Thanks for the "ambitious English-language slate of films," Karen. Very impressive;-) I just wonder who Lola Films & Kinowelt plan to sell those films to.. For sure it's not the Iowa folks.If they knew the content, they might be apt to run 'em outta town.

I'm a day late, but still wanted to get in the birthday wishes :-) Hope you had a wonderful day Murph!!!

LOL Murph, my kid status is showing, who was the second voice? LOL Mari and Karen, nyuk, nyuk, nyuk *thwack* hey, what'd ya go and do that for? The nose thing really hurts! In case anyone is curious, Rain is not a remake of the Joan Crawford flick (1932) which book says was based on Somerset Maugham novel.

I'm so embarrassed for missing your birthday, Murph. I plead exhaustion and running-out of Library online time. Please forgive. Very small peace offering: Sincerely hope your birthday was a joyous one. KJ

Four days off-line and look what happens. Well done Karen on update of cast for Possession. Bought the book at the weekend and have not put it down. So many parts to cast. Last night's BBC News (East Midlands) reported that three days of filming had begun in Lincoln. Showed GP and AE (dark, longish hair) filming at Lincoln railway station. Today's shoot is in the University and Friday in a local pub for the 'pub brawl'.

Thanks, KG, and everyone for their wishes. Aishling, how come you guys get all the good films on location??? My only chance over here is to go to Orlando in October and watch them making Flora Plum with Claire Danes and Russell Crowe. Not that I would, though. I'd have to fight through all the screaming droolies. You think Colin causes drool? You should read the Crowe message boards. Ugh!! Crowe will play a circus freak acrobat covered with hair who befriends Danes. She is not what she seems, however. It will be directed by Jodie Foster, and looks like an interesting off beat kind of thing. http://www.murphsplace.com/crowe/plum/plum.html

I have Renee Russo and Tim Allen filming a Dave Barry story in a house around the block from mine.

Thanks, Aishling. Have found a couple of news items on Possession, so will set up separate topic today to post them.

A column in today's Hollywood Reporter about Nurse Betty, where Martin Grove speaks to Neil LaBute. Definite inference by MG that now that NLB is directing something other than his own writing, he could be up for a Golden Globe or AA. Asked what interested him in doing a script by someone else, LaBute had this in his answer: "There still was this lovely thread of humanity that ran through it and that was something I had never put into my own work." Gaah!! That tells me loads about him. Here's the whole thing. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/columnists/grove/index.asp

NLB must be an actor's dream -director. ...."I like creating a space and getting out of their way. They tend to utilize you (as a director) when they need you. But the best thing is to give them all enough room to do the thing that they do that none of us understand and kind of sit back and marvel at it." Thanks Karen. And for setting up the "Possession" topic...I'm going there now...

sorry . Italics closed

(Murph) Crowe will play a circus freak acrobat covered with hair who befriends Danes. Eeeew, hard to imagine drooling over a role like that. I'd rather see a masturbatory village pervert :-).

Yes, but it is a role which can demonstrate a good actor's talents. So would a masturbatory village pervert. Actually, I hope CF does get cast in some extreme sort of character part. Then it might be noticed what a good actor he really is.

(Sadie) nyuk, nyuk, nyuk *thwack* hey, what'd ya go and do that for? Hey Sadie . . .pick two! Boing . . . Flora Plum page look good, Murph. Lemme see now, starring role, respected director, produced by same people who did The Sixth Sense, guaranteed worldwide distribution . . .I think the circus freak just left the masturbatory village pervert in a cloud of dust.;-) (Cheryl) Actually, I hope CF does get cast in some extreme sort of character part. Then it might be noticed what a good actor he really is. Yes, and it's interesting to note that the best reviews he's gotten recently were for 3DOR--which was more "out there" than anything he's done in several years. His masturbatory protests aside, most of his roles over the past several years have been very "safe" and middle of the road. Yawn.

(Murph)You think Colin causes drool? You should read the Crowe message boards. Ugh!! Hmmm, do not know what to do. Cannot allow other star's fans to outDrool me, but flinch at thought of "ugh" response :-) Hey Sadie . . .pick two! Boing . . . Oh! Oh! I can't see, I can't see! (I've got my eyes closed...) (Cheryl) Actually, I hope CF does get cast in some extreme sort of character part. Then it might be noticed what a good actor he really is. I'll second that! (Mari)I think the circus freak just left the masturbatory village pervert in a cloud of dust.;-) LOL! But enjoying himself.

Karen, I have bought the book, but will not peek at Possession site until I've read it.

(Cheryl) Actually, I hope CF does get cast in some extreme sort of character part. Then it might be noticed what a good actor he really is. (Sadie) I'll second that! Since when does being recognized as a good (or great) actor require playing Quasimoto? Have now just seen Wonderland for second time. Every single actor in that was solid and outstanding. Did not see one masturbatory village pervert, unless one counts what goes on with Shirley Henderson (Jude) at the beauty shop after hours. ;-p (Sadie) I have bought the book, but will not peek at Possession site until I've read it. We're keeping away from *spoilers* for now. Just talking about items in the news and exchanging useless suggestions about casting.

(Karen) Since when does being recognized as a good (or great) actor require playing Quasimoto? Hey, now there's a thought! Seriously though, I'd like to see him stretch a bit, after a fine turn as normal boys inside men's bodies. (FP, MLSF) I'd like to see him do something shocking, and hey, if masturbation is all he can come up with, I'll settle for that. ;-D Just talking about items in the news and exchanging useless suggestions about casting. LOL Karen!

Interesting article from Variety. Possibly explains RV's quick scheduling on television. Apparently, there is a two-month window to find theatrical distribution, then television rights kick in. SONY CLASSICS HOUSES 'MIRTH' NEW YORK -- After down to the wire negotiations that saw Showtime plan, then cancel, marketing efforts for Terence Davies' Edith Wharton adaptation "The House of Mirth," the cabler has agreed, in principle, to sell pic's theatrical rights to Sony Pictures Classics. Until Wednesday, the future of the film hung in the balance, with its U.K. co-producer Granada Television desperate to find a theatrical window for what could prove to be the first hit for Davies, whose arthouse-skewing pics include "Distant Voices, Still Lives" and "The Neon Bible." [...] Shrinking window Granada, like many production companies with a Showtime co-production deal, had a window of roughly two months to find theatrical distribution before the cabler retains rights to bow it on the small screen. When that window closed in May, Showtime began preparing for a fourth-quarter air date, confident it had an original hit on its hands -- much to the producers' distress. If the film went straight to cable, said a source close to Davies, the director would have been "devastated." But that wasn't Showtime's concern. Showtime prexy of programming Jerry Offsay told Daily Variety he expected it, as a Showtime original, to earn notice from the Emmys and Golden Globes, raking in $5 million to $7 million in free publicity from press alone. All that will be lost with a theatrical release, said Offsay. "When it comes to Showtime a year later, we'll get no press and no publicity. There will be a collective yawn." Showtime gets very little back when it sells theatrical rights to co-productions, Offsay told Daily Variety. "The reason we make originals is to enhance our viewers' enjoyment of the service. One more theatrical movie doesn't improve our business one iota." But the ground began to shift when "Mirth" emerged from the Edinburgh Film Festival with high marks from some critics, and invitations to Toronto and New York. Sony Classics made an offer -- one that Showtime was under no contractual obligation to honor. And until Wednesday, the cabler seemed unlikely to budge. Reassessing strategy What finally changed Showtime's tune? A business strategy that has little to do with "The House of Mirth." Selling theatrical rights now and again allows the cabler to rope in more co-productions, said Offsay. It's been two years since such Showtime pics as "Down in the Delta" and the Oscar-nommed "Gods and Monsters" saw theatrical runs. If Showtime refused to sell "Mirth," it risked discouraging producers from bringing other projects to the cabler. Had Showtime sold theatrical rights to another film in the last six months, "Mirth" would have gone straight to the small screen. "It's wonderful what happened with 'Gods and Monsters,' " Offsay added, "but I don't think the Showtime viewer got anything out of it. What 'Gods and Monsters' got us was 'House of Mirth.' "

More on Flora Plum...and then I promise I will get off this topic. I just wanted to join Mari in defending RC's choice of role here. I have read the script, and it is a different, very interesting film and role. Jake is a circus freak in looks, but a gentle, smart man at heart, and a wonderful acrobat. (Crowe, like Burt Lancaster before him will do his own stunts.) Flora Plum becomes his friend, and he her mentor, and love develops. At one point she talks him into letting her shave him, so we get to see a glimpse of the Jake underneath for a bit. In the script I have, he stays shaven for most of the rest of the film, but I understand that has been scrapped, and he lets his hair grow back - to keep him closer in character. It is set in the 30s, in a small time circus. Flora is not what she seems, and some have said the film has an All About Eve flavor to it. I'm looking forward to this one. I am convinced that Russell would play a self-masturbatory simpleton, if the part appealed to him. Look what he did as Jeffrey Wigand in the Insider -- Wore a funny looking gray wig and put on 40 pounds. We think too much of Gladiator when we think of Crowe. He is not afraid to take chances in films. I haven't seen it, but I understand his Hando in Romper Stomper is a frightening creation. Colin did that once. He let us see the real horror of a head wound victim in Tumbledown, for instance, wetting himself and making wry jokes about his state. And we saw the shy wounded stutterer in AMITC. Lately he has stopped taking chances, except on stage. I hope he tries some hard acting in a film very soon. I have a great quote by Bette Davis on my main RC page: "The person who wants to make it has to sweat. There are no short cuts. And you've got to have the guts to be hated." - Bette Davis All of this IMO, of course. Opposite opinions welcomed.

(Murph) Opposite opinions welcomed. But of course...we even have a Russell Crowe topic where that can take place!! :-) http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/92/new Love the Bette Davis quote. Will that apply if he does the Man of Steel? ;-)

(Karen) Since when does being recognized as a good (or great) actor require playing Quasimoto? Unfortunatly, to many people it does. It is very easy to dismiss good-looking actors as only having been cast because they were good-looking. (That is ,too often for my taste, the truth. However, I digress.) Conventional and/or leading man parts, even when well played, don't draw the general public's attention to somenone's ACTING ablilities. The public at large, no doubt, finds Russell Crowe a better actor than Colin Firth, not merely because Crowe is more famous but because Crowe has taken chances and played a variety of characters. The fact that CF hasn't had the chance at more varied roles could very well not be his fault at all. More to do with short-sighted casting directors. CF seems to view himself as a character actor; that is where he may well most comfortable and effective. Those types of roles may well serve him much better. As for Quasimodo, that's a great part. Besides who is the more remembered actor today -- Charles Laughton or Franchot Tone?

The previous post should have started: Unfortunately, to many people...

My prior post should have ended with: This is a rhetorical question.

Sorry, I got carried away!!!!

Just saw this in the TV Guide. The show airs this weekend. In the premiere (Ebert's show with new partner Richard Roeper), Ebert and Roeper list possible contenders in next year's Oscar race, selecting several long shots such as: "High Infidelity," "SUNSHINE," and "Hamlet."

"High Infidelity" What's that? ;-) "Hamlet" Could there have been a more boring adaptation? (rhetorical question, expressing my opinion and my opinion only)

(Karen) "High Infidelity" What's that? ;-) Oops :-)

Freudian.

We have just heard that....." In this months "Rolling Stone" magazine Jennifer Ehle and her mom Rosemary Harris are mentioned in a list of top supporting actresses so far this year. With all the bad movies and performances that did so well at the box office this summer they were two of the highlights. Wonder what Ebert will say tonight on his show.....RH was nominated for Tom 'n Viv.Jennifer ,of course, is a no name....and just the fact that her name is being mentioned as a possiblity is an accolade in itself.

Hi, According to Empire Online, (UK), the video of Sunshine will be available to rent as from the 18th September, 2000.

It can be preordered from Blackstar for �59.19 (20% off). The regular price will be �73.99. http://www.blackstar.co.uk/video/item/7000000057751 You've got the better cover too!

Ebert and Roepper last night made their mid-year Oscar nomination predictions: Sunshine was on the list for a Best Picture nomination and RF for Best Actor.

Lets hope the Academy remembers the movie that far in the future!!! any news on when it will be released on video here (and if its already out, forgive my denseness, haven't watched ANYTHING of merit lately)

I have not watched the Ebert show yet since it is on at the ungodly hour of midnight. I do have it on tape and will watch later. But no mention of (at least) RH who in the past Ebert had said should get an award for continuing greatness. I guess I will have to be happy that Sunshine got mentioned at all. I still think JE and RH gave wonderful performances in addition to RF.

Here, here, Susanne. If, as is being said here, Brenda Blethyn (Saving Grace) is an Oscar possibility, then JE & RH should certainly be.

(AnnW) If, as is being said here, Brenda Blethyn (Saving Grace) is an Oscar possibility As usual, *your* press is grossly overstating things on a typically slow news weekend. Cannot believe the stories about Saving Grace that I've seen in your news. It's an OK, funny movie, but Blethyn won't get a nom for that. The movie is like Waking Ned Devine, charmingly cute and funny. (btw, Martin Clunes looks better in Elizabethan dress than modern)

I still think JE and RH gave wonderful performances in addition to RF. Joel Seigel on GMA predicted JE and RH for Oscar noms...also RF and Sunshine. (Ann w.)Brenda Blethyn (Saving Grace) is an Oscar possibility,.. Haven't seen her name mentioned here as a possiblity. (Laura)Re; Sunshine ...any news on when it will be released on video here Still playing in 150 theatres across the US.(Playing at 4 theatres in Houston and for the past month in Okla. City. (Unheard of for an art-house film...usually they play a week.) Don't really expect it out on video this year. Best bet is Canada via videoflicks.com.

Evelyn, I think DFL must be for a limited run as I notice that according to Playbill.com Follies is expected to open at the American Airlines Theatre for Spring 2001. Theatre.com, however, lists DFL as previewing on the 16th February, Opening on the 15th March. Can't quite tie this two dates up unless DFL has a very limited opening!

Can't quite tie this two dates up unless DFL has a very limited opening! I'll telephone Roundabout Theatre tomorrow. They surely should have the other male lead by now...!

(Evelyn) They surely should have the other male lead by now...! And I can't believe they don't have a cast announced yet for Leveaux's "Betrayal."

(Evelyn) Don't really expect it out on video this year. Absolutely. If they're positioning it for Oscar consideration, can't be on video. In fact, they will rerelease in early 2001 if it gets on the ballot and gets a nom. So don't expect to see a video until late March at the earliest.

(Donna), And I can't believe they don't have a cast announced yet for Leveaux's "Betrayal." Is there still time to audition, David? ;-D Donna, if you get to go opening night, I expect you to takes pictures. And if you go to the party take you cellular phone and call me collect (once you corner him of course). ;-)

Sunshine is still playing at two theaters in the Philly area, plus it's now playing at the Jersey shore in theaters that normally show only the "feel-good' summertime flicks. Very smart of the distributors to get it into the beach/vacation areas--often overlooked by distributors of smaller films. Oscar season is a long way off, anything can happen. Finally the studios have cleared their shelves of the end of summer crap and we'll start to see more quality stuff. Still, it's good to see Sunshine and cast being mentioned--that's how buzz builds . . .

A couple of days ago, I posted in the Food Conference about a big Spam shindig at the Groucho Club in London. Since we're all Spam devotees, thought you'd be interested in this horrible bit of info: :-O WE mentioned the other day that the 6,700 islanders of Molokai are prodigies of Spam consumption, getting through 20,000 tins a week. Paul Theroux offers an explanation for the popularity of the tinned comestible in far-flung parts of the world. "I had found circumstantial evidence for cannibalism," he writes in The Happy Isles of Oceania. "The liking in Vanuatu was for Spam. It was a theory of mine that former cannibals of Oceania now feasted on Spam because Spam came the nearest to approximating the porky taste of human flesh. It was a fact that the people-eaters of the Pacific had all evolved, or perhaps degenerated, into Spam eaters. In the absence of Spam they settled for corned beef."

It was a fact that the people-eaters of the Pacific had all evolved, or perhaps degenerated, into Spam eaters. In the absence of Spam they settled for corned beef." LOL Karen! What is in Spam, really ? Maybe only the packaging changed.

LOL, Karen! Always enjoyed Paul Theroux. Has Marcia, our Spam Queen read this?

Come to think of it. Some of the people in Wonderland might enjoy it too. And that, my dear says it all! ;-)

Can't remember if it was here... but the discussion of Leonardi DiCaprio's loss of his buff bod... Apparently, the reason is the Scorcese movie "Gangs of NY." He has to pile on the pounds (like RZ). He's doing what DiNiro and Tom Hanks do all the time.

to any Australian fans, according to Cinefile website, Sunshine is due to open there on the 26th December,2000.

to any Australian fans, according to Cinefile website, Sunshine is due to open there on the 26th December,2000.

In a desperate attempt to find some Firth-news I was scouring the papers today and found that, according to the Evening Standard, the British Film Institute has published its 100 top TV programmes. There I was eagerly scanning the top 10 - nothing...surely in the top 20..nah! It wasn't until I got further down the page that I realised the true horror..P&P voted 99th. OK, OK nothing to get too depressed about - there's been a shed-load of programmes made over the last 50 years or so, so in the scheme of things 99th isn't bad.....until you look at what came in above our favourite.....the Teletubbies 'DOH' *shaking head in disbelief*.

Thanks for the above Tracy, Ihoped P&P figured in the List. BTW Donna, according to Playbill Juliet Binoche is to star in DL's Betrayal along with an actor I don't know who has appeared in a production of 3DOR.

Thanks for the above Tracy, Ihoped P&P figured in the List. BTW Donna, according to Playbill Juliet Binoche is to star in DL's Betrayal along with an actor I don't know who has appeared in a production of 3DOR.

Thanks for the above Tracy, Ihoped P&P figured in the List. How can P&P come in 99 out of 100 most popular shows on BBC, when only a few years ago ODB was voted the Most Popular Actor ever on BBC. Does that make sense...#1 actor in a #99 show??

Evelyn, one was voted for by the public (female probably) and the other by the BFI.

Couldn't agree more. P&P is in good company lot's of the well known dramas and documentary series it's just a shame it wasn't a bit (for 'bit' read 'lot' higher). Apparently the people surveyed were "in the industry" and so I suppose it's not surprising that the usual (and safe) suspects are rated highly. If anyone's interested in the poll, the details are on www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/news/

the British Film Institute has published its 100 top TV programmes Sad state of affairs, when the British Film Institute is compiling lists of television programs. *shaking head* Read commentary in Times (I know, no one reads that) which said that 437 industry insiders were polled. I see on the list that Brideshead Revisited was #10 and the Jewel in the Crown is #22. But Ready, Steady, Go! at #62...isn't that a cooking show? ;-D

Ready Steak Go is a weekly pop show, Tope Ten songs.

If it was Ready Steak Go, it would be a cookery show :-)

If it was Ready Steak Go, it would be a cookery show :-) LOL! Or a fastfood cooking show.

But don't you have a cooking show, where two chefs are given random ingredients and have a limited time to prepare something? Ours is called: Ready Set Cook and I thought it was based on one of your shows?

Yes, Karen Ready Steady Cook, is on in the afernoons.

Re: P&P #99 (Tracy)Couldn't agree more. P&P is in good company lot's of the well known dramas and documentary series it's just a shame it wasn't a bit (for 'bit' read 'lot' higher). (Moon)I see on the list that Brideshead Revisited was #10 and the Jewel in the Crown is #22. But Ready,Steady, Go! at #62... isn't that a cooking show? ;-D (Ann)Ready Steak Go is a weekly pop show, Tope Ten songs. You call this "being in good company"?? Sorry I stand by what I said....sad state of affairs... *evelyn*...who maintains there is no honor in being second... let alone #99.!!! *sick*, *sick*

From The Hollywood Reporter (have left out all the beginning stuff about Miramax's Scary Movie): Summer indie boxoffice wrapup By Ian Mohr Art house fare got off to a slow start in theaters this summer, but a handful of titles did better as the season wound to a close. Word-of-mouth--the bread and butter of indie success--played a key role in the boxoffice accomplishments of such films as the Shooting Gallery's "Croupier," Fine Line Features' "Saving Grace" and Paramount Classics' "Sunshine" and "The Virgin Suicides." "Summer is always strong for counterprogramming," said Sony Pictures Classics co-head Michael Barker, whose company had a summer breakout last year with "Run Lola Run." The summer of 1999 saw such early summer successes as Miramax's "An Ideal Husband," G2 Films' "Tea With Mussolini," Artisan's "Buena Vista Social Club" and Lions Gate's "The Red Violin." While late summer 2000 releases such as "Saving Grace" made quick strikes, a few late spring rollouts hung around at the boxoffice all summer to do big business slowly but surely. "We were initially expecting an adult, specialized, educated audience," Paramount Classics co-topper David Dinerstein said of "The Virgin Suicides," an April release that has taken in close to $5 million. "But we saw our demo drop where we were getting a younger audience, and the movie became a big date film. Then older audiences who may have been scared of the title started going through word-of-mouth." Other spring hangers-on include Miramax's "East Is East" and Sony Pictures Classics' "East/West." Indie films that were unable to raise their cume despite overwhelmingly favorable reviews include Lions Gate's "Jesus' Son" and SPC's "Shower." Artisan Entertainment, last summer's headline grabber, laid low this summer with only two releases: "Chuck & Buck" and "Cecil B. DeMented," both of which were only moderately successful. "We wanted to avoid any wide releases this summer," Artisan CEO Amir Malin said. "We opted to go with more specialized films. We don't look at this as a two or three month business."

(Continuing...) Paramount Classics The Istvan Szabo-helmed drama "Sunshine" was a standout for Paramount Classics this summer, grossing nearly $5 million at the boxoffice. Opening in June--on the same weekend that parent Paramount Pictures released "Mission: Impossible 2"--the Ralph Fiennes starrer grossed an estimated $92,583 from seven theaters, generating a $13,226 per-theater average during its opening frame. Par Classics also saw success with its spring release of Sofia Coppola's directorial debut, "The Virgin Suicides," which stuck around through the summer on strong word-of-mouth. "We've had a good summer," Par Classics co-head David Dinerstein said. "The thinking behind ('Sunshine' and 'Suicides') was to open early enough where they'd play longer. We had hungry audiences for these films that wanted a good alternative on the screen." Both films had been in the can for a year before their release. "Everyone involved with ('Sunshine') had great patience," Par Classics co-head Ruth Vitale said. "Everybody waited because we thought, 'How many films do you want to sit through at Christmas that are three hours?' You've got the summer!"

For those of you who live in the New York Metro Area/Long Island Region, Sunshine will be playing at my university, SUNY Stony Brook, at the Staller Center on October 27th. Here's the website, where you can get more info: http://www.stallercenter.com

Thanks Karen....I think we all have to take a lot of credit for the success of Sunshine....the website plugged it...as well as every board we could find on the Internet.$13,000 per theatre for an opening weekend isn't chicken-feed. For a film that almost didn't get a distributor a year ago after Toronto,and had mixed reviews in the UK, it sure has been a huge success in the US.Like I keep saying...we're a market unto ourselves...whatever other markets do or reviewers say has no relevance to the US market. [There is a God]

Forgive me if I repeat myself, it's been a hectic day... But I finally saw Sunshine this week and absolutely loved it. Whatever warts it has, they don't spoil the movie. I thought RF was wonderful in it, JE sparkled as usual. Sometimes I will watch a sweeping epic, like Out of Africa, think it was exquisitely filmed, but know that I do not want to see it again. I found this story to be engrossing on several levels, story, acting, cinematography. What is the feeling that we leave the theater with? It's not one of depair, is it uplifting, thought-provoking? Rhetorical questions. It seems likely that RF will get an Oscar nom, and he deserves it. His eyes are beautiful. But I must say, he does not have the attractive hands of some of ODBs (CF and SD), and he does have the largest nostrils I have ever seen. You could slip a 50 cent piece in them. Oh, sorry, just a case of sillyitis ... :-)

I too like Sunshine very much Donna and I was surprised to find that I liked RF's performance but I can't agree about the eyes, they seem half asleep, dull and lifeless unlike someone we know with "dark brown pools". Which reminds me when oh when are we going to get some CF news. Great news about SD, I guess he will be pretty busy.

(Evelyn)[There is a God] There IS??? WHERE??? :) Hey at least Fawlty Towers made #1;)

Paul Theroux brings up the connection of Spam and cannibalism. I find this quite disconcerting. What exactly is in Spam? Many have wondered. Furthermore, how would Theroux know that human flesh tastes "porky". He's probably read that somewhere, as have I. There was also someone on the Discovery Channel discussing that when he was in east Africa he ate baboon, which tasted similar to pork. So this posits the question: Is Spam canned monkey meat?

(Ann) I liked RF's performance but I can't agree about the eyes Come to think of it Ann, I do prefer both Colin's brown babies and Stephen's hazel honeys :-)

(Ann)Great news about SD. I guess he will be pretty busy. Ann can you tell me what Stephen is up to since TRT? I haven't heard any news about him. Michelle

(Michelle) Ann can you tell me what Stephen is up to since TRT? I haven't heard any news about him. Hi Michelle, SD has a new film for the BBC coming up, it's being discussed at topic 132. http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/132.668

It doesn't just happen to Colin's films. Here's a JN-related bit: Mysterious Disappearance by Rebecca Ascher-Walsh 'BOWL' CUT Director James Ivory and producer Ismail Merchant's Henry James adaptation "The Golden Bowl," which stars Uma Thurman, Anjelica Huston, and Nick Nolte, has mysteriously been dropped from Miramax's fall lineup. While the studio isn't commenting, a source close to the negotiations says arguments between Miramax and the filmmakers over 25 minutes of requested cuts have led the studio to offer to sell the film back to Merchant and Ivory: "Ivory thinks the film is perfect where it is, but audiences at Cannes [where it screened] didn't agree." Merchant says there will be no deal. "We are NOT buying back the film. As far as we're concerned, the [release] is going forward. If it's off their slate, that's their problem--they're contractually obliged to release it." (Responds the source, "Oh, yeah? Then what have they been negotiating for the last two eeks?") As for the requested edits, says Merchant, "Ivory has final cut, and we don't do anything we don't believe in."

As for the requested edits, says Merchant, "Ivory has final cut, and we don't do anything we don't believe in." A little arrogance on Merchant Ivory's part IMO. Reminds me of the article in yesterday's Hollywood Reporter[from a French newspaper] on how French audiences flock to US films and ignore French films...the article says.."French filmakers ignore French audiences and they return the compliment"...

I am glad MI are sticking it out. Cannes is notorious for awarding films that are vulgar and shocking. Their audience is not to be trusted. Artistically, Cannes used to mean something in the 60s. It is no longer the case.

Couldn't resist this blurb from The Times: At 42, Kevin Bacon is all too aware of his limited shelf life. .But the man who came to prominence as a teen rebel in Footloose seems more than content with his ageing fanbase. "My groupies are now between 40 and 50," he admits. "But that's cool. I'll take them where I can get them."

From "What's on Stage": "Former child film star Macaulay Culkin will make his West End debut next month alongside French actress Irene Jacob. The two will star in Richard Nelson's play, Madame Melville, which opens at the Vaudeville Theatre on 18 October 2000, following previews from 7 October. Culkin, reportedly, auditioned for the role of the young man who is seduced by his thirty-something French teacher in a bid to resuscitate his stalled acting career. Now 19, he became a phenomenon in the early 1990s with starring roles in films including Home Alone, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, My Girl, The Good Son and Richie Rich." ~~~~~~~~~~~ She's definitely coming down in the world with her leading man...

Desperate measures...

Just a bit of trivia. I e-mailed Pathe Films yesterday to find out when "The Darkest Light" might be shown in the US (Stephen Dillane film). I got a response same day! Wow! Usually I never get an e-mail reply on these types of inquiries. The man was very nice, but said they are only the distributors for the UK, and he had no info about a US release. Today is Rosemary Harris' birthday.

From Ananova: Damon and Fiennes join Oceans 11 Matt Damon and Ralph Fiennes are the latest names to join the all-star remake of Oceans 11. The film was first made in 1960 and starred Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jnr, Dean Martin and Peter Lawford. It tells the story of eleven friends who plan to rob five Las Vegas casino's in one night. According to Variety's Michael Fleming, Damon and Fiennes will join George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt who have already agreed to star in the remake. Meanwhile, Mark Wahlberg and Bruce Willis have pulled out of the project in order to work on other films. It is believed Willis could be replaced by Ewan McGregor. The film is being directed by Steven Soderbergh, who made Out of Sight and Erin Brockovich. It's due to be released some time in 2001.

Let's see: George will play the Sinatra role Brad the Martin role Ralph the Lawford role who plays Sammy?

No mention of Londinium (although it would logical and if SLOW could be in it...), but I can't find the full listing yet: Born Romantic closes 44th London Film Festival David Kane�s Born Romantic, the director�s highly-anticipated follow-up to UK hit This Year�s Love, closes the 44th London Film Festival (November 1-16). The London-set romantic comedy features Brit stars Craig Ferguson, Ian Hart, Jane Horrocks, Adrian Lester, Catherine McCormack, Jimi Mistry and David Morrissey. Cameron Crowe�s Almost Famous opens proceedings. Features receiving gala screenings at London include David Mamet�s comic look at movie production State & Main; Woody Allen�s Small Time Crooks, starring Hugh Grant and Tracey Ullman; Philip Kaufman�s Quills, a period piece about the Marquis de Sade�s imprisonment starring Kate Winslet, Michael Caine and Joaquin Phoenix; and Gurinder Chadha�s What�s Cooking?, about four American families and their preparations for Thanksgiving dinner. Other gala screenings go to The Yards, featuring Mark Wahlberg, Joaquin Phoenix, Charlize Theron, James Caan and Ellen Burstyn; Duets, starring Gwyneth Paltrow and directed by her father Bruce Paltrow; Jonathan Glazer�s Sexy Beast, starring Ray Winstone and Ben Kingsley as ex-partners in crime at odds about one final job; and Dominik Moll�s Harry, He�s Here To Help. Ang Lee�s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon screens in the Film On The Square strand. Also in the section are John Waters� Cecil B Demented; The Contender, starring Gary Oldman, Joan Allen and Jeff Bridges; The Big Kahuna, directed by John Swanbeck and starring Danny DeVito and Kevin Spacey; The Dish, starring Sam Neill; The Broken Hearts Club, directed by Greg Berlanti; The Man Who Cried, directed by Sally Potter and starring Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci, and Gregory Mosher�s The Prime Gig, starring Vince Vaughn, Ed Harris and Julia Ormond. The centrepiece of the New British Cinema series is Stephen Frears� Liam. Aiming to showcase UK film-making, the section includes such diverse pictures as Adam Simon�s American Nightmare, a documentary about 1970s US horror movies; crime caper Beautiful Creatures; Jamie Thraves� The Low Down; Julien Temple�s Pandaemonium and Wild About Harry. Other sections include French Revolutions, with films including Chantal Akerman�s Proust-adaptation La Captive and Benoit Jacquot�s Sade, the second feature based on the Marquis in the festival programme. Continental European cinema is further represented by the Cinema Europa side-bar, which includes well-received Italian film Bread And Tulips and Brother 2 from Russia. The festival programme totals 196 features and 65 shorts.

This was in today's Mitchell Fink column in the Daily News Merchant-Ivory no Longer 'Golden' Here come those creative differences again. "The Golden Bowl," a movie based on the Henry James novel that stars Kate Beckinsale, Jeremy Northam, Uma Thurman and Nick Nolte, will not be distributed in the U.S. by Miramax Films. It is now back in the hands of its film makers, producer Ismail Merchant and director James Ivory. When the movie played in Cannes a few months ago, the biggest criticism against it was its length. Sources tell me that Miramax wanted to make some cuts before it opened here in December. But Ivory balked. After a huddle, Miramax executives decided that � out of respect to Merchant and Ivory � they will not demand that the film be trimmed. But neither are they willing to go ahead with distributing it. So Merchant and Ivory are now free to shop around for another U.S. distributor.

Golden Bowl:When the movie played in Cannes a few months ago, the biggest criticism against it was its length. That's what Toronto said about Sunshine a year ago....there's an audience out there for long films if they are well made.... Don't know , though, if I could look at Uma Thurman & Nick Nolte for three hours! So Merchant and Ivory are now free to shop around for another U.S. distributor. 1-800-PHAEDRA. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thanks Karen for the London FF line-up. The films this year are v. impressive. GP will probably make an apprearance since she'll be shooting Possession..

So Merchant and Ivory are now free to shop around for another U.S. distributor. (Evelyn) 1-800-PHAEDRA ROTFLMAO!! (Evelyn) GP will probably make an apprearance since she'll be shooting Possession She would've gone anyway. This is her dad's film.

(Evelyn) 1-800-PHAEDRA Or visit our offices at 123 Black Hole Drive, Keystone Copsville, USA Oh Evelyn, too, too funny *wiping monitor and eyes . . er, not with the same cloth*;-) Too bad, I was looking forward to this one, mostly because of JN. I guess they can always sell it to Starz.;-) What is going on with Miramax anyway? The other indie-type distributors are putting them to shame these days. That London filmfest lineup does look good; Almost Famous gets a rave from the LA Times today and a v.good from the NY Times. I think it doesn't open wide until next week. Donna, re: Ocean's Eleven--the guys don't actually play the Rat Packers, so conceivably the role Sammy played could go to anyone. My guess, though, is that they'll get someone like Don Cheadle--I think he played Sam in an HBO flick, and he is a bud of Clooney's (they did Fail Safe together.) But the big news, Donna, is: Sing-Along-Sound Of Music has opened in NYC, and will possibly expand from there! (I wanna go in yellow as Re/Ray, a drop of golden sun;-)

(Mari) What is going on with Miramax anyway? Hmm. Either Talk mag is still sucking up all the revenue or same is being used to pay Harvey's hospital bill from earlier this year.

which includes well-received Italian film Bread And Tulips I saw it. Another lost values film. It is shocking that Londinium is not showing. It must be so very bad. Unlike Woody Allen�s Small Time Crooks which is so good. Gwynneth will do heavy promotion for her dad�s film. I am looking forward to seeing Almost Famous. (Mari), Sing-Along-Sound Of Music has opened in NYC, and will possibly expand from there! (I wanna go in yellow as Re/Ray, a drop of golden sun;-) I can get into that. Any one still have their party gift bongs? ;-)

(Moon) It is shocking that Londinium is not showing. We don't know that. The announcement only had the highlights of the fest. The website isn't functional yet, nor is the telephone number for buying tickets. Have to wait a little while longer to find out.

So there is hope?! With all the cr... that is coming out of the UK now, you'd think they could fit Londinium. By then MB should be in LA filming his HBO TV show.

Ooooohh, can hardly wait! ;-D

From interview with George Clooney in October's MOVIELINE Q: You mentioned earlier you have limitations as an actor. How do you evaluate yourself? Some of those limitations have come from fame. I'm not famous from theater or movies, I'm famous from television and it's a whole different kind of thing, much more intrusive. You pay eight bucks to see a movie star, they're 60 feet tall and it's a big deal. I was in your house every day. You watched me in your underwear."ER" did a 40 share with 150 channels out there...it was one of the most successful shows in the history of television when it was at its peak. We were this focal point in people's homes every day. They feel they get to know you personally. They don't want to let you do other things." ~~~~~~~~ [My bold] I might add..."Nor do they want to pay to see you, since they can get you free on the telly".

(Evelyn) I might add..."Nor do they want to pay to see you, since they can get you free on the telly". Not to worry, Ev, his telly work can't seem to make it to air. Hmm. Shelving of DQ might be brilliant CF career move...;-D

Doesn't look like Londinium has a slot. Program has gone up: http://www.lff.org.uk/tempsite/screenings.html However, there are a number of TBAs and Surprise Screenings, so one never knows.

(Eileen)Shelving of DQ might be brilliant CF career move...;-D LOL..that's the way I felt about SLOW...sorry it left the bank vault;-)

(evelyn)LOL..that's the way I felt about SLOW...sorry it left the bank vault;-) THIS coming from the woman who would've paid good money to get it OUT of that vault??? LOL... It's a vicious cycle, eh?

(evelyn)LOL..that's the way I felt about SLOW...sorry it left the bank vault;-) (Laura)THIS coming from the woman who would've paid good money to get it OUT of that vault??? Not only that....but then crossed the pond to see it in November at the London FF...and [let's not forget] the Ritzy. What can I say....I'm insane...