Another version from BBCi -- Firth warned off Mr Darcy role: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3189676.stm ****************************** This from the Mirror: "...But her love handles come in handy for Darcy as he grabs her in a passionate clinch in scenes filmed in a park in Primrose Hill, North West London. The love action sometimes got a bit too much for Renee and Firth, 43, and they just had to laugh it off."

New pic from Love Actually that was in the Ladies Home Journal ads for that drugstore chain. You'll find it here: http://www.firth.com/love_gal_pub1.html

Note: That scarf is mine;-))))) Cute pics. But ad for what? A product,or just the pharmacy chain... Were the others also featured? evelyn *who is too cheap to buy it*

Evelyn, I'm glad you spoke up about the scarf because I was just getting ready to go to Keepsakes and beg for it ;-) Love the way he looks in the second pic. Normally I go for the open-necked look but this one is positively divine.

Just found this on the Yahoo Movies site. Since I am still new here and trying to get the hang of it, I didn't know if anyone posted this. Seems Hope Springs did not test well in Florida so it will be released directly to video later. http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hp&id=1808408049&cf=prev

(Evelyn)Cute pics. But ad for what? A product,or just the pharmacy chain... I was too cheap to buy it too.;-) In the mag I saw (November LHJ, Halle Berry on cover), there are three pages of ads. On Colin's page, there's the pic of Colin and Lucia, and the copy says somrething like, When Aurelia (Lucia Moniz) kisses Jamie (Colin Firth), her lipstick doesn't come off. It's an ad for Maybelline lipstick, plus a money back offer from Eckerd. There's also a small pic of CF by himself, taken from the pic with Laura Linney. Also a pic of Lucia with the film's makeup artist (ostensibly applying the Maybelline;-) The scarf pic was not in the ad I saw. Here's more from Reeling Reviews on the San Sebastian Festival (Karen posted the review earlier): Girl with the Pearl Earring press conference (Director Peter Webber) At another sadly underpopulated press conference, director Peter Webber is mostly greeted by questions about cinematography. Granted, the film's visuals are one of its most extraordinary components, but Weber's subtle, sure-handed direction of a complex story told with sparse dialogue seems almost to have been taken for granted. (One journalist was rather condescending when he asked how a first time director like Webber was able to work with esteemed cinematographer Eduardo Serra ("The Hairdresser's Husband"). Webber explains that he made films for television and was developing a thriller when a chance, overheard conversation with his producer's assistant about the impact his first viewing of "Girl with the Pearl Earring" (a replica was hanging outside the producer's office) had on him resulted in a chance at the job. The casting of Johanssen was luck, as he didn't really think she looked the part at first, having met her on her way to a Knicks game. When asked about Colin Firth by a female journalist, Webber laughed, saying that the ladies always asked about Firth, who was presently shooting "Bridget Jones 2." Webber said that Firth had a brooding quality but that he could also express great tenderness on screen. Webber went on discuss the film's costumes, which he said were stripped back and made simpler than the period would have dictated in order to pay attention to the characters. In closing, Webber said he didn't really think his film was about art at all, but about sex and power.

evelyn *who is too cheap to buy it* (Mari) I was too cheap to buy it too.;-) So, it's a good thing someone wasn't. ;-) The scarf pic was not in the ad I saw. It wasn't in LHJ and has been up there for a few days, but now I can't remember where it was from...but it was much smaller....that much I can remember. In closing, Webber said he didn't really think his film was about art at all, but about sex and power. LOL! Reminds me of a NLB answer. Thanks Mari for posting the husband's review...or comments about the press conference.

Seems Hope Springs did not test well in Florida so it will be released directly to video later. Sheesh! What a surprise? ;-)Thanks, Darla. Thanks, Murph and Karen!

Thanks Karen, Murph, Mari and Darla CF sure looks great in LA. I'm staying optomistic that he will look AFG as MD. ...and I'm really hoping it was the wind that parted his hair in the middle. Oops, I wasn't going to go there;-)

On the Netflix site, HS and LA are available to reserve and both already have viewer ratings of 3.5 stars. GWAPE has 2.5 stars. Very curious, as I suspect legions of fans are rating these sight unseen out of a sense of loyalty. I consider myself a semi-rabid fan, but I do wait until I've actually seen a movie before I rate it. Do we have any way to find out how they happened to pick Florida for a test market for HS? No offense to our Drool sisters, but I can only imagine matinee houses filled with blue-haired retirees reacting to Heather's antics. Wasn't that stacking the odds against any chance of wider distribution? Is Florida a frequent selection?

(Deb) Do we have any way to find out how they happened to pick Florida for a test market for HS? Must be payback for the presidential election. ;-)

(Deb) Do we have any way to find out how they happened to pick Florida for a test market for HS? Wot? You've never seen Wild on E - South Beach? ;-)

For those of you in the UK, you can try and win the grand prize, tickets to the LA premiere and after party Nov 16 at the Empire Cinema or 40 runners up win tickets and "LA Indulgence" kits (I want to know what's in them!)... http://www.blockbuster.co.uk/

Here's a better link to the Blockbuster contest: http://www.blockbuster.co.uk/common/blankframe.asp?frame=dvdbypost&page=../aboutus/loveactually.asp

Saturday's Times will have a pullout supplement on the London Film Festival, and a feature article on Scarlett Johannsen. GWAPE is also playing at festivals in St.Louis and Hawaii, and at the Hollywood Awards Festival, in October/early November. "Sylvia" is closing the London Festival. Could be the main competition for GWAPE for awards in the UK. I'm hoping that it doesn't get too enthusiastic a reception (although our critics seem to relish anything that's depressing!)

Ananova: Daleks voted top TV villains The Daleks have been voted Britain's most evil TV villains. Dr Who's arch enemies topped a list of on-screen baddies in a new poll. The Daleks terrified generations of children with their mission to "exterminate". Footballers' Wives bad boy Jason Turner, played by Cristian Solimeno, came second. Third was Soames Forsyte (Eric Porter) in the original 60s version of the The Forsyte Saga, who horrified viewers with the scene in which he raped wife Irene. The ruthless Francis Urquhart, from the political thriller House Of Cards, played by Ian Richardson, came fourth. Jewel In The Crown villain Ronald Merrick (Tim Pigott-Smith) was fifth in the poll of more than 3,000 GMTV viewers on behalf of wine company Lindemans. Sean Bean's Major Richard Sharpe was named top TV hero, beating Horatio Hornblower and Nick Berry's Pc Nick Rowan in Heartbeat. Inspector Morse was top detective, the Larkins from The Darling Buds Of May were favourite family, and Colin Firth's Mr Darcy from Pride and Prejudice was the sexiest TV character. The most sizzling TV romance was between Rachel Ward and Richard Chamberlain, aka Meggie Cleary and Father Ralph, in slushy 80s mini-series The Thorn Birds. Robbie Coltrane series Cracker was voted the best TV drama of all time. It beat the likes of Brideshead Revisited, The Singing Detective and The Forsyte Saga in the poll.

The front cover of this week's "Radio Times" features the BBC's "The Big Read" (the nation's favourite books) and depicts two TV personalities in Regency dress. The headline is "Oh Mr Darcy" and then there's a speech bubble - "And what was it about the fabulously rich and handsome Mr Darcy in a wet shirt that first attracted you, Miss Bennet?" Just how many years has it been since P&P2?

Was speaking with someone tonight who had the Italian VF with Colin's interview...(that picture is stunning in magazine size). She said it says the reindeer sweater is to make another appearance.....at least in a drawer at Mark's house where Bridget finds it. That's all she told me. She had only skimmed over the article at that point.

This should make Karen happy. Revised release schedule for GWAPE: December 12: New York, Los Angeles December 26: Chicago, San Francisco January 9: Wider release I guess us folks in "Wider" will just have to wait.;-)

A few more from TIFF GWAPE premiere.. http://www.globephotos.com/scripts/kws30pre.exe?search=K32640AM&type=GfxOnly&maxhits=12&mode=&site=GLOBEPH&picktype=GfxOnly&Firsthit=1&SORT=&NoScan=on&hmessage=TORONTO+INTERNATIONAL+FILM+FESTIVAL+PREMIERE+THE+GIRL+WITH+THE+PEARL+EARRING+AT+THE+ROY+THOMSON+HALL%2C+TORONTO%2C+CANADA%2C+9%2F7%2F2003&ShowTotal=on&Next+Page.x=4&Next+Page.y=12 And waugh! Is this seat taken?? This one from the portrait section at TIFF! http://217.158.83.120/siteimages/globeph/thumbs/07140/07140669.jpg

Love Actually R E V I E W B Y R I C H C L I N E Shadows on the EWall Writer Richard Curtis (Four Weddings, Notting Hill, Bridget Jones) finally takes control of his own material, directing this sprawling ensemble romantic comedy. You almost need a flow chart to keep track of the characters, but somehow Curtis and his gifted editor keep it all clear for us. Nine love stories are intertwined as Christmas approaches.... 1: The new plain-talking British Prime Minister (Grant) is immediately drawn to his plain-talking tea lady (McCutcheon). 2: The PM's sister Karen (Thompson) is worried about her husband Harry's (Rickman) relationship with his secretary Mia (Makatsch). 3: Harry's star employee Sarah (Linney) has a secret office crush on a hunky coworker (Santoro). 4: Karen's recently widowed best friend (Neeson) is helping his young stepson (Sangster) cope with his first crush. 5: Mia's art gallery owner friend (Lincoln) has trouble relating to his best buddy Peter's (Ejiofor) new wife (Knightley). 6: Peter's novelist friend Jamie (Firth) escapes a bad relationship in the South of France, but begins to fall for his Portuguese housekeeper (Moniz) even though they don't speak a shared language. 7: A loser (Marshall) heads to America where gorgeous girls will find his English accent irresistible, or so he hopes. 8: Two movie stand-ins (Freeman and Page) struggle to express their feelings, despite outrageous physical intimacy on set. 9: And ageing bad boy rocker Billy Mack (Nighy) is trying for a comeback with a Christmas novelty single, a reworking of Love Is All Around, both a fantastic gag and a witty reference to Four Weddings. Curtis plays with every conceivable permutation of the rom-com and doesn't forget to include some serious and even sad moments. He's also a smart enough filmmaker to play with cliches without ever falling back on them; the overall structure is carefully manipulative and we don't mind at all, even as it builds to the big, contrived scenes. Standouts in the cast are Nighy (a deliriously funny role with all the best lines), Thompson (in a startlingly complicated Oscar-worthy turn) and Grant (on peak form as a dream PM who dares to stand up to the US President--a slightly miscast Thornton). Honourable mention goes to Firth, Lincoln, Neeson, Linney, Rickman and the superb Sangster. More problematic are the too-broad McCutcheon, the lightweight Knightley and the criminally underused Ejiofor. Besides the sheer joy of watching this film, it's also worth seeing for what it has to say about romance--both the sweet fairy tale fluff and the more melancholy realities. By touching on virtually every conceivable amorous notion, Curtis continually hits both the hilarious funny notes and the meaningful emotional ones. Love actually is all around.

From THR flackman: Oct. 15, 2003 'Love' looms as hit for Uni, Working Title By Martin A. Grove Curtis comedy: Although romantic comedies are one of Hollywood's most successful genres, some of the biggest such hits in recent years actually originated with Britain's Working Title Films. "Four Weddings and a Funeral," "Notting Hill" and "Bridget Jones's Diary" all stemmed from the long-term relationship between Working Title co-chairmen Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner and writer Richard Curtis. "Love Actually," their latest film, opens Nov. 7 at 500-plus theaters via Universal and marks Curtis' directorial debut. After its launch in limited release, "Love" will go wider Nov. 14 and then expand again Nov. 21. [Ed note: 500+ theaters is more than just NY & LA!] Produced by Duncan Kenworthy, Bevan and Fellner, its knock-out ensemble cast boasts Alan Rickman, Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Liam Neeson, Martine McCutcheon, Keira Knightley and Rowan Atkinson. Having greatly enjoyed my own early look at "Love," I fully expect it to perpetuate the genre's success both at the boxoffice and also on the awards front in a number of key categories in the Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe races. Curtis is a master when it comes to writing screenplays that blend wonderfully funny lines with genuinely touching moments. With an ensemble cast that's something of a who's who of contemporary British acting talent, there's no shortage of performances to celebrate here. I was particularly fond of the vignettes starring Rickman and Thompson as a couple whose longtime marriage is running into trouble and Grant as the British Prime Minister and McCutcheon as the junior staff member at 10 Downing Street with whom Grant's instantly smitten his first day on the job. Overall, the level of acting Curtis achieves from everyone is top notch across the board. In "Love," Curtis has interwoven a number of ostensibly independent stories about love, all of which differ in tone but have in common the fact that they're amusing in their own way. The film's setting is London in the weeks approaching Christmas and by the time we hit Christmas Eve we're seeing these tales come together and people from one story suddenly relating to those in other vignettes. The film's title comes from a voice over during the opening credits that reflects on the widespread feeling these days that "we live in a world of hatred and greed," but then goes on to conclude that "If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspicion that love actually is all around." I was happy to have an opportunity shortly after seeing "Love" to chat about the making of the film with Bevan, who phoned from London. "Working Title in whatever incarnation (over the years) has done everything that Richard has ever written," Bevan pointed out. "It started with a little picture called 'The Tall Guy' in the '80s (starring Jeff Goldblum, Emma Thompson and Rowan Atkinson). Then he wrote 'Four Weddings and a Funeral.' Then he co-wrote 'Bean.' Then he wrote 'Notting Hill.' Then he co-wrote 'Bridget Jones's Diary.' And then he wrote and directed 'Love Actually.' Since 1987, when I first met him basically on 'The Tall Guy,' he's always been a writer who's been all over his work. He's kind of had a 'producer' role, particularly on the films where he's been a single-credit writer. So he's been involved in a very intimate way in all of those films through working with us on choosing who should direct them and who should be in them, being on the set all the time and then particularly on all of the mo ies he's been very, very involved in the cutting room. "And there's always been a kind of dream (of his) and it's become more of an acute dream as time's past that he should direct. He got to a point on 'Love Actually' where it was inevitable, basically, that that should happen. Right from the beginning on 'The Tall Guy,' I think it was a dream of his that one day he would manage to do it and it's fantastic that the collaboration stayed in place and that we've all worked on all of these films together and that it's developed to this point. Not only has it been the backburner of Working Title, but it's sort of become the backburner of British cinema, as well, in the last 15 years." With so many stars working together in "Love's" ensemble cast, just the logistics of casting all those roles and getting everyone's busy schedules to somehow work during the production period had to have been a great challenge. "On 'Four Weddings' and on 'Notting Hill' and on 'Love Actually,' we've overseen the films and Richard has worked very, very closely with Duncan Kenworthy, who's been the other producer on all of his films," Bevan told me. "And Duncan and Richard have done the on-floor (in production) stuff. Now when we came to cast 'Love Actually,' Richard had a pretty clear idea on the principals as to who he wanted. As a British phenomenon, which Richard is, if a British actor gets sent a script by Richard Curtis, then they're going to do it. He's one of those lucky people -- who he wants, he gets. Then, inevitably, there's a juggle, but at the end of the day they're all in pretty small vignettes and on the whole with the vignettes we shot them in a lump basically so that it worked." Asked how the project came about, Bevan explained, "The good thing about Richard is that he's not over-prolific. A long while back he gets the germ of an idea. It's probably when he's in post-production on the last one. Probably right now he's got an idea for the film that he'll make in 2006 or 2007. He starts to work on it and work on it and work on it. He spends a couple of years working on a screenplay before any of us get to see it. That's the way he does it. He works way quietly. The other thing about him and, indeed, this team is that they have a very high quality threshold of their own and that applies to everything. So it applies to the script. It applies to who you cast and who you employ on it and so on and so forth, all the way down to the movie, itself. So he isn't keen on turning a script over till he's pretty sure it's something that he's going to run with." As for casting all those roles, Bevan added, "A number of the keys like Hugh, who plays the Prime Minister, Martine, who plays Natalie (working on the PM's household staff), several of them he had in his mind when he was writing. And Colin, obviously, because Colin had worked on 'Bridget Jones' and Emma because Emma was in 'The Tall Guy.' There is a company in a funny sort of way. There's a method to the madness. Then beyond that it is a juggle and we are very lucky that people like Liam Neeson, for instance, agreed to come on board because he hasn't done a film back here (in the U.K.) for a long time." Production was done "at the end of last year," he said. "There's a charity called Comic Relief here as, indeed, there is in America. But the British Comic Relief was the first one that Richard actually started. Every two years they have a massive night where they take over one of the TV channels here and they raise a huge amount of money. So every two years he does that. We shot the film leading up to the end of 2002 and put it to one side until after Comic Relief in April and since then we've been in post-production. The people who worked on the picture in the key (jobs had all worked before with Curtis). (Director of photography) Mickey Coulter, who lit it, lit 'Four Weddings' and 'Notting Hill,' so he's been part of that team for a while. There's a sort of team that work on a lot of our movies, whether they're Richard's movies or not. So that was kind of the backbone (in production). There's a shorthand between people and they work very well together. Like Jim Clay, the production designer, did 'About A oy' and 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin,' so he's part of the sort of Working Title team. And Joanna Johnston, who's the costume designer, has done about 'About A Boy' and way back she did 'French Kiss' with us. There's a bunch of people who've worked together a lot." The company was based at Shepperton Studios outside London. "We built Liam's set there (for the vignette in which Neeson plays a widowed stepfather trying to connect with a young son he doesn't know terribly well and who's got romantic troubles even at his youthful age)," Bevan said. "We built the Prime Minister's set there. We built a few other sets there. Otherwise, we were on location around town. 'Notting Hill,' 'Bridget,' 'About A Boy' and 'Love Actually' were all London-based films. We've had a bit more money, basically, (than other British filmmakers) and have been able to give the city a look on those films, which is very gratifying. It doesn't look like a grotty place. You get used to low-budget British films and we don't show our city off to the best (in those). "The other interesting thing in terms of getting the film received in America is that when you begin to show the city off like that, they begin to not feel that the film is an import. They see the film as just a movie sort of thing. There's a magic hurtle that we have to go through with British films for the American audience where they're no longer feeling that the film's a nice quaint little picture from over the pond. They just accept it as a movie." Production went very smoothly, he observed, with "no hiccups on this one. It's been quite a blessed film in that respect. It's a lot like 'Four Weddings.' On 'Four Weddings,' nothing really went wrong in the making of it and nothing really went wrong in the making of this picture either. Everyone got on. The biggest risk was Richard because he hadn't directed and he took to that like a duck to water. I remember the first stuff we shot was down in France on Colin's sector, where he's down there (searching for the girl he loves who's now returned home from London). On the first day, one was worried and by lunch time one wasn't worried." Did Curtis have any trepidation about directing? "He's the sort of guy (who) doesn't put himself into a risky position," Bevan replied. "He would never have done it unless he knew that he could, as it were. He's also a very, very diligent person so he'll always do the research. This is a superbly well cast film, not only in its principals but in its extras, as well. That's the sort of guy Richard is. He'll make sure that round the Prime Minister's cabinet table, for instance, where there's 30 or 40 people, that you've kind of cast each of those extras yourself so the guy who's third down the table on the left doesn't let you down. That's the level of his quality. When the film played in Toronto two or three weeks ago, it went off like a firecracker, basically. I think they'd all been watching subtitled French films for far too long so they would just need a laugh. It exploded. About 10 minutes into the movie I went over to Richard, saying, 'This is amazing. It's never going to do better than this.' And he's taking notes because we hadn't quite finished the mix. And he's sitting there in his finest moment still taking notes of how to make it better." With so many stories interwoven, the editing of "Love" had to have been particularly important. "When the film was being put together, everyone said, 'Oh, my goodness' because it was long that 'one of the stories is going to have to go' and blah, blah, blah. It didn't happen. It's all of the stories that were shot. They've just been cut down. The running time's two hours. But I don't think you feel lost in it. Somehow, the structure works. What's interesting is there's a vogue of this going on in London (with multi-story films). Of course, (Robert) Altman's done it in the past, but they tend to have been more artier pictures. But I think there's a sort of commercial vogue of these multi-strand films that people are working on." When I mentioned my feeling that "Love" is not only a film with strong commercial prospects, but also with awards potential, Bevan noted, "We haven't thought about that at all, funny enough, though I think that Richard's well due acknowledgment in terms of his writing. At the moment, we're focusing on getting it out (into the marketplace). (With) these sorts of films because of the multi-strand (structure) you can't book 4,000 theaters and spend a huge amount of money (in launching it that wide). You have to give them a little more tender loving care and attention. We've worked very closely with the Universal people. The main thing is you want to screen the hell out of this movie because it's greatest advocate will be the word of mouth on it -- not only in America, but all around the world. The slightly scary thing is, here we are on whatever date it is in October and we've got to go everywhere in the world in the course of the next seven or eight weeks because (with) the seasonality of the movie, come the eginning of January it won't carry the same pertinence as it will before Christmas. (As with any picture) that has a Christmas theme to it, now you feel all warm and glowing about it (but) come the 26th of December you don't want to know about it." Over the years, Working Title's been recognized with major awards for many of its films, including four Oscars, 18 British Academy Awards and a number of top prizes at film festivals in Cannes and Berlin. What effect will the MPAA's ban on distributors sending out DVD screeners this year have on "Love's" awards prospects? "I think this film will be fine," Bevan observed. "In a way, we're lucky this year because we don't have a small movie like 'Billy Elliot' or something like that where an audience (of awards voters) wouldn't necessarily go to it and wouldn't have been exposed to it (at theatrical screenings). But if this film does get lucky in terms of awards, it's rather fortunate because it's a film that the voters would have seen in the theaters, I think. It's not like the Polanski film from last year ('The Pianist') where a lot of us probably saw it on screeners. 'The Pianist' this year would not win anything, I don't think, (without DVDs enabling voters to view it at home)." "Love" will also have the advantage of already being in theaters well before awards nominations ballots are due in January. "For a lot of films, it's got to be tricky," he said. "It's an odd one for us because we make bigger films like this one, but we also make a lot of smaller films, as well. And when you get a good smaller film, this whole screener thing (hurts because such movies are) very word of mouth dependent and discovery type movies. (They're) dependent on getting noticed for awards."

(THR)" As for casting all those roles, Bevan added...Hugh Grant....And Colin, obviously, because Colin had worked on 'Bridget Jones' and Emma because Emma was in 'The Tall Guy.' There is a company in a funny sort of way." Nice to see him included with the *in* crowd of the British film industry. V. V. good. Thanks Karen.

Karen, very interesting article. Thank you so much :-) (I hope, you didn't have to type it all up).

There's a magic hurtle that we have to go through with British films for the American audience Gee, I thought it was the other way 'round;-) As a British phenomenon, which Richard is, if a British actor gets sent a script by Richard Curtis, then they're going to do it. He's one of those lucky people -- who he wants, he gets. ...and thank goodness he's wanted YKW. Great article, thanks, Karen

I have finally managed to catch up what`s been happening in firthland. Is GWAPE trailer online? I`m glad that LA is a x-mas comedy and so it has to open in Finland before christmas too. It seems now that WAGW has disappeared from the coming soon list, so LA is my next hope to see him in something since BJD.

There is a GWAPE trailer up at the LIFF site: http://www.lff.org.uk/films_details.php?FilmID=99

I just this minute saw my first LA commercial. Here we go!!! Little bit of Colin and others, lots of Huge. (as noted here) Opens Nov 7th select theaters, nationwide Nov.14)

Well, the LA trailer seems to have finally made it down here, too. Saw it today when I went to a special "preview" showing of "Intolerable Cruelty". There was quite a bit of Colin in it (the trailer, that is)... I think they know that Colin sells well here. :-)

I like that they used a shot of ODB with `a look` before the word love pops out. He sure knows how to express emotions with his eyes.

Has anyone looked at the GWAPE trailer yet? Karen posted the link above & it is yummy! There is only one review posted and it is by someone called Lois. She saw the movie at the Toronto FF. Basically her review is about how Americans could not appreciate Colin b/c he is too classy for us & how he is not marketable in the US b/c apparently we only like violence. I guess she hasn't seen this site! So, any Americans who were at the Toronto FF & saw this movie (lucky you!) Go over there and post a review to shut Lois up!

(Jodi)... her review is about how Americans could not appreciate Colin b/c he is too classy for us & how he is not marketable in the US b/c apparently we only like violence. *yawn , Yawn* He ain't so marketable in the UK either if you tally up the receipts of his movies over there.

Couple of things... (1) If anyone is interested in purchasing a ticket for the London Love Actually premiere (cost is around �130 plus VAT) and is for the film only, let me know at my "office" addy. (2) The L-dum movie (now called Fourplay) is finally coming out on VHS/DVD in the US on Dec 2, 2003, and can be preordered from amazon; I've put the links up at The Boutique for purchasing, though the video is at discount "rental" pricing for now. The DVD is supposed to have a featurette, theatrical trailer (as if there were to be a theatrical release), and deleted scenes (though given some people's egos, I wouldn't count on there being lots of Colin in those). Here's the cover: (3) The Boutique now has links to quite a few more Austen sequels since I've noticed many have been purchased on the quarterly reports. If there are others that should be included, please let me know. (Sorry for the housekeeping details here, but...)

OK, expanded to three items. So no need to tell me I should've written "several" ;-)

(Karen's Number Two...really! ;-D) The L-dum movie (now called Fourplay) is finally coming out on VHS/DVD in the US on Dec 2, 2003, and can be preordered from amazon. Oh joy! Now I can slow mo MB! A dream come true!! This creates a bit of a quandary....to buy or not to buy. I'll end up buying it cuz I do all of ODB's films...if I can get them....but gah! Of all the ones not out on DVD...why this one? Give me PM. Much better freeze frame potential (has that little drawback of Jennifer Rubin, but I'll take her over MB any day)....and where is Joe Prince? Where is AC or AMITC???? Those I would expect to be out before.....L'dum. Thanks Karen.....

Variety: Year-end wide releases have longer legs -- Muscle of end-of-year titles draws attention By DADE HAYES October at the B.O. has felt more like December, with a 30% increase in the total releases over last year. That flurry is a mere precursor to a pressure-packed year-end stretch that will see a clash between popcorn and awards bait -- some of it combined in one megabudget package. Oh, and in case you've been on Mars: The Oscars are in February and the MPAA has banned screeners. The dynamics of the B.O. are also different during this season. Unlike the one-weekend-wonder pattern of the summer, which this year saw a typical release swoon 50% in its second weekend, an average holiday wide release in 2002 collected just 18% of its total gross in its first frame. That trajectory means distribs accustomed to splashing films into the marketplace and moving on will have to exercise some patience and ingenuity. Pics that open in mid-December will have to have a strategy for how to stay aloft in January. In November and December, 24 wide releases are skedded, up from 22 last year. More than the quantity, the muscle of end-of-year titles is drawing attention. Last year's mainstream roster included "8-Mile" and a rash of sequels, among them "Harry Potter," "Star Trek" and James Bond. Only "Lord of the Rings" emerged as a dual commercial and kudos threat. This year will see the finales of "Matrix" and "Lord of the Rings," but also hefty prestige titles like "Master and Commander," "The Last Samurai" and "Cold Mountain." As always, big bets will be placed on effects-driven all-ages fare, including "Cat in the Hat," "Haunted Mansion" and "Peter Pan." The real estate occupied by those big studio titles will undoubtedly complicate life for littler films. Forget screeners, the real battle will be for screens. The title of Sony's Jack Nicholson-Diane Keaton comedy says it all: "Something's Got to Give." "You have to consider things you've never considered before" in order to "register on this competitive Richter scale," says Jack Foley, distrib chief at Focus Features, which is handling "Sylvia" and "21 Grams," plus the ongoing "Lost in Translation." Publicity and marketing becomes even more headache-inducing than usual. Everything from spot-TV ad time to talk-show slots to billboard space will be hotly contested. "With the lack of screeners, the studios and their affiliates are going to ratchet up the spend, which will make it tougher," says Tom Ortenberg, prexy of Lions Gate, which is juggling "Shattered Glass," "The Cooler" and "Girl With a Pearl Earring." The jockeying for dates ended months ago. Warner Bros. midbudget Halle Berry thriller "Gothika" is the only major title to switch spots of late, moving out of a pre-Halloween berth to Nov. 21. With dates set, execution is everything. "The movies are the thing," Ortenberg says. "If you have a good movie and you do a good job marketing it, you're going to have success. The public can smell out stinkers. It's not a good season to try to put one over on people."

The LA trailer is showing in Italy with the Coen Bros. film. It looks like it will open in EU at the same time. Will I see it first horribly dubbed, in Italy? Nah! Good things are worth waiting for. :-) The DVD is supposed to have a featurette, theatrical trailer (as if there were to be a theatrical release), and deleted scenes (though given some people's egos, I wouldn't count on there being lots of Colin in those). LOL, Karen. Who will be the brave soul that will let us know about the deleted scenes? ;-)

(KarenR)If anyone is interested in purchasing a ticket for the London Love Actually premiere (cost is around �130 plus VAT) and is for the film only, let me know at my "office" addy. Don't know if I could justify spending that amount on a cinema ticket(well Ixcould, but I don't think even my DH would understand!) Any idea of the time of the screening?

As I said, please contact me via email.

Additional details about the "extras" (she laughs) on the Fourplay DVD from Australia. Everybody is in the deleted scenes, but it's mainly MB (shocker, huh?) The featurette was characterized as "basically boring too. Binder thinks he's the star of the film and he also made the film, etc. so the concentration is on him. Colin looks bored to tears through the whole thing imo. There is nothing in this that people would want except the fact that any brief glimpse of the boy is obligatory!"

Nice to see it print!Consider it considered! RARE Glossy COLIN FIRTH-SCARLETT JOHANSSON Girl With A Golden Earring INDUSTRY OSCAR AD This impressive, industry only trade ad was published in a trade by Lions Gate to promote Colin for Best Actor and Scarlett for Best Actress for their performances in "Girl With A Earring", in one of the first Oscar ads we have seen.The ad features a great shot of Colin and Scarlett (without scanner distortion) as its centerpiece. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3355863029&category=197

(MariaT) to promote Colin for Best Actor and Scarlett for Best Actress Considering GWAPE is Griet's story and Colin isn't even seen for the first half hour, I wonder that they aren't promoting him for best supporting actor.

In the NY Post today, regarding the Hamptons Film Festival : http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/8461.htm "Girl With a Pearl Earring" Scarlett Johansson delivers a solid performance as a girl in 17th century Holland whose gig as household maid to painter Johannes Vermeer (Colin Firth) gives her the opportunity to be his model. Fri Oct 24 at 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. at United Artists Cinema.

I can't help but notice the difference in the trailers for LA between the ones on the Working pictures website and the american version up on yahoo. I swear I wish I lived in Britian instead of the states sometimes....lol. Turns out ours is quite hokey (with scenes from BJD and NH thrown in there, I don't believe you even see ODB). I am trying to get advanced tickets. We will see.

Colin for Best Actor Am falling off chair. Thanks, Maria!

Quick blurb about the songs and songlist from LA... http://www.rollingstone.com/news/newsarticle.asp?nid=18837

This is interesting,yet another site that looks like it may have started in August, maybe they have been lurking here dying to know what was being said and just enjoying the pics thinking, "spasebo, but, I need more!"...Looks like Hunk Daddy may have had a bigger influence than he let on... http://www.colin-firth.narod.ru/news.htm

All in UK: head to the news stand and buy Eve magazine for a free copy of RV on dvd. There is a choice of two movies so don't get the wrong one! Also there is an article in the Daily Mail today featuring pic of Colin and Mateo.

Looks like there will be two versions of the CD. At amazon UK, they're showing the US import and a domestic release, though neither gives info on the tracks. ~~~~~~~~ Also I've been told that there will be special Love Actually jars of Nescafe Gold Blend coffee in the UK markets. Another contest too (trip to Mauritius); just the advance poster artwork on the coffee jars - no Colin with a big red bow.

MariaT -- Thanks for the link. What a curious site! What language/country is that? I even got a pop-up ad with Simpson-type cartoon characters. The world is indeed growing smaller. Emma -- Any chance of scooping up extra copies to sell to us "over here"?

Maria's link is to a Russian site.

I second Deb's inquiry. Can you scan the photo of ODB and his DB for this site? Have never seen pics of him with his children except at the polo match w/Will. How old is the baby now? Luca is two years older?

Sorry, ladies, but I don't post paparazzi pics of Colin and his family here or at firth.com...nor is it really a subject here.

Check your mail, ladies. ;-)

Check your mail, ladies. ;-) Could I possibly ask you to send it to me too?

Check your mail, ladies. ;-) me too?

The information was sent to my Drool Darlings mailing lists.

The information was sent to my Drool Darlings mailing lists. ???? Ok probably not the place to ask, but what is this?

Correct, not the place to ask. I deal with all questions via email. This board is for CF news, etc.

Posting this as it seems related to the article BarbS posted at the BJD topic. Seems the EOR film crew might have taken a lesson from the Trauma crew..And a Super Loo? Necessary I guess for the lack of shrubbery... http://www.conservatives.lambeth.com/news/pr/0042.htm

ROTF...thanks Maria. Nice Conservative website too;-))))

Info already posted on the BJ board.

Sorry!

I saw commercials for Love Actually tonight. According to the commercial there will be a sneak preview here on Saturday evening, November 1. Not long to wait at all!:-) (Jodi)Go over there and post a review to shut Lois up! LOL, Jodi! IMO, anybody who feels the need to spew venom like that is angry about a lot more than a movie. Wish I could spell like her though, such as "Malcavich" and Jeremy "Ions." Hey, wasn't he married to Carmen Electron?;-) Thanks for the Oscar ad, Maria. (Sandy)Considering GWAPE is Griet's story and Colin isn't even seen for the first half hour, I wonder that they aren't promoting him for best supporting actor. Maybe they'd be hard-pressed to do that since he has top billing. Might look weird and it won't matter anyway).

I saw my first TV ad for LA today as well. Made me smile for quite some time. And the Oscar promo is lovely. Thanks Maria. We can all hope, right? ;-)

Here's the ad from Ladies Home Journal: http://www.breezymedia.com/lhj/lhjpromo/love_max.html

Dammit! That's $2.99 down the drain. ;-)

(Mari) IMO, anybody who feels the need to spew venom like that is angry about a lot more than a movie. No kidding. Wish I could spell like her though, such as "Malcavich" and Jeremy "Ions." Hey, wasn't he married to Carmen Electron?;-) LOL! Mari, you just made my night!

And they say size doesn't matter... http://www.firth.com/gwape_gal1a.html

(Karen) And they say size doesn't matter... "They" aren't to be believed! Never listen to them! Size does matter and this one is a doozy! Thanks again Karen! Crikey! Haven't seen it that 'big' since Toronto!

(Karen)And they say size doesn't matter... They lie! but we know that and I have a feeling *they know it too;-) Here's one I'll need to back to several times today! And that advert too! Thanks for *saving* me the $2.99 Mari.:-)) I love that pre kiss lean in and the hands louisa, the hands......

(Karen)And they say size doesn't matter... What an incredibly sensous moment! This will be the scene to slo-mo once we have the DVD. :-D

Couple of new pics from the Love Actually website that I snapped off their crappy Flash presentation. That website leaves a great deal to be desired (contentwise) and is way too cutsey for my taste. :-( http://www.firth.com/love_gal_pub1.html

Cute ad, Mari. OK how many are gonna go out and buy your Max Factor lipstick and get a mini-poster & 5 bucks..you can't lose on this one.

(Karen)That website leaves a great deal to be desired (contentwise) and is way too cutsey for my taste. :-( Great snaps Karen! I'd rathar see that lovely pre-kiss from you/f.com than the LHJ add. I love the pic with Ev's scarf too. I agree with you about that LA site. It gets on my nerves Actually. It all takes too long to load and navigate as well and I need to be able to slip in and out.

Review from UK Channel 4: Richard Curtis, Hugh Grant and a clutch of great British actors create a Christmas crowd pleaser. Is Love Actually a kitchen-sink drama? Coming from the man behind Four Weddings And A Funeral and Notting Hill, that seems unlikely. But Richard Curtis has, actually, thrown in everything but the kitchen sink for his directorial debut to come up with a good old-fashioned, bums-on-seats Christmas crowd-pleaser. The result is a multi-story tale crammed with the cream of British acting talent. It deals with love in all its guises, whether it be romantic, platonic, filial or fulfilled, unrequited, unspoken or unattainable. At many points it's memorable, affecting and funny. But just as often it's lachrymose and in thrall to a breathtaking sentimentality that provides a cinematic sugar-rush when the various stories come together, Short Cuts-style, at the end. "General opinion is that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but it seems to me that love, actually, is everywhere," says Hugh Grant in his least plausible role yet as Britain's new Prime Minister. Immediately upon entering No 10, the PM falls hopelessly in love with his charming, foul-mouthed tealady (McCutcheon). Meanwhile, newly-bereaved architect Daniel (Neeson) is consoling his 10-year-old stepson (Sangster), who has fallen in love with the most beautiful girl at his school. In another tale, washed-up pop star Billy Mack (Nighy) is making a half-arsed Christmas comeback and forever taking the piss out of his long-time manager and best friend, Joe (Fisher). The rest of the suite includes writer Jamie (Firth) being cuckolded by his little brother, then running off to France to lick his wounds and falling for his Portuguese housekeeper (Moniz); a truly delicious young bride (Knightley) discovers herself the object of the affection of the best man (Lincoln); and Sarah (Linney) nurtures an office crush, spurred on by her boss Harry (Rickman), who is complacently married to Karen (Thompson) and openly pursued by the office vixen, Mia (Makatsch). That's a lot of stories (there are more, in fact) and they are skilfully interwoven, as you'd expect. Mainly, these characters are defined by their reticence, a British trait, dramatising their deepest desires because they find themselves unable to express them. That's what's good about this film, and in finding humour at the heart of their predicament, Curtis supplies plenty of welcome pathos. Plus, we look forward to the defining moment when they simply have to act on their feelings. But that doesn't excuse some terrible, shameless lapses of taste, and even decency. There's a ridiculous escapist scene where Grant sends the US President (Thornton) packing at a press conference for "for being a bully, not a friend" (what US audiences - the key market for such British films - will make of this remains to be seen), a silly, masturbatory storyline about a loser called "Colin, god of sex" (Marshall) who can't pull in the UK, who goes to the USA with a "rucksack full of condoms" and immediately pulls a quartet of the most ridiculously sexy women you've ever seen and - it is implied - has sex with the lot of them. These are among the numerous sops to the feel good factor, and there are some teeth-grinding lapses of tone (a wedding becomes a song and dance number, with guitarists and trombonists appearing from pulpits). Sadly, by the end, everything has degenerated into schmaltz, with all-too-convenient multiple happy endings piled upon one another like cheap rugs, and all hopes of sympathetic characters intelligently handled are banished. Verdict A guaranteed hit but as much as the film celebrates love, it also exploits it for cheap sentiment.

Thanks Mari! And another small one.. My wish list for Christmas... I would like to believe that the stories in the movies can be true... But only a good movie, good director and a good cast, can makes us believe that love actually happens in our lives every day. A Prime Minister can change the country's foreign policy over a "chubby" secretary, or life can go on without trouble after a husband buys a present for a curvy secretary or a kid can talk and fall in love like an adult - the list goes on and on... And, being Christmas, of course it's the thought that counts... This movie brings to mind the happy ending 'maestro' Frank Capra and with so many story threads linked together it's like a Robert Altman film - but it's still too early to say if Richard Curtis can ever achieve the same greatness. This is the directorial debut from an experienced and successful screenwriter and we know that Curtis the screenwriter knows what the public likes and wants.... But the various stories within this movie rely more on the experience and good will of a big name (but quite variable) cast than a strong directional style. One thing that is certain, the movie will make enough money to give the man plenty more directional experience... While the cast is impressive sometimes they go their own way and it seems at times that you are actually watching several different movies simultaneously. Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Liam Neeson and Bill Nighy all give great performances and are in the stories I would love to believe most. And you know what - for a couple of minutes in the movies, I believed. With love (actually) Mariano Gutierrez Alarcon http://www.skymovies.com/skymovies/article/0,,12227391,00.html

OK, I'm sure you all knew I was going to hone in on this bit: a silly, masturbatory storyline about a loser called "Colin, god of sex" (Marshall) who can't pull in the UK, who goes to the USA with a "rucksack full of condoms" and immediately pulls a quartet of the most ridiculously sexy women you've ever seen and - it is implied - has sex with the lot of them. I thought I'd figured out what "pull" meant from the first, but then it didn't make sense with the second reference. Need translation help, please.

Ooof, never mind. Have Googled it. Hmmm, that "masturbatory" part threw me off or had my mind going in...ahem...other directions. ;-)

GWAPE review from UK Channel 4: Intelligent adaptation of Tracy Chevalier's bestselling novel which is rich in atmosphere and gorgeous to look at, featuring Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson A deeply understated and intelligent film, this faithful adaptation of Tracy Chevalier's speculative novel on the life of the artist Vermeer marks an outstanding debut for director Peter Webber, and a fine turn from upcoming actress Scarlett Johansson. Chevalier's novel was a luminous evocation of the life of the 17th century Delft artist, fabricating an utterly believable tale around the celebrated portrait that forms the film's title, imagining its subject as the young maid Griet (Johansson) of Vermeer (Firth). Driven into domestic service after an accident puts her father out of work, Griet is set the tricky task of cleaning the artist's room without disturbing so much as a crease of material, all under the watchful eye of the other women of the house. Noticing her interest in his work and her eye for colour, tone, and composition, the otherwise detached Vermeer employs her in preparing paints, and eventually she poses for him, in a transgression of her position in the house which brings sparks of illicitness and intimacy to their chaste relationship, and later arouses the disgust of Vermeer's wife (Davis). Webber's film is pensively paced, leaving room for some beautiful cinematography from Eduardo Serra, whose sensitivity to Vermeer's work pervades the film's lush visuals like an omniscient visual narrator; an appropriation of the world and style of this outwardly stoic man which adds valuable insight into his character. Furnished with minimal dialogue, Firth, and especially Johansson, create subtle performances out of gesture and restraint, where the slightest glance can be loaded with emotional weight. Johansson's Griet is poised and unusually beautiful. In contrast, the film's more verbal moments are the only points at which it's in danger of becoming overblown, but not enough to upset its balance. Verdict Arty but accessible, Girl With A Pearl Earring pays tribute to its subject matter with some of the most beautiful visuals on screen this year. High on atmosphere and low on action, its restrained emotions go against Hollywood conventions, creating a rich and rewarding film.

(Karen)had my mind going in...ahem...other directions. ;-) Ahh, you didn't realize that "pull" meant "push." ;-)

tee hee hee!!! Neither did I. Learn something every day.

Whew, just looking over the 'sizable'GWAPE picture. Wow! This is overkill on all fronts and I'm up for the battle;-)But that picture did throw me a bit. Thank you Karen, Moon and all for the great links, pictures and reviews. (Mari)According to the commercial there will be a sneak preview here on Saturday evening, November 1. Not long to wait at all!:-) Oh, I need to look into this!

British satellite music channel has just shown the Girls Aloud video for their new single 'Jump' featuring footage from LA. Lots of segments not shown in the trailers I've seen so far.

Never say I gave you nothing for Christmas.;-) Universal has its LA website up, and it's chock full of goodies, pics, downloads, clips, etc. Check it out: http://www.loveactually.com

(Mari)Never say I gave you nothing for Christmas.;-) Oh my....... We must have been very very good! Please accept my heartfelt gratitude and consider this my thank you note.:-))) So many wonderful photo gifts today.

How can one man look so good? Amazing! Thanks Mari!

Ooooh Mari, thank you so very much. Now, what do I get you for Christmas;-)?

Mari, v.g.,v.g. Thank You!

Thud! Yow...need a warning label on that thing! Thanks Mari!

"Lick your lips . . ." http://lionsgatefilms.com/dnm/profile.html?pid=IN-L-00075

*Finally!* Thanks, Mari! Mmmmm, looks juicy! The finger tracing the lip part didn't look at all how I imagined, though. Can't wait to see it anyway.

Quite the bag full of goodies this evening, Mari. Great trailer *fanning self* and who wouldn't want Colin tied up (big red bow optional) on one's desktop or any flat surface for that matter. ;-) Late, breaking news from Ananova: Martine slips into method acting for kissing scenes Martine McCutcheon says she stopped at nothing to make her film role as Hugh Grant's love interest convincing. The star revealed she demanded retakes of kissing scenes and even used her tongue, explaining: "I thought I would go for a bit of method acting." [Ed note: Unlike another Method actor in this film; must be where that "classical" training kicks in.] In Love Actually McCutcheon plays a Downing Street tea lady who attracts the amorous attention of the new Prime Minister played by Grant. "I have to say it was an honour to kiss Mr Grant. I had to go again on numerous occasions because I didn't quite feel I had got the moment right. There were tongues on some takes, when the director asks for tongues, you must give the director tongues," she joked. Speaking at the launch of her new book Behind the Scenes: A Personal Diary, the 27-year-old said Grant's character is somewhat more relaxed than Tony Blair. McCutcheon would not speculate on whether the PM could benefit by employing the more "arse-kicking" style of Grant's character, who stands up to the US president and dances sexily around 10 Downing Street. But she said Mr Blair may be more spontaneous than the public realise. "Maybe he watches rock stars strip on telly with a cup of tea in his hand and laughs to himself," she said, referring to a scene in the film. Love Actually, from Richard Curtis of Four Wedding And A Funeral fame, is released in November. McCutcheon said the film was probably her proudest moment as an actress. She said: "Richard Curtis wrote the part for me. He said they were trying to think of the girl that was real but was beautiful enough for the Prime Minister to fall in love with. I was kind of speechless."

(Karen)[Ed note: Unlike another Method actor in this film; must be where that "classical" training kicks in.] LOL! Well, he can't fool us, can he? :-) I can only watch the trailer without sound and I'm not sure fanning myself will be cooling enough. Wonder how I'll cope, when "the voice" hits me too :-) And the beautiful LA-picture. Thank you Mari for both. Am truely grateful. And - thanks Marianne and Karen for the pics and articles :-)

A small article in today's Times. Box Office success for film fest Record number of tickets are being sold for the Times bfi London Film Festival. ..... Hot tickets include Gwape, tipped for Oscar recognition, and Dogville starring Nicole Kidman. More than 110,000 filmgers are expected and some films have already sold out, although returns will be available before screening....

Thank you Mari for both. Am truely grateful. And - thanks Marianne and Karen for the pics and articles :-) I also want to add my thanks. This is a great place to be. WAGW is finishing its run here - Thursday is it's final day, and LA only opens 28 Nov, so until then, pics and trailers is all I'm going to see :-(