On MLSF ...."It's been quite a while since I've seen MLSF in any of its forms. I was attached to it because I enjoyed making it so much and I don't understand why people (harvey?0 felt it had to be repeatedly corrected. I don't mind saying that it wasn't broke in the first place. Partly what it suffers from is the randomness of a true story, because that's what it is" (Well said!) He apparently rents a house quite far out of LA when he sees Will and doesn't like the fear and insecurity of Hollywood..."you're better out of it really". Okay, over to you Ann....there's just too much in this article!

thanks for the Times tip, I don't usually buy it but as I live next door to the newsagent I'm nipping out now .....quite literally....Bye!

Ok chaps I'm back. I'm not promising anything spectacular here but here's one (hopefully) of the shots from the Times magazine! Hopefully if this works I'll post some more

If any kind soul would mail me a copy of the magazine I would be forever in your debt! I will gladly pay for mailing costs. Murph

Gorgeous treat in store Ladies. His photo is actually above the TIMES logo on the front page. Will reach millions that way!! What can I add that is new? he is mentioned as being "scruffy", not a fur trimmed parka in sight either! Also the problems he and Livia experienced prior to their wedding and being pursued by press at high speed thro' an underpass in Rome, which he likens to the Diana experience. Poor man. Sadly not much on the quality of his recent stage work, only a mention in brackets. And in the final paragraph he is said to have a "wintry" smile. Luckily we know DIFFERENT!!! And first hand. Jasper has obviously never been in the front row of the Donmar when ODB takes a curtain call. Thank you Ann for your scanning offer. Mine continues to be terminally ill. Go to it everyone.

You may all have seen this already but another snippet was that ODB was recognised thro' his living room window while reading at home and the passer by said "Look there's Colin Firth". ODB then comments that incident could never have taken place in Hackney because awareness of P&P hadn't penetrated etc. Personally I would be straight off to buy some nets Colin!

Ann: Please do scan in any pictures we haven't seen; I'll post them. Tracy: Saw your test message on 61 and here. You can't post from your hard drive. Send pic to me and I'll post. they spend July and August in Umbria with Will. Someone had better keep her eyes open. "I want to be well thought of. I want to be prosperous. I want to be respected. He wants it all. Sounds like he wants to be Ralph Fiennes. ;-) And he says that interviewers have focused too much on the so-called "misery" of his schooldays Didn't I just say this? ;-) Keep it coming, ladies. This is fantastic! Thank you all.

Karen, James says it will be easier to scan the whole article, pictures and text, is that alright and Murph I shall be pleased to send you the hard copy.

Tracy, I think his "wintry" smile is in response to Jasper's suggestion that if there's a sequel to BJD and they shoot the scene where Bridget interviews Colin Firth in Rome, then his brother Jonathan could play him. "There's a thought" he says with a wintry smile. Another tidbit...Jasper asks if he and Livia will be having children. He says "it will happen". "You don't want to be too old" I say. CF "No, I know. There does seem to be very little in between. You finally reach adulthood and you go through a time of being too young for everything - I'm notthinking about acting here. 'Oh, you've got plenty of time, it's all infront of you, you'll find that out later in life.' And then suddenly on a dime, you're past it, you're not young any more. There does seem to be a missing middle bit". Lots more like this....

How ever James wants to do it, Ann, is fine with me. then his brother Jonathan could play him. "There's a thought" he says with a wintry smile. Oooh, that doesn't sound good And then suddenly on a dime, you're past it, you're not young any more Melancholy kind of thought. Too old to play Shakespeare, too old to play other parts that he's wanted perhaps.

Another interesting bit about his age - "Agents have a way of reminding their clients of their age. Last year a fellow actor with whom he shares an agent told him about a casting he, too, would have espected to be up for. His agent told him it was for people in their twenties. Firth mentioned his actor friend was 35. "You're 38" the agent replied. "Suddenly I realised that it wasn't a lot between us, but I was on the other side of a fairly important barrier as far as casting is concerned." says Firth. "Then just to rub it in, my agent phoned me back about five minjutes later and said "They've offered it to your brother (Jonathan- 6years younger)". Wonder what role that was!

These tidbits are lovely, ladies, and most welcome since the Times Magazine has yet to be found online. Hope James didn't have any plans this Saturday. '-) (AnnW) James says there are pictures he hasn't seen before. What a love...even he is familiar with all of Colin's pics by now. (Bethan) he's on the front of the Times magazine, which was lying on the doormat this morning. I actually recognised the legs!! LOL!! Is he wearing fawn breeches? Good eye! As usual, Colin seems to be responding in his usual, wry, self effacing way. He sounds amused by the whole age thing. Healthy, happy and sound. Yeah!! Bring on more, please.

Here's another snippet: On the CF's determination to "wrong foot the audience to the extent that he sometimes even wrong-foots himself"..... 'One of my theories is that he actually courts anonymity in a project: that given a choice between two scripts, he will go for the one that makes it easier to cross Upper Street unrecognised. He does admit to a "tendency to withdraw". After P&P, big-time American TV beckoned, but he chose to do Fever Pitch. "There's a big part of this which is uncomplicated," he (CF) says. "I want to be well thought of. I want to make moneyfrom this. I want to be prosperous. Iwant to be respected. Like everybody else I want to have jobs that are inspiring and enjoyable amnd fun. With something as extraordinary as P&P and as unexpected as a cult attached to a character you've played, it is so diffucult to understand what it was that you did that wa apparently effective. But then you don't want to be percieved to be trying to catch lightning in a bottle twice. So I think I probably did consciously go in all sorts of different directions." '

Bethan, how on earth did you recognise the legs, they are covered in a greenish ill-fitting baggy pair of trousers, rounded off with an old pair of trainers (sneekers?).

Cult? :-(

Karen - I've had a very tentative stab at an impromptu web page at http://website.lineone.net/~turnip/ but if this doesn't work (and I'm sure I'll soon know about it) I'll send you the pics. BTW anyone else want a copy ofthe Times mag before I go out shopping?

Not that ill fitting Ann!!! They are combat style, Islington's urban chic? Also blue retro trainers. Go well with that parka! In the largest picture I thought he really looked a tad tired, around the eyes. That's where he differs from other "hearthrobs", no doubt they would have been calling in make-up to touch them up and cover any imperfections or dark circles. That's what I like about ODB, I am glad his kohl photoshoot days are over.

Nice one Tracy, thanks for doing that.

Tracy, I can only see two pics. The upper right and lower left. The other two have c:\ addresses. You need to upload those. But I sure do like that sexy, hand behind the back of head one, on the lower left. That is such a fashion shot type. *not complaining*

Any better now??

Yes, much better. *yum yum* Now that I see the cover of the magazine, it's mind-boggling. Definitely think Colin has woken up and smelled the coffee insofar as his career is concerned. *thank goodness* :-) and thank you, Tracy!!

Thank you all for all the snippets, this seems the best article we have seen in a long time. Can't wait for the whole thing. I can still see only two pictures Tracy. How do you get all four Karen? Vera

Glad I could help! Have managed to lay my hands (if only *sigh*) on two spare copies of THE MAG so if anyone wants a copy email me and it's first come first served! Must sign off now as am off out but will check back tomorrow

They are all there now. I have linked Tracy's page from The Bucket's What's New page and will reproduce the entire article when it is in my hot little hands. Try again, Vera, and hit Reload or Refresh as your cache memory thinks it already knows what is being displayed. Here's Tracy's page again: http://website.lineone.net/~turnip/

I could see all four photos! Thank you Tracy.

Thank you Karen, I can see them all now. He is as gorgeous as ever.

The Times also lists MLSF in its Metro section as one of next week's releases, so they should give it plenty of (favourable) cover. I am hoping that tomorrow's Independent or Telegraph might feature Colin in view of today and the earlier Observer article. Yeah Karen, he's certainly caffeine bound now!

Marvelous speed, Tracy. Thank you and all of you ladies who are pulling all these pieces together for us. Love the cover shot! (Karen) Cult? :-( Surely not us! ;-) Cults never struck me as having much of a sense of humor. anyway I took that statement as more of a recognition that he had done something right with that role. (Lizza) That's what I like about ODB, I am glad his kohl photoshoot days are over. LOL, Lizza. Now it's wrinkles and all and still so delicious.

I SAW them too. Thanks Tracy, Ann , Jasper.... everybody.. Who said ..."nothing ever happens on a weekend!!"

Bethan, how on earth did you recognise the legs, they are covered in a greenish ill-fitting baggy pair of trousers, rounded off with an old pair of trainers (sneekers?). (Ann) It's the way he's standing! And as Lizza says, I don't think the trousers aare all that ill-fitting! Well done Tracy...you've got the photos up very quickly. That's where he differs from other "hearthrobs", no doubt they would have been calling in make-up to touch them up and cover any imperfections or dark circles. That's what I like about ODB, I am glad his kohl photoshoot days are over. No touch ups here...or even make up. No vanity. Another quote "There's an enormous cult of personal archaeology into our own misery now. They want to know where all the wounds lie. And increasingly I realise that I don't think all the explanations lie in unhappy things. Some of the explanations are not to be found at all, You are just as likely to be formed by the positive things, the peaceful things....." He also confirms that he and Helen acted out CF meets Bridget in Rome interview in "The Edge of Reason". "Helen stuck the recorder on and went into Bridget and I did Mr Darcy, a rather serious actor who just wants to get on with the interview". Must go do some gardening. Brilliant weather again for shooting BJD!!

Thanks everyone for the wonderful news and article quotes. This sounds like a wonderful interview, one of his best. And Tracy, many thanks for getting the pics up--great! Ann, how cute is it that your hubby knew which pics were new? LOL! Will look forward to reading the full article. The "cult" will have plenty to dissect.;-) Off to shave my head and burn incense.;-) ;-)

Wonderful news at last! (Karen, my prayers have been answered!) Thanks Tracy for those pix, is he wearing balck shoes with light coloured laces? they spend July and August in Umbria with Will. Someone had better keep her eyes open. I am happy to hear this and will be looking out. ;-)

Is Will roughly the age of your litte Indiana Jones, Moon?

My little Nicky turns 9 in July. They would be excellent playmates and Nicky could even teach Will some Italian, to his father's content. ;-) I also have an 11 year old so Will could have two playmates. (I wish!)

It could happen, Moon, remember one of your boys once played with Bette Midler's daughter.

(Bethan)Jasper's suggestion that if there's a sequel to BJD and they shoot the scene where Bridget interviews Colin Firth in Rome, then his brother Jonathan could play him. "There's a thought" he says with a wintry smile. Wintry, was he? I'd have been arctic! Ann, as Evelyn would say, your husband is a prince :-) Tracy, good work! Love those pics (even though I hate trainers). Outlived Darcymania, has he? Little do they know!;-)

Hurrah! Newsnewsnews! Thank you Allison, Bethan, Ann and Lizza for your timely reporting. Special thanks to Tracy for the prezzie! *samooch* (Karen) Now that I see the cover of the magazine, it's mind-boggling. Definitely think Colin has woken up and smelled the coffee insofar as his career is concerned. *thank goodness* :-) I couldn't agree more. IMO signing on for BJD is evidence of this line of thinking. He's also more relaxed about revealing personal details such as in which part of Islington he lives, his plans for more kiddies, etc. they spend July and August in Umbria with Will. (Karen) Someone had better keep her eyes open. *hee hee* Our Moonsleuth is on top of things. Looking forward to more reports this year!

We are counting on you Moon for some Umbrian anecdotes!

Agree with your comments on his relaxed attitude Eileen. It's great he can admit to feeling that it's "healthy" for him to be doing Mark Darcy. Is it something to do with approaching 40 do you think? You will see there is quite a bit on the subject of age in the interview, don't want too many spoilers!

Murph, I've deleted your address from this very public board. email would be better.

Thanks, Karen. I should have thought. I will send it via e-mail. Two pals, Gill from the UK and Rai from the USA, have sent me scans and the copy of the Times article. Enjoy. I am still looking forward to the hard copy, Ann. It's a keeper! http://www.geocities.com/firthfan/timesmag.html Murph

(Karen) Cult? :-( (Heide)Surely not us! ;-) Cults never struck me as having much of a sense of humor. Anyway I took that statement as more of a recognition that he had done something right with that role. Nope...it's a cult...and I am happy to be counted amongst them;-) (Mari)Off to shave my head and burn incense.;-) ;-) And bring on the saffron robes;-)

Have reproduced the article from Ann and James' scans. Here you go: http://www.spring.net/karenr/articles/times060500.html

Thanks Murph, Karen, Tracy. Great Work! I really like this article, it�s one of the very few good ones I�ve read about him. Treats Colin normally, with no special attitude. And Colin responds to this by sounding very relaxed, even commenting the top private child question!! That�s surprising. "It�ll happen".....sounds almost like it was already happening. Candid looking pics too, carefully designed as candid of course but very well done. Colin is a Star again, almost feels strange.

Another newish pic that most of us (outside the UK) haven't seen from the SLOW video back cover:

Hmmm... I am happy to see a great new interview and pics, of course... and yet there's something bugging me... Why is he worried about crossing a crowded street (what happened to the neutral face?) and at the same time pinpoints the area of his London residence to virtually a handful of streets...? He is very open about the fact that (apparently) he lives in a house the front room of which can be easily seen from the pavement (sidewalk) - and then almost naively ponders the "oh, look, there's Colin Firth" syndrome... he's private and yet sort of defiantly (flippantly?) challenging... teasing... as if inviting those paparazzi to take their positions outside yet again?

Nasty piece from Richard Brooks' Biteback column in The Sunday Times: David Puttnam's final movie, My Life So Far (not his life, but the childhood of the former Granada bigwig Sir Denis Forman), opens this week. I saw it in Cannes a year ago. It was then released in America, where it disappointed critics and audiences. [huh???] Puttnam has done a lot for the British film industry over the years, but he must also take his share of the blame for being one of the key figures in setting up the now discredited Arts Council film lottery. My Life So Far, directed by Hugh Hudson, was made with cash from the giant Miramax and lottery support from the Scottish Arts Council. Puttnam, I hasten to add, was no longer connected with the lottery when he got his film dosh. Yet I doubt very much if the new Film Council, which is taking over the distribution of lottery loot to film-makers, would give anything to My Life So Far. The movie is unlikely to be commercially successful nor does it fit the criteria for the New Cinema fund. Puttnam's old mate Alan Parker, the Film Council chairman, has rightly laid down much stricter guidelines. "No money for movies which really are made for television," says Parker.

From the Sunday Herald by Wendy Ide: An altogether more rewarding (and certainly less shrill) picture is Hugh Hudson's gentle coming-of-age drama My Life So Far. Set in the 1920s and narrated by 10-year-old Fraser Pettigrew, the film tells of a charmed childhood in an idyllic ancestral Scottish estate. Along with numerous brothers and sisters (including Kelly MacDonald battling against a very unflattering wig), Fraser shares his home with his beautiful mother (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio), his indomitable grandma (Rosemary Harris) and his charismatic, jazz-hating inventor father Edward (Colin Firth), the pioneer who discovered the many and varied uses for spagnum moss. Their lives are disrupted when Fraser's wealthy uncle (Malcolm McDowell) comes to stay, bringing with him an exotic stranger who captivates the entire family, particularly Fraser and his father. The film is based on a memoir by television executive Sir Dennis Forman and, perhaps because of this, has a tendency to be a little episodic - an inconclusive string of events rather than a linear story. However, it is an engaging enough picture, if rather twee, and could be recommended with impunity to mothers, grandmothers and elderly female relatives with delicate nerves.

Thanks, Karen, for that wonderfull article. There are some very funny parts in it. I like that bit where HF followed him on the set of Fever Pitch!

I saw it in Cannes a year ago. It was then released in America, where it disappointed critics and audiences. I thought American audiences liked it and some of the reviews were very good, but that's the sort of inaccurate comment that kills success. Ditto, the sort of comments that are unfairly attached to SLOW. The movie is unlikely to be commercially successful nor does it fit the criteria for the New Cinema It's difficult to be commercially successful when the movie is only shown in one theatre in London! MLSF is going to have a very very mixed reception...love it, hate it.(Also opens the same week as "Gladiator" which will get all the raves) Infact "mothers and grandmothers " form about 40% of the population, but in movie making terms it's the 40% that's always ignored and no longer matter. MLSF is also, in British terms, unfashionable. It's not about low-life junkies, gang wars, it doesn't feature puerile humour or explicit sex. I'm also giving up on how you measure "commercial success"!...My 16 year old son went to see (peer group pressure) "Kevin and Perry go large" which has taken �2.5 million at the weekend, is dubbed a success and a sequel is already planned. He left in the middle and said it was boring and embarassingly stupid. But he'd already boosted the Box Office takings! I was also reading about the new version of "Anna Karenina"...we're again promised a very modern take on this- "will offend purists" "deliberately perverse casting"- which will include very explicit sex ecenes and full frontal nudity. Yippee!! I think it's difficult for someone like Colin...maybe that's why he's conscious about the age thing...he must have very little in common with twenty something film makers. Bur increasingly it's their agenda we're seeing. Maybe it's time the ignored 40% started fighting back! Enough of this ranting!!! I just hope CF goes on doing the sort of work he's doing...a good mix of theatre, quality TV and "non-commercial" film!! As do most good actors. Why is he worried about crossing a crowded street (what happened to the neutral face?) and at the same time pinpoints the area of his London residence to virtually a handful of streets...? He is very open about the fact that (apparently) he lives in a house the frontroom of which can be easily seen from the pavement (sidewalk) (Arami) Yes, that struck me too! Barnsbury is a very small area, and if he lives in a house that literally opens onto the pavement, he must live in one of those high early Victorian/Georgian terraces. But I don't think he'll be tabloid fodder any more...they don't go for boringly happily married men who practice good works!

one of those high early Victorian/Georgian terraces Some of those houses are really nice. The ground (is it called first in America?) floors can be quite high, sometimes built over a basement, but you can still take a peek into the front room. A net curtain would definitely be advisable. You may remember from a previous interview last year, just after he bought the house, that there is another reception room upstairs - which Colin described as "the room where the music is" (where he was hurt putting up the speakers). That points to a typical Georgian-early Victorian style of living accomodation. I don't think he'll be tabloid fodder any more...they don't go for boringly happily married men LOL, do you think he may have got married just to get them off his back? They go for scandalous gossip, though. Paul McGann is said to have been a victim of such maliciously generated gossip accusing him of leaving his wife to live with Catherine Zeta Jones after they (having worked together) have been spotted exchanging a friendly peck. The McGanns followed this up with an official complaint of harrassment. There is always a gossip-monger waiting to catch a "celebrity" put his or her foot wrong, whether inadvertently or for real. And what about mentally imbalanced, manic-obssessive stalkers? They tend to attempt stupid and sometimes criminal things - and that is most worrying.

That's where he differs from other "hearthrobs", no doubt they would have been calling in make-up to touch them up and cover any imperfections or dark circles. That's what I like about ODB, I am glad his kohl photoshoot days are over. No touch ups here...or even make up. No vanity. I have to agree that slouched in his chair in scruffy attire indicative of this "ordinary Joe" lifestyle he looks gorgeous...and we all love him lack of vanity. But I wonder if a female (like, say Jennifer) were to appear uncoiffed, with disheveled hair , non-posh attire, no make-up leaning on on a table...if we would be as complimentary(a regular Josephine?)...nay even uncritical. Sexism lives! Of course, in actuality this never happened;-) ;-)

(Evelyn) But I wonder if a female (like, say Jennifer) were to appear uncoiffed, with disheveled hair , non-posh attire, no make-up leaning on on a table...if we would be as complimentary...nay even uncritical...Ofcourse, in actuality this never happened;-) ;-) Touche (imagine there's an accent). LOL, Evelyn, of course something like this never happened! But that's life in our sexist world. Gwynnie wears something totally hideous and inappropriate to the Golden Globes, the world comes down on her. Angelina Jolie decides she wants to look like Morticia Addams the Oscars, same thing. How many people remember that Mr. So & So didn't wear a tie? That's life. BTW, the Herald is a Scottish paper and if its critic thinks the movie is for boring old ladies, then what hope is there?

I, too, am surprised that they revealed his neighborhood. Maybe he didn't know the writer was going to put that in the article? It's not the tabloids that cause concern for a conservative-living guy such as him, it's the nut cases. Was also surprised at his answer to having a baby--could be one is already on the way, as I doubt he would have answered the way he did otherwise. (Bethan) MLSF is going to have a very very mixed reception...love it, hate it.(Also opens the same week as "Gladiator" which will get all the raves) It's interesting that a lot of the critics here who liked MLSF (NY and LA Times, Roger Ebert) have slammed Gladiator, and vice versa (People, EW). The comment about it disappointing critics and audiences here is innaccurate, as Bethan and Karen have said. My advice is resign youself to the fact that the reviews will be mixed, and just go out and have a good time watching the film!:-) BTW, I saw Gladiator last night--very mediocre--over-hyped, overwrought, and overlong. Also, Hugh Hudson's latest, I Dreamed Of Africa, just opened here as well and the reviews have been universally bad. Thank goodness the ones for MLSF were much better.

I never thought anybody would think of making a "Roman" film nowadays... Does anyone still watch Ben Hur over the holidays? Guess it shows how wrong I can be... (And I'm a fan of Julius Caesar...)

(Mari) a lot of the critics here who liked MLSF (NY and LA Times, Roger Ebert) have slammed Gladiator No kidding!! Watched Roger go ballistic yesterday as Joyce Kulhawik (from Boston TV) pronounced Gladiator one of the year's best and stated that she expected it to receive numerous Oscar nominations. I think, out of camera range, the entire crew was holding Roger back. ;-)

Gladiator was my DHs must see film ever since he knew about it. Saw it opening day and he did not like it at all, he agrees with Ebert. Cheryl posted a fantastically funny review of it on the Russell Crowe topic. I invite everyone to read it. But I wonder if a female (like, say Jennifer) were to appear uncoiffed, with disheveled hair , non-posh attire, no make-up leaning on on a table...if we would be as complimentary(a regular Josephine?)...nay even uncritical. Sexism lives! Of course, in actuality this never happened;-) ;-) LOL, Evelyn! I may be alone here, but I do not like what he is wearing. I am not a fan of the Ordinary Joe (or Josephine) look and black sneakers (or worse shoes), with white laces is a total affectation. I remain consistent. I am glad he is finally smelling the coffee, as Karen has said. :-) CF is not known in Italy, and I was surprised to hear that they were chased by paparazzi in Rome. As far as I know, there are no pictures of them in Rome before their marriage. So where are those pictures?

The movie mags that slated MLSF all gave "Gladiator" a 5 stars rating... and Anne Billson of the Sunday Telegraph (whose reviews I dread reading) has picked it out as the main event of next week. But then reviews are very subjective, as we know!

I too saw Gladiator yesterday, and agree with Mari's assessment. Russell is great in the part, but the film disappointed me. I reviewed it for a few friends, Mari among them. I'll have to find that Crowe place at Spring. On CF's picturs and garb. There is probably a double standard as far as men and women's clothes are concerned, but I haven't seen him look as sexy as he does in that cover shot for a long time - legs long and lean and apart, trainers on feet, hand on face. I like the slightly weathered face in the closeups too. 40 was a great year for me, and it will be for him too. I guarantee it. Murph

(from the interview)...If he�s Mark Darcy, he can�t be Colin Firth too. They could get his brother to play him, I suggest. �There's a thought,� he says with a wintry smile. �Or you might have to change the character of the actor. Someone the Americans believe is a credible sex symbol.� Ridiculous! Doesn't he know? ;-)

(Moon) I am glad he is finally smelling the coffee I just hope it isn't too late. I for one am not resigned to watch Colin move into roles usually associated with Robert Young yet! ;-) That last comment in the article was particularly painful:"Or you might have to change the character of the actor. Someone the Americans believe is a credible sex symbol."This tells me that Colin has heard this quite a bit in Hollywood from agents, casting directors, whoever. The word in Hollywood is that Colin is not a sex symbol. All we can hope for is that BJD reverses that impression. That Colin will be viewed as not only a viable English leading man (to compete for roles with the only other two - HG and RF). This role can get him the recognition for being both a sexy leading man type and more importantly a fine actor on a par with that other guy. ;-)

Dear Fellow Defenders of the Firth, Like the swallows returning to San Juan Capistrano in the spring, I find myself with an instinctual need to return to Drool (of The Spring). I fear you may not remember me, or worse, do not want to remember me. I hope neither is the case, and that I may roost here from time to time. I left Drool early last year due to the fact that my migraines had worsened to the point that I could not take the glare of my PC's screen. The recent warmer weather has given me a reprieve of sorts, so here I am. Since I last posted, I have entered a second, deeper level of Firthaholism. Having dissected and memorized P&P2, and the more readily available movies (COF, TEP, SIL, etc.), I decided it was time to move into the realm of collector. I found an out of print video purveyor in the Midwest and have purchased AC (newly minted, fresh-faced Firth) and AITC (Am I crazy, or did I see that years ago on Masterpiece Theater?). I am working on obtaining WOF (this is my idea of heaven: POT and CF in the same movie) and a few others. I have also acquired FP (loved it and cannot get that La's song out of my mind-I fear I need to be deprogrammed), AZ (very unnerving: CF as Norman Bates), FF (see, I am loyal) and rented MLSF (wonderful film, but terribly expensive). Since I already have TD (thanks to the previous Drool film discussion) and V (courtesy of Encore) as well, I can now watch hours of ODB, and have my own CF film festival. The only problem is no one in my immediate circle gets it and I watch these films a one. Sound familiar? Having familiarized myself now with a larger portion of his body of work (and a larger portion of his body :)), I am reminded of a CF quote: "We all need stories. They take us into what seems to be a completely foreign and alien universe and then at the end, we find it's not as foreign as we thought. We've opened up something new about ourselves. I love stories," he adds. "Always have." I am currently re-reading (for a creative writing course I am taking this summer) Joseph Campbell's The Hero With a Thousand Faces, and realized that this is Colin the actor! It occurred to me that the stories/roles he selects (the hero/antihero: two sides of the same coin) are mythic in their appeal (no matter how obscure they may appear to others) as they reveal truths about one's self and the human condition. No wonder his movies are so satisfying to watch. Hollywood will never understand this, as it is driven by box office more than quality or creativity. Whoops, got a little too serious! Sorry-he stirs up all sorts of passion in me. As I told someone recently, I am absolutely over the moon that CF accepted the role of MD in BJD, and that he saw the humor in it. And those wonderful pictures of him accompanying the new article-is it my imagination or is his hair Darcy black (a new Clairol hair color?)again? Well, now that I have blathered on, let me add that I have missed you all and am thrilled there is so much news.

Oops, was trying to say that I watch these films alone, not "a one."

Welcome back Lisa. Good to have you "roosting" here. A perch more friendly could not be found for any Firthfan. You have timed your migration perfectly, lots going on. What did you think of The Times interview yesterday?

"When he has Will in the summer hols, they go to Umbria, ruling out those British films shot on location at the height of July and August." *************** Does this rule out Armadillo, do you think? And I never knew he lived in New Orleans as a child. Is that a missprint? Murph

Always good to seeing a returning swallow ;-) As ever, we are here. Hopefully, migraines won't take you away again. BTW, WOF shows up all the time on eBay and doesn't go for an arm and a leg anymore. Like you, Lisa, I too read something new and see if I think it's a Colin role. Some fit; some don't. Like Flashman...it didn't fit. Having read about 6 of the novels thus far because they are v. well done and entertaining for a history major (so far the one about the Indian Mutiny is the best IMO), I wouldn't want Colin to play the role for anything. Am going to read that Butterball book in the off chance that this project goes anywhere during months Colin has the time to work. ;-) Armadillo (by William Boyd) is a perfect fit. Lisa, go check that one out. I feel certain it will be made...once there is a script. I expect New Orleans is a misprint. BTW, does anyone know if Jasper Rees is American or went to school in the US? Several things popped out at me. First, he kept referring to Colin's sweater (not jumper). While there were the "ou" and "s" spellings, I've never seen The Times do American punctuation.

(Moon) I was surprised to hear that they were chased by paparazzi in Rome. As far as I know, there are no pictures of them in Rome before their marriage. There was at least one published in England: they were snapped through the windscreen of Livia's tiny car, Livia wearing glasses, getting ready to drive, Colin struggling to fit his long legs under his chin (well, almost), both gloomy and pretending nothing was happening. Looks like an evening. I guess they were then followed by the same reporter trying to see where they were going (for a pasta and mineral water meal, apparently, and then back to her parents' home before 11 p.m.) - and to him it must have seemed like being chased by paparazzi. Fair enough: I would be very annoyed, too.

cult: (L. cultus, care, adoration) 5.b) a usu. small circle of persons united by devotion or allegiance to an artistic or intellectual movement or figure. Seen Topic 112 lately??

The problem with dictionary definitions is that they rarely reflect current usage. Tell me where you've heard *cult* used recently to mean something other than extremists or loonies? ;-)

Well...Relative Values did make it to Cannes, except only for the film market. This little mention in Variety/Reuters: While the current market lineup may lack high-gloss, high-anticipation entries, there are still plenty of titles to fill acquisition execs' shopping lists. Among them are Franchise Pictures' ``Auggie Rose,'' starring Jeff Goldblum and Anne Heche; Lakeshore Intl.'s ``Delivering Milo,'' starring Bridget Fonda; Nu Image/Millennium Films' ``How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog,'' starring Robin Wright Penn and Kenneth Branagh; and ``Anasazi Moon,'' starring Gary Oldman and Skeet Ulrich. Also on the docket are ``Luckytown,'' starring James Caan and Kirsten Dunst, from A-Plus Entertainment; IAC Film's ''Shiner,'' starring Michael Caine; and Overseas Filmgroup's ''Relative Values,'' starring Julie Andrews and Jeanne Tripplehorn.

(Karen)Tell me where you've heard *cult* used recently to mean something other than extremists or loonies? The word cult is a perfectly neutral and often even a positive definition in Finnish, just meaning what KJ pointed out, small circle of persons united by devotion or allegiance to an artistic or intellectual movement or figure. I guess in America the word tends to be more negatively associated but I don�t think Colin used the word in the loonie sense :-) (Karen)That last comment in the article was particularly painful: "Or you might have to change the character of the actor. Someone the Americans believe is a credible sex symbol." Funnily I understood this just as typical humour and irony of his. And I wonder if Colin would really want to be a "credible sex symbol" anyway.

(Karen) Well...Relative Values did make it to Cannes, except only for the film market. That's ok, at least they're marketing it for the rest of the world. I'm sure it will be picked up (she says confidently). This is from the UK site Teletext: Relative Values This star-packed film adaption of Noel Coward's play sees the return of Julie Andrews, ably supported by Colin Firth and Stephen Fry among others. The characteristic tippy-toed ennui of the stage play comes to the screen. Released June 9

You're right, Elena, cult may not have the fanatical meaning in England as it typically does in the US, and someone from England would have to comment on that. However, I didn't read anything humorous into that last line. Colin may have been sarcastically reiterating what's been told to him.

To agree with Elena ... although "cult" here can mean a loony quasi-religious group, it is more commonly used in the media for something that commands a devoted minority following, e.g. BBC2 recently ran a series of "cult films", which may well have included (I forget) The Rocky Horror Show, Planet of the Apes, Pulp Fiction etc. Withnail & I was recently voted Cult Film of the Century by (wait for it) readers of the Times Saturday Magazine. So I think it wasn't a rueful description, just accurate. If anybody wants my copy of the magazine, e-mail me your address. Otherwise it goes in the trash.

You know what they say: "If it walks like a cult and talks like a cult....." evelyn Charter Member Colin-Cult 1996

From an article on Kevin McKidd in the May 6 Express about Anna Karenina: The costume drama sex scene has become such a clich. We were determined not to be... I'm not sure. Tasteful?" I nod. Wait. McKidd finally crumbles: "What are people saying?" I tell him that people are saying he's the new Colin Firth. The moan is immediate: "Oh God. Look at me. I was out of work for six months last year. I worked as a bicycle courier. Hell, I had my agent beg me a role on an American mini-series called Leprechauns. There was rent to pay... Do I resemble Colin Firth in any way?" Actually, no. Firth is an impeccably smooth and English presence; McKidd is rougher-grained. If Firth had played Vronsky he'd have been a dreamboat. McKidd makes him a compelling bastard who betrays himself in the very moment he betrays his beloved. One is RADA, the other is... radar.[...] This modern and relevant Anna Karenina may confound purists who like their classic novels semi-comatose, but the production will undoubtedly raise his profile. "Really? Now that I'm the new Colin Firth? I'm not falling for that build-up. There are far more important things." Name one. "Easy. I'll be a father in a few weeks' time. Mind you, a rave review is never anything to be casual about."

"Really? Now that I'm the new Colin Firth?" LOL...I've seen Kevin McKidd...Colin doesn't have to worry....

Sorry

There is an article on Hugh Hudson in today's Evening Standard. I can't find it in the online version, so after supper I'll try and scan it to somebody - Karen?

I agree with Mark, who agrees with Elena. ... although "cult" here can mean a loony quasi-religious group, it is more commonly used in the media for something that commands a devoted minority following C'mon, Darcymania *is* a cult. You don't hear of too many children, pets, etc. named 'Courtois', do you? ;-D You're right about the MLSF reviews, Bethan. It's best not to pay any attention and see it yourself at least twice. You'll love it.

They must have just put it up, Allison. Thanks for the alert. So far, so good for Hudson -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Life So Far Dir: Hugh Hudson. --------------------------------------------------------- by Jasper Rees Is Hugh Hudson on the comeback trail? He has two movies opening this month, one in America called I Dreamed of Africa, and one over here, which may as well be called I Dreamed of Scotland. In fact it's trading as My Life So Far, and is based on Son of Adam, Denis Forman's memoir of a Scottish childhood before the First World War. Like all Hudson's best films, it has tartan blood coursing through its veins. Remember those young chaps in their singlets in Chariots of Fire, jogging slow-mo through the surf to the synth of Vangelis? That was shot on the sands of St Andrews, although it was meant to be Broadstairs. And how about Greystoke? The bit with the female acrobats and dancers in monkey suits was filmed in Africa, but the bit with Ralph Richardson and Elgar at their hammiest was shot in Floors Castle in the Borders, near where, as a child, Hudson summered with an aunt. My Life So Far, a gentle child's eye view comedy, is set in a rambling house large enough for Colin Firth, as batty inventor Fraser Pettigrew, to shelter his innumerable brood of ginger kiddies. "There's something about Scotland which is very very calming," Hudson states. "Each film I've made there has worked. This film works, I think. I don't know if it will work in a financial sense. It's not the greatest measure of longevity. Chariots is a film which has lasted. Greystoke seems to have lasted. And I think this will. It's got a lot of joy in it." Which may be more than can be said for Hudson, whose two new films are a reminder that his career has not turned out quite as it might have done. They found the house at the top end of Loch Fyne, near the famous oyster emporium, where cast and crew ate often. "It was too far away for everybody to come and annoy us," says Hudson. "Money people. Obviously David came." David is Lord Puttnam, who got Hudson his first gig as a film director, after a long apprenticeship in documentaries, with Chariots of Fire. Somehow they never worked together again. Hudson went on to make Greystoke, where he discovered Christopher Lambert ("God knows what's happened to him. Threw it away. It's easy to do that") and famously used Glenn Close to mask Andie Macdowell's Southern drawl ("it jolted her into doing something about her acting. She's not bad now. She's no longer, I think, a movie star but she did quite well.") Puttnam, meanwhile, stayed in Scotland to make Local Hero with Bill Forsyth. I wonder whether there's a touch of the spurned wife in Hudson's little tirade against Forsyth, who he says tried to thwart My Life So Far's bid for Scottish funding. "This film was up for Lottery money and Bill Forsyth was on the board and he tried to divert money away from it. He's a mean-spirited man, I discovered on this film. He hangs himself by his own rope, Mr Forsyth, saying stupid things, like he has a monopoly on the Scottish film industry. Scotland is a free country. Anyone can go and film there." On Chariots' wings, producer and director both went to America and came unstuck: Puttnam as studio head of Columbia, Hudson with the epic catastrophe Revolution. He didn't make another movie for eight years, although he still thinks Revolution was unjustly treated. "I think it's my most daring film, I have to say. I think it's got a real quality about it. It's a very imperfect film. The script wasn't good enough, and I should have had longer to finish the film off. It could have been better structured. But it's a really unusual film. I was made a scapegoat. Unfairly, I would say. We begged Goldcrest to give us more time to make it more cohesive. We weren't allowed to." He'd love a shot at a director's cut. "Not going to, though. If I make an enormous blockbuster film then I could." A propos, he lives in hope that one day someone will finance Nostromo, the adaptation of Joseph Conrad's novel that he wanted to direct after David Lean's death. (He thought the BBC version awful - even the BBC directors branded it an expensive flop). After Revolution, he threw himself into ads and party political broadcasts. The commercial he shot for BA, at the time the most expensive ever made, is his most bombastic work, with the Hudson signature of a brilliant musical soundtrack. Then there was "Kinnock: The Movie", plus its several sequels, which were derided by the Right-wing Press. "Of course they would. Why wouldn't they? They were jealous. Thatcher was jealous. She wanted one of those films. They made a difference. They were attacked as meretricious and manipulative, but what is film-making anyway but that?" Despite the thin white beard and Trotskyite specs, Hudson bears a passing resemblance to Denis Law. You'd never guess that he was born four years before the war. Realistically, though, at his age opportunities to make blockbusters are few and far between. My Life So Far has been and gone without setting America on fire. I Dreamed of Africa, otherwise known as Into Africa, is about a woman overcoming troubles in Kenya starring Kim Basinger in a nonfemme fatale role. "It's a women's movie," he says. It augurs ill that My Life So Far was ready for release a year ago. But then it augurs well that Chariots also kicked its heels for 18 months before release, and it won four Oscars. Hudson was nominated as best director. As he listened to Colin Welland make his famous "The British are coming" speech he thought: "Oh Christ, Colin, why do you say these things? You talk too much. You're too verbose, Colin, too verbose!" But Hudson never got the chance to make his own speech. Warren Beatty won, although no one watches Reds any more. Did he mind not winning? "Well yeah, in a way. I felt it was unjustified. I suppose they don't like to give a first-time director the thing, but they did this year to Mr Mendes. Times have changed."

An FOF spotted a new RV trailer at Empire OnLine. They say it is an exclusive. Colin is in it, but the quality is poor on my computer. http://www.virtuetv.com/film/empiretrailers/comingsoon.html Murph

Psst, Jasper! Love your wonderful CF interviews, but it's time to brush up the accuracy a bit. 1. It was St. Louis, not New Orleans. 2. Edward Pettigrew, not Fraser. Fraser's the kid.

Psst, psst Jasper ....thought you were Colin's mate! My Life So Far has been and gone without setting America on fire Difficult with 20 prints It augurs ill that My Life So Far was ready for release a year ago. Blame Miramax/BVI! Hugh Hudson sounds rather curmudgeonly (is that the word?) If Firth had played Vronsky he'd have been a dreamboat. Oh, too true! But alas , this we will never see. The trend now seems to deglamourise "costume drama", also to emphasise the sexually explicit. I'm not sure if this works though. Apparently, when "Madame Bovary" was shown here, it started with an audience of 3 million and this dropped to 2 million after the explicit encounter was shown. Either a large proportion were only watching it for the raunchy bit and then lost interest, or the more conservative "costume drama" audience didn't like the adaptation. Or a mix of the two! Directors don't seem to realise the difference between erotic (P&P was erotic) and so-called "sexy" (can be an audience turn off).

Thanks for the link to the updated RV trailer, Murph. I found the picture quality of this one to be better than the first, but the sound is not the greatest (couldn't understand most of CF's lines). Was that ODB with the ciggie 'tween his lips (unlit, perhaps ;-))? Ladies, there is no doubt in my mind--Peter's as you-know-what as a three dollar bill. Watch his mannerisms, the way he moves his hands. June 9th's just around the corner--lucky British Firthfans!

MLSF review from Popcorn--not too bad. It appears it's showing in one cinema already (might be Scotland). Good things very rarely come from films that have sat on shelves for several years gathering dust. The strange thing about the delay in releasing 'My Life So Far', though, is that there's nothing seriously wrong with it and the film's already been released in America. Robbie Norman makes a fantastic screen debut as the ten-year-old Fraser Pettigrew. Fraser's 1920s life has been nothing but idyllic thanks to the gorgeous Scottish estate where his parents - inventor Edward (Colin Firth) and loving mum Moira (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) - live and the hero-worship status he affords his father. Things change, however, when Fraser's uncle (Malcolm McDowell) comes to stay, bringing his much younger French fianc�e (Irene Jacob) with him. Both Fraser and his father fall for Heloise, but while son tries to interpret his feelings by going to the attic and reading his late grandfather's secret stash of Victorian porn, father tries a more direct approach. In this insular world, it doesn't take a genius to guess Edward's feelings and slowly the family find themselves teetering on the brink of collapse. It's Norman's performance that prevents this film from becoming utterly mundane. The youngster's innocent questions about prostitution and fellatio (which he pronounces with a hard t) are stand-out moments in this memoir, based on the childhood memories of TV executive Denis Forman. Forgiving the fact that Firth and Mastrantonio can't decide if they're Scottish or not - and that McDowell doesn't even bother trying - 'My Life So Far' is essentially a gentle, slightly whimsical look at the dangers of outsiders intruding on family life in a picture-postcard land. review by Lisa Andrews

Forgiving the fact that Firth and Mastrantonio can't decide if they're Scottish or not - and that McDowell doesn't even bother trying There is something none of the other reviewers picked up on. ;-) Thanks, Murph! I still have a hard time understanding everyone but Julie and SF. Can not wait to see it. I hope it is still playing when I am in London in July.

Forgiving the fact that Firth and Mastrantonio can't decide if they're Scottish or not - and that McDowell doesn't even bother trying - Are they talking about the Scottish accents? I thought they were authentic. Hey, I could understand them.I thought it was charming. Waddaya want accents like DQ? Definitely, not charming...

MLSF review from Popcorn--not too bad. It appears it's showing in one cinema already (might be Scotland). One cinema? I have a very suspicious mind but I can't help wondering if this is what the BVI rep meant by "opening all over Scotland". (Well, he got everything else wrong!) Good things very rarely come from films that have sat on shelves for several years gathering dust. The strange thing about the delay in releasing 'My Life So Far', though, is that there's nothing seriously wrong with it.... Very strange...almost deliberately trying to stack the cards against the film's success. Any film that's been on the shelf tends to get hostile reviews (if it was good, it would have been released etc) This film could easily have been released a year ago...especially if it's only being shown on two screens (hope I'm wrong about this!). The premiere was great news, and very high profile, and I think the quality press reviews may be kindly....but there's something that doesn't quite add up here. Suspicious mind at work!

Don't get me wrong...I think Jasper Rees produces better articles on CF than anyone, but... (Jasper Rees) ' at a certain point he will have to cross Upper Street at its most pell-mell. He doesn't seem to welcome the prospect.' (Arami) Why is he worried about crossing a crowded street (what happened to the neutral face?) and at the same time pinpoints the area of his London residence to virtually a handful of streets...? Arami, I think Jasper's weaknesses are beginning to show...Colin never declared that he was worried. I think the worry is in Jasper's imagination... (Jasper) 'Again I could be guessing. I've interviewed Firth more times than he probably cares to remember, and a frequent theme of the conversation is his disputatiousness.I posit some theory about him, and the next time we meet he (politely) remembers disagreeing with it when he read it'. Jasper is enamoured of "positing" and it really shows in his language, as he hedges when he's simply inventing what he wants to believe about Colin. (Jasper) I guess that Firth's fear of Upper Street in rush hour is based ... Firth says that, before the lights went down, he could just feel the eyes of the entire audience waiting for the two parties to acknowledge each other. You sense that he would happily have curled up and died. He hedges, and then proceeds to make bold expository statements as if these things were absolutely true ... and the reader tends to absolutely believe this. (Jasper)One of my theories is that he actually courts anonymity in a project; that given a choice between two scripts, he will go for the one that makes it easier to cross Upper Street unrecognised. Does this jibe with the Colin you met at the Donmar? Frightened of getting into a crowd, worried how to deal with someone who might recognize him? That his fear of becoming recognized is a genuine criterion in the projects he chooses ... That doesn't sound like the reports that you sent of him to us. Sometimes Jasper doesn't even bother to hedge ... (Jasper) One of the features of Firth's career is his restless determination to wrongfoot his audience (...whatever that means...) Is it a surety that CF is perverse for the sake of being perverse ...? So Jasper gets particularly smug when one of his shots is admitted to hit home: (Jasper) But he agrees with my hunch that interviewers have picked up this particular ball and run a bit too far with it... I'd rather hear it from the horse's mouth: (Colin) "But then you don't want to be perceived to be trying to catch lightning in a bottle twice. So I think I probably did consciously go in all sorts of different directions." ...But that isn't being perverse. He's just as subject to peer pressure as the rest of us. ;-) I was so pleased to hear from CF's mouth about playing Mark Darcy: "There's a certain inevitability about it," he says. "I think it's healthy for me to do it." Oh Yesss, he's come to terms with it, the Dear Boy! But I resent another implication that slipped from Jasper, to whit:(Jasper)' If he's Mark Darcy, he can't be Colin Firth too. They could get his brother to play him, I suggest' What does he mean he couldn't ? If CF can be a Walker and then a Ned within a few minutes of one another, is it so beyond his powers to play both, with Fitzwilliam Darcy thrown in for good luck? Icy smile indeed! ~~~~~ (Karen)That last comment in the article was particularly painful: "Or you might have to change the character of the actor. Someone the Americans believe is a credible sex symbol." (Elena) Funnily I understood this just as typical humour and irony of his. And I wonder if Colin would really want to be a "credible sex symbol" anyway. Oh, yes, Elena, I agree. He is being VERY sardonic here. I sometimes think he's toying with poor Jasper's head half the time, just to see if he'll bite... ..."a credible sex symbol.� (Gi) Ridiculous! Doesn't he know? ;-) He knows. And he'll be whatever he d**n well chooses to be! As always! (**Heehee**) ... Otherwise, I thought the article was tremendously good... ;- ) KJ

Yikes! Someone..anyone...stop Mark before he puts that Times article into the trash. I don't need it but surely someone will claim it before it finds its final resting place in the bottom of Mark's dustbin. (I know you that was just an idle threat, Mark dear, in order to find a worthy recipient.) Cult? What cult? I'm no raving lunatic. ;-) Lisa! Welcome home, dear.

Just saw your response, KJ. You picked out some interesting points. Frankly, I don't think it takes too many hunches or theories on our part to agree with you and conclude from the article that Colin is healthy, happy and sound. (I think I said that posts and posts ago so forgive the redundancy.)

Ah, but you said that from snippets were out and before the entire argument was spread before you. Congrats on your continuing perceptivity (is that a word?)! As a former science writer, I'm always on the lookout for hedges, though, so as not to take everything I read at face value. (Heheheh)

Thank you Lizza, Karen, and Heide for your warm words. They are appreciated. (Lizza) What did you think of The Times interview yesterday? I don�t know that I can add too much about the article. I think KJArt is dead on about how easily JR's take on CF might be perceived as reality, when in truth, Jasper is only speculating�. Maddening. Sort of like a negative spin doctor. Wonder how that made CF feel when he read the article? Sadly, he must be used to it by now. IMO, CF is very wise�he refuses to get sucked into the vortex of egos and paranoia in Hollywood and is mature enough to stay on the periphery. This is a man who knows himself. BTW, does anyone know where this rented house outside of LA is located? I remember reading about Santa Monica a long time ago. Isn�t that part of greater LA or did I lose the $32,000 geography question? I also enjoyed his musings on middle age (since I am now there myself), and found them to be a little wistful. Maybe the parts for young men in there 20s are behind him, but imagine the vast riches of exploring more mature parts. He has only begun to scratch the service. Thank God he is not just another pretty (and neutral) face. And as for the cult following of P&P2, I hope that the Attack of the Killer Tomatoes (AOTKT) is not considered to be in the same league as P&P2! Colin supposes that it is the character Darcy who is the sex symbol. Little does he know that we, too, are way past that transference!� Okay, maybe I can drool over CF AND CF as Darcy. (Karen) Armadillo (by William Boyd) is a perfect fit. Lisa, go check that one out. I feel certain it will be made...once there is a script. I will check out Armadillo. In one of my former lives, I was an insurance broker. (KJArt) What does he mean he couldn't ? If CF can be a Walker and then a Ned within a few minutes of one another, is it so beyond his powers to play both, with Fitzwilliam Darcy thrown in for good luck? Exactly. Hello, he is an A-C-T-O-R! Why can�t he be MD, FD, and himself. Sheesh! Sounds to me like this journalist was stirring the pot a bit.

Oops, meant to say, young men in "their" 20s. One of these days I will catch my erors before I hit "submit." And make that "surface" instead of service. Maybe I need to go to bed.

KJ; like your criticism of the interview, very accurate, IMO. Welcome back, Lisa!

The soundtrack (or parts of) to RV can be dowloaded at http://www.rpofilmmusic.com/relativevalues.html Lots of info about RV. The score was performed by the London Philamonic Orchestra and a specially commissioned jazz group. I don't have Real Player so I can't download...would be interested to hear any opinionn of the music, though.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra....sorry, can't spell!