How odd, I just got my BWTA newsletter and it says Part 2 of 2 for the Paul McCartney show. Colin is not mentioned.

whoops sorry. Too much cold medicine, I should read on.

(EW) Colin Firth, in long, flowing musketeer locks that bring out an erotic dynamism (Mari) On that list, be sure to also check out American Rhapsody. I second. (BWTA Newsletter) Two of today's most exciting young actors, Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth LOL, they make them sound the same age. (Blockbuster) beat Fever Pitch into second place. I'm staggered ;-) Thanks to everyone for articles, pictures, links and wonderful pov. Lots of postings to catch up. It's great to be back.

especially for our Metro gals! Zip into your closest Toys R Us (or similar). Colin will be doing a little segment on Monday's Today Show (scheduled for 8:30 am) for its Annual Toy Drive. I expect that's done in front of the crowds outside, though am not positive.

(Karen)Zip into your closest Toys R Us (or similar). Colin will be doing a little segment on Monday's Today Show (scheduled for 8:30 am) for its Annual Toy Drive. Hmm . .dilemna . .there's a big Toy's R'Us in times square . .should I go there or the Today Show's studio? . .both are not too far from each other . . . have a feeling I may be late to work on Monday;)

Kimberly, go to Toys R Us (or FAO Schwartz) tomorrow or Sunday, buy an anatomically correct Darcy Doll, then head over to the Today Show on Monday!:-) Go to it, fan base! (Karen)I expect that's done in front of the crowds outside, though am not positive. Yep, they had Kevin Bacon on last week--and if I'm not mistaken, he wore a little Santa hat! The mind boggles . . .;-) Usually it's when they go to Al Roker for the weather. Great find, Karen, you're amazing!

They're supposed to be at a Toys R Us, for sure? If he has to get to ABC by the 9:00 half hour, as I would imagine he would be the first guest, it would be considerably more doable to do it at Rockefeller Ctr. Doubt Katie or Matt would truck "all the way" down there just to do a segment for that. Can you see Colin and Al hanging out in the stuffed animals or on the big indoor ferris wheel. ;-) Maybe they should go to FAO Schwartz instead. They could use the publicity. They're having a fire sale, on the verge of going out of business.

This morning, on TODAY, the Bacon boys were collecting toys in the area outside NBC where they shoot the sumer bands and do the outside weather, car segments, and suchlike. Kevin had on the Santa hat. So...If t'were me in the city, I would be getting my toy this weekend, then bundling up and taking it and self to NBC to, hopefully, have a CEFK. Sigh...Oh to be a "Metro" girl.

Thanks, Eithne. That's what I thought.

(Dorine) They're supposed to be at a Toys R Us, for sure? No, I never said that. I said to go to a Toys R Us (or FAO Schwartz or Wal-Mart for that matter) and BUY A TOY to donate to Santa's little helper on Monday, outside of the Today Show's studio. My suggestion: a Paint-by-Numbers set ;-)

Interesting article in itv.com - doesn't bode well for TDW... Heart-throb Colin Firth has said he is exhausted and is planning to take some time off when he has finished filming the sequel to Bridget Jones. http://www.itv.com/news/1075527.html

Colin Firth has said he is exhausted Honestly that man doesn't know how the other half lives (on a fraction of what he earns):-( Have to say that this is an aspect of Colin with which I am not in sympathy. Work/life balance is one thing but CF...

Just an afterthought to the above. Is just possible that the above was him sidestepping the question, particularly if TDW is precipitous (is that what he said? what does it mean?).

GWAPE - Atlanta Screening Well I met up with a couple of other droolers.(Lisa and Shoshana) I must apologize, because I was quite chatty, seeing as it was the first time in two days I was able to talk (I had lost my voice). The film was wonderful. Absolutely breathtaking. The sparse dialogue was warranted. I can't imagine anyone else that could have carried that movie off besides ODB. He says so much with his expressions. I nearly fell off my chair when they announced that Mike Newell was originally supposed to direct and that Kate Hudson was supposed to play Griet. I can't even imagine her in the film. Anyway...It was a marvelous film and I did find him quite appealing even in his Fabio wig.

(Allison M)Honestly that man doesn't know how the other half lives (on a fraction of what he earns):-( Have to say that this is an aspect of Colin with which I am not in sympathy. Work/life balance is one thing but CF... I don't think his work rate s much different than any other fairly successful actor. He has stated on previous occasions that he values his family life. He is in a profession where he can enjoy the best of both worlds - who wouldn't in his position? He seems to me to be an well-grounded individual, free from the excesses so prevalent in his profession. -I applaud him.

(Allison)Is just possible that the above was him sidestepping the question, particularly if TDW is precipitous (is that what he said? what does it mean?). When I asked him at the NY premere of Love Actually if he was doing The Dead Wait, he looked surprised that I'd asked, then shook his head saying, "that's very precipitous at the moment." Well, it *was* raining at the time.;-) I then asked him what he was doing after EOR and he said there was something else he was lining up, but couldn't say more. To which I replied, "Oh, sure." Yes, I did, ask the fan base. He sort of smiled. Sort of.;-) Damn people expect me to work work work.;-) I read the other week that Hillary Swank and Chiwetel Ejiofor (Dirty Pretty Things; KK's hubby in Love Actually) are to be in South Africa shortly doing a film about the Truth & Reconciliation Commission. Given that, and the precipitous answer, IMO, TDW is not happening. Doubt there'd be two films on the same subject matter.

Coing Soon has several new stills from GWAPE: http://www.comingsoon.net/cgi-bin/imageFolio.cgi?direct=Drama/Girl_with_a_Pearl_Earring

(Mari)I then asked him what he was doing after EOR and he said there was something else he was lining up, but couldn't say more Yep, I heard him say that, too. But taking a break doesn't necessarily mean several months without work. I'm hoping that all of this recognition and publicity means he's getting more scripts, etc. sent to him---finally, maybe? he wants to take a look at what's being offered and choose carefully;-) Then, again, he will probably say something different next week;-)

Exclusive Girl with a Pearl Earring Photos! Source: Lions Gate Films Friday, December 5, 2003 We've got five exclusive new stills from Lions Gate Films' anticipated adaptation of Tracy Chevalier's Girl with a Pearl Earring, starring Colin Firth, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Wilkinson. The drama opens in Los Angeles and New York next Friday, then in Chicago and San Francisco on the 26th. It will be released wider on January 9. (The one of Colin isn't new) http://comingsoon.net/news.php?id=2599

I'm really, really sorry for triple posting here, but *slapping head* The more I thought about this taking a break thing...the more I hope it was just a "varying the answers" type of answer. Why would he take a break now? Isn't there something to be said for striking while the iron is hot? ...must be cabin fever on my part. Watching the snow pile up makes me crazy.

(Mari) KK's hubby in Love Actually) are to be in South Africa shortly doing a film about the Truth & Reconciliation Commission. Given that, and the precipitous answer, IMO, TDW is not happening. Doubt there'd be two films on the same subject matter. 1. Valmont redux. 2. Anyway, I read it, and didn't think it was so hot. He can do better. Off to the night table it goes. (Along with Hamlet, Armadillo,Flashman,Maid of Butterball...)

Thanks for the article find, Jane. (Colin) "We've almost finished filming now. Then I think I'm going to take a break and rest for a while....I've been rather busy recently. I've never been one to plan too far in the future." He has been working back to back on more projects than he has in the past, and I suspect all this "promotion" has gotten to him. Not to mention how "physical" a role he has in TEOR, all that fighting, etc. ;-) If he is planning on taking some time off, it wouldn't be out of character. Let's just hope it isn't 5-7 months or longer, as has happened before. (Linda) Isn't there something to be said for striking while the iron is hot? Unfortunately, he doesn't seem to understand this concept. :-( Someone make a note for it to be next year's birthday party theme. (making lemonade)

Have been playing catch up, and want to thank everyone for the goodies! (And thanks to Karen for posting articles so quickly at Firth.com.) Am getting v. excited about the big promo push for GWAPE. Regarding ODB taking a break, something tells me if a great offer comes his way, he'll take it. I bet he is tired--new baby, promo for 2 films while filming a third, etc. I think it's great he wants to be with his family for a bit and can afford to do so. (Evelyn) Off to the night table it goes. (Along with Hamlet, Armadillo,Flashman,Maid of Butterball...) Oh no, the night stand of death! ;-) Maid of Butterball. Wouldn't that be "The Maid of I Can't Believe It's Not Buttermere?" ;-)

From Jennie, a very interesting review of GWAPE from her quarterly news magazine from the National Art Collection Fund: So little biographical details is known of the Sphinx of Delft, as Vermeer has been called, and his calm interiors are imbued with such enigmatic qualities, that it is easy to see why the novelist Tracy Chevalier was drawn to weave a delicate fiction around one of his most celebrated portraits. Peter Webber has now turned Chevalier's book into an elegant film, and he has managed to avoid most of the excesses of the art-historical biopic. In place of the bombastic genius of film portrayals of artists from Charles Laughton's Rembrandt, via Kirk Douglas's Van Gogh, to the startlingly Welsh Picasso of Anthony Hopkins, we have Colin Firth's impressively quiet Vermeer. Here is a painter who behaves as if he is really looking at his subject rather than performing for it. I say "it", but the subject here is, of course, the mysterious, pearl-earringed girl who gazes across the centuries at us with an intimacy that still feels disarmingly immediate. Who was this girl? The film makes a plausible case for Chevalier's idea that she was a young servant girl, Griet (Scarlett Johansson), who became the object of Vermeer's discreet infatuation and a relief from the demands of his wife Catharina (blazingly well played by Essie Davis); sitting for her portrait would cost her her job, even as it earned he immortality. Being unconstrained by documentary evidence allows a film-maker to have fun (John Boorman did as much with his short film Two Nudes Bathing, which jokily 'explained' the nipple-pinching pose of that 16th century School of Fontainebleu masterpiece); but the comedy here comes largely from the contrast between the noisily chaotic household run by Catharina and her mother Maria (Judy Parfitt on dust-dry form) and the tranquillity of Vermeer's upstairs studio. The film credibly reconstructs 17th century Delft (in Luxembourg), and the "outsider" status of Dutch Catholics (like the Vermeers) is subtly conveyed. But the central conceit explodes when the screen fills with a close-up of the Vermeer portrait--it is tender and sensual, but not sexual. Ultimately, it is hard to believe that Vermeer (who fathered more than a dozen children) would be tempted by the winsome Griet when the volatile passion of Catharina was only a few paces away." (Review by Paul Ryan, film critic)

Ultimately, it is hard to believe that Vermeer (who fathered more than a dozen children) would be tempted by the winsome Griet when the volatile passion of Catharina was only a few paces away." Middle-age married man with wife, children and mother-in-law constantly tugging at him,tempted by a virginal, pouty-lipped model? Nah. Never happens.

(Linda) Isn't there something to be said for striking while the iron is hot? I remember the high hopes I had after the box office success of BJD and the critical success of Conspiracy and his Emmy nomination for that. You know what he did next? Londinium. 'Nuff said. :-( (Lisa) Wouldn't that be "The Maid of I Can't Believe It's Not Buttermere?" ;-) LOL! I hope he's not flying in today; we're getting hammered with snow. It does look beautiful and Christmas-y though. (Louise)Middle-age married man with wife, children and mother-in-law constantly tugging at him,tempted by a virginal, pouty-lipped model? Nah. Never happens. ROTF! You're baaaad.

(Linda) Isn't there something to be said for striking while the iron is hot? That's not part of his DNA; he never smells the coffee. Nevah. He did tell you, Mari, that there was something else on... I just hope he doesn't go off to make furniture in Italy for a few years.

(Karen)I said to go to a Toys R Us (or FAO Schwartz or Wal-Mart for that matter) and BUY A TOY to donate to Santa's little helper on Monday, outside of the Today Show's studio. My suggestion: a Paint-by-Numbers set ;-) Sorry, Boss . .understood your original post wrong . . "Metro gal" on the case . .cannot get to store today, as snowed into apartment in manner of Nanook of the North, but tomorrow, must and will get toy and will make way to donate on Monday. . .Will let you know results . . . Colin Firth has said he is exhausted (Allison)Honestly that man doesn't know how the other half lives (on a fraction of what he earns):-( Have to say that this is an aspect of Colin with which I am not in sympathy. Work/life balance is one thing but CF... OK . .chiming in again as an actor . . .I can very much comisserate with ODB . .and I'm not near yet the level of success he has. The acting profession, unfortunately is not as easy as it appears . . . Some may think it�s as easy as memorizing a few lines and stepping in front of a camera . .fraid it�s not. . .I guess I can throw a few examples here to elaborate. (I apologize for the length right now . .fast forward through this, if you may not be interested!) 1.) To start, an actor�s day is never a set 9 to 5 with straight shooting from the beginning to end. For example, next week I have to shoot a under-five for One Life to Live. (Granted, this is daily episodic TV, but it�ll give you an idea) (A U/5 is below a Principal/Contract player, not really a Re-occurring Day player, but a step up from a mere Extra. It�s called an U/5 because you usually have under-five lines or less, sometimes no lines at all. But if you have direct interaction with a principal character, and/or help move the storyline along � you�re a U/5) My call time to the studio may be 8 AM. (I would have called the day before to find out this.) My day will start around 5 AM or 5:30 in order for me to get up/get ready and travel to the set on time. I get there around around 8AM, my 2 lines memorized. (I picked the script up a day or two prior) I check the shooting schedule as to when my scene is up for the day. If I�m lucky it may be the top of the list.then, more often than not I�m usually at the middle or end of the day. Then I may have to wait till maybe 9 or 9:30 AM to get into the rehearsal room, to do a quick scene blocking with the director and the principal actors. Again, my time in the rehearsal room will depend on where I am on the shooting schedule. (The principal actors may have been there rehearsing previous scenes as early as 6:30 or 7 that morning) After rehearsing I wait till maybe 10:30 or 11 to actually go up to the set for camera blocking. Camera blocking is swift, actors don�t get to rehearse their scenes full out, this is tech stuff for lighting, cameras, etc . . most of the time once they get their cue lines out, the cameras are off and moved over to another part of the set, leaving the actors in the dark, trying to quickly rehearse again with each other. After the whole day is blocked out, there is a break for lunch (about an hour), I pick up my wardrobe, wait to get called into the make-up and/hair room and then I am called up to the set. A final dress rehearsal is done for each item occurs, followed the shooting of the items. (They may dress, then shoot one item at a time, or do two or three at a time, depending on how elaborate the camera work is/how long the item is) Depending on when my scene is and how many items in that scene, I could get on the set at 2 PM and get out at 4 PM or get on the set at 6 PM and get out at 6:15. It all depends on how long the scenes prior to mine take to shoot. In between lunch and shooting, I could run to an audition or go-see, rehearse songs/monologues for upcoming auditions, go to voice/dance lessons, work on my monthly mailings, memorize/rehearse for any productions I�m working on. Usually it�s best not to go to far from the studio, b/c you never know when you�ll be called up to tape. And that�s just one type of day at a soap, not even a �block/dress/tape day�, when you do everything mentioned above, separately for each scene. In respect to film/movie work, night shoots are the worst. It throws your body clock off horribly. I did 3 consecutive night shoots as an extra for the movie Two Weeks Notice (w/ HG & SB) As a non union actor, I was responsible for my own hair, makeup and wardrobe. It was the circus/benefit outdoors scene (Formal strapless ball gown with everything to match). So I started my day at 3 PM to get ready and trek, hair in curlers, gown & accessories in hand to travel down to the location in Brooklyn to get to the set by 6:00 PM. They weren�t ready to do any filming till about 10PM. And being extra number 197 out of the 400 called each night, there was no guarantee that I would even get on set. They would come in and look everyone up and down and choose whomever they wanted for each shot. (I was lucky I got in about 4 or 5 times during the 3 nights I was there.) Dinner was about an hour around 1AM in the morning. I was dismissed from the set around 5:30 � 6AM. Got home about 8AM, slept again till 3PM an do the whole thing again. Basically didn�t see my DH for 3 days, he was already gone for work every time I got home and I left before he returned. And, again, that was me as an extra, imagine that multiplied due to the demands a principal actor will have on set. (As an aside � when Hugh Grant mentions he truly hates the process of acting he isn�t kidding. For TWN, I was lucky enough to be very close to him during shooting. And sure enough after every take he would 1.) curse 2.) berate himself very harshly for what he did. Then he would periodically go to the monitor, review his performance and curse again. He is rather hard on himself, more than he should be. Everything I saw him do was spot on.) 2.) Acting is physically demanding. It certainly can take a toll on your body due to not just what you are doing, but b/c of external elements as well. For TWN I was filming for hours at a time outdoors (at a restaurant out on the water) in 30 degree weather in a ball gown. (The scene was set in the summer or late spring . .so we froze with smiles on our faces) While working on the film Bad Company, I watched Anthony Hopkins, 63 at the time, run up and down streets, stairs, ramps near and in Grand Central Station in 90 weather - disgustingly humid, in a heavy leather jacket dressed b/c the film was set in very early spring. And the man had pulled a hamstring in the process, I caught him trying to stretch it every opportunity he got. And understand, for every 1 shot you see in a film, it may have taken anywhere from 5 to 15 to 25 or more takes to get the right one that the editor selects to go into the finished product. And there�s always a majority of shooting that�s always on the cutting room floor. Let�s look at our fight scene fav pics from EOR. That scene could be compromised of shots from Hugh�s POV, Colin�s POV, some aerial shots, various close-ups , you name it . .those boys ran, scrapped with each other and fell in to the pond for god knows how many times before the director was satisfied that she got the what she wanted. The dreaded �back to one� meant dry off and do it all again for each separate shot. 3.) Acting is emotionally demanding Think about the different emotions you can go through at any given day: anger, frustration, sadness, hysterics, indifference, joy . .whatever. Imagine having to replay your emotions captured at one given time over and over and over again. It�s hard to explain, but it�s not easy making it seem real and genuine. Plus, mentally and emotionally it isn�t fun . . .I had to re-live the death of a son and husband quite a few times (for a theater piece) . .it was satisfying when I got it correct, but the process of doing it was not easy. Shaking it off after thae fact can also be difficult. How long can you be affected my events that occur in your life? And again, in film, they shoot out of sequence. So as Colin has often mentioned, you can be elated with the love of your life in one scene, and then for the very next one, distressed over their murder, or even plotting their death! Jumping from one emotion to another, not easy. And when you are doing your reaction shots one day from a scene you shot the day or week before . .your co-star may not even be there to work off of You can just be having people off camera feeding your lines . .that isn�t easy either, b/c you have to recreate the chemistry of the scene alone. And there are always other factors of acting, like re-writes they throw to you that morning or hours prior to shooting, when you�ve already memorized and rehearsed/something completely different . . .I could go on and on . . Whew . .I�ll stop here for now! (Janet)He seems to me to be an well-grounded individual, free from the excesses so prevalent in his profession. I so agree, Janet. . .one of the reasons I admire him, is that he is a dedicated actor and family man . . . and a genuine person, not a celluloid fake celebrity

Heart-throb Colin Firth has said he is exhausted and is planning to take some time off when he has finished filming the sequel to Bridget Jones. My cynicism nags that the "interview" may well have gone like this: Reporter: "During filming having to do all this publicity must be exhausting." CF: "Yes it is." Reporter: "Are you going to take some time off after you finish EOR?" CF: "I hope to."

LOL, Louise! It may very well have gone exactly (or nearly) that way. Kimberly, your take on the rigors/demands of the acting profession are so noted and understood. Having watched films being made, I know the days are long and very tedious. But he doesn't do it 365 day/yr or even 200+ when you adjust for vacations/holidays. I suspect that filming Trauma was more demanding than anything else he's done for a very long time. All the running back and forth during TEOR filming to do publicity for LA and GWAPE would tire anyone out. But it's natural and what they get paid the big bucks for as actors and is a small portion of what the bigger stars have to do.

Karen - Sorry that was so long above! Just wanted to give an idea was a very minor actor could do . . (Karen)But it's natural and what they get paid the big bucks for as actors and is a small portion of what the bigger stars have to do. I find it amazing that the bigger stars get to have any private life/personal time at all, esp the ones that seem to work constantly . .either your in production, post production or doing publicity . .ODB has the right idea to go and take a break . . hopefully not for too long:( . . Perhaps he'll be painting murals in some Italian villa as his children play around him w/ Livia looking lovingly on . . .that sounds nice and relaxing . . .

No need for apologies, as I said, it was enlightening (and not the least lecturing or condescending). Your perspective is a welcome addition to the boards. ...but I'm from the "don't give a rat's ass" school when it comes to his private life. ;-) Perhaps he'll be painting murals in some Italian villa Cobbling, more likely. v. dangerous job ;-)

(Evelyn)Isn't this the weekend that PW is supposed to get an award from the Santa Fe FF? Caribou, where are you? Weeeelll, not in Santa Fe. (Grimacing as I type) I decided to go GWAPEless this weekend. If CF's on the front of tomorrow's paper, I will faint. The box office people did say, GWAPE had sold out. Was still only the one showing. They did think someone from each movie was in attendace but couldn't verify who would be there for GWAPE. Still not sure if PW or GWAPE is getting an award this afternoon. Will let you know if anything is in the paper tommorrow. The press coverage has been lacking 60 miles south of the venue. SFFF made the the front page Wed. when it opened. Most of the article was about two other films: one by a former Santa Fe resident about lesbians and one filmed in New Mexico. They gave directions for how to get tickets and Wednesday's schedule and then it disappeared. Will let you know if I find anything relevant. (Kimberly)Hugh Grant....after every take he would curse Just exactly like Billy Mack in LA! They showed him doing that on the TWN DVD. Art imitating life ala Richard Curtis:-)

For those in snowy climes who might want more reading than usual. I found a couple of websites. This is where GWAPE was shown last night: http://www.lensic.com Interesting perspective on GWAPE in this article. A glitzy Hollywood movie!?! http://www.sfnewmexican.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=36500&SectionID=2&SubSectionID=&S=1 Don't know how to add a link per se so, try cutting and pasting if it doesn't work. Rocky Mountain correspondent signing off after trying to redeem self.:-)

Colin Firth has said he is exhausted (Allison) Honestly that man doesn't know how the other half lives (on a fraction of what he earns):-( Have to say that this is an aspect of Colin with which I am not in sympathy. Work/life balance is one thing but CF... (Janet) I don't think his work rate s much different than any other fairly successful actor. He has stated on previous occasions that he values his family life. He is in a profession where he can enjoy the best of both worlds - who wouldn't in his position? He seems to me to be an well-grounded individual, free from the excesses so prevalent in his profession. For what it's worth, must put my .02 in. While I tend to agree with both Janet and Allison, my strong initial reaction when I read items such as this from Colin or any successful actor/actress is akin to Allison's. My first thought runs to the people unlike Colin, et al, who work long hours in factories, the corner stores, delivery people like UPS (or at least some here I know), waitresses with daily long shifts in dive restaurants, and a handful of others I could mention. Some of those people may be single parents, work crappy shifts of 8-12 hour days or even 2 jobs, possibly with no or crappy insurance that costs more every year, esp if it's a family plan, get 2 wks vacation and are penalized if they take the sick time they're given and use up their sick time to take kids to the doctor and are left with no time to use when they are sick or hurt. A high end example of my point, my UPS guy has pain and numbness down his right arm (*and* just broke his toe in an accident), MRI showed cervical issues, can't afford to go out on disability as it will pay a fraction of his salary and he has one kid in college and another will be soon. He also works over an hour from where he lives, leaves home at 4:30 am to get to work an when he gets home at 8 or 9pm, he's too tired to give all his attention to his family before he has to go to bed and do it all again. And to top it off, he's not quite a spring chicken either. There are thousands of illustrations of this point we could all come up with. That being said, I am familiar with most of what Kimberly gave in her overview and certainly take all that into account in the context of what Colin's life is. I don't begrudge him being exhausted in the context of what his life is. He's extremely fortunate to be in his position to not have to work constantly. More power to him. Maybe he'll be lucky enough to get to Michael Caine's level, who said the other night, he doesn't have to work if he doesn't want to except to do the projects he really wants to do, like The Statement. But as with many actors in Colin's position, whether they're frolicking in a fountain or sludging around in the wilds of Romania, all those people are getting paid more for several months of work (incl PR) than what the people above could hope to make in a lifetime. *And* they know it's *temporary* and most times have wonderful digs (sometimes 2) to go back to to recover from their (very real) stresses. The people above don't get that reprieve....sometimes ever. I agree that Colin seems rather well-grounded and obviously cares about those less fortunate. That being said I don't feel bad for him being "exhausted." Not that anyone was asking me to (before I get nailed about that). Ok, that might have been .04. ;-D

Thanks for the article Jane, I am hoping that Louise's version is how it really went down! And thank you Kimberly for the actor's perspective you provide! There is an article about Scarlett and GWAPE in today's NY Newsday - http://www.nynewsday.com/entertainment/ny-ffmov3570212dec07,0,6839907.story?coll=nyc-ent-short-navigation Also, here is a link to a video interview w/Colin nad Scarlett...Unfortunately I cannot view it on my home computer so I apologize if it is a repeat.. http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&cf=hmg&id=1808404192 Also noticed that Oklahoma City Museum of Art is showing GWAPE next Saturday for anyone fortunate enough to be in that neck of the woods...http://www.okcmoa.com/programs_film_cal.htm (whine) by the time I get to finally see GWAPE, Vermeer could have another 8 children (scuffing floor with right foot in petulant manner)...

There are so many people to thank for posting articles. pictures, links, and insights that I don't know where to begin. While I don't often convey my thanks, I want you all to know how very very much your contributions are appreciated. This is definitely the place to be.

Have moved Murph's article to O&E, as she suspected I might. ;-) (Maria) Oklahoma City Museum of Art is showing GWAPE next Saturday for anyone fortunate enough to be in that neck of the woods.. And who do you suppose that might be???? ;-) I can't wait for Tuesday, when I'll see it hopefully for the first time and I might go again on Wednesday for the preview screening at the Siskel Center. Remember, discussions of the movie belong on Spoilers

(Maria) Also noticed that Oklahoma City Museum of Art is showing GWAPE next Saturday for anyone fortunate enough to be in that neck of the woods Blessings on your tribe, Maria... In Mike Meyer mode:"I'm there, baby!!"

(Evelyn)Blessings on your tribe, Maria... In Mike Meyer mode:"I'm there, baby!!" My tribe thanks you for the blessings and hopes your are doubled!:-)) Wahooo Evelyn!I'm so glad you will be able to attend! Have a great time ! And now, for something from the righteously indignant... http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0001553.cfm

Thanks, Maria, for the yahoo link....waiting for January when we'll get it here in Florida

Now, now girls, what a lot of fuss over nothing. If you read the article, Colin NEVER claims to be exhausted. The author, not Colin, supplied that word. The actual quote reads: "We've almost finished filming now. Then I think I'm going to take a break and rest for a while...I've been rather busy recently. I've never been one to plan too far in the future." http://www.itv.com/news/1075527.html And what's wrong with taking a break? He's worked on about 5 films in the past year, and has a brand new baby at home (plus a 2-year old, plus a 13-year old in LA.). If he continued his pace I would question his commitment to his family.

Then I think I'm going to take a break and rest for a while...I've been rather busy recently. (Katty) If he continued his pace I would question his commitment to his family. My .04 rant stands. ;-D

Oh Maria, that's a doozy. Too bad this reviewer probably scored in the single digits in the comprehension parts of the SATs. I'd bet he was covering his eyes and ears during most of it. I know many Americans are bad on geography, but... There's the frustrated twentysomething "sex god" (Colin) who hops a plane to America so he can "score" with some "Minnesota babes." Eowww! And apparently anatomy as well... (lower sexual organs are the only things hidden from view). Are there upper sexual organs? ;-) OK, have put up the pics from the Burns Center from Dorine, Pauline and Joann in a new GWAPE gallery, as well as their accounts from that evening. This late arrival starts here: http://www.firth.com/p_eye010.html#burns Make sure you click on Dorine's in the gallery for much larger versions. Only one more thing to go...before I fall behind again.

(Maria)Thanks for the article Jane, I am hoping that Louise's version is how it really went down! Ditto! I've spent this snow day convincing myself of it;-) (Maria)by the time I get to finally see GWAPE, Vermeer could have another 8 children LOL, posthumously. Thanks, Maria and Karen

Thank you so much to Karen, Pauline, Joann, and Dorine for the glimpse into the Burns Center Q&A!!! Dorine, those close-ups are scrumptious!

Thanks, Karen!! Awesome job as usual! Thanks, Pauline and Joann, too! LA...a sleazy, amoral mess Just gotta laugh. :-D spliced nudity and sex throughout so as to trick critics into calling it edgy and artsy. Yeah, edgy and artsy were the first things to come to my mind, 'cause I didn't fall for their tricks! Characters frequently drink alcohol at a wedding and at parties. A sample of the kind of decadent weddings and parties we've only heard of in folklore. ;-) Thanks, Maria!

(Mari) I then asked him what he was doing after EOR and he said there was something else he was lining up, but couldn't say more. To which I replied, "Oh, sure." Yes, I did, ask the fan base. He sort of smiled. Sort of.;-) Damn people expect me to work work work.;-) He smiled. I saw it and I believe it was captured on film by the ladies to my right. Have seen lovely pic of him in full grin (something tickled him...had to have been you Mari!). (Evelyn) I just hope he doesn't go off to make furniture in Italy for a few years. I'd pay ready money for Firth Furniture.....chair, table....headboard..... (but I'm a taskmaster...work, dammit, work! I do appreciate that he wants to spend time with family and take it easy for a while (a week should do him!)...but then it's back to the grindstone! I need films to fuel this obsession...and I need loads of them!) ;-) Have fallen a bit behind, just want to thank everyone for the news and articles! Thank you Karen, Pauline, Joann, Dorine for the wonderful pics! Pauline...the hands Louisa!!!! Joann...love the pic of Colin 'coppin' a squat'! Fantastic! And Dorine...the pic of ODB that is partially obscured. Good picture of Scarlett, but she looks a bit lonely....did anyone ask her for her autograph (find it funny that ODB seems so busy signing and she looks to be standing off doing nothing!). Characters frequently drink alcohol at a wedding and at parties. (Dorine) A sample of the kind of decadent weddings and parties we've only heard of in folklore. ;-) LOL....I've only dreamed of such parties! Where can I find one? Does anyone know??

Thanks for the articles and pics ladies!!! Dorine - I liked your.04 rant;)

(Tress) And Dorine...the pic of ODB that is partially obscured. Good picture of Scarlett, but she looks a bit lonely....did anyone ask her for her autograph (find it funny that ODB seems so busy signing and she looks to be standing off doing nothing!). No clue if anyone paid one bit of attention to her. I would think the film center people went up to her with the posters they had, instead of just Colin. Maybe Pauline or Joann noticed. I thought that picture was kind of sad. Didn't know she was standing there til I got home and looked at the pictures. My eyes were otherwise engaged. ;-D

Thanks to all for the fantastic photos and articles! I had a great time meeting Shoshana and Darla in Atlanta and seeing GWAPE. I'll comment on the film at Spoilers, but just wanted to note that the screening was completely sold out and they even added a second showing due to demand. I'm so glad to hear that Karen and Evelyn will be seeing it this week.

He's worked on about 5 films in the past year, and has a brand new baby at home (plus a 2-year old, plus a 13-year old in LA.). If he continued his pace I would question his commitment to his family. Pssst. Lots of men who have 3 kids work year -round. some even two ) thanks to the Burns center crowd. The pics are super.

A little more info on the Toy Drive: THE �TODAY� SHOW was the first morning show to dedicate air time to a toy drive for the sole purpose of promoting charitable giving during the holiday season. This year, the toy drive officially kicks off on December 1 and continues through December 24. Every day, surprise celebrity guests will collect toys and other appropriate gift items for children from infants to age 18 right outside our studio. If you�re in Rockefeller Plaza this holiday season, be sure to visit us and bring a new, unwrapped toy or gift in its unopened, original package. We need gifts for children from babies up to age 18, and we have a tremendous need for boys� items as well as older teen gifts. Also, we�d prefer gifts other than stuffed toys since our corporate donors supply a sufficient number for our needs. We�ll be collecting every day on the air at 8:30 a.m. ET from December 1 until December 24, both weekdays and weekends outside Studio 1A. ~~~~~ OK, so it won't be a surprise. Who cares? More details here: http://www.msnbc.com/news/994372.asp?0sl=-12

(Karen)OK, have put up the pics from the Burns Center from Dorine, Pauline and Joann in a new GWAPE gallery, as well as their accounts from that evening.. Great job to Karen and contributers! He is a case of more is more. (Ev) Pssst. Lots of men who have 3 kids work year -round. some even two ) Now why didn't I think of that?;-) Crack that whip Evelyn!

Yes, lots of men have 3 kids (some on 2 continents, too) and work all year, and I think most of them would love the luxury of taking time off to be with them, too. Colin has said how very lucky he is that his success in his profession affords him that option. A refreshing change from actors who run away from the responsibilities of daddyhood (like that other Colin F). I know I wouldn't mind having Colin hanging around the house all day. Anyway, thanks for all the eloquent first-hand reports and photos from everyone who saw Colin at the talks and premieres and thanks to Karen for posting them so well. Next to being there, they are the next best thing.

Wheeeeeeeeeee!!!Couldn't sleep so came out to living rrom expecting to wear myself out clicking through 100 channels of infomercials all making me doubt my finances, weight, and excercise options in life thus far and instead watched Cinenews, and they promised a segment on Scarlett. They did one better and had a little segment on GWAPE and talked to ODB (looking delicious in a dark shirt!), Scarlett and Peter Webber and joy of joy I saw some scenes I had not seen before...Cinenews repeats several times today on different cable channels and I am actually watching it again right now and it seems to be the same show! Now I'll never get back to sleep! Gah!!!!! OMG!!! They just did a little bit talking about TEOR on the show as well and Colin talks about it!! It was done the same time as GWAPE bit!! Watch for it!!

Love the pictures from the Burns Center. Nice to see what Janet Maslin looks like. Thanks, all, for sharing. Two gossipy bits from People UK: LOVECHEAT PUT CURTIS WRITE ON! LOVE Actually director Richard Curtis began writing romantic films - because he caught a girlfriend cheating on him. The 46-year-old Blackadder producer scored multi-million pound hits with Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill before his latest Hugh Grant blockbuster. But Curtis has revealed it was his heartbreak that pushed him to pen the screenplays. He said: "A lot of it has to do with my first real girlfriend leaving me. "I've been repairing the damage ever since. Still, I guess I owe her a lot of money for sleeping with that other guy." Curtis, now settled with TV presenter Emma Freud and their three children, also thanks Love Actually pals Colin Firth, Emma Thompson and Rowan Atkinson for recalling their own romantic experiences for the film which has already taken �30 million. ************************************** ACTUALLY.. IT'S FULL OF COCK-UPS THE hit movie Love, Actually is riddled with cock-ups, according to fans. The Christmas film starring Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson and Colin Firth contains at least a dozen bloomers, say sharp-eyed viewers. They include: THE WRONG colour for Prime Minister Grant's No 10 folders. A CHRISTMAS Eve scene stretching over two different days. THE SAME extra walking past twice in one scene. FIRTH is seen clutching an armful of presents but seconds later he is empty-handed. PAGES from a script mysteriously vanish between shots. A movie buff said: "There are mistakes but it's still a great film."

A new article about Scarlett Johansson: http://www.nynewsday.com/entertainment/ny-ffmov3570212dec07,0,6839907.story?coll=nyc-ent-short-navigation Remember to click on the video icons for a couple of film clippings.

(Katty) A refreshing change from actors who run away from the responsibilities of daddyhood (like that other Colin F). Uh oh! Think back, m'dear. :-( May be a case of selective amnesia, but there's no need to beat a dead horse here. Am marking you down in my Book of Apostles. ;-) thanks Love Actually pals Colin Firth, Emma Thompson and Rowan Atkinson for recalling their own romantic experiences for the film which has already taken �30 million. Hmmm, wonder what he contributed...the language classes/gaffes, not looking the right way and getting side swiped, falling into a pond?

An online reviewer sent me the url to her review of GWAPE: http://www.reeltalkreviews.com/browse/viewitem.asp?type=review&id=683

Re: my comment above - Let's not be judgmental about situations of we know none of the details. Besides, I haven't heard anything about the other CF's "running away" (but this isn't the place to discuss people's personal lives. Now, onto this morning's BWTA interview. Are there no comments? Are people still sleeping? Actually, I found Colin's answers to be way too long and meandering. He looked good though and that woman was nice and unobtrusive as an interviewer. But he does need to work on his responses. Sharpen them up. I don't mean to "joke them up," but make them more coherent. Hopefully, by now, someone has told Scarlett that a tilemaker is not a merchant. ;-)

Perhaps he'll be painting murals in some Italian villa as his children play around him w/ Livia looking lovingly on . . .that sounds nice and relaxing . . . who knows. maybe Livia will hand the babes to Colin and say "see you in a few months, honey, i'm off to make another documentary!" ;)

I liked the BWTA interview. The reporter pretty much just let him run with it, and allowed him to talk and talk . . . and talk and talk.;-) I thought he did fine, and was very animated compared to other "serious" BWTA interviews. And he looked great. Thought Scarlett did very nicely too. (Maria)They did one better and had a little segment on GWAPE and talked to ODB (looking delicious in a dark shirt!), Scarlett and Peter Webber and joy of joy I saw some scenes I had not seen before Thanks, Maria! Saw your note, turned on the TV and there he was, talking about TEOR, and saying they could get 10 more movies out of it but (looking into camera, wryly addressing audience, "we won't do that to you." Great stuff, will be sure to catch/tape the repeats!

In today's Sunday Times from Antonella:

My Sunday Times has CF and SJ!

(Mari) Thanks, Maria! Saw your note, turned on the TV and there he was, What channel was this on? I don't tend to TV watching/surfing during the day unless I'm looking for something in particular.

Thanks, Karen and Antonella! He wishes he could play thugs. Me, too. Hopefully he can take some momentum and find that for himself instead of waiting for what may not come to him. Then again, maybe after Trauma people will see him in a different light and offer him some darker things.

Hey Dorine, Cinenews is on Encore; repeats throughout the week. BTW, I agreed with every bit of your $.04.;-) Scarlett is the featured interview in Today's Parade magazine (supplement to many Sunday papaers). Also, from an article in today's NY Daily News: "I found Scarlett a fascinating creature," says the film's director, Peter Webber. "Colin Firth's very happily married with kids, Scarlett had a boyfriend at the time - they were able to trade on feelings that we all have every day." Johansson does not currently have a steady boyfriend. She is, however, racking up more movies and is filming "A Good Woman" in Italy, with Helen Hunt. (My note: it's based on Lady Windermere's Fan). "She's got all the chops she needs," says Webber. "She's got the glamour and she's got the New York attitude. And when we were shooting 'Girl With a Pearl Earring,' everybody would go rushing off to the lunch queue, and Scarlett would still be in the 17th century."

Caribou, Santa Fe is redeemed!:-) SANTA FE, N.M. - A big turnout for an out-of-Hollywood experience gave Oregon-made "Indigo" the Audience Choice Award on Saturday at the 4th annual Santa Fe Film Festival . . . "The Girl With a Pearl Earring," a film about painter Johannes Vermeer starring Colin Firth finished just behind "Indigo" in audience responses, festival organizers said.

(Mari)I liked the BWTA interview. The reporter pretty much just let him run with it, and allowed him to talk and talk . . . and talk and talk.;-) I thought he did fine, and was very animated compared to other "serious" BWTA interviews. And he looked great. Thought Scarlett did very nicely too. I agree, the reporter let him go on..Was it just me or did she have a glazed and stunned look about her? She didn't guide the interview very well IMO, she seemed to do much better with Scarlett and she giggled nervously at his little humorous quips. I did like the bit about him learning from the woman who recreates the masters, and how disastrous his attempt was. (Would love to see and own his disastrous attempt! Could display it in a room next to Dogs Playing Poker, or some other piece that would be sure to elevate it's form ;-))

Perhaps he'll be painting murals in some Italian villa as his children play around him w/ Livia looking lovingly on . . .that sounds nice and relaxing . . . (Risa)who knows. maybe Livia will hand the babes to Colin and say "see you in a few months, honey, i'm off to make another documentary!";) That'sa my girl!;-)) I liked the BWTA piece and appreciated his being allowed to talk. It was over too soon for me.;-)

(Karen)Now, onto this morning's BWTA interview. Are there no comments? Are people still sleeping? Sorry . .was a bit busy . .Karen, just emailed to you the BWTA transcript. I liked the interview, wish it was a bit longer though. I liked that Kelly did not interrupt him too much. I understand how you say that he could have been a little more succinct, but I'm a talker myself (as you've seen by previous posts), so I kind of liked his stream of consiousness answers. Did look nice too, every time he smiled . .(*sigh*) it does it for me every time . .

(Karen) Sharpen them up. I don't mean to "joke them up," but make them more coherent. He did go on...but I enjoyed it. I had to remember that this was, I believe, done earlier in the day that I got to see him. He did this all day, then had to go to two galas.....no wonder he didn't socialize much. He had talked himself out! ;-) Oh! He did look pretty amazing..... (Mari) I liked the BWTA interview. The reporter pretty much just let him run with it, and allowed him to talk and talk . . . and talk and talk.;-) I thought he did fine, and was very animated compared to other "serious" BWTA interviews. And he looked great. Thought Scarlett did very nicely too. I enjoyed Colin (for all his rambling...which I found amusing. Like he hadn't found his soundbites yet...or gotten a feel for how he really felt about certain things.....was like a bit of 'stream of consciousness' interviewing...a bit like this post is becoming so I'll shut up now.....). Scarlett did well, but she didn't make much eye contact. Kept looking down like a shy child. Thanks Antonella and Karen!!! Wishes he could play thugs? Would love to see that....(see, no time for a break, he needs to get on that right away). Love the bit where imitates his schoolmates...."Firthy" ?? LOL....

(Maria)Was it just me or did she have a glazed and stunned look about her? She didn't guide the interview very well IMO Kelly was a pro in comparison to the first interviewer on A&E. Though I had hoped for Elliott Forrest. I thought the questions were thoughtful and he gave excellent "non-script" answers. And did anyone notice this is the first time an A&E interviewer did not even mention P&P and Mr. Darcy. I'm sure he did;-) Scarlett...well, she's young ...has a way to go on interviewing skills. Needs to ditch the "you knows". But she's appealing & cute;-) Whole segment would appeal to the A&E audience.

Got my copy of the Love Actually book. I know that Emma wrote out all the answers to the Love Questionaire from ODB....but I found another bit amusing: Who would you have as your naked stand in? ODB: Hugh Grant ten years ago. And a few pages later, Hugh Grant gives this answer to the same question: Hugh: Colin Firth - but with a better body. Hope that hasn't been posted yet. I fell a bit behind....did a search and didn't see it. Thought some of you might find it funny.

(Tress)He did go on...but I enjoyed it. Same here, but when he goes on like that he answers less questions, and I tend to get lost, too. Well, actually, I get lost on the first viewings, anyway. Just another reason to watch again, and again;-)Oh, and of course he was his usual AFG best. His impressions on first seeing Vermeer's studio on the set, and his having little or nothing to do for days on end during filming reminded me of the BAFTA Q&A. Maria, thanks for the Cinnews, news. I caught it just five minutes before it started. Haven't watched yet, but I'm on my way. (Evelyn)(SJ)Needs to ditch the "you knows". And the "Um's". Thanks, Karen, Mari, and Antonella.

(Evelyn)(SJ)Needs to ditch the "you knows". (Lindak) And the "Um's". And the shoulder shrugs.

(Evelyn)(SJ)Needs to ditch the "you knows". (Lindak) And the "Um's". ODB had quite his share of the "uh, ums and you knows" . .believe me, Karen can attest to the transcript I sent her;) . . it didn't bother me that much cause it made the interviews for both of them seem less like planned/scripted answers and more off the cuff . . .

(Kimberly) ODB had quite his share of the "uh, ums and you knows" it's very easy to forget what you were going to say when you're being interviewed. it was still nice because both of them sounded VERY human, and very real IMO.

Here's the link for the Cinenews program, including which Starz/Encore related channel they're on. http://www.starzsuperpak.com/se/ssp/schedule/grid_titleview.html?v=2990231&e=38&valid_services=ALL&on_air_title=Cinenews

(Josie) BTW, a small note - thank you so much for the card, ladies.(you know who you are ;-)) It is certainly one of the best gifts I've ever had! it was actually quite nice getting the present for you, dear Josie :) i feel like i was getting something for a sister!

(Kimberly)it didn't bother me that much cause it made the interviews for both of them seem less like planned/scripted answers and more off the cuff . . . Didn't bother me either, actually. It's just much more noticable on her part. I've seen SJ interviewd several times, now, and I guess I almost look for it to happen so I notice it more. When Colin is being interviewed, he may be 'umming', and 'you knowing' all over the place but I get so caught up in his answers that I don't notice it a'tall;-)

The GWAPE website has the exclusive TV spot trailer. Nothing new in it, but it looks and sounds good. http://www.girlwithapearlearringmovie.com/ Thanks for the pics and articles everyone. I envy you for being able to watch the bwta interview, I have no cable, so I'm just trying to picture it based on your opinions. The thought of Colin "umm"ing and "you know"ing and shrugging and going on and on is very lovely to me. :-) Burns Center ladies, I'm glad you enjoyed yourselves, great pics you took, thank you for sharing!

(Linda)I get so caught up in his answers that I don't notice it a'tall;-) Ain't that the truth;) . . . OK, "Metro gal" news: will try to get to Today show tomorrow for 8:30 toy donating segment . .Keep eye out for sign saying "The LL from SPRING Want to Say Hello to ODB" . .we'll see what happens;) . . . will update you tomorrow . . psst Karen, bought 1 child's toy and 1 paint by numbers set . .see if he notices;) Oh . .also,just saw SLOW . . . now I finally get the carpenter jokes;) (I'm so behind . .)

(Kimberly)Oh . .also,just saw SLOW . . . now I finally get the carpenter jokes;) (I'm so behind . .) I just love SLOW! I think he is lovely in it. For me it's his best hair film.:-)) Meet me at Firthology if you have any thoughts.......

Oh my....forecast is near zero degrees with wind chill tomorrow morning. :-( Can't imagine ODB's too thrilled over that.

(Dorine)Oh my....forecast is near zero degrees with wind chill tomorrow morning. :-( Can't imagine ODB's too thrilled over that. Button up you stallwart fan base! Well, he says he a 'merican so he should hold up ok, I hope...

To those of you going to The Today Show, have a wonderful time! I hope we have the chance to see you with the sign on TV. Wish I could be there, too! Unfortunately, my boss is on vacation this week, which means I can't get anyone else to cover my shift tomorrow (or else I'd have hopped in the car several hours ago)! Apparently, I am the only other person on staff who knows how to make a schedule, which has to be done on Mondays. *Note to self: Train fellow staff in scheduling to avoid future similar aggravations!* I am doubly vexed to miss this as not only will my favorite actor be there (as well as some of you!), but my favorite men's skater, Todd Eldredge. He will be skating a performance on the rink at sometime in the morning (though he said it isn't scheduled to be televised live tomorrow, since the show wants to use it during the holidays, probably on New Year's). To think, I could have seen TWO of my favorites at the same place on the same day; what are the odds of THAT ever happening again? If it does, it will probably once again occur on the one day in the year that I absolutely cannot get out of working! Ah well, my run of great luck had to end sometime! I look forward to the broadcast, anyway. :-)

Well, he says he a 'merican so he should hold up ok, I hope... I'm not concerned about him. ;-) He's got a 3 steps to a nice warm limo waiting for him when he's ready to go the 10 blocks to ABC. I've got a crowded, maybe chilly subway to go all the way to the middle of Queens. ;-P

Thanks for all the new pics and comments etc, I love them. GWAPE is being reviewed on BBC's Talking Movies (Tom Brooks), and will be aired on SABC3 on 11 Dec 02:30, 14 Dec 03:00, and 15 Dec 02:30 As for TDW - no comment :-(

Good review in the New Yorker: by ANTHONY LANE �Girl with a Pearl Earring.� Issue of 2003-12-15 How many of today�s actresses would be prepared to step into the shoes of Griet, the eponymous heroine of �Girl with a Pearl Earring�? And how many would pull out once they realized that the shoes were, in fact, clogs? All credit to Scarlett Johansson, then, not only for taking the role but for devising a superbly inelegant walk�flat, clumping, and determined, the gait of a woman who has been bred to labor for a living wage and to expect nothing more. Yet something more is sprung upon her. The year is 1665, and Griet goes to work in the house of Johannes Vermeer. The painter is already in thrall to his black moods, his perennially pregnant wife, his formidable mother-in-law, and, given time and space, his art. Now, little by little, the new servant drifts into his view. Peter Webber�s first film is based on Tracy Chevalier�s novel of the same name�a ripe reconstruction of an age, told through the imagined voice of Griet. We lose that first-person narration in the movie, and the outcome is a little more stolid�Griet all but vanishes into the damp stone of her surroundings as she paces beside the canals. That may strike some viewers as undramatic, but it comes with a historical kick. The Griets of that world were not meant to be seen, and it is through the good offices of Vermeer, de Hooch, and their contemporaries�the sanctifying calm of their gaze�that we know of such underlings now. The movie, which was shot by Eduardo Serra, wants to scrape itself against the texture of their days, which is why, for all the elegant re-creation of Dutch interiors, with their sifted sidelighting, we are also dragged to the street market, and to its stinking heads of oxen, as a sanguine reminder that elegance alone is not enough. Nevertheless, anybody who balks at slowness will be driven up the wall by this movie, not least by the shortfall of its romance. Years of Hollywood training lead us to expect that Colin Firth, as Vermeer, will come on strong to Scarlett Johansson�to assume that desire, like art, must surge across all boundaries. But, if ever a society was bounded, it was Holland in the seventeenth century, and, in defense of such decorum, I would say that the repression going on between Firth and Johansson is more of a turn-on than most of the hot news that movies like to bring us from twenty-first-century bedrooms. Watch the two of them huddled beneath the blackout cloth of a camera obscura, or Vermeer showing Griet how to grind shellac and lapis lazuli (the shards even sound delicious in the hand) while preparing his pigments. Best of all, look closely at Johansson as she puts on the pearl earring and sits for the portrait by which she will, unknowingly, be granted immortal life. Instructed to moisten her lips so a to catch the light, she doesn�t do anything so lubriciously modern as to show her tongue, but gently sucks each lip in like a lozenge�a dazzling detail in what is, by any standards, an immaculate period performance. Johansson, who won the role after Kate Hudson stepped aside, makes no attempt to look pretty; indeed, in the fullness of her figure, and in the breadth of her cheekbones and brow, she displays that mixture of piety and earthiness that we associate with landscapes less urbane than Delft�s, and with artists less given to quietude. �Girl with a Pearl Earring� is a tense and civilized tribute to Vermeer, and it is unthinkable without the poise of its leading lady. Yet, if Rembrandt could have glimpsed her, he, likewise, might have reached for his brush.

From the Express: When brooding heart-throb CF stepped up to present a gong at the Women In TV And Film Awards at London's Hilton Hotel the other night, not everyone among the 750 throng joined in the show-stopping five minute eruption of wolf-whistles and swooning. Fellow pin-up Ross Kemp took the opportunity to slink off, stony-faced, to the toilet.

Not So Great in Time: GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING Directed by Peter Webber Starring Scarlett Johansson, Colin Firth, Tom Wilkinson Girl With A Pearl Earring is pretty as a picture � a picture, let us say, by Johannes Vermeer. Its reconstruction of 17th century Holland, where the old master painted his breathtaking portraits, is stunning. Unfortunately, the characters inhabiting this landscape in Webber's film are merely stunned. You've never seen so many people talking and walking so slowly or registering their emotions so unblinkingly. It's possible that the lento rhythms of the film are dictated by the need to stretch what is really little more than an art-historical anecdote into a full-scale movie. Basically, all that happens in the movie is that Vermeer (Firth) entices his pretty, largely silent new housemaid (Johansson) into posing for the eponymous painting, while his patron (Wilkinson) lusts after her impotently. The film's dramatic high occurs when she finally takes off her cap and reveals her pretty hair. All right, some obsessional undercurrents run beneath Girl's surface. The painter is obviously attracted to his model. He teaches her to mix his paint and guides her study of the play of light. Nothing comes of it, however, but glum expressions. There are a lot of cranky folks in the Vermeer household. An unhappy wife and a domineering mother-in-law do not make his life any easier, and the fact that he is a slow worker (he made only about 35 paintings in his career) doesn't help. But this material is either underdeveloped or crudely put by a director whose style is so conventional that he makes James Ivory look, by comparison, like Jean-Luc Godard. Who knew that 350 years ago the Dutch were pioneering the first Prozac nation? --R.S.

Hurrah! Katie Couric got in an interview with Colin about GWAPE...makes up for NBC not covering it on Nov. 10. Someone give him some gloves, poor baby!

Santa Firthy was there! How cute was he in that hat? Loved it, he's a great sport. Huge crowd on hand, hope our metro fan base got up close!:-)

Mini-interview, at least! Katie was all over Colin! LOL! The big question is what the Metro DD's at the Today Show saw. Boy, he looked AFG! Sorry for making no sense.

Oh, would I love to be keeping ODSanta's hands warm. But where is Katie? Notice how Matt did the next segment... LOL, loved her kissing him on both cheeks, grabbing his hands...she gets more bold everytime;-)Goforit. (Katie)"Are you stalking me"? Did anyone catch what Colin said just after that? Metro girls-did you get up close?

Oh, sorry to double post, but I think my new favorite words to hear him say... "pearl earring" **sigh**