Not yet! But it could be. This is the final week of our Annual Drool Fundraising Drive. Please contact me to get information on how to make your contribution. If you haven't received an acknowledgment from me, then I haven't received it yet. There are still quite a few people who emailed me, but from whom I haven't received anything yet. So, if it's slipped your mind, now is the time to get that checkbook out. We are very near our goal, having collected approximately 90 percent of the coming year's basic operating expenses. Here is this week's list of Drool Darlings, who have dusted off the old checkbook and helped us get closer to that goal: Thanks again to everyone for their continuing generosity.

Well, I suck. I didn't get tickets for the night time GWAPE gala at the LFF, only one for the showing the following afternoon (meaning that I will have to be conveniently sick that day). At least I get to see it at the end of October instead of waiting, but still disappointed. Will console myself over the next week during my Grecian holiday...

(Emma)(meaning that I will have to be conveniently sick that day). Yes, we all have our 'off' days ;-)

Checkk out today's Daily Mail. Baz has some stuff on LA.

From Antonella: Blue don't feel the Love Actually Poor old Blue. Not only do the pop hunks have to contend with the daily grind of having Lee Ryan among their number but now they're set to become the laughing stock of the movie world - thanks to Richard Curtis's new film Love Actually. One of the strands of the multi-plotlined rom-com sees aging rocker Billy Mack (Bill Nighy) going head to head with the lads for the Christmas No. 1 and he doesn't pull any punches, especially when guesting on Ant & Dec's TV show. First he sarcastically describes Duncan, Anthony, Lee and Simon as "great musicians" before drawing a speech bubble on a poster of the boys, ridiculing the size of their manhood's. You'll have to go see the film, which opens on November 21, to find out who grabs the coveted top spot. 10.30am Thursday 9 October 2003

I'll post this here because it deals with the TFF. Not sure if it will include LA or GWAPE. http://www.aetv.com/global/listings/series_showcase.jsp?EGrpType=Series&Id=186433&NetwCode=AEN BREAKFAST WITH THE ARTS SUNDAY OCTOBER 12, 2003 8:00 AM eastern time Elliott Forrest, host Breakfast with the Arts. Fall Film Prevue. Breakfast with the Arts travels to the Toronto Film Festival to talk to producers, directors and actors about their newest projects. Includes

Oooooh!! I'll be up anyway, as the rude marathon volunteers will start whooping it up below my window at about 5ish. Seems more than likely Elliott would try to highlight (a) costume dramas and (b) A&E very own poster boy. ;-) Reminder for Today: E! News Live isn't that on today??

(EmmaB) Well, I suck. I didn't get tickets for the night time GWAPE gala at the LFF, only one for the showing the following afternoon. Emma, I'm glad you will see GWAPE finally! Are you sure there are no tickets left for the gala? When I searched for tickets for the GWAPE screening in Toronto I was told everywhere that all tickets were sold out. A scalpel offered me tickets very "generously" for 135 CAN $. So I went to the gala just to spot Colin in the belief that all tickets were sold out, and was left gaping open mouthed when I saw that there were plenty of tickets at the box office before the show, and the theatre was only about one third full. Do you live close enough to the "action" to try for the gala tix again? It might be worth a try.

Thanks for the E! News reminder. I had forgotten. Also, heads up for Queer Eye fans...marathon starting at 7 tonight on Bravo.

My A&E letter from the producer says.... "Breakfast with the Arts. Fall Film Prevue. Breakfast with the Arts travels to the Toronto Film Festival to talk to producers, directors and actors about their newest projects. Includes talks with producer Jerry Bruckheimer and actor Cate Blanchett on "Veronica Guerin"; director and screenwriter Peter Hedges, on "Pieces of April"; actor Mark Ruffalo on "In the Cut" directed by Jane Campion and co-starring Meg Ryan; and actors Val Kilmer and Josh Lucas on "Wonderland." [TV PG]

(Karen)Reminder for Today: E! News Live isn't that on today?? Maybe I blinked, but nothing on LA. :-(((

I apologize if this is posted elsewhere. Colin with glasses at Wireimage. http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=gls====38737

Thanks so much, Kathy! Have to say I like HG's hair better than Colin's. You know I love the longer hair. Colin's is a tad to short for me, but no matter. I will say Colin is aging *much* better than HG. Matter of fact, I'd almost say he looks like he's had work done, but I find it hard to believe he'd do that. Especially after seeing what happened to Rupe. ;-) At the least, he looks like he's had a facial peel. His skin looks amazing. I kinda like the glasses, but I might like different frames a bit better. Still attractive though.

LOVE the pictures! Thanks KathyLC! As a person who must wear glasses, I just nearly fall over when I see them on him and these are REAL (as opposed the the fakes of TIOBE and AC)!! And I like the frames! They look like ringers for my old pair (that I just replaced)...dark frame with wire earpieces (or whatever you call the sides)... (Dorine) Have to say I like HG's hair better than Colin's. You know I love the longer hair. Colin's is a tad to short for me, but no matter. I was just thinking ODB's hair was a bit too long on top (makes it flat). Like the short sides and back...but he needs a bang trim! HG just has great hair (didn't ODB once say he envied HG's 'hair options'? LOL!). I agree that Colin is aging much better than HG...but I'm biased. I think he looks fantastic.

(Tress) I was just thinking ODB's hair was a bit too long on top (makes it flat). Yes, exactly. The length on top emphasizes to me how short the rest is. Except the sideburns which are just right. Rather see him grow out the sides and back. Reminds me of his hair in BJD, where his hair looked only fair more often than not to me.

Kathy--Thank you for the link to the photographs! (Tress)As a person who must wear glasses, I just nearly fall over when I see them on him and these are REAL (as opposed the the fakes of TIOBE and AC)!! Indeed! He looks amazing with glasses (coming from a fellow four-eyes). ;-)

I don't like the glasses at all; looks nerdy. But he looks better than Liam Neeson & Alan Rickman Which isn't saying much. Hair looks straight; used too much Potion 9 that day. And parted! Taking this fatherhood stuff seriously;-)

(Evelyn) I don't like the glasses at all; I don't love 'em, or hate 'em...just like Sylvia. And parted! Maybe that's what struck me as a bit odd about it. Liam Neeson Eeeek!! Missed those before. Alan Rickman He's a bit on the puffy side lately.

Thanks, Kathy! Oh my, there's a picture of Colin with those glasses from the Donmar lobby several years ago. I remember people thought he was trying to go incognito, but apparently not. I'm not big on the part either. Doesn't look v. Mark Darcy to me. I'll put up bigger ones later.

I don't care for the glasses, or at least those glasses. They hide too much of CF's beautiful face. I thought HG looked pretty good (dodging tomatoes) but not handsome enough to tempt me. Liam looks weird--what's with that hair?

Everyone may have figured this out already, but if you type in ODB's name in the search, it comes up with three additional pictures. Nice smiles! http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=SRH&logsrch=1&sfld=

Crikey! Link didn't work...just type in his name and you'll see....

(Evelyn) I don't like the glasses at all; looks nerdy He professes to be a nerd.... (Karen) Oh my, there's a picture of Colin with those glasses from the Donmar lobby several years ago. How many years ago?

It's just a matter of another photographer's pictures being added to the group. They do show up in the press conference gallery as well.

From January 2000. They look like the same glasses, though the lenses appear tinted a darker pink.

I wouldn't want to have to convince my naysaying friends how AFG he is on the basis of these pictures!

Kathy. thank you so much for the link. Love his looks with the glasses. Wouldn't have remembered what they looked like at the Donmar.

Thanks Kathy! I like his look with the glasses, they seem to me well suited to him and well chosen..Maybe his Roman optometrist fitted him, they somehow remind me of Italy...

Kathy, thanks for the link to the pics. I had hoped his hair would be slightly longer in TEOR than it was in BJD, but at least he's gained a little weight! And as for the glasses, I suppose presbyopia gets to us all, eventually.

Thank you, Kathy, for the pictures. I can like the glasses, but I'm not crazy about the hair. I hate the the piece that should be on the opposite side of the part. That left bit should be right;-)But those are lovely MD sideburns. I didn't blink, and there was no meniton of LA on E! The Live Weekend airs this morning. I'llcheck that out since the press conference was yesterday.

Thank you, Kathy, for the pictures. And thanks from me too. But have to say I hate the hair and hate the glasses. IMHO he looks rather priggish :-( I really hope he does not decide to parade this look to all the intrevies, press conferences etc. It would be too painful.

LOL, Sandy and Allison! Janet, I too, hoped his hair would be longer and noticed the weight. He has been too skinny before. I know the camera adds weight, but Tress, how does he compare, do you think? I know angles make a difference, too. And that hair on top just isn't settling right,is it? Hola, I hope he looked better in person. Didn't she say she was going to be there?

If anyone missed this morning's E News Live Weekend don't worry no mention of the LA interviews. The second segment this morning was the same as the second one last night. Also, no mention of it on their updates for the week ahead. Just have to wait and see.

(LindaK)The Live Weekend airs this morning. I'llcheck that out since the press conference was yesterday. Was there anything on LA? I was busy reading up on the red fingernail and missed almost all of the show.

Oops. Must have faster reflexes. Thanks Linda!

Great find Kathy! I have to say I don't like those frames on him. He's got such a lovely face, to cover any of it with dark frames is a sin. The glasses Curtis sports would be better suited for him maybe, with no frames visible we could see his face better. Other than that he looks gorgeous IMO. I even like his parted hair, although I hope he'll not make a habit of it... ;-) (Dorine) ...I too, hoped his hair would be longer and noticed the weight. He has been too skinny before. He still looks skinny to me. Where did I read the comment "He looks like a good meal would kill him"? I thought that was a rather nasty way to put it, but deep inside I had to agree with it. I'd like to see a few pounds more. Not all around his waist though. :-)

He still looks skinny to me No I think skinny is fine. The screen puts so much weight on an actor. I don't want him described again as stocky and jowly :-(

I have larger versions of the LA press conference pictures here: http://www.murphsplace.com/firth/lapress.html They are Wire Images, and protected, so I hesitate to allow downloading. He looks quite scholarly and quite attractive in those glasses.

The guy looks like a priest. Think that's a part? Or hair thinning. No one parts their hair in the middle. Thanks Murph.

The press conference gallery is up: http://www.firth.com/love_gal_pclond1.html

Hey, wait a minute, doesn't LD have glasses very similar? Maybe they got a 2-fer. Or maybe they're hers. ;-)

LOL, Dorine :-) I think, you may have hit upon something there!! Kathy and Karen, thank you for the pictures. I liked his "looks" much better in the Toronto pics, but glad he's doing some publicity :-)

(Dorine) Or maybe they're hers. ;-) LD has glasses (pic of her driving, probably in Italy due to location of steering wheel); they're similar but don't look exactly the same. Is there a more recent pic? My mind isn't functioning all that well.

OMG, it's Clark Kent!!!! So does he usually wear contacts? Thank you, Kathy, Murph and Karen!

(Karen)Is there a more recent pic? I believe, she wore glasses at the playground-pictures from earlier this year. (the Sun/Daily Star or whatever the tabloid was called).

(Moon) OMG, it's Clark Kent Now, it that really so bad? After all, Clark Kent was really Superman in disquise. Not a bad way to think of ODB.

Many thanks Kathy, Murph and Karen for the new pics. I can�t say I like the glasses either. Like EmmaB, I struck unlucky with tickets for the GWAPE gala, only for 31st. (I�ll still be hanging around though on the 30th). Yesterday�s Daily Mail - Baz�s comments on LA: Bill�s brill, actually�. Richard Curtis has completed his directional debut film, Love Actually, and it has been trimmed back a tad since I saw a work-in-progress version. I was glad, though, that he hasn�t cut back on Bill Nighy�s outrageously funny performance as a former rock star who is making a comeback with a �Christmas� version of Love Is All Around. Watching it a second time, I see that he�s actually the film�s soul because he�s the one you least expect to make a magnanimous gesture. There are some lovely moments, particularly with Colin Firth, Emma Thompson and two school children played by Thomas Sangster and Olivia Olson. The film�s going to be a huge hit and is most enjoyable. Some perceptive person worked out that I didn�t actually love the film. It was more a case of Like Actually. That�s probably because it�s so shamelessly manipulative and, sure enough, it hooked me. But then as my colleague astutely put it: �It does exactly what it says on the tin�.

(Annette) I believe, she wore glasses at the playground-pictures from earlier this year. I had checked those out and they almost seem a bit like sunglasses. Nevertheless, they don't have frames, like the ones she's wearing while driving a car. If the playground ones are presecription, then she's gotten a new pair, whereas Colin is still wearing his from the "twofer" deal. Colin looks great in some glasses (Playmaker, TIOBE) just not these.

What I dislike the most about the glasses is that it's *so* affected. I'm a Serious Actor and it's All About The Work, Not About Looking Good. I always laugh when I see great looking actors and actresses don these nerdy glasses. It's so transparent, IMO. He didn't need them in Toronto, or anywhere else in the past three years since the Donmar--you mean he can't see two feet in front of him at a press conference? What's to see? C'mon. Huge's big hair has taken on a life of its own. Teased and blown and sprayed to within an inch of its life. Still, it's *much* better than Colin's 'do. If Huge could have his styled before the press conference, why couldn't CF? Laura and Emma look cute. The rest--Rickman, Curtis, Neeson, Nighy--they're homely people and they can't help it, so I don't hold them responsible for their appearance.;-)

OMG, it's Clark Kent!!!! LOL, Moon! You've got it! I wondered why he had quite such a smug look on his face ;-)

(Mari)What I dislike the most about the glasses is that it's *so* affected. Mari, you are right. There is something in his expression in these photographs that I do not like. Smug perhaps. You have hit the nail on the head.

You know, Smallville, a show about Superman (which is very well written and I do watch), is very popular in the US. Maybe Colin should audition for the next Superman film, which I read is in the plans. A "Flashman" from the past? ;-) Earth, I mean Krypton to Colin, get your agent to make the call. :-D

(Dorine) He has been too skinny before. I know the camera adds weight, but Tress, how does he compare, do you think? I know angles make a difference, too. I thought he was rail thin in Toronto. I can't tell with these pics if he has put on a few pounds. Maybe if I saw a full body shot (just to see, not to make any judgements on his weight...*snicker*). I suppose he could have gone back to Italy to pick up the fam and eaten a bit before he left! I think he looks good here (not too jowly....LOL Allison!). (Dorine) And that hair on top just isn't settling right, is it? Nope. It's not. Looks odd (IMO of course). (Ildi) The glasses Curtis sports would be better suited for him maybe, with no frames visible we could see his face better. Love Curtis' frames and think ODB would look great in them....but I like the ones he's wearing. Something about them....makes him look all bookish, which I find v. sexy (like he needs 'props' to be a sexy beast...LOL!) Regarding wireless frames like C's,,,,,I wish I could wear them. My prescription won't work for them and they are 'fragile'. Meaning someone who tosses their glasses about or leaves them laying were 'little hands' can get them should probably avoid them. And the tinting...I've had that pinkish tint on past frames (not currently). They say (and I could never tell) that it cuts down on glare. Also, possible UV protection? But I think they can do that without tint now too. I think ODB's pink tint makes him look a bit tired (still think he looks great, but it makes the whites of his eyes look pink, so he doesn't look very rested....though this could be the case! He's got two at hope in nappies....). (Karen) LD has glasses (pic of her driving, probably in Italy due to location of steering wheel); they're similar but don't look exactly the same. Wasn't that picture taken during Fever Pitch days or a bit after (I remember ODB's hair being a bit wild)? Most eyeglass wearers (that I know) have their eyes checked every two years. She would have new glasses by now (I would think). (Karen) Is there a more recent pic? My mind isn't functioning all that well. (Annette) I believe, she wore glasses at the playground-pictures from earlier this year. The Now pics. She was wearing wireless frames or lighter colored frames. Looked quite nice on her. Still love the glasses (think about it this way....the dark frames make artificial eyebrows! He's got brows now!!), don't like the hair on top (like the short back/sides and MD sideburns. Wot happened to the lovely TIFF hair?? He needs a trim) and I'm not crazy about the shirt! Large brown and black stripes? He must be saving the white button down for the LA premiere (or he loaned it to Hugh)! ;-) All that said! I want to thank Kathy (again), Karen, and Murph for all the pics!!! Danke!

LOL, Moon, I thought he looked Clark Kentish, too. ;-) I don't think the glasses are so bad--but I like nerds. ;-) Makes him look vulnerable, IMO. I like him with glasses, without glasses; with clothes, without clothes....whatever!;-) The hair is odd in the pics. But I didn't like his hair in BJD, either. Thought his hair looked like a weird asymmetrical semi-bouffant throughout most of the film.

I think you see that "part" in BJD at times too. Could be that, if the front is long enough and no one is around to fluff it and stick it back, it will naturally fall like that. Again, am racking brain cause I've seen that part before and didn't like it.

am racking brain cause I've seen that part before and didn't like it. WAGW "interview" tape. But at least there, it wasn't so flat on top.

(Moon)Maybe Colin should audition for the next Superman film, which I read is in the plans. I'm sure I read something recently about him being considered for the George Reeves story. Seriously. (Mari)What I dislike the most about the glasses is that it's *so* affected. As long as they're real I can relate to having days where contacts just won't do. And I really can't see without some help. Funny though that we haven't seen any glasses before. I remember a series of Sting interviews in the '80's where Sting wore fake glasses the whole time. I wanted to ask him if he'd ever wear a fake hearing aid if he thought it was fashionable. Did ODB wear glasses like these in 3DOR? What's that word the Fab 5 use to fluff your hair up ;-) Speaking of Queer Eye, I saw my first LA ad during NBC's QE last night!

(Tress)They say (and I could never tell) that it cuts down on glare. And doesn't the pink tint also hide dark circles under the eyes? Maybe he's been helping with the baby at night since being away at TIFF. But regardless he's too young/young looking for a pink tint in his glasses. I forget, does Mark Darcy use glasses? Maybe he's been getting used to them for that. 8-) Thanks, Kathy, Murph, and Karen for the pictures. If the glasses are indeed his then now he's really looking at scripts through rose colored glasses! ;-)

Thanks Kathy, Murph and Karen. ...and Tress are you moonlighting at Lens Crafters, again? I did like him in the TIOBE and PM glasses better, too, but overall not bad. But I do agree that he has a very different look about him. Some of those pictures remind me of those back of dust jacket photos of authors. (Karen)Again, am racking brain cause I've seen that part before and didn't like it. I believe we discussed the part in his hair from WAGW...at the table discussing Favorite bands of the 70's, but he looked so AFG in all of that film that I don't think that's the one you are thinking of. From wireimage, HG is very much back in Daniel Cleaver mode. He's been wearing his hair much shorter than this since AAB.

Actually, I think at one point in BJD that part rears its ugly head too. His hair in BJD wasn't consistently styled. Sometimes there was this weird roll in the front (under the stairs at his parents' house), other times it was poufy, and sometimes flat. Hmmmm, maybe they're going for realism. A bad hair day??? ;-)

Translation a bit off but you get the gist, from the SSFF...Nothing like a good pinchazo in the ear to get you warmed up..;-) Warm welcome for "Girl with to pearl earring" Special San Sebasti�n 2003 There are days in which one is not for so large resistances... He is hard to happen of a so pretty tape (perhaps more than good, pretty), like "Girl with to pearl earring", in a same day, the one of this Thursday, to one of both only world-wide openings in the competition of this year, the one of "Dans him rouge du couchant", that will be titled in Spain "red Twilight", a filmic disaster that only can contribute like hypothetical explanation to its unusual selection the one that interprets Marisa Walls. One of the great protagonists of the day, in which the Colombian film "the shade of the traveller", of Ciro War has taken to the prize of the section Cinema in Construction, has been Bernardine Bertolucci, that showed its last film, "The dreamers", a history on the discovery of sex with the bottom of the May of the 68. Lamentably, like it happened with the other tape of the aid who enjoys a more or less stellar distribution international criteria, "Veronica Guerin", neither Colin Firth nor Scarlett Johannson have been dropped by San Sebasti�n, although at least this time yes made the director, Peter Webber. Good references had already arrived us from Toronto, mainly of the excellent interpretation of Johannson, an emergent actress who is giving much that to speak and that with this affluent tape could appear in palmar�s donostiarra that east Saturday will announce. One is based on "best-seller" of Tracy Chevalier on the world of the painting. Flagrant any comparison between this British film with the French of Argentinean the settled down in Paris Edgardo Cozarinsky, incoherent, bad writing, pretencioso and decidedly old. The drama "red Twilight" deserves to be neither in this nor in no other festival (for that reason it is released world-wide in San Sebasti�n). If its purpose were to move to us with the traumas of the Argentine past and of the cruel passage of time on those who a day was young and beautiful, the failure could not be more resounding. "GIRL WITH To PEARL EARRING", of Peter Webber (G.B./Luxemburgo) Something extraordinary happened in the projection for the press of this film: after the ovaci�n that received when finalizing the same one, when in the final titles of credit the room appeared the names of their director of photography (Eduardo Serra), the one of the composer of the sound track (Alexandre Desplat) and the one of its feminine protagonist (Scarlett Johannson) returned to applaud. Newcomer Peter Webber has rolled a gorgeous film on the relation between the teacher of the flamenco painting Vermeer (Colin Firth) and Griet (Scarlett Johannson), a maid with a special talent to understand the art that will get to be its inspiration and model. With a rate rested, an elegant putting scene and helped by an exceptional photography that exactly catches the light of the pictures of the time, realistic an artistic direction and of clothes moved away of the tempting opulencia of the time productions and a as beautiful sound track as touching, is transferred us to the Holland of half-full of century XVII, o a world in which slopes can untie a monumental attack of jealousy or in that simple pinchazo in the ear to place seems them an almost violent act. The work of all the distribution is exceptional, honoring mainly both protagonists, Scarlett Johannson and Colin Firth, with two very complicated papers in which they speak very little, but say much. http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.fotograma.com.ar/notas/festivales/3318.shtml&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dvermeer%2B%2522colin%2Bfirth%2522%26start%3D40%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26ie%3DUTF-8%26sa%3DN%26edition%3Dus%26as_qdr%3Dall

waaahhaafarf ! just caught a glimpse and choked : is this the new lecturer in Corporate Sociology from the London School of Economics ??? waahhaaa ! no, seriously, you guys OMG, it's Clark Kent!!!! LOL, Moon! You've got it! I wondered why he had quite such a smug look on his face ;-) are asbo-lulu-tely right... this *is* clark kent ! and i have proof : take a deep look at picture 8 in karen's gallery : the dreaded leash is still there ! well, and... and it isn't even a leash, it's... it's a necklace with a bit of kryptonite atatched to it ! well now, that sure does explain the brown shoes/blue suit business, and it also explains some, let's say, unlucky choice of roles recently... ahem. so, he's got the kryptonite, and it's kind of heavy, so he tends to fall over, bruised his forehead poor thing, had to cover it up with hair, hence the weird parting, plus he's broken three pairs of glasses so far, and now has to make do with mom's vintage 1965 old pair. need a stupid theory, just ask sophie. still have to figure out the convict tee-shirt thing, though... ah hem... but, occasionaly, there *are* good sides to being superman, mr. f. : remember when he rips his shirt off ? (is it a plaaaane , etc)well, might not be a good side for him, but we can handle it, i believe

(Maria)Nothing like a good pinchazo in the ear to get you warmed up..;-) ROTF. But this one "a world in which slopes can untie a monumental attack of jealousy" "lamentably" eludes me.

(Sophie)ah hem... but, occasionaly, there *are* good sides to being superman, mr. f. : remember when he rips his shirt off ? (is it a plaaaane , etc) Hilarious theory Sophie! Wonderful! And the leash/necklace/whatever is definitely still there. (SSFF via Google translation)the teacher of the flamenco painting Vermeer (Colin Firth) Now why have you all who have seen GWAPE been holding out on this info? Vermeer is a flamenco dance teacher? Ah, my imagination is running away with that one.... ;-) Thanks Maria!

It finally occurred to me what this pictured reminded me of: a senior year photo for the high school yearbook by Olan Mills. ;-)

ROTFLMAO, Lisa!! You're right!

(LisaJH)It finally occurred to me what this pictured reminded me of: a senior year photo for the high school yearbook by Olan Mills. ;-) I think he looks AFG, nontheless.

Those LA press conference photographs really worried me. Have I really been drooling over a narcissistic pseud all this time? Or has our adoration turned his head? Pondering this over my breakfast cornflakes, I came up with a solution that pleases me. How best when appearing with a line up of well known faces, in particular one Hugh Grunt, to whom you are always being compared unfavourably? Pretend to be superman ;-). Set yourself apart by wearing an old pair of your wife's glasses and who knows what round your neck. No more HG mark II. No wonder he looked pleased with himself :D

From today's Observer: For movie fans, just in time for Christmas, with much love New film by writer of Notting Hill is odds-on favourite to be the greatest British hit of all time It is the box-office banker to end them all. Ten love stories, a dozen A-list stars, a comic script by 'the British Spielberg' and the feel-good formula for Christmas - all in a single film. It is called Love Actually and, more than a month before its release, has already been tipped to become the biggest British hit of all time. The strength of the cast list has had the movie industry rubbing its eyes in disbelief. Established stars Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Martine McCutcheon, Bill Nighy, Liam Neeson, Billy Bob Thornton, Alan Rickman and Rowan Atkinson are combined with Britain's hottest young talent: Keira Knightley, Martin Freeman (best known as Tim in The Office), Andrew Lincoln of Teachers fame, Kris Marshall from My Family and rising stage actor Chiwetel Ejiofor. But the key to the success of Love Actually , made for �23 million and predicted to gross more than �250m, could lie behind the camera. The film's screenwriter, Richard Curtis, who wrote Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hil , Bridget Jones's Diary and Bean, is also making his debut as a director. The movie played to packed houses at private screenings in London last week and has won audience ovations in Los Angeles and Toronto. Bookmaker Ladbrokes is offering odds of 3-1 that it will become the highest-grossing British film ever. 'It's got all the right ingredients to smash every record,' said spokesman Warren Lush. 'You can't go wrong with Richard Curtis and a cast of this stature.' The film weaves together 10 love stories that unfold in the run-up to Christmas and climax on Christmas Eve. The festive theme, with its potential for TV repeats, has earned comparisons with It's A Wonderful Life. Curtis's film is set in London, and is said to make the city seem as glamorous as Paris or New York. Grant plays a bachelor Prime Minister who falls in love with his Downing Street tea lady, played by McCutcheon, while Nighy is an ageing rocker with a surprise hit. There is also a pop soundtrack with distinct market potential. Love Actually receives its premiere, in aid of Comic Relief, at the Odeon Leicester Square in London on 16 November, five days before its UK release. Adam Dawtrey, European editor of the industry journal Variety , said: 'It's going to be huge. It combines all the elements of Richard Curtis's work but with other things too. It is slightly less glossy and has more of an edge of realism. There is a little more nudity but the normal bucketfuls of swearing. 'It is Curtis's best film yet, a real advance for him, much more interesting than anything he's done before. It's more grown-up in a way and very funny and moving. 'The cumulative effect is of a comic and emotional juggernaut running over you, which the audience won't be able to resist. It does feel like a compendium of great British actors. This will be a must-see film.' In Hollywood, too, Love Actually is the title on industry lips. Chris Petrikin, of the William Morris Agency in Beverly Hills, said: 'It's hard to bet against Richard Curtis, the type of stories he writes and the quality of the ensemble casts he puts together. For actors it's similar to what is was like to be in a Woody Allen film: a feather in your cap that brought you instant cachet.' Curtis, 46, partner of the broadcaster Emma Freud, has written many of Britain's most popular comedies for TV and helped its cinema recapture the glory days of Ealing Studios. Four Weddings , made for �4m, took �150m worldwide, Notting Hill , made for �27m, took �230m, and Bridget Jones's Diary , made for �18m, took more than �100m. He is currently working on Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason . Curtis recently explained his decision to direct: 'It was reaching a point where I'd stolen enough hints from other people. 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.' Like Four Weddings and Notting Hill , the movie is made by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner's Working Title, produced by Duncan Kenworthy and stars Hugh Grant in a fairytale London. It is likely to face criticism for being formulaic, corny and overtly sentimental - it begins with a voice-over about 11 September, 2001, musing on the 'I love you' phone calls of those trapped inside the World Trade Centre after the terrorist attacks. Kenworthy said last night: 'Of the three films I've done with Richard, this is in many ways his most personal. It's his philosophy of life. He's not embarrassed or ashamed to say: "Love actually is all around." Love motivates people in all walks of life in every way possible. Embarrassment is the biggest English emotion, but Richard is not like that and it comes through in his writing. Movies are all about what you're feeling. 'Richard writes about things he knows about. He was very proud for years that everything he wrote about could take place within 200 yards of where he lives. He doesn't think: "I'm going to con the public again with this." He writes it because it's funny, coming from experience. It's not calculated, although of course you're calculating will this work or won't it. In retrospect everything looks calculated if you want to be cynical about it.' John Lloyd, who worked with Curtis when producing Not the Nine O'Clock News and Blackadder for the BBC, said: 'Richard seems to be the British Spielberg, he has the golden touch. Some people just know what's going to be an enormous hit. Richard is a great spreader of joy both as a person and in the stuff he makes. You can't complain about somebody who is trying to make life more pleasurable.'

(Observer)'Richard seems to be the British Spielberg' In your dreams. it begins with a voice-over about 11 September, 2001, musing on the 'I love you' phone calls of those trapped inside the World Trade Centre after the terrorist attacks. I'm concerned about using a tragic event as a plot device for a rom -com. But then I haven't seen the film yet. Thanks Karen.

In your dreams. LOL, Evelyn! The festive theme, with its potential for TV repeats, has earned comparisons with It's A Wonderful Life. Did you hear that Clarence? Help! In their dreams. The British are hoping that LA becomes the biggest grossing film ever to help their distressed film industry. The use it like a mantra.

Moive City News has the screening calender for Academy Members. Lots of GWAPE. http://www.moviecitynews.com/awards/2004/awards_calendar.html

Thanks so much, Murph!! Thank goodness I just ran across one of RSVP #'s on my desk the other day.

I don't know about most of you, but my admiration for Colin goes deeper than how nerdy his glasses look or how flat his hair is. I think Colin showed up at the press conference fresh from the barber shop (and no stylist) and wearing glasses that he perhaps just started wearing in real life. He seems like the last person to be concerned with how sexy he looks or how he can outshine his costars. He just is what he is, without the tinseltown artifice, and that's what I respect about him.

Katty, I agree wholeheartedly with you.

(Katty)my admiration for Colin goes deeper than how nerdy his glasses look or how flat his hair is Beautifully said. And I still like the glasses. ;-)

This discussion of the LA press conference pics reminds me of the breakfast table at Netherfield after Lizzy arrived with mud on her petticoats and flushed cheeks;-) I agree with Katty in that Colin is comfortable in his own skin and not likely to put on airs to impress the media. Just MHO, of course.

(Katty) I think Colin showed up at the press conference fresh from the barber shop Since they've started filming TEOR, he's no longer in charge of his own hair cutting. Frankly, choosing to put on this bizarre facade at a press conference for a very high profile movie doesn't make me want to admire him more. I only question the why and think he did it to purposely set himself apart from HG since he's been accused of being a Huge-lite by the press in his last two outings. As you'll recall, I'm not a disciple of the Church of St Colin.

Pssst.. he's just an actor...

(Brenda)What's that word the Fab 5 use to fluff your hair up Zhuzzing. And please don't ask me how to spell it;-) But yeah, your're right he needs to zhuzz. neither Colin Firth nor Scarlett Johannson have been dropped by San Sebasti�n and that means? Thanks Karen, Maria, and all for the news and pictures.

Did I miss something? Did Colin appear barechested or in pink tights or bleached hair or a muscle t-shirtt or with winged spectacles? I would hardly call nerdy but perfectly ordinary glasses and unsexy but perfectly ordinary hair "bizarre." A press conference is not a beauty contest. Colin may not have appeared glamorous, but he looks normal to me. Besides noting the new glasses, the participants probably didn't notice anything unusual about his appearance. As far as shooting for TEOR goes, we don't know what the shooting schedule is, and Colin may not even be scheduled to shoot yet (in the book he is absent quite a bit), or maybe his hair (perhaps with a stylist's embellishment) is fine just the way it is.

(Katty)Colin may not have appeared glamorous, but he looks normal to me. He looks very unlike his usual self, which makes me feel it's an affectation. (Allison)Set yourself apart by wearing an old pair of your wife's glasses and who knows what round your neck. No more HG mark II. (Karen)I . . .think he did it to purposely set himself apart from HG since he's been accused of being a Huge-lite by the press in his last two outings. Bingo! Anyway, here's a good GWAPE review from Tiscali UK; I deleted the plot description: Peter Webber gets nearly everything right in his screen adaptation. Olivia Hetreed's screenplay is skilful and deft, allowing silence and the unspoken often to carry more weight than the dialogue itself. This may essentially be a study of a single event in history, but Webber's camera and editing make it into a compelling and always interesting story. The period settings, production design and photography all convey the flavour of the great painter's work. The cast are more than equal to the surroundings they find themselves in. Scarlett Johansson comes of age in a mature performance that belies her years. She is awkward and gangly but has an incredible onscreen luminescence that attracts both the audience and the painter. After coming to attention in films such as Ghost World, she is on Hollywood's radar for her first leading roles in bigger films, and with rave reviews already under her belt for her other new film Lost in Translations it seems that the proof is in the pudding. She seems set to become one of the major actresses of the next ten years. Recent film outings have not been too kind for Colin Firth, too often lazily cast as the romantic interest in some below-par rom com ( or What A Girl Wants anyone?). However he excels here as the brooding painter, ill-at-ease at the world he finds himself in. The scenes between the two are particularly well played, and surrounded by a supporting cast that hits its mark every time. Only a desultory romance with a local butcher's boy (Cillian Murphy) slows down the film's pace, eventually going nowhere. But the film should strongly appeal to anyone looking for an upscale and intelligent evening's entertainment (and it is entertaining throughout). Let's hope this is one British director who has plenty still left to show us. Rating: 08/10

closing tag

(Katty) A press conference is not a beauty contest. No, but all participants know that is where the press is going to take all the pictures used in countless articles published all over the world to promote the film, aside from the actual publicity still from the film. Who knows, this may be the *new* Mark Darcy look? That Conservative (with a capital C) that Bridget can't quite accept??? ;-)

I'm sure he can give as good as he gets from us, too. And just because he's looking......um, "different," doesn't mean we don't care. Hey, I tell my friends if something they're wearing doesn't quite work. Doesn't mean I have less respect for them. OK, well, um........maybe regarding their fashion sense it does. ;-D

LOL, Dorine! I agree! There is something sexy about Clark Kent too. ;-)

(Karen)Who knows, this may be the *new* Mark Darcy look? That Conservative (with a capital C) that Bridget can't quite accept??? ;-) (Me,post 159)I forget, does Mark Darcy use glasses? Maybe he's been getting used to them for that. 8-) I see your winkie, Karen, but that's what I was thinking. If Renee can get comfortable with extra pounds, then Colin can try out his glasses ;-), if they are indeed for the film.

Have we had this review of GWAPE yet? It's from San Sebastian, but in English. ;-) From Laura Clifford: In the city of Delft in 1665, teenaged Griet (Scarlett Johansson, "Lost in Translation") must leave her family and go to work when her tile painter father is blinded in a fire. She becomes a maid under the direction of Tanneke (Joanna Scanlan) in the home of painter Johannes Vermeer (Colin Firth, "What a Girl Wants"). She keeps to herself, but when a domestic servant's squabble results in her sleeping quarters being moved from the basement to the attic, it is arranged that she should clean Vermeer's studio, an enclave not even his wife is allowed into, as she must go through it to enter the rest of the household. Through no action of her own, the unassuming maid is now under Catharina Vermeer's (Essie Davis, "The Matrix Reloaded") scrutiny. Laura: British television director Peter Webber makes a feature debut that is both subtle and strong bringing Tracy Chevalier's best seller (adapted by Olivia Hetreed) to the screen. In collaboration with cinematographer Eduardo Serra ("The Widow of Saint Pierre"), who won a Jury award at the San Sebastian film festival for his work and should be an Oscar front runner, Webber perfectly captures the life of an elusive artist trapped in the politics of a household run by three generations of women. Small events rachet up the tension between mistress and maid. An elaborate feast is prepared to celebrate both the birth of the Vermeer's latest child and the unveiling of the most recent commissioned painting for benefactor Van Ruijven (a miscast Tom Wilkinson, "In the Bedroom"). Van Ruijven announces that his next commission will go to Rembrandt, alarming Maria Thins (Judy Parfitt, "Dolores Clairborne"), Vermeer's mother-in-law and household financier, but he also expresses an interest in being painted with their new, pretty maid. Remarking on Vermeer's secretive working style, he salaciously remarks to Catharina 'I have a mind to go up there one day and surprise him in the act.' When Griet asks Catharina and Maria if she should wash the windows in the studio, they wonder why she's even asked. 'It's just that it may change the light,' the girl replies, and the two women wonder that the girl would think of such a thing. It is the artist's eye in the girl that draws the attention of Vermeer himself, and soon he entrusts the girl with mixing his paints, shows her his camera obscura, and draws out of her that the clouds outside are not white, but yellow, red and gray. When one of Catharina's hair combs is stolen, Griet is charged. She boldly asks Vermeer for help and he unexpectedly searches the house, finding the comb under the pillow of his daughter Cornelia (Alakina Mann, "The Others"), a girl who sees much and says little. Catharina is less than appeased, though, and Griet's days are numbered. Webber builds up the sexual tension between Griet and Vermeer with looks, acknowledgements of understanding that pass between the two. He stages one of the sexiest scenes in cinema history with two fully clothed people standing yards apart when Vermeer illicitly gazes at Griet, her hair exposed (Griet modestly keeps hair covered beneath a cap and Johansson may never look as stunning on film again as she does here). The two only have physical contact twice - when their fingers brush together as they both mix paint and when Vermeer pierces Griet's ear in preparation for the famous painting, a metaphor for her deflowering. Firth and Johansson are perfectly paired. He exudes repressed passion with his dark eyes and brooding looks, yet he is hamstrung by his manipulative mother-in-law and the demands of his wife so the passion is mixed sharply with frustration of many natures. Johansson expresses intelligent inquisitiveness with her eyes. Physically she shrinks herself inward so as not to attract attention, except when her mind has been engaged and she forgets herself. The rest of the household is also perfectly cast. Parfitt is a standout as the wily player who puts commerce before her daughter, complicit in the use of Catharina's earrings for Van Ruijven's painting of Griet even though she knows the act will cause a rift in the household. Davis nicely handles the pretty but perpetually petulant wife trying to maintain her husband's interest. Outside of the household, however, casting is off. Wilkinson gives Van Ruijven's leering his all, but the role called for someone fatter, more florid. Cillian Murphy ("28 Days") as Pieter, the butcher's son who woos Griet, is, frankly, prettier than his costar. The role would have been better served by someone more brutishly handsome. Hetreed's adaptation maintains focus on the book's intrigues, yet she keeps artistic details that bring Vermeer's world to life. We learn, for example, that India yellow was produced from sacred cows who only ate mango leaves ('You've glazed my wife in dried piss!' Van Ruijven heartily exclaims). Another excellent sequence, where Griet removes a chair from Vermeer's arrangement, indicates an artistic collaboration between the two based upon a historic fact (that particular painting has been x-rayed, revealing that Vermeer had painted over a chair). The recreation of Vermeer's household visually is astounding. Serra painstakingly recreated scenes from the artist's work and shot using natural light. When the titular painting itself is finally staged, it is simply breathtaking. (All the paintings shown in the film are replicas, except for this one, which is shown at the end of the film in a slow zoom from the blob of white that creates the gleam on the pearl earring.) "Girl with the Pearl Earring" is one of the best film's ever made about art made richer with its speculative interior drama. A- http://www.reelingreviews.com/girlwiththepearlearring.htm

(Karen)Have we had this review of GWAPE yet? It's from San Sebastian, but in English. ;-) Hey, we take the good news no matter how undecipherable! Atay eastlay heythay erentway inay yrlliccay..;-) (article)Webber builds up the sexual tension between Griet and Vermeer with looks, acknowledgements of understanding that pass between the two. He stages one of the sexiest scenes in cinema history with two fully clothed people standing yards apart when Vermeer illicitly gazes at Griet, As Prez of the Hyberbolists Society, I am glad to see reviewer's name is NOT on the roster..;-)

Don't know if this has been posted here or not. Sorry if it has been and I missed it. Ladies Home Journal is doing a promo for Love Actually. There are advanced screenings of the movie in various cities including Nashville and Kansas City, MO. I forgot to write down all the other cities, but you can get tickets by calling 877-474-5323. When you call you press a number for the city of your choice and leave your name and address. The recorded message didn't give the dates for the advanced showings. I hope it's for real because I'd love to see the movie early. Also from the issue of LHJ is a promo sweepstakes to win a romantic trip to New York for the premiere and the Gala party. You can't enter yet, but the website is www.lhjpromo.com/loveactually. At the website is a small picture of OBD. Michelle

Here are the city choices they give on the recording: Atlanta, Phoenix, Nashville, Greenville (SC), Hartford, Las Vegas, Flint, Portland or Bent Oregon, Kansas City (MO). This movie really IS getting full-blown promotion, though I find the choice of cities for advanced screenings curious. The recording says you will receive your tickets in the mail, so it sounds like first come-first serve. Also says you will receive a gift bag of goodies from sponsors. Too bad I'm not close to any of these.

The Entertainment Weekly advance screenings are to the major cities; this is merely being sponsored by some skincare companies and a drugstore chain and their select markets.

Today's Extra showed clips from Love Actually and the London press junket (tag team of Huge and Richard Curtis), focused on Huge being unmarried and bored with Hollywood. Didn't mention Colin being in the film, just Liam Neeson and Emma Thompson.

He stages one of the sexiest scenes in cinema history Whew, more sexy than the ear piercing? Excellent, bravo. Thank you Maria, Karen and Mari. However he excels here as the brooding painter. Sounding better and better.

I think this is overstated, but am posting it, from Dark Horizons: Love Actually: Expect the DVD version of this romance/comedy to contain around 80 minutes of extra footage.

There are a few new photos from the LA press conference at that online gallery Maria had found. My fave: http://colinfirth.casa-feliz.net/images/details.php?image_id=1793 Very clear! His hair looks so soft. No wonder it's a bit messed. Women can't resist touching.

Mmmmmmm... Thanks BrendaL! The pics weren't up when I checked last night. And I like how the lighting brings out the red in his hair. Makes me think of FP, only not as huge.

Colin Firth says sex symbol tag is a laugh: http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_828529.html