Would really help to have a PR person behind him, too, not just having an agent going to bat for him (or not). He/she would help to get his name out there into magazines, mentioned on Access Hollywood,ET and E!, the cover of People's Sexiest Men cover! ;-D Hell, *Katie Couric* was the one who even got him in at all that one year. You think some of these people are on that cover because they are really sexier than Colin, or most people? Ok, a few of them are more than most. But still, they have people (not necessarily agents) wheeling and dealing to get these people covers and the like.

(Sonia)I know Oscar is the industry standard for achieving movie-making greatness. Personally, it isn't mine Nor mine, and in this entire discussion, I never mentioned wanting awards for him as a priority. Although, as CF says, it's nice to be appreciated.;-) 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 Because I like Harris, Macy, Bridges, and Cooper best--is that ok? I actually do like Broadbent and Wilkinson, Tom especially. Loved him in In The Bedroom. Do you know how many films Tom Wilkinson has made since GWAPE? 7. Broadbent has 9 credits listed for the last 2 years. These guys are among the hardest working in the business. So to answer your question, no, I do not think that's what Colin is looking for.;-) BTW, Tom is up for an Emmy this Sunday for the HBO film Normal in which he was superb. Few can play Midwestern middle-American decency better than Tom Wilkinson. Definitely a "broad range.;-) He's running against Macy in the TV-film Door to Door in which he also was superb. Decisions, decisions . . .

(GWAPE production notes) His emergence, from a lake in the BBC's �Pride and Prejudice� was recently voted the second greatest television moment of the twentieth century behind the Apollo 11 moon landing. Voted by whom? That is just sad. I'd be embarrassed to have that in the notes--wonder if he approved them? Would be an eye-opening hoot if he did! Step aside, Neal and Buzz . . . :-( (Meg)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? I think it depends on the person. Tom Cruise does those one-hour walkabouts before Leicester Square premieres. Nic Cage dove right into the Venice Film Fest crowd and signed and shook hands and took photos, etc. Seems like Denzel did the same at Toronto. I think a lot of big stars value their fans and do take the time to show them that they are appreciated.

Onward and upward! People magazine singled out LA as one of 5 "buzz" films coming out of the Toronto FF: Love Actually Get ready for fun. Writer-director Richard Curtis (Notting Hill) delivers a witty, heartwarming ensemble comedy about romance. The large cast includes Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant in a hilarious turn as England's prime minister.

(GWAPE production notes) His emergence, from a lake in the BBC's �Pride and Prejudice� was recently voted the second greatest television moment of the twentieth century behind the Apollo 11 moon landing. (mari) Voted by whom? That is just sad. I'd be embarrassed to have that in the notes--wonder if he approved them? Would be an eye-opening hoot if he did! Step aside, Neal and Buzz . . . :-( Just out of curiosity, why would you be embarrassed? Which other "tv moments" would you think should be "up there" in the top 10? I'm just curious, because I can't really think of many "monumental tv moments" to put on the list... could be because I don't watch all that much tv, but I'm kinda hard pressed to come up with a "top ten tv moments". Anyway, he didn't rate higher than the moon landing... he rated just after it. On another note, I'm fervently hoping to hear back from Hola Lola that ODB is heading Down Under for a PR tour!! That would make my year... :-D Still unable to find any further info about that anywhere... *sigh* And lastly, thanks to all the wonderful correspondents from the two film festivals, and of course, thanks so much to you, Karen, without whom some of us would be totally "Colinless" in the Antipodes... ;-) No release date for GWAPE here, as far as I can see. LA is opening Dec 26th here, I believe...

Jane says: Just out of curiosity, why would you be embarrassed? Which other "tv moments" would you think should be "up there" in the top 10? I'm just curious, because I can't really think of many "monumental tv moments" to put on the list... could be because I don't watch all that much tv, but I'm kinda hard pressed to come up with a "top ten tv moments". Anyway, he didn't rate higher than the moon landing... he rated just after it. I think, but I am not speaking for her - would never do that - that Mari meant having a scene where no talent is required would not be one of the top moments he would want to have listed. Walking along in a wet shirt was delicious to see, but hardly great acting. There were other TV moments he can be proud of - his cowardly moments in Conspiracy, seeing his mother in MOTM, the first proposal scene in P&P. Anyone else think of any others?

(Murphy)There were other TV moments he can be proud of - his cowardly moments in Conspiracy, seeing his mother in MOTM, the first proposal scene in P&P. Anyone else think of any others? Just about any scene with him in Conspiracy (but especially the soliloquy about the need for logical rationale behind Nazi attrocities), much of Tumbledown (especially the rehabilitation scenes), and several scenes in DQ (meeting with the Windmill Buses official, his discussion of love with Sandy,...). Not to say that I don't adore the lake scene!

This sounds like Scarlett's tandem remark to Colin's "It was surprisingly intense, it was an emotional pressure cooker in a way....We were all in a closed area under the spell of this thing." "When I read Girl With a Pearl Earring, it was a beautiful, beautiful script, and then we started making it, and I realized that my character was so desperately in love with this [Dutch painter Johannes] Vermeer character, which comes across, but it wasn't as apparent as when we were shooting it. Things like that happen all the time. That's what makes great movies, I guess, or great moments, anyway." http://199.249.170.185/backstage/features/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1979661

Barbara 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. Just finished watching a recorded version of Talking Movies on BBCAmerica by way of Dish Satellite. In the central time zone, it plays daily at 5:30am, 6:30am, 7:30am and 5:30PM . Today's show was on the TFF as Barbara mentioned above. So, some of you may be able to catch it later today. It was pretty satisfying to see and hear Colin, and, in light of our recent discussion, have someone paying attention to him! Check it out!!

(GWAPE production notes) His emergence, from a lake in the BBC's �Pride and Prejudice� was recently voted the second greatest television moment of the twentieth century behind the Apollo 11 moon landing. Those who responded to this purported survey were clearly thinking of it as not the best moment on TV but the most "memorable" (and possibly were a bunch of randy females). Hate to disparage the average Josephine (I'm not saying I'm much better), but most people couldn't even think of ten newsworthy events on TV:( Kinda like when people are asked to come up with their most admired woman/man and whatever movie star has the lastest big movie tops the list. 'Sides, it was a cute quip for the notes. However unlikely, it would be funny if CF actually did approve of putting this tidbit in the notes :D

(Jane)Which other "tv moments" would you think should be "up there" in the top 10? Nothing so easy. "Who Shot J.R.?" of course! ;-) ;-) But seriously folks, I wasn't thinking in terms of entertainment or pop culture at all. I was thinking more about things that were inspirational or that meant a lot to the global community. Begin and Sadat signing the Camp David Accords, the Berlin Wall falling after massive public demonstrations, the 2000 millennium celebrations, etc. We can put them on Odds & Ends if anyone is interested. Also caught the Talking Movies bits this morning. Thanks, Babara for the heads up on that. Colin looked fantastic. Enjoyed Scarlett's comment that "Colin isn't intimidating . . . he's just a charmer." Very cheeky, she is, and I think CF enjoys working with people like that.

(Murph) There were other TV moments he can be proud of... Any scene in Tumbledown (my absolute, favorite). But not to go up with Moon Landing. *scratch head*. Wonder who they polled for that one? More Onward and Upward... I too just caught Talking Movies on BBC America with Tom Brooks which featured the Toronto FF. Several shots [blink and he's gone]of Colin making an entrance & signing. Two sentences by Colin "on the carpet" extolling SJ acting talent. Interviewer to SJ: "Were you intimidated working with a veteran actor like Colin Firth" SJ :"Colin intimidating?...no, he's a charmer" She's got lots of poise. Has to drop some of the "you-knows" though. Perhaps some of the fans on the sidelines are our gals. Looked like a v. festive atmosphere.

Very nice that the indieWire staff is including GWAPE in its '10 to Watch' from Toronto: (they're listed in alpha order) As we conclude our coverage of the 2003 Toronto International Film Festival we offer a list of ten new films worth seeing from this year's lineup. The list is a collection of films that were our favorites and those that were the hottest buzz titles at the festival. "Girl with a Pearl Earring" -- Peter Webber offers a traditional but very well done biopic about the 17th century Dutch artist Vermeer. Scarlett Johansson's performance as Vermeer's inspiring housemaid is quiet but powerful, and the film's art direction and cinematography are simply stunning, like a painting brought to life. Lions Gate will release the movie later this year. http://www.indiewire.com/movies/movies_030916ten.html

I'm sure this is meaningless tripe, but from a press release today: The Hollywood Film Festival's Board of Advisors is proud to announce that along with honoring producer Sydney Pollack and Sony topper Amy Pascal, this year's festival will honor Oscar�-winning director RON HOWARD with its "Hollywood Outstanding Achievement in Directing Award," Academy Award-winning actor ANTHONY HOPKINS with its "Hollywood Outstanding Achievement in Acting Award - Male Performer," and Oscar�-winning actress GOLDIE HAWN with the "Hollywood Outstanding Achievement in Acting Award - Female Performer" at the Hollywood Film Awards Gala Ceremony. The festival will also present its "Hollywood Breakthrough Award - Male Performer" to ORLANDO BLOOM and its "Hollywood Breakthrough Award - Female Performer" to SCARLETT JOHANSSON. SCARLETT JOHANSSON attained worldwide recognition for her performance as Grace MacLean, the teen traumatized by a riding accident in Robert Redford's "The Horse Whisperer." She will soon be seen starring opposite Bill Murray in "Lost in Translation," Sofia Coppola's follow-up to "The Virgin Suicides," and starring opposite Colin Firth and Tom Wilkinson in Peter Webber's "Girl with a Pearl Earring." In January she will star opposite Erika Christensen in Brian Robbins's "The Perfect Score." Ms. Johansson recently wrapped production opposite John Travolta in "A Love Song for Bobby Long," and is set to star in "A Good Woman," opposite Helen Hunt. She recently starred in Eva Gardos's "An American Rhapsody" and Terry Zwigoff's "Ghost World," opposite Thora Birch and Steve Buscemi. Her other film credits include "The Man Who Wasn't There," "Eight Legged Freaks," "Manny & Lo," "Home Alone 3," "If Lucy Fell," "Just Cause," and "North."

(Murphy)There were other TV moments he can be proud of - his cowardly moments in Conspiracy, seeing his mother in MOTM, the first proposal scene in P&P. Anyone else think of any others?. I thought he was excellent in Hostages, as well. However, I'm not sure if that was a made-for-TV? I should know, but I don't;-) Your choices, Murph are among some of my favorites. (I also like the cave scene in N, but for other reasons than his talents as an actor;-) Some great moments in LE, too.

I know, I know, and sorry to double post. This is bordering on #102;-)

I highly doubt that Colin had any approval of the GWAPE production notes since one of the movies listed under his credits is the one he'd most like to have destroyed (for good reason) - Playmaker.

v.g. observation, Katty. The only thing I know the actors have some approval on are the publicity pics.

I agree with Mari's picks for top tv moments - all of those would rate higher than the "lake scene" imho. Thanks, mari. And just to prove that the actors have no say in the pr blurbs or production notes, I just have to pipe up and say that "If Lucy Fell" is quite possibly the worst film I have ever, ever seen, (and that's including L'dumb). Even now, seven years after seeing this film, I am still angry at the studio/producers and want that hour and 20 minutes of my life back (walked out before the end), not to mention the admission price. I truly, truly loathed this movie. I'm sure SJ wouldn't include it in the pr blurb if she had her choice.

Booking info for GWAPE at the London Film Fest: http://www.lff.org.uk/films_details.php?FilmID=99

(LFF info)Colin Firth is the suitably brooding artistic genius I haven't quite figured out whether this is a positive critique or not...

Screen captures by Ann from the Talking Movies program; more to come http://www.firth.com/gwape_premgal3.html Also, two more premiere pics added to the first gallery: http://www.firth.com/gwape_premgal1.html

Ohhh! Thanks Karen! Love the new premiere pics...the one with his mouth open (laughing) with Scarlet is great and so is the close up of them together! And thank you Ann (and Karen) for the Talking Movies captures! Love the pic of him smiling (last one)! Very nice! The lady wearing the gray suit behind him (blonde hair) was in the car with him and stayed with him through all the interviews....his publicist maybe?

Thanks for the info re the screenings of GWAPE at the LFF. I was ecstatic when I read it was showing on the 31st, but deflated when I read further and saw it was showing at 1.00pm, and I can't make it to London before early evening! Woe is me!!

Thanks for the new pics, Karen! (Tress) The lady wearing the gray suit behind him (blonde hair) was in the car with him and stayed with him through all the interviews....his publicist maybe? I'm curious to know who she was, too. I was also assuming publicist. In one of my pictures (it's posted in the premiere gallery: full-body shot from behind of CF doing interviews, hands in his pockets, with his head turned to the side) that woman is shooting me--or someone in my general direction--a positively lethal glare! She must've read my mind and knew I was thinking about jumping the barricade and running over there! ;-)

Lovely, thank you Ann and Karen! I wonder if Colin is thinking, Scarlett might just get an Oscar this year. "She should join a convent." ;-) Saw Talking Movies. I agree with Evelyn. Too many "you know" when she speaks. Has she even graduated from highschool? She's only 18.

(Moon) This may surprise some but I liked him in "About a Boy" I am not convinced that Colin would have done any better. I'm not surprised. IMO certain films are meant for certain people and "About A Boy" fit HG to a tee. I'm not so convinced he was acting. It seemed to be him in real life. LOL. I honestly don't think Colin could have done the roll better either. (Mari) Because I like Harris, Macy, Bridges, and Cooper best--is that ok? I actually do like Broadbent and Wilkinson, Tom especially. I love these actors too, especially Harris. And Macy, no matter what the roll, never misses. These actors are brilliant. I agree, very tough choice between Macy and Wilkinson. Both were extrordinary. Glad I don't have to choose but can just enjoy the fruits of their efforts as I always do. IMO Colin is just as talented as these gentlemen and it is so very frustrating that he doesn't put himself out there as these actors have done to get the rolls. Thanks Ann and Karen for the great pics.

(Pam) "About A Boy" fit HG to a tee. I'm not so convinced he was acting. It seemed to be him in real life. Am curious, how long have you known HG personally IRL? Fess up.

(FanPam)IMO Colin is just as talented as these gentlemen and it is so very frustrating that he doesn't put himself out there as these actors have done to get the rolls. I think he just doesn't want to be a big movie star. He enjoys his life, and earns more than enough money to maintain his family and lifestyle. And he seems to like plenty of time off in between! - And being relatively anonymous. Frankly I can't blame him. And he is not alone in his bad choices. Some of the biggest stars have done the same. Have you seen Michael Caine's resume? I do wish he'd do more theatre, though.

(Janet) Have you seen Michael Caine's resume? You mean the one with 4 Oscar nominations for Best Actor in a Lead Role, 2 Oscar wins for Best Supporting Actor? And then the Bafta noms and wins...I'd list them all but they're too numerous. ;-) Take a look here: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000323/awards though I know none of this means anything to Sonia. ;-)

*sorry, am in feisty mood today* ;-)))))))0

(Karen)*sorry, am in feisty mood today* ;-)))))))0 As you are in a "feisty" mood, I will refrain from saying that I understood Janet's point about Michael Caine as a stinker to quality ratio. His resume (which began the decade before CF was born) does include THE SWARM and JAWS,THE REVENGE;) He's prolific and one of my favorites, but is not "a man without fault" despite all the kudos. I find it interesting how in interviews MC suggests that he considers himself just a "jobbing" actor too. Not a bad "role" model for CF IMO:) But if I'm gonna start something all over again - never mind;)))

Everytime I try to get out, they pull me back in ;-) (Karen) though I know none of this means anything to Sonia. ;-) LOL! You know me so well :-D (Mari) Because I like Harris, Macy, Bridges, and Cooper best--is that ok? I actually do like Broadbent and Wilkinson, Tom especially. I like them too (especially Harris, yum!) I was just curious because Harris, Macy, Bridges and Cooper are American. The commute to Hollywood is easier than from across the Pond. (Karen)*sorry, am in feisty mood today* ;-)))))))0 Bring it on! You're amongst friends.

(Sonia) Bring it on! Will never hear that again without thinking of Daphne/Amanda!

Ah yes, HD's little dividend. April and August seem so long ago.

Don't know what this is worth, but I was thinking of all of you and this discussion of CF's choices and what not. In Entertainment Weekly this week, there is a cover story on Johnny Depp and his 20-year career. He's been famous, somewhat well respected, etc etc for awhile, but until Pirates of the Carribean came out, he had been hitless. People in "the business" referred to him as "box office poison." (Forgive the excessive use of quotes!). So, I guess what I'm saying is that it's not always just box office success or critical acclaim that makes people famous or respected? Or maybe just to take comfort in the fact that other actors, even people as Hollywood-famous as Johnny Depp, don't always pick the best movies but still get work and respect? I don't know. Maybe I'm comparing apples and oranges. I just thought it seemed kind of appropriate to mention. I'll shut up now...

I must have my say of the "feisty" conversation. ;-) (Janet) .... Michael Caine as a stinker to quality ratio. His resume (which began the decade before CF was born) does include THE SWARM and JAWS,THE REVENGE And he's the first to admit he took Jaws, The Revenge solely for the $$$$. And yes, I heard him say it personally. ;-D He said he's taken many movies just for the dough (no surprise there), so he can now afford to do the smaller projects that interest him. Said he doesn't have to work at all if he didn't want to.

Holy Moly! I take off a week and it takes me almost that long to catch up at Drool! What a bonanza of information and a very lively career discussion indeed!! It was too exciting to skim all of the topics so I had to read every last word and follow every link, Drool over every photo and I'm almost as exausted as Karen must have been during the TIFF days. I know it's late to join in but *I must have my say* regarding the all of the insightful career comments... In my heart of hearts I love ODB for many reasons but feel that he has been somewhat hobbled by the heartbreak (and he has admitted as much) of the failure of Valmont. It put him in a reclusive frame of mind at the time afterall and must have taken some headwork to get out of it. I think that he has tempered his *Great Expectations* based on this disappointment and it may have coloured (;-)) his approach to his career. He has stated that he feels this disappointment early in his career put things in a reasonable perspective but it just might also have limited his expectations as well. Put him in a defensive mode thereafter? I think he's better than many of his projects will allow - as many of the discussions here (for 7 or how many years Evelyn?) also state. But the talent and the heart are there and that's why I'm here. I'm taking him just the way he is but that doesn't mean that I can't hope that systems will be put in place that will put his talent and lovely puss (with that lovely skin) in the most adventageous light! Whew! It's been hard to keep my trap shut till I got to the end of everyone's posts...... It's great to be back!!

Thank you thank you Mari for the LFF info. Posting cheque immediately...

Reviewer on BBC London radio talking about the LFF with Robert Elms just called Vermerr Colin's best role yet.

(Emma) Reviewer on BBC London radio talking about the LFF with Robert Elms just called Vermeer Colin's best role yet. I think I would put it up there too....

Three times in one day. Jeez. And spelling Vermeer wrong. Look what I missed this week, all on Working Title, anyone else catch it? Janet, it sucks that we have to go to work and can't see these things! http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/breakfast/3100430.stm

His latest film, Love Actually, starring Colin Firth, Rowan Atkinson, Martine McCutcheon and many others, is due for release this November, in time for the Christmas market. Ohhhh! ODB listed first??? And no mention of HG? Emma Thompson? Liam Neeson, Alan Rickman? Is this a first?? Are we to assume that HG has become "many others"??? It can't be! Must be some sort of mistake.....must....have....a lie down......;-) Thanks Emma!!

Emma, thanks very much for the link to the BBC Breakfast Show site. I saw this morning's programme, but not the ones earlier in the week, so it was nice to see the video clips of the interviews with RC and MM. Today's programme included a brief interview with the young man who sings All You Need is Love at the wedding - I think his name was Lynden David Hall, but I'm not sure if I've remembered that properly - and a piece showing someone adding the sound effects to the scene where the manuscript of Colin's character's novel blows away, which you can see if you click on the video link entitled Behind the Scenes: the Foley artist.

Thanks, Emma, for the links to the Breakfast Show. iliked the Foley Artist's bit also. Wonder who's on tomorrow? Too bad they already gave away tickets to the LA premiere on Tuesday.

(Dena), Or maybe just to take comfort in the fact that other actors, even people as Hollywood-famous as Johnny Depp, don't always pick the best movies but still get work and respect? I've liked all of his films. They have been good choices, IMO. (Emma) Reviewer on BBC London radio talking about the LFF with Robert Elms just called Vermeer Colin's best role yet. And the screen time would be? I don't think this is a compliment. Good luck getting in to LA, Emma! Whoe else plans to go? Welcome back Beedee!

Drool is kicking off its Annual Fund-Raising Drive Spring needs money in order to operate and we appreciate whatever people can send to help keep this place online every single day of the week. For this year's campaign, I'm hoping that the contributions will cover our operating expenses for at least a year. As Terry has explained in the past, it costs approximately $300 a month to run Spring, which includes the conferences, www.firth.com and austen.com, home to the Derbyshire Writers' Guild. Also, when we exceed our contractual allowance for bandwidth, there are variable charges for the excess. From our usage statistics, we all know Drool is very popular but is financially supported by a small fraction of those who visit. Whether you have registered or read the boards in a public mode, it costs Spring money. We prefer to keep Drool open to the public and can only do so through your generosity and giving whatever you can to keep this wonderful place open. Our Drool boards are a source of enjoyment for many people, participants and lurkers alike. So if you'd like to make a contribution, please contact me at nomdedrool@yahoo.com for information, as no addresses will be posted on this board. Be a Drool Darling and We'll Love You For It

Thank you, Emma. I enjoyed RC's interview, going back to watch MMc. (Tress)Ohhhh! ODB listed first??? And no mention of HG Oh, I think RC and the interviewer mentioned HG enough;-)But excellent that CF was listed first. Interviewer: "what is your secret formula? RC: HG is the secret formula. Interviewer: Just put him in every movie RC: We actually started to do that.(laughing, of course) Interviewer: People love you for all those hits,... Blackadder-oh there's one without HG.

(Moon) And the screen time would be? I don't think this is a compliment. I'd say a bit less an hour (and I do see it as a compliment)! He drives the film.....it may be SJ they talk about, but he is the catalyst for everything she is reacting to....besides, it took Dame Judi only eight minutes to win an Oscar. I don't think the length of time he is on screen should be held against him in this one. He acts his (funky brown) socks off!

(Tress) it took Dame Judi only eight minutes to win an Oscar Good point, but she is Dame Judi. Though I was sorry to see she got it. Didn't think she deserved it really.

There are several more captures added, which might interest a couple of you: http://www.firth.comm/gwape_premgal3.html Ildi's friend contributed two lovely ones as well.

I couldn't get the link to work...got there 'the old fashioned way' through the Bucket main page. At least I can tell the DH that when I made it onto the internet I had my clothes on **swish** (but wait...Colin's in the frame....am torn....LOL)!! ;-) Thanks Karen and Ann! Maria and I were just talking about the pic from BBC World where ODB's back is slightly to the camera (but you still get an amazing expression). Look at the girl holding the mic! A bit smitten, perhaps??

Argh! Maybe that's because there's an extra m in .com??? How did that happen??? This will work, I think: http://www.firth.com/gwape_premgal3.html Speaking of mics, in the capture, there's one from the IFC. Anybody catch any Toronto news reports on that channel?

(Karen) Speaking of mics, in the capture, there's one from the IFC. That's the 'smitten girl' (maybe she is not, but she appears to be hanging on ODB's every word). Look at her face! Love it!

GWAPE will be a featured film at the London Film Festival: http://www.lff.org.uk/films.php?StrandID=4

Hope the above is not old news!

(Tress), it took Dame Judi only eight minutes to win an Oscar. I don't think the length of time he is on screen should be held against him in this one. You mistake my meaning. I was refering to the comment of GWAPE being CF best role to date. It's a vg one but his best? BTW, the Dame won for supporting. ;-)

(Tress)He acts his (funky brown) socks off! And I bet they're short too;-))) Thanks Emma for the Breakfast Show link interview with RC. Good to hear that it took him three years to write LA. Impressive. None of this night before thingy....

(Moon) BTW, the Dame won for supporting. ;-) LOL...I know (nothin' wrong with supporting is there?)! The Golden Guy looks the same no matter what is printed on it! ;-) BTW, which role do you consider ODB's best? Just curious. I just think this film may get some attention (maybe I should say it deserves some attention). I don't know if it will be Oscar material, but I think it will do well. It is incredibly beautiful...and well acted (but by no means a 'blockbuster').

(Evelyn) And I bet they're short too;-))) LOL! I just saw that! That's funny! ;-) But really! Think 'glass half full'!! He is v. v. good in this! I think you guys will like it! This isn't one of my "HS Moments"! Really!! ;-)

(Dena), Or maybe just to take comfort in the fact that other actors, even people as Hollywood-famous as Johnny Depp, don't always pick the best movies but still get work and respect? I've liked all of his films. They have been good choices, IMO. Well, maybe that's an even better point then. His movies haven't been "the best choices" in the box office sense (which is what I meant but didn't phrase very well), but they had a different kind of appeal or value. Hollywood may just not appreciate the same things as actors or fans. But again, I don't really know.

(Tress) I don't know if it will be Oscar material, but I think it will do well. It is incredibly beautiful...and well acted (but by no means a blockbuster'). Remember, dears, blockbusters do not get the acting nominations or the writing ones for that matter. Best Actors/Actresses more often come from the small films. When I talk about recognition, I'm not referring to big box office movies. I'm talking about recognition for one's acting, which comes from one's peers and the industry).

(Karen)And I bet they're short too;-))) And I was hoping they were tights;-) (Tress)I don't know if it will be Oscar material, but I think it will do well. It is incredibly beautiful. And from what I hear from you lucky girls, the music was excellent as well. Maybe some multiple noms for Cinematography and musical score? Time for the candles, perhaps?

(Linda) Maybe some multiple noms for Cinematography and musical score? Very good choices, but don't forget "Writing - Adapted Screenplay" (though, I'll make my prediction now..."and the award goes to 'Cold Mountain'"), or "Costume", or "Best Supporting Actor" ;-)

From James Berardinelli's Reel Views: The British film is Girl with a Pearl Earring, and it ranks as my second or third favorite film of the festival. Not coincidentally, both this and my top pick, Lost in Translation, both feature Scarlett Johansson, who has proven herself to be the breakthrough talent of 2003. At age 18, Johansson has a bright future ahead. An Oscar nomination for one of the films is within the realm of possibility, although there is a chance that Johansson's work in Lost in Translation will be overshadowed by the more visible performance of Bill Murray. Both deserve nominations, but Murray is closer to a lock. Girl with a Pearl Earring is the first feature for director Peter Webber, and what a debut it is! Most freshman filmmakers don't come close to Webber's level of accomplishment, and (not to take anything away from Webber) some of the credit must certainly be parceled out to the cast and the cinematographer, Eduardo Serra. Girl with a Pearl Earring offers sumptous visuals and compelling drama effectively intermingled in a pleasing, satisfying production. The director has crafted the film with great care, composing each frame like a painting with respenct to color, light, camera placement, and texture. Girl with a Pearl Earring could be silent and it would still be an amazing achievement. Indeed, the dialogue is sparse, which forces the performers to do most of their acting with expressions and body language - something Johansson excels at. By reading her eyes and face, we understand her thoughts. The movie purports to tell the story behind the creation of Vermeer's 1665 painting, "Girl with a Pearl Earring." Since historical records are sketchy at best, most of the screenplay (based on Tracy Chevalier's book) is conjecture. The film does not carry a "based on real events" label. Nevertheless, the postulated tale is both credible and dramatically solid, thus forming the spine of a sensitive, intelligent motion picture. Griet (Johansson) goes to work in the household of Johannes Vermeer when she's a teenager. Forced into service because her parents can no longer support her, she must endure difficult conditions in order to remain employed. The Vermeers are not easy to work for. The head of the household (Colin Firth) is a moody individual, and spends long hours locked away in his vast studio. His perpetually pregnant wife, Catharina (Essie Davis), is resentful and jealous of Griet's youth and beauty. His mother-in-law, Maria (Judy Parfitt), is a strict disiplinarian. His children don't like her and his patron, van Ruijven (Tom Wilkinson), likes her too much. Eventually, van Ruijven's attraction for Griet leads him to commission a painting of her. Maid posing for master leads to a variety of tension, both domestic and erotic. The result of this, however, is "Girl with a Pearl Earring." Most recent movies about painters have done a poor job of conveying the delicacy and complexity of the artistic process. Not so in this case. Webber's approach gives us excellent insight into Vermeer's creative process. The scenes in his studio, especially those with Griet working as his assistant/apprentice, are among the best the movie has to offer. The relatively straightforward melodrama of the tension between Griet and the rest of the household is more than balanced by the better, more complex material. The sexual chemistry between Griet and Vermeer is wonderfully understated, but unmistakble. The most erotic moment of the film comes when Vermeer steals a glance at Griet with her hair unbound. It's every bit as sensual as if he had seen her naked. Johansson's sublime performance is ably supported by her better-known co-stars. Colin Firth gives us a brooding, dour Vermeer who only shows passion while painting (imagine Mr. Darcy with long hair). Judy Parfitt is her usual excellent, acid-tongued self. Tom Wilkinson gives himself to debauched abandon. And Essie Davis plays her part as a grown-up spoiled brat to the hilt. We have come to anticipate top-notch acting in British productions, and our expectations are not disappointed here. Girl with the Pearl Earring is one of those films that does many things right, and that places it among the year's best period pieces. It's more than a cut above the usual BBC costume drama.

Empireonline: 18/09/2003 As the publicity machine for Love, Actually cranks into action, director Richard Curtis appeared yesterday on the BBC to talk about the production. Asked how he managed to deal with so many egos on one film, Curtis agrees that, 'Every attractive person in the country we've tried to drag in front of the camera,' but admits that things were made easier by the fact that the huge cast of stars only appear together once. 'They were very rarely together. And then all we had to do was give them biscuits. On the whole they're in pairs, so mainly I just had to deal with two a day. Given the huge success of songs used in his previous hits, Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill, the BBC were keen to find out what music will feature in this movie. As Curtis himself explains, 'Music is a really important linking device to keep the emotion going as you cut from tale to tale and show what unites the characters rather than what divides them.... I'm very lucky in that movies are the second most interesting thing to me � I'm much more interested in pop music.' Of the film soundtrack itself he says; ''It's a very good soundtrack with some good old songs and some good new songs � there's a very good song by the Sugababes, it's called Too Lost in You � it's serious!' Admitting that there's a lot of pressure on him to succeed as a first-time feature film director, 'It would make some people very happy if the film was a failure!' Curtis dodged questions about future projects � and when asked whether his favourite star Hugh Grant might follow him back to a TV production, he laughed; 'he won't do telly � he's too grand! Although he has done degrading stuff on comic relief from time to time.'

Thanks, Mari! (Tress), BTW, which role do you consider ODB's best? Just curious. AZ, Tumbledown, Valmont, P&P. For supporting TEP. I'm sure I'm going to love "Mr. Darcy with long hair" too. And, The Advocate was fun too. ;-)

The best role discussion has been moved to Firthology.

Studios Hold Their Fire Despite Early Oscar Date Meanwhile, the more established indie players are also circling potential prizes. Sony Pictures Classics is fielding a strong documentary contender in Errol Morris' "Fog of War," another Cannes/Toronto applause-getter, as well as Robert Altman's ballet turn in "The Company," while Lions Gate earned some good notices in Toronto with Peter Webber's "Girl With a Pearl Earring." http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=3471560

Toronto wrap-up from Dave Poland's Hot Button column, which he's divided into films he liked, films he had reservations about, and films in which he was very disappointed: THE MOVIES THAT I HAVE RESERVATIONS ABOUT Love Actually The film needs some restructuring and pruning, but regardless, many will fall in love with this one. As I wrote before, the difference is between success and the next level� $140 million versus $190 million� Oscar nominations vs. a big February video release� THE MOVIES I FOUND VERY DISAPPOINTING Girl With The Pearl Earring Love the cast, like Vermeer, if I had been able to allow myself to sleep, it might have been the most comforting lullaby of the year. As a movie, it was much like watching paint dry� or not. The reason that Shakespeare is Shakespeare and "Friends" is "Friends" is that some things are iconic and last forever and some things are not. A period movie that does not reach beyond the moral issues of its time is a movie that will not find a modern audience. Making beautiful images is not enough� not even for those of us who embrace the artistry of film.

Several new LA pics: http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/450/450254p1.html?fromint=1

Thanks Mari...they have pictures of the two storylines I disliked, and left out ODB!!! Sad!

Thanks Mari for the reviews and pics. (Poland) A period movie that does not reach beyond the moral issues of its time is a movie that will not find a modern audience. Making beautiful images is not enough� not even for those of us who embrace the artistry of film. I don't buy this for a minute.

Thanks Mari... There just keeping us enticed is all...Showing us the yada-badada pics and the later...closer to release, Blammo! Hit us with a killer ODB pic....(Yes thanks, the weather here in Private Idaho is quite nice) Colin Firth (Girl With a Pearl Earring): "It was in Venice about four years ago, I met Rod Steiger in the lobby of the hotel. That was a huge moment for me, and I did what I would almost never do. I went up to Steiger and I had to tell him I thought he was one of our greatest actors. He went 'Eh?' Which immediately put me on the back foot, made it harder to repeat. Then he went: "Oh, thanks, sonny. Tell that to Ant'ny Hopkins," which was a delightful response. Of course we've lost him now. I must tell that to Anthony Hopkins, actually. Also, like, Scarlett's story of like, her meeting someone she like, loves... http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/story.asp?id=89BE4867-2F55-4D46-B750-3DD763E17F73

Damn, if we only had a crystal ball...And I am glad Miss River's was not in his company! ;-) 4. Queen Cate Blanchett did salmon at Bay Street's Pangea on Sunday, while Mr. Darcy, the royal Colin Firth, was high in the sky at the Harbour Castle Westin's Toula. Meanwhile, pauper-by-comparison Melissa Rivers, in town shooting her new show Inside E, is a Bloor Street Diner girl. http://www.nationalpost.com/artslife/story.html?id=098A7042-C617-4BDF-B7DE-07070CF13415 http://www.toronto.com/infosite/146651/6.2.shtml

Thanks, Mari for the LA pictures. (Poland)A period movie that does not reach beyond the moral issues of its time is a movie that will not find a modern audience I don't think Emma Thompson would agree. She won an oscar for her adapted screenplay for S&S and the film grossed over 40 million in the US, alone. I don't think it was a film that was made to particularly "reach beyond moral issues". IMO

Girl With a Pearl Earring R E V I E W B Y R I C H C L I N E http://www.shadowsonthewall.co.uk/03/girlwith.htm Based on Tracy Chevalier's novel, which imagined an entire story behind the eponymous Vermeer painting, this film is beautifully made right down to the tiniest details ... but it's still just a 17th century chick flick! We're in 1665 Delft, where everyone speaks perfect English: When her father is injured in an accident, Griet (Johansson) is forced to go to work as a maid in the home of the Vermeer family. While Johannes (Firth) stays in his studio creating his next painting, the house bustles with life under the watchful, controlling eye of his mother-in-law (Parfitt). As Griet begins a tentative romance with a local butcher (Murphy), Vermeer notices that she has an eye for light and colour, and soon lures her into his studio to assist him. Then his patron Van Ruijven (Wilkinson) shockingly commissions a portrait of Griet and scandal threatens to engulf them all. The plot is fairly contrived and melodramatic, like a pulp romance novel with lots of heaving bosoms and barely repressed desires--handsome poor boys, scary rich men, sexy untouchables, controlling old bags and cruelly jealous girls. Every element is here, and yet the story keeps us gripped due to its refusal to give into standard Hollywood plot structures. Meanwhile, the acting is far above average, with Johansson delivering yet another strikingly solid performance as a young girl waking up to the world around her, and making difficult decisions about her future. Firth, Wilkinson and Murphy add life to their rather underwritten roles, while the rest of the women are efficient stereotypes swirling around Griet. The production design is absolutely beautiful--each frame looks like a 17th century Dutch masterpiece! And Webber's direction is artfully light-handed; several scenes take our breath away with their raw beauty, often combined with a strong emotional resonance. So it's a bit frustrating that the film is so portentous; it takes itself so seriously that it's hard for us to really believe it. But in Johansson's remarkably expressive eyes, it still has the power to move us.

On the same Shadows on the Wall site in the message above there is a comment by a reader who MUST be another rabid Firth fan: "I attended the gala of the movie at the 28th Toronto International Film Festival. My impressions of Girl With a Pearl Earring, from start to finish: it's as though you were watching a painting come alive. It pulls you into the life of the people in this painting and you feel for the two main characters. The colours, the cinematography, the fact that there was little dialogue especially; all of it was pure magic. Peter Webber and his crew deserve acclaim and the amazing Colin Firth was the one and only Vermeer. I really can't say enough about it. What a wonderful experience. Can't wait for it to come out in general release. Two very big thumbs up." --VermeerSA, Montreal 13.Sep.03

Thank you M & M & Katty for the pictures, links and articles. I always enjoy tales by star struck celebs. Poland)A period movie that does not reach beyond the moral issues of its time is a movie that will not find a modern audience I don't buy it either! I could start to rattle off some more examples but will spare you.;-) IMO he might just be lazy.

Good stuff from Entertainment Weekly's Toronto FF highlights: By Owen Gleiberman Movies about classical painters seldom work, but Girl With A Pearl Earring is a rare exception. It stars Colin Firth, sexy and forceful, as Johannes Vermeer, the 17th century poet of light, and Scarlett Johansson as the maid who becomes his Beatrice. The drama of household eroticism and jealousy is conventional enough, but the film does a captivating job of showing how the entire story gets enfolded into a single painted image: Johansson, with the skin of a Renaissance angel, staring out at us as if through the centuries. By Lisa Schwarzbaum Among current British masters of charming nothingness, meanwhile, no one beats Richard Curtis, the blockbuster writer of Four Weddings and A Funeral, who makes his directorial debut with Love Actually. an official review must wait, since the crowd-pleasing sprig of Christmas mistletoe was shown as a "work in progress." But even in flux, the compendium of eight little love stories--including that of a prime minister, played by Hugh Grant, and his secretary--oozes cheery sentimentality de-sapped by Curtis' unmatchable sense of comic timing. The even posher smart-set cast also includes Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Laura Linney, and Rowan Atkinson.

Oh, Mari, Thanks! I like the sound of Colin Firth, sexy and forceful! Certainly better than Dave Poland. ;-)

More tidbits from EW on the Fest: With co-star Bill Murray marooned in Rome on a set--"I handed him over to Wes Anderson," (Sofia) Coppola lamented--Scarlett Johansson had to face the press without her comic partner. "I'm a bit Lost in Translation-ed out," admitted the actress, eager for an attention shift to her work in Girl With A Pearl Earring. "Oh, yes, please, more about your movie!" joked 'Girl' co-star Colin Firth. Firth was doing double duty as well, with a sweet turn in Richard Curtis' directorial debut, Love Actually. And bleary-eyed moviegoers ate up the romantic sundae. "The first time we screen a film, we always go through the not-a-total-turkey phase," said Curtis the morning after its premiere. "We probably won't get as good an audience again."

I saw the LA trailer at the movies tonight. Went to see Lost in Translation. The LA trailer is all about HG. We see lots of the actors not all of them and we only get to see flash with Colin kissing the man, later with the papers flyings, but they are on for a split second. Blink and you miss it. Other actors get to speak. Yet he is third billing when the names are announced. (?)

Thanks, Maria, for all the links. the royal Colin Firth, was high in the sky at the Harbour Castle Westin's Toula That's where the GWAPE after party was. Hardly a scoop. ;-)

I don't think I've seen this here yet: People Mag. Sept. 22 Spotlight on Toronto Film Festival Love Actually Get ready for fun. Writer-director Richard Curtis (Notting Hill) delivers a witty, heartwarming ensemble comedy about romance. The large cast includes Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant in a hilarious turn as England's prime minister. (Ed. no comment on GWAPE)

(Shoshana)I like the sound of Colin Firth, sexy and forceful! I liked that too! Especialy coming from EW, which doesn't throw too many bouquets. From filmcritic.com's wrap-up of films at Telluride FF: 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.

The London Sunday Times 9/21: Film: Something's got a hold of our hearts His tales of middle-class, middle-youth romance have all made box-office hits. Now Richard Curtis has directed his first film. He talks to Jeff Dawson about love and realism Canadian audiences are subtly different from their American counterparts. More polite, for one. Also, thanks to historic ties - and a diet of the BBC - they are quite discerning when it comes to British comedy. Benny Hill? Not around these parts, friend. When Richard Curtis is dragged onstage at the Victorian Elgin Theatre in downtown Toronto and introduced, among other things, as the writer of Blackadder, it meets with thunderous approval. On the other side of Niagara Falls, it would prompt only blank stares. Curtis has never been the most comfortable of public performers. But with the world premiere of his film Love Actually, the hot ticket at the Toronto International Film Festival, there come ceremonial obligations. Some of the actors - Colin Firth, Laura Linney and Rodrigo Santoro - walk on for moral support. But, mercifully, the crowd is putty. The only other time Curtis was at a film festival was in Utah, where Four Weddings and a Funeral previewed before a room full of Mormons; they all stormed out during the opening F-word salvo, he says. If anyone here stays longer than five minutes, he will consider it a triumph. Two hours later, the standing ovation suggests a capacity for monumental understatement. It is probably a good job he previewed the movie in Canada, though. Two-thirds of the way in, an extraordinary thing happens: the British prime minister (Hugh Grant) makes a rousing speech condemning America as a playground bully and imploring us plucky little islanders (and, one assumes, our Commonwealth chums) to stand up against ghastly Uncle Sam and that reprobate redneck president. Onscreen, in Blighty, the streets are thrown into a euphoria of Mafeking-relief proportions. In the audience, the liberal old Canadians can barely contain their glee. Below the 49th parallel, Lord knows how this will play. With his grey hair, glasses and genuinely amiable demeanour, it is hard to imagine Curtis upsetting anybody. "No, it's pro-American," he smirks the next day, citing other, less contentious moments. For a man whose previous work has been marketed so adroitly for the USA, the scene still seems out of character. In his hotel room, high above the festival throng, international incidents seem remote. "Look, fundamentally, it's not a political point, it' s a comic point." Six months ago, pre-Iraq, Grant's speech seemed rather clumsy, he says. And in two months' time, it may appear awkward again. Billy Bob Thornton gets to play the good ole boy in the White House. "I did think of making him French at one point," laughs Curtis, "but then I thought there wasn't so much at stake." Curtis is probably right, for if anyone knows an audience, it is he. The films he has written - Four Weddings, Notting Hill, Bridget Jones's Diary (not forgetting Bean or The Tall Guy) - have grossed more than $1 billion worldwide. Love Actually marks the first time he has stepped behind the camera to direct. "It was reaching a point where I'd stolen enough hints from other people," he says. "In particular, I got very involved in the edits. I now had strong opinions about where the camera should be, how the actors should act. I just think it was time I dared." It is a case of going in at the deep end. A tapestry of interweaving stories - of an ageing rocker (Bill Nighy), a fractious marriage (Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman), a widowed father (Liam Neeson), a lovelorn writer (Firth), newlyweds (Chiwetel Ejiofor and Keira Knightley) and an office romance (Linney and Santoro), not to mention the travails of the prime minister - Love Actually is more beddings (but no funeral). "It was quite complicated, but I always knew that I was going to do the next film, and this turned out to be the next film, " he says. He concedes a certain degree of technical assistance. "I never learnt the difference between a rake and a dolly, and I still don't know." But the large cast, he adds (20 lead parts, with even Rowan Atkinson and Gregor Fisher popping up), was actually an advantage, given that the principals came in for just two weeks each, maintaining a perpetual honeymoon period. Where else but a Curtis film would you find your cast in constant rapture? It is all Edward Heath's fault. Were it not for our bachelor premier of the early 1970s, Curtis's appetite would not have been whetted for romance in the corridors of power. "I've always had that vague thought in my mind about how brilliant it would be to have someone with a real personality going out with someone in Downing Street." The resulting story, of a prime minister (Grant) copping off with his tea lady (Martine McCutcheon), was intended to be a film in its own right - as was, separately, the episode featuring Firth (a novelist toiling in Provence and copping off with his th� lady, L�cia Moniz). In April 2000, Curtis boiled them down and started mixing. "Well, I realised a lot of films I've liked recently have had more than one story," he explains, mentioning movies such as Smoke "and those middle-period Woody Allen films - Hannah and Her Sisters, Crimes and Misdemeanors, Husbands and Wives". His most obvious debt, though, is to Robert Altman. "My first sort of adult favourite movie was Nashville, which I absolutely adored because you just felt so spoilt," he gushes. "And then there's As You Like It." Curtis got a first in English at Oxford, and his knowledge of storytelling has served him well. Some will still argue, though, that Love Actually is simply the next instalment in a series that has become - dare one utter it? - formulaic. All made by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner's Working Title Films, and produced by Duncan Kenworthy (except Bridget), they have invariably dealt with middle-class, middle-youth love, topped off with an FM lite soundtrack, an offbeat London location (Wandsworth this time, or the bit where they have walk-in Smeg fridges), an American female star and, of course, Hugh Grant. It's no secret that Grant has served as Curtis's alter ego. But don't expect any changes. "Look, I think I'm a fantastically lucky writer to have somebody who can play my central characters, because, on the whole, central characters are dull," says Curtis. He cites Dickens, where David Copperfield and the like are redeemed only by their interesting pals. "In a way, in Four Weddings, there was a central, slightly uninteresting bloke and Simon Callow, who sparkled on the edge," he says. Hugh can be dull and funny. "So why would I ever drop him?" It was the death of Callow's character in Four Weddings that demonstrated Curtis's knack for pushing buttons. With several stories at his disposal here, the blubbing possibilities are limitless. When a film kicks off with a voice-over about September 11, musing on the "I love you" phone calls of those trapped inside the Twin Towers, this can hardly fail to prompt the required response. Overtly sentimental? Absolutely. But then, Curtis argues, this is nothing to be ashamed of. "For years, I've been puzzled by why people think the saddest things are the most real," he says. "'Searingly realistic' always means someone is going to be brutally murdered. Yet, in real life, to a lot of people, what is searingly realistic is a mum getting up early, loving her kids, being nice; a husband loving his wife. These things happen all the time. That's powerfully realistic to me." September 11, he says, shifted the focus to "the harsh things in life, the chaos and the hatred. More than ever, I think you have to say that isn't what the world's really like. That's one side of it. But the other side of it is all this love stuff". Not all will be happy. Certain critics lambasted Notting Hill for its lack of ethnic actors - even though the Portobello Road stallholders and passers-by featured in the street scenes were all real. Curtis seems genuinely hurt by the criticism. "It was a bit weird, because I wanted to call the movie The Famous Girl, and then we wouldn't have got any criticism at all," he says. The sheer number of parts in Love Actually, he says, gave him scope to widen his casting. Of his black actors, he had seen Ejiofor in the play Blue/Orange, and fell for Nina Sosanya in Teachers. "In a way, the more black actors who are cast, the more likely you are to cast them." The same might be said of Martin Freeman (Tim from The Office), Andrew Lincoln (Teachers), Kris Marshall (My Family) and McCutcheon. For if there's one thing Curtis knows, it's his telly. More likely, the press will emphasise Love Actually's blatant schmaltz ("Luvvy Actually", "Richard's Friends" - you can see the headlines already). Though if we can't indulge in a good old romantic weepie at Christmas, then we're a lot more jaded than even Curtis gives us credit for. The saving grace here is that Curtis has a big wink at the audience, sending up his whole oeuvre: lampooning, for starters, that accursed ditty Love Is All Around (the film's original title), the hit song from Four Weddings. "No 1 for 15 weeks, or something," says Kenworthy. "We feel a bit guilty about that being foisted on the public for so long." What's next for Curtis? There's a new baby (with his girlfriend, Emma Freud), then he will take a year off to write. He would not be averse to directing again, but only his own material, and even then, only if it felt right. The thing he is eyeing up is a second world war drama. "And I'm not sure I trust myself with that." We wait for the lifts, which, at Toronto's Four Seasons, not only take for ever but, unless you jump in instantly, will snap their doors shut on you. Poised, Curtis explains that a similar scenario has just been cut from his continuing rewrite of Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. When we emerge into the madness, we bump into an Australian distributor who declares that he was trying to buy Love Actually, but failed. Curtis replies: "I'm pre-bought." Still not sure about that Hugh Grant speech, though. Later, Kenworthy does a Q&A with some journalists. They, too, feel it might be a bit too close to the knuckle for those a few leagues south. "I know the Republicans in the area I live in will have a problem with it," one woman tells him. They might be picketing theatres in Texas yet. Curtis as cinema radical? Now that would be an interesting development.

(London Times)"Canadian audiences are subtly different from their American counterparts.More polite, for one. Huh ? Pssst..hey, buddie...there were lots of Americans in that "Canadian"audience just in case you didn't notice. (London Times)"I know the Republicans in the area I live in will have a problem with it," one woman tells him. They might be picketing theatres in Texas yet. Curtis as cinema radical? Now that would be an interesting development." Have no fear, most Republicans don't take their ideology from Richard Curtis...besides...most of them will go just to see Colin Firth anyway;-))))

(Evelyn), Have no fear, most Republicans don't take their ideology from Richard Curtis...besides...most of them will go just to see Colin Firth anyway;-)))) Republicans for CF? A happy thought indeed. ;-) Thanks, Mari! Well I finally got that sought after HS poster from my local theatre. :-)

(London Times) "Canadian audiences are subtly different from their American counterparts.More polite, for one. Evelyn, I'm saying "Huh?" right with you. For one, there were so many people from somewhere else in town (so I wouldn't call the audience 'Canadian'....though I suppose there were more Canadians there than anyone else). Standing around, I realized that many of the people I met were from somewhere else (not Toronto, or even Canada). Also, I think just being a film fest audience is different. People are there to see loads of films and are very open to it (not being dragged by a spouse of signigicant other on a Friday night to see something they feel lukewarm about....). The speech HG gives....along with the 9/11 reference, will be picked up by critics. I'm incredibly curious to see how it plays here! Hope it doesn't overshadow the film, which I thought was really well done and incredibly funny! Those 2 hours 20 minutes just flew by!

Oh no - I just checked that BBC Breakfast link again to watch all the clips and the last prize was a chance to be an extra on EOR. =( Well at least it got won by Colin (Osbourn) from London (south).

(Moon) Well I finally got that sought after HS poster from my local theatre. :-) Well done, Moon! Something good had to come out of having to sit through the movie.

Did anyone go to Portsmouth, NH (Telluride by the Sea) to see GWAPE yesterday?

from his continuing rewrite of Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. Continuing? I thought it was finished. Thanks, Murph for the article. (Emma)a chance to be an extra on EOR Oh, I'd really pay extra for this;-)

(lindak)Continuing? I thought it was finished I think script changes are often made until filming starts, and beyond in many cases.(Hope Springs!) Any confirmation yet of the exact date filming commences? (I'm planning a visit to London).

(Times)When a film kicks off with a voice-over about September 11, musing on the "I love you" phone calls of those trapped inside the Twin Towers Every time I read about this intro, I have a "no shit, Sherlock!" moment of erotic proportions.:-( It's not offensive, it's worse: it's trite. Incredible tragedy pressed into the service of the incredibly banal. Maybe I'll feel differently once I see it. The only other time Curtis was at a film festival was in Utah, where Four Weddings and a Funeral previewed before a room full of Mormons; they all stormed out during the opening F-word salvo, he says. Don't believe it. The only FF of note in Utah is Sundance--and there's no way it was a) attended primarily by Mormons or b) greeted with that response. If he tells that story to the journalists here, he'll get laughed at. Glad you got your poster, Moon. Has HS's run ended?

(Janet)I think script changes are often made until filming starts, and beyond in many cases.(Hope Springs!) Exactly, that's what worries me. However, I know that this crew is years beyond the HS experience.

GWAPE's MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for some sexual content) (Where???;-)