I apologize if we saw this before, but a great review and excellent words for CF. The 2003 Toronto Film Fest by Paul Fischer So now it begins, the busiest North American film festival on the planet. The first weekend is where it all happens: the biggest stars, the biggest films and the studios run overtime with press junkets, screenings and interviews. Day One was more tiring than usual since I chose to get an all-night red eye from Los Angeles, arriving in sunny Toronto at 6 am. No sleep, just enough time to check in, and begin with my first screening here of Girl with a Pearl Earring, a speculative account of the life of Griet, a 16-year-old girl who appears in Johannes Vermeer's painting of the same title. Set in 17th century Holland, Griet (Scarlett Johansson) is employed by Vermeer (Colin Firth) as a housemaid to care for his six children, his jealous pregnant wife and his uncommunicative mother-in-law. Tensions arise when Vermeer's wife suspects intimacy between her husband and the girl, and climax when she discovers that Griet borrowed her precious pearl earrings to sit for the now famous portrait. Perhaps not the ideal fi m to sit through having had less than two hours sleep, Girl is a leisurely paced but seductive period piece, glorious on the eye, and a dazzling in its subtle tone. It's quite the year for the beautiful Johansson, whose performance here is graced with intricacy and maturity. She emits much with little dialogue, encapsulating a portrait of repression desperate for her own inner freedom, and the actress communicates those feelings with skill and depth. She is a major star-on-the-rise. Firth is equally magnificent as the tortured painter. Breathtaking to look at, Girl with Pearl Earrings is a fascinating and remarkable tale, beautifully crafted by first-timer Peter Webber. http://www.filmmonthly.com/Behind/Articles/Toronto2003/Toronto2003.html

User comments are starting to show up on IMDB: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0335119/usercomments "...The ladies will love Colin Firth as the moody artist. No one does grumpy quite as sexily as him... " All 4 so far have been enthusiastic, but I'm not sure how authentic the comments are. All of the writers seem to have no history in IMDB, sometimes a sign that they are plants. Let's hope that they are indicative of future responses.

None of the AICNers seems to have gone to see GWAPE -- shocker, huh? ;-) -- or reported on same, but there is a brief one paragraph about Love Actually: You always know what you're going to get in a Richard Curtis penned movie ("Four Weddings and a Funeral", "Notting Hill", Bridget Jones' Diary", not to mention the "Blackadder" TV series):great dialogue, funny uses of curse words, some sappy romance, pop music references & recitations, Hugh Grant, and a stand up and cheer ending. In "Love Actually", his first directing effort, the formula stands, and that's a good thing. A large ensemble cast tells the stories of many characters, some of whom know each other. You get Chiwetel Ejiofor and Keira Knightly, Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson and Claudia Schiffer (in his dreams), Colin Firth, Bill Nighy very funny as a rock star gone to seed, Laura Linney, of course a terrific cameo by Rowan Atkinson, and a bunch of others whose names I do not know. The only one that was tough to buy was Grant as the Prime Minister, though Billy Bob Thornton as a randy American president was believable. This was billed as a work in progress, so it may be edited down fro its' 2h9m. It's fun as it is. http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/display.cgi?id=16036

I agree about the user comments on imdb.com about GWAPE. They seem a little too generic and "press release-y" or like something you'd see in those summary booklets they hand out at the theaters that try to convince you to see EVERY movie they are showing. None of them would convince me to see it. That's why we need our fabulous reviewers from here to post over there. They could do a million times better job!

And "Love Actually," the directing debut of British romantic-comedy king Richard Curtis (he wrote "Four Weddings and a Funeral," "Notting Hill" and "Bridget Jones's Diary"), is such a shameless crowd-pleaser that it even features Hugh Grant dancing to a Pointer Sisters tune. It's thoroughly pleasant and quickly forgettable, despite a cast of British all-stars (how lovely, especially, to see Emma Thompson again). In Britspeak, one might call the film a bit dodgy � too many characters, too many loose ends � but it screened as a work in progress and perhaps will be tightened up a bit before its November release. (Hugh's solo boogie, however, couldn't be improved upon.) The reporter also mentions her run in with YKW... http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/artsentertainment/2001721447_torontodiary10.html

Hi everyone Hope everyone is doing great. Just a quick note to say that Toronto was fantastic and we're very happy with all the positive buzz Love Actually has been getting. I have said all along that this is a wonderfully funny film and and I"m excited. (but of course I am biased!) I'll be in London Oct 10 through the 12th for a press junket for LA and will be in NYC November 6th for the premiere. It will be held at the Ziegfield Theater and I hope to see many of you there :) I'm working on something now regarding Colin that if he agrees to will be a very pleasant surprise for some of you. But I won't say anymore. :) BTW, was one of you ladies from this forum at the LA screening wearing black slacks, a blue top and reddish hair? Someone made a comment to Colin about this lady at one of the parties that I found amusing. But not as amusing as his response. :) I'll leave it there for now. Take care!

Thanks Hola for dropping by with such *interesting* and cryptic news on his birthday! *jotting down info in date book and every calendar in the house* :-D

Thanks Hola for piquing our interest like that. if he agrees to will be a very pleasant surprise for some of you. Wot? Will he draw names from a hat and make personal visits to some of us? Right! ;-D Anyone know the woman's identity? Of course, I'd love to hear Colin's comment, nice sweet boy that he is. *snicker*

Woah! Lola, Sorry, still in broad range mode from the party. What a cliffhanger of a post. Looking forward to your news.

(Karen), Anyone know the woman's identity? Of course, I'd love to hear Colin's comment, nice sweet boy that he is. *snicker* We'd all like to hear it.

(Lola)will be in NYC November 6th for the premiere. It will be held at the Ziegfield Theater and I hope to see many of you there :) But will Colin be there? Not that I wouldn't be pleased to see you also, Lola, but you know how it is . . .;-) (L)I'm working on something now regarding Colin that if he agrees to will be a very pleasant surprise for some of you I got it, I got it! Colin will be on a special celebrity episode of Queer Eye For the Straight Guy . . . Carson: "Brown shoes with a black suit?! Where are you from--Trajique-istan?? Wait a minute, what's this black leather thing hung around your neck? And if I ask real nice, would you tie me up with it and have your way with me? You're so much cuter than the schlemiels from Long Island that they usually give us to work with . . ." ;-)

Not if your're the lady wearing black slacks, a blue top and reddish hair

(Linda) Wonder why he seemed so subdued? Maybe it was just fatigue. Quite different from his "working the crowd" at the HS premiere in May. I've been thinking about that too, and I'm just chalking it up to fatigue. Possibly a case of jet lag and I'm guessing that this is the first time he's really been away from home since the new baby was born. If you contrast it with the HS premiere, held in London on his own turf and with Livia at his side, it makes sense that he would be a little more comfortable there. BTW, Tress just sent me her pictures and they are amazing! You're all in for quite a treat!

Hi Mari He'll be there. Trust me I know no one would go just to see me. LOL Take care

This was also in the Film Monthly story that Linda posted: "On my next to last day in Toronto [yes, cutting the trip short this year], mostly interviews and the world premiere of the controversial In the Cut. Spoke to a bunch of celebs today, beginning with the engaging Colin Firth, who spoke enthusiastically about the two films he had in Toronto, Girl with a Pearl Earring and the wonderful Love Actually. Colin said that playing a sometimes-bumbling romantic in the latter wasn't a far stretch. A fun interview and a charming Brit, the results of which will be posted in November. Then it was a mad dash to the Four Seasons and an engaging chat with Aussie Cate Blanchett, who also raved about The Missing and talked extensively about her upcoming role as Kate Hepburn in The Aviator. Those in Sydney can see her on stage next year in Hedda Gabler. That interview will run shortly to coincide with the US release of Veronica Guerrin." Hola -- If I could still travel easily, I'd be outside that NYC premiere in a heartbeat. This picture sounds so good and so much fun.

(Lola)I'm working on something now regarding Colin that if he agrees to will be a very pleasant surprise for some of you. But I won't say anymore. :) How intruiging! Oh please, say more! (Mari)Carson: "Brown shoes with a black suit?! Where are you from--Trajique-istan?? Wait a minute, what's this black leather thing hung around your neck? And if I ask real nice, would you tie me up with it and have your way with me? You're so much cuter than the schlemiels from Long Island that they usually give us to work with . . ." ROTFL! Yes, yes, brown shoes and a navy suit are a sad combo, but I have very few other complaints about ODB's appearance. ;-) Well, maybe this too:

Hi, Lola, you definitely have us very curious indeed. So had to start a Top 10 of what Lola would be getting Colin to do that would be a very pleasant surprise for us: 10. Allow us to mascara his chest hairs. 9. Allow us to pick out a new outfit (including shoes) to wear to his next premiere. 8. Give us a private screening for Firth Fans only with TMH as the only guest. 7. Lola would show Colin how to log on and show him how to post on drool. Feel free to add others...can't wait to hear what it really is!

Hmm, Lora... how about? 6. Ear piercing by Colin - I have, um, virgin, as it were, ears, and have always been afraid of the concept, but TMH could pierce my ears any time ;-)

(Lola)I'm working on something now regarding Colin that if he agrees to will be a very pleasant surprise for some of you. But I won't say anymore. :) Or. Maybe its the Will & Grace thing.

Whatever it is...It's killing me! 5. Colin sends us all invitations to the LA premiere in NY with a pass to the After Party so no one has to crash? (Lola)He'll be there. Alrighty, then. *gulping* (thank you, Lola) I think I heard correctly that there will be a spot on Entertainment Tonight-tomorrow for LA. Looks like the focus is HG.

(Mari), Carson: "Brown shoes with a black suit?! Where are you from--Trajique-istan?? Wait a minute, what's this black leather thing hung around your neck? Go Carson! LOL! So who's going to the LA NY premiere? 4. Colin finally answers our interview questions. ;-D

3. Web chat with fans 2. Letterman 1. Guest host of Saturday Night Live!

(Mari) 3. Web chat with fans 2. Letterman 1. Guest host of Saturday Night Live! I like the way you think. Feeling v. weak in the knees just thinking about the possibilities. I hope it's #3.

(Mari) 1. Guest host of Saturday Night Live! Bite your tongue. (Moon) 4. Colin finally answers our interview questions. ;-D LOL! Been so long, I forgot what they were. ;-)

(Hola) Trust me I know no one would go just to see me. LOL Well, I might try to say a friendly hello and thanks, though there's just one problem....I wouldn't know if I saw you or not, as I've never actually seen you. ;-D Excellent news, though. Thanks, Mrs. H.L.

Carson: "Brown shoes with a black suit?! Where are you from--Trajique-istan?? LOL! Are you writing dialogue for him now? ;-D (Lora) 10. Allow us to mascara his chest hairs. Didn't someone here have dibs on just that job? 9. Allow us to pick out a new outfit (including shoes) to wear to his next premiere. But you have a picture of yourself with Colin in his premiere uniform. Trying to make it unique and exclusive now? Sly girl. Mari)3. Web chat with fans 2. Letterman 1. Guest host of Saturday Night Live! Here's someone else on drugs. ;-D

Lola, thanks for keeping us up-to-date and for inspiring a wishin' 'n hopin' top 10. Hola Lola) Trust me I know no one would go just to see me. I would love to try to make the NY Nov. 6th premiere (if I can work it out) and all of us, I'm sure, would love to meet you. You have been so generous and a most important contributor to our discussions. Plus we definitely would be a lot less nervous meeting you than YKW ;-).

(Karen)Trying to make it unique and exclusive now? Sly girl. Hey, just trying for a "broad range" of pictures with him. But that means I might need a new outfit too. (Mari)3. Web chat with fans (Karen)Here's someone else on drugs. ;-D How about just a post or two?

(me through my medium, Dorine) They cut out the "pencil dick" remark. Whatever the girlfriend says about him when Colin gets home and catches his brother there with her is said off-camera and must have been changed during dubbing. (Karen) Huh? You're kidding? Surely, they could get someone to speak her lines whilst lining up the lips. Or did the producer say they had to dub her because her English was unintelligible? Or am I not understanding??? The line is said off camera.....ODB is in front room with his brother. We hear his girlfriend yell from the bedroom....no 'pencil dick', now just 'loser boyfriend'! (Moon)He's wearing a black cord type chain. Is there a locket with the baby's picture at the end? ;-D (Shoshana) My thoughts as well. Actually, I was imagining a picture of Livia and the baby.... Awwww! ;-) I actually heard the cord was a panic button.....in case I got too close! (and NO, I did not go to screening wearing black slacks, blue top.....and my hair is brown!!!) Seriously, I heard it was a security thing of some sort....but cannot find confirmation anywhere (one of a few rumors on the streets).

(Karen) Karen) Huh? You're kidding? Surely, they could get someone to speak her lines whilst lining up the lips. Or did the producer say they had to dub her because her English was unintelligible? Or am I not understanding??? This comment was in reference to the Portuguese housemaid, I believe.

Shannon Gee reports on the imdb: Today is Colin Firth�s birthday, and I hope that he�s having a better time here than he does playing Johannes Vermeer in Girl with a Pearl Earring. No one broods like Firth, and there is a lot of arduous longing (along with beautiful compositions) in this film about the muse-like relationship between the Dutch painter and his house servant Griet (Scarlett Johansson). The film is a veritable textbook for film composition and lighting, if not a bit flat on the plot side. Still, Firth and Johansson, who is giving Toronto a full court press (like Nicole Kidman and Patricia Clarkson) by having no less than two films in the festival, perform an impressive level of near silent film acting as they build the tension between master and maid. In person, however, Firth will give you a cheery, quite verbal �hello� as he passes you in the hallway.

Okay...finally my long winded VERY late Toronto report: Saturday night I got in late and we went to Yorkville. THE place for the celebs to be out and about....we saw Dylan McDermott hanging out on the street (he is very handsome but MUCH shorter than I imagined. Maybe 5'8 tops?). We took a turn about the Four Seasons (Rumor has it that that is the hotel that Colin was staying in and there was a report that he was on the street in front late that evening, after we left (which was....about midnight, 1 a.m.)). Next day was Sunday and we were a mess! We got ready and went downtown early. Scoped out Roy Thompson Hall. There were two girls already there at 3 in the afternoon (hello Heather and 'friend')! They came from Indiana and had driven 10 hours to see Colin! We had been told that the ticket line would also be the line the celebs 'walked' before going in!! WRONG! There was a separate section for people to see the red carpet and then waaaaay over on the other side were the ticket lines. We were told that day that we needed to be inside, in our seats at 9:15 otherwise they would sell the seats to people in the rush lines.....so.....we decided to hang out in the greeting 'pen' and hope to see ODB then jet over across the street and around (since the street was partially blocked to peds. We took a chance that he would show prior to 9:15 (which added to our anxiety that day as we didn't want to miss GWAPE!)). I talked to two security people. Robert became a good buddy and a source of great amusement! I asked him to be kind to us when ODB arrived as he didn't give me a good angle when he opened Denzel Washington's door and I got crap pictures (as in NONE!) and only mediocre pics of Dean Cain. I coached him on where to tell the driver to pull up and how to stand back from the door so we could get good pics!! I then asked him if he liked his 'gig'....he said he was having a blast except that he was 'ruined' after meeting 'the alabaster one' the day before (Nicole Kidman). He apologized but stated that Colin just wasn't going to excite him after that (and claimed not to know who ODB was! REALLY! LOL!)! I thought Peter Webber arrived first (about 9) but Heather thinks SJ was there first (my mind was going all over the place and she is probably right). Anyway, he was very funny and engaged a lot with the 'pen' people. He introduced the producer (cannot remember his name...Dorine? Do you know?) and the producer said something to the effect that "You will love this film! It is luminous and beautiful....well not as beautiful as Colin Firth as you ladies know!" When Scarlet arrived her car did not pull forward to the carpet and she was taken immediately to the press tent (no autographs, no greetings), this made me panic a bit as I thought that maybe they would do the same to ODB!!! But then the signal from Robert....car pulled right to the red carpet and I could see ODB through the glass. Started snapping and didn't stop! Initially ODB was being lead by his 'handler' right to the press tent! But he paused when everyone started calling out to him (at this point he was well beyond us). Honestly, he look d 'out of sorts'. He was smiling and began signing, but you could tell that he was pretty tired of the whole thing. He had been at LA earlier and I am guessing this was a very long day for him! He was very kind to his fans though! Someone yelled "dimples" and he smiled (closed mouth). Some other ladies asked "boy or girl?" to which he said nothing....he did not really communicate with the fans. Just signed. The girls in front of me (Heather and 'friend'!) yelled for him and Colin came back to sign (someone handed him something sans pen, and he said the only words I would hear him clearly say that evening.....�a pen?�....LOL, Heather, was that you???)...I was still snapping pics as he was signing, I was completely not thinking of an autograph, just getting pictures to share!! I kept apologizing with every flash! "Sorry", "sorry again", "sorry"! I think on my second or third "sorry", he chuckled and shook his head. He then moved down and signed my buddy�s pic and I realized I had nothing signed!!! GAHAAAAA!!! I yelled (as he was about five feet down the line AGAIN) "COLLLLLLLLL-IIIIIIIIIIN!" ODB backed up to me! Sweet guy! Considering I had blinded him numerous times.....I was so nervous! I handed him my book with Sharpie uncapped and stuck in the page I wanted him to sign (or so I thought!). He turned to the page and saw that I had put the pen in the first page (the one with all the 'reviews'). I saw my error and said.....'sign anywhere, I don't care!" He kind of smiled/chuckled again, turned the page and signed were I wanted him to! AGAIN...very nice, I thought, as he was in a huge hurry and had a hand on his arm trying to pull him away. He handed book and Sharpie back to me with Sharpie over the edge of book and I reached out and got poked (I am sure this will be the only poking given to me by ODB, and I must say I enjoyed it!)! I remember saying "thank you so much"!!! Had Sharpie all over my hand but grabbed camera again and started shooting as he walked away! I took a few more pics nd then we decided we had to run to make it into the theater and left Heather and 'friend' at the 'pen' and they took some amazing photos after we left! Once inside the theater, we sat in a balcony to the far right of the screen (all except one of our party who ran to sit in the middle section, top balcony). There was an introduction. Peter Webber, the producer, the musical scorer person (LOL.....is that the correct term?), the writer of the adaptation (Olivia something), ODB and Scarlet were introduced. ODB gave us those fantastic great big strides across the stage. He said nothing and appeared to be looking down at his feet. This caused me to think two things......(1) he was rethinking his shoe choice (brown with blue suit) and questioning it....and (2) it gave me an excellent view of the top of his head! WHICH (I thought, contrary to Ildi) HAD TONS OF HAIR! I think we either need to build a mighty fine alter to his new hairdresser or begin to question whether the man has plugs or is using Rogaine, to me it looked fuller than in the past! He looked freaking FANTASTIC!!! Total Mark Darcy mode with hair and sideburns.....They all walked off the tage and I thought that was it....that they would leave and go to the party and let the masses enjoy the film....well....luck was smiling on us and they came and sat in the second balcony in the middle!!! Giving us an amazing view of ODB during the entire flick!!! He sat...hand to mouth most of the film. I keep thinking "I saw a movie with ODB" ....granted we were separated by about 100 feet and several people, but it was surreal and weird all the same! The one person who was with us and was sitting in the center balcony, third floor, had NO idea that Colin was below her! She was later disappointed not to have our view, but I told her not to fret! She is the only one who can say she was on top of ODB and that he enjoyed it! LOL! After the film, I snapped a couple of very bad interior pics while I waited for ODB to leave the theater...he hugged a blond woman on the way out and seemed very excited to see her! He was talking and I could hear his voice from were I was (his voice carries!) but could not make out what he was saying. Once out in the lobby (on third floor), most of my party had to use the 'Ladies'! I took Linda's advice and decided not to pee.....but I talked two of my 'mates' into going down the escalator! They were game! Made it down one level and was surprised to see that the blonde woman being hugged earlier by ODB was DENNIE GORDON!!!!! She has lost some weight, but she was GUSHING over Colin....who was about 15 feet from us! There were security standing around and I had my camera in my hand (from my earlier, really good pics of the theater interior). I was told I needed to put it away but was told I could stay. I then just stood my ground. Watched Dennie G say good-bye and watched her leave....she threw a longing, smitten look over her shoulder as she left the upper lobby (can you blame her??). I then turned back to ODB and Scarlet...who were now pointing at me!!! GAH!!!! I had my Bridget moment...what where they saying? Why would he point at me? Was he calling security (using rumored 'panic button' ha ging about his neck)??? Is Mr. Titzpervert behind me??? I was standing slightly alone and the others were standing by the escalator....there was a small passage way of glass (this looked down on the floor below) and if you wanted to 'get to me' you had to go this narrow path...and it appeared that ODB and Scarlet wanted to 'get to me'!!!! After pointing they came right at me (at quite a clip, I might add). I was like a deer in the headlights! FROZEN! I had to step aside to let them pass (ODB being about three feet from me and I said....very Bridget like as they passed, "your film was beautiful"....not oratory fireworks!...and Scarlet just nodded in acknowledgement) and they exited to the door directly behind me (which I honestly thought was an exit). The rest of our party showed up at that moment and we were now eight-ish in number. I think I said "I think he left" and pointed toward the door, which we now realized was the LOO!!!! I was blocking ODB from the toilet! We decided it was time to go as the crowd was down to about 25 and we now REALLY stood out (I believe we were the only 'fans' there...). We turned back around to leave (the car park being back toward the 'toilets') and out walks ODB!!!! I freeze....I mean.....FREEZE....Solid......feet rooted to ground in manner of 300 year old redwood!!! He is standing about 7 to 8 feet from me....no one between us. He just stood there....staring back....hands clasped in front of him (Sorry Linda! No view, so no report on a few important matters! ;-D). He chuckled (those damned, beautiful dimples on full display)....nodded at us and then BOLTED for the loo again! I FREAKED ODB OUT!!! If only he knew that I was the one freaking and that I couldn't move as long as he was going to look at me and give me that wonderful closed mouth smile!!! Sooooo, as soon as he bolted, the spell was broken and we got outta there! He seemed uncomfortable having everyone there and I was in full Bridget mode and needed to get out of there before saying "whatever poppe into my head". So...sorry to bore you to bits, and to be so late.......was exciting and scary and fun and wonderful and surreal! I now completely understand this: Suddenly realized we had stopped outside a door. Looked at door. Was toilet. Realized was on verge of following Mr. Darcy into toilet in manner of mad stalker. He sweetly excused himself and that was it.

Tress, thank you so much for your wonderful report. I'm sure this encounter will last in your heart for the rest of your life :-)

(Tress)So...sorry to bore you to bits, Boring? Nevahh!! Thank you for your fabulous report. I'm sure I would be exactly like you when confronted by the man himself. I'm amazed you were able to speak at all. Well done, Tress.

Globe and mail article Mr. Darcy's artistic licence After Pride and Prejudice, he became the thinking woman's sex symbol, but Colin Firth sees himself merely as a 'jobbing actor,' he tells GAYLE MacDONALD By GAYLE MacDONALD Thursday, September 11, 2003 - Page R1 To prepare for his role in Peter Webber's film Girl With a Pearl Earring, Colin Firth became a Vermeer egghead. He obsessed over the Dutch painter, who died at 43, bankrupt and leaving behind a wife, 11 kids and 35 paintings. Firth studied his works in the Hague and at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. He read every piece of research he could find. He even learned how to properly hold a brush and grind his own paints. Not normally such a compulsive, Firth says the research was exhausting but essential to play a character who was, on one hand, a most enigmatic and elusive man, and, on the other, an intensely eloquent and expressive person -- at least his magically lit art suggests as much. "I became consumed with Vermeer, yes," says the 42-year-old British actor, best known as Mr. Darcy, first in the TV miniseries Pride and Prejudice and, later, in the movie version of Bridget Jones's Diary. "It was sort of like chasing shadows, really. I felt I had to get to know him, but still maintain his air of mystery. It was very helpful to look at history. But in some ways I don't know how healthy it was to look at the paintings. They can drive you mad with frustration because you can't get a handle on them. They seem to have some sort of secret they won't reveal. "It's a mystery to me whether it's helpful to the acting or not, to do this [amount of research]," the actor goes on. "But it was fascinating to me. It was a diversion and a source of interest and a great kind of perk of the job that I could throw myself at it to such an extent. In the end, it was useless, however, to speculate too broadly on what kind of guy he was because we don't know. He might have been someone who never stopped talking. We didn't see him like that. In the end, I just had to put the pieces together, and place myself in the middle of it." Firth is seated at a table in an outdoor courtyard at Toronto's Intercontinental Hotel, looking nothing like the long-haired, conflicted soul he portrays in Webber's film, which will hit screens in early December. For one, he's got short hair. In the movie, he sports a shoulder-length wig that constantly needs a good brushing. He's friendly, warm and engaging. Firth is a serious actor, but one who likes to jump between different film genres, frothy comedy to dark drama. The variety, he explains, keeps him from getting stale. Before arriving in Luxembourg to shoot Girl with a Pearl Earring, he'd done a spate of light-hearted romantic comedies (What a Girl Wants, Love Actually and Hope Springs). This project put him back in breeches and a few hundred years in the past. Firth thinks it's good for an actor to be displaced, from time to time. It gives you new perspective, he grins. "A different head space." In Girl with a Pearl Earring, which also stars Scarlett Johansson as Griet, a maid in the Vermeer household who becomes the painter's muse and the subject of one of his most beautiful works. In Tracy Chevalier's best-selling book that inspired the movie, dialogue was kept to an absolute minimum Webber's film stays true to the silence, which meant Firth and Johansson had the added challenge of conveying their growing affection through actions and a large number of penetrating looks. "In this case, so much of the dialogue is interior," says Firth. "And it almost puts you in the position of the writer of that dialogue, an improviser of it. That makes what is said terribly important. And it makes the nuance incredibly important." Dressed in a sweater, faded jeans and boots, Firth is the picture of easy grace. He's serious but not stuffy, tall and slim. There is no artifice or ego about this man. He's well aware that his turn, eight years ago, as Mr. Darcy emerging from the fish pond in his drenched shirt, helped make him a sex symbol with scores of women. That image, though, just makes him laugh. "It's simply not something I ever think about," says the actor, married to the Italian documentary maker Livia Giuggioli, whom he met in 1995 in Columbia while making Nostromo. Giuggioli gave birth to the couple's second son last month. Another long-term relationship with Meg Tilly produced son Will, now 12, whom he visits frequently in Los Angeles. "Hey, I have a great life. I've got a nice home great kids and a wife I love. So I feel blessed. But I consider myself a jobbing actor. I have to pay the bills. So I choose roles that interest me and allow me to get on with it." After he finished Girl with a Pearl Earring, Firth picked another meaty, dramatic role -- this time, in a film called Trauma by Marc Evans (whose previous work includes My Little Eye). It's a dark story about a "guy who starts off in a very, very, very bad place, and it just goes down from there," says Firth wryly. He opted to take the part, though, because it meant exploring a psychological space he'd never explored. It also meant working with Evans, whom he describes as "one of the great unsung directors, who hasn't really had the audience in America that he should have. I've known him for many years and been dying to work with the guy. And I will do, over and over again, if I possibly can." His next movie is back to the light side. In October, Firth will join Ren�e Zellweger to reprise his role as the aloof Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. "I like the emotionally wrought stuff," he explains. "And I like to experiment in comedy, romances, thrillers. If the script stimulates me. I give it a go. Taking lots of breaks in between to be with my family. The one thing about having kids is it gets your priorities straight. And besides them, nothing else really matters."

Tress, thank you so much for your great report! It seems you had the time of your life.

(Tress) So...sorry to bore you to bits Tress, your report was anything *but* boring! What a trip!! (T) I couldn't move as long as he was going to look at me and give me that wonderful closed mouth smile!!! LOL, he really oughta watch were he points that thing ;)

Tress! Thanks for letting us live it (esp. the frozen bits) through your words! BTW, I think disguising yourself as a 300 year old redwood was brilliant! And he dimples on demand?! You should have invited DG out for a drink, sounds like she is one of us! Vera thanks for the great article!

LA article... http://www.portal.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml;$sessionid$EI5BE5C3XQYPTQFIQMGSFGGAVCBQWIV0?xml=/arts/2003/09/09/bfgrit09.xml

I do want to say one more thing about TIFF and then I'll shut-up! I met some wonderful women there! Have never had the opportunity to Drool with others, but was so much fun to meet people who shared my love of ODB! Met Myou (who was amazing and kept us updated....giving us the first fashion report from LA as we waited in the GWAPE 'pen'....)....Vera was there and was our tour guide throughout our stay in Toronto....I met Heather and her friend. And many more lovely ladies! I think half the fun was sitting around and talking to everyone.... OH! And there are GWAPE posters now! They are amazing! The pic we expected (the one that will be on the tie-in book as well). A couple of the women in our group went to find an internet cafe while some of us stood in the LA rush line on Monday....they cracked us up by coming back with their arms LOADED with posters! They had found a poster shop and nearly cleaned the man out! Up close the picture looks 'painted' and the 'mystery words' (maybe some know this already, sorry if I repeat myself) by ODB's chin say "Beauty Inspires Obsession". Thanks Maria for the LA article! I completely agree with the assessment of Emma Thompson's performance and the bit in the article that was mentioned really moved me....she did a fantastic job (considering each story has about 10 or 15 minutes tops, it is very impressive that ET was able to make you feel so much for her character). I think that bit was the best (non-ODB) part of the entire film. I'll take my GWAPE and LA talk to Spoilers now.....

I do want to say one more thing about TIFF and then I'll shut-up! Tress, if you've got more to tell, spill it, girl!! Not sure we would ever be tired of the subject or the experience. And thanks so much to everyone for the great reporting. Makes me definitely want to join in on the next opportunity.

I could be girl with a hurl feeling...I lived 15 minutes from here and now I'm stuck in the swamps...:-( http://www.cafilm.org/mvfffilms/36.html

(Karen) Karen) Huh? You're kidding? Surely, they could get someone to speak her lines whilst lining up the lips. Or did the producer say they had to dub her because her English was unintelligible? Or am I not understanding??? (Dorine) This comment was in reference to the Portuguese housemaid, I believe. And you meant "subtitled" not dubbed, right? LOVED your long-winded report from Toronto, Tress. Thanks very much for sharing it all with us. (Tress) and only mediocre pics of Dean Cain.\ Then they would be without tights, huh? ;-D He apologized but stated that Colin just wasn't going to excite him after that (and claimed not to know who ODB was! REALLY! LOL!)! Hey, I'm more amazed when some DOES know who he is. ;-D He introduced the producer (cannot remember his name... Probably Andy Paterson. Someone yelled "dimples" and he smiled (closed mouth). Contrary devil, isn't he? ;-) Was he calling security (using rumored 'panic button' hanging about his neck)??? Where do people come up with this stuff? Geez Louise! :-( (article) In the movie, he sports a shoulder-length wig that constantly needs a good brushing. *snort* (article) The variety, he explains, keeps him from getting stale. Have childish rhyme playing over and over in head. Thanks Vera for posting the article. Anxious to see the accompanying pic. :)

Thanks to all of you for sharing your TIFF experiences. It is actually better for me than being there. I was so high from my experience that I don't think I would have lived through seeing ODB especially up close and personal. So, kudos for all have lived to tell the tale! I can't find the exact posts but wanted to comment on a couple of things from the past few days. In some photos, they labeled Peter as CF. That would be an easy mistake to make. I almost told him he looked like CF when I was talking to him but thought it might be to over the top, so refrained. You can't really tell from the pictures (he doesn't seem to be as photogenic as ODB). He is shorter than CF but he has the same light brown, wavy hair and good features and, of course, posh voice. In the first picture, I was also happy to see PW's blue shirt and jeans that he wore in Telluride. I particularly appreciated the transition shown in the pix from western casual to city casual for the gala. Peter said it was his first autograph to sign. It's all my fault. Another thing I thought to do but didn't.:-) (Tress)He introduced the producer and the producer said something to the effect that "You will love this film! It is luminous and beautiful....well not as beautiful as Colin Firth as you ladies know!" Andy Patterson was the producer. He was a physicist before deciding to produce TV and films. Based on my very limited exposure in Telluride, Andy was being quite wordy to say that much to you. I think they are learning as they go. Quick studies! They have already learned their most ardent admirers of the film will be CF's fans.:-) (Tress)the writer of the adaptation (Olivia something), Olivia Hetreed is the screenwriter. If you will be at an upcoming film fest, be careful what you say and to whom. Olivia is married to the producer, Andy Patterson but I don't think she was in Telluride with them. It wasn't hard to be careful, though, because the script is really, really good. Also, Peter's wife, Pip, is credited as a milliner. I think he said she did Catharina's hair ornaments which are very nice.

Oh, sorry forgot. One more thing about Olivia which can be a conversation point if needed. She worked on Privileged which was Huge Gnat's first film but the connection appropriate for us is Peter Schwabach also worked on that and then later directed CF in SLOW.

ATTN: Canadians I've been informed by Ann that there is a show on tonight (Thursday) at 11 pm (in Toronto) that may have the CBC interview with Colin. It's on CBC Newsworld and it's called "Play".

Tress, our new BJ! Well done, well deserved, I'm very happy for you! I actually heard the cord was a panic button... Seriously, I heard it was a security thing of some sort....but cannot find confirmation anywhere (one of a few rumors on the streets). Strange. You'd think Nicole Kidman would need it more than him. If he did have it, it must be some fear of some fan that keeps showing up everywhere he does. Maybe he even encountered her at his hotel. It's weird. Thanks, Vera and Maria for thenarticles.

While my computer won't fully cooperate, some of you may be able to see film clips and interviews with SJ and Colin here: http://reuters.feedroom.com/index.jsp?auto_band=x&rf=sv&fr_story=fabfeaa901805d6af9c4a5120d722786ad76e273 Will check this out on another computer later.

OMG!!! Thanks Karen!!Beautiful,just beautiful..Can't wait to be able to turn up the volume and actually hear what is being said!

I heard it, I saw it. There's even a small interview! Thank you, Karen!

I just ran over to grab a Globe & Mail and the photo in the paper is different than the website. It's a fantastic, arty, shadowy shot, 6"X9". Darkish blue pullover shirt (knit?) down to his waist, against a red brick wall, a few leaves making shadows around him as he looks over into the light. Gah!! Maybe some fellow Canadian can scan this? It's just lovely. He even got a front page mention: The Actor Consumed by Vermeer Gayle MacDonald meets the thinking man's sex symbol. I'll be checking out "Play" tonight but not holding my breath. So far, Woody Harrelson has been taking the spotlight away from others. Colin should've joined him for his outdoor yoga session, a la Hope Springs. Also, Canadians, check out Inside Entertainment (Global)and Movietelevision (Bravo--Friday) this weekend. Thanks for the clip link, Karen. I have to go check it out now!

Wow, Thank you, Karen. Almost like a mini trailer. Excellent. Also noticed the black scapula/security cord/homeing device. Looks like it didn't leave his person the whole time. LOL...I wouldn't either! Thanks Tress, you lucky girl. Very much enjoyed the report from your point of view. Loved your Bridget moments and v.v. good directing Robert about where ODB's car should be at crucial moment. Thanks Vera and Maria.

Thanks for the great news Lola. Very exciting. Wonder what the surprise could be He's going to do an on-phone interview to be taped with his number one fans of the Drool. Wouldn't that be nice. Karen thanks for the great pics on public eye and to all the contributors. Great job. Thanks for article Vera. Tress, what is there left to say. You are amazing and thanks so much for sharing.

Tress, thanks for such a detailed, thorough, and humorous report. Loved all your BJ moments. Your pictures have to be as terrific as your report and experience. Karen, thanks for the Reuters video clips and interviews. They are unbelieveable! It's amazing how SJ looks so much like the painting in the film.

(mr. f. for the globe & mail or whatever) "A different head space." ahaha ! someone's had one too many martinis at the tiki bar yesterday, obviously (or maybe it was those exotic cigarettes). hey tress, i thought the thing hanging around the neck was ben's nametag reading "if lost call tress, etc." ??? plot consistency ! plot consistency ! i haven't had much time to thank everybody for all the news reports adventures and field trips. so, thank you everybody. shame shame, but hope i am forgiven.

Thanks for the Reuters site, Karen! Wow, such long clips, especially the window washing scene. I remember that this scene produced a small laugh from the Toronto audience, as she kicked the rag under the table, trying to keep her pose. And thanks for possible CBC siting tonight!

Oh my, oh my...the Globe & Mail pic is, well, words...fail me http://www.firth.com/articles/03globemail_911.html Thanks to Jennifer for sending it my way, but I'm going to have to have this one.

Amazing report,Tress. ...amazing gal. *clap*, *clap* I actually heard the cord was a panic button.... The burning question: "Why, why ?"

ET just had a piece on LA, introduced as Hugh's movie and then explaining that movie is made up of different stories, while quick clips are running it goes on to list Liam, Emma, Laura, Bill,Alan, Martine... yup that's it I guess... Oh wait, I think there was a subliminal frame left in where he is watching her run down the pier but it went so fast I can't be sure...

Hope this has not been posted. At least he doesn't mention Colin! Jeffrey Wells at Movie Poop Shoot: Love Hurts Let's say you're an unmarried British Prime Minister who looks like Hugh Grant, and you've got a thing for a slightly chubby office assistant you've just met. Then the randy U.S. President who looks a lot like Billy Bob Thornton pays a visit and puts the moves on her when you're out of the room. You catch a glimpse of him kissing her cheek when you return, and you become angry. Your response, naturally, is to take revenge on the U.S. President at a joint press conference and start a major diplomatic rift between England and the U.S., and then to have your office assistant canned out of spite. Of course, anyone with a hamster-level IQ and a semblance of life experience might consider the fact that (a) the U.S. President is a total hound and hounds never back off, and (b) that the office assistant was probably too initimidated to resist the leader of the free world, which would lead to a show of sympathy for her rather than one of vengeance. But of course, this doesn't occur to you. It goes without saying any world leader would never consider creating a major rift in U.S.-British relations over a private indiscretion like this -- but you just can't help yourself, darn it. You may be a 40ish politician with a knack for crisis-managing and artfully tip-toeing through minefields (which is how you got to be Prime Minister, after all), but at heart you're an impulsive 15 year-old. And besides, what is a stable productive alliance between great nations compared to Prime Minister Grant's acute sense of romantic disappointment? If you can buy all this, you'll have a wonderful time with LOVE ACTUALLY. It's retarded, simplistic, overwrought, coy, cutesy-poo and full of elements that will turn your heart into custard. If you're an idiot, that is. It's an ensemble comedy with too many love stories (i.e., eight), and not enough time to flesh them out, and writing that's nowhere artful or deft enough to make it all fuse together. But none of this matters. That's because those who've decided it's a "good movie" (a quote from David Poland's Hot Button column) despite its ocasional lumpiness have also decided the faults aren't so much with the movie as with the people who can't stomach it. The problem isn't Richard Curtis and his contemptibly blithe and thoughtless approach to story-telling, see, but foul-mannered journalists who refuse to turn off their minds and get with the program. One guy wrote me, 'Did you hear that crowd last Sunday night? They were delirious with laughter." He's right about that. This movie, God help us all, is probably fated to be a hit. I'm sure the impressionable will be attracted to the visual look of the thing. Everyone and everything in LOVE ACTUALLY sparkles and glows and soothes in a Bloomingdale's window-display way. It tries to seduce you with sticky sentiment like an obnoxious womanizer with halitosis might try and seduce a woman at a party by feeling her up. There's a wedding scene in which a team of singers and musicans suddenly launch into a sappy rendition of "All You Need is Love." Keira Knightley plays the bride in this scene, and whatever good will she may have gotten from her acting in BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM and PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN has been totally erased because of this. She will pay and pay and pay. I found myself wishing that Geoffrey Rush's ghost killers would come crashing through the doors and lop off a few heads, starting with those loathsome trombone players. Like I said in Monday's column, I loved Hugh Grant's '70s dance number inside 10 Downing Street -- that was perfect. Rowan Atkinson has a good scene, there's a good line toward the end about Elton John and meatballs, and Emma Thompson gives a touching performance as a wife who believes she's being cheated on. But to mention this film in the same breath as NOTTING HILL and FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL would be totally libelous if the same people weren't involved. (Curtis wrote 'em all, and Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner produced.) I happen to feel LOVE ACTUALLY is a callous and rather short-sighted thing. It's not so much about love but the thrill of discovering someone new you'd like to go to bed with and maybe develop some real feelings for down the road...who knows? It should really be called HORMONES ACTUALLY. With two or three of the episodes, it could be called CHEATING ACTUALLY. (Hey, that's not a bad idea for a film.) For a movie that equates salami-stuffing with love, it's a bit odd to hear Grant's narration declare at the very beginning that one indication that love is all around us is the fact that all those doomed people on those hijacked jets on 9.11.01 got out their cell phones and called their spouses and family members. I'm not sure this illustrates Grant's point all that well. It certainly doesn't illustrate the movie's interest, which is primarily about the seemingly profound pixie-dust feeling that goes along with wanting to bone or be boned. I would have preferred a much dryer, more adult film entirely about Grant's adventures as a bachelor Prime Minister. He just can't resist doing that cute guy thing, can he? I thought he had turned a corner with ABOUT A BOY and had decided to play weighter, more substantial roles, but here he is back doing the same old "oh, my...yes...I did say that, didn't I?" routine in LOVE ACTUALLY. He'd better watch it. He's painting himself into a corner.

Companion shot to the Globe and Mail one Karen has posted - Against another wall:

(Maria)ET just had a piece on LA, introduced as Hugh's movie . . . it goes on to list Liam, Emma, Laura, Bill,Alan, Martine... yup that's it I guess... If you think that's bad, look at the new trailer. http://www.themoviebox.net/trailers/moviebox_trailers/lovea_tr_page.htm

A prescription for Mr.Wells at the Movie Poop Shoot... Take 2 Paxil Place this over your nose and mouth (making sure to secure your own before securing others around you... And I've brought you this lovely jacket, let me help you with it... Sorry, I've had a bad day, see how contagious his bitterness was? Not good for anyone, wish I could see LA right now to escape a bit...;-)

Oh well, insert muzzle and straitjacket, respectively...

I like to thank everyone for their wonderful reports, pics, articles and info posted over the past few days. Things have certainly been hot here lately! I'm delighted for those of you who managed to visit Toronto and see him in the flesh. I hope my time will come soon! And Lola, I'm intrigued! Just what is in the pipeline? I hope his comment at the party wasn't too cruel - I've heard he has a rather wicked sense of humour!

Hugh on the cover of Premiere mag (US) with long hilarious interview. LA touted as definitely *his* new movie. At least Bob Altman had the decency to say Gosford Park was an ensemble cast.

it's a bit odd to hear Grant's narration declare at the very beginning that one indication that love is all around us is the fact that all those doomed people on those hijacked jets on 9.11.01 got out their cell phones and called their spouses and family members. I'm not sure this illustrates Grant's point all that well. I'm still agog they didn't re-dub this v.o. He just can't resist doing that cute guy thing, can he? I thought he had turned a corner with ABOUT A BOY and had decided to play weighter, more substantial roles, but here he is back doing the same old "oh, my...yes...I did say that, didn't I?" routine in LOVE ACTUALLY. He'd better watch it. He's painting himself into a corner. Did he ever claim ambitions otherwise? Does he care? I bet not. With all the money and women he has, why would he? ok, no more HG ;-))

(Tress) ...it gave me an excellent view of the top of his head! WHICH (I thought, contrary to Ildi) HAD TONS OF HAIR! LOL! Tress, my hubby saw it too, so I guess it's all about what angle you view it from. Thanks for your account, Tress, loved your Bridget moments. Thanks also to Heather, Vera, Myou, and all who were there, I loved reading your adventures, it was so exciting I felt I was there. Wait...., I WAS there. :-) I wish I could've met you and said hello to you guys. Since my hubby is not a fan ("Come on, he is not even good looking...") I would've loved to have some other smitten ones to drool with. I knew you were there, but of course I had no idea what you guys looked like, and since I didn't "come out" yet at the time I was too chicken to ask around for any Droolers. My loss. I hope I can do better next time. :-)

Well at least they remembered that Colin was in BJD;-)Saw a few shots of him in between the PM. Wow, the pictures. The hair...looks so full. Thank you Karen and Mari. Tress, how would you compare the amount of screen time? I assume you were watching this one;-) No YKW a few feet in front of you to drive you to distraction.

A big THANK YOU to all those who have filed their reports on the TIFF! For those of us who couldn't attend, it's the next best thing to being there. Bravo!

As part of Etalk Daily's TIFF coverage, there was a 10 second clip of a studio interview with Colin today - part of a survey on Canadian stereotypes. Typically, he was non-commital and referred to his having spent a great deal of time in Canada and his eldest son being a Canadian citizen. Hopefully, more of this interview will appear on future shows.

Thanks to everyone for the incredible reports from the Festivals. Very much looking forward to seeing GWAPE. From Baz Bamigboye, Daily Mail , 12 September 2003 at the Toronto Film Festival. Colin Firth flew into Toronto on Sunday night and went directly to the gala for Richard Curtis�s heart-warming romantic comedy Love Actually, in which he plays a bumbling writer who is awkward with women. While that film was running, he skipped across town and down another red carpet � this time with the luminous Scarlett Johansson, his co-star in Girl With A Pearl Earring. As Firth observed, both stories are about people who fall in love but can�t talk about their feelings. Love Actually opens in November after a bit of tidying and trimming, and will be an enormous success with its multiple love stories and stars such as Hugh Grant, Bill Nighy, Keira Knightly and Emma Thompson. Next month, Firth joins Renee Zellweger and Hugh Grant on the Bridget Jones sequel The Edge of Reason. �I�m now happy with the script, which has been through various drafts, the latest of which was by Richard Curtis�, he told me. (New pic of Colin and Scarlett which I will scan to the office later)

I've trimmed this Variety article to the salient points: Toronto fest feasts on arty fare Niche pix top 2003 event By DAVID ROONEY TORONTO -- If fest purists were worried that the advancement of Oscar dates would result in Hollywood annexing the Toronto Film Festival, this year's edition may have set their minds at rest. While studio fare stacked with star pedigree was by no means absent, it took a back seat to more specialized discoveries in the foreign-language, documentary or niche arenas that represent the traditional domain of film fests. Entries from the majors -- including Warner's "Matchstick Men," helmed by Ridley Scott, and MGM's "Out of Time" from director Carl Franklin -- were met with decent enough reactions but created nothing approaching excitement. Richard Linklater's "School of Rock" from Paramount drew a warmer response and a stamp of commercial promise. But festgoers searching for this year's breakout buzz title like "American Beauty" or "8 Mile" are still looking as the event moves into its closing weekend. Mixed receptions Eagerly awaited pics like Jane Campion's erotic thriller "In the Cut," Robert Altman's ballet ensembler "The Company" and James Cox's porn-industry drama "Wonderland" -- all of which have distribution in place -- were met with severely divided if not lukewarm critical reactions. Likewise Robert Benton's "The Human Stain," with Anthony Hopkins and Nicole Kidman, perhaps the nearest thing on paper to a standard Oscar-caliber movie. Films that came closer to meeting their objectives in Toronto, garnering more generally favorable audience response and possible early awards momentum, included Lions Gate's "Girl With a Pearl Earring," by Peter Webber, as well as Sofia Coppola's "Lost in Translation" and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's "21 Grams," the latter two from Focus Features. Work-in-progress slot While the feeling from recent editions that Toronto has been increasingly colonized by Hollywood has somewhat receded this year, the fest clearly still serves a purpose for studio product. This is most apparent in an emerging new slot that seems destined to endure. Pioneered by Universal, the "unfinished" berth, which housed "8 Mile" last year and Midas-touch screenwriter Richard Curtis' directing debut "Love, Actually" this year, seems designed to test-drive ostensibly uncompleted, high-expectation commercial releases while giving the studio the option of further changes. Response to the star-laden Curtis comedy indicates some possible resistance from highbrow critics, and a general consensus emerged that the film could benefit from minor trimming. Still, the movie was warmly embraced by the mainstream press and the public here, so much so that Universal will likely have a holiday hit on its hands.

Aishling :"Colin Firth flew into Toronto on Sunday night and went directly to the gala for Richard Curtis�s heart-warming romantic comedy Love Actually, in which he plays a bumbling writer who is awkward with women". This is interesting, we heard from some girls who were waiting with us at the gala for GWAPE that they saw him in front Four Seasons hotel on Saturday night.

Closing tag Dressed in a sweater, faded jeans and boots Poor guy! There was a terrible heat wave. One must wear what's in the suitcase. ;-) LA:It's retarded, simplistic, overwrought, coy, cutesy-poo and full of elements that will turn your heart into custard. If you're an idiot, that is. It's an ensemble comedy with too many love stories (i.e., eight), and not enough time to flesh them out, and writing that's nowhere artful or deft enough to make it all fuse together. LOL! This will probably be said by my DH. This is interesting, we heard from some girls who were waiting with us at the gala for GWAPE that they saw him in front Four Seasons hotel on Saturday night. He flew in from LA. Baz doesn't know everything. ;-)

And, thank you for the articles, ladies.

(INterview on TV)..referred to his having spent a great deal of time in Canada and his eldest son being a Canadian citizen. I love the way he adapts his rhetoric to where he's being interviewed. LOL. In the US he goes on 'n on about his son being an American citizen, "mum was born in Iowa, and I went to school in St. Louis."

(Dorine) I'm still agog they didn't re-dub this v.o. It is odd, but it was not nearly as bad as I anticipated. I wish I could remember how it was worded (I'll try on Spoilers but will probably mess it all up)! I found the sterotyping of the Americans in the film a bit more hard to swallow! We were represented by a lecherous president and trampy girls with bad southern accents (who hail from Wisconsin). But I'll talk about that on Spoilers as well.... (Ildi) LOL! Tress, my hubby saw it too, so I guess it's all about what angle you view it from. I'm a shorty (5'4, so seeing the tops of heads is not an option usually) and my own hubby is 6'1 with NO hair (shaved head)....ODB looks like he has tons compared to him! And I couldn't see the top of ODB's head until he got on stage. From my angle (third balcony on the right looking down...) he looked great! It seemed as if he had more than I've seen in the past (you know how sometimes it appears flat in the back a bit? It was all nice and 'poofy'! So maybe that hairdresser does need a shrine!). Anyway, it was a bit overwhelming seeing the 3-D version and I thought I would see less hair than I did, so was pleasantly surprised when he seemed to dash those expectations! BTW Ildi...wish we could have met!!! It is all still so odd to me. ODB is so incredibly handsome in pictures, but when you see the live version....he's even better looking (if you can believe that!). His skin is amazing....(did someone say that they thought that the stars wore make-up to these fests? I saw no evidence, but he looked all nice and 'smooth'). And although you hear how thin and tall he is, it is something else to see it. I noticed to when he was talking to Scarlet at one point (when he was pointing at me....er....the loo), he stooped down to speak to her and listen. Found that sweet. Sorry....I'm still gushing....it all seems very surreal to me now, like a really pleasant, odd dream!!! (Linda) Tress, how would you compare the amount of screen time? I assume you were watching this one;-) I was watching this one!!! But sitting next to this woman I had never met before (not a Firth fan, just there taking notes....I didn't as why. She kept quizzing me about who was related to who and "what has he been in before?" and when I would tell her, she would jot it down....I was thinking it would be fun to fib, but decided to be nice! ;-D). I found myself holding my breath when ODB was on screen (oxygen deprivation is not the best way to view a film)! I would say approx 15 minutes? The scenes are short, but they pack a lot of info into them. Two story lines I didn't care for at all (and could have been lost all together to give the other stories more 'play time' IMO). Colin Firth flew into Toronto on Sunday night and went directly to the gala for Richard Curtis�s heart-warming romantic comedy Love Actually.....while that film was running, he skipped across town and down another red carpet � this time with the luminous Scarlett Johansson But...but....when where the photos taken of PW, SJ and ODB? They appeared before the galas (didn't they??? I had no internet access for several days)....if this timeline is true...no wonder ODB seemed out of sorts when he got to GWAPE. I'm cranky after a 10 minute car ride...LOL! He flew in from LA (Moon, where did you hear that? Was it for press conferences? Still a looooong flight, I know, cuz I did it from Portland) and immediately attended a gala!! Love Actually opens in November after a bit of tidying and trimming... According to the producer, the only tidying and trimming to be done is on the music. The cut we saw is a final one (though we saw a digital copy and not a 35mm print). Thank you Vera, Aishling, Mari, Maria for the articles!!!! I've been negligent in my thanks cuz I'm still trying to catch up! Sorry if I missed anyone!

Sorry to drag us back to Colin past from the pretty wonderful Colin present but just came across this interview from WAGW...and it's still pretty wonderful :-) http://www.cinemas-online.co.uk/interviews/colinfirth/page1.html

(Jeffrey Wells)One guy wrote me, 'Did you hear that crowd last Sunday night? They were delirious with laughter." ...But to mention this film in the same breath as NOTTING HILL and FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL would be totally libelous if the same people weren't involved. David Rooney)Response to the star-laden Curtis comedy indicates some possible resistance from highbrow critics... HOW DARE PEOLPLE LIKE SOMETHING NOT CUTTING EDGE!;) Like most, I haven't had the chance to see LA, but it's thoroughly predictable that a so-called "high-brow" would dis a crowd pleasing rom-com. Its gonna happen. As to where on the horizon David Wells' brow is, I don't know the guy. However, if he includes Notting Hill as what all rom-coms should aspire to - IMO he's completely has lost all credibility on the other front as well. Karen? You're bound to know of him... Don't tell me their gonna start a two-pronged backlash. I'm thinkin' that if those involved in this film rather than the press are describing it(whether it is or not) as "heartwarming," they may be just asking for trouble. I like "Four Weddings" as much as anybody, but "heart-warming" ain't gonna put this tushy in a theater seat. "Sophisticated comedy," yeah.

'er, Jeffrey Wells and his brow is... damn.

(Tress) And I couldn't see the top of ODB's head until he got on stage. From my angle (third balcony on the right looking down...) he looked great! Now, this clarification is rather necessary, as if you're close, you'll see scalp and plenty of it. (Tress) His skin is amazing....(did someone say that they thought that the stars wore make-up to these fests? I saw no evidence No, he wouldn't wear makeup. "Stars" are both men and women, you know. ;-D (Tress) I noticed to when he was talking to Scarlet at one point (when he was pointing at me....er....the loo), he stooped down to speak to her and listen. Found that sweet. It is; I know from personal experience in the Donmar lobby. "Should I lose a little height?" (Tress) But sitting next to this woman...She kept quizzing me about who was related to who and "what has he been in before?" and when I would tell her, she would jot it down... Was this during the movie? How incredibly rude!!! I would've smacked her for talking and disturbing me. (Tress) According to the producer, the only tidying and trimming to be done is on the music. The cut we saw is a final one (though we saw a digital copy and not a 35mm print). They will make changes to it up until the day it gets released if the studio wants them. Thanks for all the reports and articles, Murph (I thought the same with the red turtleneck pic too!), Mari and Aishling.

If you go to this section of the IMDB, there are pics from Toronto (all WireImage that we've seen): http://us.imdb.com/Special/Toronto/2003/Photos/ There are 2 of Colin in the Sept 7th portraits and 3 in the GWAPE premiere sections.

By the way, that man in the red turtleneck is gorgeous. WOW! , and I thought blue was his color.....

(Karen) Now, this clarification is rather necessary, as if you're close, you'll see scalp and plenty of it. Hmmm...I did get close, but just not 'top of his head' close. I'm too short to see that. When I was that close, I was looking up...so the only top angle I got was when he was on stage (but see pics I just sent you, from press tent....some nice back of head shots (yes...I kept all the pics, even the odd ones)...I thought his hair looked great)! A co-worker (non CF fan) even mentioned how nice his hair was in the pics I showed her.....with no coaching from me (I swear!!). (Karen) Was this during the movie? How incredibly rude!!! Yes! She was odd. Came late...cell phone in hand, notebook, pen....then proceeded to ask questions about what she had missed. Acted as if we were long lost buddies instead of total strangers.

(Karen) Karen) Now, this clarification is rather necessary, as if you're close, you'll see scalp and plenty of it. (Tress) I did get close, but just not 'top of his head' close. I'm too short to see that. Karen's right. Standing at "potted palm" level and closer than you were, one can see it. Matter of fact, I think it was brought up when we were discussing the TIOBE premiere. Someone made a comment about the hair and I said it was obvious when he turned to go in the door. (Tress) ODB is so incredibly handsome in pictures, but when you see the live version....he's even better looking (if you can believe that!). Is there a single person here who has seen him in person, including myself, that hasn't said that? "The pictures don't do him justice, etc. It is to be believed! ;-)

*lighting candles at shrine of his hairdressers from the last 1 1/2 years.* ;-)

(Tress) ODB is so incredibly handsome in pictures, but when you see the live version....he's even better looking (if you can believe that!). (Dorine) Is there a single person here who has seen him in person, including myself, that hasn't said that? "The pictures don't do him justice, etc. It is to be believed! ;-) This is absolutely true! And he looks younger, too! And definitely more slim. Tress, I couldn't get over the skin, too, and the hair, and the (insert any other part here)... If he was tired at the GWAPE premiere, it sure didn't show on his face. That's why I wondered why he wasn't talkative with fans and seemed almost distracted - nothing about his appearance said that fatigue was sinking in. Wish I was so blessed!

Though I don't get the impression that Colin is necessarily that vain, some stars will go to spas to get facials, peels, the tanning method du jour, etc. before big appearances. Maybe he had a facial for relaxation. ;-) They always make your face look and feel like a million bucks.

Tracy Chevalier: World of interiors 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' triggered a renewed interest in historical fiction. Jane Jakeman talked to Tracy Chevalier about sex, lies and tapestries http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/books/interviews/story.jsp?story=442715

Sorry if this has already been posted. http://www.hellomagazine.com/2003/09/12/colinfirth/ "You can't really tell a great romantic love story about a happily married couple," the father-of-three told a Canadian newspaper. "Domestic bliss is the stuff of sitcom. Great love has to have an element of the impossible. Whether Romeo and Juliet, or Tristan and Isolde, they're kept apart. Even in Jane Austen, they only finish with the coming together, you don't even get to a kiss in the books." "I'm interested in emotion, its complications," he says. "I'm not necessarily an optimist in terms of romantic love. I'm not the type of romantic who enjoys the weepy movie and then sighs sweetly about it. I'm more interested in the obstacles and the impossible than I am in resolution and happiness."

More from the TFF, from one of the film critcs there: The mood: Actor Colin Firth summed it up perfectly: "Most of what gets written about a film in a film festival is by an extremely strung-out journalist and an extremely strung-out actor, for five minutes, and about a movie the writer probably saw at the wrong time of day."

told a Canadian newspaper. And which one might this be????? :-( Actor Colin Firth summed it up perfectly: "Most of what gets written about a film in a film festival is by an extremely strung-out journalist and an extremely strung-out actor, for five minutes, and about a movie the writer probably saw at the wrong time of day." LOL! v.g. summation on his part.

There's the beginnings of a website for LA at http://www.loveactually.com Also, apparently the US release has been moved up a week, as follows: November 7th, 2003 (150-175 theaters) November 26th, 2003 (1,800 theaters)

Maria, I loved that article. Some of it wasn't new, but most of it I hadn't seen before. Thank you. (CF)So instead of an unlikely couple finding each other, it'll be about their difficult relationship which goes under and then they have to rediscover each other. concerning TEOR. YES! I hope they stick to the book most of the way...except for the long Thai jail stuff. Actor Colin Firth summed it up perfectly: "Most of what gets written about a film in a film festival is by an extremely strung-out journalist and an extremely strung-out actor, for five minutes, and about a movie the writer probably saw at the wrong time of day." Jeffrey Wells and his high brow, maybe? Thanks, Tress and Myou for more insights about your encounters. But, Please, Please, Please stop saying he's more handsome in person. I can't, in my wildest dreams, even imagine that;-) (that goes for you, too, Dorine) (CF)It was my first time on a serious bike, and if you put a man my age on one, you're asking for a lot of trouble, because mid-life crisis beckons. In fact, I had serious, serious thoughts about getting bikes, and by the time we finished I was seriously thinking about buying not just one but a whole garageful of them. But the various disasters I had on the bike taught me that as the father of a young child, it'd be pretty irresponsible of me. LOL, that's why I bought a saddle, stick to horses. OOHHH, I love a man in mid life crisis;-) (Karen)Was this during the movie? How incredibly rude!!! I would've smacked her for talking and disturbing me. I think Tress would have if this had happened during the GWAPE screening. *smack* (Please don"t disturb me while I count the hairs on CF's head):-) BTW, I know the interview was done in Toronto, but that blurb that Marianne posted from Hello Magazine...is entitled: Colin Firth Talks Romance in Toronto. I thought it a bit strange to post CF's views about romantic love and marriage with that picture;-) IMO, of course.

From Maria's article about WAGW, Colin says about skinny girls: "...it cannot be a good thing. It's not attractive, it's not healthy, and it's not sexy." Well, maybe, but have you seen how very slender (non-pregant) Livia is, especially for an Italian? Even pregnant, she was slender everywhere else but her tummy. She certainly doesn't fit the image of the ample, full-figured Italian woman. I'm sure Colin would say she's the most "attractive" and "sexy" woman he knows. p.s. where do I find out how to attach photos to messages?

Katty: where do I find out how to attach photos to messages? http://www.austen.com/tutorial/index.html#smiley Karen gave me this useful tip. "Use this template for posting images: Just cut and paste the real url in between the quotation marks. Not all sites allow it, but most do." I'm still in the process of learning, and practice on some of the little used boards

Gah! I give up, going back to lurkdom.

(Tress) She was odd. Came late...cell phone in hand, notebook, pen....then proceeded to ask questions about what she had missed. Acted as if we were long lost buddies instead of total strangers. No, she's probably a journalist/film critic (if she didn't know the actors, then just a journalist) covering the fest. They're incredibly rude and think the screenings are just for them or like private local ones where they do talk amongst themselves. I would've said: Do I *know* you? or Do you think I work for you? Please be quiet, I paid to see this movie and you're disturbing me. Go watch movies in your living room if you're going to talk. [I hate talkers at movies!!] I've updated a few pages: Many of Tress's wonderful pics have been added to the fan premiere gallery: http://www.firth.com/gwape_premgal1.html And a few screen caps of Colin being interviewed on Canadian TV, done by Ann, are on the main GWAPE page: http://www.firth.com/gwape.html I'm going to have to ask her what he said. It was from Etalk.

(Katty), but have you seen how very slender (non-pregant) Livia is, especially for an Italian? You have Fellini in mind. Italian women are very thin. And to clear one more thing up, Spaghetti and meatballs is an American invention, it does not exist in Italy. (Karen)Was this during the movie? How incredibly rude!!! I would've smacked her for talking and disturbing me. Tress, you should have asked her if she was reviewing it. (Tress), He flew in from LA (Moon, where did you hear that? One of the interviews. He probably met with his agent and publicist, saw Will. Keep the articles coming ladies, thank you!