Welcome Anne H. Glad you made it here and figured out how to post. Feel free to join in, ask questions, whatever. We don't bite. We welcome all CF fans and enjoy getting to know people from all over. BTW, we've seen the food magazine picture posted on the web. Why oh why don't our food magazines devote some space to Colin like yours did??? It was gorgeous!

Welcome Anne H!!! :) We love to meet CF fans, so hang around and drool with us as much as you'd like! Do go over to 113 and pick out your keepsakes; there are several lovely lists to choose things from :) And if you're a big Darcy fan (and who among us isnt?)pop in at 34 and read Teg's latest story- You'll enjoy it, Trust me. :) Karen- thanks for all the info! :)

(Karen) Colin would be freed up to begin work on something new very shortly. This is the last week of filming for DQ per the BBC. So if DQ filming wraps this week, then he's free to attend the MLSF premiere in Newport next week, right? Yeah, in my dreams;-)

We expect a full report Susan. :-D Welcome Anne!

Welcome Anne, you have found an excellent niche in which to drool and drool------, feel free!!!!

I am so pleased that ATA has finally been released here, only 6 weeks later than advertised!!! OK so its not the greatest film, but I am revelling in the green t shirt scene, again and again and again!!! I am sure to reach overload soon.

BTW your discussions re all CF's projects have been really informative to catch up on this week. There is a NC revival on stage currently with Juliet Stevenson and a Dillane (brother to stephen in TRT?). I am sure Allison, bethan or Ann will supply the title!! Getting a lot of publicity, interviews etc so maybe he is getting involved and hoping RV will have even more attention. LOL, we always say that and then he's never featured or he gets "Harveyed" so that is really an invalid suggestion. In reality he's got to pay those interior design bills!!

Karen, thanks for the update on DQ! It's intersting that it may be shown early next year or later this year. Could that mean a Christmas scheduling....always good for viewing figures! RV...our libraries aren't as well-stocked as those in the US, so I've ordered a copy of the play (only a fiver!) Have slightly mixed feelings about this project. I think it could be a fill-in for CF, maybe something Will can join him on location in the holidays. But at the same time, the cast is good (I actually think there'll be some interest in Julie Andrews' involvement) and RV has apparently been selected by the Noel Coward estate to celebrate the centennial. RV seems quite light, but I think it cou d have a major re-write for the screen. and good actors can make the most of light material. Again, I think there would be some interest in any interpretation of NC's work on the Big Screen. And it will be good to look at!

Hi, there is the first review of MLSF, from Variety, at Murph's Appreciation page, not too good I am afraid but not too bad for Colin. As long as RV is just a filler and he still does BJD, then I am happy for him to make RV the more films with Cf in the better!! Bethan I plucked up courage to telephone Miramax today but the publicity people were out, told me to ring back, btw have you any plans to telephone WT in the near future, about the casting for BJD?

Welcome AnneH, I see apart from CF we share a common love for dogs...Patas is the name of my 11 year old Yorkshire Terrier... :-)

Here's the link for the Variety review posted at Murph's site: http://www.geocities.com/~murphyat65/mlsfrev1.html The story's most potent thread is the allure Heloise has for the conservative, religiously strict Edward and for Fraser, who is utterly unschooled in sexual matters but becomes curious about the mysteries surrounding "sins of the flesh." Oooooh, a sexually repressed Colin again. Might there be a little smouldering for our viewing pleasure??? ;-) The cast comports itself respectably, although no one really gets a chance to develop a character. Firth, as the father who's a personal conformist but a professional kook, takes the best shot at it, but is somewhat constrained by the man's numerous unappetizing traits. Another *unlikeable* character!? Boo hiss! He looked pretty likeable to me in that trailer. A strong visual style would have helped the film considerably Now this is really surprising, a shocker in fact. It is scheduled for July opening Stateside but looks to come and go quickly. Let's look on the upside. It will be on video quickly and in our hot little hands to watch to our hearts' content. ;-)

Must be true. Second mention and this time by a more reliable site, The Guardian: � Julie Andrews, Denise Richards, Stephen Fry and Colin Firth are set to join the cast of Relative Values, adapted from the Noel Coward play. Produced by the UK's Midsummer Films with US backing, it will shoot on the Isle of Man from July. Guess I'd better sit down and read it. BTW, Bethan. The library I found RV in was the big main public library. My two nearby branches didn't have one book by or on Noel Coward according to the catalog. ;-) I may have to call Evelyn up and tell her to pick up some copies of RV at the Samuel French bookstore in NYC.

The review...could be better, but could also be much worse. I always thought that the fact that it had be re-edited would be commented on. And isn't it shorter...1.33min...it looks as though they've chopped 15 minutes from the running time (which may not be a bad thing). I rather like episodic family based dramas, with children, and I like the "between the wars" period but I suspect this is more a woman thing. Male critics may find it uncompelling. The performances aren't criticised, and as for the "murkiness", well Scotland isn't California..it's often overcast. I seem to recall some critics thought "A month in the Country" was dull. I can't see MLSF doing well at the Box Office (I never really expected this) but I think it will do well in video rentals, and also if shown on TV. I've read far worse reviews!!!

adapted from the Noel Coward play. Produced by the UK's Midsummer Films with US backing, it will shoot on the Isle of Man from July. Ha! "Adapted"....so it could be quite a loose adaptation. US backing is good, otherwise it becomes one of those small British films which struggle to find a screen. July....so the shoot could be over by the end of August, leaving him free for BJD in September! To be honest, I think he should do as many projects as possible. Success is never guaranteed and it's always good to have something else coming up, incase of a flop! And good performances are noticed.

Welcome Anne H. I hope you've been able to keep up on the Colin front. There's been so much news, it's easy to fall behind. Firth, as the father who's a personal conformist but a professional kook, takes the best shot at it, but is somewhat constrained by the man's numerous unappetizing traits. Written by a man who has no eye for Edward's obvious appeal. and while the climactic showdown between Edward and Morris is as tart as the finale, in which Edward silently acknowledges his son's new maturity, I look forward to these scenes. A little fireworks in the former perhaps and in the latter, Colin's inimitable subtlety. This review actually makes me look forward even more to the film.

Edward's obvious appeal Written by a woman who has an eye for CF's obvious appeal. ;-)

Obviously!

Yes, I agree reviews by men often dislike family films - most prefer action!! I hope it is fairly short for as you say to own the video is much, much better and will I sense be quite good on the small screen. I have in the past seen many NC plays but cannot remember this one. I used to go every week with my mother to the local repatary (excuse spelling) theatre so must have seen it. He is often flippant and rarely serious, but the his sense of timing and his wit I have always enjoyed. Thank you for your welcomes, you may well get sick of me I love to talk and am over the top with regard to CF.

Any one for a good laugh? Go to ROP...P&P and click on Mr Collins.

Ok Anne, you're on. Bore us with anything about ODB...go ahead...we dare you to. Be prepared to fail in the attempt and we will soothe your overworked fingers and brain with things of firthly connections. Fear not, we are a hardy bunch and we adore anything Firth. Lucie, warn them not to be eating when they check on that Mr Collins posting noted in your comments. They'll be in Big Trouble!

Welcome Anne! Very quickly...my copy of RV has arrived and I've been skimming through. My initial unbiased impression is far more favourable than I'd anticipated. I think it will be grear fun.....I've actually snorted with laughter a few times. It's an affectionate send-up of the English class system and Hollywood. Peter is urbane, good-humoured, a bit of a tease, is in the play throughout, and has a good double act with his aunt. Not a Hooray Henry, thank goodness. Opinions may differ, but I think the cast will really have fun with this.

Off-Topic for a minute: Arami, Moon and Marcia...Thanks for your words on the Olivier site. I would love to have a mailing address for Richard Olivier, just to let the family know there is such a site for LE. If any of you can find one, will you let me know? Thanks so much. Murph murphy56@bellatlantic.net I would love to see CF in anything of Coward's. Old-fashioned brittle wit. Great fun. Someone at FOF speculated that he might be doing this during the summer (it is to be filmed on the Isle of Man) as a low key supporting job because Will usually joins him during the summer, and he wants to spend time with his son.

Murph, he probably knows it and has visited it. "Dickie" is quite the extrovert, very smart and extremely curious. I'm sure he has surfed the net and knows about the site.:-D You may wish to contact his mother's agent and forward a letter to her. But rest assured, they are aware. I am very happy with your report Bethan. I have always enjoyed "comedy of manners," and NC is a master. Livia is happy as can be, so far two projects, Don Q and RV with no hot love affair.

Well, he gets to kiss Julie Andrews ("rising suddenly and affectionately kissing her") but that's about it! I like the relationship between Peter and his aunt...lots of playful banter. It's a supporting role, but okay by me. He could be on screen quite a lot. Peter is something of a detached observer, smiles a lot and has a dry sense of humour. With a skillful adaptation (I'd cut out some of the butler bits and broaden the scenes of activity (which I'm sure they'll do anyway) and perhaps liven up t e ending)) this could be good fun. There's no social snobbery it.

(Moon) We expect a full report Susan. :-D Will do my best, Generalissimo Moon, but I fear I may wimp out on this assignment. The drive into Newport is just tricky enough to daunt a rank suburbanite like me, who requires well-marked streets and on-site parking. Nevertheless, for Colin's sake I shall try to summon my courage. Laura, are you still planning to go? I sent you email but it may have gone astray... O.T., but... U.K. ladies, any reports in yet on TRT? I believe press night was last night, wasn't it?

(Anne H) I love to talk and am over the top with regard to CF. Welcome, Anne. You've come to the right place! Thank you, Marcia, for your ambassadorship! Thanks for putting up that review, Murph. And it's always good to see you here, albeit off topic :-). This review is consistent with that old one from 'Ain't it Cool News.' It's too bad two years' worth of tinkering (by HW, no less, if one can believe that) couldn't improve its flaws. As long as ODB's performance is praised...that will be the main redeeming factor! It is scheduled for July opening Stateside but looks to come and go quickly. *Poof!* It will be gone. That and the fact it won't likely be playing at your neighborhood multiplex will make it hard to see. (Karen) Let's look on the upside. It will be on video quickly and in our hot little hands to watch to our hearts' content. ;-) You're right, Karen. Another redeeming factor! The additional info about 'RV' is encouraging. Hmm, filming doesn't start until July? Susan, you may be right about Newport! You never know...I'm sure you and Laura will have your binoculars out 8-). Happy sleuthing! We want details! Julie Andrews has been out of circulation lately (it's a shame about her vocal cords) but IMO has retained alot of sentimental appeal. Denise Richards will add jiggle factor and will achieve lots of exposure (literally) in the new Bond film.

As it turns out, I'm having company that weekend:( My friend from North Carolina is coming to join me. I may be able to talk her into going, but will have to find a sitter for Rebecca. (I feel like I should be at a SPAT! meeting;)) Nick Hornby joke!

Murph, lovely to have any news at all of anything Olivier, including Richard. Is there no picture of this man available? Will be over at your site in a moment, thence to the search engines to hunt for the illusive image I seek. I am more than a little delighted to hear RO is gregarious. Must be from Joanie. Larry was never like that except on stage or with Ralphie and the rest of his inner circle. (Don'tcha just love they way I am throwing nicknames around like I know them...it is the first time in m life I did not put Sir or Lord in front of his name!)

Eileen: Denise Richards will add jiggle factor and will achieve lots of exposure (literally) in the new Bond film. LOL! I think JE has a better jiggle factor! I'm sure Darcy cannot contain himself whenever she walks! (pardon the verb tense, but somehow I think they have a life in another dimension).

Pray forgive my off-topic comment. I could not repress myself, the subject ^^ was too good.

Shouldn't that have been VV ? ;-) No, that would work as well, but she's lying down.

Absolutely amazing (and proving my point about cinema audiences in the UK)...according to Box Office figures for last week, the very much hyped (and well reviewed)"Notting Hill" took )�0.8 million (not very good) and was beaten by "She's all that" a teen movie which barely got a mention but took �1.2. IF "Notting Hill" can't make it in the UK, nothing can! Also, there's a comment on how British directors are very reluctant to subject their films to opinion-seeking previews. One director is quoted as saying he doesn't want his work hacked around and edited down to suit the three second attention spans of teenagers in multiplexes. Made me think about MLSF....a more mellow audience might have appreciated its fuller length and presumably slower pace!

Have only read Act I, but as an initial impression, the role of Peter seems more suited to Rupert Everett than Colin. He's his aunt's confidante (shades of My Best Friend's Wedding) and he's into makeup and hair. "I bet you anything you like I can make her absolutely unrecognizable. It's only a question of make-up really and doing her hair." Then later, after they finalize the plan, Felicity says: "I think Mr. Peter has some idea about your hair. You'd better listen to him, he's quite good at that so t of thing." Argh!! Peter is probably gay!! Anyway, plot seems like "Pocketful of Miracles," a remake of "Lady for a Day." At least so far...

Are we sure its not Stephen Fry as Peter and Colin as the butler? :-)

A Gay Colin, oh no!! Still it will certainly shows his versatility as an actor and we still have 3DOR to look forward to at the end of the year. Why oh why does he keep taking these unsympathetic anti-hero roles, is he trying to throw off his heart-throb image, I would so like to see him playing the romantic lead in anything, if only SLOW could find its way to the big screen. How big is therole of Peter, Karen, would you say it comes after SF & JA, and what of DR, is here role very big and the son Nigel, s he in the play much. Also I was wondering what part Miranda Richardson would play. Still I guess the Isle of Man and the South of France can't be bad locations especially in July. OT Susan re TRT, I haven't seen any reviews as yet, I believe Press Night is Tuesday and that they are only pre-viewing at the moment.

(Karen) Peter is probably gay!! One can hope the screenplay vastly digresses from NC's original story. If it doesn't and his character is gay (and it sure sounds that way) then I hope he's so funny that we're all ROTFLOL--with the rest of the audience, of course. (Lidya) the subject ^^ was too good. (Karen) Shouldn't that have been VV ? ;-) No, that would work as well, but she's lying down. V. funny! But something tells me Denise's may not move like Lizzy's...

I saw the preview of An Ideal Husband last night and liked what I saw. Rupert E. is very good and Jeremy N. seems to have a very small part. Of course, RE part was as perfect for Colin, as Mr. Peter would be for Rupert. I dare say my DH will enjoy seeing the film, if CF does play a gay man. What a torture for me, I can just hear his comments. Ugh! BTW, if Don Q has wrapped, and, if Colin is on his way to LA to pick up his son for the summer, there is a chance he might stop off at Newport first. Please Laura go with your friend and Susan put some miles on your Volvo. :-)

No, Peter isn't gay! Not by my perception anyway! He just pokes fun at everything. Could be a bit Noel Coward-ish, into amateur dramatics! It's a very lighthearted play anyway, which I think the cast will just treat almost as a fun exercise. I still think it's a bit of a fill-in for the summer with him, and as fill-ins go, it's fine (provided he goes on to play MD!) I have to say that he's not yet got the role he deserves...something with authority and gravitas, which really stretches him dramatically. RE seems ahead of him on the A-list (at the moment!) Forgot to mention, I actually had a reply from the Arts Council, in response to my very detailed questions on SLOW. A very short reply, no contact name, just stating that they were very impressed by the quality of the original screenplay and on that basis awarded nearly �1million. But they are no longer in a position to comment on the current or future status of the film. Hmm! Is this movie well and truely dead and buried, without even a chance of straight to video? Has it just been written off? The audience at Martha's Vineyard liked it, but will anyone else ever have the chance of seeing it? Evelyn...sorry to resurrect this again, but are there any avenues left to explore? Any hope? It seems such a shame ...a lead role, which we'll never see!! It could open, just with the one print, in one of the independent cinemas in London...this does happen!

Since there's a question as to whether Peter is gay or not, I'll guess it will be left for our own interpretation which suits me since I know what my interpretation will be. And if he is gay, at least we know he won't be "over-the-top". I don't think that's in Colin's repertoire. (Moon) BTW, if Don Q has wrapped, and, if Colin is on his way to LA to pick up his son for the summer,there is a chance he might stop off at Newport first. My dear, your optimism always delights me. Yes, Laura and Susan, you can be the first on the block to see this film!! Think how grateful we'll be. We'll deify you!! (Lidya) the subject ^^ was too good. (Karen) Shouldn't that have been VV ? ;-) No, that would work as well, but she's lying down. (Eileen) V. funny! But something tells me Denise's may not move like Lizzy's.. Good laughs, ladies.

Ladies, ladies, ladies. It was merely an observation. However, given the time when it was written (1950-1) and Noel Coward's own lifestyle, it's not out of the question. But, and this is an important but, it is never said. (Bethan, wouldn't the beginning of Act Three be a riot though if the character were in fact fleshed out to be gay. I mean the little bit between Peter and Don Lucas.) The play is cute and funny. Peter has some fun lines and I've been imagining Colin saying some of them, like this: Peter: Do you hate her, Moxie? Moxie: Of course I don't. She's not worth it. She was always an affected little piece and out for what she could get. If ever a girl needed her bottom smacking she did. Peter: We might arrange that after dinner. Basically, Peter is his aunt's sidekick but not in the Lucy-Ethel manner. He is an observer and a sounding board. During most of Act Two, he is making martinis and ferrying (hee hee) them to the guests. In Act Three, he is sent on more errands (i.e., off stage). Here's the description of Nigel, the son: He is about 35, good looking and has charm. There is perhaps a little weakness about him, a suggestion of petulance, but one feels that, on the whole, he is a pleasant fellow. Before anyone wishes Colin would be cast as Nigel, No Way Jose. He loses the girl. We don't want to see another one of those! The butler of course is the most superior of the lot as would be expected. The dialogue between Crestwell and Don Lucas (the American actor) will receive lots of howls. Stephen Fry will do well, as will Julie Andrews in the role of Felicity. She is the play and the two other women's parts (Miranda Frayle and Moxie--as yet uncast). These are the big acting parts IMO. The men, well, they are there.

Ladies, ladies, ladies. It was merely an observation. I hope no one thinks that we seriously care. Other than we want our Colin to a)get the girl for once(if there is one; hence no Nigel - thank you Karen); b)not be a creep. A laugh on us if he ends up not being in this film. Another red herring like Marked Man.

Why is everyone taking exception to the possibility that Colin might play a gay character?? He's done it before--just not so light-heartedly (AZ). You just want to see lots of male/female smooches on the screen, I'll bet, and to hell with the gravitas...just give you ladies something to **sigh** over, huh? Hate to point out that he's an ACTOR!!

Aha!! The cat's out of the bag. She's exposed us! Gravitas is our code word for *smooching* and lots of it! ;-)

In vino Gravitas Veritas!

LOL! Colin as the butler Colin is not the prime butler material. I'm sure he could handle it if absolutely necessary, but imagine - Darcy as a servant? Not a happy thought. A Gay Colin, oh no! There are various shades of gay. Not all gay men are overtly effeminate. I was wondering what part Miranda Richardson would play. There is no official confirmation of MR in the cast. Jeremy N. seems to have a very small part. Of course, RE part was as perfect for Colin, as Mr. Peter would be for Rupert. Some inside information, as I see... ;-)

Marked Man would have been a great film for Colin, Heide, great cast and he had the lead role in a thriller, which I don't think he has ever done. Apologies if I am wrong.

Ladies, I have missed you greatly! Thanks for researching all the Firth news. My, what riches we have to look forward to - the Puritanical Colin, the insane Colin, the questionable sexual orientation Colin, the studly legal professional Colin (keeping fingers crossed) and then the live and in person Colin at the Donmar. Quite a bit better than the wilderness year of 1998, I must say. Welcome, Anne. It's always fun to see another drooler in our midst :-).

(KJ) Why is everyone taking exception to the possibility that Colin might play a gay character?? Because I want to see Colin as a leading man again...with a love interest...in bed again (but I guess that clause has been excised from his contract)...with someone I can identify with...in bed again (oops, said that already). But as I said in Response # ?, I don't really care. You just want to see lots of male/female smooches on the screen, There you go. It would be a nice change for him (and us).

Oh, and Jana? Stop flying off to all those exotic locales. If you don't leave the house again for the rest of the year and get really boring like me, your DH may be glad to get you out of the house again when it's time to go to London. Explore the possibilities.

(Heide)...in bed again or on the carpeting, it doesn't matter. More roles with gravitas and without clothes!

More roles with gravitas and without clothes! LOL! Gravitas without clothes is IT :-D

In case of the more mature specimens among us, gravitas without clothes could look slightly, erm... off-putting... but who cares! just switch the lights off!

(Moon) Please Laura go with your friend and Susan put some miles on your Volvo. :-) Sorry, ma'am, but I drive a (gasp!) minivan. Hence the need for onsite parking, and plenty of it. (Heide) Yes, Laura and Susan, you can be the first on the block to see this film!! Think how grateful we'll be. We'll deify you!! Tempting, very tempting... I've always wanted to be a goddess. Or perhaps a saint would be more appropriate -- "St. Susan, patroness of the automotivally challenged;-)"

So are you definitely going Susan, and if so what day, so that we may look forward to your report, Thanks a lot St. Susan.

Looking forward to hearing all about it on my return next week. You can join "Dame" Winter in our droolers "Hall of Fame". So "Go to it" Ladies and enjoy. We expect nothing less than a blow by blow account!!!

Susan, call up the Newport FFolk and ask about parking. There are municipal lots around, but driving a landcruiser you probably need a big parking garage. I'd forget about street parking there. Also, one of the FF's sponsors was a hotel. It might have a deal on parking or just park there anyway.

Considering the popularity of the "Good Taste" icon, not to mention the frequent reference to the yumminess of a certain Paul Ashworth (for those fortunate enough to have known and loved "Fever Pitch"), PLUS the great anticipation felt (and prayers offered) by so many to get to see him as the incomparable Mark Darcy, I'd suggest that your codeword for smooching should be something the opposite of "Gravitas"...say, "Levitas"?? ...AND ON THE CARPET, TOO!! :~D 'Tis greatly I suffer...the forthcoming Holiday cuts me off from all online goodies...try not to do anything too important while I'm away...Please?? :~(

Not to worry KJArt, I will have them down on 72 feasting and telling tall tales while chasing the deck hands around Lisbon Harbor.

Colin Sighted on E! Tonight (and to be repeated at 10:00 EDT) the E! Channel did a one hour show about Cannes. Comprehensive (for E! that is) coverage of many of the movies shown in competition. During the final 15 minutes or so, there was coverage of the AmFAR benefit. As they were interviewing Ben Affleck, you could see Colin walking behind him. Livia is first though by several steps. She is wearing a barrette in her hair and a beige flowy type dress. Then you see Colin (coming from the left of the screen). He passes behind Ben and then on the right side of Ben, you can see Colin turn around and maybe (???) smile. Finally!!! Must go rewatch some more and get out a new tape for the repeat showing. BTW, Winter, they interviewed a very stubbly Jeremy Northam! ;-) (thought The Winslow Boy was excellent.)

there was coverage of the AmFAR benefit. As they were interviewing Ben Affleck... Typical. Why couldn't they interview the star of the benefit film premiere instead? What irony - but I can understand why Colin was smiling...

shhhh... .!test

Thank you, Karen. I am tuned in and they are doing Ben's other film (in the first 15 minutes right now) Watching...! Ok it's over and I will tape the 10pm show here and look more carefully. I did not see him! Of course, I was talking to Rita2 on Instant Messages...! BA got three interviews that I counted!

I'm beginning to understand why the Man is so modest. He's the star of the film they're showing at the Benefit, and they interview the guest. He turns up to all the SIL premieres/parties and in the UK they show everyone in the cast (even Imelda Staunton) but never him. He returns to the stage, and most papers highlight Rufus Sewell's Macbeth, and don't even mention that he's in the cast of 3DOR ("starring EMcG) The only time he's mentioned as "starring" is in connection with the ill-fated SLOW. Oh, I really get MAD! And I have to bring up SLOW again. According to a report in the paper, all films funded by Arts Council/Lottery are guaranteed a showing. They are not guaranteed commercial success, of course. "If only" which was made by Handmade at about the same time as SLOW (with lottery money) has just been released on video. Does anyone know anything aboout bankuptcy law ....why can the Bank just bury this film. Do they have the right to do this?!!! Grrr!!

OT. In today Times Arts Section"This Week in the Times" Theatre:Stoppards's tale of slippery love liasons. TRT stars Jennifer Ehle. Opens Wed. Donmar Review Friday" In an interview recently she says she realises "you have to make a bit of a noise" and she certainly seems to be giving more media interviews lately , I think that both CJ and JE have in the past been guilty of being too laid-back and not promoting themselves, let hope that things will change for both of them in the future.

From Nigel Dempster in the Daily Mail, a snippet about Caroline Goodall who plays CF's wife in SLOW. Says she is house hunting in London (Chelsea). She and her italian husband have homes in LA and Tuscany but now want to be in London for the education of their two daughters. It then says "Caroline, who has just finished making SLOW with Colin Firth...."!!!! (Bethan)I'm beginning to understand why the Man is so modest I am beginning to develop a theory about Colin's attraction.... I think he is the sort of man whose attractiveness men do not understand. At the time of Darcymania, there were a number of articles (all by men) saying what is all the fuss about? This guy is so ordinary etc. Films are made, remember by men, or, if they don't make the films, they provide the funds. The failure of SLOW and ATA, has I suspect persuaded Colin that they are right. I just feel that he has gone into his shell a bit and is fearful of putting himself forward in romantic roles after those r verses or perhaps they are not being offered. Back to madmen and neurotics.

Hey, a positive mention for SLOW! Actually our local paper recently had an article about Caroline Goodall in which there was a mention of CF and SLOW, so you never know! CG and Aryon Bakare(who has just starred in a BAFTA nominated series)are very good actors, so it's not just CF who is being side-lined here. And JE is right ....you do, unfortunately, have to make some noise these days in order to keep centre stage. Both CF and JE are too nice...they need someone to do the shouting for them! I think you're right about Colin, Allison. I don't think he's particularly confident about having sex-appeal, and certainly male (and some female) journalists are only too happy to put him down. That's why I want to see him doing Mark Darcy! (The casting announcement has to come soon, surely!) And "DonQ" may be romantic (ever hopeful!). I notice that one character is called Sandy Pannick (obviously Sancho Panza) and the female character is called Lucy, which is rather similar to the name of Don Quixote's amorata who inspires him to acts of chivalry! Karen, what did he look like in the ET clip after slo-mo? Hair? Short with side-boards?( He must still be in DonQ mode) Romantic lead material or eccentric madman? :-)

And "DonQ" may be romantic (ever hopeful!). I don't think it will be romantic but I am hopeful that it will be heartrending in other ways. CF is so good at touching the heart strings (as in 3DOR). but you still have to see that, Bethan, how are the plans going?

Woops!!! That was 'sposed to be in small lettering....I must go back to the tag tutorial.

all films funded by Arts Council/Lottery are guaranteed a showing. What's the actual legal language here? Technically, it was shown. I can't imagine that the Arts Council/Lottery has the ability to have this provision included. why can the Bank just bury this film. Do they have the right to do this?!!! They own it. They can pretty much do whatever they like with it... unfortunately. :( what did he look like in the ET clip after slo-mo? Hair? Short with side-boards?( He must still be in DonQ mode) Romantic lead material or eccentric madman? :-) He looked very normal, definitely no hints of a madman a la Anthony Hopkins in Instinct. His hair was short as in 3DOR and the sideburns (boards) were normal about midear. Colin looked like he was having a good time. When you see him emerge from behind BA and turn his head, he looks like he is acknowledging some one and is smiling and chatting away. Livia looked bored. You actually see her standing around on the left before she starts the little parade. As it was dark, I don't know if this was leavin the theater where the film was screened or entering/leaving the restaurant where the benefit party was held. I'm guessing it was entering the restaurant because of the comments made by other people about what they intended to bid on or their hopes of raising a lot of money.

Thanks for the discription, Karen! I missed the E show. :-( All your comments are well taken Allison and Bethan. Colin at the Donmar got a first hand approach to his fans. It was an ego-boost and, as all actors, he needs it too. That, is probably one of reasons he decided to do it again later this year. He may be ignored by the press, but we love him. ;-)

Karen: Colin Sighted on E! What an eye you have, Karen! I would not have recognized him but for you. I am most annoyed at E!'s coverage. This channel is really mediocre. I guess they do not research at all, because the interviewer apparently did not know Amfar was founded by E Taylor. And I am so tired of seeing BA everywhere! I dare say he was in SIL because of GP.

Ah, thanks Karen for telling us the details from E. Only the idea of a tiny new glimpse of him thrills me.

Actually, Lidya, I thought this show was very good for E! (I'd never watch 99.9% of its programming because of the interviews with all the indie directors and many actors in those films. I believe the question to Liz Taylor was posed by a foreign journalist not E! and was merely picked up in E!'s clip. Didn't you catch the accent? BA is probably everywhere because he makes himself accessible to the press and likes to mug for the cameras. Did you catch the little bit with Kevin Smith? Pure showmanship. Guy knows how to sell himself. And the press wants to feature him because he's popular with a broad segment of the film-going public. Warranted or not... E! repeats and repeats its shows. If I notice it on again, I'll post. I've also put the AmFAR segment on my SiL promo tape, and if the opportunity to make another compilation tape arises, I can always add it.

Although off topic, the E! special really gave me some insight into Linda Fiorentino from her comments at the Dogma press conference. She's not too bright! Can you imagine her actually saying that while growing up she had many unanswered questions about catholicism and that they had never been adequately answered until she read Kevin Smith's script. The Gospel According to Kevin??? ;-) Thanks, Ann, for posting the info on TRT. Am anxious to see how Jenn's performance is critiqued.

I did catch the interviewer's accent, but I thought I heard her in all the other interviews they featured, so I assumed she was with them. You are right about the independent films, most journalists ignore them, and I was pleasantly surprised they showed Gong Li, who did not speak in English (I don't know if she knows how). I suppose what annoyed me is that they interviewed MEM but could not even mention CF and MLSF. Maybe because she is American. What I mean by E being mediocre is that from what I have seen, they limit themselves to purely commercial and even shallow subjects (how has your style evolved over the years?). When I lived in NY I loved to watch Bravo (I saw JE there once), where they showed interesting movies, and programs that explored the artistic side of acting.

Karen: Can you imagine [Linda Fiorentino]actually saying that while growing up she had many unanswered questions about catholicism . I read once that she said that as a teenager she was aroused by the sight of a crucifix.

E! is showing that Cannes program right now. So I've combed through my TV Guide and it will be rebroadcast on Wednesday at 3:00 pm EDT and again on Thursday at 9:00 pm EDT. Nothing between now and Wednesday as far as I can see. On viewing again, signs for the restaurant are everywhere (guess I wasn't looking for them). Livia must have been hungry. ;-) There will be another show on Cannes called "Wild on the Riviera" broadcast by E! but I don't think we'll see Colin in that one, nor in Joan and Melissa's Cannes Fashion Review next Saturday. If only he could show the waistband from his Calvin Klein underwear like Mike Meyers! ;-)

Livia must have been hungry. ;-) Let's hope she didn't faint of hunger. According to one report, the auction was very disorganized, took ages to finish, didn't bring anywhere near the expected figure, and the first course of asparagus - by then probably severely overcooked - wasn't served until 11 p.m.

Karen, I wrote the times down, thank you!

Karen, I concede to your larger TV screen. I have no reason to doubt that that was not Livia and Colin you saw behind Ben but unfortunately, on my screen, I get just a hint of the man. But the walk and the smile definitely looked Colin-esque. The tux was definitely much better fitting than the one he wore to the BAFTAs. (Bethan) why can the Bank just bury this film. Do they have the right to do this?!!! (Karen)They own it. They can pretty much do whatever they like with it... unfortunately. :( I wonder if there's any chance of this ever going straight to video. Might it cost more doing that than just letting the film moulder? I guess I just can't believe we'll never see this film. As you can see, KJ, nothing important happened (so far). So we make do. If we didn't have levitas, I think we'd all be certifiable.

Perhaps if you had seen the top of his head, Heide, it would have nailed it for you, huh? ;-) Naw, this was easier than spotting him at the NY premiere of SiL. Going straight to video? Movie still needs a buyer for that. The bank isn't going to do it. The movie can't be that bad. Maybe the bank is asking too much for it. Video companies have been to all the markets where SLOW was being sold, like the AFM in Santa Monica.

Hi Everybody....good to be back .... read all the good news of DQ (thanks Karen) and RV (I bought out the Drama Bookshop on Broadway!!)Agree that a Noel Coward is better than no Colin at all. Welcome Anne H. We love newbies. Bethan...I shall contact the bank on SLOW this week...promise. But remember, Colin said in March when someone asked him about it at 3 DOR ..."it will never be released".Also...sorry, I liked "Sliding Doors"...brilliant director. OT: Must admit that Judi Dench in "Amy's View" was tremendous. David Hare wrote the play for her....all the dialogue prior to her entrance provoked applause for the star.And the audience clapped on cue. Clearly, they loved her...justifiably...voice, movements....she is a marvel. Standing ovation...well-deserved. I saw six plays...this was the only one (aside from Lion King... a spectacle)where the audience spontaneously applauded with a standing ovation.Let me assure you that CF's performance in 3 DOR deserv d every bit a standing ovation like JD. Ciran Hinds, OK...better in H. Natasha Richardson, OK. Better in AMITC ***** Ann W. We shall have to help Jennifer get a little more recognition on June 12th.( so far 8 will be attending....) **** January 15th, 2000....definite Spring Reunion at the Donmar... To welcome in the new Millennium.

Colin said in March when someone asked him about it at 3 DOR ..."it will never be released". That was a report from someone I know, who wasn't with any CF group here at the time. Actually she has since added a correction: his exact words were: "It may never be released..."

Marci: I amso sorry that you missed Colin on E! It was all my fault and I take all the responsiblility. I am so sorry. Of course, I was to miss him anyways we we only get bits and pieces of that and usually Howard Stern is on the channel and I prefer not to listen to him.

all films funded by Arts Council/Lottery are guaranteed a showing. What's the actual legal language here? Technically, it was shown. I can't imagine that the Arts Council/Lottery has the ability to have this provision included. I understood (but may be wrong) that there is some contractual agrrement that all productions given lottery money will be screened before a paying public. This is not the same as being picked up by a major distributor, of course! Lottery funded films seem to fall into fout categories. The first (An Ideal Husbamd, Plunket amd Macleane) have a distributor and get a nationwide release, the second (Hideous Kinky) get a selected release, maybe 30 screens, the third (The Governness) open in London, and then tri kle through to the provinces, the fourth (Babymother, quite a few others) just open in London, maybe one screen. But all go through to video (and can do well there) and, as quite a few are co-productions with Channel 4/BBC, are also shown on TV. As far as I can make out, all Lottery funded films have been released, but very few have made any money, let alone a profit! But they can all be seen, and this is why I get so annoyed when I read that the �3.4 million film, starring Colin Firth, will never reach the screen...the implication that would be drawn is that it's a seriouly bad film, which of course it won't be (probably not overtly commercial). Route 4 always remains open. But the Bank may just not be interested. Sorry to flog this subject to death...but after visiting Blockbusters last week, I think any film that doesn't feature violence/agression/horror/seriously bad language is part of a dying breed, and needs defending!!! :-) Thanks Evelyn...but please take your time on this. Absolutely no rush. Although I did wonder why CG has just said thad she had "just finished" filming SLOW...if it was an all time turkey, dead and buried, I wouldn't think she'd want to mention it.....ever! But there's probably no news and you must be very buy busy planning for the Donmar/JE trip! You'll have better weather this time! Allison, I'm sure I'll make it to 3DOR! I'm vigorously pursuing my idea of a November mini-break (very Bridget Jones-ish!)....the only problem is my son "Huh, I haven't gone yet, and you're already planning to come and see me." :-)

Ooops, soory! All those itals...is it something I've done?

..the only problem is my son "Huh, I haven't gone yet, and you're already planning to come and see me." :-) Don't tell him! He will probably be pleased to see you by November, if only to cross his palm with silver and do his ironing:-) Just make it a secret between you and your DH and the ladies of Drool;-)

Evelyn, you certainly did Broadway last week. You only left out Kevin Spacey, I hear he is excellent and so is the play. So Dame Judi wins the day! Surprised at your critique of Natasha and Ciaran. I am waiting to hear what the critics think of JE at the Donmar, and I still think they should pair up JE and CF for BJD.

FYI, the italics have been fixed, so no need to close any tags. Next time you return you will see....HOWEVER... The 2036 bug hit last night (and has already been fixed). It will only affect affect those topics with messages posted during 2036. So it is possible that many of your favorite topics won't show up as "NEW" on the main conference board without you going into them manually once. I suggest you just change the number in the URL above. Then all should be back to normal. Any questions? Welcome back Evelyn!! And for you time makes a giant leap forward.

And thank you Bethan for the additional information about Lottery-funded films. Have you specifically asked the Arts Council what it is doing to ensure that this film gets its showing? Are they sitting on their duffs? Are they attempting to get a British distributor for, at a minimum, the video release? What about television? Shouldn't be all that difficult for them to twist a few arms at one of your networks? Time for another letter, Bethan, before the Arts Council is totally abandoned and the people from the successor organization take over and claim "we don't know anything about it." (shaking their heads and pointing their fingers) ;-)

FYI:Telephoned the Donmar this afternoon to find out the date of the last performance of 3DOR before Christmas, it is Wednesday 22nd December, and of course, it re-opens after the New Year on the 5th January until the end of January.

(Karen) Colin Sighted on E! My, my, Karen, what sharp eyes you have! I was watching (with DH wondering why, when TV had been off all night and we rarely watch E!) and only caught a glimpse of a tall, thin man in a dark suit behind BA for a split second. I'd watch again but my cable company thinks it appropriate that E! share channel space with CSPAN2. Isn't one CSPAN enough?? Perhaps I can catch it again on Thursday. Thanks for the info. Speaking of Cannes, I scanned 'People' and 'Ent. Weekly' for their coverage. 'People' had pics of the same old stars (but they did see fit to include one of Darryl Hannah and what the heck has she done lately?). 'EWs' coverage was better but not a pic of CF and *NO* mention of MLSF in either publication. In addition, Sunday's 'NY Times' had a good-size article about how upset Harvey was that American/independent films were given the cold shoulder in the competition. Lots of mention of "Ideal Husband" and "Dogma," of course. Not a peep about MLSF, even in the section concerning films shown outside the competition. And MLSF is one of his pet projects? Ha! Sunday's 'Times' also had an article involving Richard Greenberg, 3DOR's author. It mentions that the play is "about to be remounted at the Donmar Warehouse in London, where it had an acclaimed run a few months ago." No mention of the star who made it such an acclaimed run, but that would have been off-topic... Evelyn, has your B'way tour bankrupted you? Or did you spend time in the TKTS line in Times Square?

I shall not be discouraged. Thanks to Karen's posting the times, and my looking in the TV section to be sure we also get E! on those days and times, I am already set to tape Wednesday. I shall slo-mo and freeze frame and all those good things. Rita, you may not take the blame. I was watching with one eye, and really wanted to talk with you than watch BA for the third time that evening. I shall have it in hand on Wednesday.

(Eileen) Evelyn, has your B'way tour bankrupted you? Or did you spend time in the TKTS line in Times Square? I went with a group who had procured the tickets early in the year. The TKTS booth doesn't have tickets for the real winners. Next to London....NY is a bargain. *******Are they attempting to get a British distributor for, at a minimum, the video release? What about television? If the Art Council really wanted to show SLOW, they could find a way, I am sure.... after all...This is a British film.....how about Midlands Bank? Or Channel 4?Or the new cable channels in UK? ..I think they are acting v. irresponsibly just passing the buck. **** Moon, my critique of Ciaran and Natasha was IMO. The play has been nom for a Tony...and so has Ann Friel.I just felt I had seen them doing better work in films....unlike CF who has such a commanding stage presence.

I have just spoken to the bank rep re: SLOW....there is nothing new to report. "Is it dead?", I ask." Right now, yes". "Are there any further plans to market the film?" "Right now, no." "We'll let you know if anything comes up". (Always the kiss of death) ***** When I first started talking to them (how long? Maybe 13 months ago), they were v. enthused...they fully expected it to sell at the AFM, I am convinced. This film will be 2 years old in August. I think there is another film also in this package...."The Man with Rain in his Shoes" or something like that...also an Art Council film.Apparently, it is v. good....hasn't sold either. Sorry, gang... ****** We better hang with Harvey...he seems our only hope.

"The Man with Rain in his Shoes" was re-named "If only" and had a nationwide release in the UK (good reviews) six months ago, and was released on video last week. My only hope is that although SLOW is a dead duck in the US, it may eventually reach a screen in the UK. I'm reluctant to accept that this is the only Arts Council funded film that we'll never see! I'll have another shot at the Arts Council....never say die! But many thanks Evelyn for being so prompt in checking up on this!

Time Magazine (June 7, 1999): page 76 Full page article about Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio because of her performance in John Sayles' film "Limbo." yadda yadda yadda "But it is Mastrantonio who is the revelation." yadda yadda yadda "But then, for much of this decade, Mastrantonio has been a performer in search of a defining role. Or maybe not sufficiently in search of one--at least not with the teeth-gritted ferocity of her peers. For she has chosen to live in London with her husband, director Pat O'Co nor, raising their two sons. She had thought she could maintain her formerly bustling career, which included an Academy Award-nominated role in Martin Scorses's The Color of Money. But 'if you're not available in the U.S., you're just not seen,' she says. And, besides, 'I've never been a person to make sure I'm seen.'" yadda yadda yadda "The movie may be called Limbo, but it definitively rescues Mastrantonio from the land of the lost. If her next film, the small Scottish family drama M Life So Far, grants her similar opportunities, she may look forward to, if not $20 million pictures, then the sharp-focus roles she so richly deserves." There is a pic from MLSF of MEM in the pink dress, captioned "the quiet fortitude of a wife and mother in My Life So Far."

OK you guys, you will have several more chances to capture the *almost invisible* Colin at Cannes. Keep rewinding and replaying. You did see Livia, didn't you? She is clearly visible hanging around in the corner of the screen way before you see her start her walk. I also thought I caught a glimpse of Elvis. (shush, but don't tell anyone) ;-)

Karen: LOL with the Elvis comment

Me too, Karen, LOL! Welcome back, Rita! Going back to the Cannes discussion for one last time: (Karen)gave me some insight into Linda Fiorentino from her comments at the Dogma press conference. She's not too bright! Can you imagine her actually saying that while growing up she had many unanswered questions about catholicism and that they had never been adequately answered until she read Kevin Smith's script. The Gospel According to Kevin??? ;-) I guess Linda has the Old Testament, New Testament and Really New Testament in her bible. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Kevin, huh? What bad news about SLOW :-( ! I heard the death bells ringing when it didn't sell at AFM. Thanks for all your efforts, Evelyn. Give it a shot, Bethan. I won't be quite so disappointed about SLOW if he takes the MD role in BJD. MEM's been getting favorable press re: 'Limbo.' I have a feeling those of us in the US will see her promoting MLSF. She's more recognizable than CF over here and all this 'Limbo' publicity has given her a head start. We now know CF will be tied up with 'RV' in July. I'd like to think someday we won't have to play the video on slo-mo just to catch a fleeting glimpse of ODB!