(Amy)BTW: technical question--how do you get the pics form the videos? Firth fan Sharon B. took them with a "Snappy" camera and that's how we got the "Killer Looks" pages! Go to: http://hometown.aol.com/firthfav/firthfav5.html Piacere and buon appetito!:-)

(Mari) Magnifico! But before then, I'll have to learn how to say "Drop the freakin' towel, Colin! And open your mouth while you're at it";-) ROTF! I think we all need to learn that one!

This is the Fifth for the Firths... ;-D

Mari - the first word I'd look for when you pass on the Berlitz tapes : tongue the first phrase I'd learn : "Open your mouth" the second phrase I'd learn : "Show me your tongue" From then on, this Gemini teacher will have to use actions instead of words. Boss : I'm not a poster person - but you've just turned me into one. That goes straight to my wall! Heavens above...goose pimples aplenty. I can just hear THAT voice : "Care to join me for a drink, Minkee?" Ooohhhhh! And I'd say....Posso avere il ghiacchio Right, Moon, Mari? No?

(Minkee), Ooohhhhh! And I'd say....Posso avere il ghiacchio Right, Moon, Mari? No? If you get as far as "Open your mouth" and "Show me your tongue," I'd drop the ghiacchio part. ;-) (Mari), But before then, I'll have to learn how to say "Drop the freakin' towel, Colin! And open your mouth while you're at it";-) LOL! Toglie la asciugamano, Colin, e gia che ci sei, apre la bocca. Dove la toilette? (probably more correct but, gosh, it doesn't sound as musical;-) Toilette is preferable. (Lisa), Shyly admitting to the group I have been told I'm quite the kisser....... Well since you've brought it up, so have I. :-D

(Moon)Toglie la asciugamano, Colin, e gia che ci sei, apre la bocca. Yes, Colin, toglie. (Moon)Well since you've brought it up, so have I. :-D Well,come to think of it, so have I. I think he will be in very capable hands-especially when Mari learns to say the word tongue. Not to change the subject, I just saw this months issue of Harper's Bazaar. They published the RZ pictures that they passed on two years ago when she gained the weight for BJD. I could see very little difference in those compared to the ones they shot for this issue. I can't believe it. Maybe that's what has made her say no to gaining again for TEoR. She looked beautiful, btw.

closing tags, sorry

(moon)Toglie la asciugamano, Colin, e gia che ci sei, apre la bocca ...we should put that on a t-shirt....

....or towels....

(Minkee)That's maybe because you've just heard of Kylie Minogue's (Aus/UK pop singer) "Can't get you out of my head?" recently released in US. And she does start her tour down here in August (Moon)called it Gemini Rock, so you're not too far off. LOL! I'm a psychic and I didn't know it! To borrow Mari's phrase, I must be "Col-in" on the spiritual influences around here ;-). (Evelyn)I move we make that a new Drool acronym. I love it and second that motion! We are definitely able to put his career into different eras. Maybe, now that I'm thinking about it here, that can be my thesis topic (from 162): CF's PD Era and the way his breeches are worn then as opposed to post 1997 Era (and I just bought LE from the BB for research);-D.

Thanks Mari! (He looks pretty good with a beard, who'da thought?) Another question: What is a "snappy" camera?

Thanks for pictures Mari. What a good job. He does look good with a beard, Amy. I generally don't feel many men do look good in one. But there are exceptions. Thank you for Birthday Wishes Lisa. Finally got to see TIOBE today. First time in theater in 25-mile range. Nothing more to say than I am going to bed a happy woman with great expectations for fantacy tonight.

Belated Happy Birthdays to Amy and Pam

Moon)Toglie la asciugamano, May I offer a suggestion "Buttar via l'asciugamano" Buttar pronounced as bootah, not butter, giving your lips a pout, and softer sounding than toglie. Il burro may come in handy later. Happy birthday to all the birthday girls, and thanks to all the poster artists

Thanks, again, Mari for the pictures. Work hard on that Italian this weekend. Take those tapes to the beach.

Mari, thanks for all the eye candy from ATA, they are yummier without the words. Rika, you make a good point about a picture being worth a thousand words. The movie should have been called "A Thousand Words" with a disclaimer to turn sound off ;-). ****************************** Movie Warning Alert/Little bit of a Spoiler: If you go to see the movie "Minority Report" you need to know that the actor/director/sleeze known around here as MB has a very small but pivotal role in it. Gasped rather loudly in theatre when I saw it was him. But he plays a sleeze so maybe he was typecast ;-). Won't say anymore so as not to spoil it for you. Movie was okay -- definitely a Tom Cruise vehicle (with lots of futuristic vehicles flying around). The standout imho was Colin Farrell. He's excellent!!!!!

(Lora)known around here as MB Yikes, not the dreadful MB! He does get around, though,-makes one wonder. Would have loved to see him take direction from SS.

But he plays a sleeze so maybe he was typecast ;-). LOL! That surprised me too. As you said he has a pivotal role! The standout imho was Colin Farrell. He's excellent!!!!! I thought Samantha Morton was great! CF(the other CF), is cute, but too boyish looking. Did you notcie what weird teeth TC has? No wonder he's wearing braces now.

Anybody besides me think "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" hilarious? Have to be from ethnic background to appreciate it fully. But hey...what's there not to like about seeing Aiden from Sex & TC on the big screen?

I haven't seen "Wedding" yet, but it's a must now as a friend called at 11:45pm last night to tell me how much she loved it. She was laughing so hard she couldn't get anything out about the movie. I haven't paid attention to ads enough to see if he did this before he got buff.

Yikes, not the dreadful MB! He does get around, though,-makes one wonder. Would have loved to see him take direction from SS..... I just saw Minority Report tonight and * SPOILER * loved seeing MB getting the *%#@ kicked out of him. Sorry to re-emerge from Lurkdom to say such a vile thing, but I am still haunted by what he did to ODB in L'dum. Oh, and HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO ALL THE LOVELY JUNE LADIES! Especially Minkee, who thought I forgot her. So, Moon, Pam, Minkee, Trese and anyone I missed, please share your respective birthday wishes when you blew out your candles on your cakes this year. I have a few guesses as to what they might be ...

(Diane) loved seeing MB getting the *%#@ kicked out of him. You *know* that's the only part of L-dum I can stomach watching. hee hee

Read this in IndieWire today: Deutchman Emerges with New Digital Outfit Ira Deutchman, one of the American independent film scene's most accomplished veterans, has a new gig. For the past ten months, the co-founder of Cinecom and Fine Line (and current partner in Redeemable Features as well as faculty member at Columbia University) has been quietly assembling Emerging Pictures, a digital production and exhibition outfit based in New York. Deutchman's business model, however, is not to offer Gotham and other major market audiences yet another art movie venue, but to spread the word to territories that may not be quite so familiar with the world of specialized films. "The idea behind Emerging Pictures is to become a complete vertically integrated digital film company," said Deutchman from his office in midtown Manhattan. "We want to put together a network of non-traditional theaters linked by satellite. We've identified over 5,000 under-utilized auditoriums or theaters in performing arts centers and other venues around the country, and we want to bring movies to them." Emerging Pictures will book each film on a calendar basis, playing for one-week stints only. If a film performs well enough to warrant another booking, it will return to the theater for another week-long booking at a later date. Deutchman says he plans to exhibit other distributors' films as well as acquiring other titles that "fall under the radar" and working with some original productions. "The example that I like to use for people is Scranton, PA," Deutchman told indieWIRE. "Scranton has traditionally been a C or a D market as far as far as art films are concerned. By the time the films get there, it's been six or eight months since the film has been released in major markets. Our philosophy is that if you have a concurrent release with the major markets sent via satellite, then Scranton immediately becomes a B market based on its population. Deutchman hopes to outfit 200 theaters within the next three years. The first three theaters, in Scranton, New Brunswick, NJ, and one other location, will open within the next three months. For more information, visit: http://www.emergingpictures.com

I am curious: What type of marketing is done to label a market (besides population)?

is not to offer Gotham and other major market audiences yet another art movie venue, but to spread the word to territories that may not be quite so familiar with the world of specialized films. I would like to know what is going to happen to all those tapes of foreign films currently available for rent at the local video stores, when those stores decide to faze them out to accomodate the DVDs? Will anyone even bother to turn to DVDs? Will Truffaut, Godard, Bunuel, Antonioni, De Sica, etc. be lost to new generations? Surely there are some film freaks/aficionados out there that work for DVD companies? Why isn't anyone speaking of doing this? I don't own a DVD player, but I'm sure it won't be long now. Of course, I would need to get the double system one, and they are expensive.

From 162 (Mari) Speaking of debutantes, I was watching the Tom Hanks tribute from the AFI last night and there's a scene from Punchline in which Tom, as a stand-up comic, does a funny riff on debutante "activities," ending with the rant, "What Does This Have To Do With The Real World!!! That was the most outstanding homage to an actor I have yet to see. The guy not only is a great actor inbued with a work ethic beyond comprehension, but love of his craft as well. Those actors were all so sincere in their tributes. Michael Clarke Duncan brought tears to folks eyes. Tom Hanks is a great human being ; a national treasure.

ditto evelyn, i love tom too

(Moon)I would like to know what is going to happen to all those tapes of foreign films... Good thought Moon. I suspect sooner or later they will be for sale on ebay. Tom is pretty great. I am looking forward to his new movie.

Thank you Diane for the Birthday wishes. Great pics on 162. I hear the Greek Wedding is hysterical. My son saw it and said it was great. Have loved Aiden since his early days in Northern Exposure. He is one handsome man. Anyone know his stats? Watched Dutch Girls yesterday. Did anyone notice a very young Mr. Wickham on the hockey team also? Thanks for the Birthday wishes Diane. My son say Greek Wedding and said it was hysterical. Have loved Aiden since Northern Exposure and extremely envious of Sara J. How could she let him go? That is one exceptionally handsome man. Anyone know his stats? Saw Dutch Girls yesterday. Did you notice a very young Mr. Wickham also on the hockey team? Tom Hanks is one of the best. Acting and personally. You never seem to hear anything bad about him from any quarter. Quite a feat in this business.

(Evelyn)Michael Clarke Duncan brought tears to folks eyes. Tom Hanks is a great human being ; a national treasure. Agreed! IMO, it was one of the best tributes of this type that I've seen. Those people genuinely love him--every bit was from the heart. What an amazing body of work and diversity of roles Tom has amassed, not to mention that he produced (and directed some episodes of), some of our finest television in recent years--From The Earth To The Moon and Band Of Brothers. Such ambitious, high quality stuff, throughout his career. I can't think of anyone today who can match him. And he's done it all while remaining a devoted family man--proof that you can work hard to be the best at your craft, have tremendous pride in your art, and not sacrifice your principles or your family life. I particularly am grateful to him for honoring our armed forces through his work--especially the men of my father's generation who sacrificed so much. He is a treasure indeed.

One of my family's favorites is That Thing You Do. Roger Ebert said that it seems to have been written simply to make us happy. Tom Hanks wrote, directed, and had a role in it. Good stuff if any of you happened to miss it.

And wife Rita seems to be especially supportive and a collaborator in all his successes.

So are his kids.And he's only 46;doesn't flaunt his wealth, keeps plugging away at quality work despite the fact that he has been overlooked for other Oscars (Castaway, Pvt Ryan). Wasn't he instrumental in heading-up a Korea Memorial in Wash. DC?

No, he's been spearheading the effort for a WW2 Memorial--unbelievably, we don't have one.

(Mari) unbelievably, we don't have one. Not for long. Is being built. I walked past the site last Saturday.

Excellent News! -thanks Eileen

(Eileen) Not for long. Is being built. I walked past the site last Saturday. Eileen, where did they decide to build it? The last time I went down to that area with relatives from out of town, they hadn't started it yet. I recall that most of the controversy centered on the location and its effect on the overall appearance of the Mall.

It's going up just as planned at the far end of the Lincoln Mem'l reflecting pool. They've got alot of space blocked off. Walked up to the wood fence minutes after telling my brother it was on hold. Am glad I'm not the only one who missed the news that it was being built--must have been distracted by all those headline stories about what Michael Jordan ate for breakfast that day. ;-)

A couple of Oscar items in the news today. Here's the first, from Variety: For Your Oscar Consideration ... Already By Timothy M. Gray HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - Think it's too early to start talking about Oscar? Evidently, you're new in town. Award consultants have been hired and studio executives are mulling campaigns as they size up the competition. Since the year hits the halfway point June 30, and because recent Academy Award races have seen a lot of heavyweights from the first six months, it's not too early to evaluate 2002 so far. The January-June period has offered some serious contenders--particularly in the cartoon and foreign-language races. It's possible we've already seen all three feature-animation nominees: 20th Century Fox's "Ice Age," Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" and DreamWorks' "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron." And while IFC's "Y Tu Mama Tambien" and USA Films' "Monsoon Wedding" are not eligible in the foreign-language category, both have potential in other races, particularly writing and direction. Beyond that, it's hard to say. Every year, two or three films drive the Oscar race. Though the eligibility period is now half over, there are no films that are ready to assume that mantle. Some of the following films seem to be good possibilities for Oscar consideration; others seem less likely. But it's worth remembering that a lot of people were skeptical of the chances of "Gladiator," "Erin Brockovich" and "Moulin Rouge"--all of which were early-year bows--until the year-end crop fizzled. This year, possible contenders include Universal's "About a Boy," Warner Bros.' "Insomnia" and Fox's "Minority Report." And the acting so far is strong: Diane Lane in Fox's "Unfaithful"; Hugh Grant and Toni Collette, "About a Boy"; Al Pacino, "Insomnia"; Dennis Quaid, Disney's "The Rookie"; and Ellen Burstyn in WB's "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood." Among arthouse-niche entries, the work from writer-director Todd Solondz on Fine Line's "Storytelling" was notable, and IFC's "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" has a lot of fans. However, many believe the race for the 75th Academy Awards won't get into high gear until July 12, when DreamWorks' "Road to Perdition" bows. The Tom Hanks vehicle is earning Oscar buzz in a number of races, and past summers certainly have offered some Oscar biggies, including DreamWorks' own "Saving Private Ryan" and Disney's "The Sixth Sense." Last month, the Cannes Film Festival helped start buzz for pictures that will open later in the year: New Line's "About Schmidt," Revolution's Paul Thomas Anderson picture "Punch-Drunk Love" (distribbed by Sony), Universal Focus' Roman Polanski film "The Pianist," UA's Mike Leigh "All or Nothing" and foreign-language offerings from Sony Pictures Classics: Russia's "Cuckoo," Italy's "Respiro" and Finland's "The Man Without a Past." Cannes further whetted people's appetites for Martin Scorsese's long-in-the-works "Gangs of New York" from Miramax. Of course, this season always brings titles that have strong potential in the tech categories: Sony's "Spider-Man," Fox's "Star Wars: Episode II--Attack of the Clones" and "Minority Report," MGM's "Windtalkers" and Universal's "The Scorpion King." As usual, the fourth quarter will see the launch of a lot of kudos hopefuls. In addition to those mentioned, they include Disney's "Moonlight Mile," "Veronica Guerin" and Spike Lee's "25th Hour"; DreamWorks' "Catch Me If You Can" ( Steven Spielberg); Fox's Steven Soderbergh-helmed "Solaris"; Fox Searchlight's Denzel Washington-directed "Antwone Fisher" and untitled Jim Sheridan project; Lions Gate's "Confidence"; Miramax's "Chicago" and "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind"; "The Hours," from Paramount and Miramax; MGM's "A Few Good Years" (starring the Kirk Douglas clan); Sony's "Adaptation" ( Meryl Streep, Spike Jonze) and Sony Classics' Almodovar pic "Talk to Her"; Universal's "Red Dragon," "Emperor's Club" and Curtis Hanson-helmed "8 Mile"; UA's "Nicholas Nickleby"; and Warner Bros.' "White Oleander" and "Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets." And can "Two Towers," the second installment of New Line's "The Lord of the Rings," duplicate the ring-a-ding-ding Oscar attention of the first? While all of those sound like shoo-ins, every studio knows a film can look great on paper but not so good on the bigscreen. And Oscar forecasts are always thrown off by last-minute scheduling shifts ("Gangs," "Perdition," "The Hours" and "Adaptation" all were tentatively scheduled for December 2001, while "Black Hawk Down" was a late addition). Of course, there's always a downside to all this speculation. Many studio reps were horrified at the thought of next year's awards season ("Didn't we just have the Oscars?," moaned one). And a studio marketing rep complained that advance Oscar buzz puts unfair expectations on a picture: "People should see a film and enjoy it without thinking of awards." They're right. But in Hollywood, thinking of a film without thinking of awards is like ignoring the question of box office. It's not likely to happen.

And from THR: Oscar weighing new date Jun. 28, 2002 For years, the annual Academy Awards have been the dominant event on Hollywood's March calendar. But the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences might be on the verge of rewriting that calendar. The Oscars traditionally are held toward the end of March--last year they took place March 25. But at a meeting of the Academy's Board of Governors during the past week, the subject on the table was moving the Oscars up a month so that instead of happening at the end of March, they would take place closer to the end of February. The main reason for accelerating the Oscar season? A hope on the part of some of those advocating the change that it would cut down on the surrounding Oscar campaigns, which critics of the process have charged have gotten out of hand. Other side effects of a change of date: It would move the Oscar broadcast into the heavily promoted February sweep period, and it might also allow the Oscars to get a jump on some of the competing awards shows that have been trying to steal its thunder. Alt ough there appeared to be genuine support among several board members for the change, it is not yet a done deal. And if any change takes place, it's more likely to occur in 2004 than 2003. (Gregg Kilday) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Column about My Big Fat Greek Wedding movie and its success: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hollywoodreporter/columnists/grove/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1528482

A hope on the part of some of those advocating the change that it would cut down on the surrounding Oscar campaigns, which critics of the process have charged have gotten out of hand. OK, so call me a cynic, but won't it just move up the campaigns as well?

Of course, they'd back'm up all the way to the New Hampshire primary or the Iowa caucuses. Pffft!

Thanks Karen for THR article on Greek Wedding "Also, we were very fortunate to have (former studio marketing head) Paula Silver on board to assist with the marketing. Every Monday we have conference calls just making sure that we're not being complacent (and to see) is there anything that we've forgotten. Is there something else we should be doing? We're just trying to think at every point what can we do to keep pushing it and keep pushing it" 1-800-Miramax go hire Paula Silver. "complacent " brings on new meaning re: Miramax Agree about Oscar night. Everybody is out to outsmart them. By the time end of March comes, it's "ho-hum" for the awards.While they're at it they should take a t ip from GG and expand their categories.Comedies, dramas and muscials do not belong in the same "Best Picture" category. THR"... possible contenders include Universal's "About a Boy," Warner Bros.' "Insomnia" and Fox's "Minority Report." And the acting so far is strong: Diane Lane in Fox's "Unfaithful"; Hugh Grant and Toni Collette, 'About a Boy'".. Agree AAB is one of my faves so far. Right up there with Enigma. Sorry folks...me thinks HG & Toni Collette are gonna get an award mention for this one.

This sounds like a *MUST DO* for all your near-Philly pholks: [Moon, scroll over this] The Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival will boast its longest and largest event this year. Over the course of 13 days, from July 11-23...The festival will honor Jennifer Tilly and Udo Kier with artistic achievement awards. In recognition of Tilly's career, the festival will screen several of her greatest films: "The Bride of Chucky", the camp horror classic; the indie ensemble comedy "Relax . . . It's Just Sex"; Woody Allen's "Bullets Over Broadway" for which she received an Academy Award nomination; and "Bound," the lesbian crime caper that has emerged as a favorite amongst 13-year-old boys for its titillating and explicit love scenes.

Karen, thanks for the article on "Greek Wedding." It is a great one! Everywhere you go around here, people are saying to go see it (article even said, "Florida is doing spectacular"). It appeals to one and all. A friend told me that Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson saw Nia doing her bit about her Greek family at Second City and thought she and it were hilarious, so they suggested she write a screenplay about it. Do you know if that's true? As we know, they did produce it.

[Moon, scroll over this] LOL! Miami just had its G&L FF. The Black FF just started. I think Miami has more FF than any other state. We have The Jewish FF, Hispanic FF, Miami FF, Brazilian FF, Int'l FF, French FF, can you believe it! And some we have in Miami and repeated (with new films), in Ft Lauderdale. Plus, I'm sure I'm forgetting some more. Saw the preview to "Road to Perdition" and was not impressed. It ain't Bonnie and Clyde.

(Lora) Do you know if that's true? As we know, they did produce it. That isn't the story I heard, which was that she wrote it and sent it to Rita. BTW, Second City is around the corner from me. (Moon) It ain't Bonnie and Clyde. Was it supposed to be? I don't think so.

(Moon) It ain't Bonnie and Clyde. (Karen), Was it supposed to be? I don't think so. The story line did not grab me. zzzzzzzzzzzz.

YEAY BRAZIL

Run Lola run. I saw the Bourne Report and enjoyed it. There were some major flaws but what film doesn't have them? I'd like to see anyone get from France to Switzerland without ID. It just doesn't happen! You'd think the writer could have done some research!

Rosemary Harris' new play "All Over" by Albee receiving stellar reviews: NY Times Review of RH new play "ALL OVER" by Ben Brantley http://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/28/arts/theater/28OVER.html http://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/30/arts/theater/30WOLF.html by Matt Wolf. Mentions Jennifer. These guys eat actors for lunch!

(Evelyn)Agree AAB is one of my faves so far. i agree.

I saw "Private Lives" in NYC yesterday. Alan Rickman was v.v. good. In his bio/credits, he lists a production or "Hamlet" at Riverside Studios. Does anyone know when this took place? Was this before the one that was cancelled, or in place of it? Colin Colin Colin Colin Colin Colin Colin Colin Colin Colin Colin Colin (It's my anniversary today and I've promised myself not to talk about ODB in front of my DH for the day. Must get the mentions out of my sustem SOMEWHERE!)

It was way before. In fact, Rickman was part of a group that attempted to buy the Riverside Studios which turned into a scandal of sorts called "Rivergate." You can read about it here: http://members.iconn.net/~ab234/Theaters/Riverside.html

Happy Canada Day ...to all our Canadian friends.

(Karen)BTW, Second City is around the corner from me. Have you seen Nia perform there? I guess my friend got the story wrong. I'm glad Nia got her movie made just the same. It's a wonderful time at the movies.

I did read in one of the reviews, that originally Nia performed Greek Wedding as a one -woman autobiographical performance. But didn't say where. Perhaps, it was that as a start and then she worked it up to a full script to present to the film honchos.

OK, you can read all about Greek Wedding here: http://www.screenmancer.com/screentalk/vardalos.htm The one woman show was mounted in LA. Nia was listed as being at Second City starting in 1993 (don't know her end date), but there are no one-woman shows there. It is strictly revue.

Thanks Evelyn, from a Canadian friend. I'm lucky enough to be in Ottawa with thousands of other crazy flag wavers right now. Excellent fireworks tonight.

Karen, thanks so much for the interview you posted on 'Greek Wedding.' Rita apparently went to the LA one woman show of Nia's. Thanks for the reference material, Karen. Evelyn, you figured it out once again before reading it :-).

The Rickman Hamlet was in the autumn of 1993. It was, dare I say, DIRE! A real shame as the case was promising, but the director was insane.

sorry, the CAST was promising.

Saw Greek Wedding yesterday (bought a ticket for TIOBE though--must support that box office); it wasn't filmed in Chicago but in Toronto, the Chicago of the north.

bought a ticket for TIOBE though *laughing* :-D

(Karen)bought a ticket for TIOBE though LOL, I did the same, but saw both! Hey, it was a rainy afternoon ;-). Did you like Greek Wedding? Do you have any comments to make about it? Nia and John were on a repeat of the View yesterday that I happened to catch for the first time, and Nia talked about how the script got written. Rita did go to the one-woman show first and approached her about turning it into a script. Then Tom went another time and loved it and called Nia up and said "we're gonna make this movie." Nia bravely asked if she could play the lead and he said yes! Then she said (jokingly), "and can I have a pony?" LOL! John is adorable :-). Also the guy who plays John's best friend in the movie is Nia's husband in real life.

I thought it was OK. Nothing all that special or new, for that matter. I also have a hard time with Andrea Martin. Don't like her.

Who did Andrea Martin play? Was it the aunt? Sorry didn't study the credits ;-).

I think I just saw Andrea Martin on B'way in Oklahoma . Didn't she get a Tony nom? GW is just a fun summer movie...no award -stuff, for sure. I saw Sum of All Fears. Not bad story...Ben Affleck miscast. Always looks like a cocky frat-kid to me.Ciaran Hinds (Capt. Wentworth *sigh*) gives a solid performance as Russian President Nemeriov and Alan Bates an Israeli. Both sporting accents...when they want a good actor with an accent, they pick a Brit. Clive Owen or Guy Pearce would have made a better Jack Ryan IMO. But then the film wouldn't have made $106+M.;-) TIOBE is nearing $5.M BTW. More than I thought it would make. Hasn't made it to me yet. Local Miramax rep tells me it's gonna come and be around all summer.

A very happy and relaxing 4th of July to all our American friends. Especially this year.

Thanks "Burberry Man". Appreciate your thought.

Thank you, Mark. It's very much appreciated.

(Mari)Evelyn, have you seen the Possession commercials? Lookin' good! They ran them all day throughout the Wimbledon coverage, and the fiom doesn't open for another month and a half. Universal/USA Films knows how to market. Hooray...thanks Mari. Was it all Gwynnie and Aaron or could you see Jennifer and JN?There was a good clip on ET on wednesday night. When I talked to the publicist last week, she said they weren't going to do a premiere; not cost effective. I guess they know where to better put their $$$.

Hope everyone had a happy and safe 4th. Thanks for the thought, Mark. Boston Pops celebration was especially good this year. Anyone else watch it. Very moving.

Thanks for the good wishes, Mark. I saw "Fortune's Fool" in NY tonight. Very good, and I can see why Alan Bates won the Tony. I didn't see Liam Neeson's "Crucible," but I know the part and Bates's role was even more demanding. He has a monologue that goes on and on and on as his character gets drunker and drunker. He goes through quite a range of emotions in the course of the play. Frank Langella (who won supporting actor Tony) plays a "fatuous, infamous fop" to quote Bates's character. BTW, the title has nothing to do with Romeo's line "I am fortune's fool," although I suppose Turgenev probably read Shakespeare. Come to think of it, the title in the original Russian may not even be the same as the Russian translation of Romeo's line. "Fortune's Fool" was good, but if you're going to NY, I'd say to put "Private Lives" ahead of it on your list. But then I like English humor better than Russian. Kate's capsule guide to playwrights: Tennessee Williams--people drink a lot and are sweaty Arthur Miller--Dad screws up the life of at least one family member Ibsen--lots of repressed people Coward--everyone calls everyone "Darling" while drinking cocktails and wearing fabulous dinner clothes Chekov, Turgenev--people yell at each other a lot Shakespeare comedies--based on highly improbable circumstances, often involving mistaken identities Shakespeare tragedies--lots of people die (duels or murder) Shakespeare histories--lots of people die (battles)

ROTF Kate at your guidelines. I have to agree. . He [Alan Bates]goes through quite a range of emotions in the course of the play. I did see the Crucible with Liam Neeson and that was my one criticism of his performance. He's wonderful bombastic, but lacks tenderness when the part calls for it.As Daniel Day Lewis did in the film. ( Even though I dislike DDL;-)) Agree that Private Lives is the most entertaining show on B'way.

Thanks, Mark. I did have a happy 4th. I'm...remembering...family, friends, stangers in a crowd, a pool, watermelon, red, white & blue sprinkles on a cake, hot dogs, potato chips, sparklers, and fireworks. Some of the many things that all go together for a very enjoyable 4th of July.:-) (Kate) Kate's capsule guide to playwrights: But, darling, you don't mention our dear Oscar Wilde. What about our playwright of the moment? :-)

Huge thumbs up for John Sayles' Sunshine State. He is so good (writer, director and film editor), and so is everything about this movie. The dialogue is brilliant and there are excellent performances by the two female leads (Edie Falco and Angela Bassett) plus the entire supporting cast of incredibly memorable and fully drawn characters. I can't say enough about this.

Ruin my morning! For some reason, I hadn't remembered that Miramax had bought the rights to this book. Thought it was another studio. Why me? Why me? I really liked this book and had envisioned Colin and Cate Blanchett (with her Elizabeth red hair) as the leads... Moncrieff picks Miramax 'Rose' By Zorianna Kit Karen Moncrieff -- whose feature directorial debut, "Blue Car," debuted at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival, where it was acquired by Miramax Films -- is in negotiations to reteam with the mini-major on the period thriller "The Rose." Moncrieff is poised to rewrite and direct the project, which is based on the Martin Cruz Smith novel of the same name. It's about a scandal that takes place in 1872 in an English mining town centering on the disappearance of a young cleric. When an American mining engineer, Jonathan Blair, is brought in to investigate, his search takes him below the town's serene surface, deep into the underworld of violent miners and their "pit girls." One such girl, Rose, is the last known person to have seen the missing man. Blair's investigation antagonizes the miners, but when he falls for Rose, the antagonisms turn deadly. Miramax acquired the rights to the book in 1997 for $250,000 and paid Ted Tally $1.5 million to adapt. The project had a couple of directors previously attached, including Danish filmmaker Ole Bornedal and Chinese director Chen Kaige. Moncrieff, who also wrote "Car," is repped by the Sanford-Gross Agency and attorney Karl Austen. She began her career as a soap actress in the mid-'80s on such shows as "The Guiding Light," "Days of Our Lives," "The Bold and the Beautiful" and the now-defunct "Santa Barbara." Episodic work followed on such shows as "Silk Stalkings" and "Diagnosis Murder" as well as the video releases "Xtro 3: Watch the Skies," "Deathfight" and "Innocent Adultery," the latter of which she also wrote. "Car," which will be released by Miramax in November, stars David Strathairn, Agnes Bruckner, Margaret Colin, Frances Fisher, A.J. Buckley and Regan Arnold.

(Karen)Huge thumbs up for John Sayles' Sunshine State. He is so good (writer, director and film editor), and so is everything about this movie. Glad to hear you liked it. I'm looking forward to seeing it when it will come to the Sunshine State this Friday! There was a very good article about Sayles, Sunshine State, it's story, and the characters in yesterday's Miami Herald (go to (I think): rrodriguez@herald.com, arts section, Sunday, July 7 [sorry I can't do it in blue for you from here :-(] )

From THR: Altman, Blanchett spy on 'Mata Hari' July 09, 2002 By Zorianna Kit Robert Altman and Cate Blanchett are teaming up to play a spy game. The conspirators may be Oscar nominees -- Altman's a seven-time nominee, most recently for directing last year's "Gosford Park," and Blanchett garnered a best actress nom for 1998's "Elizabeth" -- but this time they are plotting a project for the small screen, the HBO feature "Mata Hari." With Altman at the helm, Blanchett will play the exotic and notorious real-life World War I spy, whose name is synonymous with espionage. Altman said in an interview that he had always intended the project to be a vehicle for Blanchett and decided that HBO offered the perfect outlet for it because he is planning a three-hour tale, nearly the same length as the cable network's recent "Path to War," a White House view of the Vietnam War directed by the late John Frankenheimer. "To do it the way I plan on doing it would not fit a theatrical release because it would be too long a picture," Altman said. "It's such a big undertaking that if we did it at HBO, we could do it in a full three hours. It pleases my soul to be able to go after an audience that will get what we are doing." Altman, who generally finds a new twist to whatever genre he tackles, envisions telling this particular spy story as a "Rashomon"-like saga because, in his view, Hari was "a different person to different people." According to history, Hari was an exotic dancer who moved in the highest circles of Europe. She was recruited by the French secret service to mingle with the Germans and collect military secrets. She later may have become a double agent, working for both the French and the Germans, exchanging information between the sheets. She was eventually arrested by the French, who condemned her to death by firing squad in 1917. Altman said that, in his "Rashomon" version, "you'll see one man tell his view of her where she is a spy, and then in a parallel version you'll see another person's view where she is not a spy. The stories will not be told in a linear way but will all be shuffled together." Julie Talen ("Harriet the Spy") is writing the script, which Altman and Donna Gigliotti ("Shakespeare in Love") will executive produce. Altman, who expects to see the first draft of the script by November, plans to shoot the project in Europe, complete with battle scenes involving mustard gas attacks. "Mata Hari" reunites Altman with HBO, for whom he directed the 1988 HBO miniseries "Tanner '88" and the 1985 telefilm "The Laundromat." Altman, repped by ICM, most recently directed "Gosford Park." Before going into production on "Mata Hari," Altman said he plans to shoot Killer Films' "The Company," about a company of ballet dancers, which could go into production as early as the fall. Although Blanchett worked in television in her native Australia, HBO's "Mata Hari" will mark the first time she will have worked on the American small screen. The actress has played several real-life characters, including the title roles in "Elizabeth" and the upcoming Walt Disney Co. feature "Veronica Guerin," about the slain Irish journalist of the same name. In last year's feature "Charlotte Gray," she played a Scottish woman who joined the French Resistance during World War II. In addition, she is playing Galadriel in the three "The Lord of the Rings" features. Blanchett is repped by WMA. The role of Hari was made famous by Greta Garbo in the 1931 MGM feature of the same name.

Here's another interesting tidbit: HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - Sharon Stone is readying for a theatrical comeback, circling not one but two indie projects. The 44-year-old actress, who has not starred in a hit movie since her starmaking turn in 1992's "Basic Instinct," is negotiating to join Rupert Everett in the spy drama "A Different Loyalty" and the family picture "Liar's Club." Should Stone ink for both pictures, it is not clear which would shoot first. [...] "Loyalty" is the true story of Eleanor Philby whose husband, super-spy Kim Philby, infiltrated British intelligence for the Russians before defecting to Moscow in 1963. Marek Kanievska ("Where the Money Is") will helm the feature, which is scheduled to shoot in Europe this fall. ~~~~~~~~~~~ In case anyone misses what is *interesting* about this, it is of course the relationship to Another Country, in which Rupe not only played a character based on another one of that era's spies (Guy Burgess), but Marek Kanievska was the director of that as well.

Thanks Karen for the *interesting* clue. It would have blown by me! ..."Donna Gigliotti ("Shakespeare in Love") will executive produce. " Friend of YKW...there are supporting role possibilities in both of these projects for Colin. Congrats to HBO for launching out with the biggies.And Robert Altman & CB for consenting to do a TV drama. It would have been the perfect vehicle for "Sunshine".But I doubt if arrogant European directors would condescend to American Television.

To continue the Dr. Who discussion here, I knew I had seen something recently about a new project, but couldn't remember who until I stumbled back to where I found it (on aintitcoolnews.com): Buffy man for Doctor Who Anthony Head set for Dalek-busting duty He may regularly deal with all kinds of ghouls and vampires, but Anthony Head � best known to many as the genial Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer � might be moving into the Dalek-busting business. The 48-year-old actor is reported to be the favourite to play Doctor Who in a new series of the sci-fi classic to be broadcast by the BBC next year. Head was considered for the last incarnation of the Timelord in 1995, but lost out then to Paul McGann. This time, however, the Beeb are thought to be keen to make Doctor Who accessible overseas and Head, a familiar face to a generation of American youngsters, is thought to be just the ticket. To this end, the makers have also brought in David Fury, an American script-writer who works on Buffy. He said, 'They want to do what we do on Buffy � produce 22 episodes a year and sell them internationally. I'm helping to take Doctor Who into a whole new universe.' Better get hiding behind that sofa. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tuesday, July 2, 2002 Rupert Giles Vs. The Daleks?? I am � Hercules!! �Buffy the Vampire Slayer� star Anthony Stewart Head and top �Buffy� writer-producer David Fury teaming for a new �Dr. Who� series? What�s not to like?! The only thing cooler, one supposes, would be if Joss Whedon actually merged Dr. Who into the Buffyverse - with Giles himself hiring on as the new timelord. A reader writes: Dear Harry, News hit these green shores this morning which seems to solves the problems of the world - or at least a few sci-fi franchises. On one hand, The BBC want to continue 'Doctor Who' but up the budgets, which isn't feesable without an American audience. On the other hand, Anthony Stewart Head wants to spend time in the U.K with his family, but loves the cult audience that 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer' brings him. With t Whedon and the BBC STILL to announce a date for 'Watcher' 'Giles' or 'Ripper' - he may have found the perfect answer... in a feat of impreccable casting, someone decided to put those hands together and consider something that makes this fanboy sign in post-orgasmic fullfillment: Giles taking on The Daleks!!! But the BBC's Dr. Who Website suggests all this is fairly premature: Following the usual media frenzy regarding this weekend's rumours of new Doctor Who, we'd just like to clarify a few things. Dreamwatch magazine, Ananova and the Daily Express are all reporting that we're making plans to involve actor Tony Head and members of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer production team in a new 22 part series to celebrate the Time Lord's 40th anniversary. Dreamwatch quotes Buffy producer David Fury as saying: "They want to do what we do on Buffy, produce 22 episodes a year and sell them internationally. I'm helping to take Doctor Who into a new universe." Whilst the Cult team quite like the idea of Tony Head as the Doctor in a show guided by members of America's finest fantasy production team, the BBC aren't currently making any such plans. No I'm not trying to turn this into a sci-fi site, but thought I'd post this since it came up and there seem to be a couple of fans amongst us. I can see AH in this role much better than Colin.

Uh Oh! closing tags

(Dorine)I can see AH in this role much better than Colin I can see v.many in the role other than-please God, no, Colin Thanks for the article, Dorine.

Another interesting tidbit: Two years ago, Miramax was the hungriest book-buyer in Gotham, devouring stacks of quirky, literary titles, including two books on the invention of television, a novel by French writer Didier van Cauwelaert, and David Liss' first novel, "The Conspiracy of Paper." But its appetite for such fare has dulled as the mini-major has entered the franchise business, focusing on productions with wide family appeal. Miramax co-chairman Harvey Weinstein assured Daily Variety the mini-major is still committed to books. "Miramax will always buy what it likes first. If it's good, I'll buy it." But Weinstein acknowledged a focus on fantasy books, calling kids epic, "Artemis Fowl" the company's best book acquisition to date. "I'm in the kids' business," he said. ~~~~~~~ http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&ncid=805&e=19&cid=849&u=/variety/20020710/media_variety/books_writestuff_dc_1

Harvey:"I'm in the kids' business," Smart guy...He's also in the business to make money. Kids pay to go to movies...over and over again. Adults rent the videos.Once;-)

(Evelyn)Adults rent the videos.Once;-) With certain NOTABLE exceptions, for which we buy DVDs! So Harvey's in the kids' business, now? What happened to the days when Miramax was fighting the ratings people over "R" ratings?!?

He got bought by Disney and improving the bottom line and being able to live the lifestyles of the rich and famous became numero uno priorities.

Oh BTW, if I cared--and I definitely do not--I could go check out Mikey, master auteur of the large and small screen, as they're shooting Missing Mind, et al., around the corner.

Re: Mighty Mouse:" as they're shooting Missing Mind, et al., around the corner." Is HBO gonna carry it again next season?*Barf* For those who are JE fans. Trailer of Possession is up on the ET Online website. http://www.etonline.com/movie/a11209.htm

they're shooting Missing Mind, et al., around the corner. I'd be worried about property values if I were you. :) The oh-so-charmingly named "Sex Monster", also featuring Mariel H., is running on CMAX tonight. Gag me with a remote control.

Another Dr. Who diversion: (Lisa): I don't know a D*** thing about Dr. Who although I have heard the name. Is it worth enlightening us out of the loop or should we wait for more definite info????? Dr. Who was a long-running, campy BBC TV science fiction series featuring a time and space traveler called "the Doctor". I think it was originally intended for kids, but it has quite a cult following among adults as well. I couldn't find an FAQ about it, since all the sites seem to assume that you wouldn't be looking for a Dr. Who site unless you were already a fan, but the official web site is at http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/doctorwho/ Dorine: I also have a soft spot for Peter Davison as the Doctor. I really liked him in Campion as well. Liz

Thanks so much Liz for posting the link for the Dr. Who site! I see after just a few minutes perusing the site, I could spend a significant amount of time hanging out there and reminiscing. Forgotten that I liked that theme music a lot, too. I'm being such a geek, but it is fun!!

(Dorine)The 48-year-old actor is reported to be the favourite to play Doctor Who Ah....Colin is just too young for the part--going after "older" actor! ;-)

Harvey wasn't "kidding." In Variety today: As part of its push into kids entertainment, Miramax Films has unveiled its first computer-animated feature for children. The picture, based on the Lego Co.'s Bionicle line of action figures, will be produced jointly by Miramax and Lego Media, the Danish toy company's film and TV arm. Miramax is eying a 2004 theatrical release. Aimed at boys 8-12... http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&ncid=805&e=1&cid=848&u=/variety/20020711/film_variety/film_lego_dc_1 Goodbye money-losing costume dramas and literary adaptations...

(Dorine)The 48-year-old actor is reported to be the favourite to play Doctor Who (Amy) Ah....Colin is just too young for the part--going after "older" actor! ;-) LOL! Seriously, I'd much rather see ASH in this role than CF. ASH has a quirky sort of charm that would probably work well in a project like this. And if he could play Frank N. Furter.....

( (Evelyn)Adults rent the videos.Once;-) (Kate) With certain NOTABLE exceptions, for which we buy DVDs! ....and go to certain NOTABLE movies over and over again!

(Minkee)....and go to certain NOTABLE movies over and over again! I'm going for #11 tonight. I fear it will be gone tomorrow-for good.

(Karen)The picture, based on the Lego Co.'s Bionicle line of action figures, will be produced jointly by Miramax and Lego Media, the Danish toy company's film and TV arm. This is the same as the new P&P production we've been hearing rumours about ;_D