OK, I don't follow the antics of Sean Penn, but being a bad boy in one's personal life isn't what I was referring to. Carrey has to earn Hollywood's respect. It takes time to be recognized for your serious work when making the transition from schlocky big grossing movies or television. Look how long it took Spielberg. His films are among the highest grossing of all time, yet they were regularly snubbed by the Academy for any nominations. Carrey goes out of his way to antagonize them and probably (although I wouldn't know for sure) doesn't do enough to curry their favor. IMO he needs a new publicist and strategy for making nice with the powers that be. And I do have my personal favorites for two that I would drop off the Best Actor list to make way for Carrey. One is Farnsworth. Moon, while I did like elements of The Staight Story, certain things (the predictability and platitudes) drove me nuts. If he told another story with *deep* meaning that would change a stranger's life, I wouldn't have been able to handle it. There were good things in the film however, but I wouldn't call Farnsworth's performance exceptionally great. Matt Damon? I don't doubt Harvey's ability to stage an effective campaign. Thank goodness, it didn't get rolling.

Look at this attempted sexy pose of Sam Mendes from The Guardian: LOL!

(Gi) Was Harvey ill when MLSF was being shown in the US? LOL! My thoughts exactly, Gi. What was the excuse then?;-) I *do* think he tried to give it a good send off by getting it featured at the AMFAR benefit in Cannes (after it was turned down for the Cannes program itself). The film just didn't catch on at that point, I suppose, and they backed other horses. Moon) Marlon Brando, I think is the ultimate Oscar bad boy and he has been nominated a few times (way overrated actor), although I once had an acting teacher who thought he was God). I always had the impression that Brando was so revered because he was the first/one of the first to bring Method acting to the big screen (as opposed to it staying in the New York theater world). Colin praised him (yes--in an interview, Arami!;-), though of course that should not sway us, Moon.;-) I'll look through my stash and see if I can find the article. His work in the Godfather was, IMO, awesome. (Karen) And I do have my personal favorites for two that I would drop off the Best Actor list to make way for Carrey. One is Farnsworth. Who is the other? I wasn't referring to Sean Penn's personal life, about which I know little other than he used to be Mr. Madonna.;-) I was thinking about the tantrums he threw when Fox wouldn't send him on a private jet last year to promote Thin Red Line. Imagine that--expected him to fly commercial with us slobs!;-) ;-) Then there were his and Alec Baldwin's very public criticisms of Nicholas Cage--attacking him for abandoning his roots as a serious actor and doing action flicks for the money. So Carrey has poked fun at not getting nommed last year. So what? It wasn't done in a nasty way, and the guy always shows up at the Oscars (viewed as supporting the industry)--unlike other actors who don't show their faces unless they're nommed. As far as having to prove oneself in a serious body of work before getting nommed, I think there is some element of that, but there are lots of departures from that this year. Hilary Swank is one, and there are several in the supporting categories.

Here's the link to the Newsweek article Mari referenced, about everyone's favorite piggy man: http://www.newsweek.com/nw-srv/printed/us/ae/a16574-2000feb20.htm (Gi )Was Harvey ill when MLSF was being shown in the US? (Moon) Yes, Gi, go back a few posts. Harvey didn't become ill until after Christmas when MLSF was wrapping up its US run (since opening in July). I got a kick out of this: I think somehow Bob and I have both become figures [of speculation] because we defy the rules. We stand up for the, you know, with the rank and file. We're more [like] them than the studio executives who govern. There is a tremendous amount of jealousy in the executive ranks. We hang with the talent. We hang with the technicians. We're just as friendly with the cameraman and the production designer as we are with the stars... He may hang with the little people but he always struck me as the quintissential 'studio exec who governs'.

(Mari) and they backed other horses. That "other horse" was Outside Providence, another early summer release, positioned as a coming-of-age film made by that madcap team, the Farrelly (sp?) Bros. It bombed, but was aggressively promoted by Miramax. The marketing was a blatant attempt to mislead the public by emphasizing the huge success of Farrelly's "There's Something About Mary." (Mari) Who is the other? I'll keep it to myself, as there are many here who like him very much. Is that enough of a hint? (Mari) there are lots of departures from that this year. Hilary Swank is one, and there are several in the supporting categories. Swank is an exception, but she benefitted from the overall praise the indie film received at the hands of the nation's critics. The Supporting Actor category is where new and old have equal standing - that's why predicting its winner has proven so difficult. Such huge surprises in it. Best Actor/Actress seem more predictable. But what do I know, writing from Cowtown. ;-) He may hang with the little people but he always struck me as the quintissential 'studio exec who governs'. Am spinning from the spin. ;-) Yeah, all us rank and file regularly jet back and forth on the Concorde, where we smoke in the lavs, and then rent an island in NY's harbor for parties.

(Mari) The film just didn't catch on at that point, I suppose, and they backed other horses. You may have something there, Mari. The local Miramax guy said there was a definite schedule for MLSF including press screenings and scheduled city releases. Then...everything was retracted.Let's face it, it didn't have universal appeal...some places it did well, but others it bombed. I will be v. eager to see what it does in UK...that's their kind of film.

(Mari)Colin praised him (yes--in an interview, Arami!;-) When, where, how??? Be an angel, jog my memory, please...

Brando might have been good in The Godfather, but as a young actor, he was a terrible. His Stanley in SND made me laugh. Method acting is very overrated and I dearly hope ODB thinks so too. You can see De Niro and Pacino now and all they do is repeat those same old feelings. ;-) Thanks Eileen for posting the Harvey interview.

Colin strikes me as very much a Method actor, but haven't we had this discussion before? ;-)

Colin strikes me as very much a Method actor Ditto - with a slight correction: an intelligent and dedicated actor. I'd even risk saying "passionate" if I knew no one would attempt to turn it into a silly joke...

(Karen) That "other horse" was Outside Providence, Actually, I was thinking about An Ideal Husband, which was moved into MLSF's more favorable mid-June slot, and MLSF got yanked back to late July/early August. Same target audience. They promoted the hell out of AIH--I'm surmising it was well-received by the press at Cannes; recall that it was, inexplicably IMO, accepted as the closing night film. Right after is when MLSF got yanked back and put on the back burner, promotion-wise. (Karen) I'll keep it to myself, as there are many here who like him very much. Is that enough of a hint? No, as I have no idea who people like here, but that's ok. I wouldn't want to contribute to the hurt feelings of some ultra-sensitive soul who might be devastated by one person's subjective and honestly-felt opinion that their boy's performance was nothing to crowe about.;-) ;-) But what of the Straight Story proponents? Hath not a Farnsworth fan feelings?;-) I found the Brando quote. It's from the March 19--26, 1997 Time Out: Firth has mixed feelings about the Method school of approach. "It's difficult to assess an actor's ability. It can be a conjuring trick. It doesn't depend on internals. I remember the story about Marlon Brando being asked what was going through his head at the climax to 'On The Waterfront.' Brando said he kept thinking: 'I'm so glad this movie is over.' Would anyone without Brando's talent have the same effect? I doubt it." So there it is. I have no idea what it means.;-)

(Mari) Actually, I was thinking about An Ideal Husband, which was moved into MLSF's more favorable mid-June slot, and MLSF got yanked back to late July/early August. Very true, AIH did bump MLSF out of the picture and took a huge chunk out of Harv's marketing budget. The rest of the money went for pushing Outside Providence (premiered August 16)--and Alec did his thing. MLSF had "word of mouth" advertising. (Mari) So there it is. I have no idea what it means.;-) LOL!

(Mari) So there it is. I have no idea what it means.;-) It seems to me he is expressing doubts about Method Acting, therefore it is not the way he works. :-)

I have no idea what it means.;-) Easy. His acting depends on internals. ;-)

This snippet from The Times intrigued me. What pray tell is a Mars Bar? I know what American Mars Bars are. ;-) ~~~~~~~~ THE deep-fried Mars Bar is synonymous with everything that has made Glasgow the bad food capital of Britain (Magnus Linklater writes). The deep-fried Mars bar, which originated in Stonehaven, helps to account for the fact that the West of Scotland has the highest incidence of heart disease, cancer and strokes, the worst teeth and the lowest life expectancy in the developed world.

Did we need to know that, Karen? ;-) Interesting article plus interview on Jude Law in The Telegraph today. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=001182080732013&rtmo=aNxppXeL&atmo=aNxppXeL&pg=/et/00/2/24/tljude24.html Makes a big point about being a British actor instead of an American movie star.

Looks like they may just be batter-dipped, deep-friend Mars Bars - nothing horrendous. Hey, fried ice cream is good.

The Scottish chef at the Parisian restaurant in question is also serving "chocolate-filled ravioli" and "chicken in 7-Up"

The deep-fried Mars bar, Isn't that what Lucy brings Sandy in the hospital in DQ?

Chocolate-filled ravioli have been around for awhile. v.v.g. chicken in 7-Up" While that may sound ridiculous, those types of sodas have long been used as a basting liquid for roasted turkey (or any fowl); takes the fowlness out.

I have just received an announcement of the Donmar Gala in New York on April 5, 2000 with the cast of TRT.... Major Benefactor Tale for Ten at $15,000 Benefactor Table for Ten at $10,000. Patron Table for Ten $5,000 ~~~~ Benefit Tickets Benefactor Ticket $1,000 Patron Ticket $500. ~~~~~~~~~ I think they escalatd their ticket prices a bit for the US market ;-)

I thing Richard Farnsworth could very well be the spoiler in the Best Actor race. Weird things can and have happened on Oscar night. (Juliette Binoche winning Best Supporting Actress over Lauren Bacall. You know that Binoche voted for Bacall.) Farnsworth could be an upset winner. The Academy is sentimental, and Farnsworth is one of the oldest nominees ever. Richard Farnsworth also has deep root in Hollywood; he was a stuntman in the 1930's. I thought his performance in "The Straight Story" delightful, wonderfully underplayed. You didn't catch him acting. I actually prefer him over Kevin Spacey, whom I feel was miscast in "American Beauty". Kevin Spacey's character looses it, no big surprise there. Spacey, like James Woods, always seems a little nuts, so casting him as someone falling apart just isn't very interesting. I would have liked to have seen Gary Sinise in the role. He would have done a great arching slow burn into self-destruction.

From Baz Bamigboye in today's Daily Mail: Spanish beauty Penelope Cruz has won the role in the movie of the best-selling novel, Captain Corelli's Mandolin.

Sorry - that should be won the role of the heroine in the movie

Penelope Cruz a good choice. Saw her in All About My Mother not too long ago.

Penelope Cruz a good choice. Yeah--they need a great Pelagia to offset Cage's casting as Correlli. Yuk.

(Eileen) Yeah--they need a great Pelagia to offset Cage's casting as Correlli. Yuk. Jeez, Eileen, now you're sounding like Sean Penn.;-) I haven't read Correlli, but would be interested to know why you think Nic is wrong for it. (He *is* Eye-talian, and he does speaka the language--not sure if that's needed for the part though). Cheryl, I'm glad to see someone speak up for Farnsworth (I haven't seen the film yet, mind you, but I like to see everyone represented;-) I did like Spacey very much in AB, and I guess I viewed his character as not so much nuts, but just as someone who's been pushed to his limit. Granted, it is a satire, and frankly I don't know anyone wound up as much as Bening's character, and I don't have any neighbors' kids videotaping through the blinds (hmmm . . .at least I don't think so;-) but I thought there was a real element of reality and truth in Spacey's character. When he applies for the job in the fast-food restaurant and the kid tells him, jeez, you're overqualified, you wouldn't have any responsibility here, Spacey/Lester tells him that's exactly what I'm looking for--no responsibility whatsoever. I think we've all felt that way occasionally--I know I have! Anyway, I agree with you on Gary Sinise--superb actor.

Mari), interested to know why you think Nic is wrong for it. (He *is* Eye-talian, and he does speaka the language--not sure if that's needed for the part though). I agree with Eileen. I do not think he has the physique du role. Plus I am tire of him. Are you sure he speaks Italian or he speaks a generational Sicilian dialect he got from his grandparents?

(Karen)Colin strikes me as very much a Method actor Forgive me my deep ignorance but what really is Method acting? And anybody please give me some good examples of how it shows in Colin�s work.( Just one of those things I�ve always wanted to know and never dared to ask :)

Elena, go to this website: http://www.theatrgroup.com/Method/ Lots of information. Look especially under The Actor's Studio, Strasberg, Stanislavski, and History. When you click on Strasberg's name, you will get the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institue, click on "Definition of Acting."

(Moon) Are you sure he speaks Italian or he speaks a generational Sicilian dialect he got from his grandparents? I saw him on a talk show several months back (maybe Leno) and he said he was taking Italian lessons. He was asked if he spoke any and he said yes, but he wanted to improve. I'd imagine the lessons he was taking weren't in Sicilian dialect.;-) But who knows, maybe Uncle Francis has a Part 4 in the works.;-)

(Mari) I haven't read Correlli, but would be interested to know why you think Nic is wrong for it. Read the book, then we'll talk. :-P Loved, loved, loved dear Nic in Moonstruck. He certainly deserved the Oscar for LLV. I haven't really liked him in anything else, though my DH and I have a running gag about 'put the buhn-neh back in the box'. Snake Eyes (even with Sinese) and 8MM (even with James Gandolfini): blecch.

He was pitiful in "City of Angels" with Meg Ryan.He has that "horsey" kinda face and gets that gets a weird look when he tries to be moony.Maybe he needs to take method acting lessons when he's brushing up on his Italian.

Guessn we're going to have to try harder or get ourselves a publicist! Read on: Dame Judi's fans fly in Dench and Palmer have a huge US fanbase More than 50 American fans of the hit BBC sitcom As Time Goes By - who met via the internet - have made a pilgrimage to see the show recorded in London. for rest of article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/entertainment/newsid_656000/656841.stm

LOL Firthfans are even better than that. We went two times ...to see the same show..at twice the price.

Well, CF sure knows about his devoted pilgrimagers (pilgrims?) since he availed himself to all of you, found out the ends of the earth from which you came, etc. Had to chuckle at the publicity surrounding 3DOR around Olivier-nom time though--everyone thinks the run was sold out due to the play. Nothing against Greenberg, but I wanted to shout (James Carville style) "it's the star, stupid."

....everyone thinks the run was sold out due to the play. Actually, everything at the Donmar sells out.They do excellent productions, at less than West End prices, and only have to sell 250 tickets per performance.

From "This is London": Interview with Anthony Minghella: "What did you do the last time you were in Soho? I went to a screening at Mr Young's on D'Arblay Street." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sorry we missed ya' Tony;-)

*hee hee* Do you think he got up and served the coffee? ;-) Did anyone watch the show Grapevine that started tonight. The lead actor Steven Eckholdt (from that Valleyspeak-named show) bears an uncanny resemblance to Colin. What do you think? Interesting part about tonight's show was its use of the Emma plotline. There was even a dance and no one would dance with the poor girl, except our gallant Mr. Knightly here. :-)

Here's the webpage for the new show. Check out what the girl on the left is saying. :-) http://www.cbs.com/network/tvshows/mini/grapevine/

I am not so sure Karen. I guess I will have to see him in Regency dress before I can decide. ;-) Saw the previews to High Fidelity and was v. disappointed. :-(( It is nothing as I had imagined. The way JC plays it (a bit overdone was out of character), the actors picked who work in the record shop, and the music...I guess NH took the money and ran.

I watched Grapevine. I liked it. (Kristy Swanson is the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer). I laughed loud at the Emma plotline. Poor Elena, and she went back to her old boyfriend. The Mr. Elton character (cuter, than Elton, those blue eyes!). I liked it. Shows promise!

Did anyone in the UK follow At Home with the Braithwaites? My tape ran out before the end, and Anna is on my case to find out how it ended.

Miramax Films has closed a million-dollar deal for the film rights to tyro novelist David Liss� �A Conspiracy of Paper.� Book, published earlier this month by Random House, is a mystery thriller set against the backdrop of early 18th century London and the burgeoning stock exchange. ~~~~~~~~~~ Hmmmm :-)

The lead actor Steven Eckholdt ... bears an uncanny resemblance to Colin. What do you think? In the serious one he does. In the smiley one he looks like Jonathan.

The happy guy looks like Kevin Anderson. Serious guy resembles CF, but has Rupert hair.;-) Speaking of which, Moon, Rupert will on the Today Show tomorrow. I've read a couple of decent Internet reviews for Next Best Thing.

When did Rupert become our mascot? He is not my Mr. Rupert. ;-) Karen, you did start this did you not? I did enjoy the previews for Next Best Thing and will see it (w/out DH). I am still fuming about High Fidelity. In Miami, Grapevine got rave reviews, but I did not watch. Sorry I missed HF this morning. Is she going to be on any other show?

Karen, you did start this did you not? Everyone blames me for everything. ;-) maybe I did? maybe I didn't

Well Moon...you were touting him last summer for his role in AIH.Said he should win the BAFTA ( He was nominated for the EFA for that role, however). The rest of us were cheering for JN.

Evelyn, he was good in AIH and he is consistently good. But RE over JN? Not from my lips!

I liked RE in AIH. He had the funniest lines. JN was great too. Still have to see The Winslow Boy.

BAFTA Nominations Best Film: American Beauty, East is East, The End of the Affair, The Sixth Sense, The Talented Mr Ripley. Best Achievement in Direction: Pedro Almodovar (All About My Mother), Sam Mendes (American Beauty), Neil Jordan (The End of the Affair), M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense), Anthony Minghella (The Talented Mr Ripley). Outstanding British Film of the year: East is East, Notting Hill, Onegin, Ratcatcher, Topsy Turvey, Wonderland. Best Original Screenplay: All About My Mother, American Beauty, Being John Malkovich, The Sixth Sense, Topsy Turvy. Best Adapted Screenplay: An Ideal Husband, East is East, The End of the Affair,The Talented Mr Ripley. Performance by an Actress in a leading role: Linda Bassett (East is East), Annette Bening (American Beauty), Julianne Moore (The End of the Affair ), Emily Watson (Angela's Ashes). Performance by an Actor in a leading role: Jim Broadbent (Topsy Turvy), Russell Crowe (The Insider), Ralph Fiennes (The End of the Affair), Om Puri (East is East), Kevin Spacey (American Beauty). Performance by an Actress in a supporting role: Thora Birch (American Beauty), Cate Blanchett (The Talented Mr Ripley), Cameron Diaz (Being John Malkovich), Maggie Smith (Tea with Mussolini), Mena Suvari (American Beauty). Performance by an Actor in a supporting role: Wes Bentley (American Beauty), Michael Caine (Cider House Rules), Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill), Jude Law (The Talented Mr Ripley), Timothy Spall (Topsy Turvy). The Anthony Asquith Award for Achievement in Film Music: American Beauty, Buena Vista Social Club, The End of the Affair, The Talented Mr Ripley. Film Not in the English Language: All About My Mother, Buena Vista Social Club, Festen, Run Lola Run. Cinematography: American Beauty, Angela's Ashes, The End of the Affair, The Matrix, The Talented Mr Ripley. Production Design: American Beauty, Angela's Ashes, The End of the Affair, The Matrix, Sleepy Hollow. Costume Design: An Ideal Husband, The End of the Affair, Sleepy Hollow, Tea With Mussolini. Editing: American Beauty, Being John Malkovich, The Sixth Sense, The Matrix. Sound: American Beauty, Buena Vista Social Club, The Matrix, Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace. Achievement in Special Visual Effects: A Bugs Life, The Matrix, The Mummy, Sleepy Hollow, Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace. Makeup/Hair: American Beauty, An Ideal Husband, The End of the Affair, Topsy Turvy. Most Promising Newcomer in British Film: Justin Kerrigan (Human Traffic), Ayub Khan Din (East is East), Kirk Jones (Waking Ned), Lynne Ramsey (Ratcatcher).

From Variety: In another case of a female British author getting wealthy off of Hollywood, Warner Bros. has paid Robyn Sisman high six figures upfront for �Just Friends,� a romantic comedy to be produced by David Heyman. Deal contains bestseller bonuses for the novel that push the payday past $1 million � and significantly more if the film gets made. It was a preemptive tally strong enough to end the bidding before it really got started. Novel will be published by Penguin U.K. Deal also comes as Universal and Working Title gear up for production on the screen adaptation of Brit author Helen Fielding�s bestseller �Bridget Jones� Diary,� with Renee Zellweger in the title role. �Just Friends� is a romantic comedy in which a guy and a girl who are best friends decide to shack up platonically. Romantic sparks ensue, but by the time both acknowledged them, he�s slept with the stepsister she loathes, and they part company in a loud breakup.

Am disappointed TWB did not receive BAFTA recognition or JN. Thanks Karen for the list.

Thanks for the BAFTA list, Karen. Question: Does anyone know who nominates? Some of these nominees (e.g., Michael Caine) are for films that haven't opened in the UK yet. Nice to see them recognize the kids from American Beauty, especially Bentley, who were ignored in the Oscars. A few of the other picks are horrendous, though, IMO.

From the L.A. Times Indie Films Hope to Find Life on the Auction Block Movies * At a black-tie event, 15 films will (hopefully) go to the highest bidders. Backers hope to open up the ways in which movies are sold. By RICHARD NATALE, Special to The Times If the selling of independently made movies has become a major rat race, Chicago entertainment attorney Hal Kessler hopes he's come up with a better mousetrap: Auctioning off new films to the highest bidders. Friday, Kessler's recently formed Art in Motion will attempt to sell 15 independently made films at a Films4Auction black-tie event conducted by the William Doyle Galleries at Los Angeles' Bel Age Hotel. The auction will also be simulcast on the Internet by Flixnetwork.com. No one has ever tried to sell movies at an auction like this. (There were bankruptcy auctions for Orion Pictures' "The Addams Family" and other films as well as Carolco Pictures' properties, including sequel rights to movies like "Terminator 2" to various companies.) But Kessler and his partners, producers Ricardo del Rio and Ramiro Gonzalez, think that if everything from Marilyn Monroe's dresses to Disney animation cels can be put on the block, they argue, why not feature-length films? Since Art in Motion was announced last fall in the film industry trades, Kessler and his partners received more than 50 submissions, narrowing it down to a manageable 15 films that were deemed to be both credible and salable. They include comedies, dramas, documentaries and even a foreign-language film title--with production budgets ranging from $100,000 to $2 million. While some of the films have been shopped to distributors previously, few of them have been seen widely, and two are world premieres. Screenings at the Nuart and NuWilshire theaters and Raleigh Studios began Tuesday and will continue through Thursday, with each film being shown twice. "It's an interesting concept," says Nick Stiliades, general manager of the Canadian foreign sales company S Entertainment. "After all, EBay seems to be working." And, Stiliades reasons, there are often bidding wars for movies and scripts. Why not concentrate it into the period of an evening? The idea for an auction, according to Kessler, was born out of frustration with the very limited way in which movies are currently sold. Kessler, who has been executive producer on two independent films--1994's "The Sum of Us" starring Russell Crowe and the more recent "Finding North" starring John Benjamin Hickey (both of which were released theatrically)--is aware of the difficulty of finding distribution for independently financed movies. "The struggle is monumental," says Kessler, who estimates that of the approximately 2,500 independent films made each year, only about 40 or 50 receive any kind of distribution. Most of them are sold via screenings at the major film festivals--Sundance, Toronto, Cannes. But not all festival films are picked up for theatrical distribution. Some genre films--usually action or suspense and, in some cases, comedies with higher-profile casts--also sometimes get picked up. Everything else falls between the cracks, dashing the hopes of both investors and fledgling filmmakers. Kessler finds it hard to believe that all those orphan films are without merit. Even if some titles aren't appropriate for U.S. theatrical distribution, with the increased appetite for product on foreign cable and satellite systems, more films should be able to find some kind of audience. Another problem with the current system is the arcane and byzantine manner of motion picture accounting, which is daunting to inexperienced producers. "When you have a simple seven-page sales contract for a film accompanied by a 37-page definition of what constitutes net profits, something is wrong," Kessler says. What Art in Motion is attempting with Films4Auction is to simplify the process. Films will be sold outright "at a fair market value," rather than having the distributor pick the movie up for what amounts to a long-term lease, which is how independently made films are sold today. "This way the distributor owns the movie and doesn't have to account or report to the producers. The fair market will dictate the price he pays. And then it's his." For the films that sell, producers will pay a 20% fee, split between Doyle Galleries and Art in Motion. The filmmakers participating in the auction are realistic about their chances, but willing to take the risk. Karchi Perlmann, who produced the dark comedy "Rose's," about an interracial friendship, is hoping the auction will succeed where his other efforts have failed. "Rose's" has played several film festivals including Houston, the Hamptons and Boston, and has been shopped to distributors. "Even though it performs well with audiences, nobody has wanted to buy it yet," Perlmann says. He suspects that none of the real decision-makers at a particular company have even seen the film. "It probably stopped with a 25-year-old junior executive." The auction will attract worldwide buyers in town for the American Film Market, who will perhaps better understand the films' marketable qualities. Perlmann would like to sell it and just move on. But, he admits, "it's a long shot. I know how distributors think." Writer-director-producer Nur Nur Cummings, whose relationship comedy "Only in L.A." premiered at the traveling Angel City Film Festival this month, has only shown the film's trailer to distributors since completing post-production six months ago. He has held back, he says, because he hasn't got the money to create promotional materials and rent screening rooms and invite buyers. He spent it all on the movie. For him, the publicity surrounding the auction offers an inexpensive way to draw attention to his film. "It gives me a much higher profile than I could do myself," Cummings says. "An auction is an unusual idea, but my film's unusual." The writer-director of "Killing Cinderella," Lisa Abbatiello, has chosen the auction as the film's world premiere. The romantic comedy is one of the few films that actually has a fairly well-known name in the cast, Jessica Capshaw, the actress daughter of Kate Capshaw. Abbatiello decided the film festival route was not right for her movie, which despite its limited budget is a conventional Hollywood comedy. "The auction offers more potential distributors who might be willing to buy it for cable or video," Abbatiello says. "The story is actually a good basis for a sitcom." If her film doesn't sell, Abbatiello is prepared to take a "more personal route, going door to door." Although they endorse the concept of an auction, some buyers are questioning the timing--right on the heels of AFM--when they're likely to be suffering battle fatigue. But it could actually work, Stiliades says, especially if he finds nothing to buy at AFM and doesn't want to go home empty-handed. His main problem is that he deems many of the minimum bids "unrealistic" and hopes the filmmakers can be persuaded to sell their films at a lower price if there are no bites at the auction. Seth Nagel, director of theatrical and ancillary acquisitions for USA Films, was also enthused by the idea of an auction, but was hoping for a better selection. He says he's "underwhelmed" by most of the titles, few of which he thinks have a chance theatrically. "Most [of the films] have been around for a while and we've already seen a number of them," Nagel says. Still, if the price is right he might pick something up for USA's cable or home video divisions. "I know there are movies out there that, if they were available at a price, people would buy. And who knows, maybe there's a gem in there." Kessler has no illusions that all the films will sell. Even just one would be a start, three or four would be terrific. "Even if we sell only a few movies, we will be instantly credible and create a venue that never existed before," he says. "We had three objectives," he says. "The first was to get sufficient product, and we did. The second was to have value, and we believe we have more than enough. The third is whether people will buy. We're not going to know the answer to that until March 3."

He suspects that none of the real decision-makers at a particular company have even seen the film. "It probably stopped with a 25-year-old junior executive." Oh Mari, isn't that pathetic! And how true...

Good article, Mari. I'd read about the auction before in news items in the trades, when they were advertising for submissions.

...few of them have been seen widely, and two are world premieres. Now that would be embarassing...to have your World Premiere at a film auction! ~~~~~~~~ "Most [of the films] have been around for a while and we've already seen a number of them," Do you think he's talking about our SLOW? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ... rather than having the distributor pick the movie up for what amounts to a long-term lease, which is how independently made films are sold today. So even after a distributor picks up a film, he's till "wedlocked" to the producer?No wonder they're so cautious. Interesting article, Mari. Thanks.

Evelyn, I had the strangest dream last night. I was at the Bafta's and Rosemary Harris and Jennifer Ehle were up for an award in the same role, however RH was nominated in the Supporting Category and JE was in the Main Actress category. It was bizarre, because when Jennifer won, they called out the winner of the supporting category and RH won as well, so they were both giving winning speeches. Am I losing it?

(Evelyn) So even after a distributor picks up a film, he's till "wedlocked" to the producer? The accounting for revenue and net profit. A lot of people have a stake in this. A distributor distributes the film and gets a cut of the receipts, as well as the theatre owner, and the rest goes back to the studio/production co to payout to others with a cut of the action.

I was at the Bafta's and Rosemary Harris and Jennifer Ehle were up for an award in the same role LOL Laura.It could have been actuality except that at the Genie Awards (Canada) they were both up for Best Actress in "Sunshine" and sadly lost to some no name.Some conjecture is that the panel votes were split. ~~~~~~~ (Karen) A distributor distributes the film and gets a cut of the receipts, as well as the theatre owner, and the rest goes back to the studio/production co to payout to others with a cut of the action. So a distributor has nothing to lose? Does that mean the guys at Optimum didn't lose on SLOW? ( I worry about them.I sorta hate to build these distribs up about what a hit they have on their hands with CF and then it goes belly-up. We did that with Phaedra, remember?)

No, they paid for distribution rights and may not get their money back or make any kind of decent profit.

The distributor also loses when there is a limited space availabilty at the theatres. He could be planning on showing a film at several theatres and if Hollywood decides to release a movie earlier or later than planned and it coincides with his release dates, the spot will go to Hollywood and he may not be able to fit it in the theatres schedules again for months. Thanks for the Bafta list, Karen. I am glad to see Kate Blanchett who did a great job in TTMR. This is a very busy time for me and I may not have much time to post, but I am reading, so keep up the good work. :-)

From the BBC: Box office hit American Beauty has swept the board at a critics' awards ceremony - leaving last year's Oscars' hit Shakespeare in Love with nothing. The two films had rivalled each other at the top of the nominations list for this year's Awards of the London Film Critics Circle (Alfs), in the running for seven each. Main award winners British Film of the Year - East Is East Film of the Year - American Beauty Special Achievement Award - Mike Leigh Actress of the Year - Annette Bening (American Beauty) Actor of the Year - Kevin Spacey (American Beauty) But American Beauty stole the glory at the London ceremony by taking five trophies, including Film of the Year. American Beauty, a dark US suburban satire, is already shortlisted for eight Oscars and 14 Baftas. Shakespeare in Love won seven Oscars last year. The film's maker, British high-flier Sam Mendes, was rewarded as Best Director. It also won honours for Best Screenwriter Alan Ball, Best Actor Kevin Spacey and Best Actress Annette Bening. Mendes said: "I worked for 10 years in the theatre and won one award and I seem to be winning one every day at the moment. East is East was best British film "It's strange but it's very nice. I think on some level some part of me never thought the film would be a hit until it hit Britain. I was on tenterhooks until it opened here." Thanking the critics, Mendes said it was partly their enthusiastic response which had helped the film do so well. Low-budget British hit East Is East was also the winner of more than one award. It was named Best British Film, won the Best British Screenwriter prize for Ayub Khan Din, and Best British Producer for Leslee Udwin. The movie has already been picked out for six possible Baftas. Emily Watson was shocked to be named Best British Actress for her roles in Angela's Ashes and Hilary and Jackie. Best British Actor was Jeremy Northam, adding to a growing list of awards he has won for his roles in The Winslow Boy and An Ideal Husband. Screen veteran Michael Caine - another Oscar contender - took the Best Supporting Actor title for his seedy agent in Little Voice. In a taped message, he joked to guests: "I'd like to thank the critics for at last giving me a good time. You gave me a lifetime achievement last year without actually noticing that I've achieved anything." Lynne Ramsay was honoured as Best British Director for her film Ratcatcher, set in Glasgow during the binmen's strike of the 1970s. Mike Leigh, known for a string of gritty comedies, was given a special achievement award.

Another interesting snippet from BB yesterday (Daily Mail) and that is that Natasha Little was supposed to appear in the forthcoming film "Enigma" but her contract was bought up so that Kate Winslet could take the part, poor Natasha, hope she was well compensated.

.... forthcoming film "Enigma" but her contract was bought up so that Kate Winslet could take the part, poor Natasha, hope she was well compensated. I wonder how often that's done. Eats up a budget, but in this case, it will be made up with KW starring.(Why pick NL, anyway?...she was a terrible Fanny Price in VF,generally a poor Andrew Davies screenplay too, IMO,)

I saw the preview for the new Hugh Hudson film, "from the director of Chariots of Fire," was the intro, no mention of MLSF! It stars Kim Bassinger and takes place in Africa, based on a real story again. Was not impressed.

poor Natasha, hope she was well compensated. Not so poor anymore: according to the showbiz gossip in another UK paper, since the contract has already been signed, she's going to get the full fee for doing nothing: �300 000 - how lucky can you get?

From Richard Brooks' column in The Sunday Times an item of interest, especially to those who saw 3DOR: The Great Gatsby was the most widely read American novel of the 20th century. Yet F Scott Fitzgerald's portrait of the rich and privileged of the jazz age was first written as another book, Trimalchio. Same main characters, but different personalities and story lines. Trimalchio (it's the name of a nouveau-riche freed slave from a book by the Roman writer Petronius) is also more obsessed with snobbery and personalities. Fitzgerald knew Trimalchio didn't quite work and so rapidly rewrote it. Now it's to be published for the first time next month by Cambridge University Press. Why bother? "Because it's a good book in its own right, even though, of course, Gatsby is a great one," says James West, professor of English at Penn State University, who has been working on Trimalchio for the past couple of years. The book will largely be of interest to academics and a few Fitzgerald fans. Of course, most novels have earlier incarnations. Sir Malcolm Bradbury, who wrote the preface to an Everyman version of The Great Gatsby, tells me his first attempt at The History Man was quite different. Originally it was written in the past tense, which somehow seems appropriate for The History Man. The published version was in the present tense. His original, by the way, is kept at the University of East Anglia for students on the creative writing course to read.

(mari)Box office hit American Beauty has swept the board at a critics' awards ceremony - leaving last year's Oscars'hit Shakespeare in Love with nothing. Talk about hype...

(KarenR)From Richard Brooks' column in The Sunday Times an item of interest, especially to those who saw 3DOR Why?

Trimalchio, of course. :-)

Geesh, I thought I understood the 3DOR reference and now I don't. I know Richard Greenburg, author, had re-written one of his early plays (maybe his first) that became 3DOR. But Trimalchio, I am at a loss. Help!

During our discussion of the play, Moon had provided the following definition of Trimalchio to better understand the context of Lina's comment about the salad: The word is Trimalci�nico, it comes from Trimalcione, the character in Satyricon by Petronio. Trimalcione gives a huge banquet: grandiose, sumptuous, spectacular. The word is associated with banquets. Gi added the following: Trimalchion (Greek name) was also a nouveau riche type, as opposed to Lucullus, also known for his lavish banquets but who was a real Roman aristocrat. The discussion is posted at firth.com, along with a Cliff Notes for the references: http://www.firth.com/filmdis/3dor/3dor-part1.htm

Thanks! For a moment there I was scratching my head thinking, "was Trimalchio something that Walker mentioned when he was talking about booleon algebra and Umbert Eco"! LOL

Nah, Trimalchio doesn't fit within that illustrious other group of logical theorists. The third was Hegel. So next time you attend a particularly lavish and garish banquet be sure to work the word Trimalchian into the conversation and watch everybody scratch their heads. ;-)

...that is, unless you attend banquets with Gi and Moon, in which case, the reference would not be lost. ;-)

Thanks Karen...actually it has become one of my favorite words.."Trimalchian Feast".Throw it out to some academics, Donna;-) Richard Greenberg is hard work, but he's worth it.

Live Movie Auction Gets No Takers (by Cynthia L. Webb, AP) Independent filmmakers drew laughs and a few bids at the first live movie auction, but failed to sell a single film. Promoters are still holding out hope that some bidders will follow through and snap up some of the 15 films that included a tale of four 20-something sunbathers talking about sex and a documentary starring live rodents from the nation's capital. "It's not like we threw a party and no one came," said Alfred Newman, an event spokesman, who pointed to the auction's standing-room-only turnout. The Films4Auction event Friday night was touted as a new way for independent films to get distribution. Some 300 people gathered at a hotel ballroom for the public sale and watched clips of the independent films, but only an estimated 27 in the audience were potential buyers, organizers said. A few waved paddles to offer bids. The entire lot failed to meet the non-disclosed reserve prices set by the organizers, the auction house and the movies' producers. The screenwriter and director of a romantic comedy dubbed "Killing Cinderella" said festivals like Sundance have become a showcase for polished works, not for getting independent films distributed. Even if her film didn't get picked up at the auction, Lisa Abbatiello, 29, thought it might be good just to say she was part of the premiere event. "I just decided to take the risk," she said. Bidding for her film, a romantic comedy about a young woman torn between a sophisticated Prince Charming and her bartending best friend, was started at $175,000, but the minimum price needed to sell the film was not met. Rudolf Van Den Berg of Holland was trying to get distribution for his sixth feature film, "For My Baby," about a troubled man who dresses up like his dead sister as a way to remember her. But the $750,000 minimum bid passed with no interested buyers. The director said before the auction that a no-sale would make him sad, but said "it's all in the game" of moviemaking. Entrants had to pay $375 to get their film in the auction. Fifty films were submitted and a panel whittled them down to 15, said Hal "Corky" Kessler, a lawyer and partner in the group that staged the event. Many of the works were first time projects. Eleven had been at various film festivals. Kessler said representatives from reputable companies - he wouldn't say which ones - had approached him after the auction and told him to let them know which films were still available. He said representatives from Miramax, USA Films and Tristar had attended. "The very fact that we had bids out there tells us this works," Kessler said. "You have to introduce the category to the public and that is what we did," said Kathleen Doyle, CEO of William Doyle Galleries, which teamed up with Kessler's Art in Motion to hold the auction.

The Writers Guild of America awarded Alan Ball Best Screenplay written directly for the screen to "American Beauty," with Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor winning for Best Screenplay based on material previously produced or published for "Election." ...and there was the cinematographers one a week ago... ;-)

Just read this in Boston Herald. Angelina Jolie is slated to play Lara Croft in live action Tomb Raider. Wonder how they'll enhance her;)

Do they need to? I can see the resemblance. ;-)

Karen, thanks for explaining about Trimalchion, I had forgotten all about it.

When you've edited something, you tend to remember each and every comment. :-)

The ASC (American Society of Cinematographers) awarded best cinematography for a feature film to Conrad Hall for his work on "American Beauty". Hall is something of a legend for his work on "In Cold Blood" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid", among other films. Hall is also the son of one of the writers of the book "Mutiny on the Bounty".

The ASC award info was posted on Feb. 22.

That's what I get for only checking back 1 week. Sorry.

From the what-in-the-world-could-this-guy-be-smoking department. Worst reviews I've read in a long time. And check out the paycheck. From Reuters: ***** Rupert Wrangles for Writing Cred Not only does Rupert Everett play proud pappy to Madonna's baby in their new movie, The Next Best Thing, but he also claims to have fathered something else--the film's screenplay. The actor and his writing partner, Mel Bordeaux, say they rewrote key elements in the The Next Best Thing but were denied writing credit by the Writers Guild of America. The two claim they altered a key scene in the movie by having Madonna's character, Abbie, and Everett's Robert accidentally sleep together after one too many martinis. The original script, says Everett, called for Abbie asking Robert to donate sperm for artificial insemination. "It went to arbitration and the original writer won, so I can't really talk about it," says Everett of the WGA's decision to award sole screen credit to original writer Thomas Ropelewski. But Madonna recently threw her two cents into the fray when she told Entertainment Weekly Online that her costar and his writing partner made significant contributions to the script and deserve screenwriting credit. "Rupert had lots to do with writing this story and we all know it," says the Material One. "Our relationship seemed so mercenary in the first script. It was this test-tube situation. We wanted it to be more about us really caring about each other." According to Madonna, Everett also made such monumental alterations as switching the setting of the story from its no-name locale to Los Angeles and changing Madonna's occupation from swimming instructor to yoga teacher. And lest we forget, Madonna also says Everett convinced her to cover Don McLean's "American Pie" for the soundtrack. Alas, those changes do not a credit make. Ropelewski says the WGA's three-member panel made the right decision to rule in his favor because Everett's changes never affected the arc of the story. "The things they rewrote were easy to change" he tells EW Online. "He did a polish, but he didn't change anything structural." (Translation: that yoga instructor thing doesn't count.) "It seems ironic to me that an actor who makes $3 million a picture yearns to be a modestly paid and ill-respected screenwriter," add Ropelewski. "You can't identify a certain percentage of what someone wrote," says Annett Wolf, Everett's publicist. She adds that the actor will live with the WGA's decision. Our big question is why would Everett want to be credited on such a turkey of a film anyway. Next Best Thing opened to dreadful reviews and even worse box office. In its first weekend of release, the flick debuted at No. 2 behind the Bruce Willis hit-man comedy The Whole Nine Yards, with a dismal $5.9 million-- practically guaranteeing the grumbling over the credits will outlast the film

I found it amazing as well. Do you think he'll want credit for Madonna's version of American Pie as well? Saw bits of the video. He looked pretty good.

Do you think he'll want credit for Madonna's next offspring? ;-D I have only seen the previews, but debuting at #2 is not bad. I have never liked Madonna as an actress or singer, Rupert at least can act and now he wants everyone to know he can write too. (If you call that writing!) I wonder how much she got paid for her role? If Rupi gets 3 mil. and he is relatively known here, I wonder how much Colin would get? Any guesses?

Wow, Karen! You are in the "carnevale " spirit! :-) It makes me think of how much fun they are having in Italy. I hope this works, I have not been able to post an image lately.

Happy Fat Tuesday, everyone! Yesterday's MSN home page featured a pic of Madonna with the caption 'bombs away.' The accompanying story was along the lines of 'Why Madonna's Movies Always Tank'. Ouch! Thus far I haven't read anything good about the movie (Rupi steals the show but essentially reprises his role from MBFW; Madonna's acting leaves much to be desired, movie can't decide whether it's a light comedy or a courtroom melodrama, etc.). Doubt we'll see this at #2 next weekend (My Dog Skip was hot on its heels).

Sorry to interrupt, but I am trying to post on another board and it's not working. I simply must test it here... :-)

My kind of crowd--ya'll even celebrate Mardi Gras.;-) But Karen, I hear tell those Cariocas were topless this year! ;-)

Anybody here interested in topless babes? Naw, I didn't think so. On the other hand, were any of the Krewe Kings mooning anyone?

SUNSHINE US release date: December 17 UK " " April 21 New Alliance- Atlantis website: http://www.allianceatlantisfilms.com/shocked/index2.html Click on Box Office and then "Sunshine". Vid of Rafe. But JE gets second billing :-)) Thanks Karen