouge True. Berry's role in \"Monsters' Ball\" was more demanding and certainly showier...But...there was no subtlety or nuance in the role. Precisely. And what he says about Sissy is spot on. Don't be blinded by the melodrama of ITB."}, {"response": 868, "author": "Becka", "date": "Fri, Mar 22, 2002 (13:05)", "body": "I want to kiss Jonathan Foreman! Perfect! Wonder what the NK lovers are going to say when I post this at Gold Derby! ;-) ;-P"}, {"response": 869, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Mar 22, 2002 (13:22)", "body": "Am I the only one who thinks Renee has a chance? They're chumps if they rubber stamp the other awards.Surprise the audience."}, {"response": 870, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Fri, Mar 22, 2002 (14:40)", "body": "I wish I could make myself believe Renee has a prayer - at least she'll have mine."}, {"response": 871, "author": "mpiatt", "date": "Fri, Mar 22, 2002 (16:38)", "body": "And we know who we'd vote for \"best extra\" ;-)"}, {"response": 872, "author": "kattas", "date": "Fri, Mar 22, 2002 (16:40)", "body": "(Mark G.) I wish I could make myself believe Renee has a prayer - at least she'll have mine And mine as well. However with a family who worked Hollywood (my Dad was in PR and my mum was in film processing in Techincolour for many years) I can tell you the members of the Academy vote on pure sentiment and not on merit. I haven't watched the Oscars in many years but I intend to look out for the Best Actress award, and keep my fingers crossed for Renee. :-)"}, {"response": 873, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Mar 22, 2002 (17:49)", "body": "Let me tell you...no one thought Jennifer had a prayer for the Tony two years ago. If you see the tape, Cherry Jones was primping her hair getting ready to go on stage for her award....when Matthew Broderick called out Jenn's name I nearly fell off the chair. Karen and I (on the phone) whooped and hollered. The audience surprise was audible. There's always hope."}, {"response": 874, "author": "freddie", "date": "Fri, Mar 22, 2002 (17:58)", "body": "It's so ironic that comedy has always been spoken of by those in the business as the hardest to do and get right. How many quotes have I heard from actors and others about this? Yet, they seem to be reluctant to recognize a superb comedy performance at awards time. Still, RZ was nominated. That's something I suppose and while I haven't seem any of the other performances, hers was v. good! And, between the male and female actor/supporting actor catagories, the females are the ones that seem to have more surprises when the envelopes are opened. Keep fingers crossed. Toes too! :)"}, {"response": 875, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Sat, Mar 23, 2002 (07:35)", "body": "With all this talk of Renee deserving her Oscar (gets my vote) , thought I'd share with you all our very own BJD tour which took place last weekend, and believe me we prayed for you Renee every step of the way!! We went to Borough market and were lucky enough to encounter a film crew there, so gave us a feel of what it would have been like when the real thing was happening.......! That's the bit she wanders thro' dejected and sobbing in her bunny girl outfit (should there be anyone reading this who didn't know ;-) ) We also stood outside Bridget's flat and the antiques shop which doubles as the Greek Restaurant is right across the street. Among our group we were lucky enough to have someone with a talent for can ferreting out people who know ODB, and we were fortunate to meet a lovely lady who was part of the BJD crew. She said Colin was a lovely man, charming etc and great to work with , as was Renee , who was delightful. It had been a great experience to work on the film , lots of fun etc, she couldn't praise ODB enough. It was generous of her to spare so much time to talk to us as she was working with a film crew and took time out for us."}, {"response": 876, "author": "Lizza", "date": "Sat, Mar 23, 2002 (07:41)", "body": "From there we passed the spot where MD walks , jacket over shoulder after the fight and then went to the \"diary shop\" and the street corner of the final scene. Our contact told us that filming outside had been very difficult, with limited time to do so and therefore a lot had been shot in the studio. It was a great way to spend a few hours in London. Thanks to our favourite BJD extra for directional assistance and to that blonde bombshell for making it happen ;-) Way to go Renee!"}, {"response": 877, "author": "lafn", "date": "Sat, Mar 23, 2002 (11:08)", "body": "LOL.For anyone going to London...it's a fun tour. Thanks Lizza . BTW we toasted \"absent friends\"."}, {"response": 878, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Mon, Mar 25, 2002 (22:07)", "body": "HF is having another discussion/book signing for her book tomorrow. Are there any questions you might have for her?"}, {"response": 879, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Mar 26, 2002 (07:53)", "body": "Where is the signing going to be held?"}, {"response": 880, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Tue, Mar 26, 2002 (10:32)", "body": "oops sorry, Barnes & Noble in Encino, CA, 7:30 pm"}, {"response": 881, "author": "Moon", "date": "Tue, Mar 26, 2002 (11:50)", "body": "Marianne, you are an expert and know exactly what we want to know, the thing is to trick her into committing to an answer. ;-) Looking forward to your report."}, {"response": 882, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Mar 26, 2002 (11:54)", "body": "OK, Marianne, ask Helen if she'd like to test out her new book on a group of very intelligent readers? Focus group type stuff."}, {"response": 883, "author": "SBRobinson", "date": "Tue, Mar 26, 2002 (14:24)", "body": "(Karen) ask Helen if she'd like to test out her new book on a group of very intelligent readers? Focus group type stuff LoL - excellent idea Karen!! i'll volunteer :-)"}, {"response": 884, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Wed, Mar 27, 2002 (16:38)", "body": "Sorry for the delay ... I eavesdropped on a conversation before HF arrived, and it went like this: BJD, the movie is nothing like the book, the book is about Bridget and HG. [Ugh!] I wish I had something new to report \ufffd but it was the same excerpts and quips as before. There was lots of laughter, sometimes drowning out HF, except when she read the part about western women being thin and dressing like refugees. [Was I the only one who wanted to giggle? You had to be there.] This time I took notes \ufffd cause I couldn\ufffdt think of anything to ask. \ufffd BJD was inspired by Jane Austen\ufffds \ufffdPride & Prejudice.\ufffd The program was very popular in England. HF asked the audience if they\ufffdve seen it? Very few have [I guess A&E is not available in Encino]. \ufffd How did she get started? She was always writing. She worked at a newspaper, and wrote an article about the Squidgeygate scandal [Princess Diana\ufffds affair w/ James Gilbey]. She quit when her copy was changed. She met JG a few weeks later at a party, was about to apologize, when he said that he liked the story \ufffd \ufffda bloody good article!\ufffd \ufffd Did she have a choice in the CF/HG/RZ? She insisted on CF, but stood back on the casting of Bridget. \ufffd Is RZ how she pictured Bridget? Her Bridget looks like the cover of the British book, and she finally met her the premiere. \ufffd Her next book will be like CC \ufffd broader canvas. It\ufffds coming along, but another story may crop up. She spent 5 hours on it today. It\ufffds set in L.A., about Hollywood. She went to a Hollywood party a few days ago, hosted by Brian??? She politely asked the person next to her how he knew Brian. His nervous reply was, WHY do you want to know? \ufffd WHO are you? [It was terribly funny.] All she could think was ka-ching. \ufffd Does she have any rituals? She does a lot of rewriting, making up, taking notes and writing dialogue. \ufffd What was the reception of BJD? Big in the UK, but was warned not to try the US. It turned out well. She also spoke about a complaint about BJD not being a good role model, her reply was that her first book was about famine relief and nobody read it. \ufffd Will the CF interview be in the movie? Don\ufffdt know, but he should play it with beard and mustache. Although he does have \ufffdan attractive younger brother.\ufffd \ufffd Bridget\ufffds mum is like her mum in some ways. She spoke about her mum and her question [to the accountant/taxman?] \ufffdDo you know to make a brioche? \ufffd [My favorite] Who is your MD and does he mind your writing about him? MD has always been CF. She said that she knows him well \ufffd socially. When she sees him with his wife, she wants to say, [hope I quote this correctly and the way she said it \ufffd conceding but not gracefully] \ufffdOk, you can have him.\ufffd \ufffd When does she know she\ufffds done? When it\ufffds on sale \ufffd explained that she knows she can always rewrite stuff and push deadlines back. \ufffd BJD was primarily cut and paste. She laid out her columns and matched it up with the P&P plot. \ufffd Any favorite characters? She doesn\ufffdt really think they\ufffdre funny as she\ufffds doing them. \ufffd What does she think of the movie? Relieved. She came and went during the script process. She did the first draft, then Andrew Davies \ufffd who did P&P [no reaction], then Richard Curtis \ufffd who did FW&AF [lots of ahhs]. \ufffd What did she think of RZ? Fantastic. They were furious in the UK, but since then, no complaints. \ufffd She was an English major at Oxford, but she can\ufffdt spell or correct her punctuation. She always wanted to be a writer. She talked about being \ufffdFires of Zanzibar\ufffd being rejected by Mills & Boon. But she\ufffds been vindicated cause Mills & Boon is trying the BJD format now. \ufffd The book she was trying to write prior to BJD is about the Caribbean cultural divide, cash customers vs. poor hotel workers. \ufffd She didn\ufffdt attend the Oscars. But she did go to the Vanity Fair party. Her invitation said if she was going solo, to go at 11, if as a couple, then 12. She loved it. Celebrity watching is like being in a safari. I did actually ask something at the very end \ufffd why wasn\ufffdt she on the dvd commentary? It was only Sharon Maguire. She said she did record something for the dvd. [I\ufffdm turning red and am confused.] Then she said if must have been the day she had an awful haircut, and that\ufffds all she could concentrate on. [Still confused.] Of course, she\ufffds only the writer, not really important. I purchased CC so she could autograph it and I could ask 2 other questions. She kept munching on M&M\ufffds as she signed books and dvd\ufffds. How about Elizabeth Hurley for Rebecca? She made polite noises as if considering it, then said she can toss her hair. Then I made the big mistake of saying that EH would have been perfect for Lara/Suki. She looked at me. I told her Lisa Barbuscia played her in the movie. HF: that was Natasha. Me: umm, no that was Embeth Davidtz. [Really quiet all around, and the sales assistant was giving me a really strange look]. I decided to end it there, thanked her for the signed book and made a hasty exit."}, {"response": 885, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Mar 27, 2002 (22:11)", "body": "No flies on you, Marianne. I suppose one tall, thin woman with baby giraffe legs looks like another. Per all the entertainment shows, the Vanity Fair party is the hardest one to get invited to. Interesting about arrival times. Wonder why? Are all singles supposed to pair up in the first hour so they don't hit on the group with dates and/or spouses or both? ;-D HF asked the audience if they\ufffdve seen it? Very few have [I guess A&E is not available in Encino]. LOL! Am amazed the same people actually made it to a bookstore. Was this at a mall? ;-D Don't think Livia has anything to worry about... *snort* You done good."}, {"response": 886, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Mar 28, 2002 (08:51)", "body": "Great report, Marianne--thanks! I have one question: the movie is nothing like the book, the book is about Bridget and HG. Was she talking about the first movie or the sequel? I thought Daniel Cleaver was barely in the 2nd book. Did she mean--gasp--that the 2nd movie is all about Cleaver? *Shudder* HF: that was Natasha. Me: umm, no that was Embeth Davidtz. [Really quiet all around, and the sales assistant was giving me a really strange look]. I decided to end it there, thanked her for the signed book and made a hasty exit. LOL! Ya gotta know when to hold, and know when to fold.;-) Well done, M, and great anecdotes!:-)"}, {"response": 887, "author": "Moon", "date": "Thu, Mar 28, 2002 (09:50)", "body": "Thanks, Marianne!"}, {"response": 888, "author": "MarianneC", "date": "Thu, Mar 28, 2002 (21:31)", "body": "Mari: Was she talking about the first movie or the sequel? the first movie"}, {"response": 889, "author": "Jana2", "date": "Sun, Mar 31, 2002 (18:23)", "body": "Marianne, thanks for the great report on meeting HF again. So sorry I didn't read about it until this weekend or I would have gone with you. I can't believe that HF came all the way to my neck of the woods and I missed seeing her. (Marianne) The program was very popular in England. HF asked the audience if they\ufffdve seen it? Very few have [I guess A&E is not available in Encino] LOL! Well, it is the home of the Valley girls after all ;-)."}, {"response": 890, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Apr  1, 2002 (08:16)", "body": "Again, meaningless stuff, considering its source...but from an interview with the Huge Gnat promoting AAB: At the Polish Club, we order beers with Bison Vodka chasers. I ask if he is going to do the sequel to Bridget Jones's Diary, as rumoured. He says only if he would be letting everyone else down by not doing it. 'I certainly don't want to do it, to be absolutely honest; it's like getting back into wet swimming trunks. And I'm not sure Ren\ufffde is ever going to pile on those pounds again.' http://film.guardian.co.uk/interview/interviewpages/0,6737,676459,00.html"}, {"response": 891, "author": "lafn", "date": "Mon, Apr  1, 2002 (10:54)", "body": "\"Even if I don't really fancy the actress, I always get a stirring\" ROTF. Thanks Karen..hilarious interview. He's a clever guy, found his niche as an actor and ran with it."}, {"response": 892, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, Apr  1, 2002 (14:59)", "body": "I do frequently fancy the girls I'm working with, particularly if I have to snog them. There's something so fabulous about two strangers being made to kiss. I think being on set is a very sexy atmosphere. Extremely sexy. Even if I don't really fancy the actress, I always get a stirring.' LOL! Somehow, I don't see the chemistry between him and Sandra Bullock. I wonder if that happens to other actors. (Maybe that's why our married DB had become such a prude. ;-) Thanks for posting that, Karen. It's 4pm by me and I have been celebrating my wedding anniversary (one champagne bottle down) :-) Well, we had a flourless chocolate cake with the kids at snack time and you know how well champagne and chocolate mix. ;-)"}, {"response": 893, "author": "mari", "date": "Mon, Apr  1, 2002 (18:49)", "body": "'I certainly don't want to do it, to be absolutely honest; it's like getting back into wet swimming trunks. I can understand that. It's not *the* starring role and why repeat yourself? Unless there's nothing better on offer. ;-) Reading this article reminds me that I saw Jamie Grant, Huge's bro, at our office last week. He has, as my mother used to say, A Big Job, with a New York investment banking firm whose name I won't reveal other than to say it begins with the letters Goldman-Sachs. ;-) He's much darker than Huge, very nice looking, and apparently very well-regarded in that biz."}, {"response": 894, "author": "lafn", "date": "Tue, Apr  2, 2002 (08:49)", "body": "I would bet none of them want to do EOR; despite the fact that CF has said he \"loves Bridget\" and would do it depending on the script.Sequels are seldom as dynamic as the original. Renee seems to be branching out into more dramatic roles and Hugh always has a slew of offerings."}, {"response": 895, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Apr  2, 2002 (09:09)", "body": "Very true about sequels, although there are a few exceptions where the sequel was better than the original (Godfather and Babe) or at least as good. I noticed you didn't say what CF has been up to. ;-D"}, {"response": 896, "author": "lafn", "date": "Tue, Apr  2, 2002 (11:57)", "body": "(Karen) I noticed you didn't say what CF has been up to. ;-D *snort* Don't ask me. Ask Fortunato ;-))"}, {"response": 897, "author": "Moon", "date": "Tue, Apr  2, 2002 (14:10)", "body": "ROTF! It is bad news for CF if there is no TEOR. The other two will not be affected."}, {"response": 898, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Tue, Apr  2, 2002 (14:59)", "body": "Neither RZ and HG \"need\" TEOR....I'm hoping that TIOBE and \"Hope Springs\" will boost CF so he doesn't \"need\" it either.....but I still hope they'll do it. It will be interesting to see how \"About a boy\" fares. Promotion has already started in the UK, and it's very much a HG vehicle, without the advantage of a major leading lady. I don't think UK audiences will be queueing up. To be honest, the main theme (rich 40-ish immature playboy type hangs out with 12 year old boy) has never really struck me as particularly \"real\". If AOB isn't wildly successful, HG may be less sniffy about TEOR ( and don't forget he was the only cast member to be honoured with a share of the profits for BJD...a very nice little earner, thank you!!). Yes, I agree that HG and RZ are forging ahead regardless...and what has Mr Firth on offer, I wonder?! Hardly any films are being made in the UK at the moment, so if he's missed (or turned down) the Hollywood boat, theatre seems to be the most obvious (only?) option. Cate Blanchett is reported to be playing Sylvia Plath in the BBC film. Keeping my fingers crossed that they go for a bone fide Yorkshireman fot Ted Hughes (Firth is a West Yorkshire name). Also, just to cheer you up (!) a French site has Maid of Buttermere (\"avec Colin Firth\") scheduled for release in France in 2005!!"}, {"response": 899, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Tue, Apr  2, 2002 (15:17)", "body": "(Bethan) Hardly any films are being made in the UK at the moment Why is that? just to cheer you up (!) a French site has Maid of Buttermere (\"avec Colin Firth\") scheduled for release in France in 2005!! Oh, not that old warhorse...;-) Funny that it's 'scheduled for release' when the darn thing seems to be having so much difficulty getting made."}, {"response": 900, "author": "lafn", "date": "Tue, Apr  2, 2002 (16:46)", "body": "(Bethan)just to cheer you up (!) a French site has Maid of Buttermere (\"avec Colin Firth\") scheduled for release in France in 2005! Not exactly the bounce we were especting after BJD. Anybody check the Italian websites;-)"}, {"response": 901, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Tue, Apr  2, 2002 (17:25)", "body": "LOL!"}, {"response": 902, "author": "mariel", "date": "Wed, Apr  3, 2002 (10:13)", "body": "I just found this from Sky News , and I don't think it's been posted: \"Hugh Grant plans to quit acting - because the pressure of performing is \"torture\". Grant told the Daily Express he hopes to retire in 2004 - the 10th anniversary of Four Weddings and a Funeral, which propelled him to stardom. \" I think 10 years would be a good time to finish, and it's eight now, so I'd only have to make one or two more films,\" he said. The 41-year-old star said he is overcome with fear whenever he steps in front of a camera. 'It's torture' \"For me it's physiological. The pressure's so great. It's torture. It's been like that for years and it's getting worse.\" Grant said when he gives up his acting career he intends to: \"have a relationship, have some children, write my book, make my own film, stop faffing around.\" I hope it was just an April's Fool Joke"}, {"response": 903, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr  3, 2002 (10:52)", "body": "If this were true (and not something taken completely out of context), it would be bad...because???? ;-D"}, {"response": 904, "author": "mari", "date": "Wed, Apr  3, 2002 (11:07)", "body": "Huge has been \"threatening\" that for as long as I can remember. Take with a large grain of salt. Cate Blanchett is reported to be playing Sylvia Plath in the BBC film. So, Gwynnie is out of the picture? Well, Cate would be a good choice, too, but she seems to have a rather full dance card these days. (\"avec Colin Firth\") scheduled for release in France in 2005!! At this rate, it will be Grandmaman of Buttermere. ;-)"}, {"response": 905, "author": "mariel", "date": "Wed, Apr  3, 2002 (11:22)", "body": "If this were true (and not something taken completely out of context), it would be bad...because???? ;-D Hehee. For some of us though, there was Hugh before there was Colin ;)"}, {"response": 906, "author": "AnnieZ", "date": "Wed, Apr  3, 2002 (12:18)", "body": "(Megan) For some of us though, there was Hugh before there was Colin ;) But I thought they were born in the same month of the same year ;-O just have to say it out loud"}, {"response": 907, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Wed, Apr  3, 2002 (13:42)", "body": "\"About a boy\" will be released in the UK in a couple of weeks. Great timing! \"Hugh to quit\" \"'I've had enough' says tortured Hugh\" \"'Why I want a baby' by Hugh Grant\"....the tabloids will love it!"}, {"response": 908, "author": "mariel", "date": "Wed, Apr  3, 2002 (14:45)", "body": "\"Hugh to quit\" \"'I've had enough' says tortured Hugh\" \"'Why I want a baby' by Hugh Grant\"....the tabloids will love it! Hehee. Problably they'll be so estatic about the wanting a family bit, that immediatly the press will pair Liz and Hugh back together."}, {"response": 909, "author": "caribou", "date": "Wed, Apr  3, 2002 (15:03)", "body": "I just came back from visiting www.tiffany.com. Am I the last person on the planet to realize that Bridget's necklace can be ordered so easily? It's called the Elsa Perreti Open Heart Pendant and costs $110. I think Bridget's was the 1\" medium on a 18\" chain in sterling silver. It's even cooler when I think that CF (in the character of Charles Gould) mentions Tiffany silver."}, {"response": 910, "author": "mariel", "date": "Wed, Apr  3, 2002 (15:34)", "body": "(Caribou) I just came back from visiting www.tiffany.com. Am I the last person on the planet to realize that Bridget's necklace can be ordered so easily? It's called the Elsa Perreti Open Heart Pendant and costs $110. I think Bridget's was the 1\" medium on a 18\" chain in sterling silver. From experience, I know it's not the Elsa Perreti Open Heart 1\". I ordered the Medium (7/8 of an inch) for my birthday (sweet 16 today, yay!) thinking it was the one Bridget had. When I recived it last week though, the heart was much MUCH larger than her's. I've sent it back for the small, which should be the size Bridget has. Also, if any one has seen The American Embassy on Fox Monday nights, it looks like the main character also has the 'Bridget' necklace, if I'm not mistaken."}, {"response": 911, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Apr  4, 2002 (09:37)", "body": "Sterling silver for $110?? Yikes! Here's what you're paying for: T-i-f-f-a-n-y. Hmmm. Must rifle through my jewelery box. This type of necklace was quite popular in the '70s or '80s."}, {"response": 912, "author": "Moon", "date": "Thu, Apr  4, 2002 (11:57)", "body": "Your right, Eileen. That heart necklace has been around for decades. I was surprised to see it on Bridget as films usually promote new trinkets. Happy Birthday Megan!"}, {"response": 913, "author": "caribou", "date": "Thu, Apr  4, 2002 (12:03)", "body": "(Eileen) This type of necklace was quite popular in the '70s or '80s. It's possible that this is the necklace that started that trend and it has either never left the Tiffany offerings or was discontinued and recently brought back. Tiffany also features designs by Picasso's daughter and Louis Comfort Tiffany (widely known for the lamps) both of which seem to be from years ago. Megan, let me know what you think of the small. I saw one and it looked very small and the large is very large."}, {"response": 914, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Thu, Apr  4, 2002 (12:43)", "body": "(Moon) I was surprised to see it on Bridget as films usually promote new trinkets. Think it was meant to be symbolic (dangling heart, get it?). Bet they didn't lay down 110 clams... ;-)"}, {"response": 915, "author": "mariel", "date": "Thu, Apr  4, 2002 (20:29)", "body": "(Caribou) Megan, let me know what you think of the small. I saw one and it looked very small and the large is very large. My friend has the small one, and I agree that it looks smaller than Bridget's, which is why I went for the medium, but there's no doubt in my mind that the medium is too large. (Eileen)Think it was meant to be symbolic (dangling heart, get it?). Bet they didn't lay down 110 clams...;-) At the InStyle website they said they chose the heart because it looked like something she would have gotten for her 21st birthday, and was symbolic of Bridget's romantic fantasies."}, {"response": 916, "author": "caribou", "date": "Fri, Apr  5, 2002 (15:12)", "body": "(Eileen) Think it was meant to be symbolic (dangling heart, get it?). The necklace's name is the Open Heart Pendant - which would fit Bridget: single, looking for love with a open heart. I love touches like that in movies. The only other heart I've seen in BJD is the red, heart-shaped pillow on her couch. I love that - wish they had done more. Thanks, Megan."}, {"response": 917, "author": "freddie", "date": "Fri, Apr  5, 2002 (20:23)", "body": "There was a post today at Dregston on the Pant Board referring to a quote by RZ at the Oscars about the BDJ sequel and how excited she was to be working with a certain co-star, the implcation being CF. I went to the link and scanned the column and, of course found nothing. Here it is for anyone who can find it! http://www.eonline.com/Gossip/index.html?fdnavgos"}, {"response": 918, "author": "mariel", "date": "Sat, Apr  6, 2002 (13:03)", "body": "I didn't see anything on the page you gave, but I did find this bit about Renee talking about the sequel in last weeks's The Awful Truth: \"Ren\ufffde Zellweger, looking very grown up (and very un-Bridget Jones in her too-together Carolina Herrera strapless satin), announced: \"You guys are crazy!\" I think the purty Texan had finally had enough of the on-the-record roundup, which included, interestingly enough, eager proclamations to do the Jones sequel, something she had not been as hyped about last time we chatted, thanks to cold 'n' dreary London weather.\" Could that possibly be it?"}, {"response": 919, "author": "mariel", "date": "Sat, Apr  6, 2002 (13:18)", "body": "Shoot. Forget the end tag."}, {"response": 920, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sat, Apr  6, 2002 (13:41)", "body": "I wouldn't believe *anything* in a Ted Casablanca column, and now they've got him in person on E! News Daily."}, {"response": 921, "author": "mari", "date": "Thu, Apr 11, 2002 (06:25)", "body": "In Marilyn Beck's column today: April 11, 2002 Dear Marilyn: Are there any plans to do the sequel to Bridget Jones's Diary, Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason? If so, will it be the same cast? Krista, Lexington, New York Dear Krista: Working Title Films, the company that produced Bridget Jones's Diary, does have the rights to Helen Fielding's follow-up, Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason. And there has been talk that they plan to make a big-screen production of the latter novel. However, that is still a long way off, and none of the original cast members--Ren\ufffde Zellweger, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth--have been signed. Fielding, who created the role of Bridget's uptight lover, Mark Darcy, specifically for Firth, has made it clear she'd love him to return for the sequel."}, {"response": 922, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, Apr 11, 2002 (08:00)", "body": "I'd say her answer covered all the relevant points, Mari, except perhaps that they have at least one draft of a script, possibly more by this time. ******** Something to put into your \"Visit England\" files: A new website has been launched offering film fans the chance to visit movie locations by rail. The site features more than 100 classic movie locations, and encourages travellers to use the railways to visit them. The locations includes settings from Goldeneye, Gladiator, Brief Encounter, Harry Potter and Bridget Jones's Diary. www.reeltorail.co.uk has been launched by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC). It was launched by Pierce Brosnan's stunt double, Douglas James. A spokesman said: \"Reel to Rail offers you the chance to retrace the steps of your favourite film stars. \"Using the UK's extensive rail network gives you access to Britain's top film locations. With on-line ticketing and travel advice available anytime, you can put your feet up and look forward to a fuss-free ride.\" The website features Film Finder and Travel Planner services to allow film fans to track down the locations where their favourite scenes were shot, and plan their rail journeys accordingly. The locations featured on the website include the Nene Valley railway, the setting for the famous train-top chase in Goldeneye. They also include Alnwick Castle, which was transformed into Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, and Snowshill in Gloucestershire, which was used in Bridget Jones' Diary."}, {"response": 923, "author": "lafn", "date": "Thu, Apr 11, 2002 (09:48)", "body": "Thank you Karen. BJD can be done by tube...cheaper. Rail travel in UK is expensive. I've emailed them and asked them to include the locations for Pride and Prejudice. Lyme Park (Pemberley) is a stinker to get to."}, {"response": 924, "author": "annas", "date": "Thu, Apr 11, 2002 (10:36)", "body": "BJD video is being released in Australia with extra footage, does anyone know what this footage is? If it's HG then I will stay with ex rental copy."}, {"response": 925, "author": "iluvdarcy1", "date": "Thu, Apr 11, 2002 (23:50)", "body": "I don't know if the footage is the same but I own the USA BJD DVD with additional scenes and it's ALL HG. No CF anywhere! I hope the Australian version is better."}, {"response": 926, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr 12, 2002 (07:54)", "body": "There is a list of the deleted scenes on the US DVD way back when on this topic (September?? when the DVD came out). You can find it by backing up with the redisplay box below (putting in -100 etc)"}, {"response": 927, "author": "mari", "date": "Fri, Apr 19, 2002 (08:21)", "body": "From the BBC: Friday, 19 April, 2002, 07:25 GMT 08:25 UK Grant not keen on 'Bridget' sequel Grant doubts he will team up with 'Bridget' co-stars Hugh Grant has said he doubts there will ever be a sequel to hit UK movie Bridget Jones's Diary. The actor was speaking at a press conference of his latest film About A Boy, where he stars as an irresponsible adult who befriends a young boy. Bridget Jones was a huge worldwide hit, taking more than \ufffd40m in the UK alone and earned leading lady Ren\ufffde Zellweger an Oscar nomination. Bridget Jones author Helen Fielding's follow-up novel, Edge of Reason, has already been the subject of sequel rumours. But Grant, who starred as the devious Daniel Cleaver in the movie, said he \"would not put money\" on a sequel being made. He said: \"The people who are keen to make the sequel are Working Title (Bridget Jones's producers) because they see dollar signs flashing in front of them. \"I'm a little bit equivocal to tell you the whole truth. I don't feel particularly keen. \"I don't want to let everyone else down if they want to do it. Having said that I don't think Ren\ufffde is that keen to be fat again.\" In his new film, About A Boy, Grant teams up with directing brothers Chris and Paul Weitz, the duo behind the hit comedy American Pie. Rachel Weisz, Toni Collette and Victoria Smurfit co-star in the movie which is based on Nick Hornby's best-selling novel. The film is released in the UK on 26 April and in the US on 17 May. But Grant is not happy with the movie's trailer on TV across the Atlantic. He is to tell BBC Radio 4's Back Row programme on Saturday that the movie's producers are trying to push a romantic element in the movie, instead of the main storyline about his relationship with the boy. \"They're trying to make it like Notting Hill. I don't know if they are right. I think in marketing terms they are trying to sell the film down the river slightly. \"They make it look like every other American movie, instead of allowing it to be a bit different.\" Grant said he was shocked by the attitude of some UK screenwriters who make the transition from TV to the big screen. He told the radio programme: \"There are some who know what they are doing, but there are others who have an extraordinary kind of arrogance. They come out of television and they think they can do this. \"It is a craft and needs to be learnt and learnt the hard way.\" The Four Weddings and a Funeral star was also scathing about the handout of National Lottery money to UK film production. \"If you fund more productions, you don't get more good films, you get more bad ones. \"I would have invested all that money into the film industry, the right kind of film school or screen writing academy. \"People who actually learn to write for the big screen and not just television. It's not the same thing at all.\" The interview with Hugh Grant is on Back Row, BBC Radio 4 on Saturday at 1730 BST"}, {"response": 928, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Apr 19, 2002 (08:50)", "body": "C'mon Hughie...\"we\" need the money."}, {"response": 929, "author": "maryw", "date": "Fri, Apr 19, 2002 (10:06)", "body": "The Grunt is not keen on the sequel because his character is hardly in it!"}, {"response": 930, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Apr 19, 2002 (10:32)", "body": "I think in marketing terms they are trying to sell the film down the river slightly. \"They make it look like every other American movie, instead of allowing it to be a bit different.\" HG has learned a thing or two. C'mon Hughie...\"we\" need the money. Don't worry, Evelyn, he has his friends looking out for him. ;-)"}, {"response": 931, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr 19, 2002 (10:42)", "body": "Thanks, Mari, for posting the Gnat's comments. I'm sure they will stir things up as they get republished everywhere. While I don't take anything he says seriously as a rule (the man has more canned quips than...), he has made some very critical comments about how AAB is being promoted in the US which are, unfortunately, true. Those marketing types are notorious for putting together misleading trailers, TV spots and ad campaigns. Whether he deigns to appear in the sequel will likely have more to do with the role (size and significance) than anything else. I find it interesting that he's commenting on RZ, but I'd put that in the \"trained by the SAS\" category."}, {"response": 932, "author": "annas", "date": "Fri, Apr 19, 2002 (11:07)", "body": "Obviousy the gnat is down playing the sequel because he identified so well with Daniel Cleaver, and he would rather be remembered as the guy that got the girl. This is just more dirty politics. I've read AAB, and I thought what a pathetic twerp the character was. Mind you I had in mind how ODB would play it, and I could not see a career advancement there. So was glad to hear the gnat took it Has the final kitchen scene in the sequel been discussed before? That's what I'm hanging out for. (or does this belong to droolfic :])"}, {"response": 933, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Apr 19, 2002 (11:20)", "body": "(Anna), I've read AAB, and I thought what a pathetic twerp the character was. Mind you I had in mind how ODB would play it, and I could not see a career advancement there. So was glad to hear the gnat took it ROTFLOL!"}, {"response": 934, "author": "Bryonny", "date": "Fri, Apr 19, 2002 (11:23)", "body": "I wonder about HG not being 'keen' to be DC again when he seemed so happy to be the bad guy when BJD was released. Maybe he just wants his role expanded in the sequel? We've heard that they're working on a script so I'm still optimistic about seeing EoR. As for AAB, it has received very little press coverage here. I have never seen the trailer on TV. And when Hughie shows up to publicize it, all the press wants to do is talk about LizH. I saw him at the new Sandra Bullock premiere on TV and I think he's about ready to slug someone. Meanwhile, the Earnest trailer is getting lots of showings on my TV!"}, {"response": 935, "author": "annas", "date": "Fri, Apr 19, 2002 (12:16)", "body": "I will go back to lurkdom after this but what do I (we?) want to see in EoR? Yes Mr Darcy in the kitchen sans PJs. Will that happen? Subject to seeing Hope Springs (and this is the big but) how are the scenes handled ? ODB in latest bucket vogue pic looks slim but is he toned? Do we care? Just show us the dimples. Do we have a vote for dimples?"}, {"response": 936, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Apr 19, 2002 (13:15)", "body": "but what do I (we?) want to see in EoR? Yes Mr Darcy in the kitchen sans PJs. He wouldn't do it, IMO. Do we have a vote for dimples? It's a thumbs up . ;-)"}, {"response": 937, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr 19, 2002 (13:24)", "body": "(Bryonny) As for AAB, it has received very little press coverage here. It doesn't open in the US/Canada until May 17 (same day as TIOBE in NY/LA) but should be a fairly wide release. I am seeing commercials for it on TV already, plus it's in every magazine. (AnnaS) but what do I (we?) want to see in EoR? No need to go back to lurkdom, but just keep in mind there is no collective we in this place. Many of we have differing opinions and views. :-)"}, {"response": 938, "author": "lindak", "date": "Fri, Apr 19, 2002 (13:39)", "body": "As to the EoR-You have my vote for dimples,Mr.Darcy in the kitchen sans PJs, and of course his fight with Bridget wearing only a towel."}, {"response": 939, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr 19, 2002 (13:49)", "body": "That towel scene alone is what keeps me going. ;-D HF was pleased to acknowledge it when she signed that week's Telegraph column for me. But, if you've read New Cardiff, there's a towel scene in it too."}, {"response": 940, "author": "lindak", "date": "Fri, Apr 19, 2002 (14:06)", "body": "(Karen)I was not going to read New Cardiff until after I saw HS-however, now that I know there is a towel scene-I'll go out and buy it NOW! I think I read that part in the EoR a thousand times. Thanks, everyone, for the warm welcomes!!!It's great to finally be here."}, {"response": 941, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Fri, Apr 19, 2002 (14:31)", "body": "Sounds like sour grapes from HG. And rather disloyal to Working Title who have provide him with all his success and a terrific publicity machine. To be honest, do we really, really need him in TEOR? (Especially if it's an Andrew Davies script with no tweaking by Richard Curtis) Why can't RZ and CF carry it, backed up, very ably by Jim broadbent and Gemma Jones, and also \"the friends\" who were rather wasted in BJD. Sally Phillips and James Callis are excellent comedy actors and could easily fill any void left by HG. But for some reason HG is regarded as having the Midas touch (although he's had several movies that have tanked) and he's a bona fide glam movie star! :-( Earlier this week, the Daily Mail carried an article on RZ and how thin she is now (I actually agree, she *is* too thin). The article stated that RZ would be starring opposite HG in TEOR. No mention of CF. I can't think of any other example where the real romantic lead is ignored! Who cared about Wickham? :-) It will be v. interesting to see how AOB fares at the Box office in the UK. I can't see a major rush, but Hughie's been getting non-stop publicity for the last couple of weeks so I could be wrong!"}, {"response": 942, "author": "lindak", "date": "Fri, Apr 19, 2002 (14:38)", "body": "(bethan)I was disappointed when I read that a part was being created in EoR for HG. I don't have a problem with him, but I would have liked to see CF and RZ carry this off. The DC part in the book is so small, I am surprised that they are going to expand something that isn't there for the film-just to have HG around."}, {"response": 943, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Fri, Apr 19, 2002 (14:40)", "body": "BTW HG was paid \ufffd7.5million for BJD. Or maybe it was dollars. Either way, he was way ahead of his co-stars. Plus a percentage of the profits. I'm not quite sure what he's complaining about!"}, {"response": 944, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Apr 19, 2002 (14:48)", "body": "(Bethan)(Especially if it's an Andrew Davies script with no tweaking by Richard Curtis) I have just seen the Trollope thing on TV scripted by Andrew Davies...He doesn't always have the midas touch either; more a hit 'n miss. I'll put my money on Richard Curtis; he has more hits. And HG has more starring hits than ODB ...but who wants to be objective. Hey...Drool is fantasy-land;-) I am surprised that they are going to expand something that isn't there for the film-just to have HG around. $$$$$$$$$"}, {"response": 945, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Fri, Apr 19, 2002 (14:48)", "body": "I was disappointed when I read that a part was being created in EoR for HG (linda) The problem with creating a large (presumably) part for HG, is that it will distort the story-line, and TEOR could end up being just a retread of BJD."}, {"response": 946, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Apr 19, 2002 (14:49)", "body": "Closed tags, sorry"}, {"response": 947, "author": "lindak", "date": "Fri, Apr 19, 2002 (14:51)", "body": "The problem with creating a large (presumably) part for HG, is that it will distort the story-line, and TEOR could end up being just a retread of BJD I agree. Hopefully that won't happen. I loved BJD-book and film, but I think the EoR is excellent-I hope the script won't disappoint."}, {"response": 948, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Apr 19, 2002 (14:51)", "body": "TEOR could end up being just a retread of BJD. Most sequels are. But I would like to see ODB get this. The $$ is bound to be good. And hey, I don't see anything better in the \"Trans-Siberian pipeline\"."}, {"response": 949, "author": "caribou", "date": "Sat, Apr 20, 2002 (11:41)", "body": "TEOR has the best chance if they stick to the book. I saw an article about how hard it is to make room for a man after you have become a successful career woman with a life full of interests and friends. The movie can focus on that and be just as relevant as BJD was for addressing \"Why are there so many unmarried women in their 30's?\""}, {"response": 950, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Apr 21, 2002 (09:46)", "body": "Wonder who that other guy is? No name is given. The second glimpse of I Saw You (Tuesday, ITV), though, was rather good, mainly because of Fay Ripley, who is probably the best romantic light comedienne on the box at the moment...and also because of a script that I found witheringly funny....Her co-star, Paul Rhys, isn\ufffdt quite so winning. Principally because he seems to be constantly doing an imitation of Hugh Grant whispering. Indeed, his character has Hugh Grant written all over him. Now I come to think of it, the whole thing\ufffds not unlike Bridget Jones, and the other romantic-interest bloke bears more than a passing resemblance to Mr Darcy. I wonder if they did it on purpose? I wonder if they\ufffdve noticed?"}, {"response": 951, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Mon, Apr 22, 2002 (02:55)", "body": "The \"other guy\" in I Saw You is played by Alexander Armstrong, and does not IMO \"bear a passing resemblance to Mr Darcy\", except inasmuch as he is rich and from a very posh background. In fact he's a lord. Neither does the series bear much resemblance to BJD - its heroine is a struggling mum in a dismal relationship with Paul Rhys's optician (who is not very much like HG). Fay Ripley meets her lord at a wedding where she was singing in the band, and gets relentlessly pursued by him, while Paul Rhys starts dating his dentist. No singletons, not much angsting from the heroine, no deliberate slimeball. The only thing I agree with the reviewer on is that Fay Ripley is quite good and makes the show worth watching. But then I've only seen one episode..."}, {"response": 952, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Apr 22, 2002 (09:18)", "body": "Thanks, Mark. Am looking around for pics of this guy but only one that's in profile. (Apparently was in The Birthday Girl too.) However, the series sounds interesting. Perhaps if it gets as popular as Cold Feet, we'll get it here. Huge's comments have been printed in the Sun and picked up by Ananova now. So we should expect to hear something from the folks at Working Title soon. ;-D"}, {"response": 953, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Mon, Apr 22, 2002 (10:09)", "body": "Huge's comments won't exactly please Working Title! Given that Daniel Cleaver barely features in TEOR, and that there's an established cast, I wonder if HG has the power to scuttle the whole project (ie it's not my party, so I'm not playing, and no-one else is either)?"}, {"response": 954, "author": "lindak", "date": "Mon, Apr 22, 2002 (10:25)", "body": "HG also mentioned that he thought RZ would not want to do the TEoR because of the weight gain. I thought that was a little presumptive on his part. I read that she would consider the role if she didn't have to pack on as many pounds, but overall she was in favor of doing it. I'm furious that he probably read the same article, and decided to comment as though it's already been decided."}, {"response": 955, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Wed, Apr 24, 2002 (08:01)", "body": "Huge is casting grave doubts on TEOR. :-( I heard the tail end of a radio interview with him yesterday (promoting AOB). Am paraphrasing. The interviewer asked him about a sequel to BJD, and Huge said that he didn't think it would happen. He said he was reluctant to reprise the role of Daniel Cleaver as there was nothing to be regained by re-visiting it - it was like putting back on a wet swimsuit. The interviewer (male) said that it was a pity because HG and RZ made a great couple and added that it wouldn't matter for Hugh because he must have lots more irons in the fire. Huge said \"Yes, absolutely\". Huge is getting rave reviews for AOB, and must be even more bankable now. Unfortunately it seems as though TEOR can't be made without him. Makes me fume though. If AOB was tailor-made for HG, them TEOR was tailor-made for CF. I would have thought that the reaction to BJD hould have given CF some credibility as a leading man!!"}, {"response": 956, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Wed, Apr 24, 2002 (08:40)", "body": "From deja.com From UPI Hollywood Digest By Pat Nason UPI Hollywood Reporter From the Life & Mind Desk Published 4/23/2002 4:09 PM THAT'S ONE WAY TO HANDLE IT Colin Firth -- who starred with Ren\ufffde Zellweger and Hugh Grant in \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" -- is actually a character in novelist Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones sequel, \"The Edge of Reason,\" prompting the question: Who will play Firth in the movie version? First things first, though. Firth isn't sure there will be an \"Edge of Reason\" movie. \"I can't really answer that question informatively,\" he told United Press International. \"I don't know. As far as I'm concerned it's all rumor.\" Firth said there had been talk of a movie, but it has quieted down. \"I just think it's probably a very difficult thing to mount,\" he said, \"three actors who have to be available at the same time and a script that would have to be good enough.\" But if there were a movie, who would play the character of Colin Firth? \"He won't be there,\" said Firth. \"He'll become George Clooney or something.\" Bridget becomes a journalist in \"The Edge of Reason\" and interviews Firth. Director Sharon Maguire -- who had been talked about as a possible director for the project -- reportedly said Firth would play himself, as well as reprise his role as Mark Darcy from \"Bridget Jones's Diary.\""}, {"response": 957, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr 24, 2002 (09:06)", "body": "The interviewer (male) said that it was a pity because HG and RZ made a great couple *snort* From the only person in England not to have seen the movie. ;-D Interesting item, Bethan. Must have been from the press junket. Colin's just doing a little dance, as nothing's been signed and sealed. Typical. But if there were a movie, who would play the character of Colin Firth? \"He won't be there,\" said Firth. \"He'll become George Clooney or something.\" Nonnegotiable contract point? ;-D Although I'd bet WT would love to do the in-joke, they are notorious for having surprise cameos, and Clooney would be a good one to do the interview."}, {"response": 958, "author": "lindak", "date": "Wed, Apr 24, 2002 (09:52)", "body": "I'm going to think positive and hope that TEoR will be a go. I don't quite understand the reasoning that it can't be made with out HG. The book was certainly a great read without his character. Has anyone given any thought to who might play Rebecca if this project gets off the ground? Would love to hear some ideas."}, {"response": 959, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Wed, Apr 24, 2002 (10:00)", "body": "I'm thinking positive too...despite the negative vibes. As Karen says...nothing's signed and sealed yet. I seem to remember similar negative vibes about BJD...at one point it was all off, then there was the fuss about casting BJ, the script wasn't up to scratch, HG to play MD etc!"}, {"response": 960, "author": "lindak", "date": "Wed, Apr 24, 2002 (10:16)", "body": "HG playing MD? I didn't hear that, and thank goodness it didn't happen that way.As far as HG, I just heard him say,two days ago, that he would like to do just one or two more films then write his book, have children, etc. Now he has several things in the fire? I think all of his negative talk about TEoR is due to the fact that he knows the book was all about BJ and MD, and even if they expand his part-it's not about HIM!"}, {"response": 961, "author": "Moon", "date": "Wed, Apr 24, 2002 (10:29)", "body": "WT would love to do the in-joke, they are notorious for having surprise cameos, and Clooney would be a good one to do the interview. That might be Colin's way of hinting at whom he would like. I agree, Karen, it would work for me.BTW, who is WT? I think the script is in the making, we should relax. ;-)"}, {"response": 962, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Wed, Apr 24, 2002 (10:37)", "body": "Working Title. Remember how they had Alec Baldwin in NH? They like cameos (all the authors at the launch party)."}, {"response": 963, "author": "caribou", "date": "Wed, Apr 24, 2002 (14:20)", "body": "(Bethan) I just think it's probably a very difficult thing to mount,\" he said Can't be harder than a greyhound, which we here at Spring have seen! :-) Thanks to everyone who has reported news--I am beginning to relax a little but am still anxious for 3 talk shows, a radio interview and more articles than I can read in a day."}, {"response": 964, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Fri, Apr 26, 2002 (06:19)", "body": "Have just posted over at Odds and Ends (at last!! :-)) re bad reviews for AOB and Huge. May cause Huge to have a rethink on the BJD sequel, if he is genuinely having doubts. I'd be surprised if AOB performs as well as BJD (\ufffd40million in the UK takes some beating) and if it falls well short, then a reprise of Daniel Cleaver (for a huge sum of money) may seem an attractive option. Certainly Working Title would prefer an already successful formula."}, {"response": 965, "author": "MarkG", "date": "Fri, Apr 26, 2002 (08:49)", "body": "Following Mari's wily assessment of one of the early sequel rumours at #743, I am convinced that every mention of this film is being organised by HG, specifically to suggest that he is essential to the winning BJD formula. My guess is that, true to the book, DC is largely/totally ignored in the first screenplay draft (which HG probably hasn't even received). Hence all he wants to do is shout his name, express his \"reluctance\" to appear again on the assumption that in itself that will make producers/writers(/public) think he's crucial. Of course in the process he's jeopardising all the chances for the sequel being made at all. He's done his research though - having read that Renee was reluctant to move to London and put on weight again, he is using a llittle bit of public info to justify his posturing. I admire the way he works (and even his work), but I do urge everyone to see how manipulative this is - IMHO. This includies the potential makers of EOR - you do not need the Gnat!"}, {"response": 966, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Fri, Apr 26, 2002 (08:51)", "body": "While I hadn't taken these comments to their logical conclusion, it had occurred to me that Andrew Davies' script would be fairly faithful to the book. He is an adapter of novels. He may add a bit of spice here and there, but he hasn't created his own storylines in the past."}, {"response": 967, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, Apr 26, 2002 (09:35)", "body": "Good point, Mark. EOR can very well be the two girls one guy script. But I'm afraid Colin is not seen as someone that could carry a whole movie, yet. We will have to see if the release of Hope Springs, (Karen firmly believes Colin is the main character ;-), and if that film gives him the push to get the green-light for EOR to be made without HG. EOR could be Renee, Colin and Julia R. With JR it would get made. Just putting these thoughts out in the Universe. ;-)"}, {"response": 968, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Apr 26, 2002 (10:17)", "body": "(Moon)But I'm afraid Colin is not seen as someone that could carry a whole movie, yet. Moon, I admire your courage for saying this on this board;-) Don't you think WT knows that? Hey, they aren't fools. UK has not been kind to any film that ODB has starred in so far. Remember four in a row have tanked. I agree with Mark, I admire HG's acting (not the persona) and his willingness to promote; moreover, in the US he and RZ *made* BJD. I think our British friends think that ODB is as popular in the US as on this board. Wrong-o. EOR needs a third actor ( A or strong B) to make it a go; male or female. Bridget and her friends : DOA. She's pretty savy, I don't think she would do it with just Colin."}, {"response": 969, "author": "lindak", "date": "Fri, Apr 26, 2002 (10:18)", "body": "Karen,can't we do an e-mail/letter/anything campaign to WT on this issue? I really think Mark's take on this is dead on concerning HG. HG also knows that Colin got excellent reviews from BJD. I think he may have been a little more than surprised by that-especially with the various nominations that Colin received."}, {"response": 970, "author": "Allison2", "date": "Fri, Apr 26, 2002 (10:56)", "body": "Re Mark's comments about HG - I agree absolutely. We must remember that HG is a seriously bright man. He knows exactly what he is about. However I agree with all the other analyses, Colin could not carry a film stateside. It seems that you need starring names to make a film a go there. That is not always the case here but they are not going to make a film about the very British Bridget Jones unless you lot over there like it. (What is the emoticon for someone grinding their teeth while smiling sweetly?)."}, {"response": 971, "author": "lafn", "date": "Fri, Apr 26, 2002 (11:47)", "body": ""}, {"response": 972, "author": "maryw", "date": "Fri, Apr 26, 2002 (12:23)", "body": "I love the way the showbiz publicity machine works. For a story that apparently carries a serious question mark of making it to the big screen - the press (general as well as trade) on both sides of the Pond do not seem to have any problem at all dedicating many many column inches to the story - peppered with direct quotes from apparently reluctant lead actors too! LOL."}, {"response": 973, "author": "EileenG", "date": "Sat, Apr 27, 2002 (10:48)", "body": "(Moon) Karen firmly believes Colin is the main character ;-) She's not the only one. (Mark) I do urge everyone to see how manipulative this is - IMHO. This includies the potential makers of EOR - you do not need the Gnat! I agree, however, surely WT knows how the game is played--include the Gnat in a cameo role (i.e., pay him a princely sum for a day's work), then publicize him as the star to get bums in seats. Is done all the time. (Evelyn) UK has not been kind to any film that ODB has starred in so far. Remember four in a row have tanked. Yes, but in all fairness, said films ranged in quality from average (MLSF and RV--and he really wasn't the star of that one, it was JA's pic) to below average (SLOW) to celluloid toilet paper (L). C'mon."}, {"response": 974, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Mon, Apr 29, 2002 (09:14)", "body": "No mention of sequel, but it appears Sharon has a full plate: \"Bridget Jones's Diary\" helmer Sharon Maguire has come aboard to develop and direct the English-language remake of the German film \"Alles Bob!\" (\"Everything Bob!\") for Ridley Scott and Tony Scott's Scott Free Prods. There is no start date for the project, although it is on the fast track. \"Bob!\" is a modern comedy that follows the adventures of Bob, a philanderer who is about to give up his bachelor life to marry a beautiful, wealthy and well-connected woman whom he doesn't truly love. When he meets and unexpectedly falls in love with an older woman with three children, he begins to realize that true love may be more important than money. Helkon released the Otto Alexander Jahrreiss directed film in Germany to rave reviews and tepid boxoffice during summer 1999. Intermedia acquired U.S. remake rights more than a year ago for Scott Free. (HR 2/15/01) Rob Perez wrote most recent draft of the English-language version for Scott Free, which has a second-look deal with Intermedia. Scott Free's first-look deal is with Bruckheimer Films. Giannina Facio, who brought the project to Scott Free, will produce the project with the company. Maguire is repped by ICM. She began her career as a writer and then became a documentary filmmaker. She segued into commercial directing before making her feature directorial debut on \"Bridget.\" Maguire is currently developing the romantic comedy feature \"Mail\" for U.K. production company Archer Street and FilmFour."}, {"response": 975, "author": "mari", "date": "Mon, Apr 29, 2002 (11:30)", "body": "Empire mentions the sequel.:-( From Bridget To Bob 29/04/2002 Although Hugh Grant may have poured cold water on the prospect of there being a Bridget Jones's Diary sequel (read our interview with him here), director Sharon Maguire seems quite happy to keep herself busy with all manner of new projects. This morning, she's been announced as the director of a new romantic comedy, which - the Hollywood Reporter adds - will be produced by Ridley and Tony Scott's production company Free Prods. Bob! is a remake of the successful German film Alles Bob, in which a philanderer's cunning plan to swap batchelorhood for a marriage with a rich woman he doesn't love, comes undone when he meets a single mum that he does. It's the latest in a number of projects that the English director has recently signed for, including an all-British teaming with Oscar-winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes for the film adaptation of the Anthony Trollope novel Eustace Diamonds."}, {"response": 976, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Mon, Apr 29, 2002 (12:05)", "body": "Hmm, what with Sharon, Huge and Rene being so much in demand for new projects after the success of BJD, it's difficult to see TEOR taking off. :-( Unless these other projects are longer term. Will Andrew Davies' script be wasted? Come on, Colin, sign up for something, please! Even one project would suffice! Doesn't Trollope's \"Eustace Diamonds\" feature a handsome barrister (the heroine's brother)?"}, {"response": 977, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Mon, Apr 29, 2002 (15:18)", "body": "Am answering my own question! It does...the handsome barrister (also a member of Parliament) is effectively the hero of the novel. If Sharon is looking for someone to play a handsome lawyer in a period drama, surely someone will spring to mind! (But I still hope we'll get more of MD!)"}, {"response": 978, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Fri, May  3, 2002 (04:09)", "body": "Report in today's Daily Telegraph says that RZ has agreed to do the BJD sequel. The source is her body double Melinda Whiting who says that she has been asked to stand in again for Rene in the sequel which starts shooting at the end of this year"}, {"response": 979, "author": "lindak", "date": "Fri, May  3, 2002 (04:47)", "body": "Hurrah! Oh Holy Bliss! (with caution)"}, {"response": 980, "author": "Moon", "date": "Fri, May  3, 2002 (07:40)", "body": "Didn't I tell everyone to relax. :-)"}, {"response": 981, "author": "SBRobinson", "date": "Fri, May  3, 2002 (11:17)", "body": "*happy dance*"}, {"response": 982, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, May  3, 2002 (13:21)", "body": "Good news! And Renee will be slimmed down for this role?"}, {"response": 983, "author": "kattas", "date": "Sun, May  5, 2002 (10:05)", "body": "From The Telegraph site: Zellweger in Bridget Jones II THE Hollywood actress Renee Zellweger is to revive her starring role in Bridget Jones's Dairy to film the Helen Fielding sequel Edge of Reason at the end of the year. A follow-up had been in doubt because Zellweger was reluctant to put on weight again for the role. But Melinda Whiting, her body-double in the film, said she had been asked to appear in the sequel. 03-May-2002 So, I'm thinking if Ms. Whiting is the body double from BJD, RZ will be putting on at least a few pounds, if not as many as before."}, {"response": 984, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, May  5, 2002 (22:19)", "body": "The Baftas evidently had some kind of glossy program. If you go here, there are a few little piece about BJD. I've only skimmed through, but BJD is either mentioned or the topic of: Being Bridget Jones, Keeping Up with the Joneses, and Taking Things Literary. Could be others. Can't copy and paste from a Flash setup here, so you'll have to read there: http://www.bafta.org/Brochure/BAFTA2002/index.htm"}, {"response": 985, "author": "gomezdo", "date": "Mon, May  6, 2002 (00:31)", "body": "RZ will be putting on at least a few pounds, if not as many as before I saw a picture of RZ in the NY Post today that was taken yesterday at a 3K race for charity and she looks stick thin. I think if she turned totally sideways she'd disappear while we looked right at her. If she doesn't gain weight easily, she might want to start eating now to be the proper weight for filming."}, {"response": 986, "author": "Moon", "date": "Mon, May  6, 2002 (07:48)", "body": "I think she's said that she is willing to put on weight, just not as much as before. I agree RZ looks stick thin."}, {"response": 987, "author": "lizbeth54", "date": "Wed, May  8, 2002 (16:01)", "body": "Comparing AAB with BJD... Huge's AAB has apparently now taken \ufffd7.6million at the Box Office after about 12 days. At the same point, BJD was somewhere between \ufffd15 million and \ufffd22million, and still going strong. I don't see AAB competing with this, despite a major publicity push."}, {"response": 988, "author": "Moon", "date": "Wed, May  8, 2002 (16:20)", "body": "I don't see AAB competing with this, despite a major publicity push. Plus, the previews are awful. Not enticing in the least."}, {"response": 989, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, May 16, 2002 (13:39)", "body": "The language seems a tad too inflammatory to me, but it would be true about their accepting the script. Here's the latest courtesy of Silvie: Bridget Jones sequel in jeopardy? Colin Firth has revealed that he's concerned about the dramatic weightloss of his 'Bridget Jones' co-star Ren\ufffde Zellweger. Speaking to Now magazine, the housewives' favourite said: \"A few extra pounds would suit her fantastically. I thought she looked gorgeous as Bridget. She got to a size 12 and looked lovely. She doesn't need to worry about her weight.\" However, while there are plans to follow-up Bridget Jones's Diary with a sequel based on Helen Fielding's second book, Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason, Colin warned that the film mightn't actually happen, if Ren\ufffde decides she doesn't want to put the weight back on to play the heroine of the piece. \"[The film] will be a tricky beast to bring into being,\" Colin warned. \"You're going to have to find the three actors available at the same time - Ren\ufffde, Hugh Grant and myself - who disposed to doing a sequel. It'll be a possibility if the quality of the script is exceptional, otherwise you fall into sequel hell. And it will only be possible if Ren\ufffde accepts that she needs to get back to how her figure looked.\" However, Ren\ufffde says she isn't willing to get dumpy for the sequel, stating recently: \"There is no way I'm going to put all that weight on again. No way - I hated it! They're not going to make me do it - I refuse!\""}, {"response": 990, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, May 16, 2002 (13:40)", "body": "Ooops, forgot the link: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/020516/242/cz3fw.html"}, {"response": 991, "author": "iluvdarcy1", "date": "Thu, May 16, 2002 (14:13)", "body": "OMG. She really does look awfully thin in recent pics. \"A few extra pounds would suit her fantastically. I thought she looked gorgeous as Bridget. She got to a size 12 and looked lovely. She doesn't need to worry about her weight.\" My DH said the same thing!Makes me feel good.I am a size 12!!!! I knew he liked women with curves. (Despite the tiny wife). Desperately hope there will be a sequal but more concerned about her healh and distorted body imaage."}, {"response": 992, "author": "lindak", "date": "Thu, May 16, 2002 (17:49)", "body": "I will think positive, I will think positive... When I saw pictures of RZ at the BJD premieres she had already lost the weight. I think if she gains as little as 10-15lbs it will make a big difference because she is so thin. Obviously she doesn't have a problem taking it off. I thought I read recently, that Andrew Davies said that he would do the script without all the emphasis on the weight because of RZ's reluctance to gain. I am not going to fret about TEoR this week. It has been too glorious a week to ruin."}, {"response": 993, "author": "elizh", "date": "Thu, May 16, 2002 (17:55)", "body": "Meanwhile, I was particularly struck by how thin ODB himself looked in the latest pictures posted. And I think I recall reading someone's earlier comment that he was even thinner (and more good looking) in person."}, {"response": 994, "author": "gomezdo", "date": "Thu, May 16, 2002 (22:36)", "body": "(CF) \"A few extra pounds would suit her fantastically. I thought she looked gorgeous as Bridget. She got to a size 12 and looked lovely. She doesn't need to worry about her weight.\" I remember reading an old interview of his where he mentioned he didn't prefer stick women. Not sure, though, if RZ would appreciate him stating what size she got to unless she said it herself or it were published somewhere."}, {"response": 995, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Thu, May 16, 2002 (22:39)", "body": "Yes, the dress size was printed numerous times last year. Of course, to a Hollywood stick insect, a size 12 would be the height of obesity. Didn't Lisa's story of BJ in LA have it in the Plus Size section of the store? ;-D"}, {"response": 996, "author": "airstream", "date": "Mon, May 20, 2002 (17:29)", "body": "This was listed on Movie.go.com--upcoming movies This sequel to Bridget Jones's Release Date 2003 Diary picks up four weeks after the end of the first film, when Bridget is trying to cope with living with another person and the arrival on the scene of Rebecca, a beautiful man-hunter. Starring Hugh Grant, Ren\ufffde Zellweger, Colin Firth Studio TBD"}, {"response": 997, "author": "lindak", "date": "Mon, May 20, 2002 (18:50)", "body": "Here we go again."}, {"response": 998, "author": "lindak", "date": "Mon, May 20, 2002 (18:56)", "body": "I wish someone would tell CF,HG, and RZ about this movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 55, "subject": "directors - greatest of all time", "response_count": 14, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Apr  6, 2002 (11:12)", "body": "Two come to mind right off the top. Bogdanavich and Altman. ROBERT ALTMAN 1925- Innovative, Iconoclastic, Free-Spirited, Unconventional, Countercultural Director Suggested Filmography: That Cold Day in the Park (1969), Brewster McCloud (1970), M*A*S*H (1970), McCabe and Mrs. Miller (1971), The Long Goodbye (1973), California Split (1974), Thieves Like Us (1974), Nashville (1975), Buffalo Bill and the Indians (1976), 3 Women (1977), A Wedding (1978), A Perfect Couple (1979), Popeye (1980), Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean (1982), Secret Honor (1984), Fool for Love (1985), Tanner '88 (1988), Vincent & Theo (1990), The Player (1992), Short Cuts (1993), Pret a Porter (1994), The Gingerbread Man (1998), Cookie's Fortune (1999), Dr. T and the Women (2000), Gosford Park (2001)."}, {"response": 2, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Apr  6, 2002 (11:22)", "body": "PETER BOGDANOVICH 1939- Hot Young Director in the Early 70s Suggested Filmography: Targets (1968), The Last Picture Show (1971), What's Up, Doc? (1972), Paper Moon (1973), Daisy Miller (1974), At Long Last Love (1975), Nickelodeon (1976), Saint Jack (1979), They All Laughed (1981), Mask (1985), Texasville (1990), Noises Off... (1992), The Thing Called Love (1993)."}, {"response": 3, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Apr  6, 2002 (11:25)", "body": "STEVEN SODERBERGH 1963- Sensational and Talented Young Director Suggested Filmography: sex, lies and videotape (1989), Kafka (1991), King of the Hill (1993), The Underneath (1995), Gray's Anatomy (1996), Schizopolis (1996), Out of Sight (1998), The Limey (1999), Erin Brockovich (2000), Traffic (2000)."}, {"response": 4, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Apr  6, 2002 (11:26)", "body": "FRANCO ZEFFIRELLI 1923- Italian-Born Director Best Known for Extravagant Film Adaptations of Shakespearean Plays Suggested Filmography: The Taming of the Shrew (1967), Romeo and Juliet (1968), Brother Sun, Sister Moon (1973), The Champ (1979), Endless Love (1981), La Traviata (1982), Hamlet (1990), Jane Eyre (1996), Tea With Mussolini (1999)."}, {"response": 5, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Apr  6, 2002 (19:58)", "body": "http://www.filmsite.org/directors/cassavetesj.jpg JOHN CASSAVETES 1929-1989 First Truly American Independent Film Maker with Improvisational Style - and Actor Suggested Filmography: Shadows (1961), Faces (1968), Husbands (1970), Minnie and Moskowitz (1971), A Woman Under the Influence (1974), The Killing of a Chinese Bookie (1976), Opening Night (1977), Gloria (1980), Love Streams (1984), Big Trouble (1985)."}, {"response": 6, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Mon, Apr  8, 2002 (20:34)", "body": "John Cassavetes was great in The Dirty Dozen Let's see: John Woo ( The Killer , Broken Arrow , Face-Off ), John McTiernan ( Die Hard ), Sean Penn (especially when he's directing Jack Nicholson: The Crossing Guard , The Pledge ), Alfred Hitchcock (of course: Psycho , Rebecca , Notorious , Marnie The Man Who Knew Too Much , the one with Doris Day and James Stewart, that is, the British one from 1934 wasn't quite as good...), Oliver Stone, Stanley Kubrick, and John Singleton ( Boyz 'N The Hood , Higher Learning , although I was disappointed with his remake/sequel of Shaft ; Tarantino would probably have done better with it...)"}, {"response": 7, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Mon, Apr  8, 2002 (20:35)", "body": "Oh, yes, and Luc Besson and John Frankenheimer..."}, {"response": 8, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, Apr  9, 2002 (17:53)", "body": "How about Hitchcock? Dino DeLaurentis? (always wanted to work that name into a conversation)"}, {"response": 9, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Wed, Apr 10, 2002 (17:22)", "body": "The name of Dino deLaurentis means one thing to me: the Seventies remake of King Kong . A mildly enjoyable way of getting rid of two hours of your life if you have nothing else to do... Hitchcock was great. Psycho was a turning point in history; it dynamited the barrier between \"B-movies\" and greatness. The Man Who Knew Too Much ... Doris Day in a Hitchcock movie? But it WORKED! Marnie on the other hand, did not work so well as a product, although, like The Man Who Knew Too Much , it was a great movie. However, if the original The Man Who Knew Too Much is anything to go by, I am not too keen on seeing his early English movies. Then again, I am probably spoiled by all the Hollywood gloss. Besides, the original one didn't have the great scene where the boy whistles from the upstairs of the ambassador's house and his mother (played by Doris Day) hears it in the hall downstairs and knows that her son is alive, well, and THERE!"}, {"response": 10, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Apr 15, 2002 (11:01)", "body": "Is Jimmy Stewart in that one? Let's see--there's also Martin Scorsese (sp?) and Quentin Tarantino..."}, {"response": 11, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Sun, May 12, 2002 (13:06)", "body": "How about Sergei Eisenstein and D.W. Griffith. Both of them created, independently of one another, the stuctures and composition which till this day are evident in the fictional film."}, {"response": 12, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Thu, Jul 18, 2002 (15:52)", "body": "any list of directors would have to include huston, ford, hawks, stevens, curtiz, etc., from hollywood's golden age... for my money, though, the directors who've given me the most enjoyment would be the incomparable preston sturges, billy wilder, woody allen, and hitch... and as a producer that gave his films his own indelible feel, val lewton... several present-day directors deserve inclusion- cameron crowe, soderbergh, and austin's own richard linklater and wes anderson..."}, {"response": 13, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Thu, Jul 18, 2002 (19:18)", "body": "Nick, Austin also has another notable film director besides Richard Linklater. I refer to Terrence Malick. As for Val Lewton, the original Cat People is incomparable. Lewton was the producer of very subtle and well-crafted horror films. Cat People was directed by Jacques Tourneur. I love Preston Sturges; especially Sullivan's Travels, The Lady Eve, and The Great McGinty. One of my favorite lines from a Sturges film is, \"If it weren't for graft you'd get a much lower class of person in politics.\""}, {"response": 14, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Thu, Jul 25, 2002 (13:36)", "body": "i did not know mallick was from austin (amazing... he's a terrific film-maker)... lewton produced a number of low budget horror films for the early 40's rko, most of them directed by tourneur, robert wise, and mark robson... each of them has lewton's unmistakeable touch... i've heard the studio would sometimes impose a fantastic title on his productions, and that he would tailor his films to somewhat fit them, in exchange for a large degree of artistic freedom (within extremely frugal budgets)... the result was some of the strangest and most enjoyable films i've seen ('i walked with a zombie', 'ghost ship', isle of the dead', 'the seventh victim', 'the leopard man', etc...)... another of my favorite sturges lines: 'positively the same dame!' (i think 'the lady eve is my fav all-time comedy)... movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 56, "subject": "Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 5)", "response_count": 1, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Jul  2, 2006 (04:44)", "body": "http://firth.com has a world class Bridget Jones section. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 57, "subject": "Hawaii Five-O", "response_count": 2, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Apr 25, 2002 (10:34)", "body": "http://www.scriptsales.com/DDScriptSales.htm Title: Hawaii Five-O Log Line: The specialty unit of the Hawaii State Police, which answers only to the governor, focuses on going after organized crime. Writer: Roger Towne Agent: n/a Buyer: DreamWorks Price: Seven-figures Genre: Cop Drama Logged: 4/23/02 More: To be based on the classic CBS series into a feature film. Studio beat out many others in part of a bidding war. This is great. Who would you cast in these roles? Det. Steve McGarrett Det. Danny Williams Det. Chin Ho Kelly Det. Kono Kalakua Duke Lukela The Governor Det. Ben Kokua Che Fong (lab guy) The Atty Gen Doc Sandi Welles Truck Kealoha Kimo Carew Lori Wilson"}, {"response": 2, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Jul  2, 2006 (04:44)", "body": "This came out didn't it? movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 58, "subject": "War films", "response_count": 16, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "AotearoaKiwi", "date": "Mon, Apr 29, 2002 (07:00)", "body": "Hi all I thought I should introduce this topic to cover the Pearl Harbours, The Longest Days, the Tora! Tora! Tora!'s and so on of the movie world. I have seen several great war films, and just want to record some of them here. In no particular order they are: The Longest Day (Normandy invasion - D-DAY) Tora! Tora! Tora! (Forerunner to Pearl Harbour) Midway (the worst blue water in Japanese naval history) Saving Private Ryan (saving the last of four brothers serving in the US Army) Von Ryan's express (???) Raid on Rommel (raid into German held north Africa) Pearl Harbour (December 7, 1941) Battle of Britain (\"Never in the history of war was so much owed by so many to so few\") Sink the Bismarck! (Chasing Hitler's superdreadnought) Battle of the River Plate (the demise of the Admiral Graf Spee) Chunuk Bair (New Zealand at Gallipoli) Battle of the Bulge (Ardennes offensive December 1944) Bridge on the River Kwai (The notorious bridge over the River Kwai) A bridge too far (Monty's gamble to shorten the war in Europe) Rob"}, {"response": 2, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Apr 29, 2002 (13:09)", "body": "Please don't forget \"Is Paris Burning?\" or \"The Great Escape\", two of my faves!"}, {"response": 3, "author": "AotearoaKiwi", "date": "Mon, May  6, 2002 (01:16)", "body": "Hi all What other films have you seen. Those are two that I have not. I have also not seen Sands of Iwo Jima, but I saw Apocalypse Now a couple years ago, and sometime I will see U-571. Rob"}, {"response": 4, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, May  6, 2002 (19:55)", "body": "Years ago I saw \"Platoon\"--can you believe a guy actually thought this was a good idea for a first (and last) date?--and \"Kelly's Heroes\" runs on Sunday afternoons frequently."}, {"response": 5, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Sun, May 12, 2002 (14:09)", "body": "I liked \"The Thin Red Line\" better than \"Saving Private Ryan\". Although I did think that \"Ryan\" was a very good film."}, {"response": 6, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, May 12, 2002 (18:53)", "body": "Never saw the former to compare. \"Ryan\" was very intense and had me on the edge of my seat the whole time."}, {"response": 7, "author": "AotearoaKiwi", "date": "Wed, May 29, 2002 (07:15)", "body": "Hi all The Longest Day is also remembered for it's superb theme music which is arguably the best I have ever heard for any movie. The beautiful tune being played when the soldier are on the transports sailing down the English channel to the assembly areas and again at the end of the movie, is just awesome. I would not mind the soundtrack to that. Rob"}, {"response": 8, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Fri, Aug  2, 2002 (05:50)", "body": "[i]Patton[/i] was good."}, {"response": 9, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Aug  2, 2002 (16:45)", "body": "I saw part of that lying on the world's most uncomfortable bed at Yosemite Nat'l Park in CA. (FYI--to italicize you need to use <>, not brackets.)"}, {"response": 10, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Sat, Aug  3, 2002 (04:39)", "body": "Yes, I remember that now. Unfortunately, this board has neither a PREVIEW feature nor an EDIT feature. This is also the reason why there are so many bold and italic fonts running from post to post. The lack of these features is damned rubbish and should be changed."}, {"response": 11, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Aug  5, 2002 (10:12)", "body": "OK, I'll look in to adding these features!"}, {"response": 12, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Tue, Aug  6, 2002 (11:47)", "body": "Thank you."}, {"response": 13, "author": "AotearoaKiwi", "date": "Mon, Jun  2, 2003 (07:05)", "body": "Hi all Saw \"Hiroshima\" a few weeks ago. Very chilling movie, though the historical accuracy was good. Rob"}, {"response": 14, "author": "autumn", "date": "Fri, Jun  6, 2003 (06:48)", "body": "I watched \"Where Eagles Dare\" in our hotel room last night in Edinburgh. Love the way Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood wipe out an entire compound of German soldiers with a few sticks of dynamite and a few machine guns!"}, {"response": 15, "author": "AotearoaKiwi", "date": "Fri, Sep 12, 2003 (06:55)", "body": "Hi all I remember seeing one about Anzio where 72000 Allied soldiers came ashore to break the deadlock at Monte Cassino by diverting the attention of the German army so the Allies could launch a surprise attack. Anzio was a great lost chance. Rome was less than 50km away and the idea was a dash to Rome would force the Germans to think twice about holding Monte Cassino, but the Allies inched inland slowly giving the Germans time to move reinforcements in. Bridge at Remagen is another interesting one to watch. It tells of the Allies capturing the only bridge still standing on the Rhine, and of the strategic disaster it's capture caused for the Germans. Rob"}, {"response": 16, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Jul  2, 2006 (04:45)", "body": "http://www.filmsite.org/warfilms.html War and Anti-War films. An excerpt: War and Anti-War Films often acknowledge the horror and heartbreak of war, letting the actual combat fighting or conflict (against nations or humankind) provide the primary plot or background for the action of the film. Typical elements in the action-oriented war plots include POW camp experiences and escapes, submarine warfare, espionage, personal heroism, \"war is hell\" brutalities, air dogfights, tough trench/infantry experiences, or male-bonding buddy adventures during wartime. Themes explored in war films include combat, survivor and escape stories, tales of gallant sacrifice and struggle, studies of the futility and inhumanity of battle, the effects of war on society, and intelligent and profound explorations of the moral and human issues. Some war films do balance the soul-searching, tragic consequences and inner turmoil of combatants or characters with action-packed, dramatic spectacles, enthusiastically illustrating the excitement and turmoil of warfare. And some 'war' films concentrate on the homefront rather than on the conflict at the military war-front. But many of them provide decisive criticism of senseless warfare. War films have often been used as 'flag-waving' propaganda to inspire national pride and morale, and to display the nobility of one's own forces while harshly displaying and criticizing the villainy of the enemy, especially during war or in post-war periods. Jingoistic-type war films usually do not represent war realistically in their support of nationalistic interests, while avoiding the reality of the horrors of war. The good guys are portrayed as clashing against the bad guys (often with stereotyped labels such as 'krauts,' 'commies,' 'Huns,' or 'nips'). These revisionistic, politically-correct and historically inaccurate films, in such diverse examples as Sands of Iwo Jima (1949) and The Alamo (1960), would often redefine the facts. War films can also make political statements - unpopular wars (such as the Vietnam War and the Iraq War), have generated both supportive and critical films about the conflict (i.e., Robert Altman's M*A*S*H (1970), Kenneth Branagh's Henry V (1989), and Michael Moore's documentary Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004)). War films are often paired with other genres, such as romance, comedy (black), and suspense-thrillers. A number of war films are actually historical epics, authentic attempts to recreate the experience of war on screen, rather than pure war films. Some are actually westerns masquerading as war films. This genre has existed since the earliest years of cinematic production in the silent era. Film-makers have been provided ample opportunities for material from American history, stretching from the French and Indian Wars to the Vietnam War. In particular, the many wars of the 20th century (primarily the First and Second World Wars, but also subsequent wars) have provided rich material for film makers. War films as a major film genre emerged after the outbreak of World War I. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 59, "subject": "Dream Cast for \"A Tale Of Two Cities\" as a movie", "response_count": 10, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Mon, Jun 17, 2002 (22:03)", "body": "Oh DAMN!!!! This blasted missing character again! When, oh WHEN is this place going to get an Edit feature or a Preview feature... preferably both?"}, {"response": 2, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Jun 19, 2002 (21:02)", "body": "Interesting lineup! Ashley Judd with a French accent sounds scary. I'm afraid I'm not familiar with half of the actors mentioned. I see Jerry Cruncher as a more prosaic type, such as Steve Buscemi. Someone with a decent sneer who's a bit of a sleazeball, anyway. Lucie Manette's role calls for an ingenue type, such as Gwyneth Paltrow."}, {"response": 3, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Thu, Jun 20, 2002 (17:56)", "body": "The thought Gwyneth Paltrow with a French accent is down right mortifying. What a horrible thought. There's also the problem of her not even looking remotely French, not even as a brunette would she look convincing. I do thouroughly agree with Lucie Manette being cast with an ingenue."}, {"response": 4, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Thu, Jun 20, 2002 (21:42)", "body": "The name of Darnay's attorney and Carton's employer is Stryver. I have never heard of Steve Buscemi. Michael Richards can probably handle the seriousness (and mild vileness) of Cruncher; he certainly has the unkempt, loutish look down pat... Michael Palin would probably be a more serious worry than Michael Richards. If people would have trouble taking \"Cosmo Kramer\" seriously, what would they think of a Python playing Dr. Manette? But again, I am sure he is capable of playing the role convincingly. As to who the others are: As dangerous as it is to assume things, I will assume that Anthony Hopkins and Patrick Stewart need no introduction. Maury Chaykin currently plays the title role in A&E's A Nero Wolfe Mystery TV series. Bob Hoskins has played wide and varied roles: I first heard his name associated with the title role (Mussolini) in the mini-series Il Duce . He has played dramatic roles (the cab driver in Mona Lisa comes to mind) and screwball comedy ( Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Super Mario Brothers , the latter with John Leguizamo) and, as the voice of Gus Gooseman in Balto , both. (Checked IMDb: He has also played Sancho Panza in Don Quixote , Nikita Khrushchev in Enemy At The Gates and Smee in Hook He seems to specialize in fiendish dictators; apart from Mussolini and Khrushchev, he has played Manuel Noriega and J. Edgar Hoover! ) Kathy Bates: Misery , Dolores Claiborne , Fried Green Tomatoes ; she has made her name (and won at least one Oscar) by playing tough old broads. Mme. DeFarge would be somewhere between Dolores Claiborne and Annie Wilkes... Pierce Brosnan: Remington Steele and the last three James Bond movies. Also in The Fourth Protocol Taffin , Mrs. Doubtfire and a remake of The Thomas Crown Affair . Colin Firth: Let's see, if you've been at the Spring longer than three days, you will know who Colin Firth is, whether you want to or not... Val Kilmer: The Ghost And The Darkness , The Saint (a great movie if you can forget that he's supposed to be Simon Templar; more the screenwriter's fault than his...), Heat (where he does not get overshadowed by Al Pacino, Robert deNiro, Jon Voight, Hank Azaria and Ashley Judd...) and, unfortunately, Top Gun (nominally, this movie stars Tom Cruise, it really stars Tom Cat) Mollie Sugden: Are You Being Served? . This is all I know her from. She was saturated with double entendres in that show, maybe about half of them being references to her cat... I thought of her for two reasons. First, Mrs. Pross always struck me as being somewhat comical, although willing and dutiful. Second, I could easily imagine the fight between Miss Pross and Mme. DeFarge as being between Ms. Sugden (as Mrs. Slocombe) and Ms. Bates (as Annie Wilkes). However, as Ms. Sugden turns 80 this year, she may not be such a great choice after all. A shame..."}, {"response": 5, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Sun, Jul 28, 2002 (18:02)", "body": "Possible alternative for M. Ernest DeFarge: Jean Reno"}, {"response": 6, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Jul 29, 2002 (22:38)", "body": "Don't know him, either!"}, {"response": 7, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Thu, Aug  1, 2002 (09:42)", "body": "Let's see: \"The Professional\", \"The Visitors\", \"Just Visiting\" (English-language remake of \"The Visitors\"), \"Ronin\", \"French Kiss\" (playing the cop hunting down Kevin Kline)... More on him at: http://us.imdb.com/Name?Reno,+Jean"}, {"response": 8, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Sun, Feb 15, 2004 (06:26)", "body": "O.K. I now know who Steve Buscemi is, having watched Reservoir Dogs and Desperado . This man is NOT Jerry Cruncher material. He's more weasely than brutal; he's too small, too smart, and too pathetic-looking. Jerry Cruncher, from how I read A Tale of Two Cities is a mildly more comical and less brutal version of Bill Sykes. Maybe Daniel Day Lewis? Or Michael Madsen, for that matter?"}, {"response": 9, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Feb 15, 2004 (17:52)", "body": "Daniel Day-Lewis, yes. Or Jeremy Irons."}, {"response": 10, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Jul  2, 2006 (04:47)", "body": "It is a tale known well, filmed many times over the years, but never better than this early black and white version from the MGM Studios, David O. Selznick producing. \"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times\"-- Charles Dickens juxtaposes England and France, George and Louis, tradition and revolution. One of the most beloved of Dickens' stories, finding not only countries and conditions compared, but also two individuals thrown up in stark contrast to one another: -- the dissolute barrister Sydney Carton (Ronald Colman) and the young, somewhat callow aristocrat Charles Darnay (Donald Woods), both in love with Lucie (Elizabeth Allan), daughter of a victim of the French Regime. Their lives intertwine until the violent revolution that overtook an entire nation engulfs them all as well. from http://nytimes.com movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 6, "subject": "Winners of Golden Globes", "response_count": 8, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "Donna", "date": "Mon, Jan 20, 1997 (07:38)", "body": "Http://www.netcom.com/netcache/cnt12782.jpg"}, {"response": 2, "author": "Donna", "date": "Mon, Jan 20, 1997 (07:40)", "body": "Http://www.netcom.com/netcache/cnt12782.jpg"}, {"response": 3, "author": "Donna", "date": "Mon, Jan 20, 1997 (07:43)", "body": "http://www.netcom.com/netcache/cnt12782.jpg http://www.netcom.com/netcache.cnt12770.jpg"}, {"response": 4, "author": "Donna", "date": "Mon, Jan 20, 1997 (07:46)", "body": "http://www.netcom.com/netchache/cnt12770.jpg"}, {"response": 5, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Jan 20, 1997 (08:01)", "body": "Donna, what were your impressions of the Golden Globe Awards show? Did anyone else see this? Did folks agree with the winners? Can you post a list of winners in text format? That would be a good way to kick off a discussion for folks without web browsers. What did you say that url was, Donna? (just joking)"}, {"response": 6, "author": "Donna", "date": "Mon, Jan 20, 1997 (11:20)", "body": "The winners of th 54th annual Golden Globe Awards (1977) Supporting actress,motion picture: Lauren Bacall, \"The Mirror Has Two Faces\" Supporting actor, motion picture: Edward Norton, \"Primal Fear\" Actor, TV series musical or comedy: John Lithgow.\"3rd Rock From the Sun\" Actress, TV series musical or comedy: Helen Hunt. \"Mad About You\" (this is her third Globe for Mad About You). TV series, musical or comedy: \"3rd Rock From the Sun\" Director,motion picture: Milos Forman, \"The People vs Larry Flynt.\" Supporting actor TV or miniseries or TV movie: Ian Mckelllen \"Rasputin\" (HBO) Supporting actress, TV or minnseries or TV movie: Kathy Bates. \"Late Shift\"(HBO) Orginial score, motion picture: Gabriel Yared, \"The English Patient.\" Miniseries or Tv movie: \"Rasputin.\" Actor, motion picture musical or comedy: Tom Cruise, \"Jerry Maguire.\" Actress,motion picture musical or comedy: Madonna, \"Evita.\" CECIL B. DeMILLE AWARD: Dustin Hoffman Actress, miniseries or TV movie: Helen Mirren \"Losing Chase\" Actor,miniseries or TV movie: Alan Rickman, \"Rasputin.\" Actress, TV drama series, Gillian Anderson, \"The X-Files\" Actor, TV drama series; David Duchovny,\"The X Files.\" TV series,drama: \"The X-Files\" Original song, motion picture: \"You Must Love Me\" Evita music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Tim Rice. Screenplay, motion picture: \"The People vs Larry Flynt.\" Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski. Foreign language film \"Kolya.\" the Czech Republic Motion picture, musical or comedy: \"Evita.\" Actress, motion picture drama: Brenda Blethyn,\" Secrets and Lies.\" Actor, motion picture drama: Geoffrey Rush, \"Shine.\" Motion picture, drama, \"The English Patient.\""}, {"response": 7, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Jan 20, 1997 (19:48)", "body": "Wow, the X-Files scores big. Thanks for posting that list!"}, {"response": 8, "author": "Donna", "date": "Mon, Jan 20, 1997 (21:18)", "body": "Your welcome, Terry. Gee, of course it is suppose to be \"1997\". movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 60, "subject": "Possession -The movie", "response_count": 3, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "Tatiana", "date": "Sun, Aug 11, 2002 (15:48)", "body": "Would somebody please delete this topic? I don\ufffdt know how to do it...I only meant to post in the \"Possession-The movie\" conference, not to create a topic.. Please,somebody help me!"}, {"response": 2, "author": "KarenR", "date": "Sun, Aug 11, 2002 (16:24)", "body": "We've had a topic in the Drool conference for this movie for a long time. You might want to check it out. http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/137 If you're unable to post there, please contact me at nomdedrool@yahoo.com"}, {"response": 3, "author": "Tatiana", "date": "Sun, Aug 11, 2002 (17:07)", "body": "Thanks Karen,I tried to post in your conference,I\ufffdll try again now..:) movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 61, "subject": "Richard Linklater - Slacker and Dazed and Confused", "response_count": 9, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, May  1, 2003 (10:04)", "body": "Linklater Coming to HBO for '$5.15' LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - Looking to fill the comedy void left by the demise of \"Arli$$\" and \"The Mind of the Married Man,\" HBO is close to signing sometime-maverick filmmaker Richard Linklater to a deal to develop a \"$5.15/Hr.\" a half-hour comedy. Linklater is teaming up with writer-producer Rodney Rothman (\"Undeclared\") on the single-camera show. \"$5.15/Hr.\" would represent HBO's first comedy pilot order in more than two years, according to The Hollywood Reporter. As the title, the current federal minimum wage, would suggest, the show would focus on people in the lowest income bracket. A Texas-based filmmaker, Linklater was one of the more important faces in the early 1990s renaissance in American independent cinema. \"Slacker,\" made for less than $23,000, was a hit and a calling card, opening the door to projects like \"Dazed and Confused\" and \"Before Sunrise.\" Linklater's more recent efforts have included the award-winning \"Waking Life.\" He's currently at work on \"School of Rock,\" starring Jack Black. Source: http://tv.zap2it.com/news/tvnewsdaily.html?31256"}, {"response": 2, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, May  1, 2003 (13:35)", "body": "\"Before Sunrise\" is one of my all-time favorite movies."}, {"response": 3, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, May  5, 2003 (20:11)", "body": "ditto"}, {"response": 4, "author": "Leah", "date": "Tue, May  6, 2003 (05:52)", "body": ""}, {"response": 5, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, May 12, 2003 (21:42)", "body": "(dazed, confused, or both?) really cool note- david jewell, the guy who actually wrote The Poem from 'before sunrise', was here at the hideout tonight... he and paula jane and a few others are starting a new performance group..."}, {"response": 6, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, May 12, 2003 (22:32)", "body": "How many folks showed up? What's coming up next?"}, {"response": 7, "author": "autumn", "date": "Tue, May 13, 2003 (14:25)", "body": "Oh, it's so hip and edgy there!"}, {"response": 8, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Jul  2, 2006 (04:48)", "body": "A Slacker Darkly: Writer-director Richard Linklater June 29, 2006 By Lauren Horwitch In a paranoid world populated by attacking aphids and double agents in shape-shifting suits, a group of druggies strung out on a substance known only as \"D\" argue about whether a bike just purchased on the street is an 18- or nine-speed, then bicker over the best way to fix a busted carburetor and wonder if the cops will eventually break into their run-down Orange County house \"through the back door or the bathroom window like that infamous Beatles song.\" Writer-director Richard Linklater says he knew the familiar interplay between such slacking characters was the reason he could adapt sci-fi writer Philip K. Dick's surreal 1977 novel, A Scanner Darkly, into film. \"It felt like a Philip K. Dick story I could tell,\" he says. \"It's more of a character piece.\" He often thought about Dick's books while making his 2001 feature Waking Life, during which he first experimented animating using a digital process known as \"rotoscoping.\" Animation, he realized, was the only way to bring the hallucinatory, herky-jerky world of Scanner to life. from http://backstage.com an excerpt. The rest at http://www.backstage.com/bso/news_reviews/features/feature_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002764568"}, {"response": 9, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Sun, Jul 16, 2006 (22:59)", "body": "good interview with linklater at salon a few days ago, commemorating slacker movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 62, "subject": "Lord of the Rings - Two Towers", "response_count": 3, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "AotearoaKiwi", "date": "Mon, Jun  2, 2003 (07:03)", "body": "Hi all This was a brilliant movie - despite being 3 hours long, I was enthralled by the whole setup and cannot wait to see the final work of this great trilogy. Rob"}, {"response": 2, "author": "wolf", "date": "Thu, Sep 11, 2003 (20:25)", "body": "i'm continuing my review of the film here (from the topic \"what movies have you been seeing\".... though i absolutely love the movies, it's hard to compare it to the real tale as things have been moved about. having never read the rings (but have read the hobbit), i decided to pick it up after watching both installments of the movie. the film is staying true to the essence of the tale and bringing to life the visions left to our imaginations-i believe all the characters as played by their actors--and i completely understand compiling the story due to time constraints (as well as paraphrasing lines) but completely removing portions of the tale and changing the way other portions happened--i dunno. could be digging myself in for a lonely ride but am glad to be reading the book now to find out for myself."}, {"response": 3, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Jul  2, 2006 (04:50)", "body": "Starring: Miranda Otto, Viggo Mortensen, Liv Tyler, Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett, Sean Bean, Hugo Weaving, David Wenham Director: Peter Jackson Release Date: December 18th, 2002 Studio: New Line Cinema movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 63, "subject": "Are they related?", "response_count": 33, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Sun, Dec 14, 2003 (17:12)", "body": "I started this topic particularly to address the very similar faces and general appearance of Steve Buscemi and Dave Grohl, but I guess it could work with Alice Cooper and Tim Burton too."}, {"response": 2, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Mon, Dec 15, 2003 (00:09)", "body": "dr. phil and jeffery tambor jim nabors (who has a great singing voice, by the way) and lance berkman alfred e newman and a certain semi-literate fratboy who pretends to be a texan and whose existence is an affront to the constitution he swore to preserve but has never read joe e brown and buster keaton (when they were older)"}, {"response": 3, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Dec 15, 2003 (07:22)", "body": "Saddam Hussein and the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers."}, {"response": 4, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Mon, Dec 15, 2003 (17:44)", "body": "Actually, Dave Letterman looks more like Alfred E. Newman than the madman you mention does."}, {"response": 5, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Tue, Dec 16, 2003 (01:27)", "body": "i suppose letterman has kind of a howdy doody thing going, too"}, {"response": 6, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Dec 16, 2003 (14:48)", "body": "He had a great top ten last night. Top Ten Questions Asked By Saddam Hussein When He Was Captured 10. \"Be honest...have you ever seen a nicer spider hole than this?\" 9. \"Who's got a coat hanger -- this beard itches like a son of a bitch!\" 8. \"Anyone have a mint?\" 7. \"Is this about the illegal music downloads?\" 6. \"Am I going to be on 'Cops'?\" 5. \"Which describes me better right now -- 'haggard' or 'grizzled'?\" 4. \"How did you get past my impenetrable styrofoam brick?\" 3. \"Do I get the 25-million-dollar reward?\" 2. \"How's the war going?\" 1. \"Will you go easy on me if I tell you where Martha Stewart is hiding?\""}, {"response": 7, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Dec 17, 2003 (23:21)", "body": "Reese Witherspoon and Alicia Silverstone Sam Neill and the guy whose name I can never remember who was in \"Vegas\" and \"Spencer for Hire\". He died very recently."}, {"response": 8, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Thu, Dec 18, 2003 (18:19)", "body": "Robert Urich"}, {"response": 9, "author": "autumn", "date": "Thu, Dec 18, 2003 (23:17)", "body": "That's it!!!!! Also lumped in with the two aforementioned blonde 20-something actresses is Kate Hudson. They're all pretty much interchangeable in my mind."}, {"response": 10, "author": "paula", "date": "Fri, Dec 19, 2003 (00:59)", "body": "Aww.... Kate? Interchangeable? Surely not after you see Almost Famous.... hmm... let's see.... I always get Kate Jackson and Victoria Principal mixed up."}, {"response": 11, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Fri, Dec 19, 2003 (04:14)", "body": "Victoria Principal was better looking than Kate Jackson in the '70s; don't know about now. Victoria Principal always gave me the impression of being an empty shell, though. Which reminds mw: Andy Gibb and George Michael (if you look at archive photos of both)"}, {"response": 12, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Dec 20, 2003 (11:51)", "body": "Marge Helgenberger and Jill Clayburgh."}, {"response": 13, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Dec 20, 2003 (22:39)", "body": "Yeah, similar bone structure. Margot Kidder and Debra Winger (not that I've seen either one of them in anything in 15 years)"}, {"response": 14, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Dec 24, 2003 (09:24)", "body": "The Baldwin Brothers, of course I'm cheating because they're related. But sometimes I get them mixed up."}, {"response": 15, "author": "autumn", "date": "Wed, Dec 24, 2003 (10:59)", "body": "Oh, absolutely. Gary Sinise and Chris Cooper (American Beauty, Adaptation)"}, {"response": 16, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Wed, Dec 24, 2003 (17:49)", "body": "Adam and Stephen don't really look like each other..."}, {"response": 17, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Wed, Dec 24, 2003 (17:50)", "body": "Sorry, that should have been \"Alec and Stephen\". Is there an Adam Baldwin?"}, {"response": 18, "author": "wolf", "date": "Thu, Dec 25, 2003 (16:13)", "body": "Leslie Ann Warren and Susan Sarandon==not twins but I always get them mixed up for some reason!"}, {"response": 19, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Fri, Dec 26, 2003 (01:05)", "body": "The only thing I remember Leslie Ann Warren for was her appearance on The Muppet Show when they made a running gag of her name, confusing her with a Muppet act called Lesley & Warren..."}, {"response": 20, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Mon, Dec 29, 2003 (21:18)", "body": "Was shopping today and saw the cover of the album Emotion by Barbra Streisand. I immediately resloved to file this one: Barbra Streisand (on the cover of Emotion ) and Glenn Close (as she appeared in Fatal Attraction )"}, {"response": 21, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Wed, Dec 31, 2003 (17:51)", "body": "Masters of Alliteration: Ozzy Osbourne & Gary Glitter"}, {"response": 22, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Jan  3, 2004 (13:30)", "body": "David Hyde Pierce & Matthew Letscher I saw \"Identity\" starring John Cusack last night and the beginning has this Niles Crane look-alike as a D.A. I had to look him up at IMDB to make sure it wasn't DHP."}, {"response": 23, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Sat, Jan  3, 2004 (16:00)", "body": "Tom Bosley and David Doyle."}, {"response": 24, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Jan  3, 2004 (17:47)", "body": "Who?"}, {"response": 25, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Sat, Jan  3, 2004 (18:19)", "body": "Just watched \"Four Dogs Playing Poker\" Balthazar Getty and Charlie Sheen"}, {"response": 26, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Jan  3, 2004 (20:55)", "body": "Terry--Richie's dad from \"Happy Days\" and Bosley from \"Charlie's Angels\". Most definite resemblance!"}, {"response": 27, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Sun, Jan  4, 2004 (12:44)", "body": "Autumn, thanks for letting me know they're not the same person. I was under that delusion for decades!"}, {"response": 28, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Jan  4, 2004 (17:49)", "body": "Which begs the topic question...Are They Related??"}, {"response": 29, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Sun, Jan  4, 2004 (19:30)", "body": "From IMDb's biography of David Doyle: \"Trivia: Sometimes mistaken for the actor Tom Bosley, who played Richie Cunningham's dad, Howard, in the TV series \"Happy Days\" (1974), because of Doyle's \"Bosley\" character on Charlie's Angels (1976) (TV), and a slight similarity in facial features, body type, and voice.\" No mention of being related; I'll look at Tom Bosley's bio next..."}, {"response": 30, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Sun, Jan  4, 2004 (19:35)", "body": "Tom Bosley was born two years and two months before David Doyle. Bosley's from Chicago, Doyle's from Lincoln, Nebraska. They went into a lot of detail about Doyle's lineage and didn't mention Bosley's. So I don't know if they're related..."}, {"response": 31, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Jan  5, 2004 (23:10)", "body": "I'll tell ya, Lincoln and Chicago aren't that far apart! LOL"}, {"response": 32, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Mar 14, 2004 (22:30)", "body": "This just occurred to me while watching Animal Planet tonight: Jessica Tandy and Jane Goodall"}, {"response": 33, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Jul  2, 2006 (04:53)", "body": "Man I can't think of one. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 64, "subject": "The next Harry", "response_count": 6, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Feb 15, 2004 (20:06)", "body": "He's a tough act to follow. It's very hard to think of a replacement for Eastwood."}, {"response": 2, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Oct 17, 2005 (21:48)", "body": "they just named him this weekend....what was his name?"}, {"response": 3, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Oct 18, 2005 (08:42)", "body": "The blonde guy. I dunno."}, {"response": 4, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Oct 18, 2005 (12:53)", "body": "craig something, right? alright i looked it up---daniel craig."}, {"response": 5, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Tue, Oct 18, 2005 (13:02)", "body": "It just won't seem right without the steely eyes and gravelly voice of Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry. I can't imagine anyone else."}, {"response": 6, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Oct 18, 2005 (13:04)", "body": "ohhhnnooooo, my bad, i meant james bond replacement....you're right, there's no replacing clint eastwood as dirty harry *blush* movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 65, "subject": "'70s car chase movies", "response_count": 4, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Feb 15, 2004 (20:08)", "body": "What was the Sandra Bullock Movie with the bus? What about Runaway Train with Jon Voigt and Rebecca DeMorney and Eric Roberts. A train being chased. I haven't seen any of the above chase scene movies. Can you name some more?"}, {"response": 2, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Feb 16, 2004 (16:57)", "body": "I think the Sandra Bullock one you're thinking of is \"Speed\" (never saw it either)."}, {"response": 3, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Mon, Feb 16, 2004 (21:25)", "body": "Runaway Train was in the Eighties and didn't involve any cars as far as I know. Speed was more along the vein of Airport or No Highway In The Sky than that of Death Race 2000 or The Cannonball Run . Speed 2 involved a cruise liner; apart from the scene where the liner ran aground at full speed it didn't involve any land. Other than that, it is mindless enough to be compared to Smokey & The Bandit ."}, {"response": 4, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Jul  2, 2006 (04:57)", "body": "Yeah, ok, Sam. Runaway Train is a stretch for this topic. Call it a desperation move. Car chases from the 70s? Hmmm. Vanishing point. Gone in 60 seconds Two Lane Blacktop Low key movie with A GTO judge and a 55 Chevy racing each other and living life across the country Bullitt Great 60s Mustang/Charger chase scene with awesome motor sounds and great chase filming!! French Connection One of the greatest chase scenes with a 70 Pontiac Lemans and a NYC Train. Blues Brothers Hot Rod movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 66, "subject": "Typecasts", "response_count": 10, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Mon, Mar  8, 2004 (08:46)", "body": "Steve Buscemi is the wacky bad guy, the loveable bad guy, the bumbling bad guy. He's making hsi debut on the Sopranos next Sunday. Colin Firth tends to get typecast as the counterpart to Hugh Grant which may be why \"Huge Gnat\" gets the ire of drool. Google kind of let me down on this, but I found this one little relevant quote on http://mrcranky.com I guess Rob Schneider's entire career is going to be comprised of fish-out-of-water roles. Look! It's Rob playing a sexy male prostitute. Look! It's Rob pretending to be an animal. Look! It's Rob pretending to be an 18-year-old girl. Look! It's Rob pretending to be a comedian. This sort of typecasting happens when you're incapable of any level of acting that requires actual talent or subtlety -- or you simply have a personality disorder. I haven't given up. I'll have to sit on this one for a bit."}, {"response": 2, "author": "autumn", "date": "Mon, Mar  8, 2004 (14:49)", "body": "Don't forget Rob pretending to be a horny Hawaiian guy! (50 First Dates) Too many to mention! Meg Ryan is the perky girl-next-door (even though she's trying to break out of that with her boxing flick). She's getting kind of old for this typecast--look for Reese Witherspoon or Kate Hudson to take over these roles. Ashley Judd is the wholesome heroine of the thriller genre. John Cusack is the quirky, underdog anti-hero. Christopher Walken is just plain creepy."}, {"response": 3, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Mon, Mar  8, 2004 (19:12)", "body": "Meg Ryan has been trying to break out of that cast for some time. I forgot the name of that movie with Denzel Washington, Matt Damon and Lou Diamond Phillips where she plays a dead Marine hero seen only in flashbacks. Robin Williams seems to be trying to build a new typecast for himself by playing psychotic bad guys rather than just psychotic funny guys. I think he's just trying to get another Oscar. Tom Hanks is a phenomenon. I wonder how many people remember (or even know!) that Tom Hanks started out in comedy? As for Colin Firth playing Hugh Grant's foil, well, I guess Alan Rickman beat him to it in Sense & Sensibility . Alan Rickman is more typecast as being eccentric than he is as being a bad guy. The artist sidekick in The January Man , his amazing performance as Hans Gruber in Die Hard that was more instrumental to the show's watchability than Bruce Willis's John MacLaine, The Voice of God in Dogma (and isn't it interesting that the heroes are Jay and Silent Bob and the villains are Ben and Matt?) and Professor Snape in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (the perfect distraction!). He's even better at being bizarre than at being evil. Christopher Lee will be remembered by several generations as an evil guy. To have played Dracula, Scaramanga, Count Dookoo and Saruman the White is to have been remarkably well typecast. At least Hugo Weaving will have a more mixed reception; will he be remembered more as Elrond or Agent Smith?"}, {"response": 4, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Mon, Mar  8, 2004 (19:30)", "body": "It would be very interesting to see Greg Kinnear, Tom Hanks, Robin Williams and Steve Martin in a dramatic film. One night, I turned on the television and saw a scene where Leslie Neilsen had Ted Danson at gunpoint. I looked it up in a TV guide and saw that the name of the movie was \"Creepshow\". I recognized the name as something that Stephen King was involved with so I turned it off at once. I wonder how many people would have seen that scene and thought it was a comedy?"}, {"response": 5, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Mon, Mar  8, 2004 (19:32)", "body": "P.S.: I meant in the same dramatic film. BTW, Greg Kinnear was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his work in As Good As It Gets but lost the Oscar to Robin Williams. A good year for comedians turned dramatic actors, no?"}, {"response": 6, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Mar 13, 2004 (00:03)", "body": "John Malkovich always does well in a villainous role."}, {"response": 7, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Mar 13, 2004 (17:06)", "body": "What about Richard Dreyfuss? The James Bond actors?"}, {"response": 8, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Mar 13, 2004 (21:53)", "body": "Richard Dreyfuss I don't know well enought to know his type--I've never seen any of his movies. The only Bond actor I've seen out of a 007 role is Sean Connery, and he still embodies the virile, tough guy persona."}, {"response": 9, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Sun, Mar 14, 2004 (09:10)", "body": "Hm... Richard Dreyfuss: neurotic, argumentative, annoying; is that the type he's cast in? Everything from American Graffiti to Mr. Holland's Opus and that TV show The Re-education Of Max Bickford ... I guess he is typecast. Brad Pitt - typecast as \"hunk\" and probably hates it."}, {"response": 10, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Jul  2, 2006 (04:58)", "body": "Did you know that if you do a google search for typecasts this comes up number one. Richard Dreyfuss I can see as argumentative and annoying. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 67, "subject": "The game of celebrity lover", "response_count": 11, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Thu, Mar 11, 2004 (01:53)", "body": "Angelina Jolie. And I may swap her out."}, {"response": 2, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Fri, Mar 12, 2004 (20:30)", "body": "Not a movie star, but: Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York"}, {"response": 3, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Fri, Apr  2, 2004 (17:53)", "body": "Not a movie star, but: Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York that's a rather unconventional choice, sam"}, {"response": 4, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sat, Apr  3, 2004 (14:33)", "body": "Not as unconventional as, say, Princess Anne..."}, {"response": 5, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Apr  4, 2004 (20:44)", "body": "test"}, {"response": 6, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Wed, Apr  7, 2004 (19:54)", "body": "Fergie's just so everything Diana wasn't. She's real, she's substantial, she has backbone, she's intelligent and she has a sense of humour? What more could one want? (Mum's approval, I guess... seems she had rather more spine than Andy did...) I am so sick and tired of the gushing over Saint Diana. She was nothing more than a plastic smile with mind and character even more frail than her physique. When people go on about her \"greatness\", all I remember is that Eddie Murphy joke from \"Raw\" where either Joanna Carson or Ivana Trump is in a job interview and is asked \"What do you do?\" and they reply \"I **** my husband!\" Apparently Diana couldn't even do that with conviction. To think there are people who believe that that (admittedly small) waste of flesh and bone was more significant to English history than Winston Churchill! Then again, Shakespeare wrote a play whose title describes the Diana phenomenon quite well: \"Much Ado About Nothing\"."}, {"response": 7, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Wed, Apr  7, 2004 (19:55)", "body": "P.S.: That should be a full stop after \"humour\", not a query mark. Seems there's still no edit function..."}, {"response": 8, "author": "pmnh", "date": "Wed, Apr  7, 2004 (23:02)", "body": "Apparently Diana couldn't even do that with conviction have no opinion about the royals whatsoever... don't know much about them, not really very curious... and that's really a mental image i could've gone without... so, tell us, sam, what do you really think of diana? (no need to hold back, you're among friends)..."}, {"response": 9, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Sat, Apr 10, 2004 (20:20)", "body": "Loathsome creature, she was. A quivering treacle with a plastic smile. Loathed her almost as much as I loathed Ayrton Senna, that being about as much as I loath Michael Schumacher. I can't wait for him to die in a crash, or for him to get killed or mutilated by someone he crashes out. The ultimate dream would be that he crashes Ralf out and Ralf gets a gun and shoots him dead."}, {"response": 10, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Sat, Apr 10, 2004 (20:23)", "body": "As much as I hate Senna, there is one Senna quote that I am reminded of often: \"You do your job, and then you get ****ed by stupid people!\" - Ayrton Senna, about certain FIA officials."}, {"response": 11, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Jul  2, 2006 (05:00)", "body": "Find the answers to these questions and more hy did Gloria Steinem finally marry? Why did Brad Pitt marry Jennifer Aniston? Why did Meg Ryan leave her husband Dennis Quaid? Why did Anne Heche and Ellen DeGeneres (Hollywood's most famous gay couple) break up? at http://www.magisociety.com/celebritylovers.html movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 68, "subject": "Passion of the Christ", "response_count": 14, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "autumn", "date": "Sun, Mar 21, 2004 (20:59)", "body": "I have not personally seen this film, but my husband took his mother and they both thought it was awesome. If you've seen the preview where the nail is put in Christ's palm and you see a hammer-wielding hand coming down to drive it in, that is Mel Gibson's hand. It symbolizes how each of us (as Christians believe) is responsible for nailing Christ to the cross by our sin."}, {"response": 2, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Apr 22, 2004 (10:16)", "body": "Autumn, go see it. I plan to buy the DVD as soon as it is available so we can watch it semi-regularly. It is one movie during which we did NOT buy popcorn to eat."}, {"response": 3, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Thu, Apr 22, 2004 (10:18)", "body": "The only \"Catholic\" thing about the movie that I noted was the emphasis on Mary. But, as a mother I could relate more to what she was experiencing watching things done to her son better than I could to my \"Savior\""}, {"response": 4, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Sat, Apr 24, 2004 (16:31)", "body": "I'll wait until they double-bill it with \"The Life of Brian\"."}, {"response": 5, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Sat, May 15, 2004 (17:53)", "body": "Hmmm what a concept. I found The Life of Brian so hilarious. But POTC is a moving event unto itself. Perhaps Brian might have the succeeding evening?"}, {"response": 6, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Thu, May 27, 2004 (09:03)", "body": "My sister, who is rather more religious than I am, saw this movie and was disappointed; well, not really, as she didn't expect much from it. She noted that part of the Garden of Gethsemane scene ran exactly the opposite to Biblical text. Jesus was NOT tempted by an apparition of Satan at Gethsemane; he was, rather, strengthened by an angel sent by God. She also found the table joke to be inappropriate, being more suitable for Mel Brooks or the Python than for a supposedly accurate interpretation of the Scriptures. Far from being repulsed, or moved, she fell asleep during part of the film. She said to me that the only idea she got from the film was a reaffirmation that the police and the political system have always been brutal and will always be brutal. The violence that so many have talked about is, according to my sister, no worse than what appears on Jamaican TV news on a daily basis."}, {"response": 7, "author": "terry", "date": "Fri, May 28, 2004 (08:10)", "body": "Sam, do you have your own blog yet? I'm offering you one at Spring or one of our other websites if you want one. BlogBlog?"}, {"response": 8, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Mon, Jun  7, 2004 (22:13)", "body": "What's a blog?"}, {"response": 9, "author": "CherylB", "date": "Tue, Jun  8, 2004 (09:36)", "body": "It means web long, which is kind of internet journal."}, {"response": 10, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Jun  9, 2004 (10:42)", "body": "You can see one in action at either http://austinblogger.com/ or http://bastropyrealty.com/wordpress"}, {"response": 11, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Wed, Jun  9, 2004 (19:24)", "body": "Looks interesting; how do I get one?"}, {"response": 12, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Jun  9, 2004 (19:37)", "body": "I can set it up for you on spring.net. What do you want to call it? blobblog?"}, {"response": 13, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Thu, Jun 10, 2004 (22:04)", "body": "\"Miscellaneous Ramblings\", if that's not taken."}, {"response": 14, "author": "MarciaH", "date": "Tue, Feb 22, 2005 (21:33)", "body": "Hmm. I watched the POTC movie with a theater full of born again very devout Christians and they each and every one was moved and loved it enough to see it again immediately or order it on some sort of home-viewing format. I guess like with anything else, each of us has his own idea of what is appropriate and touching. I liked it very much. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 69, "subject": "THE LAST HORROR MOVIE", "response_count": 6, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Sat, Jun  5, 2004 (10:10)", "body": "Who's the director?"}, {"response": 2, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Mon, Jun  7, 2004 (22:13)", "body": "Not a horror fan."}, {"response": 3, "author": "terry", "date": "Wed, Jun  9, 2004 (10:43)", "body": "I hear the Stepford Wives movie is no longer a horror film, the remake is now a comedy. Anyone seen it yet?"}, {"response": 4, "author": "cymru", "date": "Fri, Jun 11, 2004 (09:36)", "body": "Have not seen Stepford, but have read some great reviews about The Last Horror Movie. The director's name is Julian Richards and his previous work includes Darklands and Silent Cry (neither of which I've seen)."}, {"response": 5, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Oct 17, 2005 (21:45)", "body": "yeah, i saw stepford wives and didn't like it much (the chemistry between the main husband and wife didn't work for me). never heard of the last horror movie."}, {"response": 6, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Oct 18, 2005 (08:42)", "body": "Never heard of it. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 7, "subject": "Razor's Edge", "response_count": 21, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "Amy", "date": "Mon, Jan 27, 1997 (05:46)", "body": "Arnessa and I have been meaning to watch the 1946 Razor's Edge virtually together, oh, since October, I think. And we finally did this past weekend. We were going to just discuss it in email or at Pemberley, but now we find that it is a favorite of Cassan dra's and Amy2 likes it a lot too. So we might as well discuss it here in case other unknown fans come out of the woodwork. Oh, and I forgot Hilary, but she was only able to get the Bill Murray version."}, {"response": 2, "author": "Amy", "date": "Mon, Jan 27, 1997 (06:02)", "body": "I am by no means a W. Somerset Maugham expert but I have read a biography so here are a few random details I find relevant and you might find helpful. He was born in France and felt equally comfortable in England or France. This may account for the number of stories that take place partly in France -- usually Paris. Moon & Sixpence (my fave novel; so much so I almost hope it never becomes a film ), The Alchemist (yuck, creepy), Of Human Bondage (only a little art dabbling in Paris). He was gay; his main lover, a younger guy, lived in Chicago, accounting for the Bradley's home town in Razor's Edge. The Razor's Edge was one of his more mature novels and the one in which he felt most comfortable making a pretty swishy charac ter in Elliot Templeton. Didn't Clifton Webb do it exactly right? He does not seem to like women much. For Sophie, he has some sympathy, it's clear, but then again what does that say, since she is so depraved? I don't like how he seems to think women ike brutes. But I like Maugham a lot anyway. He wrote the first draft of the screenplay for The Razor's Edge. Hollywood did not like it because it was \"just a bunch of people standing around talking.\" Maugham did not like all the dancing in the rewrite."}, {"response": 3, "author": "Amy", "date": "Mon, Jan 27, 1997 (06:04)", "body": "Before we decided to carry on the discussion here, Arnessa mailed me her first reaction. She said it was okay to share it here: _____________________________ Just watched The Razor's Edge last night. I went to the drawing room after to see if I could catch you. But alas, you had just gone. What a great, great movie! I remember reading the book some time ago. But I don't think I has as strong a reaction to some of the characters. In fact, I barely even remembered the plot. I was a little doubtful when the film began, Larry Darrell seemed almost too striking. But then the movie has such a powerful message that falls on the main character's shoulders. The other characters are just window dressing. Still, I loved every bit of the acting. Anne Baxter as Sofie, wow! You didn't expect her to be so convincing as the drunken slut when you saw her in the beginning as the good wife. In short, I loved it. Shall we talk more about it soon? Maybe start a small topic at Spring? I don't visit Spring that often I confess, but more often than my postings there might suggest. It's a bit overwhelming for me sometimes. I want to read everything that's going on, then by the time I get ready to post I've forgotten what I wanted to say or the darn thing eats my work. And I have to start all over. Anyway, what I mean to say is that despite all that, a Razor's Edge topic would be good. Geez, I'm long-winded today."}, {"response": 4, "author": "cassandra", "date": "Mon, Jan 27, 1997 (16:50)", "body": "It is wonderful knowing I'm not the only admirer of the Razor's Edge. Hve any of you seen the 1934 version of Of Human Bondage, with Bette Davis and Leslie Howard? It's nowhere near as good of an adaptation as TRE, but it's well worth a trip to the video store, just to see Davis' brillant spin on Mildred. The \"you bored me stiff, i only let you kiss me, beacuse you begged me\" still amazes me!"}, {"response": 5, "author": "Amy", "date": "Mon, Jan 27, 1997 (18:00)", "body": "re OHB Movies earlier than GWTW I have a problem with. Call me dumb or just ignorant for not liking the silents and those made a little later. Sorry I just don't! But you are right, Cass, Davis's indifference is just what I think Maugham had in mind, even if her accent is not perfect. Everytime she says \"I don't mind,\" I want to scream at him, \"Drop her! You idiot. She doesn't care a bit about you.\""}, {"response": 6, "author": "cassandra", "date": "Mon, Jan 27, 1997 (20:20)", "body": "What do you think of Isabel: calculating, money-grubbing witch or misunderstood heroine? Even in the book, Maugham, the narrator, is a trifle ambivalent about her, admiring her passionate, earthy nature and beautiful legs. I particularly like Isabel's retort to Maugham's how did you get such shapely legs: An iron will. Personally, though, I think she's a spoiled child, desiring only that which she can't possess, meaning of course Larry. She's a bit of the Scarlet O'Hara school-she could never understand L rry's spirituality."}, {"response": 7, "author": "Amy", "date": "Mon, Jan 27, 1997 (21:03)", "body": "Agreed, Cassandra. I admire her chic but despise her heart."}, {"response": 8, "author": "Arnessa", "date": "Mon, Jan 27, 1997 (21:19)", "body": "I never knew how to read Isabel. She seemed to understand Larry's need to go away, and she couldn't bring herself to trap him into a marriage, but she couldn't bring herself to live on a modest income either. She's a lot like Mary Crawford, I think, wanting to eat her cake and have it too. I adore Mary. I see her tragic side. So I guess I have to like Isabel too, even though I could never be like her. I saw Of Human Bondage on video, and I agree with you both Cassandra and Amy, the acting was so stilted back then. Still, Davis is captivating. You can see why she was going to be a star. She was doing so much more than the other actors."}, {"response": 9, "author": "cassandra", "date": "Tue, Jan 28, 1997 (14:20)", "body": "Arnessa-great, pereceptive likage of Isabel and Arnessa!!! You both love and despise her.I completely agree about Bette Davis, too. She jumps out of the screen in OHB. The movie is memorable for her performance alone, showcasing her at the earliest stages of her talent. My favorite Davis Movie-Now, Voyager(ugly duckling turns into a Swan, complete with wonderful Max Steiner music) or All About Eve(with Anne Baxter, our tortured Sophie, no less). Great actresses!!! With respect to TRE, what are your favori e scenes? Amy and I agreed there were too many. But, if pushed-the Rue de Lappe scene with the Mademoiselle refrain or Sophie's theme music. That scene/music haunts me, as well as the sound of Sophie's voice when she replies-my poetry-it was good. Completely heartbreaking."}, {"response": 10, "author": "cassandra", "date": "Tue, Jan 28, 1997 (14:21)", "body": "Arnessa-great, pereceptive likage of Isabel and Mary!!! You both love and despise her.I completely agree about Bette Davis, too. She jumps out of the screen in OHB. The movie is memorable for her performance alone, showcasing her at the earliest stages of her talent. My favorite Davis Movie-Now, Voyager(ugly duckling turns into a Swan, complete with wonderful Max Steiner music) or All About Eve(with Anne Baxter, our tortured Sophie, no less). Great actresses!!! With respect to TRE, what are your favorite cenes? Amy and I agreed there were too many. But, if pushed-the Rue de Lappe scene with the Mademoiselle refrain or Sophie's theme music. That scene/music haunts me, as well as the sound of Sophie's voice when she replies-my poetry-it was good. Completely heartbreaking."}, {"response": 11, "author": "Amy", "date": "Tue, Jan 28, 1997 (14:32)", "body": "Amy and I agreed there were too many. But, if pushed-the Rue de Lappe scene with the Mademoiselle refrain or Sophie's theme music. __ Agreed. Makes you change your mind all around about accordian music. I also love the enlightenment in India. And that music."}, {"response": 12, "author": "cassandra", "date": "Tue, Jan 28, 1997 (18:23)", "body": "Amy-I loved the scenes in India and the accompaning music too! On another note, whom do you most admire/like in TRE and with whom do most identify? Personally-I love Larry. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all know ourselves and be so at peace as Larry? I wouldn't say I identify with Sophie, but she's the character who affects me the most. Like Larry says in the movie-she was the most normal person he ever knew-she was not unbalanced. She felt things too deeply."}, {"response": 13, "author": "Amy", "date": "Tue, Jan 28, 1997 (23:44)", "body": "I envy Larry. Anybody who has read Middlemarch see a resemblance between Dorothea and Larry? The authors each speak of their creations as people who have made little big differences in the world."}, {"response": 14, "author": "Arnessa", "date": "Wed, Jan 29, 1997 (00:23)", "body": "Oh, yes. Sophie just breaks my heart. I guess I most identify with her. I might not actually go to pieces like that after a tragic loss, but I can easily imagine it and I probably would want to tell life to go to hell if that had happened to me. I love at rue de Lappe when Sophie says her poetry was good. I could cry. Favorite scene is in the carriage one the way from rue de Lappe when Larry shuts up Isabel. I envy Larry a bit, too, Amy. I mean, if I had a small annual income I could depend on, why not travel the world and search for answers to unanswerable questions? He used his time and money better than most. The leisure to think! Imagine it! I see the resemblance between him and Dorothea as well. Problem is, I never really liked Dorothea much. She was always so busy looking for the grand great good that she could never see the little good around her until the very end. Larry doesn't fall into that trap. H takes the time he needs for himself, yet comes back and tries to use his gifts to help the people who are hurting right around him."}, {"response": 15, "author": "Amy", "date": "Wed, Jan 29, 1997 (01:14)", "body": "He takes the time he needs for himself, yet comes back and tries to use his gifts to help the people who are hurting right around him. __ Yes, that's a real saint. A mature good soul."}, {"response": 16, "author": "cassandra", "date": "Wed, Jan 29, 1997 (17:54)", "body": "I definitely see the connection between Dorothea and Larry, although I do prefer Larry-He really knows who he is and what he needs. A model for us all. Another fav scene that I remember: The heartbreaking and compelling scene at Sophie's dingy apartment: the pictures of her daughter and husband, and the books of poetry. And, of course Isabel's dramatic and graceful walk down the stairs. Gene Tierney has always been a personal favorite of mine. Has anyone seen her in the 1944 classic whodunit Laura, once again with Clifton Webb?(was there ever a better person to play the fastidious Uncle Elliot)"}, {"response": 17, "author": "Arnessa", "date": "Wed, Jan 29, 1997 (21:30)", "body": "I can't imagine a better Uncle Elliot. Hmmm... making more JA connections. Elliot Templeton reminds me a great deal of Sir Walter Eliot! Coincidence? I think not."}, {"response": 18, "author": "Amy", "date": "Wed, Jan 29, 1997 (21:37)", "body": "Maugham taking a page from JA? Now that is something to think about. I like Gene Tierney a lot. She allegedly had an affair with Jack Kennedy. (I am not making any connection there)"}, {"response": 19, "author": "amy", "date": "Thu, Jan 30, 1997 (01:50)", "body": "] Favorite scene is in the carriage one the way from rue de Lappe when Larry shuts up Isabel.\u007f ___ Almost a Darcy and CAroline moe\u001b[D\u001b[D\u007f moment, isn't it?"}, {"response": 20, "author": "cassandra", "date": "Thu, Jan 30, 1997 (12:59)", "body": "Almost a Darcy and Caroline model. YES! YES! These JA connections are eerie. And, I confess I had never thought about TRE that way before. I watched the movie again last night, and the more times I see, the more I hate Isabel. Most particularly, the scene where she leaves Sophie alone, the pictures of her own two daughters' prominently displayed. Completely heartless!"}, {"response": 21, "author": "Amy", "date": "Thu, Jan 30, 1997 (14:39)", "body": "And Larry, though not knowing the specifics of her treachery, knows Isabel well enough to be sure she is as good as a murderer. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 70, "subject": "Movie Quotes", "response_count": 19, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "AlFor", "date": "Tue, Nov  9, 2004 (09:37)", "body": "Title of the movie: \"History Of The World: Part I\" Characters: King Louis XVI, Count du Monet Actors: Mel Brooks, Harvey Korman (respectively) My turn: Character 1: \"You're scared!\" Character 2: \"Of course I'm scared! You think I'm reluctant because I'm happy?\""}, {"response": 2, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Nov  9, 2004 (11:56)", "body": "Stumped!"}, {"response": 3, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Nov 15, 2004 (19:09)", "body": "*laugh* what a good line though....hmmmmm"}, {"response": 4, "author": "dot", "date": "Thu, Aug 18, 2005 (14:24)", "body": "And the answer is ? ? ?"}, {"response": 5, "author": "wolf", "date": "Thu, Aug 18, 2005 (19:54)", "body": "apparantly, this topic has been forgotten. hmmmmm....sam blob? what's the movie?"}, {"response": 6, "author": "WERoland", "date": "Sat, Aug 20, 2005 (20:26)", "body": "Ronin (1998) Deirdre: \"You're scared!\" Sam: \"Of course I'm scared! You think I'm reluctant because I'm happy?\""}, {"response": 7, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Aug 22, 2005 (18:59)", "body": "thanks wer, is that really you? *HUGS*"}, {"response": 8, "author": "wolf", "date": "Mon, Aug 22, 2005 (18:59)", "body": "now lemme try that again: *HUGS*"}, {"response": 9, "author": "WERoland", "date": "Sat, Aug 27, 2005 (18:00)", "body": "Yep, it's me...thanks for the welcome back!"}, {"response": 10, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sat, Aug 27, 2005 (18:21)", "body": "*woohoo* so glad to see you!!!!"}, {"response": 11, "author": "WERoland", "date": "Sat, Aug 27, 2005 (21:16)", "body": "It's nice being able to be seen, too. Glad you're still around!!!"}, {"response": 12, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Aug 28, 2005 (14:24)", "body": "What movie is this from (it's a quiz)? Dr. Egon Spengler: There's something very important I forgot to tell you. Dr. Peter Venkman: What? Dr. Egon Spengler: Don't cross the streams. Dr. Peter Venkman: Why? Dr. Egon Spengler: It would be bad. Dr. Peter Venkman: I'm fuzzy on the whole good/bad thing. What do you mean \"bad\"? Dr. Egon Spengler: Try to imagine all life as you know it stopping instantaneously, and every molecule in your body exploding at the speed of light. Dr. Raymond Stantz: Total protonic reversal! Dr. Peter Venkman: Right, that's bad. Okay, alright, important safety tip, thanks Egon."}, {"response": 13, "author": "WERoland", "date": "Sun, Aug 28, 2005 (16:25)", "body": "Ghostbusters (and I didn't even have to use a search engine to find the answer!!!)"}, {"response": 14, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Aug 28, 2005 (19:29)", "body": "oh, you beat me to it, wer!! *laugh* that was the only one i actually knew! *giggle* golly, it's good to have you back! *HUGS*"}, {"response": 15, "author": "WERoland", "date": "Sun, Aug 28, 2005 (19:32)", "body": "Stop it, Wolf, or you're going to make me blush!"}, {"response": 16, "author": "wolf", "date": "Sun, Aug 28, 2005 (20:34)", "body": "ooohhhh, we wouldn't want that now would we......"}, {"response": 17, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Jul  2, 2006 (05:08)", "body": "All around this house I see the signs. My daughter looks but she does not see. This is a house that will break into pieces. It's not too late. All my pains, my regrets, I will gather them together. My daughter will hear me calling, even though I've said no words. She will climb the stairs to find me. She will be scared because at first her eyes will see nothing. She will feel in her heart this place where she hides her fears. She will know I am waiting like a tiger in the trees, now ready to leap out and cut her spirit loose. So guess."}, {"response": 18, "author": "wolf", "date": "Tue, Jul  4, 2006 (17:47)", "body": "joy luck club"}, {"response": 19, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Wed, Jul 12, 2006 (07:34)", "body": "\"Hide the rum.\" movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 71, "subject": "movie news and industry happenings", "response_count": 4, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Feb 28, 2006 (08:19)", "body": "Good Lord.... Paris Hilton in Indian director's 'Mother Teresa'? Thiruvananthapuram | February 12, 2006 11:15:06 AM IST Well known Malayalam director T. Rajeevnath, scouting for a suitable actress to play the title role in his film on Nobel Peace laureate Mother Teresa, has sent feelers to American actress Paris Hilton. \"My agents in California have contacted Paris Hilton,\" Rajeevnath told IANS. The director said he was impressed when he read a report sometime ago in which the hotel heiress said she had refused to pose nude in Playboy magazine and decided then to shortlist her. The English film will be mostly shot in West Bengal and in several foreign countries. \"The preliminary script has been readied with help from scriptwriter John Paul,\" the director said. Rajeevnath, 54, has won a national award for direction, besides quite a few international awards. His popular films include \"Moksham\", \"Janani\" and \"Thannal\". \"Mother Teresa\" will be his 11th commercial film and he... ... has already sold this idea to a few international production houses including the US-based First Serve International. \"I am leaving for the US early next month to finalise the producer. A few production houses have evinced interest in producing this film. The budget is expected to be in the range of Rs.500 million ($11.3 million) to Rs.600 million,\" he said. \"Although there are several actresses willing to play the role of Mother Teresa, the most widely respected and loved person, the history of the actress who is finally chosen for the role would have to be analysed thoroughly before she is chosen,\" said Rajeevnath. \"All those whom I have contacted have agreed to do their bit to help me in this film. The cast includes Mithun Chakravarthy, Kamal Haasan, Mohanlal and several others. Veteran cameraman Santosh Sivan has also been roped in. The Ramoji Rao Film city has pledged full support for the venture,\" added the veteran director. Among the specialties of the film would be the character of former West Bengal chief minister Jyoti Basu, whose association with Mother Teresa is well known. \"The proceeds of the film would go to the Missionaries of Charity. By June this year, the groundwork for the film would be complete and I propose to begin shooting in early 2007,\" said the director. Rajeevnath expects to get the blessings of the Pope for the film and also hopes to sign in sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar as music director. (IANS) http://news.webindia123.com/news/showdetails.asp?id=247275&cat=Entertainment"}, {"response": 2, "author": "terry", "date": "Tue, Feb 28, 2006 (08:39)", "body": "This can't be real."}, {"response": 3, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Jul  2, 2006 (05:10)", "body": "Bet you hadn't heard this one. David Hasselhoff Photo Gallery HOLLYWOOD - Former Baywatch star David Hasselhoff is recovering after undergoing surgery for an injury he suffered during a shaving accident. The actor/singer severed a tendon in his right arm while shaving in the bathroom of a gym in the Sanderson Hotel in London on Thursday. He played a big role in the NBA finals series with Miami fans taunting Dirk Nowitsky who is a big Hasselhoff fan."}, {"response": 4, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Apr 22, 2007 (10:58)", "body": "Ioan Online takes a final bow and bids everyone goodbye - Please Read It is with great sadness that I write this message to you, the followers and fans of Ioan and to those that I have also considered friends for years. After nine years, it's time that Ioan Online is brought to a close. This will be the last month of its operation, concluding on April 30, 2007. I am asked to post this short note from Ioan: \"April, please accept my deepest thanks for your superb work over nine years. I was really lucky that you decided to start up the site. It is impossible to put into words how much I have appreciated your enthusiasm and support -- your taste, professionalism and integrity are impeccable. We've had a great run and I've sure all the people that have visited the site were as impressed as I was. Thank you again, April, very, very much. Lots of love, Ioan\" Friends, it has been a LONG road. Nine years is a long time to invest in promoting and spreading the word about an actor. After seven years, the expenses got too high and I was ready to close down. The site began to cost me more than I was willing to put into it anymore. However, this site is so extensive and had been a huge help to Ioan's career and image that he decided to fund the site so that Ioan Online could continue. For the last two years I have been contracted by Ioan to continue this site and continue doing what I do, which is promoting him with clips, photos, updates, everything. You could also refer to him as 'my boss'. I have. I was happy to do this for him and very proud that I had the chance. Ioan is the reason that this site has lasted this long. He is the one who has made these past two years possible. I was asked to keep the news about the funding to private channels only, but was recently allowed to give out this information to promote understanding. Ioan comes from a very close-knit family. They are a very trusting, sensitive yet very kind people. This site is very special to him because he endorses it and puts his money into its existence. However, the comments said lately about his fianc\ufffde have become too much for him to continue to do this. I don\ufffdt think that it was one person\ufffds comments that are to blame at all, but the combination of many things said here and elsewhere. IoanOnline was a safe haven, and a site that he cared about deeply. Quite simply, the comments here, and other places as well, have upset him greatly as well as those in his family. He has had a very long think about it, he has decided that he can no longer support a website that gives a voice to these types of comments. He understands the consequences. He knows that I can't support this site on my own, and I can't afford to work on it on my own time. Working on this site was something I liked to do, but it was also a job to me. It took up a ton of my time, and time is precious these days with growing kids and evolving interests. I simply don't have the time to give freely to this any longer. I have enjoyed many, many years of running this website and promoting Ioan as best as I could. Many hours I have sat here creating, updating, rearranging, denying rumors and even giving scoops when I'm able. I have often thought of myself as the bridge between the fans and Ioan. Promoting him and sharing his works has been a joy of my life and one that I won\ufffdt soon forget. This site has so much of 'me' in it. The forum is dear to me because of so many friendships I've held here, and so many good times shared. Closing it down breaks my heart but this is the direction that I must go for now. Perhaps one day Ioan Online will be back stronger than ever. Perhaps not. That, really, is up to Ioan. I knew that this website wouldn't last forever, but had really hoped that something so painful wouldn't be the cause of the site's end. I have handled this to the best of my ability in order to keep the site open and accessible to fans of Ioan internet-wide. I did what was expected of me for the good of the site because it was my job to. I am very sorry that some friendships got hurt, and things were so rough for a lot of us members who've been around a long time. I would like to say that I regard a lot of you with fond memories and will keep them close to me in the years to come. I will miss the fun, happy times we used to share here. I will miss you. For the newer members, I have such respect for you. You joined at a tumultuous time, weathered the storm and kept so positive about everything. I admire you for your perseverance and your thoughtfulness. I will miss you as well. Patricia, Alice and Lynn, I have valued your help here on the forums as moderators more than you can know. I have valued your friendship and I will look back on our times here together and smile at the good times that we\ufffdve shared. One of the biggest memories to smile about is how we laughed at the comment once about me spending too much time in the kitchen. Maybe now I should make that silly comment come true. I also ver"}]}, {"num": 72, "subject": "Thailand HDtv video with Tony and Leighton Hodges", "response_count": 4, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Aug  6, 2006 (11:01)", "body": "http://spring.net/yapp-bin/public/read/movies/72/since/-365 is the url to bookmark for this topic."}, {"response": 2, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Aug  6, 2006 (11:10)", "body": "Pattaya Thailand and other location shots August 6th, 2006 | | Make me happy! pt -shot 10 min in pattaya last nite \ufffd5min on street and 5 min in heaven above a go go -shot in go go eccellent and a overview re historicity of straight theatre and lysergic underground as well as jl raising girl from dead at 625 ashbury -2nite we will shoot beach and jose cohens french restaurant cum art gallery AU BON COIN ,which is inspiration for CAFE BEBERT in THE MAGICK PAPERS -THIS WEEK WE WILL BE ON LOCATION IN khao san road AND chao praya river -KHAO SAN is bohemian section \ufffdthere is a boat to ORIENTAL HOTEL on river to provide background -also hope to include VIVIENNE WESTWOOD EXHIBIT AT BIG E"}, {"response": 3, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Aug  6, 2006 (11:10)", "body": "Thai HDtv film for SXSW in progress August 6th, 2006 | | Make me happy! Leighton Hodges and I shot ten min. In Pattaya last night. 5 min. in Heaven Above GoGo. Footage presentable and great background shots of ladies of the night. We will shoot beach road this aftenoon around sunset and Au Bon Coin galllery cum restaurant. Brilliant French food and our host Jose Cohen is the inspiration for Cafe Bebert in the Magik P. Cafe Bebert is named after Louis Ferdinand Celine the great french writer\ufffds cat. We will shoot in BK the Bohemian sector of Kohasan Road and take the boat to the Oriental Hotel on the River. The novelist-screen writer Jake Needham read at the author\ufffds lounge of the Oriental last week. Met the US and Isreali Embassadors. Jim Newport who wrote Break Down Palace was there also. Very nice guy and he will be shooting here in the spring bassed on his Vampire Novel trillogy. There is also a brilliant Viviane Westwood Exhibit at Emporium. We shot up Patpong and our hood on Sukumvit already. Conrad\ufffds Heart of Darkness was never like this. Paul Terry and Bob Nagy and Leighton Hodges are shooting and editing it in HD and will submit to the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas (SXSW.com) . Wish us luck. Enjoyed reading your ideas and have used a bunch of the ideas already ( great debauched minds..) and will steal others. Thanks for taking the time. Much appreciated. Leighton would love to meet you someday. Tony and Leighton Hodges || tags: Uncategorized, hdtv, film, movie, Thailand, sex, sxsw, youtube, filmfestival author: magickpapers comments: No Comments"}, {"response": 4, "author": "cfadm", "date": "Sun, Aug  6, 2006 (11:10)", "body": "Encouragement (and ideas!) from film producer Michael Sorenson August 6th, 2006 | | Make me happy! Greetings, mates! Miss all of you in BKK, but here is a possible \ufffdmock documentary\ufffd treatment in lieu of my actual presence. Title: \ufffdReal and Holding in the Land of Smiles\ufffd 1. College-aged filmmaker travels to Thailand for 30 days to shoot a documentary video on Buddhism and Asean Culture. Despite volumes of cultural research, the filmmaker did not look into climate conditions, and finds himself arriving in full sweep of the rainy season. It rains torrentially everyday, and as there is only one camera, he shoots life on the streets below from his hotel window in between downpours. 2. Filmmaker encounters Tony and the Expat Round Table during a late breakfast one morning. After the members give the filmmaker permission to turn on his camera, he can almost not contain his excitement. Despite the fact that Asean culture and Buddhism are not the topics of conversation, the exchange is possibly more fascinating to him that the film he came to realize in Thailand. 3. The filmmaker and Tony bond over meals, Chang Beer and a motorcycle taxi ride initiation. During a conversation about traveling at \ufffdThe Star of Light\ufffd bar (if you have to ask\ufffd), Tony asks the filmmaker if he would like to take a \ufffdside trip\ufffd. The filmmaker says yes, completely misunderstanding what Tony has in mind. 4. What follows should be a phantasmagorical journey into the respective \ufffdhearts of darkness and light\ufffd within Bangkok and Pattaya. Go as far as you want in this regard. \ufffdTaste\ufffd and the \ufffdshocking of your audience\ufffd should be no factor of consideration in determining these episodes. It goes without saying that the roadtrip from once city to another should be part of the fun as well! 5. The filmmaker survives the\ufffdwild ride\ufffd, and comes down on the verge of reaching a higher consciousness. He delivers one last entry for the camera, with BBC World News playing in the background. He announces that he is evolving. He says that the United States is over. It will most certainly fail in his short lifetime, and de doesn\ufffdt know if he\ufffdll ever go back. There are too may adventures to be had, too much life to live in other parts of this world where people may not be so afraid of one another. He\ufffds also giving up on traditional filmmaking. \ufffdReal life is the new cinema. Real life is Cinema 2.0.\ufffd He smashes the camera on the floor. Roll credits. Take good care mates, and can\ufffdt wait to see the flick! Best, Michael Sorenson Artistry & Rhythm Filmworks A/S http://www.arflix.dk || tags: Uncategorized, hdtv, film, movie, Thailand, sex, sxsw, youtube, filmfestival author: magickpapers comments: No Comments movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 73, "subject": "Dinosaurs!", "response_count": 0, "posts": []}, {"num": 8, "subject": "The Craw (part 2)", "response_count": 1, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "terry", "date": "Sun, Feb  9, 1997 (21:50)", "body": "I didn't even see part I. movies conference Main Menu"}]}, {"num": 9, "subject": "Wuthering Heights movie 1992", "response_count": 10, "posts": [{"response": 1, "author": "CK", "date": "Tue, Sep  9, 1997 (10:36)", "body": "I've heard that they are releasing the movie on video within the next couple months. Does anyone have any information on this? Who made the movie?"}, {"response": 2, "author": "legaffe", "date": "Sun, Oct 12, 1997 (11:19)", "body": "I haven't heard anything. Does anyone know if the Wuthering Heights video is coming out?"}, {"response": 3, "author": "stacey", "date": "Mon, Oct 13, 1997 (09:47)", "body": "WH has been on video for awhile. There is a version they show in high schools all the time. WH, Jane Eyre, Tale of Two Cities... tons of classics to show your students who refuse to open the pages of a book. Sad, but true."}, {"response": 4, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Wed, Dec 10, 1997 (20:27)", "body": "the only WH movie I saw was on lifetime or a&e. loved it though........... who starred in the movie you guys are talking about?"}, {"response": 5, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Wed, Dec 10, 1997 (20:55)", "body": "the one I saw had Juliet Binoche as Katherine but I can't remember who Heathcliff was. Is it the same movie?"}, {"response": 6, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Thu, Dec 11, 1997 (10:17)", "body": "(gasp!) You can't remember who Heathcliff was?? Many call Ralph Fienne's performance the definitive Heathcliff. I'm inclined to agree, even though I probably haven't seen them all. His is surely the most indelible."}, {"response": 7, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Thu, Dec 11, 1997 (12:38)", "body": "wasn't he great? in the book, Heathcliff is protrayed much darker, but really made no difference in the movie. Ralph definately was the ultimate Heathcliff!"}, {"response": 8, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Thu, Dec 11, 1997 (22:35)", "body": "Now that I think of it, wasn't Ralph in The English Patient?"}, {"response": 9, "author": "Charlotte", "date": "Sun, Dec 14, 1997 (20:09)", "body": "Nominated for an Academy Award for the English Patient, he was. Shouldda got it, too."}, {"response": 10, "author": "Wolf", "date": "Sun, Dec 14, 1997 (22:10)", "body": "He's sooooooo good! movies conference Main Menu"}]}]}