More on MC... He apparently got very good reviews. FYI, here's a review that is not so good, but the reviewer loved Irene Jacob: (Donna) All the reviewers love IJ. Example: "and my only complaint about Irene Jacob's Claudie is that she is too attractive for the part: in other respects she is perfect, at once touchingly vulnerable and fully in command." One reviwer writes about MC being "seduced by one of the most beautiful women in Europe". MC gets very good reviews as well..."Madame Melville" could be very hot at the Box Office, and then IJ/CF pairing in "Londinium" might seem like very good news to the distributors. If it's screened, of course. Cancelled or postponed? Or have the Binders got a distributor? Moon) That would include Carlos Saura which would no doubt turn MoB into a real disaster....Working with Saura would be a big mistake for Colin. (Moon) I take your point, Moon. But critics over here really admire him, take him seriously, and (very importantly) he seems to have no problem getting his films shown. "Goya" was shown in at least a dozen theatres in London,(as opposed to one or two for MLSF).

Just a bit of a reminder--"Relative Values" premieres in the US on STARZ at 8pm EDT. Can't wait!

"Goya" was shown in at least a dozen theatres in London,(as opposed to one or two for MLSF). Bethan......it showed at only one theatre in London...in Mayfair. LOL actually in the same theatre as MLSF. I know I was in London and went to see it. I enjoyed the film immensely...it was visually dazzling as was the exquisite accompanying soundtrack .Goya is one of my faves,so I was not disappointed.However, I must agee with Moon, Carlos Saura sacrificed the plot and the actors' talents for the artistry alone. I would hate to see Colin in the hands of such a director who obviously has other priorities.

Okay, we know RV wasn't going to be great. I cannot disagree with most of the reviews. Sigh. However, CF's Peter sparkled as much as the endless glasses of Veuve Cliquot served up during the party at the beginning of the movie. I loved how much he smiled, pulled faces, and gleefully moved about -- all mischief and fun. My favorite CF scene from the movie: Peter trotting after Don (WB), and their talk about being a movie star, and Peter (Colin), reciting the line from Casablanca --"Here's looking at you, kid." -- about four different ways. That cracked me up. Was most disappointed in Julie Andrews. I almost felt like I was watching her in the sequel of the Sound of Music: Maria 35 Years Later. There was neither bite in her delivery, nor any sense of irony whatsoever. Pity. Now on to how ODB looked: well- scrubbed and natty. He was even wearing a scarf (more like a kerchief) tied round his neck in one scene! Quite the gay blade.

(Lisa) Quite the gay blade LOL! You can say that again. Queen Colin rules! Actually, I had no problem whatsoever with Colin's performance or the character, although their take was much more flamboyant than in the play. He was a riot. I loved all the faces and the exaggeration. Could his legs have been more rubbery when he's to meet Don Lucas for the first time? ("My heart be still") ;-D Have to agree with you, Lisa, that scene going after Lucas ("back in the saddle, "indeed!) and the Casablanca bit were a highpoint. How can anyone not enjoy his performance? That devilish bit in the drawing room, asking Miranda those questions, which get her deeper and deeper. Poor boy had to smoke for this one. No faking it, as I could see. Criticism: makeup. They definitely tried to save on getting a quality makeup artist. Sheesh, not only did Julie Andrews look bad, but so did Jeanne Tripplehorn. Mmmmm, who could resist such a dashingly handsome man in a tux. Not a podgy moment at all. ;-D

He *really* did look good, v. young and slim. All I could think about was "won't he be unbearably handsome as Mark Darcy"

I see we all like Colin dressed up. :-) (Lisa),My favorite CF scene from the movie: Peter trotting after Don (WB), and their talk about being a movie star, and Peter (Colin), reciting the line from Casablanca --"Here's looking at you, kid." -- about four different ways. Mine too! A brilliant moment in a not-so-brilliant film. In general I thought he did overact as well as JA. It was deliberate on his part because Noel C did not play it like that. Colin must have checked this hwere they keep the film/plays archive. (Evelyn), I must agee with Moon, Carlos Saura sacrificed the plot and the actors' talents for the artistry alone. I would hate to see Colin in the hands of such a director who obviously has other priorities. Goya is also one of my favourites. He had a fascinating life which Carlos Saura skipped over. What was the point of the film? We all know that Vittorio Storaro is one of the best cinematographers around. Did I really need to see Goya's paintings reproduced 100 times their original size? No, I wanted a film about this incredible painter's life. It did not happen.

Some comments on RV: 1. Light, frothy fare. A pleasant 1 1/2 hours. 2. Colin's Peter: Geoffrey Clifton's gay twin. Disagree with the critics who said he was miscast. He's having some fun with it, which is the only way to do this type of film--play it broadly. Not nearly enough of him, however. Weren't there any Accuvue commercials available last summer?;-) 3. CF's "Bogie" scene with Billy Baldwin is the best in the film. 4. I liked the opening montage very much, and will give Eric Styles credit for that. A very clever way to capture what's already happened, and sets a very '50s tone. Good soundtrack, but they should have used the Sinatra version of "Almost Like Being In Love." Nobody sings it like Frank, and it would have enhanced the sense of '50s Hollywood glamour. 5. Billy Baldwin was a pleasant surprise; enjoyed all his scenes with Stephen Fry. Also liked the scene where he's posing with the fans for photos and Colin is asking, "Girls, isn't he the most delicious thing you've ever seen?" I liked how Peter the sophisticate is reduced to a drooling puddle in the presence of his idol!:-) 6. Was surprised to see Colin smoking. Makes me wonder if he fell off the wagon last summer when this was filming. It wasn't absolutely necessary for the character and they could have gotten around it as they did in 3DOR. 7. Sophie Thompson. Expected more from her because she had more to work with than the others, but she was no standout. Her "I'll drink too much and then spill my guts" scene, a real hackneyed staple of this type of film, should have worked much better than it did. Contrast with the brilliant job that Rosemary Harris did with essentially the same material in the MLSF dinner scene. 8. The film would have been greatly improved had they poked more fun at the drawing room comedy genre. This material is too dated--and has been done better in the past--that you can't just play it straight for today's audience. For example, I liked what they did in the scene where Billy B. is filming that Hollywood western-and we see him and the other actor in turn shove up their ten-gallon hats with one finger. It's a classic gesture, signaling an Old West version of a pissing contest. In this way, it's a playful homage to a well-worn genre. The film should have done more of this; not enough imagination in the script. It's the type of playful, winking touch that elevated SIL from a good film to a very good one. Then again, Tom Stoppard's script-doctor fee probably exceeds the entire budget for this film; but you get what you pay for.;-) 9. I thought Julie was fine, and looked good to boot. Tripplehorn--ok, I guess. 10. Edward Atterton has to be the most lackluster, bland actor I've seen in quite some time. But, maybe it was the script.

Was he really smoking ?( hope not!)... Not nearly enough of him, however. My sentiments exactly. more screentime, please! He always has to do so much with so little. Which is actually very difficult. Edward Atterton has to be the most lackluster, bland actor I've seen in quite some time. But, maybe it was the script. I saw Edward Atterton recently in a TV drama....he played a nasty piece of work, an army officer who raped a female colleague. I thought it was a very good performance, contemporary dialogue. In RV, he had the type of "romantic" role that CF is sometimes lumbered with (ATA, to a certain extent SLOW)... insipid, no teeth. The role is so important, and really does determine the performance. Which is why I'd love to see CF in a strong lead role again!

Oh dear, I thought Colin looked old and tired. He did perk up later in the film and I enjoyed his performance immensely. Surprised? Looks like he had a lot of fun with the role and played Peter more droll than camp. Think the film could have used more spark...perhaps more fun with the charade. Stpehen Fry was seriously underused and I'm surprised he received as much attention from the reviewers as he did. I liked Jeanne Tripplehorn - felt she brought the right amount of desperation to her role. I read in the paper she just got married. Mentioned her recent films but RV was not among them. ;=) Despised Billy Baldwin but I never have liked him in anything. Perhaps a second viewing will be more charitable toward him. My electricity went out 1/2 hour before the film started. Didn't stay off for long but it meant re-setting my cable box, etc. which took a few panicky minutes to figure out how to do.

Was he really smoking ?( hope not!)... Yes, most definitely. Would be a neat trick to get it to come out through your nose without inhaling. Not nearly enough of him, however. Far more of him in this than in the original play. In that, once he goes off in search of Don Lucas in Act 2, you don't see him again. I thought he was in nearly every scene...from beginning to end. He was Julie's girlfriend or accessory. Stpehen Fry was seriously underused I quite agree. In the play, Crestwell was a more meaningful role - the wise butler with all the answers and solutions. His role was so cut back, but Peter's gained in the process.

(Karen) Would be a neat trick to get it to come out through your nose without inhaling. Hey, I know Presidents who can do this.;-) Yes, CF gets a fair amount of face time here, but in most scenes, he's in the background, contributing a line or a reaction shot here and there--more an observer of the action, less a participant. But he makes the most of it; I do like his perfromance in this. Just wish it were more.:-) Bethan, I'll have to check out Ed Atterton in something else--sounds like his role in RV is not a good measure of his ability.

Oh, dear! I just received an e-mail from the Institute announcing that the Sciascia reading has been moved to Sunday, Nov. 12 at 11:30 am. I wonder what happened? It does appear that ODB will still be doing it, but perhaps they're hoping to cut down on the rabid masses by moving it to a Sunday morning? Wow, who knew I could get such an adrenaline rush from an e-mail????

Thanks for the update, Jenn. I wonder if there are now going to be two readings because of the huge response. Does the Institute have everyone's email address to notify them? Wow, who knew I could get such an adrenaline rush from an e-mail???? Wait until you experience seeing Colin in the Flesh. This is nothing. ;-D

(Jen), I just received an e-mail from the Institute announcing that the Sciascia reading has been moved to Sunday, Nov. 12 at 11:30 am. What about going to Mass? The communists have changed Italy. To think that my DH will be in London. It is not fair! :-(

One of the regular AICN guys has written up reviews of many of the films at the Chicago FF. He saw Donovan Quick. This is what he said: Colin Firth takes a stab at the lightweight, working-class, U.K. crowd pleaser genre (FULL MONTY, WAKING NED DEVINE, and 100 others in the past five years). This time the oppressors are the mass transit companies, which hold monopoly on routes and service in a small town. When the Windmill Transport Bus Company cancels service on a local train route, the retarded Sandy has no way to make it to his day care center. The mysterious title character blows into town and rents a room in Sandy�s sister�s house. With a suitcase full of cash, Donovan vows to help Sandy form his own one-bus bus company to provide service to the locals on a more convenient schedule for a more reasonable price. And the service is a hit (although they never really do resolve the whole day-care issue), so much so in fact that Windmill decides to extend its route to run a couple minutes ahead of Sandy and Donovan�s. The battle begins. DONOVAN QUICK is a little darker than the other films in this genre, especially as we start to discover wh re Dononvan has come from and what brought him to this small town. Also, a sub plot involving Sandy and her alcoholic abusive boyfriend is pretty intense. The film means well but doesn�t show us anything we haven�t seen before. Colin Firth is good and a little creepy as Donovan, but the film is one of those that slips into town for a week and by the time you realize it�s there, it�s not. ~~~~~~~ Might need to write a rebuttal for that bit about "crowd pleaser" films... http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/display.cgi?id=7276

Might need to write a rebuttal for that bit about "crowd pleaser" films... While you're at it hit him with the "creepy little Donovan" bit ...and ... the film is one of those that slips into town for a week and by the time you realize it�s there, it�s not ...What kind of a review is that??

PS Saw that you had already written your rebuttal so I added my own.

As regards the e-mail address, I think the Institute may have only notified members of the change of date and time--I can't be sure, but it seems a sound theory. Again, if anyone else is going to the reading, I'd love to meet up. Not that I'd mind going alone, but it is much more fun when there's someone else to drool with! Is Armadillo currently filming in London? If so, where (possibly) could one go to observe the...thrill...of location filming (note latent sarcasm of last statement)?

They certainly have not notified all members of the change. I am a member and was certainly planning on going and I have heard nothing from them. Will now e mail them to see if I get a response and, of course, will be on the phone tomorrow. Jen are you planning to go to the reading regardless of which day it is? There are a group of us going and you would be very welcome to join us.

(AICN) Also, a sub plot involving Sandy and her alcoholic abusive boyfriend is pretty intense. Wow, I must have missed this part. I thought Donovan and Sandy were just friends ;-). If you can stand another review of RV, I was a little disappointed in the movie overall. I guess I was hoping for a little more to it. The characters were only caricatures instead of being fully developed. That might have been OK I guess, if the script was wittier and more action was going on. I agree about Stephen Fry being underused. He was hilarious in a very small role in Londinium and I wish he�d had more to do here. Julie was kind of one-note which was probably more the fault of the script than her fault. I enjoyed Sophie Thompson and liked the scenes when she finally outed her sister. Jeanne Tripplehorn got on my nerves but she did come across as sort of pathetic and terrified under all that forced confidence which I thought was good for the role. I didn't think Billy Baldwin was all that good a fit for his role. Couldn�t they have chosen someone handsomer who could be more convincing as a classic film idol? He looked and acted too modern and I thought they needed someone who was more drop ead gorgeous, and who could play the shallow, vain classic movie star. The movie was gorgeous to look at though and I liked the costumes and the sets. Regarding Colin, I thought he looked cute and like that clean cut Tuxedo look on him. He appeared to be having fun with the role and I enjoyed the funny way he delivered some of the lines, but frankly I thought he was a smidge over the top with the limp wristed behavior in spots. My opinion probably wasn�t helped by the fact that I was watching this with my husband who was enjoying my hearthrob acting so effeminate waaaaay too much ;-). I have to watch it all the way through again and BY MYSELF so that I can pay particular attention to Colin. I don�t feel I�ve done him justice yet :-). (Moon)To think that my DH will be in London. It is not fair! :-( You mean a visit to see "Il Cornuto" is not on his travel itinerary ;-)?

(Jana) My opinion probably wasn�t helped by the fact that I was watching this with my husband who was enjoying my hearthrob acting so effeminate waaaaay too much ;-). *pfffttt!* Too funny, Jana. Remind me not to put your husband and Moon's in the same room any time soon. ODB may not survive ;-)

My opinion probably wasn�t helped by the fact that I was watching this with my husband who was enjoying my hearthrob acting so effeminate waaaaay too much ;-). I have to watch it all the way through again and BY MYSELF so that I can pay particular attention to Colin. I don�t feel I�ve done him justice yet :-). LOL, Jana, don�t I know the feeling! You mean a visit to see "Il Cornuto" is not on his travel itinerary ;-)? Just think of the fun I would have had in coming up with an excuse to miss Sunday mass. (Tamsin), Jen are you planning to go to the reading regardless of which day it is? I am confused. Is Colin doing two days now? I thought Jen said that it had been postponed to Sunday. Tamsin call them and find out. BTW. are you the same Tamsin that posts at the DWG?

Was he really smoking ?( hope not!)... Yes, most definitely. Would be a neat trick to get it to come out through your nose without inhaling. Don't remember this...will obviously have to study the video carefully when it comes out in a few weeks! Hope he keeps the old enemy at bay! Jennie, I should think the reading must have been postponed because of filming (Armadillo) commitments. Filming normally continues into the evening, and Sunday must be a day off for cast/crew. Otherwise Sunday morning really is a very odd time for a reading - a lot of folk will still be struggling out of bed! - and there would be absolutely no reason for the change. Anyway, fortunately it's been brought forward, not postponed. Get a seat in the front row, if you can! I think reviewers are missing the point about DQ. The main problem is that we produce so many working class feel-good comedies- "The Next Full Monty" - that there's a danger that all these kind of films are lumped together. I hope that there's some sort of closure soon on DQ... that it's either released as a movie. or goes straight to TV. The worst option is a sort of limbo, in which no-one sees it, and the genre could become dated. (Evelyn), I must agree with Moon, Carlos Saura sacrificed the plot and the actors' talents for the artistry alone. I would hate to see Colin in the hands of such a director who obviously has other priorities. I haven't see any of Saura's films, so my opinion really has no foundation. But, I would like to see CF do a serious art house movie, and a strong dramatic role, and another period (as in nineteenth century!) drama. MOB could fit the bill, but I accept that everyone has reservations about this!

(AICN) Also, a sub plot involving Sandy and her alcoholic abusive boyfriend is pretty intense. ( JanaJH)Wow, I must have missed this part. I thought Donovan and Sandy were just friends ;-). I think he must have meant Clive...

(Bethan),I should think the reading must have been postponed because of filming (Armadillo) commitments. So by the time we get a confirmation of Colin starring in Armadillo, the filming will be over. ;-) Is that typical or what?

(Bethan),I should think the reading must have been postponed because of filming (Armadillo)commitments. Huh??? Do you know something we don't know , Bethan?

nope, just inspired guesswork (wishful thinking?)! But events at the Institute always seem to be scheduled for Monday evenings. Why reschedule for Sunday morning of all times, unless the reader was caught up in a film schedule. Or maybe he's out jogging!

Hmmmm...Colin out jogging? If ever there was a reason to get up early in the morning, that is it. Jennie, the e-mail I received was from the membership secretary. All she said was that the reading was moved up to Sunday morning 12 Nov., and that refreshments will be served. And believe you me, I plan on attending regardless of what day or time the reading will be. I'd love to join your group, if you'll have a yank like me. E-mail me, and we'll work out the details. Oh, drat--I think I just broke my printer....

Bad news from Tracy. The duty manager at ABC Panton Street has confirmed that there are no showings of Londinium there at all this week, nor planned - some kind of excuse about the print not turning up. Some day my prints will come!

(Mark) some kind of excuse about the print not turning up Tee hee, I swear, I had NOTHING to do with it! :-)

Thanks, Tracy and Mark. What kind of company is this!?! They can't ship a simple reel of film overseas for their principal market? *shaking head* Do they think this film is going to sell based on pure word of mouth? Maybe they'll now take it to Milan for next week's market...if they're still able to do so. Probably too late.

For those of you with zillions of cable channels, Fran has uncovered the broadcast premiere of the Secret Laughter of Women on the Lifetime Movie Network (not regular Lifetime television) on Nov 13th (8 pm) and November 14th (9:30 am).

(Mark) Some day my prints will come! Heehee! (Gi) I think he must have meant Clive... Surely you meant Lucy, not Clive. BTW, LOL Jana! ;-)

(Mark) Some day my prints will come! LOL, Mark, that would be funny if it weren't so pathetic! Actually, it's still pretty funny.:-) Seriously, I think the prints didn't show up because they never sent them. They said last week they were cancelling the screenings. At least they were telling the truth and not just trying to blow our folks off. (Karen) What kind of company is this!?! Is amateurish spelled eu or ue? Mon Dieu, can never remember.;-)

Spoke to the Italian Institute today and, as you know, they said they had to reschedule because of Colin having other commitments. I ask when they would be opening on the Saunday and they said probably a half an hour before the reading. How long tdo you think the queue will be by then!! Jen I will e mail you to arrange contact details. Of course, we don't mind a Yank coming. There should be another Yank and two Norwegians. See what dedication his fans have. I already knew about the refreshments - they told me drinks upstairs when I went there and said the length of time for the reading would depend on the interaction between the reader and the audience! When they were asked about how would people be advised about the change of timings the Italian Institute said details would be in Time Out - the London magazine. Pretty poor show for those planning to come long distances or from abroad I think.

(Jennie) the length of time for the reading would depend on the interaction between the reader and the audience! Oh, Jennie, I like the sound of this! Try to keep him there *all day long.* ;-) As for the lack of communication with attendees about the date change, thank goodness we have our little networks of Firth faithful to help each other out.

Another review of RV, thanks to Anne R. This one is good for the film and CF. This is from the Sunday Patriot-News, Harrisburg, PA, Sunday, October 22, 2000: Coward script becomes spirited film By Sharon Johnson Of The Patriot-News Details: "Relative Values" by Noel Coward; starring Julie Andrews and William Baldwin; 8 p.m. today on STARZ! Granted, "Relative Values" is not the best of Noel Coward. But let's face it. Even second-class Coward is superior to much contemporary writing. And the bit of fluff debuting on STARZ! tonight has been beautifully packaged. Even if the wrappings at first seem a bit shabby. William Baldwin in a Noel Coward script? In his earliest scenes, he appears distinctly ill at ease. But Baldwin will grow on you as a Hollywood man of action who flies to England to rescue the woman he loves. Few might think screen star Miranda Frayle (Jeanne Tripplehorn) needs rescuing. She's about to marry the Earl of Marshwood (Edward Atterton) and become the leading lady in his stately home. But back at the mansion, the news that an American adventuress has won the earl's heart does not please his spirited mother (Julie Andrews.) Nor her maid Moxie (Sophie Thompson, sister of Emma) who happens to be the sister of Miranda. Miranda's presence does bring excitement to the lives of the staff. Particularly the butler (Stephen Fry) who helps to pass Moxie off as an heiress so there will be no problem with the class differences, which aren't all that separate the two sisters. Also present is the earl's cousin (Colin Firth) who is vastly entertained by the drama at his family home. Particularly when Baldwin's inebriated actor shows up to claim his true love. "Relative Values" is an engaging period piece which serves mainly as a showcase for its fine cast. Andrews, in particular, reminds viewers that there's more to her talent than her voice. (Though not even she can carry off a remarkably dowdy wardrobe.) Thompson, Firth and Fry are particularly good. But even Tripplehorn and Baldwin hold their own in the pleasing comedy. The original film will have its debut at 8 tonight on STARZ! It will have encore performances throughout the month.

(Karen), What kind of company is this!?! They can't ship a simple reel of film overseas for their principal market? There must be more to this. The Binders are in LA filmiing that HBO special now. Still, it is very amateurish to cancel a screening they had been planning for weeks. Could they be thinking of re-editing? They must have had some feedback from the LA/NY viewers. This is something to investigate. (hint, hint, OK!,OK!) ;-)

(Moon) The Binders are in LA filmiing that HBO special now. They didn't need to be there, as the screening is being held under (John) Sloss Special Projects' banner. He's the NY lawyer ($$$) who is a big backer of indie films, including Boys Don't Cry (I think). (Jennie) the length of time for the reading would depend on the interaction between the reader and the audience! What counts as "interaction"? ;-D Does everyone have their questions ready? How on earth could he still be shooting Armadillo? Would this be the longest shoot on record for a two-part TV film? (cue for Bethan to cite statistics on average number of days to film) (Jennie) Pretty poor show for those planning to come long distances or from abroad I think. In all fairness to the Institute (although why it deserves any special consideration is beyond me, except for getting Colin to be there), I'm sure they didn't think for a minute that people would be coming from all points of the globe. Their usual audience is likely a small group of locals. (S. Jones) William Baldwin in a Noel Coward script? In his earliest scenes, he appears distinctly ill at ease. But Baldwin will grow on you as a Hollywood man of action who flies to England to rescue the woman he loves. Has this reporter been deluded into thinking Billy Baldwin is the main character? It clearly stated at the beginning that the actors were shown in alphabetical order. ;-D And face it, does anyone care about him? (S. Jones) Also present is the earl's cousin (Colin Firth) who is vastly entertained by the drama at his family home. Doesn't exactly excite you as to his role, does it. Also present is some lovely furniture and some antique automobiles. (Though not even she can carry off a remarkably dowdy wardrobe.) *snort* ;-D

For what it is worth, People Mag. is conducting the sexiest man alive poll for the year 2000. If you wish to vote for ODB go here: http://people.aol.com/people/spa/sma2000/poll/index.html

Re: People's tally Russell Crowe!?!?!!? PUHL-EEEZ

About as sexy as a wet noodle (to me anyway)

As long as Anne R. keeps finding these, I'll keep posting them.:-) A brief one: From the Seattle Times, Oct. 22, by John Hartl: Julie Andrews stars in an adaptation of Noel Coward's 1951 play, "Relative Values," at 8 p.m. on the Starz Channel. The British production had its American premiere several months ago at the Seattle International Film Festival, though it never enjoyed a subsequent theatrical release. Andrews plays a frustrated aristocrat with a nephew (Colin Firth) and a butler (Stephen Fry) who both sound like characters Coward might have played on stage. Her son (Edward Atterton) is engaged to marry a movie queen (Jeanne Tripplehorn), who doesn't realize she's still in love with her ex-boyfriend (William Baldwin). Reminiscent of Coward's "Private Lives," it's not nearly as much fun, though Firth and Fry make the time pass quickly.

Yes, please continue to post Anne's findings. though it never enjoyed a subsequent theatrical release. Excellent start for a review. Tell everyone it was a loser. What journalism school dropped this person? ;-D though Firth and Fry make the time pass quickly. At least the reviewer was discerning enough to recognize good acting. ;-D

Anyone in London want to see Hour of the Pig on a big screen? Apparently it is playing on Sunday evening (7 pm) at The Lux in Hoxton. A real coincidence as I was watching this just now. There's a Fever Pitch moment or two. When Courtois first goes to see the Seigneur, he is just like Paul at the interview and with the kid's mom. Then there's the rant to get clothes on Jeanne the witch - Colin's famous exasperated yell.

I've got my Armadillo from amazon.com by post on my birthday. Hope to start reading it this weekend :-)

Anyone in London want to see Hour of the Pig on a big screen? Apparently it is playing on Sunday evening (7 pm) at The Lux in Hoxton. Pity HOTP (and Valmont) never got a theatrical release in the UK. The guy's not lucky! We only get to see him in supporting roles! Hope DQ and Londinium make it. I was looking through the Writers Handbook 2000 (excellent for media contacts/literary/publishing/film/video companies etc). Andrew Davies and William Boyd apparently have the same agent - The Agency in Holland Park, London. Very few clients (very select) so they must know each other. More details about "Dr Zhivago" which AD is scripting..it will consist of 6 x 52 minute episodes (ie 6 hours, allowing for adverts). Must be very true to the novel, which covers more of Yuri's life after losing Lara. Although it's TV, it's very expensive TV, and a terrific lead role. I've got my Armadillo from amazon.com by post on my birthday. Hope to start reading it this weekend :-) Good reading. Enjoy! (and another great leading role!)

http://www.int.granadamedia.com/market/index.htm For the Andrew Davies link. One can always hope (especially if they film in Italy!)

Got to view RV last night.... (Mari)I liked the opening montage very much, and will give Eric Styles credit for that. A very clever way to capture what's already happened, and sets a very '50s tone. Good soundtrack Best part of the film,(it set the tone)....that and the "Bogie" impersonation . Too bad Eric Styles did follow -up on his innovating beginning. (Mari)Sophie Thompson. Expected more from her because she had more to work with than the others, but she was no standout. A real let-down for me....she was tremendous in "Emma". (Heide)Despised Billy Baldwin but I never have liked him in anything. LOL. Reminds me of the reviewer who said "The only reason anyone ever casts Billy Baldwin is because they can't get Alec.." (Heide)Oh dear, I thought Colin looked old and tired. I think that look was contrived...he wasn't supposed to look like a hunk. I thought he played the part v. well...the second time I viewed it ,I conscentrated on his facial expressions,(did I detect a "cooing" sound?), effeminate mannerisms, the little sashaying walk (no Darcy stride here). The guy is amazing.(I kept wondering if Stephen Fry coached him;-) Dunno' know if I'd plunk $8.50 at the box office to see it or rent it.In fact , but for ODB I would have hit the re-wind button early on.

(Evelyn) Dunno' know if I'd plunk $8.50 at the box office to see it Is that with or without airfare included? ;-D

(Evelyn) Dunno' know if I'd plunk $8.50 at the box office to see it (Eileen)Is that with or without airfare included? ;-D LOL....He's gotta do better than this for me to go "up, up and away"... (Bethan)More details about "Dr Zhivago" which AD is scripting..it will consist of 6 x 52 minute episodes (ie 6 hours,) For the Andrew Davies link. One can always hope (especially if they film in Italy!) I thought Dr. Zhivago took place in Russia;-) I have a big picture of this guy signing up for six months when he can't do a play for three...

DQ was shown in Canada at the Atlantic Film Festival in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Sept 15-23..."a warm and bittersweet comedy" http://www.atlanticfilm.com/donovan_quick.shtml I have a big picture of this guy signing up for six months when he can't do a play for three... Can't *afford* to do a play perhaps, not at the Donmar anyway. Wouldn't pay the tube fare. And a few months in Italy would keep his in-laws happy! I would place an evens bet on Dr Zhivago. They're casting in December

Don't know if this has been posted elsewhere, but I thought it might be of interest to CF fans other than myself. Believe it or not, Silent Laughter of Women is scheduled to be shown on the Lifetime Movie Network on Monday, Nov. 13 at 8PM and Tues Nov 14 at 9:30AM. Ladies, start your VCR's...

Thanks for that reeview Bethan, and now Canada has seen it before the UK. (BTW Bethan you didn't tell me how high up in the Lakes Buttermere was, very steep and winding single track roads, but the scenery was stunning which made it all worthwhile.)

(Ann) and now Canada has seen it before the UK. No whinging, now, Ann. It will be playing in Birmingham in a few weeks. It's not like it was playing ALL OVER the US and Canada. Only Australia got the national play...at least that we know of. Perhaps, it's been shown in South America too??? ;-D Thanks, Sylvanna. The info was posted a couple of days ago about SLOW, but that's not the regular Lifetime channel most get on their basic cable. This is a *premium* channel and might not be offered all over the place.

Oh, Ann, did you see any filming or preparing for filming going on up there? ;-D

Ann, just to make matters worse DQ was I believe on National New Zealand T.V. just some days ago. It ought to be on now with the railtrack troubles etc.

Hi Bethan, sorry about the whinging, but a very small whinge never hurt anyone hee hee! No sign of camera crews or filming and for the life of me I don't know how they would get a camera crew and all it entails up the single tracks, perhaps they would fly them in but this Director (whose names escapes me) will have a ball with the scenery. Stunning, magnificent and ever changing. Also I was hoping to hear that we had had confirmation that Colin was in Armadillo on my return but nothing.

Oh and thanks Anne I am glad to hear that NZ are seeing DQ. I know we just have to be patient.

OOOPS, sorry I sahould have said Karen, not Bethan, too early in the morning!

No sign of camera crews or filming and for the life of me I don't know how they would get a camera crew and all it entails up the single tracks, perhaps they would fly them in but this Director (whose names escapes me) will have a ball with the scenery. Stunning, magnificent and ever changing. One reason I'm keen on the MOB project is that I just love the area...and the scenery is out of this world. Most people think of the Lake District as Windermere, which is pretty but bland, but after Bowness you really start climbing. On a clear day, as you say, Buttermere is absolutely stunning, and it's even wilder further north...another world. There's potential for a visually splendid film...the backdrop is so magnificent. I'd love to see the scene where Hope escapes by climbing the high craggy passes and meets Mary, and also the scene where he drives a coach and four across the sands at Hest Bank (also very stunning). You can actually stay in the Fish Inn...it's still a very popular hotel for serious walkers and climbers.. But so high up that there's no TV! It's the nearest CF will get to Gladiator! Would have to be fit.

For those with the RV tape....check me out...he does so "coo"..I looked at it again last night and heard him. In parts he is making faces and sounds when others are speaking, I have never seen Colin do that before...but then he is Peter, not Colin!That Boggie scene is a classic...but so is the card-playing scene. And I want some website to get a snappy of him with the Girl Guides...he is enjoying it so..."oooooo":-))

(Ann), No sign of camera crews or filming and for the life of me I don't know how they would get a camera crew and all it entails up the single tracks, perhaps they would fly them in but this Director (whose names escapes me) will have a ball with the scenery. Stunning, magnificent and ever changing. Carlos Saura has recreated exteriors and shot them indoors in Goya. He seems to prefer indoor shooting to work with the lighting of the scenes. His Tango film ignored Argentina and was filmed indoors as well. We got a glimps from a window shot but that was that! IMO, he should be doing theatre, not film. As I have stated before, MoB would be a disaster in his hands.

Those of you who are extolling Carlos Saura as a film director really should see one of his films. He is a film technique director NOT a performance director.Actors are secondary in his films."You can't change the spots on a leopard "as Peter tells Lord Marshwood;-)(I'm into RV these days). Neil La Bute is a performance director;-)))In a recent interview he comments on how he lets the actors interpret the roles.

Carlos Saura approach to directing is that of a visual stylist. He would seem to view film as a visual art and employ it as such. Having not read "The Maid of Buttermere" I cannot say if Saura's technique would be a help or a hinderance to the film. The excerpts I read posted here at drool indicated a rather awkward style on the writer's part. The language did not flow and the writer seemed at odds with telling the story. In film schools, some intructors teach that the finest accomplishment is to be able to convey emotions and story through pictures; a scene which conveys everything needed without any dialogue whatsoever. Of course, accomplished actors are very useful to achieve such an effect. Neil LaBute is a more literary director in the sense that he started his career in theater as a playwright and director. He comes from a certain theatrical tradition which emphasizes the reliance on dialogue. Action is relayed through the metier of dialogue, as well as character development. This may well make LaBute particularly well suited to adapt the work of other writers. However, judging from his own work, LaBute is most definitely not for all tastes. He would seem to be one of those whom are either really admired by some, detested by others. He doesn't inspire too much in the way of middle ground. I don't really know if Colin Firth would be well-served by being in a Carlos Saura film of "The Maid of Buttermere". I do think that being a wonderful actor, he would serve such a film well. It could be said that CF's work would be worth seeing, even if the film weren't particularly good, or appealing to one's own personal tastes.

I do think that being a wonderful actor, he would serve such a film well. It could be said that CF's work would be worth seeing, even if the film weren't particularly good, or appealing to one's own personal tastes. I believe the point we were discussing is whether Calos Saura would serve CF well. We all agree with you that CF's work would be worth seeing, even if the film weren't particularly good, or appealing to one's own personal tastes. We recall Playmaker and a few others that did not appeal to our personal tastes, yet we have seen them because of CF. Carlos Saura approach to directing is that of a visual stylist. What is more visual than outdoor location shots? He has avoided that altogether in his last two films.

Blood Wedding and Tango were two of the best films I have ever seen. There is a deeply intense sensuality in Saura's work as well as a focus on perfect cinematic moments. He creates a truly "physical" experience for the public with his perfect direction and timing as well as his choice of musical score. Watching a Saura film is tantamount to watching a Mozart opera!

(Moon Dreams) What is more visual than outdoor location shots? Perhaps Saura has been recently inspired by some of the Dutch Genre Painters of the 17th Century. A few of them were quite interested in the visual effects of light on interiors.

(Moon) I believe the point we were discussing is whether Carlos Saura would serve CF well. I thought she did touch on your point and then simply added the converse. I commend you ladies for spending so much effort discussing the merits of Saura working with Colin and vice versa. We could next discuss him in a Woody Allen film since imvho the likelihood of that is equal to the likelihood of seeing him in the Maid of Buttermere. I'm in no way knocking this discussion. Please keep at it. The depth of your knowledge is impressive. We can only discuss a film almost 6 months old for so long. On the other hand, discussing RV is less likely to result in damaged feelings. (Ev) For those with the RV tape.... You mean there is such a thing? '-) Perfect segue to my offer to get hold of me if you have not yet had the pleasure of seeing RV. I have never seen Colin do that before Nice to see he can still surprise us. but then he is Peter, not Colin! And if there's ever a film that clearly defines the difference, this is it. I want some website to get a snappy of him with the Girl Guides I love that scene - the long shot as he's towering over the giddy girls, just as giddy as they.

I saw his latest only..."Goya"..and I can tell you the actor takes a back seat. If it had been an opera, you would not have paid attention to the singing. We're not saying that he isn't a good director, but that he isn't an actor's director. in film schools, some intructors teach that the finest accomplishment is to be able to convey emotions and story through pictures; a scene which conveys everything needed without any dialogue whatsoever Oh dear, I have just finished reading a book by David Mamet on acting (True and False) and he would say that is pure heresy. Emotions and story dwell in the dialogue....an arguable point it seems.

Ev) For those with the RV tape.... You mean there is such a thing? '-) I mean't the TV tape of RV...It goes on into Nov....Check The Bucket for times...Find a friend who has Starz, that 's what I did. Heide...but did you hear him "oooing?" Cute uh? He doesn't miss a beat in this character...of course, this isn't the same character as the play...but who cares?

(Cheryl), Perhaps Saura has been recently inspired by some of the Dutch Genre Painters of the 17th Century. A few of them were quite interested in the visual effects of light on interiors. The lighting is perfect in his films because he uses the best cinematographer at this which is Vittorio Storaro. The story takes the background to his visuals. (Lassie), He creates a truly "physical" experience for the public with his perfect direction and timing as well as his choice of musical score. Watching a Saura film is tantamount to watching a Mozart opera! The physical experience came in wanting to leave the theatre. And, I could not disagree more with your opera comment. `A chacun son go�t!

(Lassie) Blood Wedding and Tango were two of the best films I have ever seen...Watching a Saura film is tantamount to watching a Mozart opera! Maybe if you make nice to Karen she'll start a Carlos Saura topic for you. I find visual movies about as interesting as watching grass grow. But then, I'm not the artsy-fartsy type. :-P

Always great to see a lively discussion developing, even if, as Heide says, it could be theoretical at this stage! Hasn't Saura done a lot of different work? His recent films "Tango" and "Goya" sound very stylised and I accept your viewpoints on these, but I remember reading an article not so long ago about the theme of childhood in films. There was mention of the marvellous Cinema Paradiso, and also a reference to a film directed (and written) by Carlos Saura, which was about a young girl growing up in a small Spanish village. It was described as being very warm and moving, in the same genre as CP, with very strong performances. Title had the name Anna or Anya (?) in it. So perhaps his style of direction varies. MOB is being shot in the Lake District...why film there, if they are going to ignore the scenery? We could next discuss him in a Woody Allen film since imvho the likelihood of that is equal to the likelihood of seeing him in the Maid of Buttermere. (Heide) Well, LolaFilms said that details about MOB would be available in December. I promise to ring back, and put an end to all the suspense! And then we can discuss in earnest (or not discuss, as the case may be). But I think CF will do it...there's a strong theme of social injustice, and he'd also get to play a man with serious problems, and a loser to boot! :-) Sorry for the diversion ...back to RV!

(Heide)On the other hand, discussing RV is less likely to result in damaged feelings. Not me...my feelings are never hurt/damaged. But thank you for looking out for me;-) ~~~~~~~~~~ Re: RV. I shall be glad to have a tape made of RV (NTSC)and send it around to those who can't find a Starz subscriber. Pl. email me.(Lendsies not keepsies.)

An exclusive charity event - read all about it - 23rd Noveber 2000 celebrating the publication of SPEAKING WITH THE ANGEL - An evening of words and music - introduced by Nick Hornby - Featuring star performers reading from stories by Robert Harris & Nick Hornby at the Hammersmith Palais, Hammersmith Road, London, W6. Doors open 7.30p.m. entertainment starts 8p.m. full bar snacks available all evening 15pounds including a minimum of 5pounds per ticket to The Tree House Trust - tickets available from Ticketweb or 0207771 2000 - in association with WaterStones. Hope some of U.K. gals can go.

Thanks Anne! No CF though. http://s1.waterstones.co.uk/cgi-bin/wat01prd.storefront/ Ray Winstone, Kathy Burtke and Neil Pearson are reading. Wonder if the book isn't coming out til late November. Dates are always shifting.

Bethan, according to their site the book will be published on 2nd November. I've had it on pre-order for ages now, so am hoping for a nice thud on my doormat later in the week!

The Southwark Literature Festival began yesterday and runs all this week. " with featured writers including William Boyd" Could it be too much to ask that he is discussing a certain book purchased by a fair few of us recently? Details on 020 7403 7400. As this was from the Guardian, hopefully there may be coverage later in the week or in the weekend edition.

So is Colin filming somewhere? What a pity he is not there - but it would be a great evening nevertheless.

Does sounds like a great evening. You never know who might show up. I've never had the pleasure of meeting Nick as so many of you had. ;-) History of the TreeHouse Fund: "The TreeHouse was set up in 1997 by a North London group of parents of children recently diagnosed with autism and related communication disorders. Finding a lack of effective, early, educational intervention for their children these parents decided to set about providing it." Looks like Nick might have been one of those parents. The Southwark Literature Festival began yesterday and runs all this week. " with featured writers including William Boyd" Jeez, I'm jealous. So much culture, dahlings. Even more important, so many trails to follow to get a whiff of what our boy might be doing. (Ev) Not me...my feelings are never hurt/damaged. LOL, Evelyn. Don't worry, I know your hide is as rhino-thick as mine. By the way, it's not that I don't know there are tapes of RV, it's that I don't think there are supposed to be any. ;-) However, I'll throw caution to the winds and say that there are probably at least as many tapes out there as there are times RV is being shown on Starz. My e-mail addy is working above if anyone has not had the pleasure...

By the way, it's not that I don't know there are tapes of RV, it's that I don't think there are supposed to be any. ;- I didn't see a notice from the FBI at the beginning of it;-) I think it's OK to film TV for personal use.Not for sale or mass viewing.

I would "mass view" ODB in a lemon cravat anytime!!

Here is the page on Peter Lathan's "British Actors Best Living Actor Results" with a lot of explanation. Very interesting. But Colin didn't get as many votes as he should have. Michael Crawford? The power of the internet fan! http://britishtheatre.about.com/aboutuk/britishtheatre/library/weekly/aa102900a.htm Murph

This one is for our UK fans.... From Teletext Elliot director slams costume dramas "Billy Elliot director Stephen Daldry has hit out at the film industry's love of 'middle-class' costume dramas. British audiences want to see working-class stories on the big screen, he says in a US interview. Daldry also talks about the problems of finding financial backers for the award-winning Billy Elliot, which tells the story of a boy from a mining community. 'No one wanted to give any money,' he complains."

(Murph) Here is the page on Peter Lathan's "British Actors Best Living Actor Results"... But Colin didn't get as many votes as he should have. I don't waste my time on this stuff. IMO they're about as honest and meaningful as Slobodan Milosovic's last "election".

British audiences want to see working-class stories on the big screen, he says in a US interview. That is about all they seem to do! That is the reason why I do not watch BBC/America. I would like to see contemporary upper-class stories, for a change.

Interesting mini feature on Irene Jacob in one of the Sundays. "Madame Melville" is a huge hit with the critics who seem totally smitten with IJ. (the Binder bros. please take note....your gal is red hot at the moment. But I guess the market for theatre and movies isn't the same). She apparently loves working in the UK. There'a a mention of MLSF ..."Irene recently appeared in David Puttnam's MLSF. She says that she was really happy during the filming, so much so that she cried when the filming was over." British audiences want to see working-class stories on the big screen, he says in a US interview. Well, that's what the distributors seem to think! Which makes the failure of DQ to reach even a couple of screens in London (the bottom line release) ve-e-ry strange. The London FF starts soon... one of the films premiering (says she, sourly) is a new BBC film, a working class comedy set in a fish and chip shop in Ireland. Riveting stuff.

(article) British audiences want to see working-class stories on the big screen, he says in a US interview. (Bethan) Well, that's what the distributors seem to think! Naah, distributors want anything that makes money, period (to wit: Terminator 3 and Basic Instinct 2. Hardly working class stories!).

Naah, distributors want anything that makes money, period (to wit: Terminator 3 and Basic Instinct 2. Hardly working class stories!). Do you blame them? Anybody wanna risk their retirement fund on a costume drama? It will be interesting to see how The Golden Bowl does in the UK. Harvey won't even release it in the US.And it's a Miramax film!(Sorry, this should be on 136)

Posting for Mickie: Hello Firthfans, I have a favor to ask. There are some of us who are planning a trip to London and could really use some helpful hints. I remember that when many of you returned from seeing Three Days of Rain you had many wonderful experiences. I was hoping that you would be willing to share your experiences. Restaurants, hotels , tourist spots the lot. So that all CF fans could enjoy the benefit of your expertice would it be possible for you to add your comments to the message board at Murph's CF Interactive page? http://www.geocities.com/firthfan/index.html You can even write your own review of Relative Values which I must admit I liked a lot better the second time I watched. So if you are not really happy with it the first time watch it again. Thank you. Also, I made an attempt at a Colin related crossword puzzle and word search. If some of you like that type of game would you mind trying it out and letting me know what you think? Too hard? Too easy etc.... I would be very appreciative. Thanks for your help, Mickie

(Evelyn) Anybody wanna risk their retirement fund on a costume drama? Very true. Anything that's backed by private investors/studios (as opposed to government/lottery funds) needs to see a financial return. Investors are funny like that; they don't want to lose money.;-) Costume drama fans may watch on TV, but they tend not to turn out at the cinemas. There are exceptions, of course, but the reviews need to be impeccable and whoever markets the film needs to be willing to stay the course until it finds an audience. RE: Golden Bowl--somebody did buy it from Miramax for US distribution, Evelyn--maybe Artisan or Lion's Gate, can't recall. Due here in the spring, I believe. Harvey's mistake was taking it to Cannes--that place is a death knell for films like this.

There was a review in yesterday's Evening Standard of Speaking with the Angel. It is not online and given my posting problems I can only type the relevant bits. It is headed *Hornby's Dream Team*. The second paragraph starts: *In any case Hornby is right about the delicious menu on offer. The contributors range from the solidly reliable(Robert Harris, Helen Fielding, Roddy Doyle, Hornby himself) to the idiosynchratic (Irvine Welsh, Dave Eggers) the voguish (Zadie Smith, Melissa Bank) and the completely untried, at least at the short story (playwright Patrick Marber and actor Colin Firth, who rather bizarrely finds himself alondside the creators of Mr Darcey [sic],aka him, and Paul Ashworth whom he played in the film version of Fever Pitch. ..... It's perhaps no coincidence that Marber and Firth, meanwhile, choose not adult voices, but those of a lustful (for gleaming vinyl as well as sex) adolescent and an unusually imaginative child, and thus rely heavily on an occasionally clumsy but mostly poignant kind of nostalgia. ..... Though Hornby's introductory comment are a bit bossy "Luckily, I don't have to justify myself to you because all you've done is buy a book that you wanted to read" - he is not wrong as it goes. Sorry not to have typed it all. My typing is just not fast enough. Hopefully it will be on their Thisislondon site soon.

It's perhaps no coincidence that Marber and Firth, meanwhile, choose not adult voices, but those of a lustful (for gleaming vinyl as well as sex) adolescent and an unusually imaginative child, and thus rely heavily on an occasionally clumsy but mostly poignant kind of nostalgia. Thanks Allison, for spotting this! Sounds like a positive review. Can we assume that Colin's contibution is through the voice of an unusually imaginitive child? "Poignant nostalgia" sounds promising. You can even write your own review of Relative Values which I must admit I liked a lot better the second time I watched. I *always"* find that CF's stuff grows on me, and there's more to it than first appears. Am looking forward to studying the video in a few weeks time! Interestingly, there's a new Coward play "Fallen Angels" just opened in the West End. Good reviews for what is regarded as a rather insubstantial play. But what struck me was that the actors have obviously gone for over the top performances and milked it for all it was worth. I think CF would enjoy doing Coward on stage.....and would be very good.

BTW, on the subject of books, does anyone know if CF's mum is an author? I was browsing through our local second hand bookshop the other day, and purely by chance I saw a book called "Hindu Ritual and Society". It was written by Shirley Firth and two other authors. It was in the "Comparative Religion" section. Given that she taught this subjest and grew up in India, seems likely?

*purely by chance* LOL! Just happened to be browsing in the authors "F"! BTW does anyone have any idea why i can no longer paste here? I copy text but when I try and paste it into my response, there is nothing there. I can cut/copy and paste everywhere else.

Bethan, you are correct. Colin's mother is the author of that scholarly book (it is basically her doctoral dissertation).

Allison - Hopefully it will be on their Thisislondon site soon. Thanks for info. The article is now on line.