I get to start another topic? Yeah!! ;-) Still no news whether he'll be at Bradford? :-(

Drat! You beat me, Dorine!! But I have news...maybe. http://www.interbridge.com/lineups.html Colin is listed for March 25 on the Daily Show! It isn't marked as a repeat.

Whoopee!!Crank up the VCRs....Looks like he'll be doing WAGW publicity after all.Is this from LA? If it's from NY, bet he'll do Today Show. Thanks Brenda....you're a doll.

(Tress) religious holiday due to ODB being a demigod) ROTFL!!! Thank you, Brenda, for the Daily Show scoop!!!! This is great news. He was an excellent guest on The Daily Show during the TIOBE publicity - the English schoolboy schtick was a riot, and he and Jon Stewart had a nice rhythm going between them (once they got past the U.S.-centric Ernest reference that went right over poor Colin's head). Thanks also, Mari, for the possible hint on seeing the Hunk Daddy-focused trailer. I have to go out tonight but I'll set my VCR.

Thanks, Brenda...this is great news. Thanks Mari and everyone for the trailer sightings...not that I haven't seen it one hundred times, but it's great to know the publicity is beginning to heat up.

Just wanted to mention something that Annette mentioned on Firthology, but it is current. If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and hop over the The Bucket. Karen just started a gallery for GWAPE, and there's an amazing photo of Vermeer and Griet there. Wow. And thanks, Karen!

Jon Stewart is out of NY, but I have this feeling that it might be taped in advance, as the dates make no sense. 'nuff said. Thanks Brenda for the report.

(Rika) If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and hop over the The Bucket. Karen just started a gallery for GWAPE, and there's an amazing photo of Vermeer and Griet there. Wow. I saw Annette's post and 'ran' over there...OMG! I have it up on my computer at work and I haven't fully recovered yet. We were talking about 'looks' on Firthology...well, there's a look! Beautiful.

OMG that GWAPE picture! If he has that sexy stubble (like InStyle mag) througout this film I will absolutely faint.

(Brenda)Colin is listed for March 25 on the Daily Show! WOO-WOOOO! Autoeroticism! Doughy Stilton cheese! Pervy boys schools! Bring it on, baby, this was my fave interview from his last junket. Thanks much, Brenda. (Tress) religious holiday due to ODB being a demigod) LOL! Love the GWAPE pic, Karen. Am a big fan of the stubble look. Am wondering what thr rest of the hair will look like. I'm thinking of his Shakespeare look in Black Adder as a possibility.

(Tress) religious holiday due to ODB being a demigod) That made my day. LOL Thanks Karen, for the Vermeer. With eyes and a gaze like that...such intensity. Can't wait to see how they do this...

(Jodi) OMG that GWAPE picture! If he has that sexy stubble (like InStyle mag) througout this film I will absolutely faint. My thoughts exactly...must remember to bring smelling salts when viewing this one! ;-) And paper bag in case of hyperventilation! And thank you Brenda for the Daily Show info. Have marked my calendar!

(Mari) Am wondering what thr rest of the hair will look like. I'm thinking of his Shakespeare look in Black Adder as a possibility. In the GWAPE photo, if you look to the lower right, I'm pretty sure I see long, dark brown, straight hair hanging down.

WAGW, soundtrack informations and more pictures here: http://www.atlantic-records.com/whatagirlwants/artistPhotoBio_frameset.html (beware of bare feet;-))

Love the GWAPE picture Karen. Thanks! Really whets the appetite... Thanks Annette for the link and the warning... Very expressive toes!!

Great news about the Daily Show. My favourite along with VH1. Thanks, Brenda! Karen, the GWAPE page looks great. Love the lighting and his look. I hope the film is good. ;-)

I opened the site and couldn't find any toes, but then took a closer look. But oh to be that tennis ball!!

(Mari) WOO-WOOOO! Autoeroticism! Doughy Stilton cheese! Pervy boys schools! Bring it on, baby, this was my fave interview from his last junket. And don't forget the HP reacharounds. This too was my favorite interview. Thanks so much for the info Brenda. Can't wait to see it. Thanks for the pic on GWAPE, Karen. Could this be "The Look 2"? Thanks for link Annette, the pics are great.

Thanks Annette for the morning treat! You are a great morning "jump starter"! Leah, You can have the tennis ball, I want the scarf and in the hippie pic ( Photo 7), Lovely!

(Annette)(beware of bare feet;-)) WooHoo! Annette, you *are* the woman! Thanks! Love it. (Pam)And don't forget the HP reacharounds. LOL! "Harry, is that your wand?" ;-)

Thank you Annette (for the pictures and the *warning*)! Made my day....you can really see the henna tattoo in the air guitar picture. And I'm with Leah! Oh, to be a tennis ball (ODB call roll me in the sand with his toes any day!!)! ;-D (FanPam) Could this be "The Look 2"? And 3 and 4! This film has potential of being filled with 'looks' if it follows the book! I'm quite pleased with the one picture. I can't imagine what I'll be like when the whole movie is made available (I may have to take a whole week off of work for this one)!! ;-)

Woo woo!! Thank you, Annette. Finally, someone has put up pix that appeal to us!

The Daily Show around here - NYC Metropolitan area - is on at 5:30 PM, 3/25, Comedy Central. Such a lot of good news and perving pics. Thanks all

WAGW: You can listen to one of the soundtrack songs here: http://www.atlantic-records.com/whatagirlwants/artistDiscography_main.jhtml Thanks Annette - great find!

(Murph) The Daily Show around here - NYC Metropolitan area - is on at 5:30 PM, 3/25, Comedy Central. The show broadcast at that is a replay of the previous night's. The 3/25 show that would have Colin is broadcast at 11 pm Eastern and then replayed a number of times after that...until the next new show at 11.

You can order the soundtrack at Amazon via this link (also on The Boutique) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008OM18/spring-20

(BeeDee)..a great morning "jump starter"! Thank you, but it is rather easy on this board, i.e. (?) that I'm 7 hours ahead (timewise, that is ;-)) I also tend to use my morning break at work, typing various key-words into Google. It's amazing what pops up sometimes. Well, among the privacy of this group I can confess, that 2 words seem to stick to every search. It's not as when I'm asked by co-workers, what I search for. Then I have to vary the answers, you know ;-)

Sorry, I couldn't help myself... ;-0

Annette, what a find! Thanks! And Karen, the GWAPE photo! I also love the the layout of the page, with the paint brush, etc. Still haven't seen the WAGW trailer on TV. Suffered through ET last night, and didn't see a thing. ;-( And a Hunk Daddy interview junket right around the corner! Yesssssss!

LOL, Karen! Annette, I don't know how I skipped that page this morning, thanks! I still like this one, my favorite blue shirt:

Some tantalizing tidbits: In a moment of spontaneity and instinctual rebellion, Henry commandeers Ian's motorcycle, Daphne jumps on back and they make a roaring escape from the rabid paparazzi. Firth's experience handling the motorcycle for the sequence wasn't quite as heroic, however. "I found that if you have one motorbike lesson, then don't practice for a couple of weeks, you have about 10 minutes of thinking you're rather brilliant before you fall off," he divulges. "I went up a hill at high speed and then fell over at two miles an hour. I came back with bits falling off the bike." * * * * * * * * This modern day fairy tale touches on some vital lessons in every child's coming-of-age. "There are some very deep themes running through the romance, the comedy, the heartbreak and the happiness," Di Novi believes. "The importance of a loving relationship between a father and daughter; the importance of a parent in a child's life; and the importance of a parent's willingness to make sacrifices in order to be a good parent." "Maybe it's because I'm a father," Bill Gerber muses, "but I've read the script and seen the film 100 times and I still get choked up at the end." (better bring kleenex!) ;-) * * * * * * * * [For MarkG's London Tours...] In the East End of London, the What A Girl Wants production team gave a makeover to Borough Market, a bustling thoroughfare, which was transformed into a New York Chinatown street, complete with wrought iron fire escapes. A coffee shop became a Chinese restaurant � confusing a local resident on that particular Sunday morning when he arrived for his caffeine fix! * * * * * * * * "Henry is a good boy," Colin Firth says of his aristocratic character. "The most scandalous thing he�s ever done is fall in love with Libby. Now, nearly 20 years later, he's living out his father's political dreams and he�s engaged to a woman he's been advised to marry." Firth is best known to American audiences as stuffy solicitor Mark Darcy in the hit romantic comedy Bridget Jones's Diary. As Di Novi observes, "Colin plays this reserved aristocrat so convincingly, but there's great heart beating beneath the surface. He portrays so much through his eyes, through the slightest expression or gesture." "Colin is the master of restraint," Gordon concurs. "His integrity and sex appeal bring added depth and texture to his character. He was my first and only choice to play Henry Dashwood." * * * * * * * * Sorry, still can't find the party line as to why he did this role. ;-)

Or white shirt. He looks vvg. Must dash, the limo is waiting. ;-)

"Colin is the master of restraint," Gordon concurs. "His integrity and sex appeal bring added depth and texture to his character. He was my first and only choice to play Henry Dashwood." Oh, how sweet... must bring kleenex. ;-) Sorry, still can't find the party line as to why he did this role. ;-) Keep searching. ;-)

(Karen) Sorry, still can't find the party line as to why he did this role. ;-) (Moon) Keep searching. ;-) Maybe it was the bit about the motorcycle that got him! He saw himself as Tom Cruise in MI2 but his hopes were dashed when he fell over going 2 mph! I'm so shallow that I don't much care why he took the role...just glad to see him looking so good! ;-)

I should have asked this before: as all the Bradford publicity still seems to indicate that Mark Herman will at least be there, and will be taking questions at our screening, anyone want to email/post any pressing queries that Janet or myself can throw out-- other than why the hell we haven't all seen this movie by now?? Camera? Check. Notebook? Check. New Cardiff to read on the train? Check. Not sure if I will get online tomorrow at all as I am taking a half day after a morning meeting, but I will try to. And if the news is v. v. good tomorrow night (doubtful), perhaps I'll hunt down an internet cafe somewhere. Otherwise, I'll report back Saturday night.

Emma, you are "our top girl in Bradford" - our only person, really, since I think Janet posted that she'll be in Paris with her mother (that was Janet wasn't it?). So have a great time and go to it! You are really finding your way around England! You might want to ask when the film is definitely going to be released in the U.S. Also try to listen to what music has been used in the film. (I know it will be difficult though so don't worry if it's impossible because of the CF factor :-)).

(Lora)since I think Janet posted that she'll be in Paris with her mother I'm going to Bradford, but will be in Paris for ICI reading. I hope I can recall music, differences in storyline, etc, but as has been said, there is the CF factor to consider. I will do my best, and take my camera, just in case. Thanks to Annette and Karen for the new pics. - Wonderful! See you, Emma!

Thanks for the CD link, Annette! The songs are more varied than I had expected. And there's no Christina A., Clings, or "Get Up Offa...". Wonder if there'll be a video. Good luck, Emma!

Karen, thank you for the tidbits and the picture. I would have loved it a bit more, if his lines where something like: Come hither, girls. I'll practise with every one of you (I don't care, what he needs to practise. I'm all his). (Tress)I'm so shallow that I don't much care why he took the role...just glad to see him looking so good! ;-) Me too! Emma and Janet: Have a wonderful trip, enjoy it and report back asap, please ;-) One more thing: the galleri from the soundtrack has Colin on a picture, eating breakfast (and picking his teeth. You can't see him on the small ones (only AB), you have to enlarge them to see.

Well, after a major disappointment last night (suffered through HOURS of Fox, but no Hunk Daddy trailer), what a pleasure to see all the great stuff here today! Thanks, Annette, for that wonderful link, and Karen, for the press tidbits. And enjoy, Emma and Janet! Can't wait to hear about it

(Colin)"I went up a hill at high speed and then fell over at two miles an hour. I came back with bits falling off the bike." I wonder if this is the reason for the bandaged arm and scratches in the LA pictures from France? (Annette)eating breakfast (and picking his teeth. Actually, I think he's licking butter off his pinkie since he is buttering his toast. AB is doing the same thing in that picture as well...maybe to show that they have the same mannerisms because they are father and daughter even though they have been separated for many years. (Lora)You might want to ask when the film is definitely going to be released in the U.S. Excellent question. (Karen's tidbits)"His integrity and sex appeal bring added depth and texture to his character As usual...thank you Karen for these. Thank you Annette, Mari, Moon, and Karen for the yummy HD pictures.

Has this link been posted yet? http://romanticmovies.about.com/library/weekly/blwhatagirlwantspicsa.htm It's got some production stills. Most of them were familiar, but there were a few I hadn't seen before. If I missed it and am being redundant, sorry. Also, in the "hippy" photo on the Atlantic Records site, I noticed he's wearing an earring in his left ear. That old ear-piercing, paying off! (Linda) I wonder if this is the reason for the bandaged arm and scratches in the LA pictures from France? Could be!

Good Luck Emma & Janet! Have fun! I'm keeping fingers crossed (and candles lit) that CF will make an appearance. Karen, that GWAPE pic is gweat! Thanks Annette for the HD info...

Linda, I think you are right about the "licking of butter" (I have to be very careful, this could lead to drooling, and therefor wrong topic, so - I shall conquer this, I shall!) And the bandaged arm (copying Rika): Could be! Rika, thank you for the link. Some new, that I haven't seen before. About GWAPE, there has been these talks about his hair (to be wigged or not to be) judging from the Now-pictures, he had pretty long hair. I think we're allowed to hope, he was growing it for this one (I really hate wigs)

Hi everyone, Just a quick hello and to say that the 35 minute promo trailer of Love Actually we previewed at ShoWest recently was a big hit. I really think this film will do very well and it is extremely funny. We've started some pre publicity on it so be on the lookout for more Colin as time goes by. I think you'll be pleased. Take care everyone and I'll stop by after the 25th when I have a little more time. Hola

Thanks so much, Hola!! You're exciting my anticipation! ;-)

(Hola Lola) ...be on the lookout for more Colin as time goes by. I think you'll be pleased. Just 'hearing' you say that makes me pleased! November is going to be a fine, fine month! Thanks Lola!!!

(Hola) We've started some pre publicity on it so be on the lookout for more Colin as time goes by. Some bits on ET, Access Hollywood, and the others... maybe? Would be nice to know in advance, but we can wait until after the 25th. Thanks! P.S. The Colin WAGW commercial played during Friends tonight. WB is springing for the big bucks in promoting this film. This was prime time on a highly rated show. It cost major $$$$$ to run, not in the same league as commercials on E! or Fox or MTV or whatever.

Excellent news about the ad during Friends, Karen! I know some people aren't enamoured of this project, but I think it's great that he's getting some serious exposure. On the other hand, regarding the showing during Friends, I could just scream. I am NEVER going to see the HD version. Everywhere I watch, that's where it's not - until I stop watching there, of course, and then it shows up. (Annette) About GWAPE, there has been these talks about his hair (to be wigged or not to be) judging from the Now-pictures, he had pretty long hair. I think we're allowed to hope, he was growing it for this one (I really hate wigs) Sorry to rain on your parade, but the long hair I think I can see in the photo on The Bucket is way too straight to be his own. So I'm betting it's a wig. But, hey, that lovely stubbly beard is his own!

Has anyone in Australia seen promos for WAGW? It doesn't seem to be getting the same publicity as in the US. Or maybe three weeks is still too far away.

From Baz - Daily Mail 14 March Laura�s talent straddles the Pond ��..review on the The Life of David Gale��� Afterwards, Ms Linney moved right on to a comedy, Love Actually, for Richard Curtis. It�s an ensemble movie, and she did most of her scenes with Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman � and, she adds with an amazing guffaw, �a character who I have a crush on�. �He�s played by Brazilian actor Rodrigo Santoro and he�s from the Planet of Handsome. He�s a good looking man and my love interest is him�

That's interesting, Aishling, thanks. Here we thought it was Colin and Laura L? Lola, do tell us something about Colin's role in LA. Who is his love interest? The Brazilian actress was the only one not in the VF group picture. Best to Emma and Janet!

Best of luck, Emma and Janet. I'm so excited for you both. Thank you Lola for the LA news. (article)...Alan Rickman � and, she adds with an amazing guffaw, �a character who I have a crush on�. I took this to mean that the character that she has the crush on is in addition to, or other than her scenes with actor AR.;-) In any event lucky Laura. (Karen)WB is springing for the big bucks in promoting this film I'll say. The poster and commercials are everywhere. I caught the HD version of the trailer twice last night during The Simpsons...I've never watched this in my life...entire household thinks I'm crazy. Yesterday at the mall I rode the escalator up to the second level and this huge glass marquee loomed in front of me with the WAGW poster. I almost fell backwards. I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing that Colin is not pictured. Could be very dangerous for me if his face was life size and coming at me from all directions. Leads me to wonder if WB will change the poster. The TIOBE poster changed several times as the focus of attention changed during the summer. Colin moved from the outside to front and center.

(LL) she did most of her scenes with Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman � and, she adds with an amazing guffaw, �a character who I have a crush on�. �He�s played by Brazilian actor Rodrigo Santoro and he�s from the Planet of Handsome. He�s a good looking man and my love interest is him� (Moon) Here we thought it was Colin and Laura L? Isn't it that Laura Linney's character is *cheating* on Colin's. He's your proverbial il cornuto again but at least does something about it: goes to France to get over it with the Portguese singer (Lucia Monez). LA has a huge cast; they only put the more significant castmembers in the pic.

I only wish he was getting the exposure in a better role. *evelyn who is holding out for GWAPE and Trauma which no one will see*!

The article below is from the nice folks at amandabynesnow.com, who are doing a super job of covering this film: Disney Adventures Movie Special: Spring 2003 WHAT AMANDA WANTS by Deborah Barnes In "What a Girl Wants", 17-year-old Amanda Bynes plays Daphne, a teenager who lives in New York City with her mom and works as a part-time waitress. She's pretty typical -- oh, except that her father, Henry, whom, she's never met, is an English Lord! (For all you commoners, that means he's rich, proper and lives in a fancy mansion.) Daphne wants to get to know her dad, so she travels to England -- but she soon realizes her free-spirited ways don't exactly mesh with his stuffy lifestyle. And that's when the trouble starts! Q: What was it like shooting "What a Girl Wants"? AMANDA: We shot all over England in various "manors" (mansions). Shooting on a British set was different than in America, because they gave us all an afternoon snack. Q: Did you start using British words like "loo" (for "bathroom") and "lift" (for "elevator")? AMANDA: No, but I am a mimic -- not on purpose, though, because I don't even realize I'm doing it -- but I took on the British accent. People who knew me from before would say, "Oh, so now you're British." Q: What did you miss most from home? AMANDA: My friends and American food, especially Mrs. Fields chocolate chip cookies. And pizza -- it's different in England. They do have great Chinese and Indian food, but sometimes you want something else! Q: You were on the back of the motorcycle driven by Colin Firth, who plays your dad. What was it like shooting that chase scene through London? AMANDA: Pretty scary. They used stunt doubles when it was more dangerous but Colin's very good so it was exciting and fun. Q: What is your favorite part of the movie? AMANDA: The relationship of Henry and Daphne is pretty cool. They go from not knowing each other at all to becoming friends. Q: Did you like Daphne's everyday clothes or the fancy "lord's daughter" clothes she has to wear to all the proper English events in the film? AMANDA: I liked the everyday clothes more than the fancy clothes -- they were itchy jackets and dresses or gowns, not really "me". But it was fun to play dressup. Q: Daphne works as a waitress -- how would you rate your waitressing skills? AMANDA: I'm getting better. I'm still not perfect, though. I could have my finger in someone's glass and not even know it!

Cute, Mari, thanks. (Karen), Isn't it that Laura Linney's character is *cheating* on Colin's. He's your proverbial il cornuto again but at least does something about it: goes to France to get over it with the Portguese singer (Lucia Monez). So Colin and the unknown singer are co-starring? Just how handsome is that Rodrigo for her to ignore Colin? Back to "il cornuto" my DH will have another laugh. :-(

(Evelyn) *evelyn who is holding out for GWAPE and Trauma which no one will see*! Oh...I'll be there! I'll be first in line for GWAPE (with emergeny crews standing by in case I pass out). And Trauma? I would be first in line for that one as well but have a feeling I may have to go to the UK to do it! Is this going to be a film that will be distributed to the US? I see myself a year after its release bidding heavily on ebay....;-)

I've put up an "exclusive" for colinfirth.com, an article/interview based on the Rome press conference. There is new information in it, plus a number of the same old questions everybody published. This has been difficult to put together but very interesting. I'm deeply indebted to Antonella for the translation and to the author for giving me the pictures. In addition, the artist and owner of the Essential Vermeer website contacted me and has provided some clarification of things Colin said about what he learned. (FYI, this man also painted the Hyacinth Blue painting that was used in the Hallmark movie.) He has an in-depth study of GWAPE on his site (sort of an "everything you wanted to know about..."), which I've added as a link as well. http://www.firth.com/articles/03romepc1.html

Wow. Thanks so much, Karen (and Antonella). That was an excellent interview. There were too many interesting aspects of it to even know where to begin, so I won't even try, except for two little things. First, I had to laugh at the TEOR/George Clooney exchange. I can just imagine the deadpan delivery when he suggested that Clooney would do very well as someone to play him. Also, there was this: Generally, American actresses complain a lot and behave unpleasantly. He said this in contrast to RZ, who was wonderful. I was trying to think which other American actresses he has worked with: Reese Witherspoon, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Mariel Hemingway, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Lange, Michelle Pfeiffer.... and longer ago, Lisa Zane and Jennifer Rubin.

What a day of informations; thank you Hola, aishling, Mari, Karen and Antonella. I allways seem to end up copying, what Rika posts, so I'll just say: Ditto! About the Amandy Bynes; Glad she picked the relationship with Henry over the young co-star, when pointing out her favourite part. About TEOR; after having read the interview given by Andrew Davies, and someone (sorry, don't remember who) calling him dirty old guy, I can't help but think that rewriting his script might mean, that they are *not* making the kitchen scene, as we would like it to be ;( (most be the longest sentense ever postet, sorry).

(Annette)and someone (sorry, don't remember who) calling him dirty old guy, Me, LOL. (Not original...courtesy of the British press.) But I wouldn't call the towel scene in TEOR "dirty"...would you? Your page on the Rome press conference is outstanding Karen. I know you went to a lot of trouble to not only put this together , but to get it in the "first place" and then get a translation.Our thanks to Mr. Spagnoli for providing the pictures exclusively to firth.com. A real coup for you, boss. I sometimes think we take Karen for granted here....without her we would be deprived of three-quarters of the info we have now.

(Evelyn)But I wouldn't call the towel scene in TEOR "dirty"...would you? No, I like it, just as it is. What I meant was about the way the size of the towel, he could be wearing. During the resent conversation about the subject the towel seemed to get smaller and smaller and ..... ;-) Sorry to be a copycat again, but I would like to join the chorus:

Wow Karen! Great article and pictures! It would seem the interviewer was very taken with ODB by the tone of the first paragraph. And very interesting info regarding the paint. Thank you so much! Have to go back and read again now... Evelyn,love your little "I'm not worthy" smiley. LOL

Kudos to Karen, et. al.!!! Really interesting article, I like the bit on Vermeer.

Yes, the author said that he had met many actors and that Colin was the kindest and most interesting that he'd come across. But am very embarrassed! I just noticed that the last three questions didn't make it onto the page. How? Why? Wot happened? Must go fix....

You are on a roll, Karen! Colin should be very proud of his namesake website. Bravissima! And thank you also for your efforts to get the meaning of those Vermeer colors, malaga indeed. :-D Grazie Antonella, who did a vg job in translating from some very unclear statements.

ZOWIE, Karen!! Firth.com gets an exclusive! Good for you and many thanks. Mille grazie to Antonella. Lots of new information here. He really sounds like he got into the Vermeer character; I'm so glad for Colin that he's had a chance to do a part representing this sort of challenge and requiring the type of research that he did. High praise for Scarlett Johansson, which I was happy to read as I said from the start she was perfect for this. Bodes well for the project. Like the candid pics as well. Geez, what a coup! Again, great job, Karen; *nobody* goes the extra mile for Firth news like you do!:-) Rika, I didn't get the impression that he was necessarily referring to any of the actresses he's worked with; none of them have a rep for being difficult, and he's praised them in the past. (Annette)Glad she picked the relationship with Henry over the young co-star, when pointing out her favourite I liked that too, Annette. I am starting to look forward to this one. Agree with Karen that Warner's is spending big bucks to promote it. Nice to see CF out of the Miramax cheapskate ghetto.

Wow Karen! Thanks for the great article and pictures. I especially like the one where he seems to be surrounded by women. Thanks to Antonella too. My kids are counting down the days to see the "Amanda Bynes" movie. Mommy is of course very happy to oblige! Jodi

There's praise for Colin from Marine McCutcheon ("Love Actually"). She's quoted as saying that when she met Paul McCartney, she asked him how people like himself and Colin Firth "who is lovely" managed to stay so normal! Also the Times readers have just voted P&P as best book of all time, partly attributed to the impact of CF and wetshirt (after all these years!)

Thank you for a very good interview, Karen! All very interesting - good questions.

It has been a very strong inner experience, on a very dark and beautiful set. The experience of the light has been wonderful. I'm extremely intrigued by this statement. I'm really looking forward to this one. They are all American [sic] and all very clever. Poor FO'C. Overlooked by critics in Earnest for the most part, and co-stars. :( But if anyone were to play the role of Colin Firth who, according to Colin Firth, could play the role? George Clooney would do very nicely. I wouldn't argue with him here. ;-) Thanks very much Karen and Antonella! And to the author of the article and owner of the Essential Vermeer website, as well. :-) Hope all is going well with Emma and Janet. *fingers crossed*

Thanks for adding the last two questions, boss.Sheech!! I too look forward to his next literary project. Why don't we discuss "The Dept of Nothing" some time on #158. It doesn't have to be films....we did 3 DOR. I think he would be pleased. We could even send/give it to him;-) "All in all, that set was for me really magical. A very strong and unforgettable experience. I hope the film will be good." He doesn't know how magical it will be for me to see him in a "non-comedy".

(Moon) Colin should be very proud of his namesake website. *snort* Please, I'm laughing myself silly. ;-) Actually, it has made me think of about all those years when it was unimproved real estate. Pathetic. Antonella, who did a vg job in translating from some very unclear statements. Absolutely. At times, I thought why don't we just paraphrase he must have intended. Off to Malaga now... ;-) (Mari) I didn't get the impression that he was necessarily referring to any of the actresses he's worked with I agree, and we probably should work a little more on rewriting that one before Colin gets into trouble. ;-D He's always so tactful about his co-stars. My guess is that he meant American actresses have a reputation, not that it is true. (Jodi) I especially like the one where he seems to be surrounded by women. He's surrounded by women in #3,4 and 5 because they're lined up for autographs. But I really liked the one where Ivan Tobeitalian is gesticulating. ;-) (Dorine) I'm extremely intrigued by this statement. I expect it really had to do with the unusual play of light you find in Vermeer's work. If you go to the Essential Vermeer website, you'll see quite a bit written about it and the use of the camera obscura. Check out how he painted the Girl in Hyacinth Blue for the film company: http://essentialvermeer.20m.com/girl_in_hyacinth_blue.htm (Evelyn) He doesn't know how magical it will be for me to see him in a "non-comedy". Can we say, sistahs, Hallelujah?

(Karen) I agree, and we probably should work a little more on rewriting that one before Colin gets into trouble. ;-D He's always so tactful about his co-stars. My guess is that he meant American actresses have a reputation, not that it is true. When I read that, I thought, oh, boy, that could be trouble. But you may be right - he may be talking about the stereotype, not the reality.

(CF/article) I dream of the images he created. It has been a very strong inner experience, on a very dark and beautiful set. Sounds like GWAPE was a powerful role for ODB. I can't wait to see this. Thank you Karen, wonderful article and pictures. You're the best. Thank you, Antonella and Mari. I wonder how the ladies of the film festival are doing?. I can't wait to hear.

First report from the FF, from our intrepid Antonella, who saw HS twice (she attended a press screening in the a.m. and she and another guy were the only ones there). Anyway, Colin wasn't there, only Mark Herman (director) and Barnaby Thompson (producer from Fragile Films). Herman introduced the film by saying: "The female viewers will be disappointed to see me here instead of Colin Firth, but unfortunately both Colin and Heather are working at the moment". [Ed note: liar liar, pants on fire!] She said the film is good. "Lots of great shots of Colin and a lot of Colin's flesh! even though not his best." I have no idea what she means by this but will definitely hear more tomorrow from her. She also had a nice chat with Mark Herman, a sort of mini-interview. Said he was nice and lived in York as well. All for now.

"Lots of great shots of Colin and a lot of Colin's flesh!" All I can say is...OMG! I'm sorry to here ODB is 'working' and couldn't be there for Emma and Janet! :-( (will have to make mental note to purchase fire retardant pants for Mr. Herman). But am happy to hear that although Mr. Firth was a 'no show' that there was some skin to be seen! Thank you Antonella and Karen! Can't wait for further reports!!

Someone asked who the love interest in LA is for Colin. It's not Laura, it's Lucia. Lots of great kissing scenes. There is even a kissing scene with Colin and another man. :) Have a great weekend everyone!!

(Lola) There is even a kissing scene with Colin and another man. :) I have to say it again...OMG! Lola, you are such a tease, but we love you! Thanks! Can't wait to see this!!!

(Karen) . If you go to the Essential Vermeer website, you'll see quite a bit written about it and the use of the camera obscura. More about a camera obscura still working in my hometown S.F. here.. http://brightbytes.com/cosite/sanfran.html

Hey m'lovies! Don't know if you've mentioned this yet, and if you have, then please forgive me for being redundant, but there's an pretty cast picture and a small article on "LA" in Vanity Fair, page 208. Our Precious is the prettiest person on the page and that's including the women! =)

Lots of great kissing scenes Does this mean Moon's kissing lessons have *finally* paid off? ;-) Kissing and flesh *and* drama! Oh my!! Oh what a wonderful year it's shaping up to be. ;-) Though chances are becoming slim of seeing HS anytime soon here.:-( Thanks Hola, Karen, and Antonella! (Evelyn) Why don't we discuss "The Dept of Nothing" some time on #158 Great! I just borrowed it a few weeks ago from a friend. (Dorine) I'm extremely intrigued by this statement. (Karen) I expect it really had to do with the unusual play of light you find in Vermeer's work. If you go to the Essential Vermeer website, you'll see quite a bit written about it and the use of the camera obscura. It all makes me very curious about the cinematography, though. (Karen) Antonella, who saw HS twice (she attended a press screening in the a.m. and she and another guy were the only ones there). You mean they were the only press? (Lola) There is even a kissing scene with Colin and another man. :) I have to say it again...OMG! I see your OMG and raise you a Holy Moly! ;-) And how did *this* get past the red fingernail test? ;-) Very much looking forward to hearing from Emma and Janet.

All I can say about the publicity for HS is that they must be spending every last DIME of it in the US, because I haven't seen a single movie poster, commercial or trailer here in Oz yet - they're really throwing this one to the wolves over here. I guess because the last AB film tanked in Oz... that's the only possible reason I can think of because TIOBE actually played here for months on end. But of course, we STILL can't buy a TIOBE DVD or video here. Hmmmph!

(Dorine)I see your OMG and raise you a Holy Moly! ;-) I see your Holy Moly and raise you a Oh holy J--us! (Lola)There is even a kissing scene with Colin and another man. :) Could this be the bit about the aging rock star and his manager??? Lola thank you for the LA report. Karen, thanks for brining us the film festival report, but has anyone asked when HS will open in the US? Thank you, Antonella. (Tress)will have to make mental note to purchase fire retardant pants for Mr. Herman). But am happy to hear that although Mr. Firth was a 'no show' that there was some skin to be seen! LOL, Now I really can't wait to see this, skin? Wow! But please relieve our suffering, how much skin, where?

"Irishman" was at Sho West and has this bit on a preview of LA: love, actually: A bizarre preview, with almost the entire first half in silence except a group of people chanting/singing the word "love" in the background. Weird and annoying. As soon as that stopped, however, it looked moderately interesting. A romantic comedy from the makers of "4 Weddings and a Funeral" is how they were selling it, and the cast includes Hugh Grant (of course) Alan Rickman, in what looks like a very outlandish role. There was absolutely zero plot discussion, just scattered scenes and character shots. Very little dialogue even, mostly background music. An odd choice for a movie preview, and I'm left undecided by it. I'll need to find out more before I know if I'm interested or not. http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/display.cgi?id=14699

According to Coming Soon, WAGW has been moved up a week, to March 28. Warner's site still says April 4, but they are slow to update. Stay tuned. Very much looking forward to hearing more from Antonella re: HS! Re: LA kissy face--mystery solved, from empireonline. ;-) ;-) Billy Bob�s Cameo Well he may be afraid of antique furniture and old things in general but, by God, Billy Bob Thornton isn�t afraid of coming over to lil �ole England to film a cameo when asked. Turns out that Angelina�s ex will be popping up in Richard Curtis�s new movie Love, Actually. There�s no word yet on the role he�ll be playing.

(Linda) But please relieve our suffering, how much skin, where? Yes, yes! How much!?? Where?!! But, where-oh-where are Janet and Emma?! Hello!?? We must have our share!! Oh, and was the movie any good? ;-D (Mari/empireonline article) Well he may be afraid of antique furniture and old things in general but, by God, Billy Bob Thornton isn�t afraid of coming over to lil �ole England to film a cameo when asked. Gah! You don't think??? Not ODB and Mr. Thorton?? Oh...we don't know where BBT's mouth has been (okay, we kinda do, but we REALLY don't want to think about it)! ;-)

A report from Pam. This has some minor spoilers if you're not familiar with the book. She also took a pic of the poster, which I'll put up soon. Colin looks absolutely miserable at the start of the film, he is travelling, upset, tired, uncomfortable, Can't sleep, stubbly and you just feel you want to give him a hug !! He is so jet lagged that when he arrives he is unable to function or think, and has to be helped by Mary Steenbergen. His impression of jet lag is just how I felt last year. Perfect !! He can't even go through a door, just keeps banging his head on it to try and get thro. This scene is so funny. At the art store, he is still not with it, and it keeps very closely to the book. The couple who run the art shop take evything from him as if he is about to steal it, this too is hilarious !! I never thought I would laugh so much, and so did hubby !!! His facial acting is absolutely great in all the scenes, you know how much he can convey this way from all the films he does. Minnie plays the part of Vera very well, totally unlikeable and you can't wait for her to leave Colin alone. Heather surprised me. I am not a fan of hers, but she is very endearing in this part, and plays off Colin very well. The bit where she drinks the alcohol in the car is done very well. It is so funny, and Colin's face is a picture. She then says he will have to drive, which he does, all over the road and slowly, so Mandy puts her foot on his and a very fast car drive ensues, nearly causing many a crash !!! The bit on the monument is on a boat, as in the pic we have, like the Titanic scene. The ending does not go as far as the book. I asked Mark Herman after, and he said there had been 4 endings to the book initially. They do not go back to England at all, which cuts out the strange ending in the book. It ends with everyone in the US. The part about Vera being Queen and ending up with Doug is made more plausible, Colin tries to tell her she is wrong re being related to Hope, but she will not listen. In this way he really gets his own back on her for what she has done, with Doug's help. I liked the soundtack, and hope they decide to do one. The last song is a Ronan Keating song. Another song isa cover of a 10CC song, very nice. RE the Q and A, I asked re the release dates: UK 9 May, Us not yet fixed. Sorry, girls. I also said to him that the changes he had made re leaving out some bits in the book, and changing the end had made it much better, which I am sure you will agree with as soon as you see it.

Pl. ask Pam if the tie scene is still in. Her review sounds good to me...but hey, we liked SLOW at Mr. Young's too;-) Being with your groupie makes a big diff.....

(Pam), I also said to him that the changes he had made re leaving out some bits in the book, and changing the end had made it much better, which I am sure you will agree with as soon as you see it. Good, I never did like the ending. Thanks, Karen and Pam! Do we get to see the towel scene? Weird reference to the Titanic instead of the tower?! (Lola) Lots of great kissing scenes There is even a kissing scene with Colin and another man. :) (Dorine),Does this mean Moon's kissing lessons have *finally* paid off?;-) ROTF! I guess they helped too much. Here is another free-for-all for my DH. Can't wait to hear more about HS. Karen, the Antonella mini-interview is another cf.com coup, worth adding to the HS page. Brava Antonella!

(Pam) I never thought I would laugh so much, and so did hubby !!! Yeah! Good news! If it passes the hubby test (always a good thing to have one coherent person when doing a CF review) then there is hope! It does sound v. v. promising! (Pam) RE the Q and A, I asked re the release dates: UK 9 May, Us not yet fixed. Sorry, girls. Drat! Double Drat! But thank you Pam (v. much) for asking! Thank you so much Pam and Karen!

Came out better than I expected...Courtesy of Pam, here's the poster:

Oh yes, the tagline below the title read: "Love is simple. This is complicated."

(Mari) According to Coming Soon, WAGW has been moved up a week, to March 28. Makes sense given the date of the premiere. Anyway, since I'm the only one posting today, here's an article (scanned by Antonella) from The Yorkshire Press about Mark Herman, where he mentions that there will be a London premiere and how there's a different UK poster with The Graduate overtones (famous shot of Benjamin Braddock through the legs of Mrs Robinson; I can just visualize the same of Colin....yum yum) and other TG refs: Hope Springs Eternal for Mark The Yorkshire Press, 14 March 2003 York writer-director Mark Herman introduces his new film, Hope Springs, at the opening gala of the Bradford Film Festival 2003 this evening. Hope Springs (12A) is a romantic comedy adapted by Mark from the novel New Cardiff by The Graduate author Charles Webb. It is his first Anglo-American project since Blame It On the Bellboy in 1992 and his first Disney-backed project since he was unceremoniously dropped from a three-film contract after Bellboy was panned, even though its box-office target. Mark did not re-surface until Brassed Off in 1996, by which time he had left London for York, to stem the rising tide of mortgage payments. "It's a whole different Disney regime and there's nothing wrong with the way Disney is set up," says Mark, over lunch at City Screen, York, as he takes a brief break from hitting the deadline-less than a fortnight away-for his latest screenplay, Friends And Family. After Brassed Off, 1998's Little Voice and 2000's deliberately low-budget, no A-list celebrity Purely Belter, Mark was looking to break the mould of social realist comedy dramas about realising dreams in the face of adversity. Step forward Hope Springs. "I was sent Charles Webb's book in a proof copy three Christmases ago by Fragile Films, who have a deal with Disney. They were seeing quite a few people about it but they liked the idea of a writer-driector so I got the job," recalls the 48-year-old Yorkshireman. "It was put back on the Disney slate but then Colin Firth read the book and started enquiring about the rights, and that's how he came on board and as soon as he was involved it had momentum because he'd just done Bridget Jones's Diary." Firth plays British artist Colin Ware, leading a cast that includes Minnie Driver, Heather Graham, Oliver Platt and Mary Steenbergen. When Colin discovers that his fianc�e, Vera (Driver), is to marry another man, he takes a flight to America, ending up in a tiny Vermont village called Hope. Distraught, he finds more than a shoulder to cry on after his innkeeper (Steenbergen) introduces him to beautiful nurse Mandy (Graham), who extols the innocent charms of nakedness. No sooner has Colin all but forgotten his old flame than Vera shows up. In the end only one woman can win his heart. "Charles Webb has written hardly anything since The Graduate but suddenly he came up with this book and I love it because it's so quirky," says Mark, who will meet the Brighton-based American for the first time at Hope Springs' London premiere. They have, however, communicated by e-mail; Webb has indicated his enthusiasm for the film and Herman has paid him the compliment of putting a few nods to The Graduate in his movie. "In terms of cinema audiences, we're almost a generation on from The Graduate, so I realised no one would spot the references when I dropped them in," says Mark, with typical dry humour. "Anyway, the opening scene is an echo of Dustin Hoffman arriving at the airport, and there's a definite reference to The Graduate poster with Heather Graham's legs featured in our poster."

(Mari) According to Coming Soon, WAGW has been moved up a week, to March 28. Noooooooooooo!!! That couldn't be a worse day for me. :-( :-( :-( Gah! Bugger, bugger! Thanks Pam, Karen, and Antonella for the HS reports. I'm looking more forward to this now.......whenever it finally arrives. Makes sense given the date of the premiere In LA or......? Is he just making a short PR stop here on his way to the left coast?

WAGW has been moved up a week, to March 28. That's Luca's birthday.

Hi! Just got back from Bradford. Couple of other minordetails. There's a towel scene and he looks AFG, (obviously he's been looking after himself). Although Minnie Driver has been overdoing the workouts - scary! And the tie scene is in, too. He looks wonderful throughout the film, even at the beginning, when he's very dishevelled. I was pleasantly surprised by the film: I liked the humour, and Mark Herman's script had some funny one-liners which didn't appear in the book. Don't think I should mention them here, though. - Kinda like seeing a trailer over and over, and it ruining the film for you, whem you finally see it. Soundtrack: Songs by Ash, The Mavericks, Ronan Keating (Do What You Do?), Fun Loving Criminals and a song written by Willie Nelson, although I don't know who sings it. Also a cover version of the old 10cc song, I'm not in Love. - Will ask my DH if he can remember others. Barnaby Thompson said at the Q&A that they will be releasing the soundtrack, although he didn't mention a date. BTW, the paperback of New Cardiff is being released first week in April featuring stills from the film. I have to go out now. Off to an engagement party!

There's a towel scene and he looks AFG, (obviously he's been looking after himself). Hoorah!! Did you have plenty of napkins hand for drooling? ;-) Look forward to the music if nothing else (which seems likely in the near future). Love The Mavericks. Don't know the others except Willie Nelson and 10cc. Do you know if the music is mostly previously released stuff or new for the movie? Thanks, Janet! How'd your DH like it?

Janet ! Thank you so much for the news! I'm relieved that everyone is finding it a funny film! (Janet) Couple of other minor details. LOL...you call what follows minor? (Janet) There's a towel scene and he looks AFG, (obviously he's been looking after himself). *sigh* Lucky, lucky girls who got to see this! *big sigh* I almost wish it would just go straight to video for the US. The slo-mo and pause potential sounds very high! ;-)