Four years ago we had a Firthette on this board who had worked as Forman's student assistant on the Valmont set. Her take is that Colin was quite unhappy with the direction (and on the set).Forman directed every move Colin made. Leaving nothing to the actor. In many scenes Colin wanted to play it differently and Forman wouldn't let him. Cheryl felt sorry for him .(CF)

just caught up on a lot of posts, i really should do more work at work, really exciting stuff going on lately, unfortuately i can't stay and chat, i have discussion research to do and i have to kill my dh if he forgot to tape valmont for me this afternoon since he screwed it up last night, hopefully all is well, then i'll have to tackle the fan fiction, ums rocks so far, definitely any newbies should check that out, can't wait to see what else i find

WELCOME BACK, Mari You little devil-checking out the little Roman tailors. I just signed up for conversational Italian in Sept.-Now we'll be able to converse in LD's native tongue when we go see HS.how MB gets his actors and how he stays afloat: (Karen)how MB gets his actors and how he stays afloat: Maybe we'll get lucky and he'll sink...A part in Indiana Jones? Maybe we'll get really lucky and he'll fall into a snake pit or something while doing his own stunts. PS try Pepsid-it works better. Now back to fan fiction and Lisa's new chapter-aaaaaahhhhhh Bellissima!

Saw Valmont girl too. Don't forget comments about affair with Meg and her having a son by him and calling that girl genius in action. Bridgets mom tells Bridget of MD's wife running off with DC on Christmas Eve. Girl is indeed correct.

(Moonstar) Will is not mentioned at all, so is this before she & CF moved to the wilds of Canada? Just in case you missed my rant from topic 160, I'll copy it here. Never let it be said that we mild mannered, polite Canucks take a slag lying down! On a completely different topic, I have to admit I have a bone to pick with ODB. I have been perusing the archived articles and interviews at The Bucket, and frequently saw writers refer to his time living in Canada as "the backwoods of British Columbia" or "the wilds of Canada". And now I see an article quoting ODB himself in which he refers to it as "serious wilderness" "in the middle of nowhere" and citing the dangers of grizzly bears and the inability to go for walk in safety!! Give me a break!!! You would think we are hardly out of sod huts and buckskins! Granted, there is wilderness to be found if you go looking hard enough for it. But really, grizzly bears being a danger on a 20 minute walk?! I had to drive three days north (on paved roads, not cart paths) towards the Yukon and Alaska before seeing my first grizzlies and I've lived in Vancouver and the surrounding area for more than 25 years! Aparently he lived "3 hours inland" from Vancouver. Seeing as I am more than an hour inland and still live in the suburbs, I'd really like to know what he considers wilderness! (More than a block to the nearest Starbucks!) Come on CF. Set the record straight and apologize for besmirching one of the most beautiful, and safest, places on earth to live. Now I will get off my soapbox and resume kicking myself for not having come to appreciate his fine work (and other qualities) until a few months ago LONG AFTER HE FINISHED SHOOTING HS HERE! Ouch.

I can't sleep so I decided to get up and finish watching my Valmont tape from last night. Grrl genius was a bit, like, over the top at times, fer sure, but she has grrreat taste in leading men. Has there been a film discussion of Valmont? I'd love to read it because I have a couple of questions that might be answered there, and some thoughts that I'm curious to see if others shared, but I don't want to reopen an old subject. I enjoyed it (though it wasn't in the same league as some of Milos Forman's other films). What a shame that it fell in the shadow of DL. I have trouble imagining any woman giving John Malkovich anything but directions out of town, whereas (as Meg Tilly said in that '90 interview), CF's Valmont was extremely dangerous because of his lethal charm. I could go on, but as I already said, I don't want to be redundant. ;-P

I know our film discussion of MLSF begins on Monday...and on a different topic, but I watched last night and took five pages of notes and questions to prepare myself. I noticed a few things that are in keeping with the discussions here last week concerning MD/Darcy, and where his eyes seem to roam. Add Edward Pettigrew to the list on the clevage side. You'll notice in the scene when Eloise returns with Morris for the curling event(I assume it's just after their honeymoon)Edward meets Eloise in the hall and asks if she's happy. His eyes sweep over her and come to rest on her eh, chest. He then gives her a good once over as she walks away-opening up the evidence that ODB may like it both ways. In addition to this-the classic CF walk-as he leaves the parlor after the fight with Morris-after the funeral. (If you can take your eyes off the beautiful facial expression) Then he gives us the ultimate ODB stride up the stairs a la BJD when he comes home to search for Fraiser in the next to last scene of the film. Just a few tidbits to enjoy while you are watching.

I noticed that someone needs to do the downward glance count on Valmont, too. Jeannie, where's your son? :) I'd give Malkovich some directions, but I doubt he'd take them. CF's vicomte, on the other hand, seems to be more than willing to please, and therefore wins hands down, no contest at all.

Dangerous Liaisons was shown on UK TV last night. Malkovitch was SO wrong as Valmont. Cannot see ANY woman falling at his feet. I, for one, would run in the opposite direction!! Whereas, ODB was so deliciously persuasive. No contest, IMHO.

Thanks for the MT article, Mari. I didn't know about Pfieffer and Malkovich; kind of makes my screen crawl. Eowwww! But I expect Meg has put a little, more acceptable spin on her version of events. Would you answer those questions about one's private life honestly in public? Pfft!! ;-D (Rika) Has there been a film discussion of Valmont? I'd love to read it because I have a couple of questions that might be answered there, and some thoughts that I'm curious to see if others shared, but I don't want to reopen an old subject. Yes, there has in Sept-Oct 1998. You can read the discussion here: http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/98.404 just following the one on Playmaker. ;-D But if you have some questions or comments, feel free to ask them here as so many people have just rewatched it.

I'm posting this here since perhaps it is "possible" that CF is still being considered.At least no one else has been mentioned. From Alan Yentob's PA " Dear Evelyn Yes, indeed it is true that we are planning a film about Slyvia Plath and Ted Hughes which is due to star Gwyneth Paltrow. I'm afraid we have very little further news on it at the moment. Thanks for your enquiry. Best wishes ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *Lighting the candles*

According to the imdb, Love Actually (aka, Repeating Myself Actually;-) is budgeted at 30 million pounds. Not too shabby. With that budget and Universal handling the distribution, they'll promote the hell out of it. Also, from a friend . . . Edge of Reason is tentatively set to shoot March 17 through June 27, 2003. (Evelyn)Her take is that Colin was quite unhappy with the direction (and on the set).Forman directed every move Colin made. Good point, Ev. I recall an interview in which CF stated that his displeasure about having to do the same one line 15 times because the director *still* thought he was being too malevolent. I also remember from the Forman salute tape the part where Milos is walking beside Bening and Firth (and CF is anachronistically dressed in Valmont wig and leather jacket!) while rehearsing a scene and MF interrupts Annette after every 2 words with the IMO exaggerated way how he wanted the line read. "THAT young LA-dy is under MY protection!" (Sandy) I'd really like to know what he considers wilderness! (More than a block to the nearest Starbucks!) PFFT! I think you've nailed it. Remember, when recently asked what he does to relax, he replied "go to Rome." Now, of all the wonderful things I could say about that amazing city, "relaxing" wouldn't even make 537th on my list.;-) These city boys are such tenderfoots.;-)

(Mari) Also, from a friend . . . Edge of Reason is tentatively set to shoot March 17 through June 27, 2003. I hope your friend is correct, Mari. It isn't a good idea to tease us about something like the BJD sequel, ya know!! ;)

(Mari)Also, from a friend . . . Edge of Reason is tentatively set to shoot March 17 through June 27, 2003. *fervent prayer* Please God, Please God, Please God..... Love Actually ... is budgeted at 30 million pounds. Not too shabby. Agreed. hope we get lots of big names and lots of publicity. :-)

but I watched last night and took five pages of notes and questions to prepare myself. Oh my, not prepared at all for this, better gather coffee, remote, and park in front of the TV. Also, from a friend . . . Edge of Reason is tentatively set to shoot March 17 through June 27, 2003. Mari, is your friend connected??? :)))) 30 million pounds for LA's budget. Karen, or anyone, seeing as how we have several busloads of actors attached to the project, what % of that would you estimate as salaries???

(Mari)Also, from a friend . . . Edge of Reason is tentatively set to shoot March 17 through June 27, 2003. Suddenly have reason to attend papal mass in Toronto on Sunday (though do not normally call on God or his representatives as I don't have any sense of faith). Maybe I'll put in a word to all these pilgrims I have run into for World Youth Day.

Thanks for the Valmont discussion link, Karen! Very helpful - great stuff comparing Valmont to DL and to the book, plus Cheryl's remarks based on her perspective on Milos Forman. How fascinating that Forman apparently identified with Valmont to some degree - which explains why his Valmont is a charming rogue and not a slimy, decadent manipulator. My major question has to do with Valmont's behavior for the last 20 minutes or so of the movie. At some point he loses his will to live, but it's not clear to me what pushes him over the edge, and there was no consensus in the film discussion either. He begins to flail around desperately at this point, eventually becoming utterly pathetic, and it's unclear what sets him on this path to destruction. Was it because he loved MT but decided he couldn't change enough to be with her? Was it triggered by MM's rejection? Did MT's giving him a taste of his own medicine allow him to see himself through the eyes of his victims (rather like giving a vampire a soul)? Or was it some combination of these, throwing him into gradual a downward spiral? Or... well, I have another theory, but I'll save it for later. Okay, I've blathered on long enough. Anybody else want to babble with me about this stuff?

He had tertiary syphilis and could no longer sexually perform?.. Raging case of herpes?.. (giggling demonically) Hmmmm... ok, seriously, I think it was everything combined that made him not want to live anymore. He just got tired of it all and didn't see much hope of his life getting any better, so he decided to let Elliot do the deed and phone home.. no, wait, I'm confusing movies again, aren't I?.. ;)

(jeanie)so he decided to let Elliot do the deed and phone home.. no, wait, I'm confusing movies again, aren't I?.. ;) LOL, so funny, forgot he was from ET, anyway that was my first impression too, the combo of everything pushed him over the edge, but i need to go home and watch the whole thing over, luckily hubby said he taped it so there was no blood shed at my house last night, however i didn't have enough energy (i know pathetic excuse) to test his vcring abilities

(Mari) Also, from a friend . . . Edge of Reason is tentatively set to shoot March 17 through June 27, 2003. (Emma) Suddenly have reason to attend papal mass in Toronto on Sunday (though do not normally call on God or his representatives as I don't have any sense of faith). Maybe I'll put in a word to all these pilgrims I have run into for World Youth Day. Fingers crossed! In the meantime, I'll say a novena for them not expanding HG's role much (if at all) beyond the cameo that's in EoR. I know he's bankable, a big name, yadda, yadda. But in a sequel to a very popular film I'm not sure how much additional bankability they need. (And if they're worried about it, they just need to include at least one Mark-Darcy-in-towel-striding-around-in-barrister-mode scene and be sure to put a clip from it in the trailer :-D.)

that would be my prayer as well rika i'm not sure i want a sequel if they aren't going to do it right sorry i'm going back to work now

(Mari) Also, from a friend . . . Edge of Reason is tentatively set to shoot March 17 through June 27, 2003. Oh, Mari-heart is pounding, everthing I can cross is crossed, candles lit, novena begun. Please, God I have been waiting for that towel scene forever. They better include that towel scene. Also praying that it will get off the ground in the first place--worried about what Colin said-it has all gone very quiet.

(Jeanie) He had tertiary syphilis and could no longer sexually perform?.. Raging case of herpes?.. (giggling demonically) Actually, you would think this would be a big problem in his life, wouldn't you? Hmmmm... ok, seriously, I think it was everything combined that made him not want to live anymore. He just got tired of it all and didn't see much hope of his life getting any better, so he decided to let Elliot do the deed and phone home.. no, wait, I'm confusing movies again, aren't I?.. ;) Too funny! "Home........" I think it was intended to be a combination of things too, but I didn't entirely buy it. For most of the film he's a charming, seductive bad boy with an unlimited-ride pass to Nookie World, and that seems to suit him just fine. He has ruined some lives along the way, but I don't think there's been any malevolent intent - he's just out for the thrill of conquest. So what starts as a challenge - seducing a virtuous woman - leads him to fall in love with MT, and doesn't know how to handle it. He pours out his feelings to her through dictation to Cecile, and tries to use Cecile to deal with his lust for MT as well. Then he races to Paris to be with her, but deserts her the next morning when he realizes he's gotten himself into something he can't handle. She comes back begging for more, and it appears that he succumbs in spite of himself, but then she deserts him. So he turns to the only woman with whom he can remove his mask, and she whacks him across the face with a tire iron, metaphorically speaking (my metaphor was taken from bees ;-D). But shouldn't he fly off to Scotland and go cave-shagging with a wild woman from Nawlins instead of developing a death wish? ;-D I wonder, though, if it's more the case that Milos Forman didn't really care what specifically drove Valmont into the downward spiral. The film discussion suggested that Forman thinks that men are incapable of inflicting on women the kind of damage that women can do to men. In the first part of the movie MM and Valmont have a sort of balance to their relationship, but after she more or less refuses to pay off the bet and they declare war, all that changes. We find out exactly how cruel she can be, while Valmont's attempts at retribution are laughable by comparison. Maybe that's the moral of the story, simple as it sounds - if you mess with a black widow spider, you're going to get bitten and die. Oh, one more thing. Before I watched this movie it had never occurred to me that it was possible to insult a man by offering him sex, especially if the whole reason he has come to visit you in the first place is in the hope of getting sex.

Oops. Bye bye italics. Sorry for the double post too. My left mouse button keeps sticking and my computer is having occasional nervous breakdowns.

closing tags

closing tag Thanks for the news about EOR, Mari! Now if we could just find a Janine Bond-type to lift a copy of the script (if it's been written yet) . . . Liz

(Lisa) 30 million pounds for LA's budget...seeing as how we have several busloads of actors attached to the project, what % of that would you estimate as salaries??? I wouldn't have a clue. Sorry. But you have to remember that, with 10 different storylines going, individual actors wouldn't command their normal salaries for starring in a feature, mainly because they don't have to put in as much time. Besides, someone like HG would probably drop his price to do this for his friend, a man who can be said to have "made" HG. So Edge of Reason and towel scene are right up there with world peace and ending world hunger? ;-D (Jeanie) so he decided to let Elliot do the deed and phone home.. no, wait, I'm confusing movies again, aren't I?.. ;) No, you have the right movie. ;-D (Rika) and she whacks him across the face with a tire iron, metaphorically speaking (my metaphor was taken from bees ;-D). Aren't they all, at least the good metaphors. ;-) I like your analysis although I wouldn't subscribe to the "he couldn't change to suit MT" reason proposed above. To me, it was always that he had been beaten by his getting a taste of own medicine, especially with respect to MT. When she comes back, she gives as good as she got because she returned home to her husband, much as V had returned to MM. She showed him what it felt like to treat someone that way. And it really hurt him because IMO he did love MT and it scared him. Possibly he even felt himself above such pedestrian emotions as love. MM realized that MT meant more to Valmont, which was why she turned on him, acting far more viciously than he deserved. Another huge ego hurt. The film discussion suggested that Forman thinks that men are incapable of inflicting on women the kind of damage that women can do to men. That was not the film discussion, but Cheryl, who knew MF. So you probably have to give her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe that's the moral of the story, simple as it sounds - if you mess with a black widow spider, you're going to get bitten and die. And that's perhaps why Forman didn't show MM's downfall at the end as starkly as it was shown in DL. She loses too, big time, and it is Valmont who brings her down by giving the letters to Elliot. Before I watched this movie it had never occurred to me that it was possible to insult a man by offering him sex, especially if the whole reason he has come to visit you in the first place is in the hope of getting sex. Live and learn. Perhaps you should try it out. Go get yourself a book... ;-)

(Karen)So Edge of Reason and towel scene are right up there with world peace and ending world hunger? ;-D Well, yeah. Duh! Just thinkin of the towel scene puts a smile on my face. (Rika)Before I watched this movie it had never occurred to me that it was possible to insult a man by offering him sex, especially if the whole reason he has come to visit you in the first place is in the hope of getting sex. Geez, Rika I wish you would have figured it out and told me that 20 years ago.

Don't everybody get mad at me, but I don't think he trully loved MT. Note the panic in him when she told him she wrote to her husband ending the marriage. He wanted the letter and obviously bolted when he found out it was posted. I think he liked her because unlike MM she was naieve and workable and at first a challenge. But after getting what he wanted the challenge was gone. And she immediately became mother wanting to wait on him hand and foot, which most men in love would have taken in a minute. Instead he's drawn back to MM who treats him like shit, but something in him desires that because its a strong woman. MT was not and he likes MM's strength. Obviously they had a previous relationship because when he proposes she says who would be the first to betray each other this time? There was definitely something about MM that he was constantly drawn back too because willingly or not he always ended up doing what she wanted. I think it was MM he truly loved but she betrayed him so badly that he co ldn't handle it, and sadly that's when he gave it up. If he truly wanted MT wouldn't it have been worth it to stand up to the husband and make his intentions known. IMO I don't think he would have hesitated a second to do so if he really wanted her, as he was a man who was used to taking what he wanted out of life and she had already paved the way with her husband with the letter. I think he was capable of doing that if he wanted to. Read an article about Valmont citing Forman as saying that some women have to be able to give the final rejection. He was referring to MT leaving after the second time. So perhaps that was what he was trying to convey. She was devastated because she fell for him, despite all her moral objections and when she gives up everything for him, husband, he leaves. Therefore she has to get even and feel better about herself. Atleast that's how the article explained it. Dear God, we Firthettes thank you. Please let EoR come to pass. We are so worthy. Awhile back read that DC roll is going to be written in. So assume it will be sizable as all concerned feel it is a good team, so can't imagine he won't be part of the team or his roll will be insignificant. CF even called it a good team in one of the TV interviews. Remember.

(Karen) So Edge of Reason and towel scene are right up there with world peace and ending world hunger? ;-D They don't call it the Edge of Reason for nothing! And it really hurt him because IMO he did love MT and it scared him. Possibly he even felt himself above such pedestrian emotions as love. MM realized that MT meant more to Valmont, which was why she turned on him, acting far more viciously than he deserved. Another huge ego hurt. Good analysis. I had a hard time separating love from ego when it came to his feelings for MT, because it's so hard to determine what's genuine and what's the seducer's mask. I remember it being easier to follow with JM's Valmont, because there wasn't all that blinding charm on the surface to confuse things (plus, if I remember right, the Valmont/MT story was more prominent in DL). And love has to be part of the equation, because I don't think ego alone would make him so despondent (plus, if it were ego alone MM would be more amused than affronted). This afternoon I happened to find Roger Ebert's review of Valmont, which included an interview with Forman. Here's Ebert's comment on MT, and Forman's reply: ----- The most tragic person in the film, I said, is the young Madame de Tourvel (Meg Tilly), who knows that Valmont will seduce and abandon her, but then allows herself to be seduced anyway, because he is simply so much better at seduction than she is at resistance. It's so sad to see her standing there in the rain, hoping he will take her back again. "Is that how you see it?" Forman asked. "Because I see it differently. I talked a lot about that scene with Jean-Claude, and basically we both agreed we had encountered this kind of situation several times in our lives. You finish your love affair with a girl, and she keeps calling, she keeps writing, and finally out of some kind of perverse mercy, or some kind of charity, you say all right, let's have a dinner. And the moment she gets that, she gets you to bed, and she makes you make love to her, and she leaves, and you never hear from her again. I don't know what it is. I can't explain it, really. It's some kind of need to prove they can't be abandoned like that. They've got to prove they've still got it, and then they can go." ----------- This supports what Cheryl said about MF. Sure sounds like he's got some grudges against women from his past. And that's perhaps why Forman didn't show MM's downfall at the end as starkly as it was shown in DL. She loses too, big time, and it is Valmont who brings her down by giving the letters to Elliot. Agreed. GC's MM got a much more satisfying comeuppance. AB's MM seems to regret Valmont's death, but otherwise she escapes unscathed. Perhaps you should try it out. Go get yourself a book... ;-) Too late now - there's nobody I'm interested in insulting in that particular way anymore - but like Linda said, this information would have been useful about 20 years ago. ;-P

Pam, I agree that V. is in it mostly for the chase, and I think there are several possible interpretations when it comes to MT. And in fact that's my problem with the ending. One minute he's strutting around having everything his own way, and the next thing we know he essentially commits suicide, yet his motivations are ambiguous. Maybe V. isn't sure of the reasons either. I'm more and more thinking that the point of the ending is to show MM's chilling inhumanity, and that in MF's mind V. was just a casualty of the war between the sexes.

(Rika)GC's MM got a much more satisfying comeuppance. AB's MM seems to regret Valmont's death, but otherwise she escapes unscathed. I remember how OLD GC looked at the end. But if you look at the brief shot of AB's MM at the end (a face in the crowd, after they've say goodbye at the coffin, or maybe it's at the wedding), she does look pretty bad, her face is almost lifeless. I agree that a lot of the attraction Valmont felt for MT was the fact that she seemed almost unattainable. I say "almost" because Valmont thought he could get ANY woman, if he worked her correctly. I think what got to him later was that MT's reaction was not at all like that of the more sophisticated/worldly MM or her ilk. This left the situation beyond his control (the letter he can't retrieve, the smothering attention) and that scared him. Perhaps what sent him into despair at the end was the realization that he had been offered love (MT) and was so morally bankrupt that he was unable to accept or enjoy it.

(Rika) And love has to be part of the equation, because I don't think ego alone would make him so despondent (plus, if it were ego alone MM would be more amused than affronted). Love is definitely in the equation. MM loves Valmont, but won't allow herself to be enslaved by that institution again. Remember, she was married before and makes the comment about how V is "acting like a husband." If you read the book, you'll gain a lot of insight into her character and how much she hated being a lowly wife. She remade herself and seized power. No way was she going to give it up when she enjoyed her current position and the freedom she had. She was hurt by what she saw in Valmont--his attachment to MT and that she wasn't some ordinary conquest. IMO V left MT's bed the next morning because he was still fighting his feelings for her and was trying to get back to his usual self. Yes, he went back to MM to claim the prize, but that would reinforce the return of his usual self in his mind. (MF) It's some kind of need to prove they can't be abandoned like that. They've got to prove they've still got it, and then they can go." Turnabout is fair play: I can do to you what you did to me. Now, how do you like it? (Rika) One minute he's strutting around having everything his own way, and the next thing we know he essentially commits suicide, yet his motivations are ambiguous. Maybe V. isn't sure of the reasons either. Isn't there a quote somewhere from Colin that he had problems with this as well, not understanding his character's motivations? (Kate) I remember how OLD GC looked at the end. But if you look at the brief shot of AB's MM at the end (a face in the crowd, after they've say goodbye at the coffin, or maybe it's at the wedding), she does look pretty bad, her face is almost lifeless. I've always admired how DL begins and ends on GC's face and you can clearly see what's happened to her. I can't remember exactly, but I think powder is involved. But the DL MM is totally destroyed vs. the Valmont MM, who is very sad. If the wedding scene, with AB off to the side, looking up toward Elliot and his admirers is supposed to show she's been ostracized from society as had been done to GC's MM, then it was far too subtle. Yes, AB is very sad as she passes the coffin. She loved Valmont and she caused his death because he didn't return it in the same way.

(Karen) I've always admired how DL begins and ends on GC's face and you can clearly see what's happened to her. I can't remember exactly, but I think powder is involved. Wasn't she wearing white powdery make-up, and started taking it off in front of the mirror? It's been a while so I'm not sure I have the details right, but I remember how powerful it was - she looked 20 years older than at the start of the film, and entirely defeated and grotesque.

Thanks Rika and Karen for input. I bow to those who have read the book as you have far better insight. My impressions were formed entirely from the movie and many facts were obscure at best and didn't seem to fit or it seemed as if pieces were missing to form the ending. I even feel that at the end Cecile had fond feelings for him as she was the only one to kiss him on the lips, let alone the fact she was carrying his child. By the way excellent acting job by Faruza (sorry spelling). She did quite a job and I think that was quite an adult-themed roll for a 14 year old to play. IMO she was the best of the 3 actresses, tho towards the end AB was so devestatingly evil it gave me the chills. Made me really believe how much she loved him and how much he had hurt her to cause that kind of hatred towards him. They were so jealous of each other, i.e. his demanding to see the letter from her admirer who was about to call and his reaction when he saw her with Elliot, and her obvious jealousy of his attentions t MT. It was so bad when they were "friends". Imagine if they were together, they would have killed each other off. Atleast the reasons for their deaths would have been clear. Any more news on EoR?

Pam, I agree about Fairuza Balk. I thought she was a perfect Cecile. I agree about AB, too. For a lot of the movie I didn't think that much of her performance because her cheerful demeanor made her seem harmless (I'm sure I had GC's MM in my mind). But that made it easy to underestimate her, making her behavior at the end that much more shocking. I'm curious to read the book, because as you say it's obvious from Karen's remarks that it offers some additional insights. But if you look at it another way, the movie has to be able to stand on its own, so I think insights that come solely from the movie are perfectly valid.

I thought that Valmont had found, in those two kids, something to believe in the decadent society he lived in. When MM seduced Dulcie and blocked his try at getting them together he didn't care anymore.

Did anyone else think, from the look MM gave D. while he was laughing and talking with the girls in the balcony at the wedding, that she was going to make him pay for killing Valmont.

(Lucie) Did anyone else think...she was going to make him pay for killing Valmont. Oh rats, I shall have to watch it again. Actually, my first impression is no. Given that we see what we want to see, I saw abject defeat. Maybe it was the shock to the system of seeing the impeccably dressed, elegant MM looking swollen and teary-eyed and old. But the idea of revenge, that's a good point...I'm thinking of another movie now..."Was you ever stung by a dead bee?"

I got the feeling that MM, as she's looking up into the balcony at Eliott, realizes that she's "created a monster".. or, at least, created another Valmont, and that's why she looks like she does. You girls are so in-depth with these things. I never fail but to be impressed and I'm looking forward to owning more of HWM's work so that I'll have more of an idea about what you're talking about! ;)

I don't think any of the movie versions really do the book justice, and I have to say I'm stunned that it's not on Project Gutenberg. The only online versions available are all in French! But I did find this amusing synopsis... http://www.sepulchritude.com/suffer/volumeone/liaisons.html Might not be a bad idea to have an Amazon link to the English-translation paperback.

Not to change the subject...but I read an article in the paper this morning about Blythe Danner. It said that she has signed to co-star in a weekly TV series this fall. The article was long, and not really relevant except that it made me hopeful that only her part had fallen through on the Sylvia Plath/Ted Hughes film(due to the demands of the series) and her disappointment that she would not be able to work with her daughter, GP. So maybe some of our ladies here who speculated that BD's part was the only thing that fell apart and not the whole project-were correct. So hope is still alive for Colin. (Sorry, the paper was trashed before I had a chance to type the article) BTW, I saw TIOBE for the 12th time tonight. I know it will be gone tomorrow *sigh* but, alas we had a good run.

(lindak) BTW, I saw TIOBE for the 12th time tonight. I know it will be gone tomorrow *sigh* but, alas we had a good run. Sister, content yourself with the knowledge that you have been faithful to the nth degree and have single-handedly done more to validate his cinematic godhoodness than any of the other of us!

(Pam) Made me really believe how much she loved him and how much he had hurt her to cause that kind of hatred towards him. She was a sicko even before she met him. I've always felt she was more of a monster than he was. (Rika) But if you look at it another way, the movie has to be able to stand on its own, so I think insights that come solely from the movie are perfectly valid. Most definitely, the movie has to stand on its own. I enjoyed reading the book (which is a series of letters back and forth between these characters) because it kept you guessing about who was being truthful or hiding something. Plus I could understand what Forman had seen in the letters, which gave him a different take on the Valmont character than was traditionally done in its many iterations. Forman is not entirely faithful to the book as we all know from DL. (Barb) I saw abject defeat. Moi too. (Elizabeth) But I did find this amusing synopsis... That was hysterical!! I'm going to check out some more of that site.

Oh wait!! There's a Camille at that website too that starts with: Marguerite: Armand, you have come back to me! (coughs bloodily) This has all the makings of a great read. ;-D But it is very short. http://www.sepulchritude.com/suffer/2001/camille.html

I just finished watching my just-arrived-today tape of FF and I feel an urgent need to drool a bit. Those of you who have seen FF will understand the necessity, I'm sure. Oh, my. My, oh, my. Bad movie, but that Joe Prince..... oh, MY. I had read that Joe Prince was pretty high on most people's fave-CF-characters list, and.... did I mention, oh, MY!!!! Sweet, romantic, vulnerable, and gorgeous. He didn't seem to need kissing lessons back in those days, and the shagging scene was.... oh, MY. Oh, and lots of dimples. Overall, some nice wardrobe choices.... but thank goodness he had only one scene in that Ranger Rick uniform! I don't think I could pick a favorite moment - too many to choose from - though "You HAVE to marry me" is certainly at or near the top of the list. I was glad I found the film discussion on topic 98, too. Although I knew to look for the "patch of blue", I would have missed ODB's cameo as the mummy in the Waste People scene. And as usual, the discussion managed to rise above the material. As soon as Joe found the cocoon in the cemetery scene, I thought, "Symbolism alert!", and sure enough, the film discussion covered it. But momentarily setting aside the substantial delights of watching Joe Prince, the movie also made me sad. In the scene where she can't sleep and he talks about following sounds, that expressive, deep, caressing voice turns the lines into sheer poetry (insert blissful sigh). What a waste it was for an instrument of that caliber to be squandered in a second-rate piece of fluff like this. Oh, well, it's not as though FF is the only film in which his talents are wasted (insert resigned sigh).

In this weeks Hello (July 30th) there is a picture of Will and Colin, wandering along the road, drinking coffee - Starbucks again ;-) Will looks just like his Mum IMHO. Apparently CF is filming AG in Greenwich where these pictures were obviously taken. There is also one of CF giving fans a photo-opportunity while Will looks on. Unfortunately my canner out of action at the moment so cannot send :-(( Can any one else in the UK oblige?

For canner read scanner 8-)

From The Hollywod Reporter: Linney, Neeson role around in London 'Love' July 26, 2002 LONDON -- Laura Linney and Liam Neeson have joined the cast for writer Richard Curtis' directorial debut, "Love Actually." The project reunites Linney and Neeson, both of whom worked together in the Broadway production of "The Crucible" earlier this year. The roles earned them both Tony Awards nominations. Written by Curtis, "Love Actually" is set to begin shooting in and around London on Sept. 2. There is no final budget in place until casting is completed on the film, which details 10 intertwining love stories. Linney and Neeson join a cast that includes Hugh Grant and U.K. television star Martine McCutcheon. Casting for the other six main roles continues.

Valmont is in the air!!! This may have been posted already, but for those who don't know, Valmont will be released on DVD Sept. 17th. MeredithA

Thanks, Allison, for the heads-up on Hello! I'll be checking to see when that particular issue makes its way over here. But in the meantime... ;-) Ah, finally, some official news about LA (this will sure be confusing as we won't be referring to the city). No mention of Emma either, so Colin hasn't been singled out as the "invisible" one again. Thanks, Mari.

Earnest is on the move again! I checked Moviephone and Earnest is still at my loval indie theater (guess I'll have to go again, although I'll never match TWELVE viewings, well done, Linda!), but its other locations have changed. In NYC, TIOBE is now playing on the East side, no more AMC at 42nd St, where it played for just a week. What is Miramax's marketing plan for this film? It seems as if they're picking up whatever space is available, like those travel websites that will email you about last-minute travel opportunities. I can imagine the conversation with the theater-booking people. "Hey, Harve, I got a coupla free slots next week. Lemme see, we could run it up on 86th at 11 AM on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. And how about 56th at noon on Tuesday and 3 on Thursday. So, whaddaya say, babe?"

(sighing sadly).. Now, the closest place in Tennessee that TIOBE is playing is in Knoxville... practically makes me ashamed that I complained about driving into Nashville to see it. I guess the first movie I'm gonna purchase will be MLSF, since that's what we're going to discuss. I think Amazon delivers here very quickly, so I might actually be able to have it here by August 1st or so.

From a Swedish publication, from another site: How Sexy Is Colin Firth? Your new movie The Importance of Being Earnest is soon coming to theatres. Tell us a little about it. It is based on Oscar Wilde�s play and I play the main part as Jack Worthing. I grew up with Oscar Wilde�s plays and have always liked his work. As a child, I had fun reading his comedies. Wilde could play with words like no one else. How was it to work with Rupert Everett and Reese Witherspoon? Rupert and I have become friends. We still talk sometimes. Reese is so wonderful, I fell in love with her while we were under production. She is funny, cute and very charming. Falling in love with your leading lady--does it happen often? Yes, but do not get me wrong. It is not in a sexual way. It is more about liking wonderful people, people that make you happy. I also felt in love with Ren�e Zellweger who I worked with in Bridget Jones�s Diary. Do you think there will be a sequel to Bridget Jones�s Diary? I do not know. It depends on whether all three actors, me, Hugh and Ren�e, are available at the same time, and the script has to be really good too! Why did Bridget Jones become so successful? I believe that everyone over 30 recognises themselves in her. We have all been there, trying to learn how to love yourself and be accepted by everyone else around us. It is hard for singletons right now, and many people are single for a long time. It is more common then before. Do you think that men feel that it is hard to know what man they have to be to please women? Yes I believe that it can be very confusing. Almost all men are prepared to do everything to be what women want them to be, and I believe that women also don�t know how they want their men. Women want more sharing in the house and that their men take the same responsibility for the children, but on the other hand, many women want to see the man as the strong protector. What kind of man are you then? I do not know, I try not to think like that. I do not want to think: Women beside Man. I try to think of us all as humans. What do you do on a free day? I am home with my family. My wife is from Rome and we lived there for awhile, but now we live in London and I like to just do normal everyday things like take a walk in the park, go shopping. I love food, and to cook food and then eat it! In what way has it change you to be married to an Italian woman? It has given me a new perspective on life. I love the country, the food, the cars, the fashion, the Opera. And now I have learned a new language. I studied French and Spanish in school but now I have forgotten it. Now I can talk Italian and it is a fantastic language. Does it often happen that female fans approach you? No not so often. It is more common that they send me mail. The most bizarre I�ve gotten was underpanties. I do not know what she was expecting me to do with them. One time a female mailed me a shoe, which I find very strange. Many people mail me socks, ties and pictures they painted of me. Do you understand why so many people find you sexy? No not really. It started with that wet shirt scene in Pride & Prejudice. When that shirt is sticking, you can see my body contours that I in fact do not have. I don�t think I have a look that anyone should find that attractive, and the shirt is just hanging like a sack. I remember that a man mailed me and wrote: My wife thinks that you are really sexy. How do you do it? If I jumped into a lake with my clothes on my wife would be very angry and not think that I was sexy at all.

The most bizarre I�ve gotten was underpanties. All right, all right, 'fess up. Which one of you sent the thong to ODB? hehehe Why did Bridget Jones become so successful? I believe that everyone over 30 recognises themselves in her. That may be true, but I don't think that you have to be over 30 to appreciate the talent displayed in that movie. :) Oooh...I can't wait for the sequel!

Oh where is my scanner when I need it? From todays Evening Standard magazine: Gore, blimey! When you think of the London party scene who do you think of? Jordan? Tim Jeffries? Prince Andrew? Gore Vidal? OK, maybe not Gore Vidal but he did make a rare appearance last week at a party organised by the Pen writers association to celebrate the work of the late Cuban writer, Italo Calvino. Jordan is obviously still a bit frazzled after the birth of her son, Harvey, otherwise we're sure she would have been there. There then follows pictures of Gore Vidal, Elizabeth McGovern dressed in what looks like a Little Bo Peep outfit and then one of Sam West and CF looking very cheerful with their arms round each other. I shall have to get this picture to you Boss, because of the shoes. They will have to go into the Firth/Guiggioli weird shoe selection. Maybe its an optical illusion but the shoes which are tan coloured have strange contours to them; I am sure I can see Colin's toes through them. Is this a new fashion?

Please do! I am going to have to setup a new file for Shoes. If you are planning to mail this, let me know if you need my address. The Evening Standard doesn't make it here...ever :-( Now (not that I'm complaining, but I had paid 25 pounds to hear Colin, who didn't show) what was he doing at the party?

(Allison) I can see Colin's toes through them Hmm... these i've gotta see ;-)

One time a female mailed me a shoe ok, fess up.. which one of you sent it, and were you trying to turn him on, or make a suggestion? (giggling)

Jeanie, I think you're on to something. The shoe may have been a not-so-subtle hint from the Fashion Police. Not to sound unappreciative of chances to catch glimpses of different "aspects" of HWM, but see-through shoes? I sure hope it's better than it sounds. (Karen) Now (not that I'm complaining, but I had paid 25 pounds to hear Colin, who didn't show) what was he doing at the party? Didn't I read about something like this happening with a special screening of RV a couple of years ago? Seems like he missed the screening because filming ran late (BJD, I think) but got there for the party.

It's amazing to me that those of us who have sent nice, normal things to him (e.g., scrapbooks of film reviews, etc.) have had no luck in actually having our things delivered into his hands, yet the underwear and the shoe make it through. What an agent he has. :-( And in honor of Austin Powers Goldmember opening today, I'll parphrase from the first flick: "Who sends a shoe? Honestly!"

Rika I wrote to you on Fan Fic. Isn't FF great!!! Forget the story, but he is really good in it. I loved it too. And as far as the bed, the best. Saw quoute where he said he didn't like it tho. Thought it was boring for people to see bums bouncing around in bed. Dimples maximum alert. Joe Prince was great!!!

(Rika) Didn't I read about something like this happening with a special screening of RV a couple of years ago? Seems like he missed the screening because filming ran late (BJD, I think) but got there for the party. Excellent memory. It was for the premiere of RV. He did make an appearance outside before it started and then was whisked back to the shoot, and then returned for the party afterward.

One would think the organizers would have informed the audience that he was making an appearance later. I'd be pissed if I had paid 25UKP (c.$40) and he skipped the show . Hey Mari...I sent him our Hamlet tickets. He never mentions those either;-)

(Megan)All right, all right, 'fess up. Which one of you sent the thong to ODB? hehehe Given his demographics, it might not have been a thong. Could have been scary-stomach-holding-in-panties. (CF)Many people mail me socks So it's OUR fault that your socks are too short, Colin?

(Evelyn) I sent him our Hamlet tickets. He never mentions those either;-) LOL! Only you. :)

Oh lots of fun reading here today. Mari and Allison are gems with their info. We do get Hello around these parts and I will be rushing to the newsagent, sans husband, to go thru the mag. Any date or page number on it???? Now about that Swedish interview, taking into account the obvious translation oddities for language, I thought a few of those remarks very un-CF-ish and am wondering if possibly it was padded a little. and the script has to be really good too! Yeah man, like really, really good. Almost all men are prepared to do everything to be what women want them to be, and I believe that women also don�t know how they want their men. What do those more experienced in reading his interviews think??? Reese is so wonderful, I fell in love with her while we were under production. She is funny, cute and very charming. I also felt in love with Ren�e Zellweger.... Better duck for cover after LD reads That one! LN and LL added to the cast of LA...this is sounding better and better. I'm thinking California Suite...isn't that the one that was at the Beverly Hills Hotel???? And Lora...did you ever send you pic to CF ???? Still think that would be a goodie!

Ok, ok, if no one else wants to claim the shoe and underwear, I will. Almost all men are prepared to do everything to be what women want them to be, and I believe that women also don�t know how they want their men. Oh, I think I know how I want you, dear boy. Doesn't LD? hmmmm. Thank you, Mari for that slightly strange article. No time to type now, but I read an interesting tidbit in Time while waiting for my car to be serviced today. It mentions how Mirmax strategically plans the release of small, smart, art house films, namely TIOBE. I'll type up the relevant parts later.

Lisa, I had a similar reaction to the interview. It just sounded.... off. But I couldn't decide how much of it was just from translation issues. (Lisa) Better duck for cover after LD reads That one! I think he knew it too. He started backpedaling immediately afterwards with that, "I just meant fun to be with" stuff.

Snuck down to the newsagent...saw the July 23rd issue of Hello! Not the one, Charles and Camilla on the front...no CF inside. Expect it's one or two weeks later. Although it wasn't a total waste thumbing though. I did discover that Princess Stephanie is no longer travelling aroud with a circus. She has now taken up with a chef in the palace! :))))

I was about to say too that he missed the reading but was able to show up for the party obviously. I'm sure the patrons would have appreciated knowing that. Am watching Joe P. now. Later. Thanks for interview. You know these beautiful Scandinavian women, maybe he was a little shook-up with interviewer and thought he'd flirt a bit. Then after realizing what he said had to back it down to cover for wife.

(FanPam) You know these beautiful Scandinavian women, maybe he was a little shook-up with interviewer and thought he'd flirt a bit. Then after realizing what he said had to back it down to cover for wife. Been away for awhile and only read the last few messages but I loved this comment. I wonder why people seem to think CF doesn't flirt with women or find other women attractive. I find the whole "Saint Colin" notion quite ridiculous and way off. He's actually very comfortable and flirtatious around women. After all, he may be faithful but he's not dead! :)

(Lisa) Any date or page number on it???? I believe Allison posted it was the July 30th issue. (Linda) Ok, ok, if no one else wants to claim the shoe and underwear, I will. tsk tsk!! I was telling Dorine a little white ago that I'd read or heard the top items sent by sicko obsessive/fanatic-paths are poetry and underwear. So put away your sonnets. ;-) I read an interesting tidbit in Time while waiting for my car to be serviced today. It mentions how Mirmax strategically plans the release of small, smart, art house films When did Time turn into a sci-fi mag? Have no worries, Lola, this ain't no Church of St Colin here as you must have figured out.

(Linda) I read an interesting tidbit in Time while waiting for my car to be serviced today. It mentions how Mirmax strategically plans the release of small, smart, art house films I think this may have been the article I read that I mentioned awhile back, although at that time thought it was the NY Times.

I wanted to belatedly thank Elizabeth and Karen for the links to the tongue-in-cheek summaries of DL (well, LLD) and Camille. The one for LLD was especially hilarious. (Kate F) MT's reaction was not at all like that of the more sophisticated/worldly MM or her ilk. This left the situation beyond his control (the letter he can't retrieve, the smothering attention) and that scared him. I agree - in fact, I think she would have scared me too! Very smothering and maternal, which would horrify someone like V. Didn't she even offer him milk? (All I could think of at that moment was Valmont in a "Got milk?" ad.) Perhaps what sent him into despair at the end was the realization that he had been offered love (MT) and was so morally bankrupt that he was unable to accept or enjoy it. And then found himself turning to the even more morally bankrupt MM for comfort and getting treated with such contempt instead. With friends like these.... (FanPam) Am watching Joe P. now. Later. I watched it again this evening, Pam.... sigh..... but I had to skip the cemetery scene (it was hard enough to watch the first time). Also skipped most of the other scenes involving Dumb and Dumber, which were also hard to watch the first time, but for totally different reasons. I don't see myself writing fanfic, but if I were ever so inclined I think I'd want to write a story in which Joe Prince found a nice, intelligent, stable woman who'd love him and make him happy, and who had a consistent first name and a reasonably conventional past (or at least one not involving pervy films or Class A felonies). After a lengthy, romantic honeymoon in Hawaii, the two of them could live happily ever after up there in the woods, shagging like rabbits. Maybe once a year they'd go to LA to visit Elijah just so the story would have some snappy repartee. I realize this story outline lacks any conflict whatsoever, but I think Joe has suffered quite enough. Perhaps a tree frog could die at the Nature Center before he has a chance to return it to the wild.... that would be about my upper limit, angst-wise. Sigh.... I am just a pathetic puddle of drool over Joe Prince.

Radisson Edwardian Hotels are holding a prize draw, the first prize for which is two tickets to the UK TIOBE premiere and the after film party on 4th September, two nights' accommodation at the Radisson Edwardian Hampshire Hotel, Leicester Square on 3rd and 4th September and return economy tickets from your nearest BMI British Midland departure point in the UK or Europe and London Heathrow. There are also prizes of film merchandise to be won. To enter go to http://www.radisson.com/earnest

Thanks Barbara, have entered twice (once in hubby's name) as I think this is the only way to get Premiere tickets as I telephoned BVInt. yesterday (the Uk Distributors) and they said tickets were by invite only, not available to the general public, shame, will just have to stand outside!!

Thanks, Barbara I have entered also. Now, I'm off to watch FF. Haven't seen it in awhile and you guys have sparked my interest. Also going to watch V again, as well. This impromptu discussion here this week was great.

It's amazing to me that those of us who have sent nice, normal things to him (e.g., scrapbooks of film reviews, etc.) have had no luck in actually having our things delivered into his hands, yet the underwear and the shoe make it through. How do you know our things didn't get through to him? ;-) (CF)Many people mail me socks I wonder what ODB does with them, does he actualley wear them?

(Rika) Perhaps a tree frog could die at the Nature Center before he has a chance to return it to the wild LOL! Your story treatment highlights nearly everything I've found so wrong with the film. In yours, would the father have had his license taken away? ;-D Thanks for the London premiere date, Barbara. Good luck, ladies, with your entries. *****Admin Note: We are nearing the end of this topic. Message 1999 will the last, but I will be opening up the new topic today. Whoever does message 1999, please try to turn off the lights and leave a note as to where we've taken this party. :)

(Hola Lola)I find the whole "Saint Colin" notion quite ridiculous and way off. I'm on your side. This board has always been v. open minded about Colin. But it helps to remind everyone.Thank you. Rika looks like you and I are the only Joe Prince fans around here. Yup...even over Pau Ashford, folks.

(quoth Evelyn) Rika looks like you and I are the only Joe Prince fans around here. Better make that three. :) Love that little bit where they roll off the bed. (Shamelessly draws the attention of any who haven't had the pleasure of seeing it)

OK, as all you ladies already know, I'm a nitwit, so who the heck is Joe Prince?

(Jeanie) OK, as all you ladies already know, I'm a nitwit, so who the heck is Joe Prince? You're hardly a nitwit - you're just a newbie like me. Joe Prince is CF's character in FF. I know this only because I've spent the last two days drooling uncontrollably over him. (Evelyn) Rika looks like you and I are the only Joe Prince fans around here. Yup...even over Pau Ashford, folks. Oh, ABSOLUTELY, Evelyn! Joe is Da Man. Until Joe, I thought only the Darcy Boys would ever ascend to my personal pantheon of CF characters. But Fitzwilliam and Mark are now in company with a Prince of a fellow. By the way, I lost track of what I was doing and bought FF twice by mistake. If anybody wants the extra, get in touch. Otherwise I'll probably list it on eBay.

(Evelyn)Rika looks like you and I are the only Joe Prince fans around here. I beg to differ ;-) Although I'd put Paul above sweet Joe, I never get tired of FF, which can also stand for Fast Forward (to the good parts). When he's sitting on the floor talking to the semi-naked 'model'? How cute is that?! I love the Swedish interview. I think we should offer to give a lot of money to his favourite charity if he'll say "underpanties" out loud. :-D

OK, as all you ladies already know, I'm a nitwit, so who the heck is Joe Prince?

At this rate, I'll have the thread closed up before bedtime.. sorry about that, ladies!

Re Swedish Interview Don't know what anyone else thinks, but I have NEVER heard anyone in the UK using the word 'underpanties'!!! - So I'm having doubts about the accuracy of the rest of the interview.

(Evelyn)Rika looks like you and I are the only Joe Prince fans around here. (Bryonny) Although I'd put Paul above sweet Joe, I never get tired of FF, which can also stand for Fast Forward (to the good parts). When he's sitting on the floor talking to the semi-naked 'model'? How cute is that?! OK, what is it that you all like so much about him in FF? Is it how CF looks in it or actually the character? I'm not overly enamored of either in FF. I don't prefer the more babyfaced look and Joe was a little too, um....naive for me. Although I wouldn't turn down the help with grocery shopping ;-D. (Byronny) I think we should offer to give a lot of money to his favourite charity if he'll say "underpanties" out loud. :-D ROTFL!

Don't know what anyone else thinks, but I have NEVER heard anyone in the UK using the word 'underpanties'!!! Janet, I'd chalk that one up to the translation...they probably don't know how to spell knickers in Sweden! Thanks Barabra, I did an Amy W and registered twice and Jeanie, I have not seen FF and know not of this bloke named Joe Prince either! :)))))

(Dorine) Joe was a little too, um....naive for me. Although I wouldn't turn down the help with grocery shopping ;-D. I'm telling ya, we have to check into our birth records. ;-) (Janet) Don't know what anyone else thinks, but I have NEVER heard anyone in the UK using the word 'underpanties'!!! Let's not forget that first the interview was translated (by someone) from English to Swedish, then it was translated back into English by a Swede, whose English is not perfect. I think a lot of the awkwardness and odd usage have to be attributable to double translation. We've seen it before with the German and Italian articles that have been translated, but fortunately the second leg of the translations were done by native English speakers and some of some of the idioms could be smoothed over.

(Dorine) OK, what is it that you all like so much about him in FF? Is it how CF looks in it or actually the character? I don't prefer the more babyfaced look and Joe was a little too, um....naive for me. For me it's the character. The baby-faced look is cute, but I think he's much more attractive now. I don't mind that Joe is naive, even though it's one cause of his problems. I find him utterly endearing - sincere, sweet, vulnerable, and somewhat of a misfit in the world. And when he winds up in a world of trouble, I just want to rush over and protect him.

(Rika)I find him utterly endearing - sincere, sweet, vulnerable, and somewhat of a misfit in the world. And when he winds up in a world of trouble, I just want to rush over and protect him. Yes, that is kinda cute, but I guess I'm not so attracted to men who are so sweet, vulnerable and potentially needing protection. That would be like having a kid to me. I like the opposite...men with a heart, but who are confident, maybe with a little edge...who I feel confident could come to protect me if needed (but occasionally may need help from me as well). I love the Darcy boys too, but I still think so far, of all his roles, I like Matthew in SLOW the best (irregardless that none of the characters were fleshed out that well). I'm watching The Thomas Crown Affair at the moment, and whenever I see it, I always can see CF in a part like that (but I think he would actually do it better, even though I liked Pierce Brosnan enough). I think it would be more appealing if it delved into his angst deeper in the psych sessions. Maybe make the character even darker. But I love whenever CF get mischievious look on his face like in TIOBE and BJD, when he's getting one over on someone. There was ample opportunity for that in Thomas Crown. I'd be willing to bet I'm the only one with this opinion. ;-)

(Dorine) I like Matthew in SLOW the best (irregardless that none of the characters were fleshed out that well). I haven't seen that one. Didn't see Thomas Crown Affair either, though I've always intended too. My tape of Playmaker arrived, though, and I had the chance to do my own Nessie hunt. I found the place where I was supposed to look, but I'm not entirely convinced. There are a lot of obstacles - the glass obscures things, there's a whole lot of movement behind it, and if I saw anything it was sure fleeting. Plus, we don't absolutely know it was him, right? Personally I found the first shower scene more rewarding (though not in terms of Nessie-viewing - darn that right hand that gets in the way, probably on purpose). But what a horrid stinker of a movie. Gag. Okay, this should be response 1998 and there should be room for one more post, unless someone else has been posting while I've been typing this (in which case, we're off to topic 163 next - how exciting!)

(Dorine)The Thomas Crown Affair...I always can see CF in a part like that (but I think he would actually do it better... But I love whenever CF get mischievious look on his face like in TIOBE and BJD, when he's getting one over on someone. I have often thought that CF should have/could have done the TTCA very well. A super type of role that I would just love to see him do...that mischievious look on his face always turns me to mush. There are many in TIOBE, especially at the end when he is sparring with Lady Bracknell over Algy and Cecily's engagement. One of the reasons I keep going back. I'm not a FF fan, but I enjoy watching for several of the scenes mentioned in some of the posts. Me? I'm a Paul Ashworth, Darcy-Mark-Darcy, Ernest type of gal.