Happy coincidence: In addition to Jennifer, today is lovely Jude Law's birthday as well. Wonder if ET will take notice?

Had no idea! why would I? ;-) In honor of this event, I've rented a movie called "Music from Another Room," listed as a romantic comedy from 1997. Probalbly straight to video. But has Jude starring in it. However, if you want to celebrate BOTH birthdays, rent Wilde and then you get to see a whole lot more of Jude. ;-)

(Jana)Haven't seen Chamomile Lawn, so can't verify ;-). I assure you her bosom was real in P&P (came up in a Times article on the "Wonder Bras" that the females all wore).Apparently no bras...corsets and some contraption that pushed the bosoms up! In The Camomile Lawn there's no discussion.... Now, she is still well endowed, but not voluptuous, shall we say. ~~~~~~ American accents: Kristin Scott Thomas loses it too in "Random Hearts". The American vowels seem to be the problem...ODB has slips on those too in: "coffee", "mall" and another one I forget.What are the dialect coaches doing anyway!!

I am half way through BJ. TEOR, and I love it, so much Mark Darcy, and he is so sweet and very funny and of course, lots of mentions for ODB, if he weren't known before he will be now!! I am beginning to change my mind about wanting to see Colin play Mark Darcy, if he is in the film as much as he is in this book and comes over as sweet, sexy and funny as he does in Edge of Reason then I am all for it. (A MD/Barrister clad only in a towel hmm hmm!!)

Ann: (A MD/Barrister clad only in a towel hmm hmm!!) Precisely my favorite image from all the columns. Had Helen Fielding autograph that particular week's column. She wrote: "Mmmmm! To Karen O.K. more sexy Mark to come v.g. wishes Helen Fielding"

(Karen)So Gloria is a "thumbs down" too? Have been debating whether to watch it. It was OK. Somewhat lame, but if you go into not expecting a GREAT FILM it is kind of fun. I thought the boy who played the kid was believable and likable and even Sharon grew on me after awhile. It's on cable for free so you can always start it out and change the channel if you think it bites. (Karen) However, if you want to celebrate BOTH birthdays, rent Wilde and then you get to see a whole lot more of Jude. ;-) Eeek, too true. But personally, I could have done without the sight of Jude in his more ahem, intimate moments.

(Mari) I don't think Tom killed Silvana It didn't occur to me at first, but when I was told that Ripley planned all his murders, I thought it might. Silvana was a problem; she was a rival for Dickie's time and affection and Tommy knew about her. He didn't want her to split up their little group, so he offed her. I definitely want to read this book now. I thought the country came off as a metaphor for the characters--pretty enough on the surface, but underneath. . . Speaking of underneath...the basement symbolism? In NY, Ripley lives in a horrible basement apartment. Later, he tells Peter Smith-Kingsley that his real self lives in a basement and it's all locked up. Wish I had the script for the description. It's perfect.

Karen, I am hoping HF has plenty of input into the screenplay especially as regards MD!

Karen, if you want to see "Gloria" rent the first one, THAT is brilliant! Gena Rowlands is amazing. And I see simularities to Central Station. (is that the name of the movie that you adored last year?)

Just came back from TTMR, and have to agree with Mari. This is Matt Damon's film, and he is great. IMO Bosie was Jude's breakout role. He is certainly good here and full of energy, and the Tu Vuo scene is a show stopper, but his character never changes. With Ripley you never know what he's thinking, never know how he's going to get out of the endless string of jams he keeps getting himself deeper into, never stop admiring how he does it over and over again, and find yourself rooting for a happy ending for him even as you keep reminding yourself he's a psychopathic murderer. That's MD's work, and I did not tire of the crooked little smile. Does he actually love Dickie or Marge or Peter or all of them or just want to use them? What would he have done with and to Meredith had he not had to give her up suddenly when Marge reappeared in Rome? We never know his motives, never know what's in his mind, are shocked by what he does, yet admire his daring and still sympathize with him. I think that makes it a great job by MD.

Someone wanted to know whether to see Being JM or something else. My recommendation--BJM--one of the most inventive, unpredictable, riveting films ever. Gives you hope for the American film industry.

The New Year's Honors List has been announced: The showbiz stars I recognized: Dame Julie Andrews (good for RV) Dame Elizabeth Taylor Knighthood for Sean Connery CBE for Richard Curtis (too bad he had heart attack and isn't doing BJD) OBE for: Jane Seymour, Liam Neeson and Timothy Spall (Oh no! from Dutch Girls) ~~~~~~~ Oh well, there's next year.....

and on the Queen's list is Allison Steadman

Alright Karen. You posted in telnet. Brava, my dear!

Thank you, but don't like it. :-(

Hey...I had this guy all to myself til you came muscling in!!:-D ~~~~ "Good to have you back where you belong, Dolly" :-) ~~~~ Just heard that the "Waiting in the Wings "page wants to use our JE Page as a link....cool, uh? I hope the B'way TRT page links us too...! (I only wish she had more than one page, though.)

I am amazed that you can still get in here the regular way when everybody else on the globe appears to be cutoff!

(Karen, I don't blame you...don't like it either but since it is this or nothing, I am beginning to love it!

Question: In which area would the W10 designation of London be? by tube stop or named area would be helpful. ;-)

Am (as usual) chiming in late with my two bits regarding the movie discussion: Saw Any Given Sunday first (a football movie, how unlike me...:-P). IMO one must be an Oliver Stone fan or football fan to really enjoy this one. Too "Ollie-ized" for me--overabundance of unnecessary stylized shots, picture-in-picture, lightning bolt symbolism, closeups of a football in the air, etc. Ollie himself plays a sportscaster. He's into the Alfred Hitchcock thing. Cameron Diaz was convincing but miscast as the bitch-with-a-capital-B deceased owner's daughter. I thought the part was tailor m de for Sharon Stone. Pacino screams and shouts alot (what a surprise). Having said this, aside from the usual football cliches (ho-hum, another locker room pep talk), the story was realistic and believable. I enjoyed the appearances by various football personalities--Lawrence Taylor, Barry Switzer, etc. Mr. Ripley: agree with many points already made about Jude Law. He made the film, IMO. Gorgeous. Great accent. I thought his characterization had variation, noting the difference between the open and unaffected welcoming Ripley scene to the 'you're boring' scene. Matt and Gwyneth were good but not spectacular. Agree that Gwynnie got better as the story unfolded, esp. the 'I know it was you' scene. I agree with your comment about Phillip's market saturation, Karen. I also enjoyed Freddy's 'how's t e peeping, Tom?' bit, Murph. Cate was also good, but I tired of her character predictably popping up, especially at the end. To me, the perfect ending would have been when Dickie's father, Marge and the private investigator left in the Andrea Doria launch. Everything after that was overkill (perhaps to push the homosexual angle?). Oooo, sorry about the double entendre! All in all, IMO an enjoyable, absorbing film shot in a wonderful setting. You can tell I have not read the book. PS. Karen, interesting question about Ripley possibly killing Sylvana. My thought is no, based on the scene with Sylvana watching as the group returns from their sailing excursion. She sees the rich, beautiful Americans frolicking on deck and knows she will never be one of them. Next thing we know, she's floating face down behind the Virgin Mary. Later, Dickie admits rejecting her when she came to him for help. Hmmm....Minghella did say in this movie things are never what they seem! We also saw Anna and the King, or whatever it's called (DH's pick). Jodie's a terrific actress, but not in this one. Chow steals the show. It's about a 5 out of 10 on the 'Thin Red Line slowness factor scale'. I didn't miss the musical numbers, so I guess their objective was realized. Contrary to the other two films, there were no penis shots in this one! Lastly, saw American History X on cable. Edward Norton was postively chilling. What a brilliant performance. He was the dark horse in last year's best actor AA race, but to lose to Roberto Benigni? Bah!

From my London Theatre Newsletter: Re: the play BATTLE ROYAL at the National with Zoe Wanamaker and Simon Russell Beale "The show has received mediocre notices the popular press.... JOHN PETER of THE SUNDAY TIMES says, "This is a flat flashy, pedestrian play. THE GUARDIAN says, "Howard Davies's production, set on Rob Howell's tirelessly revolving inner and outer stages, vainly substitutes perpetual motion for dramatic dynamism. For all its implied contemporary parallels, the result is an animated history lesson that belongs to the theatrical past." NICK CURTIS of THE EVENING STANDARD says, "Nick Stafford's play is drily witty but emotionally barren, overlong and under-rehearsed." ~~~~~~ Simon Russell Beale is the actor that you all said Colin should be proud to be in his company (short list for Evening Standard Award). And he gets this review? Puhleeze...Colin never appeared in a project that was "under-rehearsed".

I can't believe I'm back in... Thank you, Terry!

Still out in Wessexland. I'm getting in with the workaround Karen sent me but can't use the regular springnet route. Don't see any graphics.

I saw Mr. Ripley this weekend too. I liked it pretty well, but I don't think I'm as enthusiastic about it as most of the comments I've read. First I agree with all who said it dragged in the second half and it could have stood with some serious trimming down (way too long at 2.5 hours IMHO). I agree Jude Law was great - a vibrant and interesting character, but the whole thing lost momentum after he left the picture. I guess most of my disappointment centers around the characterization of Ripley. I haven't read the book, but my understanding was that the Ripley character was supposed to be a sort of sociopath, who coveted Dickie's life and tried to steal it. The way the character was presented I felt like they were trying to make Ripley a poor, downtrodden boy that we were supposed to feel sorry for. None of his bad actions seemed calculated or thought out and the only reason he didn't get caught seemed to be dumb uck. Frankly, I was expecting a smarter, scarier villain so was disappointed by bland, poor old Tom who was just looking for someone to like him. Another thing I thought was really missing from Matt Damon's performance (not sure if this was his doing or he was directed this way)was any gradation in manner or style when he was himself and when he was living as Dickie Greenleaf. The early scene when Ripley said his one talent was that he could mimic anybody and then he did such a dead-on impersonation of Dickie's father did not seem to be carried through anywhere else in the film. I think Matt's performance would have been a lot more interesting if he had used Tom's ability for mimicry to be more Dickie-esqe when he was living as Dickie. It just seems this would have added an interestingly psychotic dimension to Ripley's character instead of him being the somewhat pathetic and desperate schlub he seemed throughout most of the film. Well.... maybe schlub is a little harsh ;-). Also, I'm not sure why Minghella felt the need to emphasize the homosexual themes so strongly. Every male character seemed to be leaning this way at times, even Dickie. (Or am I just too heavily influenced by my DH who was irritated that in his opinion all the male characters were a few ounces too light in the loafers?) Was this homosexual theme in the book? Regardless IMHO, I think Ripley would have been a more interesting character had his sexuality been more ambiguous, i.e. he was "open minded" eno gh to go whichever direction presented him the most attractive opportunity be it with a man or with a woman. Just my two cents - perhaps I was expecting too much of the film going in. I do agree with all who said the jazz club scenes were lots of fun, though. Made me want to go to Italy!

Cymbeline, the pics will return. The regular spring.net is also working for many if not all. Seems like nearly everything is back in sync. (Eileen) Cameron Diaz was convincing but miscast as the bitch-with-a-capital-B deceased owner's daughter. I thought the part was tailor made for Sharon Stone. Haven't seen the movie yet, but thought it unbelievable that CD would be owner of a football team. Didn't look anything like a Marge Schott type. Sharon Stone is an inspired choice. Thumbs up from me. Contrary to the other two films, there were no penis shots in this one! Guess I'll wait until it's on video or TV. ;-) Edward Norton was postively chilling He does excellent work. Check out Fight Club. Real interesting, new wave movie, except for the trite ending. Cate was also good, but I tired of her character predictably popping up, especially at the end. Give you some idea of the inspired adapting that Minghella did. Cate/Meredith was his creation. If she's a flaw, then you can totally blame Minghella. Everytime she pops up, you know it's going to be a *crisis of identity* and will he or won't he be caught!! ;-) BTW, I've just bought the book. Am really interested to see how different it is and how despicable a character Ripley is. (Jana2) I agree with all who said it dragged in the second half Is that not the Dickie-less effect. He is the sun and when the sun goes away... it gets rather cold and a little slow. I felt like they were trying to make Ripley a poor, downtrodden boy that we were supposed to feel sorry for. Precisely. I really object to that central change to his character. They also gave him a conscience. Would a psychopath have a conscience? Evelyn, ask No. 1 son. I thought was really missing from Matt Damon's performance...was any gradation in manner or style when he was himself and when he was living as Dickie Greenleaf. Wot?! You didn't notice that he changed the part in his hair. ;-) instead of him being the somewhat pathetic and desperate schlub he seemed throughout most of the film. Well.... maybe schlub is a little harsh ;-). I'd go with schlemiel (a loser) on this one. For schlub, he'd have to have a beer belly. my DH who was irritated that in his opinion all the male characters were a few ounces too light in the loafers? Ha!! Think DH should've gone to see Any Given Sunday. Loved all your comments, ladies. This is such an interesting film to discuss.

Help! I still can't get in here with my old spring.net bookmark. It's still saying NOT FOUND. Where have I gone wrong?

*hee hee* Since Eileen started it, this is from The Times review of Magnolia on Monday: The most impressive feat is Cruise's turn as a "Seduce and Destroy" sex guru. The parody is too broad to sting, but when was the last time Cruise showed an ounce of self-mocking fun? Come to think of it, when was the first time? The star's trademark focus during his seminar rants is spookily like Scientology on steroids. Compared with his emotionally costive medic in Eyes Wide Shut, it's a fireworks display. By upending his Prince of Confidence persona, Cruise can still resort to indignation (his standard method of pumping up a scene) but it's no longer righteous indignation. This overthrows 15 years of escalating cockiness. Cruise did show vulnerability in Jerry Maguire, a belated return to the gaucherie of Risky Business. But Cruise goes a step further here. He is shown to be a fraud. What is bizarre is that Cruise acting phoney here--his best scenes--is identical to his acting sincere elsewhere. The crinkled brow, the clenched cheek muscles, the laser-beam stare--now it's great acting. Pauline Kael once called him the most fraudulent actor since Robert Taylor. But in Magnolia Cruise rings true as a swine, even stripping down to his (hopefully padded) underpants to unsettle a woman interviewer.[am amazing sight] Villainy feels like the more creative outlet for him. And if Ander on feels self-important for that discovery, it's deserved.

...wonder if the director had some left over props from Boogie Nights? ;-)

Karen: In which area would the W10 designation of London be? by tube stop or named area would be helpful. W10 is "North Kensington". The only tube stop is Latimer Road. Never make the mistake of trying to walk from South Kensington to North Kensington - the areas are completely separate with other localities (e.g. Shepherds Bush, Holland Park) having grown up in between.

Thank you, Mark, for the directions and advice. Have found the tube stop. Our detailed London street guides don't extend that far west. I understand about the names. Here, it is a major drive to North Chicago (nearly in Wisconsin) and East Chicago (which is in Indiana). ;-)

(Karen) Haven't seen the movie yet, but thought it unbelievable that CD would be owner of a football team. Her youth is explained in that her father, recently deceased, was the long-time owner of the team. CD's character is the team's general manager. Ann Margret is terrific as her alcoholic mother. Am really interested to see how different it is and how despicable a character Ripley is. Several weeks ago, the NY Times magazine featured an in-depth analysis of the book vs. movie. I've sent hard copy to the recycle depot already, but perhaps it's available on-line if you're interested. Everytime she pops up, you know it's going to be a *crisis of identity* and will he or won't he be caught!! ;-) Thought this worked well during the opera sequence and afterward at the coffee house by the Spanish steps. Became predictable after that. Too much of a good thing is...too much. (Jana) I thought was really missing from Matt Damon's performance...was any gradation in manner or style when he was himself and when he was living as Dickie Greenleaf. True. At first I thought that Tom didn't necessarily want to be Dickie, he just wanted Dickie's things (all those shots of him with Dickie's clothes and jewelry). But then why wear Dickie's rings? What is bizarre is that Cruise acting phoney here--his best scenes--is identical to his acting sincere elsewhere. Tom can't catch a break (but then, he doesn't need to)!

Happy Birthday Vera!

My HAPPY BIRTHDAY greeting to you too, Vera

LONDON (Variety) - Director John Madden, making his first outing since "Shakespeare in Love," has committed to take the helm of the wartime romance "Captain Corelli's Mandolin." He replaces Roger Michell ("Notting Hill"), who suffered a heart attack late last year. Set on the Greek island of Cephalonia during the Italian occupation in World War II, the film stars Nicolas Cage as an Italian officer who charms the locals. It is based on Louis de Bernieres' bestselling novel. Shooting starts in April on the Greek island of Corfu.

At #212, Evelyn said Richard Curtis had had a heart attack. Evelyn, did you mix him up with Roger Michell? I must say I certainly hoped RC would do the BJD script, and he looked healthy enough on TV shortly before Christmas...

Evelyn, did you mix him up with Roger Michell? I think Evelyn is interviewing conservators today. ;-)

(Mark)Evelyn, did you mix him up with Roger Michell? Yes, I did. Sorry, Mark. Apologies to Richard Curtis...may he continue to enjoy good health. Well it starts with an "R" (Karen)I think Evelyn is interviewing conservators today. ;-) Smart-ass :-D

Sorry to change to subject but does anyone know if CF has his own calendar? Love to get a hold of one for my wall.

LOL. I just got the file name on the new pic of the tomato guy... "Are you happy evelyn?," indeed. Better be nice to me...I'm the only one the digihost gods like!

So we have noticed Evelyn. Must be your tolerance to pips!!!

Nancy re: Calendar I've never heard of there being a commercially available calendar. It doesn't strike me as something he would authorize (a pinup boy image...naw)

But surely...with all the cut 'n' pasting we do here, we could put one of those free calendars we got over the holidays and print out our favorite pix and paste'um into place, no? Make that cut 'n' pasteing (still does not look right but I am in telnet and nothing looks right!)

From the Evening Standard, excerpt from Alexander Walker's year in film: Culture Secretary Chris Smith will shortly boast that the audience for British-made movies is up to 15 per cent, maybe more. What he won't tell you is that the welcome increase is due almost entirely to a few films - such as Shakespeare in Love, the new Bond and the comedy Notting Hill - all financed by the Americans who, of course, cull the profits. East Is East is virtually the only authentic British-funded film to pull in big business. So much for the Lottery funding of films. A greater waste of nation l resources I have not seen in 40 years of reviewing. Doomed from the start, since films are a gamble not an investment - and so declared to be in a headline ("Lottery millions will be wasted") on an article I wrote in 1995 - this grandiose abuse of public money has produced neither art nor box-office. The year just ending showed the full, dreadful incompetence of Arts Council-aided funding. Plunkett and Macleane, Captain Jack, LA Without a Map, The Trench, Food of Love, The Last Yellow, Hold Back the Night ... each seemed worse than the last, if possible. The fact that the year's two worst films, Mad Cows and Guest House Paradiso, were British but not Lottery funded is the only thing in their favour. As is his usual practice when his master plan isn't working, Mr Smith gave it a new name. It's now called the British Film Council. But on it are some of the same people responsible for the calamitous decisions of Arts Council Lottery funding. The waste is likely to continue. Those rejoicing will be the financial service industries. Bankers, insurers and money merchants of all shades of honesty have been the main beneficiaries of New Labour's film planning. They have taken advantage of all legitimate - and some dubious - tax benefits, loopholes and gifts from Gordon Brown to enrich themselves by funding films that should never have been made and actually were simply because public money sweetened the pot; or because such movies could be converted into sale-andleaseback income; or set against taxes; or benefit their financiers from on of a half-dozen other wheezes thought up by film lawyers and accountants. The losers, the big losers, are the public who are seeing their Lottery money shelled out to part-pay for dreck. I can think of only three of this year's films with Lottery money in them that I care to remember: Gillies MacKinnon's Hideous Kinky, a soft-centred but touchingly confected tale of a happily feckless British mum (Kate Winslet) and her children living the drop-out life in Morocco; Lynn Ramsay's Ratcatcher, a study of a Glasgow childhood, darker in tone than Kes, but touched by the same transforming magic; and Peter Mullan's Orphans, a rebarbative black comedy made by the star of last year's My Name Is Joe Surely it's no accident that all three film-makers are Scottish. The Scots feel more than the English, and let it show.

This is from the E. Telegraph today: The 55-year-old star proposed to the actress, who is 25 years his junior, on New Year's Eve at his home in Aspen, Colorado. Like any modern Hollywood couple, the announcement was made on Douglas's personal web site. He said: "We plan to marry sometime this year. However, no date has been set. Check my website and you'll be among the first to know." Another creative way to use the website.

Surely it's no accident that all three film-makers are Scottish. The Scots feel more than the English, and let it show And that goes far to explain ODB's prodigious screen powers as well. He may have been born south of the wall, but with a name like Colin Firth, he's a Scot. That's the unassailable opinion of someone who's maiden name is Scott.

Forgot to say it is Michael Douglas and Catherine Z-J. (As if)

Thank you Karen...I have to agree with The Evening Standard.Even though JE and CF have been recipients of lottery money ....I think the British film industry should be funded by private capital...like ours.There is enough money in UK that should be invested in their own film industry.Look at the West End ...Shocking that they're letting all the American firms come in and buy up those theatres. Where are all the British moguls..the ones that appear on the Honours List?

Thanks for posting that ES article, Karen. Points made by Alexander Walker: 1. I was right 2. I told you so 3. There is no 3. Alexander's favorite Hollywood films: 1. Big Daddy 2. Deuce Bigelow, Male Gigolo 3. 1998's Armageddon I suppose if my own tax dollars were in question, I'd be more inclined to agree with his diatribe.

Ok...Karen was right...It happened. I've joined the club...can now only get in with numbers.Not only that but I'm on Explorer...Netscape won't let me in! ~~~~~~ Didn't really mean to cricize the Brit gov't for film -funding. Mind your own business, evelyn But I detect an aura of resentment on the part of the British maninstram media when reviewing the films that are so funded...and I wonder if their own tax dollars weren't involved, if the films would be judged more objectively. Anyway, that's IMO. And I probably shouldn't have any on this topic

(Evelyn) But I detect an aura of resentment on the part of the British maninstram media when reviewing the films that are so funded...and I wonder if their own tax dollars weren't involved, if the films would be judged more objectively. Excellent observation, Evelyn. You might be on to something.

(Evelyn) But I detect an aura of resentment on the part of the British maninstram media when reviewing the films that are so funded...and I wonder if their own tax dollars weren't involved, if the films would be judged more objectively. ******* But these people are professional critics/journalists. I wouldn't think that what has to be a very small proportion of their tax money would influence their reviews. Besides, some of the dogs he mentions got lousy reviews here too, from people who have no ax to grind. There was an interesting article in the Telegraph last week on the director Alan Parker, who is heading up the British Film Council that Walker mentions. According to Parker, the Lottery gravy train is going to stop until the scripts ge better. On another note, I saw The Green Mile last night. I absolutely loved it. Didn't expect to, but I did. Three+ hours long, but feels like only half that. Beautiful ensemble acting headed by Tom Always Terrific, and smartly written and directed by Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption). This is my fave of the year so far. Anyone else here seen it?

(Mari)Re: Green Mile"Anyone else here seen it? Not yet. Encouraging to know though that three hours of a prison movie didn't bore you. I saw "Magnolia".....interesting ...not for everyone.V. Robert Altman-like. Multi-character, multi-plot, multi-layered.Different incidents that take place in the lives of people all in one day.Get ready for another three hours! V. creative. Definitely not "same ole, same ole"! You'll never look at Tom Cruise the same again.Not Top Gun, not Jerry Maguire. In "Magnolia" this guy really proves he is an actor. I was v. impressed

Hey...Lookee, Lookee Today's New York Post, "Hope on the Horizon" by Clive Barnes (icon reviewer!) ... "There are also a few revivals in the definite offing -- notably, the terrific must-see revival (unless something has gone wrong on the transatlantic crossing) of Tom Stoppard's "The Real Thing" from London's Donmar Warehouse, staged by David Leveaux and starring Stephen Dillane and Jennifer Ehle. Don't be surprised if, come Tony time, Ehle finds herself vying with her mum, Rosemary Harris, from "Waiting in the Wings," for the Best Actress nod."

Tough television decision tonight. Showtime is airing a taped performance of Death of a Salesman with Brian Dennehey from its Broadway run. And then there's The David Cassidy Story. Should be griping and incisive. What to do, what to do?! ;-)

Watch Bramwell on Masterpiece Theatre. Saw the previews to the new Alan Parker film. Another film about ordinary people with no redeeming qualities, and he heads the British Film Council? A sad state of affairs. I guess nothing will be changing there too soon.

Watch Bramwell on Masterpiece Theatre. Watched a few of the first season. Didn't care for it. Another film about ordinary people with no redeeming qualities, and he heads the British Film Council? You mean, Angela's Ashes? About McCourt and his family? A lot of people bought the book. ;-)

You mean, Angela's Ashes? About McCourt and his family? A lot of people bought the book. Yes, ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Loads of stuff in Sunday Papers re "Angela's Ashes" the two stars are well known here (Robert Carlise and Emily Watson) also stuff about the "British are Coming" re Brits inclusion in G.G's and Oscars. Should find it online Sunday Times etc They do that article headline every so often and then nothing changes

More...."The British Are Coming"...Hey, they're even buying their theatres!! From my weekly British Theatre Newsletter: "It has just been announced Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Company has bought the Stoll-Moss Group for �85m. This puts the company, of which ALW is by far the majority shareholder, in control of 13 West End theatres.... Much of the West End is now controlled by the two big names in music theatre, ALW and Cameron Mackintosh, leading to fears among commentators that straight drama may be squeezed out. ~~~~~~ Hooray!Good for Sir Andrew.Investing his money in UK!

From The Times review of TTMR, I knew there was a reason I liked Dickie: ;-) Ripley's inaugural victim is Dickie Greenleaf, a rich scion living it up in jazz clubs in Italy. Stylishly played by Jude Law, Dickie is everything Ripley is not - rich, carefree, adored, fun. It's the reverse of Strangers on a Train. The victim is the charismatic flaneur; the hero is the dullard. And the victim disappears halfway through. Many reviewers have remarked on how Law would have made a better Ripley than Damon and vice versa. He's certainly the more compelling presence, with his languid silky menace. Damon is just too waspy, too tidy an actor, to be scarily unpredictable. It's the best example of backwards casting since Sliver, in which some bright executive decided Sharon Stone should play the simpering victim and Billy Baldwin the flinty sexual predator. ~~~~~ BTW, I've read nearly half the book and, at first, I thought maybe Minghella hadn't made that much of a change with Ripley's character. But, whoa, baby!! Dickie's murder: same location, but way different.

I loved Dickie and Jude Law was perfect. Plays rich/carefree/playboy very well. I do not think MD could have done it better. I did not care for him at all and I was not impressed with Gwynneth either. Kate Blanchett stole the scene each time. The film is very overrated. I could see why Minghella would be interested in doing it. The book certainly has many ideas and that is something very rare to find lately.

Karen, in the book, was Dickie's murder an accident?

The answer is in your email.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIDYA!!!

Happy Birthday, Lidya! I hope you have a great one. Alas, I can't get into Spring via Netscape in order to post a graphic, so... *imagine a nice, juicy pic of Darcy here* Caption: It is Lidya's birthday--take care you do not confuse her with my sister-in-law, Lydia...I wish you the happiest of days, Miss--er, Mrs. Lidya! All right, it loses something in translation, but the good intentions are there!

Happy Birthday Lidya! Have a Wonderful Day! :-)

Happy Birthday Lidya...IOU a card when I get back to Netscape too.Can't get in...am doing double posting with Explorer.

Happy Birthday Lidya!

Your wish is my command... (Cymbeline) but could you clarify a bit here? Festering and inclinations are not words I think of as logically juxtaposed to homosexual. You want logic! Oh my. You have to see Happy, Texas and Magnolia. Macy plays closet homosexual types and, with the way he plays most of his characters, everything festers. ;-)

Many reviewers have remarked on how Law would have made a better Ripley than Damon and vice versa. He's certainly the more compelling presence, with his languid silky menace. Damon is just too waspy, too tidy an actor, to be scarily unpredictable. I emphatically differ here. It's precisely b/c MD is so bland looking that he's so unpredictable as Ripley. JL's "languid silky menace", which is well said, is what would make him an obvious villain. He's got the same sort of thing the young Paul Newman had--you just look at his eyes, and you know he's thrillingly dangerous. That's what made him good in Wilde, but to make him the victim and MD the villain is both inspired casting and true to Highsmith's book. I think MD faithfully embodied her portra t of Ripley. He feels himself to be bland and inconsequential; that's why he's attracted to Dickie's compelling personality. If Dickie were bland and unlikeable what would be the point? And yet it's ineffectual Ripley who turns the action and rich, powerful, handsome Dickie who loses. It is true that the book is more complex than the movie and that both Dickie and Marge have been jazzed up a bit for the film, but I don't think they changed the tone of the book nor Ripley's character, and both versions are compelling b/c of the unusual drawings of the two antagonistic characters.

Lovely Birthday to you, Lidya!

but I don't think they changed the tone of the book nor Ripley's character I haven't read the book, but from what I've read about the book vs. movie, the conclusion is Minghella made some fundamental changes to Ripley's character (specifically, the movie's victimization of Ripley as well as the overt homosexual themes). What say you, Karen? Murph?

Thank you all for the good wishes. Birthdays are great fun when one has nice friends with whom to share them! ;~D (Eileen)*imagine a nice, juicy pic of Darcy here* Caption: It is Lidya's birthday--take care you do not confuse her with my sister-in-law, Lydia...I wish you the happiest of days, Miss--er, Mrs. Lidya! Ahh! There can be no better gift for me than Darcy. Thank you Eileen! I am afraid that indeed I can be confused with Mrs. Wickham, but that is only when I am panting and swooning for Mr. Darcy...

A very happy belated birthday to you Vera; I hope it was great and that you have a wonderful year! A more timely birthday greeting for you Lidya -- here's wishing you the absolute best in the coming year!

(Cymbeline) I think MD faithfully embodied her portrait of Ripley. He feels himself to be bland and inconsequential Can't argue that MD was bland...and so was Ripley in the book. However, the main difference I see is that Minghella has raised him up to be some kind of "lost boy" who shows shreds of a conscience. Nothing, absolutely nothing in the book (60%) to suppport that view. Ripley is one tough little cookie inside. He knows the ins and outs of the underbelly of society and has a criminal mind. He plots and plans, thinks quickly on his feet and uses people. What makes it even worse is that Ripley is not moti ated by his feelings for Dickie, but because he wants Dickie's things (material possessions). Overt homosexuality. Remember, the book was written in the 50s. Nothing overt possible. Ripley lived in a weird world, amongst people of dubious backgrounds. Marge tells Dickie that she thinks Tom is a "queer" and that's the beginning of the end of Tom and Dickie's relationship. Later in a letter to the dead Dickie, she says she thinks Tom is probably asexual. Yes, Minghella added more here, especially since the character Peter-Smith Kingsley was only a brief mention in the book and there was no rela ionship with Tom. About the reverse casting: The writer undoubtedly has seen JL in many more roles than we have in the US. He has a far greater range than MD and would IMO be as convincing as Ripley as he is Dickie. Wait until you see him as a vampire (with a conscience) in Wisdom of Crocodiles. ;-)

Happy Birthday Lidya

HAUOLI NA HANAU, LIGIA

(That's double dendrobium orchids...in two colors...)

From a Variety article on last year's indie films: While certainly no banner year for the specialty company from which everyone has come to expect the most, MIRAMAX FILMS and its genre label, Dimension, did rack up 10 Golden Globe noms and 1999 profits were roughly $80 million. Naysayers point to pics such as "Happy, Texas," "A Walk on the Moon," "Princess Mononoke," "eXistenZ," "The Castle," "Teaching Mrs. Tingle," "Mansfield Park" and "Music of the Heart" as underperformers, [where's MLSF?] and note that Miramax's days of slapping down high acquisition fees may be numbered. "We should have had a better year," Miramax co-chairman Harvey Weinstein said. "Sure, I spent too much at Sundance. I thought 'Music of the Heart' would be a winner and that 'Happy, Texas' would find an audience. [where's MLSF?] But what people don't realize is we're basically a fiscally conservative company. We know how to hedge our bets." But Mark Gill, Miramax's prexy of worldwide marketing, is less apologetic: "In 1999, we won with 'Shakespeare in Love' and 'Life Is Beautiful.' 'She's All That' played terrifically and we still have high Oscar hopes for 'An Ideal Husband,' 'Cider House Rules,' 'The Talented Mr. Ripley,' which we did with Paramount, and several other films." Marcy Granata, Miramax prexy of publicity, defended the mini-major from the charge that over the past year the company has abandoned its roots: "There used to be a notion floated out there that Miramax was abandoning the small film. Honestly, if you look at last year's slate, you'll see that the large and small films are nicely co-existing." Among the smallest pics on the 1999 Miramax slate � which Granata notes were bought "out of passion and not solely for profits" � were "My Son the Fanatic," Iranian pic "The Children of Heaven" and Sundance favorite "Guinevere." [where's MLSF?] Lessons learned from the year that was? "The single biggest lesson is that you have to be really careful about bidding wars," says Gill. "The second is that, unless you are Disney, family films like 'Music of the Heart' are tough to pull off." Next year, Miramax will reduce the number of pics it acquires and produces and, like the studios, favor pre-buys and co-productions. Still, Miramax execs expect that whatever perception lingers about its "troubled" year will dissipate in 2000, when the company will release roughly 30 films (nearly the same number as in 1999), including, from Dimension: "Scream 3," starring Neve Campbell, David Arquette and Courteney Cox Arquette, helmed by Wes Craven; "Deception," formerly "Reindeer Games," starring Ben Affleck, Gary Sinise and Charlize Theron, directed by John Frankenheimer; Keenan Ivory Wayans' "Scary Movie"; Gary Fleder's "Imposter, starring Sinise, Madeleine Stowe and Vincent D'Onofrio; and "Texas Rangers," starring James Van Der Beek, Dylan McDermott, Rachael Leigh Cook, Alfred Molina and Tom Skerritt, directed by Steve Miner.

None of those titles entice me in any way. There used to be a time when a Miramax Film meant something to me. "Princess Mononoke," got rave reviews and I would have taken my boys to see it but it is no longer around. "The Castle," was very funny and even DH liked it. "Mansfield Park," which I did not like, suffered from under-exposure. The others I may rent in due time. Their ommiting MLSF is outrageous, since it is the best film out of the whole lot mentioned. Miramax will reduce the number of pics it acquires and produces and, like the studios, favor pre-buys and co-productions. It looks as if they are going through an identity crisis.

(Moon) "The Castle," was very funny and even DH liked it. Am shocked!! Never, in a million years, would I have thought you'd like this one. Is YDH also a closet Three Stooges fan?

You forget we have three boys. ;-D DH loves Laurel&Hardy and the Marx Bros.

RE: MLSF being MIA. Relax. Be glad it wasn't in that first list of "underperformers." BTW, I saw 4 of them (Happy, Texas, A Walk On The Moon, Mansfield Park, and Music Of The Heart) and liked them all. And, the way I'm reading this, the second and third references are to films which Miramax bought (i.e., spent too much money for)from other production companies--not their own productions. Mr. Ripley: agree with you, Cymbeline. The two leads were perfectly cast. I still get a bit of a chill when I think of Damon's toothy smile that lasts just a bit too long. You know this guy has some screws loose, without resorting to "look, ma, I'm crazy" histrionics. I read the full article and this guy's main beef seems to be that Minghella is no Hitchcock. I say: picky, picky, picky.;-) The Sunday Times review, on the other hand, was very favorable for the film and the actors. Happy belated bithday to Lidya! Mari

(Mari) RE: MLSF being MIA. Relax. Be glad it wasn't in that first list of "underperformers."/.../ the second and third references are to films which Miramax bought Good points.

I would have liked to have seen MLSF listed under the out of passion and not solely for profits category instead of underperformers. How about a new category Harve:"Oops, I forgot"..."Starved"....."Stealth"... ~~~~~~ Miramax will reduce the number of pics it acquires and produces and, like the studios, favor pre-buys and co-productions. Hope for "Londinium" and RV.

(Evelyn) Hope for "Londinium" and RV. Why? Those would be acquisitions as they are done (RV) or nearly so (L). (Mari) this guy's main beef seems to be that Minghella is no Hitchcock. True, and why should he be? Thought that was a ridiculous argument he was making. If Minghella had done TTMR as Hitchcock, he would have been crucified for being unoriginal. ;-) (Moon) DH loves Laurel&Hardy and the Marx Bros. B-b-but these people were the equivalent of trailer trash. ;-)

Happy belated Birthday Lidya! May all your panting and swooning wishes come true ;-)

(Evelyn)How about a new category Harve:"Oops, I forgot"..."Starved"....."Stealth"... And the *winner* gets a 22-reel salute!;-)

Miramax will reduce the number of pics it acquires and produces and, like the studios, favor pre-buys and co-productions. Evelyn) Hope for "Londinium" and RV. (Karen)Why? Those would be acquisitions as they are done (RV) or nearly so (L). ~~~~ Well, I read that pics it acquires and produces, like the studios(one phrase) means where they "acquire" the book/script and then produce. Then "pre-buys"is buying a film that has already been made. I dunno'...I guess wishful thinking..."any port in a storm...."

(Mari) this guy's main beef seems to be that Minghella is no Hitchcock. (Karen), True, and why should he be? Thought that was a ridiculous argument he was making. If Minghella had done TTMR as Hitchcock, he would have been crucified for being unoriginal. ;-) Otherwise, the critics would not have anything to say. I loved "Stranger on the Tain," and must say Hitchcock did a fantastic job. (Moon) DH loves Laurel&Hardy and the Marx Bros. (Karen), B-b-but these people were the equivalent of trailer trash. ;-) Well they dressed and spoke (except Harpo), in a different manner. Back then, IMO, trailer trash tried to improve themselves, now, it seems to be glorified in the movies.

Thank you CherylB, Lucie, and Mari! Marcia, I shall proudly wear my beautiful lei (my mother wants one, btw), and Gi, I hope my genie grants me more than just three wishes... ;~D They all start with the letter D...

Lidya, for your mother, I am delighted to present (and all mothers should get flowers on their child's birthday!)

I am wondering what your wishes are, Lidya... And I also like the Marx Bros (esp. Groucho):-)

(Mari) I still get a bit of a chill when I think of Damon's toothy smile that lasts just a bit too long. I think the effect may be due to genetics; it would appear that Matt Damon was spawned from the same gene pool which produced the Osmonds and Julia Roberts. His teeth are huge. When Matt Damon smiles he could frighten an entire family of beavers. As to why certain reviewers and critics the need for reverse casting between Damon and Jude Law; this is may well be due to the casting in the first screen adaptation of "The Talented Mr. Ripley", an early '60's French film titled "Purple Noon". This is the movie in which introduced Alain Delon to an international audience. He would then go on to strengthen his position as an international film star by next doing the classic film "Rocco and His Brothers". Jude Law is certainly more comparable to Delon than is Matt Damon. Also, and more importantly, Dickie Greenleaf is Jude Law's breakout performance, much as Tom Ripley was Alain Delon's. My thoughts on inverse casting are that Jude Law could have very easily played Tom Ripley, while Matt Damon would have been much less successful as Dickie. Jude Law really floored me. Yes, I had been impressed by him in "Gattaca" and "Wilde", even "Shopping". I also saw (quite a bit, make that all of) him in "Indiscretions" on Broadway. His performances are always good. In "The Talented Mr. Ripley" it was a fight to the finish as to which was more scenic -- Italy or Jude Law. He looks that good and what an ACTOR.

Someone posted a question here a couple of weeks ago about the celebrity 1000. They still have the same months up but the cout is in through December 17, if you check the polls

(Mari) Mr. Ripley: agree with you, Cymbeline. The two leads were perfectly cast. I still get a bit of a chill when I think of Damon's toothy smile that lasts just a bit too long. Yep. Love Jude, thought he was great as Dickie, thought Bosie was his breakout role as well as harder to play than Dickie. Thought Ripliey was a more demanding role than Dickie, thought Jude and Matt were each in the right place. Thought they played off each other beautifully. Hoping the Academy feels the same on Feb 15.

(CherylB)...it would appear that Matt Damon was spawned from the same gene pool which produced the Osmonds and Julia Roberts. His teeth are huge. When Matt Damon smiles he could frighten an entire family of beavers. ROTFLOL!

(Lucie) ...if you check the polls No polls, I beg you...no polls!

Actually I don't think that Bosie was a breakout role, but that Dickie is. Why? Because Dickie introduces Jude Law to a much wider (i.e., mainstream) audience than did Bosie. "Wilde" was an arthouse film and as such had a limited appeal. "The Talented Mr. Ripley" is a major studio/major market venture, which introduces Law to a much broader audience. Also, I feel that Dickie offered Law much more to do than did Bosie. The best supporting part, from standpoint of the screenplay, in "Wilde" was had by M chael Sheen. Ripley might possibly be a more difficult part than Dickie, but I think Jude Law would have brought more nuance to it. I still think that Matt Damon would have been badly cast as Dickie Greenleaf, as he is not a particularly subtle actor, Dickie would have come off as all surface, a characature rather than a character. Damon's too apparent, bowlderizing charm works for Ripley; it would not work for Dickie. Matt Damon is a good actor, but not a fine one, as he has a limited range. Jude Law is easily the better actor; he dominates "The Talented Mr. Ripley". It is his movie, even though his character dies halfway through the film. This is also the movie that will make Law an international star, hence it is his breakout role.

Re polls. I only put that message up because someone had asked. Soory if I offended you. I just go back to lurking.