Hi, I have just received my TOTAL Film magazine (UK) they give SLOW 2* but it is not a very good review for either Colin or the film but who cares what the critics think, it is only one man's opinion. It is not a very long review and I will type it out if anyone wants me to and there is a small picture of Colin in bed with Nimi, very reminicent of the one with Ruth Gemmell in Fever Pitch but the picture is very small.

(Evelyn)But after SLOW premieres I'm out of the "CF sleuthing business"...no kidding.( And out of the autograph business as well):-)) Evelyn, that sounds ominous indeed!:-(

Matinee idol (according to Cassell's Dictionary).." very handsome actor, esp. popular with women" ! Ann, I don't think I'd pay too much attention to the "Empire" and "Total Film" reviews. They're the sort of mags that give "Big Daddy", "There's something about Mary" and "Austin Powers" 5 stars. Very much geared to the male under 25 audience. I don't think SLOW is their kind of film, or Colin their type of actor. Their definition of "turgid" is probably too much conversation. One thing I dislike about reviews (and reviews can make or break a film) is that they are not representative ( completely male dominated, the Star Wars generation), as taste and interest vary considerably across gender and age. (I'll bet the Guardian and Independent will trash SLOW!) I'm just pleased that SLOW is being released and that Optimum Releasing have an energetic marketing strategy! But they'll have to find the women...some pics of Colin wouldn't go amiss! 3DOR opens soon. I was listening to a radio programme "The Front Row" and apparently "King Lear" with Nigel Hawthorne, which was hailed as a major theatrical event, has received "bruisingly bad" reviews...both performance and production. Most "star" actors are being felled by the Londo theatre critics...Alan Rickman, Liam Neeson, Jude Law, Rufus Sewell, have all recently have bad to v. bad reviews. Colin has done very well!

Fantastic news on Londinium. Next fall is fine with me too as long as we get DQ somewhere in between. The news is out there. Just takes a lot of ingenuity and a little time. I'm grateful Karen and the other ladies share it all with this lazy lout. Matinee idol sounds rather old fashioned. Reminds me or Rudolf Valentino, Clark Gable and Errol Flynn. I do like this...Colin is simultaneously "strong and acerbic and yet undergoes a tender transformation that is thoroughly believable Sounds like what I've been waiting for. Let's see how long this euphoria lasts. ;-) Cymbeline, I love your song: When the raves you've planned Turn out to be panned, It's editing - we understand - always, always. LOL!! Not thinking of ATA were you? I hope you share more of your creativity with us. Between you and Moon's Top Ten lists we can get our own variety show going.

Ann, please post the Total Film review here. (copy and paste) Bethan, I agree with you about Empire magazine. It is definitely geared toward the young (brain-on-pause) crowd. Look at the covers! And all the space given to Leonardo Di Caprio!! SLOW is not its kind of film. However, there are elements of a serious review here. He did recognize Colin's strong performance, did he not? I would be concerned that the filmmakers had nothing new to say despite a seemingly novel storyline. They have apparently descended into conventionality. I too saw the headlines about Hawthorne's King Lear. They are getting battered. Speaking of Top 10 Lists, I have another one Mari wrote that I'll post in a bit.

Hope Londinium lives up to this terrific start. Thanks, Karen. Re: the Empire magazine review. I can live with reviews like that when they point out that Colin gives a "witty, charismatic performance." (What was CF but charismatic in MLSF and P&P, electrifying in the latter, actually.) This is far better than a rave for the movie and a pan for ODB. And it points out that he is the best thing in the film. That is usualy the case with Colin's films, isn't it. Now if we could just see him giving a great lead performance in a great film that gets terrific reviews and mak s lots of money, we'll all die happy. Thanks for the song, Cymbeline. It's a sweet song anyway and you reflect my feelings perfectly. I love his acting period, (and his beautiful dark eyes and lovely mouth and his walk and...), no matter how bad the film. BTW, I am watching Lost Empires right now and I don't think Colin's voice has ever been more beautiful than in this series. I have to find out how to put the narration on an audio tape. He is an absolute treat to listen to in LE. My one concern about seeing his performance in 3DOR is not hearing his lovely British accent. Why could the play not been reset in London for this run? Is its American setting essential to its themes? I am sure there are architects in the UK.

Here is TOTAL Film review for SLOW. 2* "Unmarried Nigerian mother Nimi(Long) works in the south of France. Hoe own mother is keen for her to wed the local vicar, but Nimi's son Sammy (Roberts)has other ideas. The 8year-old boy has just met English ex-pat writer, Matthew (Firth), the creator of Sammy's idol, comic-strip action hero Saracen. Surely he'd make a much more suitable stepfather? Schwabach's feature debdut is a brightly coloured yet pedestrian love story, which meanders along until its crudely made climax. The fairytale relationship between Nimi and Matthew follows a disappointingly predictable trajectory, with Firth giving an anaemic performance in a poorly written role. For a more perceptive cross-cultural romance, rent My Son The Fanatic instead." Talking of bad reviews Bethan, I have never seen such universally bad ones as Anna Friel's new Movie "Mad Cows " is getting, worse film of the year is what the ES said. No stars in The Daily Mail and a bad review in the Times on Thursday.

(Lynda) Why could the play not been reset in London for this run? Is its American setting essential to its themes? I am sure there are architects in the UK. Which one of the UK reviewers used the term "American diaper drama" to describe 3DOR. Apparently, our fixation on childhood experiences/trauma is unique or at least not prevalent in the UK. ;-D

with Firth giving an anaemic performance This seems rather the opposite of the Empire review which called him a "self-confident outsider" and "witty, charismatic." I suppose one can be those things, while being at the same time anemic... ;-p

Thank you Ann for the review. We are all going to love SLOW...and everyone is going to see it as many times as they can. It's the romantic comedy with him in a starring role that everyone has been wishing for.He has never disappointed us yet in any of his roles. ~~~~~ We have a lyricist in our midst...thanks Cymbeline.And the song goes nicely with the pic.Maybe Murph would be interested in the collaboration...nice tribute. ~~~~~ Lynda, Colin's American accent suited 3 DOR...I don't think Richard Greenberg would have approved of extensive surgery of the dialogue.And although not as sonorous, I liked it.

Another day, another five votes. Don't forget to cast yours for CF2K

OK, I've just been over to the My Favorite Man Hall of Fame which seems to have an unusual approach to the passage of months, and they have already started November. However, that means ODB is in first place right now with 75% of the votes! Let's keep it that way.

As long as everybody is voting...here's a Big Enchilada... The whole article is in the Weekend Segment of today's London Times... " Vote for a treasure WE are inviting Times readers to nominate their Millennium Treasures, the people or things whose legacy should go with us into the new millennium. This week we ask you to nominate a living British person. You may send entries by post, or by e-mail via The Times online (www.the-times.co.uk). There are no right answers. One entry, chosen at random, will win a family visit to the Millennium Dome and �500 of Marks & Spencer vouchers. Next week we will invite you to nominate your Treasures in the category of precious British artefacts. Two weeks ago we invited readers to nominate a feature of the natural world as their Millennium Treasure. The winner was Mrs V. J. Atkinson from Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, who nominated the Lake District. The Times's partners in the Millennium Treasures project are NMEC, organiser of the Millennium Experience in the Dome at Greenwich, South London, and Marks & Spencer, which is sponsoring the Self Portrait zone in the Dome. Even if your entry does not win a prize, all nominations will be passed to the organisers of the Self Portrait zone to help them create a self-portrait of Britain on millennium eve." ~~~~~~ I know who I voted for.....:-D

(Evelyn), I know who I voted for.....:-D Jennifer Ehle, of course! (heehee)

I almost forgot. Happy Halloween!

And for all those keeping track, Colin is behind Timothy Dalton in the new poll for November. You can vote more than once a day. Each time you logon, you can vote anew. ;-D

T.D is ahead by 66 votes. Lynda where is Lost Empires being broadcast. I would so much like to see this . I think it is the last thing Olivier did, isn't it.

London Times poll-- this week it's living British person, next week it's precious British artefact, and last week it was feature of the natural world. Too bad we didn't know about it from the beginning since I think ODB wins hands down in each of these categories.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, ALL!

http://www.reachforthesky.co.uk/skyscape has an "exclusive" on Blackadder. So far nothing appears, but maybe there'ii be a video clip soon. There's also a v.good" young person's review of MLSF at deja.com (David Schwartz). As he says "I say the following in a kindly manner, this is Masterpiece Theatre stuff, appropriately filmed for the mature audience who should appreciate such a blithe production". He also says the performances are first rate and he left the theatre with a smile on his face and that Colin is "handsome and invigorating",. But the review does emphasise the generation gap! I'm going to be very wary of all reviews for SLOW in the UK. (I know I'm going to like it!!). British films tend to get very bad crits over here, as most critics seem to prefer Hollywood. (BTW Ann, I agree, the "Mad Cows " reviews are unspeakable..."better to go and shoot youself in the head than see this"). I wouldn't worry about "pedestrian"...probably means that the action unfolds gently, and "anaemic" could be also be subtle rather than the usual in-yer-face over the top acting we're getting at the mo ent. I'm hoping Colin will actually promote himself, with a film and play coming up, but I'm not very hopeful. The Donmar doesn't advertise...and they just give the name of the production (not the actors) in the papers. As a re-opening it may not be reviewed....and actually doesn't need to be. Most Donmar productions are sell-outs. I'll be keeping my eye open next week and will ask Optimum Releasing if he's doing anything! Some photo coverage from SLOW would be great!

http://www.skyscape.co.uk

Happy Halloween! Murph

"I say the following in a kindly manner, this is Masterpiece Theatre stuff... Why is everything that is set in the British Isles and not contemporary considered Masterpiece Theatre? Argh!! Makes MLSF sound like it's more appropriate for the small screen, which it is not. This is big screen, gorgeous cinematography.

Bethan - The Blackadder link seems to be a deadend. http://www.reachforthesky.co.uk/skyscape

Thanks Murph, that is so sweet, Happy Halloween to you. There is a very interesting feature in The Sunday Times Magazine about the new Millenium Blackadder film, lots of pictures of the cast in costume but I am afraid no mention and no pictures of CF as Shakespeare.However, it is very interesting but very long, I could send it to you Karen, if you would like mto to. BTW did we know it cost 3million pounds, which as they say in the article is a very large sum for half an hour. Shooting took place in May and June, so that goaty beard mentioned at the poetry rea ings must have been for the Blackadder film, I think someone has already speculated on this, Bethan I think, anyway I can't wait to see him as Shakespeare especially as people reported that he looked absolutely gorgeous at the Poetry readings in June. I see from one of the Theatre Website The London Theatre Guide, I believe, that there is no press night for 3DOR this time around and there has been no publicity, which I guess is a good thing for the play as it probably means that it is selling well, but not very good for Colin personally because apart from his ardent fans who else is to know that he is to appear on stage and is back by public demand. I too hope he does at least one interview to publisize his film and 3DOR because although you may hink he is well known in the UK I still get people saying to me "Colin who". Just recently JN has done a couple of wonderfully long interviews, I hope Colin will do the same. As JE said recently, sometimes you have to make a lot of noise to get yourself known (heard?) or somethidng like that, am I righ Evelyn? I am so glad to hear that you are definitely getting MLSF Cathey, and I understand that it is still going strong in the US. However, it does seem strange that we in the UK are one of the last to get it and I mean no desrepect to the US or Australia, I just think it funny especially as Lord Puttnam is the Producer and it is based on the book by Sir Denis Foreman. Still I am sure it will be worthy waiting for.

Yes, Ann, please do send it. Wasn't there another pic from SLOW in your film magazine as long as you're in a mailing mode? You said it was small, but we can deal with it. ;-D I share your disbelief that Australia would get MLSF before the UK. It can't be lack of screens, since a nobody company like Optimum could get screens for SLOW. There's another reason. Evelyn thinks that they have something big planned for it when it is released in May. Like what?

Like what exactly! and May would be too late to get A BAFTA for Best British film or any award for Colin. I'll send both article and picture but it is very very small. Please email me your address Karen, thanks.

(Ann), Shooting took place in May and June, so that goaty beard mentioned at the poetry readings must have been for the Blackadder film, I can not believe that the few that went to the poetry reading did not take pictures. Ladies who attended, please share your pictures! (Karen), Evelyn thinks that they have something big planned for it when it is released in May. Like what? The big Masterpiece Theater anniversary celebration, perhaps? T'was very wicked of me, I know, it is just the mood I am in. ;-)

BTW Colin is now over 100 votes behind TD in the Voting Booth, with Russell Crowe catching up fast in 3rd spot. I have used up all my votes today!!

Like what exactly! and May would be too late to get A BAFTA for Best British film or any award for Colin. I'll send both article and picture but it is very very small. Please email me your address Karen, thanks.

Like what exactly! Am thinking that they're going to have a big 50th anniversary celebration from when the film was actually made. you see I can be very bad as well!! Ann, the voting is not by day but by connection. So any time you logon, you can revote. That's how these people are doing it. BTW, Russell Crowe has overtaken Colin.

Hey, Evelyn is just speculating on the "something big"for MLSF...just trying to drum up a little optimism :-D ~~~~~~~ (Bethan)I'm going to be very wary of all reviews for SLOW in the UK. (I know I'm going to like it!!).British films tend to get very bad crits over here, True on the critics. However, I expect the millions of Colin fans in the UK to support this film .After all it is his first starring role since FP. We shall be looking at the box office receipts which is after all the bottom line on the success of a film. The UK reviews for FP weren't all that great; yet it did well at the box office. ~~~~~ Someone pl. repeat the URL of that Best Actor poll...I lost it and haven't voted.( I tend to think those things are rigged. Remember the one that he was ahead of George Clooney and the webmistress told Nan that they removed CF because they never heard of him?)

Like what exactly! Am thinking that they're going to have a big 50th anniversary celebration from when the film was actually made. you see I can be very bad as well!! LOL! Hey, this is my favourite topic! Well, given that Buena Vista know that most of the audience are going to be "mature", maybe they reckon that May (long, light, warm evenings) will be much more conducive to visiting city-centre cinemas than Jan thru' March (cold, dark, lousy parking). Or as May is arguably the most beautiful month in Scotland, and as MLSF is part-funded by the Scottish Arts Council, perhaps they're hoping MLSF will promote a wave of early holiday bookings in bonny Scotland! See, very positive thinking....otherwise May quite confounds me! BTW, what sort of opening is MLSF getting in Australia....a couple of major cities, or much wider? And is it still playing in the US? (Those 20 prints must be working overtime by now!!) We shall be looking at the box office receipts which is after all the bottom line on the success of a film. The UK reviews for FP weren't all that great; yet it did well at the box office. FP did much better in video rentals and purchases (also an indicator of success) ....all those Volvo-owning ladies sneaking into Blockbusters for multiple-viewings!

have just done some manual labor and need a break and am procrastinating on rest... MLSF is still playing in the US, although we have no idea of how many cities. FP did much better in video rentals and purchases (also an indicator of success) Am amazed how prevalent that view must be...to wait to see things on video vs. on a big screen. Was reading a review of The Winslow Boy last night (I forget which of your papers) and one of the critics said, "best to wait until it is out on video." Incredible that anyone would say that about this movie. To me, there is nothing like the experience of seeing something on a big screen in a darkened theater with nonstop inconsiderate talkers (who should be home watching a movie on video) sitting right behind me, noisely munching away on their popcorn. ;-D Here's the url to vote: http://www.freevote.com/booth/ladyviola About the rigging, I don't think this one is like that other. However, certain people have a much more rabid following or are clever enough to write programs to constantly cast votes. In which case, Colin doesn't stand a prayer with our here and there 5 votes. Just MHO

Am amazed how prevalent that view must be...to wait to see things on video vs. on a big screen I'm afraid that in the UK we're a nation of video/Cable TV watchers, and the Big Screen experience is mainly reserved for the teenyboppers (just look at our current Box office ratings) BTW, "Mad Cows" which must have received just about the worst possible reviews in the entire history of the British cinema (and features a guest appearance by Noel Gallagher) is currently showing on about 40 screens in our region ( compared with "The Winslow Boy"'s 2 screens) and will no doubt do quite well! Nuff said. I think that measures of success are different in the UK. An actor of Colin's calibre could easily work on for as long as he wants, mixing theatre, TV, supporting/leading roles in movies, radio, poetry readings etc, and remain totally aloof from the public gaze (compare someone like Corin Redgrave or Ian Holm). Or he could promote himself more, and become more high profile in the short-term. But sometimes "faceless" actors who merge into their roles have much longer careers than so-called celebrities. Wou d still very much like him to do interviews though!!!! But didn't his last interview refer to his "shy disinclination for self publicity"?

(Karen)Am amazed how prevalent that view must be...to wait to see things on video vs. on a big screen (Bethan)I'm afraid that in the UK we're a nation of video/Cable TV watchers, I'd feel that way too if I had to pay 17 Pounds($26) to see a movie. (Odeon, West End). On the other hand...what other country in the world could fill a 1,250 seat theatre (National) night after night to see a play by a Russian socialist... (Summerfolk)...which originally was only supposed to run until Oct. 16 and was extended to Nov. 23!! and this isn't the tourist season. Amazing. I applaud you.

But pounds 17 is not the price most of these kids are paying, is it? Anyway, the kiddies fill most of our theaters as well. My surprise was the dismissal of this fine movie (which played on relatively very few screens in the US too) to videoland. That's all. ************ Since I'm on another break now, here's something Evelyn found or was sent. Notice anything strange...an omission??? The Noel Coward Centenary Celebration Savoy Theatre Sunday 12 December 1999 Four days before the centenary of the birth of Noel Coward, a galaxy of British theatrical, television and film stars will come together to celebrate the words of the Master. This extraordinary and unique entertainment will feature extracts from the plays, the prose, the poems and diaries of Noel Coward and will be introduced by Richard Attenborough. It is anticipated that The Noel Coward Centenary Celebration will be the last great theatrical celebration of the century. This will be an evening of comedy and tragedy - British theatre at its best. With Richard Attenborough, Alan Bates, Simon Russell Beale, Tony Britton, Simon Callow, Judy Campbell, Alan Cox, Brian Cox, Charles Dance, Lucy Fleming, Edward Fox, Moyra Fraser, Stephen Fry, Adam Godley, Peter Greenwell, Lisa Harrow, Nigel Havers, Derek Jacobi, Belinda Lang, Moira Lister, Elizabeth McGovern, John Mills, Sheridan Morley, Steve Ross, Clive Rowe, Greta Scacchi, Malcolm Sinclair, Donald Sinden, Victoria Smurfit, Imo en Stubbs, James Wilby and Simon Williams. All artists have agreed to appear subject to their professional commitments. ************ Yes, ODB is MISSING!! Even Elizabeth ("I forgot my American accent") McGovern is scheduled to appear. This touched off a little investigation and Mari has come up with: Top 10 reasons Colin can't go to the Noel Coward Centenary Celebration: 1. He's busy getting in touch with his Dutch/Portuguese/Italian inner child. 2. Bowling night. 3. He's sending Matthew Modine as his surrogate. 4. He's busy staying marginalized. 5. He needs to catch up on his thank-you notes to fans. 6. He's writing an expose on Sainsbury's (Did you read the one in the Wall Street Journal? Let's *not* shop there for snacks in January.;-) 7. Livia wants to put the tree up that night. 8. "I'm not working 7 bloody days a week!" 9. Shop 'Til You Drop Holiday Sale at Harvey Nichols. 10. "Let the people doing Coward films this year have the spotlight." :-( :-( (reprinted with permission!!)

What's Harvey Nichols? I'm going over and vote for the second time today. It's true that you can cast five votes every time you log in over there. Don't flag, Firthettes! Who made Donvan Quick? It wasn't Timothy Dalton or Russell Bloody Crowe, was it!?

Harvey Nichols is an upscale women's apparel store in Knightsbridge, London. Similar to Neiman Marcus. ~~~~~ LMAO My fave is: "Livia wants to put up the tree that night.." #3....Matthew Modine as his surrogate is pretty good too. And I can guess which one is Moon's favorite...:-D Brilliant Mari.... ~~~~~ Saw EMcG. last night on A&E in "The Scarlet Pimpernel"...this time a sort-of British accent..baaaad. (Gwynnie doesn't have to worry)

In case you are tired of robot voting try this ;-) : http://www.freevote.com/booth/renate

Deep chuckle for the Top Ten List. I'm telling you, we ought to go into the entertainment business ourselves. Renate, you are a gem. I've voted. If I log off, can I do it again 'cause I changed my mind about one of my favorites. So many roles....

Colin is now in first place. Who is Russel Crowe? It's too bad we can't post a notice for voters on ROP asking people who visit there to go and vote for the man who gave them Mr Darcy. I know that one week they had over a million hits. Wouldn't it blow their socks off if each of them voted 5 times for ODB

Oops Russell Crowe is now up 20 votes

(Lucie) It's too bad we can't post a notice for voters on ROP asking people who visit there to go and vote for the man who gave them Mr Darcy. Can't we? That's a great idea!

Renate - very nice poll--but so difficult. Valmont is now in second place btw -- it's the smile. I'm chagrined at the number of roles I don't recognize. When did he play Rupert Brooke and who is Matthew?

Cymbeline, Matthew is from SLOW. Rupert Brooke is a role from the audio play "The One Before The Last". You can't see him, but you get to appreciate the voice even more. An experience! - - - I would like to add the name of his character from "Comeback", but I can't recall it - can somebody help me please?

Somebody must have been very busy: Colin is on top again on that Favourite Man booth. http://www.freevote.com/booth/ladyviola

Colin is on top again on that Favourite Man booth. (Consider suggestive crack here). Yes! What a start to Monday morning! There must be an army of us.

Mari, loved the top ten! We should put them all together and send them to his agent! #s 4,1,7,8 I think you might have something there. ;-) I too have voted for DB, but how serious is this poll? I thought it was done by the Daily Mail, but there are too many TV actors listed for me to take it seriously. I prefer Renate's. :-D

There are no previews and no formal press night for "Three Days of Rain" in November. You can expect the press to take another look at it, but the coverage will not be as complete as it was in March, unless some ancillary news story is created. c

(Karen) Am thinking that they're going to have a big 50th anniversary celebration from when the film was actually made *snicker* I'm amazed at some of the out-of-the-way places (in the US) MLSF is showing. Pretty soon I expect it to play in my hometown :-P Thanks for posting Mari's top ten list. LOL, Mari :-D

Renate, the name is Peter Darwin. I loved Comeback, a lot more than The One Before the Last. He does all the voices, and the story is good. TOBL is difficult to relate to - at least for me.

P.S. Mari--thought of reason 11: he'll be in Rome, walking around.

Peter Darwin, of course! Thanks, Gi. Love the voices, too, he is doing on Comeback.

*&%^#*#* Russell Crowe is on top again.

What have you done with your copy of the tape, Renate? :-)

(Renate) Love the voices, too, he is doing on Comeback. Me too. It's fun to hear how he differentiates the characters so well by using the different voices. I particularly like how he did the women characters :-).

(Arami) What have you done with your copy of the tape, Renate? :-) I keep it safe for whenever it is needed :-P.

Briefly, I called Optimum Releasing again about SLOW. It will get a staggered release from the 26th, using London as a platform and then going out into the regions. I asked if this meant independent cinemas or Showcase, and the young man who seems to be in charge of SLOW - coincidently called Will - said no, it would be high street cinemas, Odeon, ABC, and it would be showing through December, January. It would be great if it shows in the Shaftesbury Avenue ABC, a stone's throw from the Donmar..CF on stage and scr en within a few hundred yards! There must be a limited number of prints, but I think there's a lot to be said for a staggered release, rather than one week sudden death. The Bridget Jones sequel BJ:The Edge of Reason will definitely be in UK bookshops on the 19th, and can also of course be ordered through amazon.co.uk. BTW, the latest Flashman is the highest new entry in the Hardcover Book charts...there's life in the old dog yet! A colleague of mine attended a conference in London, and David Puttnam was there. My colleague is a movie buff and a Puttnam admirer...says he made "some great films". DP apparently left in a chauffeur driven jag and was very busy on his mobile phone. I know that DP has zilch influence in the US, but I find it difficult to believe that he'll let his last movie be marginalised in the UK. He still has a lot of "clout" in the arts world...could certainly arrange a festival screening or charity premiere. I'm uzzled!

Who's David Puttnam please?

Who's David Puttnam please? Producer of MLSF, also Chariots of Fire. Onetime head of Columbia Pictures (tho' not for long). Now Lord Puttnam and very involved in politics. MLSF was his last film.

ODB is now 282 votes behind

......and Ross Talbot is only a few hits behind Mr. Darcy. Who would have thought it. The scissors scene must have left a *very* deep impression with some(one). ;-D Colin Firth roles voting booth: http://www.freevote.com/booth/renate

There's a review of Fever Pitch in the TV Guide database: http://www.tvguide.com/moviedb/ShowMovie.asp?MI=41444 Also, Kirsten has uploaded the Three Days of Rain discussion (with Cliff Notes) to cf.com. Interesting read for those going to see the play shortly. Here's the url: http://www.firth.com/filmdis/3dor/3dor-part1.htm

(Renate) ...and Ross Talbot is only a few hits behind Mr. Darcy. Who would have thought it. The scissors scene must have left a *very* deep impression with some(one). ;-D Why is that so surprising? It is one of Colin's most revealing roles! ;-D

Karen - thanks for the TV guide review link. Did you all read the reviews on ODB's other films? Valmont: "weakest so far" of the three film adaptations, "willfully wrongheaded casting", CF "lacks charismatic bravado and sexual menace."!!!!! Who writes these things!? They made up for that in a small way by writing of Playmaker: "Talented CF is relatively effective in his scenes of psychological manipulation [They should see what he does to us!] and it's sad to see him here. Perhaps he too should shoot his agent." LOL hunh!

OK, ladies, unsheathe your razors!! For Londinium, Colin has a moustache and beard. It's similar to a Wessex configuration, but softened. Moustache doesn't extend as far and the bottom goatee section is not pointy. It's pretty sparse looking too. Sort of like when guys are trying to grow a beard. Actually, it doesn't look too bad.

There was a French TV review of "Valmont" very recently. My French leaves much to be desired, but I think it said that his face had as much expression as a lump of tarmacadam, and his performance was mediocre. Ouch! You're right, who does write these reviews and what do they see?! Although I agree in part that he doesn't have sexual "menace". His Valmont is more boyishly cute...a completely different (and valid) interpretation. I'm beginning to ignore reviews...The Guardian (our thinking person's newspaper) gave "The Winslow Boy" 2 stars (and The Phantom Menace 5 stars) and asked "why did David Mamet actually bother with this?"

Please share the Londinium pix with us ASAP, Karen. Is it more like COF or Nostromo? Bethan, I assure you, TWB is a very good film. At least 4 stars, IMNSHO! (Karen), Why is that so surprising? Ross is one of Colin's most revealing roles! ;-D Hear, hear!

(Colin Firth roles voting booth) Ross Talbot is only a few hits behind Mr. Darcy It's obviously someone being mischevious. It's not me this time :-), I hasten to assure all: but I do think these "do it yourself" voting booths are of no consequence: no more than vacuous amusement to kill the time whilst waiting for something interesting to happen. And only if you happen to have absolutely nothing better to do. For Londinium, Colin has a moustache and beard. Karen, your long sight is amazing. Seriously - do reveal your sources, please! I'm dying out of curiosity here... His Valmont is more boyishly cute...a completely different (and valid) interpretation. Milos Forman kept saying that until he was blue in the face, but nobody took any notice. Who cares what the film author has to say, anyway.

Firthettes - I just watched my brand new copy of Hostages, and I have to say that I like him both clean-shaven (absolutely adorable even with the nerd shirt) and with that Cecil B. DeMille Biblical hero look--black beard and head band. Also like the Wessex look. I don't think the little mustaches a la AMITC do anything for him. But then he's someone who doesn't need anything done for him isn't he? Hostages was powerful, and everyone was good, but I could have used a lot more Colin.

I have to say that I like him both clean-shaven (absolutely adorable even with the nerd shirt) and with that Cecil B. DeMille Biblical hero look--black beard LOL! Cymbeline, you like that lonnggg beard he wears before they let him shave? Even I (who has never met a CF she hasn't liked) can't beat that ardor. I think I'll like his Londinium goatee just fine though. When can we see it, Karen? Please? Please?

Don't I always share my information and images? Will do some scanning tomorrow. OK, my source is Deep Throat.

What you have is a very light goatee/moustache...not at all like a Charles Gould or John McCarthy biblical adornment. Sort of like someone took a charcoal pencil and drew it in. As a result, it isn't as cheesy as the one in COF and not of the paste-on variety as in SiL. BTW, it appears to be contagious because Jack Dee also has an even lighter one, either that or a very bad five o' clock shadow at a wedding, which is presumably in the morning.

(Cymbeline)Hostages was powerful, and everyone was good, Glad you enjoyed H. It's one of my favorites...The whole cast has quite a following on this board after we discussed it. I noticed that Brian Keenan took part in the recent Cheltenham Festival of Literature. He talked about his life-changing experience and his recent journey in Patagonia with fellow hostage, John McCarthy, explored in his latest book "Between Extremes". Karen is a fan of his poetry and I went on to read the book that John wrote with Jill Morrell. Colin's projects invaribly lead us into other avenues. ~~~~~ Thank you Karen and Kristen for organizing and editing the 3 DOR discussion on cf.com.Great job!

Think I have an addition to the Cliff Notes. The meaning of Lina. Sing along with me now: "Nothin could be finah than to be IN Caro-LINA in the mor-or-nin. Nothin could be sweetah than my sweetie when I see her in the mor-or-nin..." wish I knew the rest of the lyrics, but you get the idea. ;-D

That is the video cover for MLSF!! It is listed at amazon in VHS video for the "rental" sales price of $103.99. As the description states, the price usually comes down in about 6 months. However, reel.com shows an advance purchase price for the wide-screen DVD at $17.99. It will be available January 25, 2000.

Additional details re: MLSF DVD According to the Buena Vista specs, it will be a bare-bones edition (single layer), with only the theatrical trailer added and the usual interactive menus and scene access. No interviews, deleted scenes, alternate edits, audio commentary, nada!! Somehow this doesn't surprise me. :-(

The SLOW review is also now available at the Empire website: SLOW Review Hopefully that will work, but if not to to Empire and do a search of its reviews.

Thanks for the SLOW review, Karen. I'm a bit confused -- isn't Caroline Goodall supposed to be in this film, playing Colin's wife? She isn't mentioned in the review. Maybe her part was very small, or was cut to simplify the plot? As it is, call me old-fashioned, but the fact that his character is married and romancing another woman makes me feel a bit queasy.

I'd buy the video of MLSF just for that picture on the cover. He looks delicious.

Thanks, SS (Super Sleuth:-) for the MLSF video information .I guess that is only NTSC. Nice IOU Christmas gift. ~~~~~ Re: SLOW. Apparently some directors present the films before the screening and and have a Q&A afterwards. If it should happen and Peter Schwabach appears...anyone have any suggestions?...(keep it clean :-) (Also I reserve the right of censorship:-) ~~~~~ (Susan)but the fact that his character is married and romancing another woman makes me feel a bit queasy. Susan, apparently Matthew's marriage was on the rocks when he falls for Nimi.

Optimum says that the producers and director will be at the screenings of SLOW. As they say, an invitation has been extended to the film's stars to also appear but, as we know, one has another commitment on Saturday night. ;-D

Thanks Karen for posting the MLSF video cover! Does this mean that there'll be no more theatre screenings in the US? I've another long and boring observation on reviews, interviews, promotion etc in the UK!!! As part of my job I have to scan though the (quality) papers every day. My focus isn't the Arts...but I can never resist glancing through the reviews and news about films/theatre. There's been a definite "sea-change" in opinion making...the views reflected certainly aren't views that I share (am getting older!) and the movies that receive the plaudits aren't the ones I want to see. The only paper that seems to like what I like is the Daily Telegraph! (But not the Sunday Telegraph). Films like "The Winslow Boy", and I'm pretty certain SLOW and MLSF, will only get a modest critical reception. I reckon TWB came in third after "Pushing Tin" and "Vampires". This does not mean that they re not good films, and ones which will give pleasure to many people! So I wouldn't pay much attention to British reviews. Another trend is the intrusive interview. When actors give interviews to promote their films, it seems that the only questions they are asked are about their personal lives, relationships, sex lives etc. Even the so-called serious papers follow this line. It seemed to me that in his last interviews for 3DOR, Colin tried to turn the focus to more serious matters - the Refugee/Asylum seekers problem - but neither interviewer was interested in this and trivialised it. I also remember reading that when one of the interviewers asked him about starting a family, he lapsed into total silence. I'd be quite surprise if he did give interviews for SLOW...a great many actors in the UK are increasingly reluctant to talk to the press. And our talk/movie shows are almost as trivial as the papers. There are very few intelligent -or respectful- vehicles for promotion. Despite all this, and an apparent lack of exposure, most talented actors have no problem in pursuing successful careers...but we just don't read much them m ch!

(Bethan) ... another long and boring observation Nevah! I think you are exactly right, and your views certainly hold for the US as well. I haven't had a chance to see TWB yet b/c it never played around me nor did MLSF. And I'm sure the interview sessions are horrible. Actors must dread them. They always seem to send breathless little girls who are concentrating harder on their own reactions than getting any information over to readers--they seem to be ignorant and without poise or manners. I imagine actors have to fight the urge to snap None of your Damn Business over and over again b/c they certainly can't make the little twits mad. Imagine asking a stranger if he were going to start a family! I mean drooling is al well and good, but by the time you're an adult, you're supposed to know that it's done in private. (And yes I do consider our little confab here which is available at any time to the entire universe private). What I'd really like is for all of us, who have a little CF background and know how to behave, to be able to sit down nice and cosily over a pint or whatever he likes to drink and really find out about what it was like making the movies and being an actor and stage vs screen and so on--you know, get into some interesting detail *on his work* instead of the same superficial stuff you get over and over again from the interviews. And if we were all drooling silently the whole time, he need never know. I know that none of you has ever thought of such a thing, and I'm sure we should be able to bring it off pretty easily, say once the Donmar run is over, if we could only get his agent to answer our letters!

Cymbeline, I have had the same thought - a serious but relaxed insightful talk with CF over drinks - but I have a feeling this could be done at the second Donmar reunion next January. I believe he will recognize some of the participants, and unless he's scared sh**less he may be gracious enough to accept a civil invitation for drinks after the show. Remember this soothsayer's prediction... and pray that Evelyn will speak to him ;-)

a serious but relaxed insightful talk with CF over drinks Super idea, nothing really prevents us from inviting him and the right person to do it irresistibly and convincingly enough is definitely our Evelyn. I�m sure Colin would find it pretty difficult to deny anything from you Evelyn!!! Still.....I�m quite sure he�d refuse, not because of unkindness but because it would be a pretty unexceptional situation for him I guess, to sit down with a group of fans to discuss his work! On the other hand, this is possibly our last chance ever to talk to him and ask him about 3DOR and his other current works. We have so many questions that the press will never ask him for us it seems.

What you've all been waiting for: shall we count them? ;-)

Sorry, I meant of course: exceptional!!

Eeeeek! I�m not sure if I�m happy about that goatee, Karen! Well, at least it seems to be genuine :-)

(Bethan) Does this mean that there'll be no more theatre screenings in the US? It would seem to mean that, but it's not a hard and fast rule. There's been a definite "sea-change" in opinion making...the views reflected certainly aren't views that I share (am getting older!) and the movies that receive the plaudits aren't the ones I want to see. The same is occurring here. Established critics are being forced out because their views do not reflect the tastes of the ticket-buying public. Janet Maslin of the NYT is leaving because of a disagreement with management. Then, there was the entertainment magazine on the net that removed the grade markings from one of its critics because they said she was too tough on films. The box office has been making fools of many critics (or relegating them to total insignificance). The nation's critics panned number of films, which subsequently made megamillions. Kids don't read the reviews and frankly don't care what they say. Since I read the AICN site, I am continually amazed by what is written there and how anyone could seriously consider Harry Knowles a critic. He writes little anecdotes about his life and expects you to draw conclusions about how this film somehow relates to his life. Now, there's talk he's going to have his own TV show. The guy cannot express himself. He's no Siskel. I'll stop r nting now. BTW, check out the AICN site, there's a hilarious (although sad) review of Mansfield Park by someone who is positively clueless and used things overheard at the theater by people who knew about the story. Cymbeline, love your idea of treating ODB to a pint and letting him relax without anyone asking those personal questions that we have no business asking nor expecting a response. I think Elena should organize it! ;-D

Not bad, however, I will need a full facial view to give an honest opinion.

shall we count them? ;-) What would you be counting? Thanks for the close-up, Karen! Did you notice one tooth is longer than the other? I thought he had caps! Do we also get the full face? pretty please! (Cymbeline), I know that none of you has ever thought of such a thing, and I'm sure we should be able to bring it off pretty easily, say once the Donmar run is over, if we could only get his agent to answer our letters! I hate to burst the bubble, but he would not do it. As Elena said I�m quite sure he�d refuse, not because of unkindness but because it would be a pretty unexceptional situation for him Only aspiring rock stars when asked by semi-naked women would do it. I do hope Evelyn lets the Donmar people know about the wonderful discussion of 3DOR at cf.com, I think they would be interested in reading it. Then by association, they might mention it to Colin who might then feel the inclination to read it himself. Then...when you meet him after the show in Jan. Karen or Evelyn or Heide, could mention it and at least he would know something more about the group. Then you can ask him some of those questions such as: "How do prepare for a role?" "Would you be interested i playing Flashman?" "Has your Italian improved?" etc, etc, What do you think Evelyn?

Elena, are you going too? You can ask the questions too!

Sure, sure... ;-D

Yes, Moon, I�m going to London and am courageously planning to ask him a couple of questions.....but shall I be able to ask them actually remains to be seen. When the big moment came last March I found out that I could hardly spell my name right when he asked about it.

(Elena) I could hardly spell my name right when he asked about it. And that's exactly the situation I'd be in despite all my carrying on about proper behavior. And, no, I wouldn't expect that he'd do it since I'd imagine he'd like to get home after work. But who knows, maybe he's a big party boy. The thing is you can't really be anything but a stranger asking questions unless you're already a friend, and the gods did not bless me with that fate. But that's why they gave us romantics a rich fantasy life.

Karen, where's the rest of him???? Re caps: he has them on the front teeth, but sides seem natural. If I remember rightly, his natural teeth can still be seen in "1919" (some good close-ups right up his nose there:), but by the time he was doing "Dutch Girls", the gap between the two front incisors had disappeared. (And before I'm asked again if I'm a dentist, you know what the answer is, don't you?...:-))