(Karen) No, she's probably a journalist/film critic (if she didn't know the actors, then just a journalist) covering the fest. I thought so....another lady sitting behind me was definitely either critic/journalist. I made a remark about being so close to the screen (rush line causality) and she said "you get used to it" and sat with her notebook, pen and cell phone...taking notes the entire time. The girl next to me seemed a bit clueless. She had the same 'props' but didn't have any idea what the film was about or who was in it. I thought they gave critics press kits too? We used to when we did screenings. That would have answered a lot of her questions. (Moon) Tress, you should have asked her if she was reviewing it. LOL...I should have...but then I would be sick if she said 'yes'....clueless thing has my dream job...**sigh**

Lovely pictures, Tress! You were so close! Well done, Ann! Thank you! And Karen!

(Moon) Lovely pictures, Tress! You were so close! Thanks..I think!! I am living in a parallel universe...I don't see them!

(Tress) I thought they gave critics press kits too?... That would have answered a lot of her questions. They don't have time to even read them, they're seeing so many films, and running from place to place. That's why the real reviews are not published during this time. Not enough time to sort through and the films aren't opening in their respective areas for quite awhile if at all. Try again with the pics; Katty - use Topic 61 for tech questions about here.

LOVE ACTUALLY: With its Christmas theme, big lovable cast and a heart the size of Greater London, this sloppy wet kiss of a movie is bound to be the holiday season's great date flick. Reveling in silliness and sentiment, writer-director Richard Curtis' ensemble romance is a wonderful salve for cynical times. His terrific cast of Londoners longing for love includes Hugh Grant (news), Emma Thompson (news), Colin Firth (news), Liam Neeson (news) and Laura Linney (news). By DAVID GERMAIN, AP Movie Writer

(Moon) Spaghetti and meatballs is an American invention, it does not exist in Italy. Then my friend and I met 2 very "nice" Italian men in Florence,who must have thought they were being quite accomodating in preparing just this very meal for us. Maybe they thought we'd feel at home? ;-) Nice gallery, Karen. Thanks for all the contributions.

(ODB): Women shout at me on the street, and while I have no objection to it and it's not bizarre in a bad way, it is very peculiar. Hmmmm...can't think of who he could mean by that...would never do such a thing myself...;-D (ODB) 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. ODB seems like any other boy...LOL...I live with one like this... (ODB) This is the first film I've done where I could get on a motorbike and like every teenage boy, I had a fantasy of playing in a rock 'n' roll band, so it didn't take much to bring all that back. I spent ten years of my youth like that. I love the image of ODB as a 'youth' playing air guitar and wanting to be a rock star (after hearing him sing in TIOBE, I think acting was the better choice)! ;-) Thanks for that Maria! Was a great interview!

You're going to get a kick out of this one. Very man/woman on the street, aimed at the mass entertainment market. Oh yeah, not a HIGH BROW critic by any stretch of the imagination. Sent to me by Joann: Reviewed by Rachel A few years ago I read a New Yorker article decrying the rampant misuse of the word "actually." Now, of course, I can�t remember what the grammatical logic was, but the memory of that essay makes me hyperaware of the word to this day. This is especially bothersome when watching British television or film, because the British are HUGE fans of "actually." They use it all the time! They butter their bread with it. They salt their salad with it. It knows no rest or peace. But try not to think about that when you go see Love Actually, and ohhhhh yeeesssss, you will go see Love Actually. As will everyone in Christendom, I predict. And now I should state for the record that this film is not yet released. The general public won�t have the pleasure until late November 2003. So keep your pants on. Love Actually opens with Hugh Grant providing a contemplative voice over, pondering the power of love and concluding that it is, actually, all around. We then delve into ten charming love stories played out by a dozen sort-of-related characters�all culminating on Christmas Eve. The love stories portrayed are not confined to the standard boy-meets-girl fairy tale. They cover platonic, married, unrequited, childhood, and sibling varieties as well. In the end, Hugh will convince even your own cold, dead heart that love is all around. Grant plays a young and newly elected Prime Minister who falls head over teakettle for his tea lady, who may have a mild case of Tourette's Syndrome. Emma Thompson is Grant�s sister, who consoles recent widower Liam Neeson while dealing with a husband (Alan Rickman) who�s flirting with disaster. Watch out for Neeson�s tiny stepson (played by Hugh Grant�s real-life cousin, Thomas Sangster). Your eyes will bug out like Volkswagens when he first opens his mouth to speak. But this is merely a whiff of the whole picture. The characters are too numerous to name and explain and there are many comic gems to discover. Unlike the troubled Le Divorce, Love Actually uses all the actors to their full potential. It is, actually, funny. You�ll laugh, you�ll cry, you�ll swear it was better than CATS. Love Actually is a succinct, well-executed success. It was kind of amazing to watch so many stories be told so fluidly and so well�with none left dangling. Equal time is given to each plot thread in soap-opera fashion. Though here, each vignette is either touching or hilarious, often both. I could not spot any boring or unnecessary scenes. The connection between the characters is there, but is not the main point. Don�t look for karma-like significance in their relationships. They are just people who are tightly or loosely related through friendships, jobs, and family. Although sometimes a little over the romantic top, this film does its job and does it well. I�m giving Love Actually a full pie if only because it was top-rate entertainment. The writing, the humor, and the excellent use of surprise cameos make it a real crowd pleaser. Not the most significant work of art or anything... not going to change the face of filmmaking, etc.... but a good reason to go to the movies and that�s what it�s all about. P.S. My husband was dragged to this film sulking and groaning. He ended up liking it a lot and he wants you all to know that there were some naked boobs. P.P.S. I love Colin Firth. I love Colin Firth. Love the Firth. Gotta have the Firth. http://www.moviepie.com/filmfests/love_actually.htm P.S. We may need to invite Rachel here. ;-D

(Tress) I am living in a parallel universe...I don't see them! Neither do I. I followed the link, and didn't see Tress's pics there. Should I get a new pair of glasses? :-)

(Rachel) he wants you all to know that there were some naked boobs. LOL! A carrot to get those Y chromosomes to consent to see this film :) (Rachel) P.P.S. I love Colin Firth. I love Colin Firth. Love the Firth. Gotta have the Firth. (Karen) P.S. We may need to invite Rachel here. ;-D I think she needs an outlet for her drooling, lol.

(Rachel's review) I could not spot any boring or unnecessary scenes. Hmmmm....not even condom boy who treks to Wisconsin to have sex with multiple partners (a little lesson about how really amazing super model types can be found in seedy Madison Wisconsin bars and will hook up with you, even if you are a dork, as long as you have a British accent)? Found this one lacking...and one other thread...the rest, as she says, are very enjoyable and I think it will be a holiday hit. P.P.S. I love Colin Firth. I love Colin Firth. Love the Firth. Gotta have the Firth. Okay...all is forgiven...she is one of us! ;-D

indieWire: "Pearls" of Wisdom "I only had 10 days between the wrap of 'Lost in Translation' and shooting 'Girl with a Pearl Earring.' There wasn't much time to prepare," she explained. "I had jetlag, I had bad skin. I felt very unprepared when I got there [to Luxembourg for the "Girl" shoot.] After a week of rehearsals, Johansson said, she found her groove. The switch from American glamour girl to 17th-century Dutch housemaid meant a few adjustments. She wore very little makeup in the second film, which features lots of close-ups of her unadorned face wearing a servant's white cap. "My skin looked good, thank God, because that cap was pretty unforgiving," Johansson said with a laugh. Actor Colin Firth, who plays Vermeer, said that all the 17th-century sets and bottled-up emotions in the film were evident during the shoot. "It was surprisingly intense, it was an emotional pressure cooker in a way," he told indieWIRE. "We were all in a closed area under the spell of this thing." Firth said his understanding of Vermeer's work was helped by taking a trip with director Peter Webber and producer Andy Paterson to see the actual painting "Girl with a Pearl Earring" at The Hague. "Something hits you when you see the real thing on the wall," Firth said.

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." I found this quote in today's Globe and mail. It is from Gayle MacDonald who interviewed Colin for yesterday's article. The critics were asked 3 questions : Favourite film, Favourite moment and The mood.

(Tress) I am living in a parallel universe...I don't see them! (Ildi) Neither do I. I followed the link, and didn't see Tress's pics there. Should I get a new pair of glasses? :-) Is retribution for being amongst the select few to see CF in the flesh. ;-D Hit Refresh/Reload maybe. They're there. I swear it. Here is the picture, accompanying Baz's column today, in Daily Mail, scanned by Aishling:

I've been remiss in thanking our friends here for their wonderful reports from the TFF. Vera, Myou, Ildi, Tress, and Heather, I've loved every word you've shared with us! Thanks too for sharing your terrific pics, and Ann yours as well. Excellent job, ladies!

(I see that HS is still playing at nearly 30 theaters in Miami and outlying areas.)

"You have Fellini in mind. Italian women are very thin." I stand corrected. When I was in Italy long ago, I gained about 5 pounds in just 1 week from the great food, plus I have the lush images of Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida, Laura Antonelli and of course Fellini, but that view must be a very narrow one.

(Katty) but that view must be a very narrow one. Pun intended? No, that view is from when women in film had figures and were not meant to be little boy substitutes. ;-)

Unlike the troubled Le Divorce, Love Actually uses all the actors to their full potential. Not a huge acheivement. Wouldn't take much using Le Divorce as a benchmark. It is, actually, funny. You�ll laugh, you�ll cry, you�ll swear it was better than CATS. ROTF! I fell asleep in the middle of CATS......Was visiting with my high school theater class, very exhausting days. ;-) Go, Rachel! She's cute. Firth said his understanding of Vermeer's work was helped by taking a trip with director Peter Webber and producer Andy Paterson to see the actual painting "Girl with a Pearl Earring" at The Hague. "Something hits you when you see the real thing on the wall," Firth said. That's funny that SJ said she had the opposite reaction, basically "ok, yeah, there it is, whatever". If I understood her comments correctly.

Just wanted to add my thanks to all of you for your links, interviews, trailers and comments. It's been a real treat to read :-)

Just wanted to thank Vera, Myou, Ildi, Tress, and Heather, for all your wonderful reports from Toronto FF! Thanks for every detail. It sounds like incredible fun. And your pictures were wondeful, too, and Ann thanks for yours as well. Ildi, don't worry about not being able to meet up with other Firth fans. That happened to me and Dorine in NYC during the TIOBE premiere. The whole experience is such a whirlwind and usually a last minute decision to go as it is. If I get to NYC for LA, I hope we get another chance, Dorine! (Karen)(I see that HS is still playing at nearly 30 theaters in Miami and outlying areas.) Moon and I saw HS today, and even though it was better on the big screen (an seeing it with a fellow drooleur), it's still the same Hope-less drag. I don't even want to go over to the spoiler topic and "spoil" all the beautiful, breathtaking comments from Caribou, Tress, Heather, Ildi, Myou, and Vera about GWAPE with useless comments about HS :-\!

(Karen)I'm going to have to ask her what he said. It was from Etalk. Oh please, do. Whatever he said, it must have been devilish because he has that gleam in his eye and she's lovin it. (Rachel) P.P.S. I love Colin Firth. I love Colin Firth. Love the Firth. Gotta have the Firth. We belong together, Rachel. You, Drool, cute little review;-)Welcome, Rachel! (Rachel's review) I could not spot any boring or unnecessary scenes.. Of course not, she was too busy writing, P.P.S. I love Colin Firth. I love Colin Firth. Love the Firth. Gotta have the Firth. Thanks, Karen, Joan, Mari, Tress and everyone

Sorry, to be back so soon. I have refreshed, rebooted, re-everything and I still can't see Tress's lovely pictures;-(

In the etalk photos, that's Tanya Kim talking to Colin. She said "You look very handsome tonight." He said, "So do you." Or "You do too." I don't know if he spoke before thinking or if he meant to be funny.

(Lindak) I have refreshed, rebooted, re-everything and I still can't see Tress's lovely pictures;-( I could finally see them! I just kept going on the page, and after about the 6th attempt they were miracously there. Tress, they are incredible! Thank you so much!

(Tress) 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???) GAH!! He spoke to me??!! How did I miss that?! Must have been my Firth-induced stupor. Either that, or I spoke over him and didn't hear it, because I'm pretty sure I was saying, "Oh! Oh! I need a pen!" (or similar words to that effect). Thanks for remembering that, Tress! :-) (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! ;-) Couldn't agree more! I didn't think it was possible for him to be that much better looking in person (as he's already so good looking on-screen and in pictures), but he is indeed! Also agree that he looks younger, too. (BTW, the hair looked good to me...no complaints here!) (Karen) Hey, I'm more amazed when some DOES know who he is. Funny story: When I picked up the reprints of my photos (must have spare emergency set!) the guy at the Wal-Mart photo center (and older man) wanted to know "Who's the guy in the pictures?" When I told him it was CF, he said, "Oh, yeah...the Bridget Jones guy. I thought he looked familiar!" Great report, Tress! And, as I said before, your pictures are fantastic! Thanks for sharing!!

Just for the next 24 hrs, I've uploaded the same page with a new name that might fool your computer's cache: http://www.firth.com/gwape_tryagain.html See if that's any better.

Thanks for the lovely pictures! They are all amazing--they compare quite nicely to the professional ones we've seen. Great coverage, ladies! Does anyone remember anything else Peter Webber said in Toronto. What did he say when he came out to talk to CF's fans? In the intro, did he ask if people had read the book? Did he address the issue of a book adaptation or the fact that it's a film about art? Did he take a photo of the audience? Has anyone recovered enough to remember such non-CF things?;-)

(Katty) but that view must be a very narrow one. (Karen) Pun intended? No, that view is from when women in film had figures and were not meant to be little boy substitutes. ;-) Great comments ladies. Winkie aside, they do look like little boy subs. Not enough to them to withstand a good boning ;-) Sophia, Bridget B, Marilyn, they were and are the real deal. What a wonderful and exciting week. Thank you so much everyone for all the amazing reports and wonderful pics. The articles, the comments, the birthday. Just a great great time. Thank you all. Can't wait to hear that the cameras are rolling on EOR.

I've just seen this week's edition of Talking Movies on BBC News 24. It was a special on the TIFF and provided quite a lot of glimpses of Colin. He was shown posing for photos and signing autographs at the GWAPE showing and in a couple of clips from both GWAPE and LA. The programme also included a short bit about SJ which ended with Colin giving her some very funny career advice (not to her face). If anyone in the UK missed it, it's repeated on News 24 at 10.30 tonight and 3.30 tomorrow morning.

(Karen)(I see that HS is still playing at nearly 30 theaters in Miami and outlying areas.) (Lora), Moon and I saw HS today, and even though it was better on the big screen (an seeing it with a fellow drooleur), it's still the same Hope-less drag. I don't even want to go over to the spoiler topic and "spoil" all the beautiful, breathtaking comments from Caribou, Tress, Heather, Ildi, Myou, and Vera about GWAPE with useless comments about HS :-\! My thoughts exactly! Must add that there were only 3 other women there. I saw the LA poster last night. It is up at my local cineplex already. Can't miss that red bow. :-)

..dragging over my wet blanket ;-D This has been bugging me for several days: (globeandmail) 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." There was another mention in a previous interview that was similar, but now reading it again makes it seem so very defensive on Colin's part about the director(s) he's chosen to work with. Getting a bit criticism lately about his choices? It definitely precedes the UK reviews of WAGW, but maybe not HS. It also begs the question of why isn't Colin dying to work with directors like Steven Soderbergh, Stephen Daldry, Robt Altman, Ron Howard, Sam Mendes, PT Anderson, etc. You know, directors whose films get nominated for Oscars? Or younger directors whose talent is just being noticed? I'm sure Marc Evans is a good guy, competent, etc., but maybe that's enough for a "jobbing" actor? :-(

Karen, Maybe Marc and Lydia are planning to work together again so he is pushing his own interests? Or maybe he is just putting in a plug for a friend because he could within the context of the question?

Both movies get good writeups.. Festival offers glimpses of greatness - http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/entertainment/movies/6756597.htm

Barbara, thanks for the info re BBCNews24. Off to set my VCR! And I would again like to thank all you wonderful ladies who've had such amazing experiences at Telluride and Toronto. Your great reports have made my week. Let's hope we in the UK can return the favour come November/January.

If you get BBC America, in the USA you can see the Talking Movies show Barbara talked about above: http://www.bbcamerica.com/genre/movies_specials/talking_movies/tm_weekly.jsp

Just checked BBC America site for Talking Movies. TFF will be reviewed this week as well. This week on Talking Movies� Week of September 13th - 18th This week on Talking Movies�Highlights from the 28th Annual Toronto International Film Festival � Tom Brook and Laura Metzger bring you all the glitz, glamour, big name stars, directors and stunning new cinema. NICOLAS CAGE (MATCHSTICK MEN), KATE BECKINSALE (UNDERWORLD), DENZEL WASHINGTON (OUT OF TIME), NICOLE KIDMAN and Sir ANTHONY HOPKINS (THE HUMAN STAIN) were just some of the celebrities out this year at the nightly red carpet galas to promote their latest movies. Tom Brook takes a look at the festival�s high profile films and speaks in depth with HOPKINS and WASHINGTON about their roles. British talent was out in force and the new romantic comedy LOVE ACTUALLY from writer/director RICHARD CURTIS starring LIAM NEESON, COLIN FIRTH, HUGH GRANT, EMMA THOMPSON generated some buzz after it screened as a work-in-progress. Laura Metzger spotlights two other British films that made an impact at this year�s festival: STEPHEN FRY�s directorial debut BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS and Oscar winning documentary filmmaker KEVIN MACDONALD�s new docu-drama TOUCHING THE VOID. Directors JANE CAMPION (THE PIANO) and ROBERT ALTMAN (GOSFORD PARK) tell Tom Brook about their latest endeavors. Campion�s erotic mystery IN THE CUT starring MEG RYAN and Altman�s look at the world of ballet in THE COMPANY were two of the 60 world premieres at this year�s festival. And Laura Metzger takes a closer look at this year�s festival �It-Girl� actress SCARLETT JOHANSSON. With starring roles in two of the festival�s more talked about films: writer/director SOFIA COPPOLA�s LOST IN TRANSLATION and GIRL WITH THE PEARL EARRING, a cinema adaptation of the popular novel starring COLIN FIRTH, Johansson has become one to watch. Schedule for this week: Talking Movies airs Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 am, 7:30 am, and 8:30 am and 6:30 pm/et, and on Saturdays at 6:30 am/et. Finally, Tress's pictures decided to show up on my computer;-) Wow! to be so close. *sigh* Thanks, again everyone. I've enjoyed this week v.v. much!

"It also begs the question of why isn't Colin dying to work with directors like Steven Soderbergh, Stephen Daldry, Robt Altman, Ron Howard, Sam Mendes, PT Anderson, etc. You know, directors whose films get nominated for Oscars? Or younger directors whose talent is just being noticed? I'm sure Marc Evans is a good guy, competent, etc., but maybe that's enough for a "jobbing" actor?" I'm sure Colin would love to work with directors like that, but he's just not getting those offers. I remember reading that after Pride and Prejudice he did get called for an interview with Steven Spielberg which reportedly was for that Sam Neill role in Jurassic Park. I don't know how accurate this was, but in any case, he didn't get it or any other high profile role in American movies. (That turned out not to be much or a role anyway.) I don't know what good it'd do for Colin to broadcast how he'd like to work with those guys. Doesn't EVERY actor want to? I wish he'd have more of the clout that Jeremy Irons, Daniel Day-Lewis, Anthony Hopkins, and Ralph Fiennes - all multiple Oscar winners or nominees - have or have had. I would compare him more to those guys than to Hugh Grant. They got their higher profile through one or two breakthrough roles, and Colin just needs to get that one to get on the radar screen.

(Katty) I don't know what good it'd do for Colin to broadcast how he'd like to work with those guys. Doesn't EVERY actor want to? Maybe everyone does, but his name is not going to be at the forefront of these director's minds and I would think it can't hurt for him to get the word out in an interview that some or all of those people may read and get them thinking about him. While it seems Scarlett has been getting virtually all of the attention for GWAPE, I would think quite a few industry people will see the movie and him in this and hopefully give them food for thought. Depends on the type of project they're working on, too. They may not be doing things that appeals to him or that would suit his talents. But they can do lunch. ;-) In typing this, it occurred to me I might like to see him in a Coen brothers movie. Offbeat stories by talented people.

(Dorine) it occurred to me I might like to see him in a Coen brothers movie. Would love to see him in a Coen brothers movie....those 'offbeat' stories are some of my favs....Jim Jarmisch, Coen bros, Spike Jonze....

Here's a short review of GWAPE from: http://www.filmcritic.com/misc/emporium.nsf/0/02114e7f3068e01b88256d9b0066f56b?OpenDocumenthttp://www.filmcritic.com/m Girl with a Pearl Earring (Lions Gate Films) Based on Tracy Chevalier�s best-selling novel, Girl with a Pearl Earring is a captivating chronicle of how 17th century Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer came to paint one of his masterworks. At once artful and authentic, the film � directed by Peter Webber � has the resplendent look of a moving Vermeer painting. Veteran British actor Colin Firth gives a strong performance as Vermeer, and rising star Scarlett Johansson has the proper innocent mien as the quiet but strong young woman who serves as the artist�s muse. (3 1/2 stars out of 4)

Lovely GWAPE page, boss. Thanks Tress and others for "on the scene" pics. Colin looks ab-so -lutely gorgeous, as usual...but also....bored.

(Evelyn) Colin looks ab-so -lutely gorgeous, as usual...but also....bored. Yes. He looked fantastic.....and he did seem a bit tired of it all. But he was lively enough in other places (with Scarlet, PW and Dennie Gordon he was very talkative and seemed relaxed)! I do want to say, he was nothing but kind to his fans. They really did try to push him toward the press tent, but he stopped and began to sign. One of my pics (by the press tent) he has a complete look of boredom on his face...he's standing in front of the professional autograph people right there....not a nice lot. They were very pushy....I think he knew because they were a bigger group of men, standing away from us bit.....

(Katty) I don't know what good it'd do for Colin to broadcast how he'd like to work with those guys. Doesn't EVERY actor want to? (Dorine) Maybe everyone does, but his name is not going to be at the forefront of these director's minds and I would think it can't hurt for him to get the word out in an interview that some or all of those people may read and get them thinking about him. Exactly, many actors go after roles they've heard about. They don't sit back and hope that someone knocks on their door. They actively pursue what they'd like to play. (Dorine) I might like to see him in a Coen brothers movie. Offbeat stories by talented people. Those were the types I meant to include in my previous comment. But Colin's remarks are so defensive. If asked what's your next project, why would anyone talk about a no-name director and make it sound like you've discovered the cure for [insert disease of choice]? Any other actor would talk about the story and the great script by a really talented newcomer and the challenge it represents - not that some old friend of his, whose directorial skills are probably competent, is the director. Doesn't make sense. *shaking head*

(Tress)But he was lively enough in other places... Dennie Gordon he was very talkative and seemed relaxed)! Which reminds me. Did she have another reason to be at TIFF? Did she have a film there? If not, it seems another Firthette made the trek. Would love to know. (Karen)Exactly, many actors go after roles they've heard about. They actively pursue what they'd like to play. Maybe it's better if he doesn't. Look what happened with HS. (Karen)They don't sit back and hope that someone knocks on their door. I am constantly amazed with how many lead roles and how much success he has had with this approach. (Karen)But Colin's remarks are so defensive. If asked what's your next project, why would anyone talk about a no-name director and make it sound like you've discovered the cure for [insert disease of choice]? Perhaps disquise of every sort is his abhorrence.;-) Seems to be an honest answer from him. Must be the first time he was asked. Now, we can keep looking for that question and answer and see if it changes after he reads your helpful hints.;-)

(Caribou) I am constantly amazed with how many lead roles and how much success he has had with this approach. Which lead roles? His most successful roles (in critically acclaimed films) were as supporting cast. (Caribou) Seems to be an honest answer from him. If I were a lawyer, I'd have my hand over his mouth and screaming just answer the question asked. Don't say anymore. He's providing way too much, all of which is fodder IMO. ;-)

(Dorine) his name is not going to be at the forefront of these director's minds and I would think it can't hurt for him to get the word out in an interview that some or all of those people may read (Karen)Exactly, many actors go after roles they've heard about. They don't sit back and hope that someone knocks on their door. They actively pursue what they'd like to play. I agree completely. After BJD (huge commercial and critical success) and Conspiracy (critical plaudits, Emmy nomination), the next 3 films were TIOBE WAGW and HS. He didn't capitalize on the momentum! He said in an interview "well, yes, I suppose I could have gone to LA and done the town after that." Yes, you should have! You would undoubtedly have come up with three better offers than those. Since he was eviscerated by the hometown critics for those, (especially the latter 2), hopefully he will do things differently now that he has some momentum back again with LA and GWAPE. If you have to work anyway, why not try to work with the people who are doing the good stuff??? A comment form the interview Maria just posted got me thinking that he's intimidated: I wish we'd had more scenes together because she was so much fun to be around. I'm always a little cautious when I have to work with a Hollywood actor because from where I stand, Hollywood always seems like Mt. Olympus, Why should it??? They put their pants on one leg at a time, Colin, just like you do.

From Felicity, in today's Telegraph magazine, there's an interview with David Morrissey: "another disappointment has come with the film Girl With a Pearl Earring. "I'm not in that now. They've re-edited and cut me out...every scene I was in with Colin Firth, all audience test-cards were like 'which guy are you supposed to fancy?' David Morrissey said this matter-of-factly and without bitterness...he's planning to direct The Wild from a book by Esther Freud (his wife)." And there's a pic of DM and CF from 3DOR.

(Tress)But he was lively enough in other places... Dennie Gordon he was very talkative and seemed relaxed)! (Caribou), Which reminds me. Did she have another reason to be at TIFF? Did she have a film there? If not, it seems another Firthette made the trek. Would love to know. Dennie is in Toronto filming with the Olsen twins and Jack Osbourne. They've re-edited and cut me out...every scene I was in with Colin Firth I hope they're added to the DVD. (Karen)Exactly, many actors go after roles they've heard about. They actively pursue what they'd like to play. (Caribou),Maybe it's better if he doesn't. Look what happened with HS. I agree with Caribou. He really can not pick them. If only the good directors came calling. I would love to see him in a Coen Bros. too. (Mari), I agree completely. After BJD (huge commercial and critical success) and Conspiracy (critical plaudits, Emmy nomination), the next 3 films were TIOBE WAGW and HS. He didn't capitalize on the momentum! He said in an interview "well, yes, I suppose I could have gone to LA and done the town after that." Yes, you should have! You would undoubtedly have come up with three better offers than those. I too was expecting Colin to capitalize on the momentum.

(Mari)I agree completely. After BJD (huge commercial and critical success) and Conspiracy (critical plaudits, Emmy nomination), the next 3 films were TIOBE WAGW and HS. He didn't capitalize on the momentum... We, of course, are doing a bit of Sunday morning quarterbacking in regards to these film choices. TIOBE, WAGW and HS were probably done deals before BJD hit it big. Okay, I admit to be Apologist Supreme when it comes to CF and his seemingly nonsensical choice of projects - so here goes again: No, doubt TIOBE was thought to be another Ideal Husband. (WAGW and HS take a little more work...) But as it has been pointed out before, logistics, time-line and stuff that sounds way better on paper than end up on film are all part of the mix. At least he's on a roll now. Let's pray he keeps it up!

(Louise) TIOBE, WAGW and HS were probably done deals before BJD hit it big. Uh, hate to burst your bubble, but not so. :-( (Louise) No, doubt TIOBE was thought to be another Ideal Husband. And that was a plus? ;-D An Ideal Husband was not a critical rave, nor did it make a bundle. IMO, Oliver Parker is another no-talent director, with nary a good review to his name. :-(

(Louise) TIOBE, WAGW and HS were probably done deals before BJD hit it big. (Karen)Uh, hate to burst your bubble, but not so. :-( (no you don't-triple winkies) Who am I to argue your timetables, but as notoriously sluggish as turn-around times are - its as good excuse as any other - that's my story and I'm stickin' to it... (Louise) No, doubt TIOBE was thought to be another Ideal Husband. (Karen)And that was a plus? ;-D An Ideal Husband was not a critical rave, nor did it make a bundle. I think so. "Rave," maybe not, but it got generally good reviews and for the genre, it didn't seem to do badly. (I liked it:D) I still say (told ya I'm his formost apologist) we don't know what else CF was getting offered.

This isn't about *what* Colin was offered, which no one here would know. This is about the statement he just made, which strikes me as (1) terribly defensive, (2) unnecessary (given the line of questioning) and (3) raises some question in my mind as to why he isn't "dying" to work with acknowledged talented directors. That's all. Caribou has said the statement sounded "honest" to her, but that doesn't go to my observation, unless it is a roundabout way of saying she disagrees, which is fine by me. ;-)

(Karen)This isn't about *what* Colin was offered, which no one here would know. This is about the statement he just made, which strikes me as (1) terribly defensive, (2) unnecessary (given the line of questioning) and (3) raises some question in my mind as to why he isn't "dying" to work with acknowledged talented directors. That's all. Not only do we not know *what* he was offered, IMO (I may have less faith in "journalists" than others), we are also laboring under the disadvantage of deciphering quotes that may or may not be in context, complete, tongue in cheek or even factual:( Now that it has been suggested, I can't quite rid myself of just what we could look forward to if CF did team up with a couple of my favorites. O' brothers Coen, where art thou when we need you?

I may be in the minority here with my thoughts on this, but the way I feel is that no matter what Colin says to the press, these days he seems to be doing movies that keep him close to his home and his family. I really wonder if he cares at all who the director is, as long as he doesn't have to travel far. I think that his days of spending months shooting a movie at a faraway location are over, and praising "nameless" directors he has the "great fortune to work with" is nothing more than trying to justify his choice to the press. I might be absolutely wrong about this, this is nothing but a gut feeling, but if this is the case I'm not surprised. He has a family now, his priorities changed, and he is just trying to pay the bills. And trying to keep himself out of too much limelight maybe.

I think Ildiko has a point. As Colin himself said in the Globe and mail interview: "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."

Well, then he can't complain if those choices bomb. (Ildiko)I think that his days of spending months shooting a movie at a faraway location are over,... He better be off to So Africa in Feb. for TDW.

In regards to the statements made in the Globe and Mail I think Colin merely said 1)he has admired Marc Evans for a long time, 2) he enjoyed working with him (he did so twice in Master of the Moor and Trauma), and 3)he would like to work with him again. It shows nothing more than his high opinion of the man - NOT to the exclusion of other directors - and points to his confidence in the final product. Obviously, he must have been discussing his latest work, and he steered the conversation to his admiration of this director, which I think is admirable, especially for an actor in a profession known for its self-centeredness. Of course, Colin could be more "out there" and in your face and aggressive (isn't that the role of agents?), but being self-effacing, and doing the very best he can with whatever roles come his way seems to be his way of doing things. Obviously, we would like to see more of him in big high-profile successes so we can enjoy more of him, and sure, he has made quite a few mistakes in judgment (eg Hope Springs), but somehow, his lack of hunger for Hollywood-style fame makes him all the more special and is another example of his basic integrity.

his lack of hunger for Hollywood-style fame makes him all the more special and is another example of his basic integrity. Why?

(Katty) his lack of hunger for Hollywood-style fame makes him all the more special and is another example of his basic integrity. But hungering for good, high profile projects from Hollywood and Hollywood-style fame are 2 different things IMO. I'll use Tom Hanks as an example. He appears to (now) be a good family man (granted, looks can be deceiving), who for the most part, stays out of the limelight, except for PR work. While he came from career-humble beginnings and has had a few missteps along the way, he is consistently now in high profile Hollywood projects, but does not display Hollywood-style fame of say J Lo, Ben Affleck, George Clooney, etc. I'm sure it's a lot easier to get into projects like that if you live out there, but not a neccessity. But at the same time, ODB needs to "work the system" from wherever he is based. If that's not his ambition to "work the system," and he's happy with the work he's getting, then fine. Who am I to argue with that? Whatever floats your boat. If he wants these bigger projects (and bigger isn't frequently better in La La Land) and he laments not getting higher profile projects/directors, then there's obviously some issues he needs to deal with. My .02.

(Louise) (I may have less faith in "journalists" than others), we are also laboring under the disadvantage of deciphering quotes that may or may not be in context, complete, tongue in cheek or even factual:( LOL! After I got off the computer, I considered coming back to give you the other well-known rationales for the Apologists' School, but I see you've come up with them yourself. ;-D (Ildi) and praising "nameless" directors he has the "great fortune to work with" is nothing more than trying to justify his choice to the press. Is this not what I said from the "jobbing" actor? Funnily enough, I just watched a repeat of Saturday night's Topic A on CNBC, where Tina Brown was interviewing George Clooney, primarily because of the new program on HBO that he's exec producing. She asked him what directors would he like to work with since he's worked with such good ones, like the Coen Bros. He answered (without obfuscation): Alexander Payne, who never misses, and Guy Ritchie, and that he has met and talked with them. Then he said it is all about getting the best material and working with the best people.

(Me) he is consistently now in high profile Hollywood projects, but does not display Hollywood-style fame of say J Lo, Ben Affleck, George Clooney, etc. Sorry, forgot to finish my thought.... I consider Hollywood-style fame to be a negative, less related to the actual projects sometimes...constantly being hounded by press, sometimes displaying diva behavior, etc. Also, I wouldn't have considered TIOBE a bad choice if I were him. It's a witty Oscar Wilde play (one of my favorites in lit). Shoulda been a slam dunk. HS was another matter. That had mistake written all over it to me, but then again I was biased against it and Mark Herman didn't help it.

"his lack of hunger for Hollywood-style fame makes him all the more special and is another example of his basic integrity." Why? By integrity, I mean that he puts his personal happiness ahead of Hollywood-style success. To illustrate what I mean I'll use a personal example. My husband is an art professor here in Hawaii, and he loves his work, but he'll never be a world-renowned artist living in the middle of the Pacific. But he has never considered moving to New York to make it big because he is happy doing his own thing, doesn't care about fame, he loves living here, and maybe he just doesn't have that burning hunger either. I think Colin is similar. He would pretty much have to be near Hollywood to attain the Tom Hanks level of success, and he would really have to want it, too. But he doesn't need to be the Next Big Thing, he loves his England-based life, he loves his family and his friends, he loves his work, and even his occasional failures are worthwhile experiences. I don't get the impression that he's defensive or apologetic or unhappy with the path he's chosen. Quite the opposite. In one of his interviews during TIOBE he said that there isn't one dream role that he wants, that he likes not knowing what's around the corner, and each role is a challenge that he relishes. Of course there are roles like in About a Boy and End of the Affair that he would have liked to have had the opportunity to try. But overall he seems content with the direction of his career, and grateful to be a "jobbing" actor with a life that suits him outside of acting. p.s. It's true that Tom Hanks seems to have it all - happy family, long-term Hollywood success and respect, but being an American makes a big difference in their comparative situations.

(Katty).. he loves his England-based life, he loves his family and his friends, he loves his work That's pretty much the impression, I get from his interviews. But - who knows. As long as we don't hear his "version" directly from the horses mouth, it can be hard to tell. Rex-features has 3 new pictures. http://www.rexfeatures.co.uk/cgi-bin/r2show0?k=colin+firth&f=Newest

Thanks, Annette! Of course, Colin could be more "out there" and in your face and aggressive (isn't that the role of agents?), This brings up another topic, his agent! He does a very poor job. (G Clooney) Then he said it is all about getting the best material and working with the best people. Getting your agent to set up meetings.

(Louise) (I may have less faith in "journalists" than others), we are also laboring under the disadvantage of deciphering quotes that may or may not be in context, complete, tongue in cheek or even factual:( (Karen)LOL! After I got off the computer, I considered coming back to give you the other well-known rationales for the Apologists' School, but I see you've come up with them yourself. ;-D I can't imagine a seasoned media watcher as yourself not allowing this as more "bitter truth" than "rationale";), SHA(Supreme High Apologist) BTW all, as not only an apologist but giant mental deficient, just what does LOL mean. I thought it was "lots of luck," but I'm thinkin' ...nah.

LOL is Laughing out loud, which is very good to know :-) Then there are lot's of varietes, such as ROTFLMAO: Rolling on the floor, laughing my a** off. Just use your imagination, you'll soon get the hang of it :-)

(Katty)But overall he seems content with the direction of his career, and grateful to be a "jobbing" actor. Here's my take: I can't even imagine how humiliating it was for him to read the HS and WAGW reviews. If you think that's satisfying to him, then we'll have to agree to disagree. but being an American makes a big difference in their comparative situations Don't tell that to Michael Caine, or Russell Crowe, or Daniel Day Lewis, or Nicole Kidman, or Jude Law, or Ewan McGregor, or Hugh Jackman, or Sean Connery, or Kate Winslet, or Hugh Grant, etc., etc. . . .

(Evelyn) Well, then he can't complain if those choices bomb. Only scratching the surface. (katty) I don't get the impression that he's defensive or apologetic or unhappy with the path he's chosen. Quite the opposite. If this is acceptable to you and others, then no one should complain when: (1) Colin's films aren't released, sit on the shelf for decades, or go straight to video, if at all. (2) people like Huge get "Lifetime Achievement awards. (3) people like Huge get all the mentions in articles or reviews about upcoming films or "steal" all the publicity, make all the appearances, etc. (4) you have to travel by plane to see one of Colin's films because the "limited release" would never reach your small town (5) critics use the phrase "worst film of the year" in a review of one of Colin's films ...I think you get the idea.

(Mari)I can't even imagine how humiliating it was for him to read the HS and WAGW reviews. Esp since it's his 38th and 39th film! He wouldn't have gotten GWAPE if Rafe hadn't bowed out to do theatre ...The Talking Cure . Anyway, I've been hearing this apologist chant now for almost seven years. *yawn*

I was checking out some stuff I missed recently on O&E and ran across this tidbit in an MSNBC.com article Maria posted the link to. In light of our recent conversation, thought it was very apropos. Actors are taught early on to praise their director in interviews, but Scarlett Johansson, star of Sofia Coppola�s quietly enchanted comedy �Lost in Translation,� must�ve skipped that lesson. ASKED WHAT SHE THOUGHT of Coppola�s first film, �The Virgin Suicides,� the 18-year-old Johansson pauses. �Um.� Another pause. �Well, it�s hard to do an adaptation of a book, especially that one. I wasn�t crazy about �Virgin Suicides.� I think �Lost in Translation� is a much more mature film for Sofia.� Finally, an actress who saves her acting for the movies. (Mari) Don't tell that to Michael Caine, or Russell Crowe, etc..... Exactly, this was my next post.

(Louise)just what does LOL mean. I thought it was "lots of luck," LOL! I thought "land o' lakes" and that someone must be from Minnesota when I first started reading here!:-) or when --we desparately need each other because he isn't mentioned in our newspapers --absence makes the heart grow fonder But, honestly, sometimes I do wish I could care about someone like Tom Hanks or George Clooney. Sometimes Paul Ashworth and I are just plain ready to switch teams!---just not right now with this great movie coming out!;-)

Sometimes Paul Ashworth and I are just plain ready to switch teams! Did I say anything about 'switching teams'? Add this to the list: his name is regularly omitted from cast lists. I expect to read this one day in an interview with another actor or director: "It also meant working Firth, whom he/she describes as 'one of the great unsung actors, 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." ;-)

(me)Sometimes Paul Ashworth and I are just plain ready to switch teams! (Karen)Did I say anything about 'switching teams'? No, that's just me when I'm ready to support someone who wins. Other times I feel like I'm in on the best kept secret of Britian's number one export--actors. However, the last three people to whom I mentioned GWAPE, said, #1(librarian): Oh, Colin Firth, he's the only one of these I recognize. #2(librarian): Oh, I was just watching P&P for the 800th time yesterday. #3(Girl Scout Leader): Oh, Colin Firth. I like him. (Must admit I'm suspicious about this one, she might be thinking the other CF:-( Must investigate further.)

Great comments ladies and IMO the answer to they whys of what he chooses we'll never be privy too. Certainly so talented and qualified to work with the best directors, but they're not going to come to him. He has to make the effort. And apparently its just not something he's willing to do. IMO a terrible shame. Obvious personal life takes prominence and I respect his choice, but he must know this is going to limit exposure. He seems content, atleast says so, and as Dorine says, its his boat to float.

Karen: Add this to the list: his name is regularly omitted from cast lists For years my husband has called him the forgotten man. SIL and TEP were examples of his not getting the mention he should have gotten. IMO, in 1995, he should have built on the success and popularity of Pride and Prejudice, hired a GOOD agent and publicity person, and sought out major films that would spotlight his charisma and charm. He was hot in the market for good reason. (Though we should remember that P&P was a cable production, and not seen by that many people in the USA) English Patient, The (1996) (Supporting) "Nostromo" (1996) (mini) Fever Pitch (1997) Thousand Acres, A (1997) Secret Laughter of Women, The (1999) Shakespeare in Love (1998) (Supporting) My Life So Far (1999) He did make TEP right after P&P, but that was a supporting role. The choice of Nostromo, a TV mini series on cable, was not the brightest (IMO -though he did meet Livia!)) and, while I liked Fever Pitch, it has remained a small British film. A Thousand Acres may have been the one he thought would make him in the USA, but we all know what a disaster that film was. And on and on... I have no idea why he makes/made the choices he did. We can hope that GWAPE will turn things around, but once again, I am afraid he will be seen as supporting Johansson. With BJD he became much more widely known (but the spotlight was on Zellweger and Grant). The tide may turn in Edge of Reason, though I am not familiar with the work of the director, Beeban Kidron. Some other non-USA actors were mentioned in this discussion. I have a pretty good knowledge of Russell Crowe's career path. He made a few bad films in the USA before and after LA Confidential, but that film opened a lot of doors for him and he was able to make careful choices about what he would do next. (And with directors he respected) I don't think The Insider or Gladiator would have come along if he hadn't made LAC for Curtis Hanson. He also has said quite often that he wants to be involved in every film he makes. That can be a pain in the neck for some directors, but in the long run, it makes the movie better. I don't think Colin takes that kind of active role, but I may be way off base. One actor not mentioned, whose career path has mirrored Colin's in a way, is Clive Owen. King Arthur may turn out to be a Bruckheimer over-blown horror, but it will get the publicity Owen needs to take his next step up. His next director is Mike Nichols - for Closer. We will have to wait and see if he goes from "Who's that?" to "Ah, I saw him in..." There is nothing wrong in going the Hollywood route if you have ambition. I'm not sure if CF ever had that burning in the loins for a block-buster career. He seems satisfied with his -- if we, his fans, aren't.

(Karen) It also begs the question of why isn't Colin dying to work with directors like Steven Soderbergh, Stephen Daldry, Robt Altman, Ron Howard, Sam Mendes, PT Anderson, etc. You know, directors whose films get nominated for Oscars? Or younger directors whose talent is just being noticed? I'm sure Marc Evans is a good guy, competent, etc., but maybe that's enough for a "jobbing" actor? :-( (Mari) Don't tell that to Michael Caine, or Russell Crowe, or Daniel Day Lewis, or Nicole Kidman, or Jude Law, or Ewan McGregor, or Hugh Jackman, or Sean Connery, or Kate Winslet, or Hugh Grant, etc., etc. . . . HG: hitched his waggon to RC and Working Title. Still waiting for Spielberg, Soderbergh, Mendes, Howard, Altman et al to cast him in Oscar winning role. Btw, don't you think he would like some of the roles ODB has been fortunate to have and/or been offered? KW: Not all her movies are winners but her performances never disappoint. Hmmm, just like YKW. SC: why is he in this category? I thought we were talking about talented actors ;-) Anyway, hitched his waggon to Hitchcock, De Palma, Spielberg, Lumet. Earned an (undeserved) Oscar after 30 years in the business (hang in there Colin). Btw, turned down the role of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings series because he didn't want to film down in New Zealand for 18 months. HJ: relocated family to pursue career in Hollywood and on Broadway (more power to him), shamelessly plugged his work at the Tonys (tacky). EM: tired of the indie only scene so willing to go Hollywood, relocates family to film locations. JL: mirrorring EM's career, not as lucky on personal front. NK: hitched her waggon to a top gun and went Hollywood, has Oscar to keep her warm at night (cold comfort). DDL: I just hope DDL is as happy with his life as ODB seems to be with his. RC: see Murph. MC: I see a lot of similarities between his career and ODB's. And MC won his first Oscar 30 years into his career (hang in there Colin, your turn will come) (Evelyn) He wouldn't have gotten GWAPE if Rafe hadn't bowed out to do theatre... And getting a choice role because the first choice bowed out is the nature of the business (and not just show business either). (Evelyn) Anyway, I've been hearing this apologist chant now for almost seven years. *yawn* Is that how long the other chant has been going on? ;-) (FanPam)as Dorine says, its his boat to float. Indeed.

Mary: There is nothing wrong in going the Hollywood route if you have ambition. I'm not sure if CF ever had that burning in the loins for a block-buster career. He seems satisfied with his -- if we, his fans, aren't. I agree. As much as we'd like to see him have the roles and exposure, folks generally do what they want to do, and live the life they want to live. For reasons known only to him, he's chosen how he's chosen. He's a pretty smart guy, and his self-effacing posture notwithstanding, he has to know that he's got those key ingredients of talent and looks to "make it" really big in a Hollywood way if he wanted to, in the past and now. But let the evidence tell the story...he left for the woods after his first big "no show" film. Could he have had more persistence for the career? He admits not using "advisors", he just asks his wife. Ok. He must be in LA sufficient time while visiting his son to "meet and greet". And, as others here have pointed out, he admits to having a "great life". He's a self-described "jobber" and someone who says he sees himself as a character actor. So, maybe we should applaud him for the balance that he's struck, enjoy what's out there, and allow him some credit for his prioritie .

(Karen)..dragging over my wet blanket ;-D After the (mostly) good reviews for GWAPE & LA, it's a cold wet blanket indeed. Is this the return of Miss Cranky Pants? ;) But seriously, I just took his remarks to mean that here was a director he wanted to work with, and it was a great experience. Has he ever been asked what directors he'd like to work with? *I* don't recall any, but my memory's pretty faulty these days, lol. (Caribou)However, the last three people to whom I mentioned GWAPE, said, #1(librarian): Oh, Colin Firth, he's the only one of these I recognize. #2(librarian): Oh, I was just watching P&P for the 800th time yesterday. #3(Girl Scout Leader): Oh, Colin Firth. I like him. I wandered into a romance novels discussion board about a month ago, and one thing they were discussing was CF, lol. You just never know where his name will pop up... BTW, a couple of CF's movies will be on TV in the next couple of days: TIOBE will be on STARZ, Wednesday the 17th at 6 am & 1:20 pm EST L'ium will be on HBO3, Thursday the 18th at 12:50 am EST

(Evelyn) Anyway, I've been hearing this apologist chant now for almost seven years. *yawn* (Sonia)Is that how long the other chant has been going on? ;-) ROTF, I can write the script on both sides. Trust me it's repetition...only with different names;-) Thanks Murph. You bring a "historical perspective".

(MeredithA) Is this the return of Miss Cranky Pants? ;) No, you're just interpreting my observation that way. Fine, fine, but I want to see lots of cheering and pleased comments when Colin is ignored in the upcoming publicity for GWAPE and LA because he's happy and getting exactly what he wants. ;-)

Okay, I almost never post, and probably will get a reaction to this just hostile enough to keep me from ever posting again, but... Is it possible that we care more about whether he gets an Oscar than he does? Which is not to say that he DOESN'T want one, but maybe he just doesn't want one as much as we want him to have one? (Please forgive the "we". I don't mean to speak for others.) And why do we want that so much? (Yes, I'd kind of like to see it too...) And am I the only one to think that if he becomes as main stream/famous as HG, he won't have time or energy to sign autographs and flash dimples? Right now his fans are still a kick for him, but if there are too many, perhaps he'll get sick of us? Or less amused when he spots us behind potted palms and lurking near men's rooms? Maybe he's at just the right level of famous right now? He's not unknown, but in the right neighborhood can still walk down the street unnoticed. (Or at least unrecognized. Can't imagine anyone not noticing him.) He gets a good amount of work. Making more money than most of us. And seems happy. As long as he keeps doing things like GWAPE, and (I'm hoping) Trauma, and other arty types of films so we can keep going to marvel at his skill and stunning good looks, does it really matter? Just a few thoughts worth the price of the paper they're printed on. There. Burning the soap box and stepping quietly back into the shadows... Be gentle.

(Sonia)don't you think he would like some of the roles ODB has been fortunate to have and/or been offered? Nope. I can't think of a single one. Huge knows what he's best at, and he sticks to it (with occasional variations). Though he may annoy me on his talk show appearances (very the answers, already!;-), I think he's a brilliant comic actor. And he has worked with directors such as Ang Lee and Woody Allen. No chopped liver there. And MC won his first Oscar 30 years into his career (hang in there Colin, your turn will come) Yeah but MC has been doing high profile work on and off since CF was in nappies. BTW, Jude Law is starring in the Alfie remake. (Murph)He also has said quite often that he wants to be involved in every film he makes. That can be a pain in the neck for some directors, but in the long run, it makes the movie better. Murph, there's a show on I believe the Times channel which is running behind the scenes shows on Hollywood filmmaking--from conception through scripting, testing, marketing, etc. The script doctor on Gladiator talks at length about how much input RC had into that, and how the original script had a lot of holes--he credits RC for digging in his heels and refusing to go ahead with a mediocre script. (Andrea)He's a self-described "jobber" and someone who says he sees himself as a character actor. Nothing wrong with character actors--William H. Macy, Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper, Ed Harris--I love those guys, they're all brilliant, and they all work on stellar projects with the best in the business. That's the difference.

Sonia - great assessment of the list of British/Australian actors. Now why is it that these people have reached the level of fame that Colin never has? Is it because they put themselves more "out there" in Hollywood? Is it because they had that one breakout role that made them more commercially bankable? Is it a better agent? Better taste in choosing roles? Better roles to choose from? Is it timing, luck, talent, ambition, or what? Maybe casting directors just don't consider Colin as more than a handsome but reserved Englishman, great at playing repression, but not as good a comedian as Hugh, or a disappear-into-his-character dramatist like DDL, and certainly not a box office draw. Whether Colin should broadcast his wish to work with the A-list directors, whether he should be more aggressive in seeking roles, I just don't know. Obviously, Colin has made quite a few bad career choices - the scathing reviews of Hope Springs must have hurt - but he seems mature enough to take the bad with the good (he's had enough practice). Even though the end product apparently stank, he seemed to have enjoyed the experience of the HS shoot immensely. I would love to see Colin in higher-profile productions with great critical and commercial success. I would love to see him and Livia walking down the red carpet at the Oscars. But what most appeals to me about Colin is not his success as an actor, but his success as a human being - his personal life, his intelligence, his writing, his social conscience, his integrity, his charisma, his niceness. As he says, ""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." Who are we to say he's wrong in his choices?

I don't think, I've seen this before: Productionnotes for GWAPE, scroll down until GWAPE and hit prod.notes http://www.lionsgateinfo.com/InfoSite/epk/toronto_film_festival_2003/index.html

Sonia - great assessment of the list of British/Australian actors. Now why is it that these people have reached the level of fame that Colin never has? Is it because they put themselves more "out there" in Hollywood? Is it because they had that one breakout role that made them more commercially bankable? Is it a better agent? Better taste in choosing roles? Better roles to choose from? Is it timing, luck, talent, ambition, or what? Maybe casting directors just don't consider Colin as more than a handsome but reserved Englishman, great at playing repression, but not as good a comedian as Hugh, or a disappear-into-his-character dramatist like DDL, and certainly not a box office draw. Whether Colin should broadcast his wish to work with the A-list directors, whether he should be more aggressive in seeking roles, I just don't know. Obviously, Colin has made quite a few bad career choices - the scathing reviews of Hope Springs must have hurt - but he seems mature enough to take the bad with the good (he's had enough practice). Even though the end product apparently stank, he seemed to have enjoyed the experience of the HS shoot immensely. I would love to see Colin in higher-profile productions with great critical and commercial success. I would love to see him and Livia walking down the red carpet at the Oscars. But what most appeals to me about Colin is not his success as an actor, but his success as a human being - his personal life, his intelligence, his writing, his social conscience, his integrity, his charisma, his niceness. As he says, ""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." Who are we to say he's wrong in his choices?

Annette!!! Thank you! Very nice!

(Karen) Fine, fine, but I want to see lots of cheering and pleased comments when Colin is ignored in the upcoming publicity for GWAPE and LA because he's happy and getting exactly what he wants. ;-) I'm not getting my hopes up on him doing much publicity in America. Won't he be shooting TEOR at that time, or is my timetable screwed up? (Meg)He gets a good amount of work. Making more money than most of us. And seems happy. As long as he keeps doing things like GWAPE, and (I'm hoping) Trauma, and other arty types of films so we can keep going to marvel at his skill and stunning good looks, does it really matter? It's a little frustrating that he doesn't get the plum roles and the recognition that *I* think he deserves, but then I have absolutely zilch to do with his career choices, lol. *shrugs* I really can't control where this ship is going, so I'm just going to enjoy the ride...

(Sonia), Btw, don't you think he would like some of the roles ODB has been fortunate to have and/or been offered? (Mari), And he has worked with directors such as Ang Lee and Woody Allen. I was going to say that! JL: mirrorring EM's career, JL has surpassed EM. (Karen) Fine, fine, but I want to see lots of cheering and pleased comments when Colin is ignored in the upcoming publicity for GWAPE and LA because he's happy and getting exactly what he wants. ;-) LOL! Don't rub it in. ;-)

(Meredith)*shrugs* I really can't control where this ship is going, so I'm just going to enjoy the ride... *snort*I'm with you kid. If *he* doesn't care about his career choices as long as he gets paid...why should I? Let the other British actors who work harder get the plum starring roles. They deserve it. Great find Annette.

(Annette) Productionnotes for GWAPE, scroll down until GWAPE and hit prod.notes (Evelyn) Great find Annette. They've been up at firth.com since 9/9/03. :-( Why do I even bother??

(Mari) Nope. I can't think of a single one. Huge knows what he's best at, and he sticks to it Wow! And he wouldn't want to try something new? Well, whatever works for him. Even Cary Grant (whom the critics like to compare him to) chose to change the pace every now and then. (Mari), And he has worked with directors such as Ang Lee and Woody Allen. (Moon) I was going to say that! Oh that's right. And he won the Oscar right? Or was he just nominated? My memory is failing me, I can't remember if it was for his role in Small Town Crooks or Sense and Sensibility. Or was it for his turn in the Harry Potter movies, surely Chris Columbus didn't forget him? ;-) (Me)JL: mirrorring EM's career, (Moon)JL has surpassed EM. Please explain. I didn't mean that JL was trying to be the next EM. I think both actors have and will continue to do very well. I know Oscar is the industry standard for achieving movie-making greatness. Personally, it isn't mine (and I'm sure someone in Hollywood cares ;-)) I gave up on Oscar as a kid when for some unkown reason the performances I considered best didn't win or weren't even nominated. It didn't stop actors from having wonderful careers. And it didn't stop Academy Award Winners from disappearing from the screens. (Mari) Nothing wrong with character actors--William H. Macy, Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper, Ed Harris--I love those guys, they're all brilliant, and they all work on stellar projects with the best in the business. That's the difference. I agree. Out of curiosity why didn't you mention the Brits like Jim Broadbent or Tom Wilkinson? And if that's what Colin is looking for surely by now he knows some people who can point him in the right direction or tell him how they did it. (Karen) Why do I even bother?? Why? Because we love you, m-o-u-s-e ;-)

(Karen)They've been up at firth.com since 9/9/03. :-( Why do I even bother?? I'm sorry for not checking firth.com before posting. I have to admit, I have gotten used to materials being posted or announced at Drool and since I hadn't seen them here or heard references (except perhaps from you) I didn't realise they were available. Please do not let my misstep get to you. It was only meant for the best.

(Karen)They've been up at firth.com since 9/9/03. (Annette) I didn't realise they were available Oops, I didn't know they were there either. :-} Thanks for bringing it to my attention, though.....both of you.

I don't like to see emotions run this high and people thinking that contrary opinions are hostile or personal attacks. Nor do I think picking apart other people's examples is all that productive. Obviously not everyone here agrees. Each of us likes Colin for our own reasons, and that's a good thing. I like Colin as an actor and believe he has talent. His personal life and happiness are irrelevant to me. It's nice that he's happy, content, yadda yadda, but have no bearing on why I waste so much time maintaining a website, hosting this forum, etc. So let's dial back the rancor and get those nerve endings way back under our skins. It's really not worth it. Naturally, I reserve the right to needle anyone who carps about a print or broadcast oversight of Colin and has stated such things are OK by them because it's OK by Colin. ;-) BTW, who is volunteering to handle the emails I get that gripe about Colin not getting the recognition he deserves or why don't more people know about him? Hands??? ;-)

(Katty)but being self-effacing, and doing the very best he can with whatever roles come his way seems to be his way of doing things, To me, that's the material point. He does do his best, he is a wonderfully talented actor, but imagine the possibilities if he would get out there, and for once, not wait for someone or some role to come to him. (I should say twice...he did go after HS);-( He doesn't have to "do" Hollywood, either. With the opportunities available, now, for solid, well-made independent films-the possibilities are endless. I'm sure there are plenty of roles that would appeal to him if he would just stay off the beat and path and get his AFG face and talent out there. (Murph)I'm not sure if CF ever had that burning in the loins for a block-buster career I can't imagine an actor with his level of talent not wanting that, even if they say they don't want it, or it isn't important. But I think he is satisfied, at least at this juncture, with what he has achieved. However, I think he has said it so often it's like a self-fulfilling prophecy. I have a problem with the "satisfied" part. If that's the case, then, sadly, at some point the career dead ends (IMO). You can lead a horse to water... I've enjoyed this discussion sorry to have come late, and just had to add MHO.

(Sonia), on Oscar as a kid when for some unkown reason the performances I considered best didn't win or weren't even nominated. I watch to see what the actresses wear. If you go back to any year in the '70s and see the nominated films, any one of them is better than the ones they make and nominate now. Small Town Crooks was a hoot! HG was great in it. This may surprise some but I liked him in "About a Boy" I am not convinced that Colin would have done any better. why didn't you mention the Brits like Jim Broadbent or Tom Wilkinson? And if that's what Colin is looking for surely by now he knows some people who can point him in the right direction or tell him how they did it. If Colin is looking to be like JB or TW. I'm on the next train. I think he wants more. He just wants these great parts to fall on his lap, these great directors to come calling. And who woulldn't? But that's not reality. You've got to get out there and win them.

(Karen)They've been up at firth.com since 9/9/03. Why do I even bother?? (Annette) I didn't realise they were available I read the notes on Firth.com and still I didn't realize the Production Notes were the same thing.. The Production Notes are in an entirely format and contained much more material about the movie. Though parts of the Production Notes sounded familiar, I thought that was because they were contained in many of the articles I'd read about the movie. I therefore did not realize they were the original source until Karen pointed it out. We all greatly appreciate Karen's hard work. I can't even begin to guess how many hours she puts into the site every day. Just because we miss some connections here and there and we may not always have the same viewpoint (for myself, Firth's character is as much an attraction as his professional stature), I'm sure we all can agree that she is the MVP of Firth fans.