(Didn't Rex Harrison have a glass eye....?) Yes, I agree--no remakes. I would rather see a James Bond role. Liz Hurley would be a good choice for Rebecca. What about Kristen Scott Thomas for AG? The Jeffrey Lyon's interview is on this morning (7ish e.s.t.) NBC NY Today.

If anyone is up, Colin is going to be on right now. Sunday Weekend in NY. Different than Weekend Today. 7am, not the 8am show. I don't know if this interview will also air on the Weekend Today. If not, I'll transcribe later today.

Here is a brief summary of interview: (approx 5min) CF wearing dark blue very open at neck shirt, greenish pants, boots.. Talked about look of the film and costumes--CF mentioned he was asked by Italian tailor whether he "dressed left or right" (didn't answer). Mentioned that he wore padding in SIL (when commented that he was heavier in that movie). Talked about fight scene in BA and BJD..admitted to doing parts to pay rent... At the end Jeffrey Lyon's recommended people also check out AZ. (pretty interesting, I thought). Then NBC showed a commercial for TIOBE.

(Sorry Linda, I posted before I checked posts!) I'm sure Linda will have more info. cheers!

Bugger! Had a tough time getting up and caught only the last minute or so from the BJD and "pics for dough" comments. Gah! Didn't think it would be on so early in the show either. Wonder if they replay Weekend Today later at night like Meet the Press. Now that I think about it, probably not since it was with the local hosts. LOL! Sorry I missed the Italian tailor comment. I thought the AZ recommendation was very interesting, as well. It's almost never mentioned, and by far one of his best roles IMO. Boy, but was he a vision to wake up to, though! I thought he looked particularly good! JN to go to sleep to, and CF to wake up to.....and it's not even my birthday yet!

(Dorine)JN to go to sleep to, and CF to wake up to.....and it's not even my birthday yet! LOL! Not bad at all. :-) AZ by far one of his best roles Agreed. You should check out our AZ film discussion, Dorine. (Amy), Liz Hurley would be a good choice for Rebecca. What about Kristen Scott Thomas for AG? Liz Hurley was the first one I thought of too when I read the book. But I would leave KSC in France. I would love it if they gave AG to Jennifer Ehle, just to have her there. (Linda), I'll transcribe later today. I'll look forward to it! Thanks for the summary, Amy. But I think we can figure out whether he "dressed left or right." ;-)

Such risque talk.... takes me back. ;-D

I have the whole interview transcribed, but cannot type it up until around noon. DH is moving daughter's room into another room,I can't very well leave him with the whole mess. Well, actually, I can but... I just had to sneak away to type this post. Will type up and post the interview as soon as I can. I thought it really was one of the better ones, very lively.

Just made it in time to see interview. Definitely an interesting one. Too brief however. Mr. Lyons certainly did his homework and knew what he was doing. That was refreshing. What is IOM?

Sorry for the delay. I just finished being the getmethis,getmethat tool helper. Here goes: Transcript from Sunday Weekend Today in New York The female host (don't know her name)introduces the segment:Colin Firth is one of the hottest actors in film. He recently sat down with Jeffrey Lyons to talk about his new project TIOBE. Clip of CF and FOC during the discussion of Jack's name. Voice-over by Jeffrey Lyons: In case you've yet to see it, the remake of TIOBE is a witty, sedate, beautiful-looking Oscar Wilde romantic comedy co-starring Colin Firth, and it's obvious it is a project the actor enjoyed doing. CF: There's a great path of greats who have done this in the theater, and it is daunting, and it is a very tried and tested piece of work, and found to work. So if I can't make it work I have to take responsibility. JL: Well you did, and when I look at the clips as they appear on a TV screen, I notice how pristine every image was, how the color is gorgeous and jumps out at you like a...sound like a critic of visual bouquet.(silent clip of Lady Bracknell walking in on Jack's proposal to Gwendolyn) CF: The costumes were by an Italian Costumier and I don't think I've ever had a fitting quite like this. There was this extraordinary Roman tailor, who, like most Roman tailors, was this tall. (Colin holds out his arm to describe someone who is very short)(In a voice that is very posh he imitates the tailor)"Do you dress to the left or the right, sir"? And you get bizarre things like nape of neck to left knuckle of little finger, and sort of inner insole to buttock.(ed. note: OOOOOOHHH! Oh but to be a Roman tailor-eh, sorry) JL: But no matter how trying getting the costume preparation was, it had to pale in getting ready for your scenes in SIL. That must have taken a lot longer. CF: Well, (sighs) in SIL, I was sticking out in every direction.(ed. won't touch this comment with a ten foot pole) I mean, I had a sword and a cog piece. It was very hard to sit down without wreaking havoc. JL: You were heavier in that film? CF: Hm? (CF either missed the question or pretended not to hear) JL: You were heavier in that film? CF: Wellll, I was, but I would like to point out I was helped by a bit of padding. It was, you know, sort of considered sexy to have a bit of a paunch in those days. Pity that's no longer... JL: (Talks over CF's last word) Some real party animals in those days. CF: That's right. JL: You really had a thankless role in that movie, because you're the one we don't want to have GP CF: That was the one movie in which it celebrated humor, I was the one guy without it. It celebrated poetry, I was the one guy without it. It celebrated romance, I was the one guy without it. I'm the guy that doesn't get it. JL: (laughs) And yet you also played Shakespeare at one time didn't you? CF: NO! JL: You never played Shakespeare? CF: No, oh, now you... JL: Don't scare me like that. You did play Shakespeare. CF: I spent a morning playing Shakespeare. JL: Right, in Blackadder Back and Forth CF: Right, Blackadder Back and Forth JL: How do you preparae for playing Shakespeare? How does one do that? CF: Well I read the complete works of Shakespeare several times over,(Laughs) and practiced in front of a mirror, Then got knocked off my feet by Rowan Atkinson in the first five minutes.(laughter by both.) *** At this point, my vcr kicked in to tape Weekend Today, I lost about three seconds of the BJD discussion, sorry. I did see it through the first time, and we didn't miss anything we hadn't heard before. JL: There was a scene with you and Hugh Grant in BJD that wasn't in the original book, BJD. CF: Yes, Hugh and I just got carried away really. JL: And it turned out to be one of the most interesting scenes of the film. CF: You know, you have to look unruly to be unruly, and you have to be very precise and disciplined about it. We thought, you know what, lets just give the stunt man a break-go have a cup of tea, and we'll get on with this thing, and really, that's just what we did. We grappled with each other, I think in a way, I'm ashamed to say, probably in a way we would have if we really were in a fight with each other. JL: You were talking about roles that an actor should get to put your work to the test, that constantly test you. I mean any actor wants something that's not more of the same. That is-something different, what do you look for in a part? (ed. note, JL jumps all over his own words in some of the questions) CF: It's not the only criterion. That's not always available to you. Sometimes, you want to pay the rent. So you might have to repeat yourself and then, in a way that's even a greater challenge, is to take something which on the page seems a repitition, and how you give it a twist. JL: Colin Firth, the costar, and one of the wonderful cast of the film TIOBE, and on your way to see that movie, rent a copy of an under-appreciated performance he gave in AZ. It is nice to see you. CF: Thank you. (Colin's head tilted back ever so slightly, as if in disbelief, when JL mentioned AZ-seemed a bit pleased too. Arms were on the move, yet they never crossed and uncrossed once!!!!

Thank you Linda for typing this. JL: (laughs)" And yet you also played Shakespeare at one time didn't you?" CF:" NO!" LOL. Think Colin thought the guy meant : H-a-m-l-e-t? CF"Sometimes, you want to pay the rent. So you might have to repeat yourself and then..." He can say that again ..esp if you don't want to travel;-) Indeed-ee interviewer did homework...checked the websites too;-)

Yeh Moon, those that * vigilantly viewed* TIOIBE could be reminded of the answer to the tailoring question (i.e. scene with dog). What a downward spiral I find myself on..... ;^)

Thanks for typing the transcript, Linda, especially since our Weekend Today was preempted by TENNIS! Felt great sympathy with those in Minkeeland! ;-) CF: Well I read the complete works of Shakespeare several times over,(Laughs) and practiced in front of a mirror, LOL! Since I have to be crazy about a movie star, at least it is one that makes me laugh. That had to be off-the-cuff and a glimpse of that famous CF sense of humor. :-)

Yes, well here in Minkeeland, OUR Weekend Today was pre-empted by "Gilette World Sport" -- even though it was clearly listed in the tv guide as Weekend Today! Grrrrrrrrrr.... Sometimes I despair of this sports-mad nation. Doesn't seem to matter how obscure the sport, they want to watch it rather than anything else! Yet again, we are ripped off of yet another Colin interview. *sob*

BTW, they went to a commercial right after the interview. It was TIOBE. Thank goodness someone posted about the commercial being on in the early am. The only reason I had the TV tuned to NY channel 4 NBC was because of this. I usually watch Weekend Today on NBC 3-our local station. Commercial looked great, with CF as the focus. I think Miramax realizes he is the one to carry the film, and I think they underestimated its appeal. Yes, Evelyn, I definitely think CF thought JL meant Hamlet.

Attention all Minkeelanders I saw first ad in today's paper for competition for exclusive premier tickets for TIOBE, RE was pictured, but CF was named second in billing. Details for competition will be in next Sunday Age. Fingers crossed.

Wow! Thanks Anna! No hint about what the competition is, where the exclusive premiere is being held, etc.? Geez... what a tease!

Wonderful transcription, Linda! Felt like I had seen it with all your insightful comments. BTW, the appropriate distancing tool is a "bargepole" and the immovable cog is codpiece but we won't go there either. ;-) [Marcia claimed that bejeweled item.] That was a great quip by Colin about how he prepared for his morning work on Blackadder. v. funny - and the "sort of inner insole to buttock" measure. LOL!!

Part of the prize is a night at The Windsor" in Melbourne. So definite Melbourne premier. This was a small ad in the film section of the paper, for Sydneysiders I suggest looking at the Sydney Morning Herald entertainment guide.

This is something I picked up from a posting at another site. It's part of an article in the UK Sunday Express: First came the obligatory discussion of EoR, then... "Co-starring Renee Zellweger and Hugh Grant, the movie was a multi-million pound smash hit when it came out last year, popularising big pants in the process. But Firth says it hasn�t had a knock-on effect when it comes to his career. He�ll soon be seen in a classy film adaptation of The Importance of Being Earnest alongside Rupert Everett and Dame Judi Dench, but quality scripts haven�t been landing on his doorstep. Yes, he has been inundated with other movie offers � but most of them he wouldn�t touch with a bargepole. 'I�m just looking forward to the day when there�s a stack of good scripts,' Firth moans. 'I�m not facing hunger and impoverishment, but I�m hoping I�ll find myself doing something good soon. And if I don�t get offered Darcy again I think I�ll just have to get into the costume and open supermarkets." Oh, dear! Could I soon be collecting frequent flier miles doing my grocery shopping? ;-P Also was checking out some pics on another web site of stills from his movies. Moon, from what I saw of the pic from The Advocate, he does NOT need the kissing lessons gift. Haven't seen that one yet unfortunately. Maybe he's just shy most of the time? Or God forbid...a perfect gentleman? ;-)

Yes, he has been inundated with other movie offers � but most of them he wouldn�t touch with a bargepole. There goes that word again. Bargepole-new word of the day.

Yes, he has been inundated with other movie offers � but most of them he wouldn�t touch with a bargepole I don't think that was the most tactful thing he could have said. Not a very politically astute remark. Let us hope people in the movie industry do not read the Sunday Express ;-)

Thank you for the wonderful transcription, Linda! CF: The costumes were by an Italian Costumier and I don't think I've ever had a fitting quite like this. This one did get it right. His collar fit and his jackets did not take a form of their own. Now that Colin has experienced a real tailor, I hope it rubs off for the future. (Dorine), Moon, from what I saw of the pic from The Advocate, he does NOT need the kissing lessons gift. Haven't seen that one yet unfortunately. Maybe he's just shy most of the time? The problem is that he's turned very prudish. He tries too hard to act the kiss now. It no longer comes natural to him. So I must disagree about the kissing lessons. (Amy), Yeh Moon, those that * vigilantly viewed* TIOIBE could be reminded of the answer to the tailoring question (i.e. scene with dog). What a downward spiral I find myself on..... ;^) LOL! I believe we have all been there done that. ;-) But Firth says it hasn�t had a knock-on effect when it comes to his career. You can't just wait to have good scripts fall on your lap. Search them out, Colin. Start a company and buy out the rights to stories, develop the scripts... oh, forget it, it's too much work maybe? ;-)

(Dorine) Oh, dear! Could I soon be collecting frequent flier miles doing my grocery shopping? ;-P ROTFL! I'm right there with you!! AG mom--Hmmmm, what about Rene Russo? ......but quality scripts haven�t been landing on his doorstep..... **Sigh** I swear, we need to pool our money & start a production company just for ODB and get him some good stuff to do. Would LOVE to see him in a film adaptation of the J.D. Robb books. Mmmmmmmmmm, Roarke. I'm hopeful that he'll get in on the Harry Potter thing, too.

(Moon) This one did get it right. His collar fit and his jackets did not take a form of their own. I'm particularly fond of how nicely the vest fit when he had his jacket off. Either he's been working out to get discernable pecs or they've dipped into that padding box again. *snicker* ...waiting for those *great* scripts (that all take place in England) to land in his lap I find it interesting though that so many of reporters and journalists are asking questions about his career now. Why? Why? Why? (moonstar) Mmmmmmmmmm, Roarke Colin doesn't have the hair. This guy's a cross between Pierce Brosnan and Fabio. ;-D

(Karen) I'm particularly fond of how nicely the vest fit when he had his jacket off. Either he's been working out to get discernable pecs or they've dipped into that padding box again. Oh yes! I noticed that fit as well! I just chalked it up to the fine Italian tailoring ;-) Especially since he says he doesn't like to work out in a gym in front of people and he doesn't quite seem the type of guy to have weights and a bench in his basement. (moonstar) Mmmmmmmmmm, Roarke (Karen) Colin doesn't have the hair. This guy's a cross between Pierce Brosnan and Fabio. ;-D Hey... makeup did a very good job in "Earnest"! ;-D

(Karen) Colin doesn't have the hair. This guy's a cross between Pierce Brosnan and Fabio. ;-D **ACK** Don't see that at all, but feeling a little nauseous now....

trying to close tag!!!

Oh, he's in whining mode again. He'll get over it. (Moonstar)I'm hopeful that he'll get in on the Harry Potter thing, too. Me too;-) But Chris Columbus has finished cast #2 and heading home.I read they're looking for a director for #3 & 4.KB is in the mix.Maybe he'll give his old AC buddy a job. Hey...a port in any storm. Can't be worse than AG.

ROTF, Karen!!! How many condoms did you use to wrap that one? ;-))))) sorry, couldn't resist

Ouch.. ROTF, Karen. Hey Moon...here's some good ones.. before he was Mr. Prude Richard Courtois In THOTP: Richard Herncastle in LE

Do you dress to the left or the right, sir"? And you get bizarre things like nape of neck to left knuckle of little finger, and sort of inner insole to buttock.(ed. note: OOOOOOHHH! Oh but to be a Roman tailor-eh, sorry) LOL! Great job on the transcript, Linda, thanks. Sounds like this was a good interview. Jeffrey probably shocked the hell out of CF when he mentioned AZ. 'I�m just looking forward to the day when there�s a stack of good scripts,' Firth moans. 'I�m not facing hunger and impoverishment, but I�m hoping I�ll find myself doing something good soon. Well, you had a good role in Hamlet, Colin, but opted instead to do . . . nothing! Instead of making yourself sound like some put-upon, unwanted loser, why not tell the truth? That family obligations require you to be in at least 2 other countries for about 6 nonths of the year, so that for the other 6 months, you're obligated to stay home, severely limiting your choice of roles to the likes of Londinium, TTOTS and AG. It's all of your own making, cher.

No, better to make up this 'S of S' than let anybody know what's really going on here. But, methinks, he has learned his Hamlet. He's playing upon us, like we're all a bunch of gullible fools. ;-D

Frankly, after this string of comedies and Keystone Kops Kapers, I don't think the critics would take his Hamlet seriously.Before he was known as a TV actor...now???? I saw Sam West's Hamlet....Colin was smart to bolt.It was clever, contemporary, fast paced; flawless production. The guy had been playing it for almost a year; he *owned* the role like a second skin. That Christopher Frettes sub production at the Riverside got scathing reviews. That chapter is ovah!

Hey Moon...here's some good ones.. before he was Mr. Prude ...he was Hot pig? LOL! Evelyn, that reminder, serves us well.

For those in Sydney and surrounds : Some of us are thinking of organising a drool-a-thon when TIOBE finally reaches here in July. Anyone else interested to join us - please email me off-list : minkee@hotmail.com. Thanks muchly.

Moon and Evelyn...the top pic is the one I was referring to earlier!

(Moon) The problem is that he's turned very prudish. He tries too hard to act the kiss now. It no longer comes natural to him. So I must disagree about the kissing lessons. Ok, point taken. But surely this prudishness can't continue with Heather Graham in HS. I've never seen her prudish in these matters and can't imagine she'd start now or let him get away with that. Would seem odd too if they are supposed to be in the sack in the first 10 mins to appear less than extremely passionate. (Evelyn) Oh, he's in whining mode again. And what kind of whine is on the menu tonight? Maybe Kelly Ripa could help him with a good vintage. ;-)

But surely this prudishness can't continue with Heather Graham in HS. I've never seen her prudish in these matters and can't imagine she'd start now or let him get away with that. Would seem odd too if they are supposed to be in the sack in the first 10 mins to appear less than extremely passionate. We'll just have to wait and see. But he has a problem because he acts the kiss. He has no problem with the snugling up to foreplay but then BANG - the let down. :-(

(Dorine)But surely this prudishness can't continue with Heather Graham in HS. I've never seen her prudish in these matters and can't imagine she'd start now or let him get away with that. (Moon) We'll just have to wait and see. But he has a problem because he acts the kiss. In the July Premiere Jennifer Tilly [ex-sister-in-law: aunt of son] gives the lowdown on the lip- lock. "It's bad protocol to reject tongue". I'm taking it to O&E #160.

Hi Everyone: I read the Jennifer Tilly lowdown. She was great. Correct me if I'm wrong but, furthering conversation of CF having own production company, didn't HG's company purchase AAB? I believe he said so in an interview I saw on TV which would of course give him the movie, as opposed to CF's statement that they wanted a more bankable star? It seems this is the way alot of actors are going HG EH SB etc. A good pairing would be NH and CF they seem to be of similar mind and taste. Would secure him finding projects more to his liking. A bit of work to begin with but definitely worth it in the long run.

(Moon) We'll just have to wait and see. But he has a problem because he acts the kiss. And the directors are happy with this kind of behavior? There must be a happy medium for him between prudishness and Monster's Ball/Unfaithful-type scenes. Oh my! I hear a cold shower beckoning again at thoughts him in scenes like that ) ;-D

FYI..... 13. The Importance of Being Earnest, Miramax, $625,256, 147 locations, $4,253 average, $2.4 million, three weeks.

(Pam) didn't HG's company purchase AAB? No, DeNiro's company did, but HG has a production company with EH. (Dorine) Unfaithful-type scenes. Much ado about absolutely nothing.

Continuing to secure exceptional product placements, A List is currently working on premium studio films including MGM's "Cody Banks" (Frankie Muniz), Columbia's "Anger Management" (Adam Sandler), Universal's "Bruce Almighty" (Jim Carrey), Paramount's "Timeline" (Paul Walker) and Warner Bros.' "American Girl" (Amanda Bynes).

Continuing to secure exceptional product placements, A List is currently working on premium studio films Is A List a distributing company? (Moon) We'll just have to wait and see. But he has a problem because he acts the kiss. (Dorine), And the directors are happy with this kind of behavior? Maybe those directors are not good kissers. In BJD, the kissing scene between RZ and HG is much better than the one at the end. In TIOBE, RW and RE do a better job than CF and FOC. What is to be done?!

(Moon) Is A List a distributing company? No, it does product placements. Warner Bros. is making and distributing AG.

No, it does product placements. For what, Clearasil? ;-)

My thoughts exactly. ;-D

(Moon)What is to be done?! MORE LESSONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Moon)... RW and RE do a better job Yeah..but I'd clench my teeth if I had to kiss Rupe:-((( Methinks DW (Dear Wife) is cause of prudie- kisses...or in deference to.... Lessons won't help. We can see by some of his past films....he knows how. Oh well....here we go with a string of PG 13s:-(( Good question for anyone who gets to talk to him: "Do you discriminate against playing in R -rated films...*now*"?

(Evelyn) Oh well....here we go with a string of PG 13s:-(( "Do you discriminate against playing in R -rated films...*now*"? Hey, there can be *plenty* of lip and bed action in a PG-13 movie. It's just the amount of skin (and location thereof) and how much we see of "what" is going on that would push it over into the R category. You'd be surprised by the number of good, romantic films that were PG-13. However, I still want more adult or serious themes, so an R-rated film would be my preference too, regardless of whether they had sex scenes in them or not. BTW, I watched the scenes in Angel Eyes again this weekend, now knowing Jim Caveziel's comments about nudity, etc. True, you couldn't see anything, but he didn't stint on the kissing. He was totally believable. And FYI, Olivier Martinez doesn't do nude scenes either. You see nothing. It is very clever camera work.

so i'm in luck then? i just rented the advocate and will be watching it tonight with a good friend for the first time, we are hoping for some steam here, if that is the case i can't wait for tonight and there are no cold showers here at work, i'll let you know my opinion on his kissing when i have something to compare it to because apparently you are telling me all the recent ones have been prudish

There's more than kissing, Trese. ENJOY!!!! (You'll never again hear the phrase "Waste not, want not" without smiling) (Karen)an R-rated film would be my preference too, regardless of whether they had sex scenes in them or not. I would think this Drool heresy if it hadn't come from the Boss herself! But I agree. I wonder if his career is going to take the O'Toole split of dough/show. The rom-coms for the money, and the serious stuff for his 'art.' Too bad the serious stuff seems to come from TV. Maybe if he gets enough dough for AG, he'll be able to afford some time on the London stage. (well, I can hope, can't I?)

(Kate) I would think this Drool heresy Naw! The rating doesn't matter to me. It's the material. I want serious work. Work that makes people sit up and take notice. Yeah, yeah, yeah, who doesn't know that comedy is much harder to pull off than drama. But it's drama that 99% of the time gets Oscar noms and wins even for actors more known for their comedy roles like Jack Lemmon (The Apartment, Save the Tiger, Missing, The China Syndrome, Days of Wine and Roses, Tribute plus two more for Some Like It Hot and Mister Roberts). Hmmm, maybe I need to adjust my percentage, but nevermind, you should get the idea. I think it's more heretical to want Colin to put on a prosthetics and wigs and funny hats and shoes and be a cartoon-y character in a HP movie. Worthless IMO. Gets an actor virtually nothing (especially if you're Zoe Wannamaker). ;-D

(Karen)The rating doesn't matter to me. It's the material. I want serious work. Work that makes people sit up and take notice. Here, here! And frankly, I'm more offended by a steady diet of fluff and triteness than I am by sexuality. (Kate)I wonder if his career is going to take the O'Toole split of dough/show. The problem is, I don't see any "split" whatsoever. Conspiracy is his only drama in how many years?

Trese, The Advocate is good, but the uncut THOTP is mobetta:-D I'm strictly low-class...I go for the sex & nudies:-D

(Evelyn) I'm strictly low-class...I go for the sex & nudies:-D LOL! Don't get me wrong, they have their place (near and dear to my heart).

(Karen), Don't get me wrong, they have their place (near and dear to my heart). (Evelyn), We can see by some of his past films....he knows how. LOL! He is agravating. (Karen), FYI, Olivier Martinez doesn't do nude scenes either. *Sigh* Oh, but you can get a peak with The Horseman on the Roof. ;-)

thanks for the advice evelyn, i'll have to see what i can do about finding that after i see this version

For all UK members Colin is currently filming in The American Girl at West Wycombe Park in Bucks - same location as for TIOBE and AC so he should know it well. Went down today but did not see him - only his chair! They have changed the park and house quite drastically, hardly recognised it. Incidentally three of his co-stars are Jonathan Pryce, Eileen Atkins and Anna Chancellor. Filming should finish this Thursday apart from an odd day later.

Linda, thanks for typing up that great interview with all the new comments in it! I loved his discussion about the Italian tailor. It seems to have stirred up some hot topics here ;-). Talk about hot topics, has anyone seen any footage from the new Femme Fatale with Antonio Banderas and Rebecca whatever Stamos? It looks like a similar story to CF's FF but with some changes. For example, Antonio is a photographer not an artist. From what I saw on ET or AC, I can see why CF didn't remake it. It looks like a definite R! Wonder if it's the same storyline. It would be fun to see it and compare when it comes to the theaters.

Jennie, thanks for the excellent reporting on AG. Wonder who JP is playing? Who are the other two actresses? What other films have they been in? Did you dare to sit in his chair? (heehee)

Anna Cchancellor was Miss Bingley in P&P and also Duckface in 4 Weddings. Eileen Atkins . . .she's done so much. Most recently was a maid in Gosford Park. I don't think either one is AG's mom.;-) Thanks for the report, Jennie! When you say filming will finish Thursday, I assume you mean at that location, and then they'll move on elsewhere? They'll need to name a wing after Colin!

(Mari) Anna Cchancellor was Miss Bingley in P&P and also Duckface in 4 Weddings. She also has a sit-up-and-take-notice part in Crush. Nobody walks out of that movie forgetting her. She's ready to walk into Maggie Smith's shoes. Thanks for the AG report, Jennie.

Of course, I knew AC's name was familiar *slapping forehead*. Maybe she is playing the stuffy mum of a debutante. She'd be great!

Thank you, Jennie. Sorry you didn't get to see CF-hopefully you'll get another chance. I said it before, and I'll say it again-you guys kill me. I just watched THOTP a few weeks ago. With all this talk, I must watch again, tonight. (heavy sigh, back of hand across brow).

Anna Cchancellor was Miss Bingley in P&P So she finally gets a chance with Mr. Darcy. ;-) (Lora), Maybe she is playing the stuffy mum of a debutante. She'd be great! I have to agree. The feminist, stuffy mom of a debutante.

(As an aside...whose tongue is whose.....?) You know, he does make a nice little grunt in BJD...scene before reads diary...that makes up for it a bit. Not so new news from this week's "New York Magazine" "Sylvia in love--Gweneth Paltrow (who next stars in Neil LaBute's Possession) has signed on to play depressed American poet and The Bell Jar autgor Sylvia Plath in a film about the sucidal writer's relationship with her husband, the poet Ted Hughes, who has yet to be cast. Pawel Pawlikowsli (Last Resort) will direct the film, entitled Ted and Sylvia."

yes, by all means...good luck Jennie! I have only seen "The Advocate"--what differences between that and THOTP? (What about Rachel Weisz for the mom in AG?)

Thanks Jennie for the prompt report.Staying up so late ...what a trouper! (jennie)They have changed the park and house quite drastically, hardly recognised it. Don't look like this? (Lora) I can see why CF didn't remake it. It looks like a definite R! Wonder if it's the same storyline. Joe Prince? One of my faves.... Burning question: Will they keep the freezer scene in? This kiss wasn't bad either... *sigh*

(Moondreams, et al.)-- In BJD, the kissing scene between RZ and HG is much better than the one at the end. In TIOBE, RW and RE do a better job than CF and FOC. What is to be done?! I am finally going to have to declare for the minority of the minority here ... I don't have to see every pubic hair, or be able to estimate the amount of bodily fluids being exchanged to the nearest cc., in order to enjoy a love scene. Maybe it has to do with having a very vivid imagination, but I would rather snuggle up to it in my mind's eye than having it blatantly laid before me. I haven't had the privilege of seeing TIOBE yet, but I'm with Auntie Doris! .... ;-) I found that kiss with Daniel in BJD positively repellent, even before Director Sharon Maguire declared that of the two takes they did, they had to cut one because of all the spit running down the chins. Yuck!! I'm a genuine prude and proud of it. .. and as for my fantasy life -- well, that's a different matter... I won't tell what the rating of that would be!! ;-D I loved Colin's "technique" in the last scene of BJD and wouldn't change it for the world,; it bespoke of real tenderness and love, not just lust. It was so conducive to imagining the aftermath without having it spelled out for me. By all means continue with your discussion of how to "improve" ODB's acting, but please don't assume that you speak for us all. Us prudes are very happy with him the way he is. ;-) And thanks, Jennie, for all the "American Girl" info.

P.S. I loved the love scenes in FF and almost every aspect of THoTP -- except the tonsil hockey! .. ;-D

..., but please don't assume that you speak for us all. Us prudes are very happy with him the way he is. ;-) Thank you KJ We never purport to speak for everyone.Drool has many voices:-D ...now please let's get another phrase here..."like you the way you are" is getting a little stale. Nothing original there.It's been around for over a year now.We've all heard it *many* times;-)

Most of this is all fantasy, isn't it? Just letting off a little, er, steam so to speak. A good, believable kiss, would only add to good believable acting. Granted, I am not talking full frontal stuff here. Maybe he just needs to relax a bit--no chicken pecks as RE says!

Yes Evelyn...a new phrase....a new leitmotiv...any suggestions...?

I forgot---They have been showing quite a few commercials on NBC channel 4 NY for TIOBE. The ads feature CF and RW. Good night all (northern hemisphere) G'Day others!

Evelyn, you really know how to post those pictures and what pictures you post! I guess Meg didn't mind kissing scenes he did with others... Actually his best kissing scenes are with Meg in Valmont. The second one he has with her in that movie is the best, imo :-). No holding back there ;-)

Hi Everyone, Great Stuff. Please tell me what IMO stands for. Thanks. May have a good point about the DW input. Thought that myself. Definitely think kiss in BJD is great stuff tho. Works for me. Will now go to rent older ones and see what I've been missing. Personally wonder how BJ held out that long, first the neck, then the face. Stronger woman than me. Agree, does Miss Bingly finally get Mr. Darcy? Let us know. I guess he wouldn't hold back with Meg since they had feelings at that time. What did you think of Paul's interaction with Sarah in Fever Pitch. Believable or just going through the motions? Have a good night everyone.

(KJ) I don't have to see every pubic hair Oooh! I didn't know we were talking about *that* kind of kissing. ;-D Please remember, folks, each of us speaks for ourselves, but if you'll do some archival reading, this place has nevah been about prudery. You must be mistaking this place for another, say, Virt Views??? (Amy) Most of this is all fantasy, isn't it? Just letting off a little, er, steam so to speak. A good, believable kiss, would only add to good believable acting. No need to get worried about the tenor of the discussion or apologetic. IMO (in my opinion) a kiss should fit the character, the situation and in the case of the final BJD scene, the relevant dialogue to be believable. Let's see, the character (Mark Darcy) has just done the most illogical thing in turning his back on a big job in NY and catching the next plane back, all on a "possibility." There would have to be powerful forces lying beneath the surface and I think we see them in his impatience to be alone with her (snuzzle, snuzzle). Naturally, their kiss would start off tentatively but should grow in passion. But when Bridget says, "nice boys don't kiss like that," I saw nothing to justify it. OK, I've just been watching Clark Gable kiss Vivien Leigh, so I may be prejudiced here. But there was a kisser!! (and there wasn't any spittle, dribble or tongues involved; it can be done) (Pam) What did you think of Paul's interaction with Sarah in Fever Pitch. The kiss at the end was rather nothing, but the first one (do you want to stay the night?) was one of Colin's better shoulder-grinds (second only to Tdown). Thumbs up, way up!!

On another subject, someone wrote me to say that Brookline H.S. took all of its English classes to see TIOBE. Is that some way to bolster the box office or what? OK, all you moms, start calling the principals, department chairs, whoever, otherwise, your kids will grow up as ignorant as those in England. ;-))))))))))

(Karen) ....a kiss should fit the character, the situation ....Naturally, their kiss would start off tentatively but should grow in passion. But when Bridget says, "nice boys don't kiss like that," I saw nothing to justify it. Completely agreed. I can understand reserve and tentativeness in the doorway at first, and maybe for a few seconds in the snow. I get more out of that pic just above than I did in BJD. I don't necessarily need to see "tonsil hockey" (all the time anyway) to see passion translated, as noted in many movies cited in the AFI special, but I'd like to see a logical depiction of what I think the characters are feeling. That's just my personal opinion and don't begrudge anyone theirs. Certainly makes for lively conversation! ;-) A late thanks to Linda and Kate for previous translations! And thanks Evelyn for the pics! :-D Also, saw an ad for TIOBE in the middle of the AFI show. Excellent placement I think!

(Amy) What about Rachel Weisz for the mom in AG? I like that choice! Is the mom supposed to be British as well and living in America or an American? Do we know? (Amy) Granted, I am not talking full frontal stuff here. I don't need that myself. Actually I sometimes find it sexier to see someone clothed, but with a couple of extra shirt buttons (or all) undone, maybe an untucked shirt vs. having no shirt on at all (ie. CF in letter writing or wet shirt scenes, or in a couple of recent interviews where I think there was an extra button or two undone vs. some other interviews where less were undone.) Ok enough on this subject for me tonight.

(Karen) But when Bridget says, "nice boys don't kiss like that," I saw nothing to justify it. I'll agree with you there. But I found the line more inappropriate than the behavior. It was just Richard Curtis' sly excuse to slip the f-word into Darcy's mouth for the last line. ;-) OK, I've just been watching Clark Gable kiss Vivien Leigh, so I may be prejudiced here. But there was a kisser!! (and there wasn't any spittle, dribble or tongues involved; it can be done). And I agree 100% with you there, too. Now try to convince the tongue-brigade. ;-D What is to be done?! How about showing Colin lots of Clark Gable movies. ?... ;-) (Evelyn) ...now please let's get another phrase here..."like you the way you are" is getting a little stale. Again, I agree and eagerly await an alternative phrase to express the same sentiment. ;-) (Dorine) Actually I sometimes find it sexier to see someone clothed, but with a couple of extra shirt buttons (or all) undone, maybe an untucked shirt vs. having no shirt on at all Now you're talking. Leaves much more room for the imagination to roam, sometimes into places that wouldn't even occur to screenwriters... ;-)

But when Bridget says, "nice boys don't kiss like that," I saw nothing to justify it. Ditto, besides the fact that noses collided. IMO it should have been reshot, yet again! Regarding the possible theories for the change in the man's on screen kissing, (and we are talking lips now Karen!) I have decided that in a weak moment, (and I won't go into details as the imagination can do much better here than I might as to what that weak moment might have been), years ago he promised the future DW that he would no longer do certain type scenes and control himself on others. As a gentleman he has kept his word. Think of this. The wife, while having her finger in documentary filmmaking, is not an actress and perhaps feels threatened by even kissing scenes that get heavy. On the other hand, maybe she knows her husband pretty darn well and knows he's weak and doesn't want to tempt it. In the end, he's missing out on too many juicy roles that other married actors seem to be able to fill and do a nice job with, or, he's leaving too many fans wanting more in the lip locking department. :))))) And Evelyn, thanks for all the juicy pics. You know I haven't seen hardly any of CF's films so anything is much appreciated here.

(KJ) Now try to convince the tongue-brigade. ;-D I don't believe anyone was advocating that messy, sloppy, drippy or otherwise juvenile kissing. The criticism was that Colin is acting the kiss, as opposed making it look believable...whatever that may require. IMO, it requires he show some passion and get his face and facial muscles into it more. That's all. And if he wants to show a bit more skin, I wouldn't complain. In fact, I might applaud. Those sections of Hotpig, Playmaker, Tumbledown and FF are wearing a bit thin. Sheesh! If I didn't despise the L-dum movie so much, I might even watch that half screen bedroom scene a bit more. BTW, the wet shirt never did anything for me. ;-) (Lisa) ...he promised the future DW that he would no longer do certain type scenes and control himself on others. Certainly plausible. Colin knows what screen kissing is all about; how they are trained to do it. He talks about it in Out of the Blue. That it involves hanging onto the other's lower lip. But I don't even see that going on anymore. Maybe I should sit closer to the TV. ;-D

{Lisa) ...he promised the future DW that he would no longer do certain type scenes and control himself on others. Certainly plausible. More than plausible! The truth, I should think! (And remember he takes his in-laws to see his movies!) He's very good at nuzzling though! Good cast for AG. Could Anna Chancellor be snooty wannabe girlfriend in residence rather than American mother? Would make the re-union of mom and dad more interesting if there's a third party to contend with.

(Bethan) Could Anna Chancellor be snooty wannabe girlfriend in residence rather than American mother? That's more than likely IMO. I'm not sure why everyone is jumping to the conclusion that the mother is supposed to be British. Remember, there need to be American actors in the film for the American audience. ;-D {Lisa) ...he promised the future DW that he would no longer do certain type scenes and control himself on others. Plus you must add the promise about the proximity of a Ritz Carlton to location work if not based at home.

Is this a discussion on ODB's on screen kissing skills? May I offer my humble opinion? "But when Bridget says, "nice boys don't kiss like that," I saw nothing to justify it. Ditto, besides the fact that noses collided." I had to replay that last BJD scene, yes there was pecking and colliding as there would be in a first kiss where the "waters are being tested". So tongue lashings and dripping chins would be inappropriate. Sorry ladies but from my long ago past experience of "bad boy" kissing, I seem to remember a nudge from the hips, hips that held a promise or rolled up kneehi socks. (No I have no fetish for darning at all). Now this IMO could be the bit we didn't see under that big coat. How would you act that?:D Or is it a part the audience is asked to infer? "BTW Wet shirt never did anything for me" Have to admit to me he looked a bit too drowned, But it was the reaction "Oh shit oh shit got to get out of here" that sealed the scene.

I don't have to see every pubic hair, or be able to estimate the amount of bodily fluids being exchanged to the nearest cc., in order to enjoy a love scene. LOL, KJ! Bodily fluids and pubic hair for a good kiss. Yo�r imagination does get away. ;-) Maybe it has to do with having a very vivid imagination, but I would rather snuggle up to it in my mind's eye than having it blatantly laid before me. If we ever started on imagination here, it would be too much, I'm sure. He's done it, he can do it again. Period. :-)

(AnnaS) I seem to remember a nudge from the hips, hips that held a promise...Now this IMO could be the bit we didn't see under that big coat. LOL! That was exactly what was in my "required" though unpublished essay about the overcoat (my BJD keepsake). ;-D

I don't know about all of you but I don't see how some male actors are able to accomplish these love scenes without certain parts of their anatomy getting out of control and I can imagine men would have difficulty in this area anyway. How embarrassing is that? Maybe he's trying not to embarrass himself. Just a thought. Maybe not a good one. As he gets older and more married and settled, it gets more difficult to act this scenes and may be why he avoids them. Much to all of our dismays.

(amy) I have only seen "The Advocate"--what differences between that and THOTP? same here, I've only seen "The Advocate" too, can some elaborate on the differences between the two? But when Bridget says, "nice boys don't kiss like that," I saw nothing to justify it. Ditto, besides the fact that noses collided. IMO it should have been reshot, yet again! on the BJD DVD, Sharon Maguire said they reshot that scenes many times for her own viewing pleasure. the truth was probabaly Colin was not delivering the goods so Sharon just gave up and decided to savage the scene in the editing room by overlaying the various kissing scenes to convey the "passionate" part of it. (Joanne) I don't know about all of you but I don't see how some male actors are able to accomplish these love scenes without certain parts of their anatomy getting out of control and I can imagine men would have difficulty in this area anyway. didn't Hugh admit that it happens to him, sometimes he needs a minute to "compose himself". he said, especially when he worked with Julia Roberts.

KJ) But I found the line more inappropriate than the behavior. It was just Richard Curtis'sly excuse to slip the f-word into Darcy's mouth for the last line. ;-) Wasn't RC;that was Colin's input. Sharon Maguire alluded to that in one of her interviews. (Bethan)And remember he takes his in-laws to see his movies!) OMG, do I have to have Mamma y Pappa to screen Colin films for me;-) (Lora) Actually his best kissing scenes are with Meg in Valmont. The second one he has with her in that movie is the best, imo :-). No holding back there ;-) The Boss's favorite too. OK...I'm done with kisses. "Pervy E."

(Dale) didn't Hugh admit that it happens to him Many actors have admitted they've gotten aroused. True, it must be embarrassing, but it can't be anymore embarrassing than all the times actresses have to take their tops off for the sake of their art. ;-D And let's watch the cut/paste of others' comments a little more carefully. I've noticed a little joining. I've only seen "The Advocate" too, can some elaborate on the differences between the two HOTPig is 15 minutes longer than The Advocate. Only about a nanosecond (you can see Colin standing behind Maria during part of the rooster scene) would've been cut for ratings purposes, as the MPAA had given it an NC-17 originally and Miramax tried to take them to court. There's a cute bit right after that where Maria asks Richard to teach her to read and he signs her backside, and another where he fondles her breasts, and a very distant shot (where he is supposed to be naked) of Samira and Richard walking in a river. Some of the cuts make no sense, as they were important to the plot and make the movie appear disjointed. I had a list of all the differences somewhere. Maybe I'll look for it... (pervy Evvy) Wasn't RC; that was Colin's input. Sharon Maguire alluded to that in one of her interviews. Plus, it doesn't show up in the script.

*hee hee hee* You're right, Ev. That whirly-twirly scene is my fav.

ya i just watched the advocate last night for the first time, it did seem rather disjointed and will have to watch it again before friday, question is there supposed to be more with richard and samira because i don't think i even really saw them kiss in the version i got--maybe i missed something or my tape was screwed up, plenty of nudity otherwise, liked the story- though you could tell stuff was missing in an odd way, so do video stores carry the uncut version? i think i was jipped and must compare them, i would like to see you list of differences karen i really liked the kissing in bjd and it gave me enough to work with when i read eor, but then again maybe i'm remembering it a little more passionately than it was played on screen i'm going to have to rent valmont next

OK, I've put the list on our Film Discussion topic (158). There are several cuts that IMO were significant to the plot, and others that explain a couple of illogical scenes.

San Franciscans divulge their celebrity sex objects San Francisco Chronicle; San Francisco, Calif.; Jun 9, 2002; Jane Ganahl In this gig I'm often bombarded with new findings about what single women think, how single women shop, the real estate market for single women (which is apparently off the hook; no more waiting for Mr. Right to purchase the love nest for us). But a recent survey out of New York really caught my interest. It was commissioned by DiMassimo Brand Advertising of New York -- the kind of Madison Avenue company hired to figure out how to get people like me to buy things, even when chocolate isn't involved. To draw a bead on the female brain, they surveyed 800 women -- 400 under 40, 400 over 40 -- on a variety of topics. What really caught my eye -- call me shallow -- were the lists of the top five men with whom each group would "spend one night" (read: do the horizontal cha-cha). Ready for this? Women over 40: 1. Russell Crowe 2. Robert Downey Jr. 3. John Stamos 4. Tommy Lee 5. Dennis Rodman And for the women under 40: 1. Justin Timberlake 2. Tom Cruise 3. Tom Hanks 4. Ewan McGregor 5. Hugh Grant There are just so many things to say about this. The first: that women over 40 are clearly suckers for bad boys! And here I thought I was the only one. But ewwwww! Tommy Lee? Dennis Rodman? It's not the tattoos, it's the lack of brain matter. At least Crowe, despite all his boozin'-and-brawlin' style, and Robert sex-drugs-and-rock-'n'-roll Downey exude intelligence. And Stamos? I can only think of him as the cute dunderhead from "Full House," and am therefore mystified by his inclusion. Here's another interesting thing: All of the men but one who are lusted over by the over-40 set are under 40: Crowe, 38; Lee, 39; Downey, 37; Stamos, 39. Only Rodman is 41. Conversely, the majority of the men admired by young women -- Cruise, Hanks and Grant -- are over 40. Is this a grass-is-greener thing? That women yearn for men who represent what they're not? Or maybe we're all just suckers for pretty boys, no matter what the age. Timberlake's appeal to the young is obvious; but to me, he looks like someone featured on the cover of some Twink magazine -- all callowness and lack of features. Hanks, a great actor who now looks like a jowly dad, is the most perplexing man to be deemed a sex object. And the inclusion of McGregor and Grant shows that young women also drool for pirates. The most depressing thing about that part of the survey was that our president, the less-than-brilliant George W. Bush, placed 11th on the list of shag-able men for women over 40, and ninth for women under 40! What is this world coming to? Clinton, yes. But Dubya? This was so baffling to me that I called DiMassimo Advertising and asked spokeswoman Cindy Gittelsohn if the company only polled women who lived in Texas. "No," she said. "We poll across the country, with as diverse a group as possible." Hmm, but Dubya? Reading the list, the idea of kissing those thin lips was, to me, nothing less than a gross-out. And I was willing to bet that my Northern California girlfriends shared that sentiment. So I conducted my own unofficial poll (margin of error, 100 percent) and here are some comments from the dozen women who responded: "He is so smarmy I'd have to bathe for days afterwards." "Even the idea of sleeping with George W. makes my stomach churn." "Women listing George Dubya are positively crazy." "I despise his s--- eating lizard-lip grin, among other things." Final poll results? George sexy: 0. George dweeby: 12. I also asked my friends who they consider sexy enough for a one- night stand, and the results are far different than the national norm. Of course, this is San Francisco, so the results probably wouldn't be the same as the national norm. For one thing, women made an appearance on the most-wanted list: Catherine Deneuve, Kate Winslet and Angelina Jolie. And what men made the lists of hotties? Of the 10 men on the two previous lists, only two were deemed shag-able by my friends: Grant and McGregor. The top vote-getter was George Clooney (nice one, ladies -- he made my list too), followed by Johnny Depp, Grant and Matthew McConaughey. Since my posse spends a good amount of time in bookish pursuits, intellectual hunks like Dave Eggers, Brian Eno and Paul Auster got nods. And since we love a man who can make us laugh, Dennis Miller, David Letterman and Jon Stewart all got multiple votes. As did Patrick Stewart, Benjamin Bratt, Benicio del Toro and John Corbett of "Sex and the City." Musicians deemed sexy are local boys Chris Isaak and Stephan Jenkins, as well as Jon Bon Jovi and Lenny Kravitz. And single votes were cast for worthy hunks Val Kilmer, David Duchovny, Joaquin Phoenix, Billy Crudup, Nicolas Cage, Colin Firth, Jesse Martin, Toby McGuire, Brad Pitt, Chris Noth, and John F. Kennedy Jr. Sorry, Mr. President. I guess that means that even the deceased son of one of your predecessors is considered sexier than you!