Welcome Lynda, you are among friends, we all love Colin and he never ceases to amaze us, what an actor, different in every part but with all his lovely mannerisms and those eyes, that voice, that stride, I could go on. You are so lucky to be able to see his new film My Life So Far, which sounds wonderful, I can't wait, another Firth video to add to my collection.

Love the Drool and had to delurk. Hope you can tolerate a lengthy rave about DB here. I saw SIL about a week before I finally watched the 3- year old P&P I made. By the time I realized that it was not a TV movie (don't like mini-series, which is why I didn't watch it when it aired) I was so engrossed that I watched the whole thing at once. When I saw the People article, I was utterly incredulous--- Wessex, Darcy and the guy in the magazine one and the same....impossible!! Although Wessex was quite amusin , non-Colin devotees would not be attending to him in this film. I have seen SIL twice since and admire the job Colin did with this character as I admire all of his work. I have in the past months managed to locate all of his films except Dutch Girls and the yet to be released FP and MLSF, though most of his TV work is probably lost ( I'd really like to see Tumbledown and MOTM, any suggestions out there?). I was in heaven this week when I finally got to see Hostages and Wings of Fame--they were terrific films and so was he. Some comments: Although Colin is gorgeous to look at and has a beautiful voice, what thrills me about his acting is the expressiveness of his face (what tight breeches?) and the emotional power of his performances. He makes you care about even the creepiest characters. What made Darcy as a role so special was that, for once, he had the romantic lead in a mainstream film with a good screenplay, excellent production values and a large audience and boy did he do a job with a character which must be hard to a imate, judging from the book. And his looks in it-- the bow, the LOOK and his appearance at Longbourn before the 2nd proposal show the most beautiful man I have ever seen on screen. And his is a beauty with character, not a plastic, pretty boy type of beauty. I prefer his pre-Darcy roles though the post P&P films are more high profile. Like you I want to see him in a romantic or dramatic (as long as he does Not DIE or behave like a cad) role in a good, commercially successful film. One other thing on my wish list is a role with lots of dialogue. I agree he acts better without words than most actors do with lots of dialogue, but I have noticed he never has the big dramatic speeches, even when he is the lead. Apropos 3DOR, he has a speech in FF, speaking about b ing better than the world and above all the bull**** that gave me a glimpse of what he must be like on the stage. I would love to see him do Shakespeare. I promise I will never write this much again. I am just so excited to have someone with whom to talk about DB.

Welcome, Lynda. Nice to see that you figured out how to post and are joining our wonderful community Colin devotees. Did you receive my email? I didn't see a reply?

Sorry for the triple posting, I'm still trying to get the hang of the Net... only went on-line this week. I have not seen MLSF, am delirious with anticipation, like the rest of you. Karen I did e-mail a reply to you this afternoon. Let me know if you got it. It's in my sent box, but who knows?

(Lynda) I promise I will never write this much again. I am just so excited to have someone with whom to talk about DB. No need to make any sort of promise like this. We love to hear what others see in Colin, how he affects them, which roles they love and why... I could go on and on (and sometimes do)!! I agree he acts better without words than most actors do with lots of dialogue, but I have noticed he never has the big dramatic speeches, even when he is the lead. Very interesting observation. He does tend to play the shy and retiring types or the dour and taciturn types or the psychologically weird types. When we discussed Playmaker, Cheryl observed that that role was very unique (stop smirking everyone) because he played an authoritative character. I think he did marvelously (despite the rest of the crappy movie) and proves he can do it with or without words. He is such a complete actor. I would love to see him do Shakespeare. Any particular role?

Re: email No, didn't receive anything. You did reply to nomdedrool@yahoo.com, didn't you? If it went to the three deers, I won't get it unless they forward it to me.

I'd like to observe etiquette here... how do you do the italics? Re: Shakespeare- not a comedy, not Othello. Since he statred out with Hamlet. why not Hamlet. I know he's a little older, but five or six years is invisible on the stage. I saw Playmaker and although the film was crappy, he was not. He was quite good in both roles. I just fast forward past the non-Colin parts. But I HATED that he died in it. The first 3 films I saw him in after P&P were Valmont, AC and EP in every one of which he died (well, the epilogue told us Judd died young). When I viewed The Advocate I was so anxious about whether he died in this one, I couldn't really enjoy it until the 2nd viewing. I'm pleased that he hasn't continued the trend.

Welcome, Lynda, you raise an interesting question: that gave me a glimpse of what he must be like on the stage. To all who have seen him on stage, which of his movie performances (scenes) resemble most his stage performance as Walker / Ned, to give an idea to those who haven't had the pleasure yet?

Lynda, you are most welcome to our little assembly here! I'd like to observe etiquette here... how do you do the italics? Here is a link to a very useful tutorial. I've just learned how to do all these wonderful things myself! Have you read the fan fiction yet? Basic HTML Tag Tutorial

(Lynda)I finally watched the 3- year old P&P I made. Good Grief! This is like having an exquisitely set diamond of impressive proportions and not wearing it because you never opened the box to look at it! Well, now you have, and you are just like the rest of us - hopelessly hooked on the best thing ever grace the stage / television / cinema. Lynda, you must be the lady who stumbled on us in chat while we were in full frenzy of a Bridal Shower for a fellow Droolie. Do not let that little episode stop your returning there. It is usually very quiet in there - so quiet I usually have to talk to myself! Anyway, welcome dear - could you please Email me. The one here works. Thanks.

Testing

(Evelyn) BTW Susan...what did you think of the soundtrack? Or were you conscious of such.... For some reason I thought there would be more jazz in it (didn't we hear somewhere that Harvey had personally added some songs?). The only jazz song I noticed was "Sunny Side of the Street." Maybe there's more on the soundtrack. Lots of Beethoven, though, used in many different ways. Some final thoughts on MLSF: (1) Darcyesque moments -- there were several scenes that strongly reminded me of ones in P&P. The aforementioned cello scene, which echoes the one in the music room at Pemberley. Edward, agitated and in his shirtsleeves, destroys a letter from Heloise -- reminiscent of Darcy up all night, writing to Lizzy. Edward and Heloise spar at the dinner table over the nature of sin and evil -- similar to the verbal duel between Darcy and Lizzy at Netherfield. (2) Symbolism -- and lots of it. Airplanes. Beethoven. "The Hairy Man" (stranger Fraser runs into on the estate grounds). Curling. Jazz. Moss. What do any/all of these represent? Freedom vs. restraint? Breaking boundaries? Feeling vs. reason? Nothing at all? (as Freud said, "sometimes a cigar is just a cigar";-) Welcome, Lynda -- the more the merrier;-)

Susan, you're tempting us for the MLSF discussion so well! If before we knew anything about it we wanted to see this film, now, we are desperate to see it!;-) (BTW, I bought a Godiva Chocolate cigar box for DH. I wonder what Freud would say about that?) Welcome to Firth land Lynda!

Welcome, welcome, Lynda! You have found your way home! I saw Playmaker and although the film was crappy, he was not Thanks to a couple of very gracious Firthettes, I've recently seen six or so videos of ODB's old work and 'Playmaker' was one of them. After picking myself up off the floor, onto which I had utterly melted into a puddle of drool (heck, I knew about those shower scene(s) but had never heard about that business in the desert pant, pant, pant!), I agree with your assessment. Looks aside (although still panting), he sure can act. (Bethan) I do hope that the US wakes up to the fact that Colin can act! Oh, so do I! CF seems to be caught in something of a loop here: because he gets little or no recognition/press exposure, he's unfamiliar to US audiences, so he gets little or no press exposure, and so on (follow? It's as clear as mud!). IMO the US movie industry is completely hype driven: image first, talent second. Sometimes talent lives up to the image. ODB has the talent, but lacks an image. Now's his chance to get his face "out there"--I hope he takes advantage of it. And a few strong reviews from well known critics wouldn't hurt! (Susan) Some final thoughts on MLSF Final thoughts? So soon? Keep 'em coming as you think of them. Enjoy your entry to the ODB, you deserve it :-)

For what it's worth, I too saw MLSF yesterday in Newport. It was truly a charming film and the audience and I enjoyed it tremendously. Plenty of uproarious laughter, good dramatic moments. Superb production values. The setting and scenery are beautiful and look like Scotland (Duuuhhh, Variety!). The house and costuming, perfect. Must agree with Susan on the whites worn in the opening scene; very yummy. I wasn't as taken by his vulcanized wading trouser outfit later :-). Performance standouts were the boy who plays "Fraser Pettigrew", Rosemary Harris as his grandmother, MEM as Moira Pettigrew, and of course CF. Such a pleasure to see him a starring role. I think the script and editing was a bit vague in where it was going with a number of threads. Elspeth and the Emperor of the Air, for example. And the curling scene seemed badly cut. No one has mentioned that as in a previous Firth film, Colin gets to get up and preach! Edward does a 'better' (that is, more traditional) job at it that Tom Birkin. There were folks from Miramax in the vicinity yesterday, but they were at a panel discussion that started at 1pm (the film began at noon). I bolted before the credits were over to catch the end of the panel up at Kay Chapel. Apologies to Firthsisters who I didn't get to talk to more, as a result. Not that I have to give a recommendation to anyone reading this board, but I highly recommend you see MLSF when it comes out. And it's even a child-safe film! There were a number of kids there, and they were enjoying it as much as the adults. ps The film was dedicated to the late, beloved Ian Charleson, who starred in Hugh Hudson's "Chariots of Fire". Charleson was a magnificent actor whose life was cut short by AIDS. He is much missed in the community of British theatre, and the dedication made me tear up immediately :-(.

Thanks to Susan and Chris for the reviews of MLSF, perhaps now someone in North America will notice ODB. He is about due. I have never, until now, understood why Colin wanted to distance himself from Darcy. He delivered a memorable, complex performance in a difficult role with little screen time and less dialogue. However, I have been reading the postings at the Austen conf.and now I see why. All these women ta;lking about breeches and wet shirts as if that was all there were to his portrayal (in which case, as Colin has said, any reasonably fit man could have played Darcy when IMO very few actors could have succeeded with t is role). I must be the only woman who saw P&P who didn't notice the tight pants and didn't care about the bath and the dive; I couldn't remove my eyes from his face. Worse yet are the comments about not wanting to see him in other films and not liking him in the ones they've seen because he doesn't look/act like Darcy. ARRRGH. Colin's performance as Darcy made me wonder why I hadn't seen him before and, although his change in appearance takes a little getting used to, I have been rewarded not only by Colin's mesmerizing screen presence, but some unusual films. His looks do not get any better than in Wings of Fame (he displays some incredible bad-boy smiles in this one) and while it took a second viewing to appreciate it, this film is quite interesting and thought-provoking. Please remember, eveyone, Colin is an actor (a very fine one), not Mr. Darcy. Give his other films a chance; he shines in even the worst of them.

Thankyou Chris for your report, we can't have to many!! Can I ask both of you, Chris and Susan, where this film ranks among Colin's other films including P&P, what did you think of the soundtrack and also Chris, you said you went yesterday, what was the audience reaction like on Sunday, Susan has already said how positive it was on Thursday, was it the same on Sunday. Thankyou both very much for going and for reporting back, it sounds as if it will be worth the wait.!!

(Lynda) he shines in even the worst of them. Yes, I�m sure he does.....and that�s why I�d like to see the worst of them ;-))......where could I get Playmaker and the other early ones? (I have Tumbledown thanks to Heide). I haven�t even seen ATA, I guess the video hasn�t been released over here. The movie was in a big cinema in Helsinki for a week and vanished before I could get to see it: it really flopped.

I just could not let Lynda's indictment of our apparent shallow regard for CF go unchallenged. Lynda, if you think we only think of him as Darcy in a wet chirt, you have never read the postings on 98. Go there, read them all, then come back and make comments. We have the most intelligent and insightful people I have ever encountered on these beards. I will not stand by and let a newbie say such things unchallenged. Thank you.

(Elena) I haven�t even seen ATA It flopped in the US also. I think it lasted two weeks in my area. If you've read the book, you'll be disappointed in the film. The role of Jess was minimalized in favor of the two leading ladies. (Lynda) I have never, until now, understood why Colin wanted to distance himself from Darcy It also comes up in nearly every interview (OK, A&E had a right to ask since they broadcast P&P2) and magazine piece and at times is made to sound as though he's done nothing else. I think most of us would like to see him in a leading, protagonist role--the good guy, for a change. Most of all we'd like him to be recognized for his talent instead of just how he looks in a wet shirt (but I sure did enjoy that bath scene). So glad to hear more good things about MLSF. Miramax must be pleased with the favorable audience reactions after that 'Variety' review. Now if it can just have a decent go at the US box office...

(Marcia)...I have ever encountered on these beards Oh no, Marcia, is it time for my electrolysis again?? ;-D

Long dissertation on rating and ranking just zapped by hitting Clear instead of Submit (what the hell do I need a Clear button for anyway??????). Here's the digest version :o( Audience liked it, half full, hot sunny Sunday noon. Soundtrack will be very nice if it includes the duet of "My Love is Like...". Beethoven, jazz, Saint-Saens. Can't compare the mini-series to feature films. Only "P&P" is watchable (very!) of the three, so there is no contest IMHO. Of the feature films, "TEP" is the best film he's been in. Of the CF feature film performances, I'd rate "MLSF" third after "Tumbledown" and "Fever Pitch". "Tumbledown" is still his very best work. And I enjoyed "FP" slightly more than "MLSF".

Nobody else would�ve made such an impact in a wet shirt & breeches as Colin did, but not just because of looking good in them but because of everything else he did in P&P. A million handsome actors could have paraded in a wet shirt in Pemberley, but because they mostly lack Colin�s talent as an actor, I probably wouldn�t have bothered to watch anybody else as Darcy another time. That�s the miracle.

Marcia, I think I must speak up for Lynda, I think she was referring to the Republic of Pemberley P&P boards not us when saying" they seemed to think more of Darcy in a wet shirt rather than Colin's acting talents", I'm sure she wasn't doubting our admiration for Colin's acting talents.

I have just read Lynda's posting and she definitely mentions "the ladies at the Austen Conference", not us.

....(mumbling in my beard)....Ann, I am much relieved to hear it. Cut these fingernails and clean the glasses straight away!

(Lynda) However, I have been reading the postings at the Austen conf.and now I see why. All these women ta;lking about breeches and wet shirts as if that was all there were to his portrayal To say that "All" the women of the Republic of Pemberley (if they are who you mean) see Colin only as a big wet shirt is a generalization and not very accurate. Certainly, those comments do pop up from time to time, as Pemberley is an ever growing community and the newbies need to have their bit of Darcy drool too. I don't begrudge anyone who notices the shirt or the breeches--on the contrary, I consider it the first signs of a possible kindred spirit ;-p. As long as they eventually realize that Colin's p rformance was as close to perfection as one could hope, I won't squash their early enthusiasm. (Lynda) I must be the only woman who saw P&P who didn't notice the tight pants and didn't care about the bath and the dive; Oh my! What you missed! ;-) (Lynda) Worse yet are the comments about not wanting to see him in other films and not liking him in the ones they've seen because he doesn't look/act like Darcy. ARRRGH. It doesn't necessarily follow that all P&P addicts must also be Colin addicts. I too wish that some people were more open to his other films, but frankly it doesn't really bother me if they can't accept him in any other role. That's more Colin for us, baby! ;-) (Ann W) I have just read Lynda's posting and she definitely mentions "the ladies at the Austen Conference", not us. The term "Austen Conference" more often refers to AUSTEN-L or austen.com--neither of which is connected to Pemberley. But since I don't think either of those places talks much Colin, I suppose Lynda did mean the P&P board at RoP. No matter. Everyone is entitled to an opinion--even the people who prefer Rintoul to Colin, though I can't imagine why ;-p

As all this gets itself sorted out... it probably bears mentioning that many people here participate in other web communities, whether it is austen.com, RoP, Austen-L or others and we have lurkers here from all of those places. Spring is a public board, but IMO it shouldn't be the place to criticize others' views. Here at Spring we have topics for Colin, Colin's films (all his films) and one especially for Darcy. Darcy as a character lives and breathes all on his own. However, it was Colin's portrayal of that classic literary character that brought us all here. He simply is and was the *best* Darcy there has been. (Sorry, Nan, I know you just love Rintoul!) Whether you admire how his breeches fit or don't, matters not at all. We ladies of Spring admire everything about him from the size of his f et to the growing thinness on top of his head, from his cuticles to the myriad moles which cover his neck and back. On one thing we all agree. He is one helluva actor. Why else would we analyze such out and out garbage like the "P" movie? I think I've covered just about everything, so I think I'll go back to watching Darcy in the tub, followed by Courtois in the communal bath and top it all off by Ross in the shower. I'm feeling cleaner by the minute and it's so hot outside!!

One last thing, we're here to have a good time, share information, comfort each other during official Firth droughts, and practice some tasteful and/or tasteless objectification when we feel like it. (We are healthy grownup women!) ;-D

(Karen) Spring is a public board, but IMO it shouldn't be the place to criticize others' views. I was hoping you'd say that ;-) (Karen) (Sorry, Nan, I know you just love Rintoul!) Grrrr...;-p (Karen) Why else would we analyze such out and out garbage like the "P" movie? Bless you for not mentioning it in my presence ;-D BTW, thanks to everyone for the get well wishes. Clearly I'm feeling better...well, my tongue is anyway...:-/

Thank you Karen, I am sure you have cleared any misunderstandings perfectly. Just one thing, I happen to know that Nan prefers Colin to Rintoul. :-) Luvvy, do not forget his performance in Apt.0, truly his best. In TEP, I saw lots of new Colin acting features (I also love him in this film). In FP, his acting was at many times, filled with maneurisms which I had already seen and the same goes for Tumbledown. Would you say that his character in MLSF resembles Geoffrey of TEP?

(Nan) To say that "All"... I didn't intend to imply that all women felt this way, I was referring to the number of postings (in the RoP archives) referring only to the breeches and wet shirt and the dislike of Colin in other roles. I seem to recall an article mentioning that many critics at the time also attributed Colin's appeal as Darcy largely to the breeches and the wet shirt, which attitude would be insulting to any good actor and would certainly not bode well for his future career. Of course, all women don't have to be Colin fans, but if the phenomenal popularity of Darcy does not extend to Colin as an actor, then I can understand why he has made the career choices he has... which beforehand seem puzzling to me, as he should have been very proud of his performance and more willing to capitalize on it. I am not criticizing anyone's taste here; I'm reading and posting here, because my craving for Colin and P&P is not shared by my friends, either . (Nan) Oh my! What you missed By the way, I most certainly have noticed the breeches and the wet shirt (and, yes, Darcy is exceptionally droolworthy), although they are not Colin's main attraction in this role for me, especially after seeing him in Playmaker....see, I'm as prurient as the next Firthfan.

Check out Murph's new entry to her My Life So Far page. It's fabulous! http://www.geocities.com/~murphyat65/mlsfentr.html Thanks ladies, you know how much I hate to do play that role, but Heide's out of town. Lynda, I hope we haven't scared you off. It's just that your comments truly came out of left field. Moon, we're going to get to Apartment Zero one of these days...

Important point about italicizing!! You have to close the tag, which I have just done. ;-)

no you did not...Hope I did!

Just a quick comment in support of Lynda's observation about critics and Colin. I think a lot of critics in the UK still don't give Colin the respect he deserves as an actor because of the "wet shirt, God's gift to trousers" aspect. This is only hearsay, but I know someone who knows someone (how remote can you get!) who was on the BAFTA committee(predominantly male) which didn't give Colin the best actor award for P&P. Apparently it was felt that his impact owed more to tight breeches than acting skills, ence the award to Robbie Coltrane for the third time. But, as I said, this is only hearsay!! Nice little item on Harvey W. in one of the papers. Flying on Concorde (where he is supposed to require two seats...cru-el) He was caught smoking a cigar in the loo/toilet) and has been charged under the Air Traffic Violation Code. He's expected to plead gulity by post! Why the italics?? On MLSF, I'm so glad the reaction is positive. One question, a lot of movie goers in the US will only know CF from TEP and SIL, where he was required to reduce his sex appeal to zero, whilst the Fiennes bros stole the show. Do you thik MLSF will win over any new converts...will women start thinking "Hey, this guy has something after all".

Yes, I did, Marcia. How many times I gotta tell you people: If one, just one, lousy italicized message is on the screen, then they all will be. Leave and come back and only bring up new messages and all will be fine. So there!! ;-) (Bethan) who was on the BAFTA committee(predominantly male) which didn't give Colin the best actor award for P&P. Apparently it was felt that his impact owed more to tight breeches than acting skills hmmm, I wonder what criteria these same male committee members used to award the BAFTA to Jennifer?? ;-) Do you think MLSF will win over any new converts...will women start thinking "Hey, this guy has something after all". With the way Colin looks in this one and the size of his role, how can it not?! I called my film fest org here and requested a prescreening of MLSF. Told her how I had numerous reports from Newport about how good it was and how the trailer is wonderful and she should take a look. She checked her list of Miramax releases, found MLSF and read me what had been provided. Cast list didn't even have Colin's name in it! I instantly corrected that for her. Since the next film we'll be seeing is "An Ideal Husband," I mentioned that a couple of people had seen it in Newport and said MLSF w s far better. She's going to talk to Miramax about getting it here sooner than July 23. Yeah!!

Karen, how many times??? I don't know, but in Hawaii, my computer had everything on this page italicized including the stuff in the moire blue satin. I will trust you forever more. I know you know what you are doing! Sorry!!!

Welcome, Lynda!! Don't mind us, we aren't carnivorous, just a little high-spirited at times. :~D It is to be expected since the topic deals with such a passionate group of Firthfanatics--we L-O-V-E him, all in our own ways!! At least we can all agree he is unquestionably worth such a level of passionate regard!! Karen, all of Chicago should be at your feet!! Such hutzpah! Such ingeniousness. Such dedication!! (Such fanaticism....:~D). Suddenly I want to move back to the midwest....

(Lynda) I didn't intend to imply that all women felt this way, I was referring to the number of postings (in the RoP archives)referring only to the breeches and wet shirt Oh Lynda, I know you weren't trying to insult anyone. My point, which I clearly didn't express very well, was that everyone is at a different stage of Colin lust. After the initial "I can't get enough of him" feeling, some people settle down to other Austen related things, some get over him and vanish and others, who will never recover, come here (or similar places) to delve into his other performances. BTW, did you check the names on those old posts? It was probably me. LOL! ;-D (Lynda) ...but if the phenomenal popularity of Darcy does not extend to Colin as an actor, then I can understand why he has made the career choices he has... Excellent! It will be nice to have a fresh opinion on the subject. We've hashed it out repeatedly and I don't think we ever got very far. What's your opinion? I've always believed that Colin seems to be an actor's actor who doesn't really care for the admiration. I'm reading and posting here, because my craving for Colin and P&P is not shared by my friends, either I know how you feel. None of my real world friends gets it either. You came to the right place ;-) especially after seeing him in Playmaker....see, I'm as prurient as the next Firthfan. ACK! You said the "P" word! And I don't mean prurient ;-p

Cast list didn't even have Colin's name in it! I instantly corrected that for her. He has the lead role and he still doesn't make the cast list!!! But well done Karen....you tell 'em, girl!

Just a quick comment in support of Lynda's observation about critics and Colin. I think Lynda has come up with such an important point here. I have always found the UK critics (who presumably are familiar with his other work) supportive of Colin. Didn't they give him best actor award for P&P? It is the general commentators who always talk about Colin in terms of tight trousers etc. Your rumour about the BAFTA committee certainly rings true. I think other actors are also fairly ignorant of others work. I suspect that, as in all professions, they tend to judge their colleagues o their own colleagues assessments of themselves. Colin's self-effacing character will tend to count against him.

Just a quick comment in support of Lynda's observation about critics and Colin. I think Lynda has come up with such an important point here. I have always found the UK critics (who presumably make it their business to be familiar with his other work) supportive of Colin. Didn't they give him best actor award for P&P? It is the general commentators who always talk about Colin in terms of tight trousers etc. Like so much of the British press, they are ignorant and lazy. NIMHO - I am unrepentant, it is true.

Oh how did that happen? I thought better of the BAFTA comment but you got it anyway!

The fact remains that we would all love to see him in another 18th Century romantic lead role. Unfortunately, he seems to avoid them like the plague. :-( Colin certainly deserved the Bafta that year. It will be interesting to see if he will be nominated for an Olivier Award this year.

That should be 19th Century for Darcy, 18th Century for Valmont.

But maybe he's not offered 18th/19th century lead roles. Hugh Grant is to star as a Darcy-ish lead in a $60 million romantic costume drama set in the Regency period. It's all a matter of who is perceived as bankable......which is why it's so crucial that Colin is seen in a lead role again (and why IMO the year long delay in the release of MLSF and the non-release of SLOW have stalled his film career....but only temporarily, I'm sure!)

You're probably right Bethan, and, maybe that's one of the reasons he decided to return to 3DOR. The critics praised him, and he might just be craving an Olivier nomination/win(?).

(KJart) We aren't carnivorous... I do apologize for being unclear when I posted those comments. I have been reading your postings for several weeks and decided to join in only because I was so impressed with your devotion to DB, and after so many years. Going to the premieres and to London to see 3DOR (which I hope to do in the fall) and worrying over Colin's career shows admirable dedication (Nan) Colin...doesn't really care for the admiration. Perhaps not, but IMHO, Colin very much cares for the admiration. While he does not want stardom a la Adam Sandler and doesn't crave Tom Hanks' paycheque, he must want the success that brings with it wonderful, meaty and challenging roles, in good films, that audiences go in droves to see and admire and that critics not only notice but praise. I am sure Colin would be thrilled to receive a BAFTA and an Oscar and have his pick of outstanding scripts and for all of this an actor needs a strong fan b se, i.e. fame. I don't knoew how accurate the following quotes are, but they have been printed. "Acting was the first thing I ever got any approval or attention for, and I craved attention." (Unattributed, Firth Quotes, firth.com) "I've got nothing against being adored. Actors do need to be praised." People, Feb. 1999) "I'd say that I unashamedly am here to appropriate as much of the glory of that [being part of SIL] as possible." (Berlinale, Feb. 1999) On being asked if he's seeking the big breakthrough, "...I don't now because it sort of hasn't happened." (Good Taste, May 1999) [He sounds rather wistful here.] "I really would not turn up my nose at a Hollywood offer of a wonderful film which paid a lot of money." and "I know that I adopted that position of protecting myself from disappointment by having one foot out of the door and not being able to leave." (UK Elle, May 1997) ODB seemed really disappointed in his SIL interviews at not being given the part of Shakespeare, so given that and Valmont and SLOW and it taking two years to release MLSF and P&P perhaps not leading to other terrific roles, it's hardly surprising that a sensitive person would take the public stance of not caring about that (stardom) which he has not attained. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. I know it's old stuff to you, but I am a novice when it comes to Colin.

Bravo, Murph, on your MLSF pages. How do you do that? I got a kick out of this: "To play the kind of father who might alternately spend his days barking like a dog or inventing some remarkable gadget way before his time, the filmmakers chose Colin Firth, fresh from the success of two sweeping period dramas: The English Patient and Shakespeare in Love..." from the Miramax press kit Too bad they actually chose him and completed MLSF more than one year before his success in SiL. Gotta love those publicity spinners! Oh, and close your eyes, Nan 'Playmaker'? The movie was bad, all right, but IMO no worse than 'Femme Fatale'. CF's performance(s) in each still managed to transcend the bad scripts and contrived story lines.

do not forget his performance in Apt.0, truly his best. In TEP, I saw lots of new Colin acting features (I also love him in this film). In FP, his acting was at many times, filled with maneurisms which I had already seen and the same goes for Tumbledown. Would you say that his character in MLSF resembles Geoffrey of TEP? Moon - We shall agree to disagree. In my opinion (which is as valid and as irrelevant as anyone's), "Tumbledown" surpassed anything he'd done before that time or since. Note that I did not say that TEP was his best performance, although it was very good. It was overall the best film he's been in. As for your question, Edward Pettigrew is nothing at all like Geoffrey Clifton. Probably has more in common with Adrian Leduc than any earlier character. He does have the obsessive nature of Charles Gould, but he's a much nicer person most of the time. Rather a geek, naive and ingenuous, capable of both great passion and something like cruelty.

In ATA I must own to have been disappointed in his performance, the script was terrible, I do not care how many famous actors where in it, and the success of the book. The script was terrible and he should have noticed. Give me Femme Fatale and P any day over ATA. Lynda, I agree, he does care and that is why, IMO, he is returning to 3DOR. He has met his adoring fans after each performance, he knows they are there mostly to see him. He is also counting on an Olivier nomination. Whereas before I felt that he might not do Mark Darcy if it were offered to him, I now feel very strongly that he would accept it for the same reasons. A good male romantic lead(after the success of Notting Hill), is just what he is looking for. And that would give filmmakers another choice to the ever present HG.

Luvvy, thanks for the description of the Edward Pettigrew character. It adds to the anticipation.

(Moon) The script was terrible and he should have noticed But we don't know how much of the film/the role of Jess landed on the cutting room floor. I subscribe to the notion that the original script was better than the end result we saw.

Regardless of how *bad* many of movies are (Playmaker, Femme Fatale, ATA), Colin never lets us down. His performances are, many times, the only worthwhile thing in the entire movie. Can he actually give a bad performance? About ATA, how could he turn it down? Can you imagine being offered a decent size role in the adaptation of a book that won a Pulitzer Prize that starred Jessica Lange (AA winner), Michelle Pfieffer, Jason Robards (nominated and winner of numerous awards), and other highly respected actors? Then on top of all that...the opportunity to spend the summer in a cornfield in western Illinois!! I'd jump at that. ;-) Thanks, Chris, for the additional details on MLSF. I'm not sure I want to ask how Edward is like Adrian Leduc... argh...

Lynda, your choice of quotes by Colin is very perceptive, and I do so agree with you that he sounds wistful about seeking a breakthrough..."I don't now because it hasn't really happened". He said something similar in his TV interview on A&E when asked if P&P was his big break...he said that that he'd had a few big breaks and then things always went back to normal. If you compare, lets say, Jeremy Irons' career after "Brideshead Revisited", then Colin just hasn't had the same career lift-off. Or even, at t e moment, Rupert Everett, who seems to be very much in demand after "My Best Friend's Wedding". When I read that he'd accepted the part of Wessex in SIL, I almost felt cross with the poor man...there he goes again, playing second fiddle to a Fiennes! :-) But of course the truth is, he did audition for Shakespeare and he didn't get it. I think that he was very sensible return to the theatre and do a TV project...keeping his options open. But I think good reviews for MLSF and a co-starring role in BJD (which is very much in the Notting Hill genre) could really boost him. And (gag me someone!)if MLSF s a reasonable success, this could revive interest in SLOW (similar format...young boy/father figure, romantic comedy etc). ATA...he looks gorgeous, but as far as acting is concerned there's absolutely nothing there for him. I think there was a severe re-edit and I'm also dubious if even the original script mirrored Jess's role in the book. I think Colin may have been impressed by the cast (and the book). But the script...I don't know.

I'm not sure I want to ask how Edward is like Adrian Leduc... argh... Karen - obsessive (moss, inventions, the home, Heloise versus Adrian's old movies); somewhat stuffily opinionated (e.g. Jazz being the sound of the Devil); rather shy and boyishly in awe of the object of his new affection... Other comparisons spring to mind, but you'll make your own soon enough. c

Luvvy, you are going to have to join our film discussion group. :-) Why is Rupert E. getting such good parts, everyone knows he is... Colin should have his agent. If there is an evil character in his life, it is his agent.

(Eileen) The original script was better than the end result we saw. I agree. I read somewhere that Colin refused The Shining because he didn't want to do something he'd "despise". He had no way of making an impact in ATA as the whole movie was focused on Pfeiffer and Lange. IMO, ATA was a boring, mean-spirited, man-hating film and I cannot believe that DB would have taken the part that we saw on screen. (Moon Dreams) ...give me Femme Fatale and Playmaker anyday over ATA. I'm with you, Moon Dreams. I may be a minority of one on this, but I really enjoyed Colin in FF. Him in that love-making scene--talk about erotic. For an actor who hates sex scenes, he was very persuasive in this one; DB did more with only his face (the sweat trickling down his cheek didn't hurt either) than most actors can manage with their entire heaving bodies. The sexual charge coursing through Joe's body practically radiated off the screen. Okay, the multiple-personality stuff was silly but, overlook ng that, I loved CF's sweetly determined character in this film, and liked the chemistry between him and BZ and LZ when she was Cynthia. And the proposal scene was so romantic and very evocative of heady young love; reminded me of when my husband and I fell in love. I so hope MLSF will be a success for DB (if Miramax can remember that he is in the cast).

Thanks a lot to all of you who bothered to answer my question about where to find his early movies :-( Tricky question, probably.

Helena, did you find sources for the movies you wanted or not? If not, contact us at nomdedrool@yahoo.com (I haven't been able to get into hotmail most of the day...boo hoo..which explains why I've been at Spring a lot today!)

Have just got back from seeing Notting Hill, which was pleasant enough but I must say that after the first half hour I did tire of HG's perplexed look his humming and harring (sp), I hope you know what I mean, the hand to the mouth routine,it just got rather boring., nice enough to look at but just HG playing HG. JR was very good but I felt it went on too long and actually I liked the supporting characters better. Anyway my point is how is is that HG who can only be himself, is more bankable than Colin ho is so very different in every role and such a fine actor, somebody important must see what we see. Sorry if this doesn't make sense but it is late and I am afraid I fell asleep in the cinema, what a terrible thing to do!!

(AnnW)I am afraid I fell asleep in the cinema, what a terrible thing to do!! LOL!!! You can tell it was not a Firthful movie. What a waste of an otherwise good role on just another perplexed face ;)

Thank you for all the reviews etc. on M.L.S.F. I hope they continue to be positive. I cant wait to see the film - I will have to wait at least three months. It seems such a long time, sigh!

But, Anne, at least you know that Hoyt's theatre chain will carry it. There is no such assurance for me in Hilo. Shall I resume my place at the bottom of the MLSF list along with Finland and Portugal as last to see it?! It is a distinction I would rather not have. All you lucky ladies going to London to see Firth-in-the-Flesh-Redux can also see MLSf just as you saw SiL the last time!

Lynda--I agree with you on the idea that Colin very much appreciates the admiration due a good performance. Many ladies here can attest how fervently he puts himself into his acting (they've seen it first-hand)and naturally would want something of praise commensurate out of it (according to their witness, he is not embarassed by a compliment!). But I think he gets a little nervous around the word "stardom" (something to the effect that he likes the spotlight, but if it gets too bright he has a tendency o 'go to ground'") and would probably be more comfortable with "recognition"--but at what point the latter leads to the former, I think not even he can predict...he "risks" that "stardom" every time he seeks that appreciation for his acting skills he so values... Chris. Tough call...the "Best" movie he's been in...and all a matter of taste I think. I'd put "Shakespeare" ahead of even TEP on this one. Both won best picture, but I think that the production of SiL was tighter, better timed and cut, and more sharply written than TEP, and the supporting cast's performances were, without exception all top drawer. AnneW--I think HG is going strong EXACTLY because he plays himself reacting in all these situations. You can't credit the audience with *too much* discrimination here. I'd guess that the average movie patron is more comfortable knowing EXACTLY what he/she will get for forking over a set amount of dough...they aren't very adventurous in the least! HG presents a consistent image which appeals to many and he is constantly called upon to continue to present it. (Think of all the classic stars that had ried to break out of their very successful image by finally playing against type--and the movie would bomb more often than not.) Colin's image is a rare one, for the reason that he DOESN'T HAVE ONE!! There's no consistent image that the public can attach to his name to...there's not much of himself in any of his parts, therefore his "image" is very elusive. It is his greatest weakness and his greatest strength. Were he to play a series of Darcyesque parts, one after the other, then his recognition fac or would soar...but I don't think he would be very happy with that, frankly. Don't begrudge HG his success--he offers what many people want to buy (why mess around with a good thing??) but also don't wish the same success for CF--as far as he is concerned, I am sure, it would be too dearly bought. Let people of discrimination and taste be his adoring audience, just go on adoring his talent and he will be content, I think. (But frankly a Darcyesque role at regular intervals would go down very well with me, I must admit!! :~D )

Ladies if my postings seem strange I am having some problems or at least my computer is having some problems keeping up. Marcia will back me with this. But I would like to share with you - My Aunt Dorothy who is 96 coming on 97 is an ardent fan of C.F. I was speaking to her only last Sunday, telling her a little about M.L.S.F explaining the house in the film was called Harewood house, her name and my maiden name when she asked who was in it. I explained "Mr. Darcy," she sighed and said, my favourite ac or but will I ever see it. We continued to talk for a while about him and then decided to claim her as his oldest fan.

About ATA, how could he turn it down? Can you imagine being offered a decent size role in the adaptation of a book that won a Pulitzer Prize that starred Jessica Lange (AA winner), Michelle Pfieffer, Jason Robards (nominated and winner of numerous awards), and other highly respected actors? I had read this book long before they even thought of making the movie. The book was terrible too. I'm still trying to figure out what the parameters are for winning a Pulitzer;) I understand his wanting to work with the *A* class Hollywood stars, and we must remember that JL and MP took ATA and destroyed it in editting. Even Jocelyn Morehouse wanted her name off the pic. Because the two "Executive" producers hacked the movie to death in editing. I recall his saying that his part was minimalized in the editting process.

Article on the return of 3DOR at What's On today. http://www.whatson.com/cgi-bin/search.pl?DATABASE=NEWS&TEMPLATE=wos/news_item&RV_KEY=846&EXACT=2

(Moon) Why is Rupert E. getting such good parts, everyone knows he is... ...He is what, Moon? If you mean what I think you do, then what's that got to do with the price of eggs? I think he's getting lots of parts because he's popular (since MBFW, as was mentioned yesterday), visible and he seems to have talent. Colin should have his agent. Agreed. Or Salma Hayek's. Or Ben Affleck's. Or... Marcia, why don't you e-mail someone at Miramax and find out when (think positive) MLSF is coming to a theater near you? (KJArt) But I think he gets a little nervous around the word "stardom" I agree you and with Lynda's observations posted yesterday. He said it most succinctly in the 'People' article: "I've got nothing against being adored. Do I want everyone in a restaurant to know me? Absolutely not." He'd prefer to restrict the praise to his professional life only, which is understandable but not entirely possible in his business. The whole Darcy thing and its resultant attention on his personal life (do I remember a quote to the effect of "I better not pick my nose in front of the w ndow" or am I confusing him with someone else?) threw him. He wouldn't answer any questions of a personal nature for awhile, wouldn't discuss Livia, whether or not he was engaged, etc. He seems to have loosened up lately, probably because he's more settled. Did the Darcy hoopla influence his subsequent role selection? IMO it could have. Who knows? I think his next few projects (MD??) will reveal alot about where he stands with "stardom." So funny that you fell asleep during 'NH', Ann! ...but just HG playing HG '4 Weddings' was his breakout role in the US; most of his other movies haven't done so well here (remember the one in which he played a doctor? Ugh!). "HG playing HG" is very bankable. The success of 'NH' is further proof of that. I can't believe the movie is bringing in the pounds and dollars just because of Julia. (KJ)Colin's image is a rare one, for the reason that he DOESN'T HAVE ONE! At least in the US, he doesn't (remember the A&E interview: [comment about audience recognizing faces but not names] "I'm one of those people"). Frankly, I'd be bored with CF if he played CF all the time. I think we all would be. Let's leave that to HG. Let people of discrimination and taste be his adoring audience, just go on adoring his talent and he will be content, I think. Well said. (Lynda) I may be a minority of one on this, but I really enjoyed Colin in FF Oh, I think you're not alone in this, for the very reasons you mentioned!

Ahhhhccccckkkk! I just read that 'What's on Today' article. "The cast is headed by EMc..." *gag* "CF's credits include 'Sense and Sensibility..." *double gag* GRRRRRRR!

re Eileen's comments above - if only they knew that the only reason 3DOR was a sell-out was because of Colin, but then again they must have known. Its just unbelievable, its enougf to make you want to spit ! BTW I have nothing against HG, he seems very nice but after 30-40 mins I just got bored of the same expression, the "oh gosh" bit etc, and you know before the film started we saw a trailer for Mickey Blue Eyes and he was the same person !!Oh well, I won't mention HG again.

(Eileen) "I better not pick my nose in front of the window" or am I confusing him with someone else?)" Hey, I must have missed this one. Definitely witty enough to be Colin!! most of his other movies haven't done so well here (remember the one in which he played a doctor? Ugh!). There was a piece on TV or an article (who remembers where) that addressed this. He did try to do other things, but failed horribly. The hospital killing patients movie was "Extreme Measures" and I think I just saw it advertised as being on TV. HG has resigned himself to playing this role as a lead in romantic comedies. You're going to hate this but it spoke of HG as the successor to Cary Grant. (argh!!!) "HG playing HG" is very bankable. But he wasn't for a very long time. A *Divinely* long time. ;-) FYI, that news release from the Donmar was recycled from its first outing, complete with S&S mistake and chivalric cast listing (lady first) and an American side show attraction.

I thought I remembered something about the S&S mistake. I did e-mail 'What's on Today,' though. I won't make any difference to them but it made me feel better.

(Moon) Why is Rupert E. getting such good parts, everyone knows he is... (Eileen), ...He is what, Moon? ...Not handsome enough to tempt us. Dear Eileen, what were you thinking? ;-)

(Eileen, Karen and AnnW.) re: What's on Today article I just e-mailed a correction re: S&S to their site. Perhaps if everyone did so and mentioned that they are CF fans, it might help DB get the proper recognition. Can't hurt.

Here, here, I will also do so.

What!?! And not have anything to complain about?! Will do, Lynda. ;-) Moon) Why is Rupert E. getting such good parts, everyone knows he is... (Eileen), ...He is what, Moon? (Moon)...Not handsome enough to tempt us. hee hee hee

Bankability is giving the public what it wants to see. And as we can never ever see more of Mr Darcy (sob!) I cling to Mark Darcy as the only possible Darcy substitute...a rich successful masculine alpha male who improves considerably on acquaintance. Hopefully Colin will be bankable enough to play MD in a "Hollywood" movie!!

(Eileen) The movie [Playmaker} was bad, all right, but IMO no worse than Femme Fatale. At least Colin was in every scene in FF, which made the movie infinately more watchable. I was expecting FF to be really awful and was pleasantly surprised. Even my picky mother enjoyed it. I can only rewatch the dreaded P with my thumb on the fast forward button (sorry, Adrian).

Murph has already started her Relative Values page. Check it out: http://www.geocities.com/~murphyat65/values.html

As I was doing my daily surfing, how surprised I was to find out that Colin has changed his name to Simon. Yet another example of his low name recognition. http://www5.playbill.com/cgi-bin/plb/news?cmd=show&type=news&code=+88344&selector=International

Before I start complaining too much perhaps I should give them credit for getting his name correct within the article, describing him as one of the stars, and also for listing the correct credits. I guess that can be called progress.

From today's Evening Standard "Hot Tickets"... (not sure if it is in the online version). Just a mention of CF. Ryan Phillipe talking about Cruel Intentions. "I prepared for CI by reading the novel it's based on, LLD, and by watching earlier film versions.......And it makes sense to look at JM and CF because these guys are enormously talented. If you read the book and watch what Malkovitch did, it's perfect. He nailed it.....".

Evelyn, if you haven't left yet, enjoy your trip to London and please give us a full report on Jennifer and TRT. Who knows, maybe Colin will attend that night's performance (happy thought, indeed;-)

I emailed Whatsonstage.com, and editor Terri Paddock replied as follows: "Sorry, my mistake, had a mental blip - meant of course to say Pride and Prejudice. Thanks for point out the mistake." Has anyone else complained?

I emailed Whatsonstage.com, and editor Terri Paddock replied as follows: "Sorry, my mistake, had a mental blip - meant of course to say Pride and Prejudice. Thanks for pointing out the mistake." Has anyone else complained?

And while you're at it, tell Terry that Yapp is crap.

"I prepared for CI by reading the novel it's based on, LLD, and by watching earlier film versions.......And it makes sense to look at JM and CF because these guys are enormously talented. If you read the book and watch what Malkovitch did, it's perfect. He nailed it.....". Ryan Phillipe (whoever he may be),is a perfect ignoramus if he thinks Malkovitch nailed it.

How many people and orgazinations are we to correct when it comes to CF? I feel like we are a part of the CF Suffragette Movement!

Agreed! SimonFirth? I mean, he's not exactly unknown. I can't think of any other example of a name which has been so blatantly wrong. Ever seen Peter Branagh? Robert Fiennes? William Everett? NO!! I'm beginning to subscribe to a Conspiracy Theory....that there are one or two guys out there who don't really like him! :-) There was a dreadfully snide-y piece in the Independent a couple of weeks ago (not worth bothering about...it only has about 200,000 readers, dropping daily)about the return of 3DOR. Nothing about 3DOR being critically acclaimed, or a sell-out, just "But if you're expecting Mr Darcy, you'll be disappointed. "Firth in the flesh is no Darcy" says an insider." Well, all I can say to th "insider" is "(expletive deleted) off"!! But I'd like to see 3DOR get positive coverage....I want it to be a sell-out again. JE, by contrast, (and most deservedly) got very chivalrous coverage in the Times "the very pretty JE" who received "honey-drenched reviews". Now that's the way to do it!

"But if you're expecting Mr Darcy, you'll be disappointed." Oh my god, with all this sort of idiotic stuff, Colin will probably never do a romantic, darcyish role again......I really hope that he has enough sense of humour to laugh at stories like this.

I really hope that he has enough sense of humour .......But I doubt it actually, one tends to take one�s career and feedback pretty seriously. I think he has some sort of a Darcy trauma really....why do you think he said to Evelyn in the Donmar before the performance (in case I remember correctly), "I hope I won�t disappoint you"??? That was really a bit too humble and insecure, wasn�t it! He was talking about the ghost of Darcy again.

Actually, I very much doubt if he reads the Independent! Who does these days? But having said that, didn't he comment in that recent Daily Telegraph article (which criticised his looks)that he didn't take pleasure in disappointing people. He's much better looking than he realises! I'm sure though that he's far too sensible to pay too much attention to our uncharitable press, which delights in knocking people down.

Hey Bill...the 'submit' button does work. I also received a response from Terry at What's on Stage. I'm glad the corrections have been made but the piece continues to herald EMc as the headliner. I suppose we don't have enough clout to change that misconception! Ladies first, my a**!