Tress - Please thank Maria for those fab articles! Eithne - What a keep! . .can imagine nice nights snuggled up in that with memories of you know who dancing about in your head;) I'll keep an eye out for a knitting pattern for you . .I just started to knit myself . .and am in the process of making a very sad looking scarf. Told leslie once I get the hang of it I just may knit myself a red/white one like my keep from FP! (Although my DH did get me one from the UK for xmas . .it'd be nice to see if I could make one with my own hands;) Hope your move up north goes well!!!

I believe there is a Crafts Conference at Spring or you might want to try email for personal discussions.

One more thing. No need to take up a message for apologies, etc. Here's the link to preorder the Region 1 Love Actually DVD: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005JMFQ/spring-20

Cheer up, Karen! According to today's Times, CF is merely "mulling over the chance to join ET in the comedy Nanny McPhee". Maybe a last minute appeal will make him change his mind ;-) Or perhaps he is just holding out for lots of ������� & $$$$$$$$.

(Karen)Here's the link to preorder the Region 1 Love Actually DVD: Thanks Karen, I put it on my wish list for now but having gone there to check it out I have to ask, what's the deal with *Hope Springs* costing so much?

(Karen)Here's the link to preorder the Region 1 Love Actually DVD: A question on pre-orders, Karen.. I know if we purchase through the link, Spring gets some sort of commission. But do we get a better price by pre-ordering as opposed to waiting until the actual release?

(Allison) According to today's Times, CF is merely "mulling over the chance to join ET in the comedy Nanny McPhee". "the chance to join ET"???? Gaaah! This guy should be mulling over the "chance of working" with important directors, not her. No offense to Emma. OK, I've crossed all my fingers and toes and set the horrid little book on my nightstand. Am sticking extra pins in my Nanny McPhooey doll. Candles are lit. What else can I do? Thanks for the little bit of hope. (Leslie) But do we get a better price by pre-ordering as opposed to waiting until the actual release? No. It goes by the price. As long as you use the link, Spring will get 5%, which is the max on tapes/DVDs.

Published Friday, February 6, 2004 'Pearl' ain't no Vermeer Film JEFFREY YOHALEM Watching Peter Webber's new film "Girl with a Pearl Earring" is like trying to look at a masterful painting while listening to a crying baby: the noise just keeps getting in the way. At first glance the production looks remarkably promising, combining veteran actors such as Tom Wilkinson and Colin Firth with up-and-comers like Scarlett Johansson. Unfortunately the film fails to deliver any surprises, journeying so far into familiar territory as to be boring. Webber's tale of a misunderstood artist and the woman who loves him joins the burgeoning ranks of a sub-genre of the period piece: the tragic genius film. While many of the other members of this category contributed something to cinema, unfortunately all "Girl with a Pearl Earring" proves is that enigma does not protect against melodrama. The enigma in this case is the painter Johannes Vermeer, who was born in the 1600s, worked in Delft and was arguably Holland's greatest artist. With only a few official papers that contain his name in the hands of historians, his life remains sparsely detailed at best. This lack of documentation allowed Tracy Chevalier to write a fairly decent novel in 2001 centered around Vermeer's most famous painting, "Girl with a Pearl Earring." The film follows the same story, spinning the tale of a young peasant girl named Griet (Scarlett Johansson) who is sent by her family to work as a maid in the house of Vermeer (Colin Firth). The two women of the house who lord it over Griet, Vermeer's wife Catharina and his mother-in-law, are both tough and practical, and their only care for painting is the money it brings. Griet, however, loves looking at Vermeer's canvasses and he in turn loves looking at Griet. To him, she is the only one who truthfully takes an interest in his work. All of this is melodramatic enough without Olivia Hetreed's tepid screen adaptation which pushes the film into the realm of soap opera. Line after line paints ulterior motives onto the characters that either don't make sense or are overdone, and would have benefited from more subtly. Hetreed even goes so far as to use cliches without any spin to make them original: "We are all caught in his web" is one of her worst. Not once is it possible to believe the level of intrigue easily worthy of Queen Elizabeth surrounding Griet and Vermeer. Worse, Hetreed stays on the surface, writing "Girl with a Pearl Earring" as if it were a cheap thriller. The problem may partially lie in Chevalier's material: there just isn't enough there for a gripping story line. Yet Hetreed said about the book, "The domestic setting is deceptive. I saw it as a cinematic thriller from the start." Perhaps a repeat visit to the Amsterdam Rijksmuseum or a dunk in the canal outside would have been wise. Luckily, the acting manages to partially rise above the mediocre script. In an interesting if not altogether convincing character choice, Firth's Vermeer is timid and quiet. His personality seems so entirely demagnetized that it is hard to imagine that such emotional paintings could come from his brush. He spends most of the film cowering in his studio like a caged animal, leaving the bravery and most of the acting to Griet. Johansson is up to the task, fighting gallantly with the inflated script to add some much needed subtlety to the film. Her Griet is tough, hiding her inner light behind an appropriately dumb apathy to protect herself from all of the unpleasantries that surround peasant life. One of these is Vermeer's patron, Master van Ruijven, played lecherously by Tom Wilkinson. In contrast to Johansson's tempered performance, Ruijven's is over the top, as he harangues Vermeer and attacks Griet. The usually brilliant Wilkinson seems far too angry and coarse for a patron of the arts; maybe he sees the uspicious connections between "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and "The Governess," the far superior period film he starred in with Minnie Driver that tells almost exactly the same story. In any case, his mind seems to be disengaged from the performance. Despite its pitiful script and mediocre acting, "Girl with a Pearl Earring" is still a film worth seeing solely for its cinematography. The exciting visual premise of Webber's adaptation, the fact that he can shoot his film in the style of Vermeer, is a triumphant success. Eduardo Serra's cinematography is textured enough to peel off the screen, and his use of color and light rivals Vermeer's himself. To make the cutting of red cabbage look like the blooming of a black rose takes amazing skill, yet Serra accomplishes it in the very first shot. The characters themselves are treated just as intimately. Vermeer's mother-in-law Maria Thins is treated by the camera as if she is right out of a Flemish masterpiece, the wrinkles of her face twisting in the candlelight. Every interior reflects the Dutch fascination with keyhole views through windows and doors. Vermeer's house is full of half-open doorways and windows beckoning in the background. The exteriors are just as expertly crafted, sometimes with pastel city quares and other times with tones of green and orange in a sky that glows against rows of trees. Sadly all this talent only manages to muster the feel of a diorama when paired with the other elements of the film. The story flattens out the visuals, unmaking the reality that Serra painstakingly tries to create. After all the intrigue is finished, after all the money and effort has been expended, the simple, no-frills last shot draws more emotion and attention than all the rest: a long zoom out, starting on the earring of Vermeer's enigmatic painting itself. http://www.yaledailynews.com/article.asp?AID=24899

My issue of Vanity Fair arrived today. (Nearly stepped on and maimed dog and child by hurling myself towards the bundle that came in from the mailbox.) Very, very nice. Always thrilling to see him get a nod from the mainstream press. Kudos to whomever engineered that one.

Dutch Beauty Sandi Chaitram meets Girl With A Pearl Earring director Peter Webber and screenwriter Olivier Hetreed Girl With a Pearl Earring is universally recognized as one of Johannes Vermeer's greatest paintings. It features a beautiful, young girl - wearing a pearl earring - looking over her shoulder. The look on her face isn't quite clear; is she happy, sad? For centuries, art historians worldwide have debated as to the identity of that girl and how she came to be painted by Vermeer. Tracy Chevalier's best-selling novel of the same name is a fictional attempt to unravel that mystery. The artistic vision and sensual awakening of the main character Griet is told through Griet's eyes. Bringing those thoughts - not to mention capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of the painting - to the big screen would seem daunting. But, Screenwriter Olivia Hetreed's words and Director Peter Webber's vision successfully breathes cinematic life into the 'Girl'. Seventeen year old Griet (Johansson) takes up a job as a maid in Vermeer's (Firth) house. Very quickly Vermeer realises that Griet has an appreciation for his work; an appreciation lacking in Vermeer's wife, the forever-pregnant and jealous Catharina (Davis). So, Vermeer arranges clandestine meetings with Griet so that she can assist him. Vermeer's mother-in-law Maria Thins (Parfitt) spots the growing closeness between the two. However she turns a blind eye as she realises that Vermeer - not known for his speed in producing bankable work - inspired by Griet starts working more diligently. Both Griet and Vermeer feel strongly attracted to each other, but keep a professional distance. This however does not stop the gossips; that there is something more sexual between them. Matters are made more complicated when Vermeer's lecherous patron Van Ruijven (Wilkinson) commissions Vermeer to paint Griet for Van Ruijven's own private collection. Griet and Vermeer struggle to keep control of their feelings resulting with them having to confront the jealousies of those closest to them; and Vermeer creating a painting that will fascinate for centuries to come. Firth's Vermeer is a tortured soul who believes that a great work takes time to produce. The same could be said of the making of the film. It's had a pretty tortuous history spanning over four years. Hetreed and her husband (and one of the producers of the film) Andy Paterson had read the manuscript a few months before the book itself was published. Both believed strongly in the film, got the rights and came up with a treatment. Chevalier was concerned that the script did not descend into the Hollywood school of adaptation; that Griet and Vermeer didn't get naked with each other. Hetreed and Paterson fully understood that this was paramount to preserving the erotic power of the story. The book is not a sprawling epic but it's very descriptive. "The voice of the novel is in Griet's head," says Hetreed. "I didn't want to use a voiceover; it felt too modern, too self-conscious, so the challenge was to find a way to bring that inner voice to the screen." That task was made easier when Chevalier gave Hetreed creative license to do what she needed, to capture the essence of Griet. Hetreed was able to bring unique insights into how Griet's self discovery could be demonstrated on film - insight's that the author herself says she wished she'd thought of! "There are things that are only suggested so you have to find another way of showing that," explains Hetreed. "I wanted to explore the excitement that Griet feels when she begins to understand about light and how it works. So I devised the scene where she is outside polishing a silver bowl and she starts to play with the reflection on the wall." Hetreed's screenplay was ready to roll, but the following three years was a filmmaker's nightmare; always getting that close to shooting only for it to all to collapse. Then, Webber happened to be in Paterson's office one day, spots the 'Girl' photo on the wall, and in good old art history grad fashion, starts babbling about the picture. Paterson had found his director! Webber admits that initially he may not have been thought of as the right person for the job. For years he'd worked for Paterson and fellow producer Anand Tucker as an editor and documentary director. His first dramas included the controversial Men Only for Channel Four; a gritty tale that focused on a lads' night out, fuelled by an excess amount of drink and drugs resulting in a horrific gang-rape of a woman. And when he wandered into the office that day, he was working on another gritty drama. Webber hadn't read Chevalier's book but he knew the painting and that period of art intimately. It shows. This is the most gorgeous film visually you're likely to see this year. Every single frame is beautifully crafted with light and colour that captures the atmosphere and mood of the Vermeer paintings themselves. For Webber, this was more by design, than accident. He had a clear idea of how he wanted the film to look, but was aware that he didn't want to reproduce a sanitized, period piece; he wanted a grittier feel, especially in the exterior shots. Webber had seen production designer Ben Van Os's work for Peter Greenaway. His sets in The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, Her Lover and Baby of Macon are highly stylised. Webber wanted the same level of bizarreness without it becoming too distracting. "I wanted our world to look dirtier than the Dutch oil paintings - for example that sense in the market that you could smell the blood." A lot of the scenes take place in Vermeer's house and although the interiors are dark, the lighting allows the colours and textures to appear visibly rich, adding a strong, tactile quality. Such attention to detail required a master cinematographer so Webber enlisted Eduardo Serra ( The Wings of the Dove; What Dreams May Come ). "He's a genius who has been doing this his whole life; it takes a lifetime to learn how to light like that," smiles Webber. "So often in filmmaking how we want it to look and how effective is that look for the story is half the problem. The great thing about Eduardo is that he's always interested in the story than anything." It could be argued that cinematically there isn't much of a story. The dialogue is sparse. "This was a concern, but it was the case that more we pared it back - not just the dialogue, but also the number of extraneous characters, the number of scenes - the stronger the film got," says Webber. "It seemed to get more singular; to become emotionally, a much purer piece." Webber teases his audiences with the imposed silences and no more so than in the scenes between Griet and Vermeer. The grinding of the paint; Vermeer asking her to lick her lips; the piercing of Griet's ear are all highly erotic. The chemistry between the artist and his muse begs you to scream: "Snog her Vermeer!!!", and leaves you totally frustrated when he doesn't. The audience might want a sweaty, writhing consummation on the studio floor. Webber opts for purity. And it works brilliantly. Finding the right cast, especially Griet, was always going to be a problem but Hetreed had a philosophical approach to this. "At the point of casting Scarlett wasn't a huge star, and that presented other difficulties in that the pressure was always to find a name," she says. "But it seemed to me that the nature of the story desperately demanded someone who you'd not seen in other roles. What you'd want to be is in a position to discover her in the way Chevalier's story discovers her. So that by the end you feel you really know her. Conversely with Vermeer, when you see him, he is quintessentially a star, you know he's 'the man'." Webber sits back in his chair and happily munches away on a breadstick. He looks tired, but through it, you can see that this is one very happy man; his first feature film has just been nominated for two Golden Globes and a clutch of BAFTAs! Last year Webber attended the Globes, and could only imagine what it would be like to have that sort of accolade - not to mention the adulation of the press - heaped upon oneself. "Anand and I had managed to get into one of the star-studded parties. I remember peering over the balcony looking at all the famous people down below and said to Anand that they all look like ants," says Webber. 'It's very funny to think that two years later I'm one of those ants, albeit a minor one - a worker ant!' he grins. http://www.close-upfilm.com/GWAPEfeature.htm

Weekend BO Report: GWAPE in 402 Theatres took in $1,070,000 @ $2,661/theatre for a total of $5,790,000. I still haven't gotten it locally. So it's still rolling into new markets.

Australian Drooleurs: GWAPE opens in Oz on 11 March - please email me if you'd like to join up in Sydney for a viewing...

I'm a bit behind, but thank you for the pics and articles ladies. As for the Vanity Fair photo: It's not often that I see a pic of Colin I don't like, but this is definately one of those. It looks soooo posed for. Unnatural (not the best word I know). And he looks miserable on it too. LOL! I wonder what he was thinking at the time. Hating every moment of the photo shoot maybe... Karen, thank you for taking the "USS Colin's Career" off the pic on the main page. I felt sort of bad about that. Much better now. :-)

Got my copy of Vanity Fair and my only quibble is that most of the pics are shot in glorious close-up (many by the genius Annie Leibovitz), whereas Colin's is from a distance and his face is dark. Karen, you did a good job in lightening up the pic and cropping it; wish it looked as good in the mag. Happened to be looking through CF items on e-bay and I see that someone is selling a pic of Colin signing autographs at the NYC premiere of LA. Number of fans in the background, Maria am 99% certain that you're front and center. From the angle it was taken, this was definitely shot by one of the professional photographers. "It's those bloody paparazzi again." ;-)

(Mari) my only quibble is that most of the pics are shot in glorious close-up (many by the genius Annie Leibovitz), whereas Colin's is from a distance and his face is dark. True, the difference in photographers is marked. Julian Broad who shot Colin also took the pic of the two Brazilian directors on the Rio street and I wouldn't have minded one bit to see a close up of Walter Salles. ;-) Actually, my fav of the bunch has to be the black and white of Michael Caine and Jude Law (two Alfies...ooops The Rakes) Number of fans in the background, Maria am 99% certain that you're front and center. From the angle it was taken, this was definitely shot by one of the professional photographers Oh yes, that's Maria, alright! Isn't she computerless right now?

(Mari) my only quibble is that most of the pics are shot in glorious close-up Yes, I quibbled over that, too. I went through the magazine three times before I found it. Much too dark, and thanks, boss for tinkering with it-yours was better.

True, the difference in photographers is marked. Julian Broad who shot Colin also took the pic of the two Brazilian directors on the Rio street and I wouldn't have minded one bit to see a close up of Walter Salles. ;-) LOL, I hear you! All of Broad's shots are full length and you don't see the character in the subject's faces. He did the same thing to the Mills family (Hayley, Juliet, John). Too far away. Contrast with the spectacular pic of Jeff Bridges and his wife and daughter.

(Mari) He did the same thing to the Mills family (Hayley, Juliet, John) That one was too boring for words. I'm really surprised VF chose that one and the one of Cyd Charisse and Tony Martin (and dog). Both lack any artistic sense. However, I wouldn't say the same of Colin's. I like the setting and the lighting, but Colin does get lost in the props...or becomes one of them. :-( In case anyone's interested, in the various credits, styled by Emily Barnes (oh, to have been Emily), Colin is wearing Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, shirt by Alexandre Savile Row, shoes by Tim Little, hair products by Clinique, grooming products by Creme de la Mer, grooming by Karen Alder for Marco Santucci. Additonal credits: Colin Firth's hair styled with Clinique Hair Care Serum. His face moisturized with Creme de la Mer Daily Moisturizer; also on his face, Laura Mercier Translucent Powder, on his lips, Creme de la Mer Lip Balm.

(Karen)This guy should be mulling over the "chance of working" with important directors, not her. Karen, for the hell of it I checked the Daily Variety Gotham from Friday, Feb 6th. As of Friday, NMcP is still listed w/ Colin's name still attached . . . But will keep my eyes open to see if there are any changes;) (oh, to have been Emily), Now there's a job that would be fun . .stylist will be number two job choice after celebrity wrangler Ummmm . . . Mr. Firth do you mind if I just run my fingers through your hair . .you, um . . need more product . .yeah, more product in it . . .

(Kimberly) Mr. Firth do you mind if I just run my fingers through your hair . .you, um . . need more product I'd like to test the Lip Balm, you know, how soft and supple it really makes the lips and just how long does it last? Thanks for the various credits, Karen. *sigh*

(Mari) Happened to be looking through CF items on e-bay and I see that someone is selling a pic of Colin signing autographs at the NYC premiere of LA. Number of fans in the background, Maria am 99% certain that you're front and center. Too cool! Am perplexed how that is not me standing right next to her considering that's where I was all night draped over and knocking off that sign at one point. Was taken right after he signed mine, I believe. I think I turned to show Rika and maybe that other girl moved in momentarily. Does Maria have any rights if she doesn't want to be sold, as it were? And I recognize a non-Drooler in that pic.

(Dorine) Does Maria have any rights if she doesn't want to be sold, as it were? I think, if you stand next to a celebrity at a public event, you forfeit your rights. They don't need to get a release to use your pic. Besides, the person who is selling the pic isn't even the photog.

Karen, if this is not new, delete --- Driver Slams Sweatshops February 9, 2004 LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - Minnie Driver has seen the light. The statuesque actress, who recently visited garment factories in Thailand and Cambodia, says she was completely ignorant to the conditions that female workers in poor countries endure. "The poorest people with the least are making sacrifices for those of us who have the most," says Driver, 33, who visited Southeast Asia as part of the British charity group Oxfam International's "Make Trade Fair" campaign, according to the AP. Speaking from a fashion show in Phnom Penh on Sunday, Feb. 8, Driver says she wants corporate leaders to carefully consider their buying practices. Garment workers modeled clothes bearing large tags reading "Made in Cambodia ... by us ... US$0.25 per hour." Driver garnered an Oscar nomination in 1998 for her role in "Good Will Hunting." Richard E. Grant, Helen Fielding ("Bridget Jones's Diary"), Colin Firth, Kate Moss, Chris Martin, Bono and REM are also supporters of the Make Trade Fair Campaign. Make Trade Fair aims to change the rules of world trade so that they no longer disadvantage the world's poorest people. Driver will next be seen in "Ella Enchanted" and "The Phantom of the Opera" due in theaters later this year.

(Mari)Happened to be looking through CF items on e-bay and I see that someone is selling a pic of Colin signing autographs at the NYC premiere of LA. Number of fans in the background, Maria am 99% certain that you're front and center. OMG!!Thanks Mari!!!That is me alright, modeling my best "I'm smitten as a kitten" pose!(Dorine, this does not preclude my desire to have him "lean in" for a pic of us at the next premiere!)LOL! Actually, it kind of looks like I would like to eat him for dinner, hope I toned it down a bit when he turned back... (Karen)Oh yes, that's Maria, alright! Isn't she computerless right now? About 80% computerless...Will try and send off my "rainy day links" to other droolers to post here both from work and home... ordered a new home computer as this gray mare ain't what she used to be, and I feel Big Brother's thumb on my head at the office although for some reason today I tiptoed in, just for a second, but the bonus is they are sending me to Budapest in 11 days so I feel I should try and behave, at least until the expense report is done..;-)) (Dorine)Does Maria have any rights if she doesn't want to be sold, as it were? I hope I win, can't imagine anyhone else would want a picture of pure drool in action like this! :-)

(Maria) !(Dorine, this does not preclude my desire to have him "lean in" for a pic of us at the next premiere!) And, I'll elbow any interlopers (non-Droolers) out of the way who get in between! ;-) You should write that seller and ask for a comp copy or a cut of the sale. ;-) Enjoy Budapest! Loved it, though it was 13 years ago.

(Dorine) You should write that seller and ask for a comp copy or a cut of the sale. ;-) Absolutely. You should tell him and get a copy for yourself.

I just realized that's Evelyn right next to Maria with the camera in front of her face peaking out from behind ODB. Am still perplexed on my whereabouts. No matter. Well, Maria, for someone who kept professing her hope for anonymity, I think I've seen you in more still pics and TV clips than anyone. ;-D

I can't find this picture on EBay... How is it named there? Thanks!

RARE COLIN FIRTH ORIGINAL PHOTO http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3384187809&category=200 I had a tough time finding it again.

I couldn't find it either....thanks Dorine. Hmmm looks like me. But I thought I was next to Bee Dee and in front of Shoshanna. You guys were way down at the end....the first ones who saw ODB coming in. LOL I can still remember the screams :"He's here"...."He's here". Magic.

(Maria)That is me alright, modeling my best "I'm smitten as a kitten" pose! It's an adorable pic, Maria. You *must* have it. I wonder what other goodies from that evening this guy might have in his stash? (Evelyn)LOL I can still remember the screams :"He's here"...."He's here". Magic. It really was. I remember turning to the entrance and since he towers above most others, seeing that dark hair, big smile and flash of dimples. One of those rare times when we're in the right place at the right time, the stars align and the moon is in the seventh house!;-). And, possibly more premiere magic on the way. The imdb is now showing a November release for TEOR in the US; November 19 for UK. You know I put little stock in the release info shown on imdb, but it's something to get us through the slow months.;-) Also, they're showing August 27 for Trauma in the UK.

(Mari) Also, they're showing August 27 for Trauma in the UK. Like you, I don't put a whole lot of stock in release dates on the IMDB, but if this is accurate, they're dumping it. :-(

But US release Nov 17 isn't dumping season in the US where it's a better market. Wish it were the other way around. Doesn't sound like it's Oscar stuff anyway. He gets better reviews in the US. They don't keep bringing up the "Mr. Darcy" syndrome.

I was only referring to Trauma (Aug 27); as you'll recall WAGW was dumped in August. TEOR wouldn't be "Oscar" stuff (except perhaps to garner another nom for RZ) and the November/December dates have been used fairly interchangeably. Either is fine by me. Indicates they're shooting for a big holiday box office draw.

(Maria)That is me alright, modeling my best "I'm smitten as a kitten" pose! You certainly look happy Maria!! . .but I must say I recognize the expression . .I KNOW I had that same look plastered over my face at the Today Show Toy Drive . . Also, they're showing August 27 for Trauma in the UK. But no dates for a US release . .besides Sundance?:( Dang it!

closing tag

(Evelyn)LOL I can still remember the screams :"He's here"...."He's here". Magic. (Mari)It really was. I remember turning to the entrance and since he towers above most others, seeing that dark hair, big smile and flash of dimples. One of those rare times when we're in the right place at the right time, the stars align and the moon is in the seventh house!;-). Ahhh, thanks for the memories gals and for lifting me out of my work doldrums..

(Evelyn) LOL I can still remember the screams :"He's here"...."He's here". Magic. (Mari) It really was. I remember turning to the entrance and since he towers above most others, seeing that dark hair, big smile and flash of dimples. One of those rare times when we're in the right place at the right time, the stars align and the moon is in the seventh house!;-). And my first good look at ODB wasn't until he got up to speak to Booker at the ET podium! Some of us were further down the tent and when he got in (initially) everyone was leaning so far forward along the rail (and so many 'handler' types came in) that it was hard to see him, even with his height. It wasn't until he got up to the ET interview that we saw him fully and freaked out...and Booker pointed us out...a kinda "look what you started down there" moment! Bee-uuu-teeee-fulllll! My first good view (thanks to Bee and the boss)!

(Mari)and the moon is in the seventh house!;-). Ok, now I can't get *The Age of Aquarius* out of my mind......

(Tress) It wasn't until he got up to the ET interview that we saw him fully I saw him then too because ET had an elevated stage. But when he was interviewing on the ground, Livia was right in front of me. Grrrrr. One would think.... I mean, she sees him all the time.Right? ;-)

(Evelyn) But when he was interviewing on the ground, Livia was right in front of me. Grrrrr. One would think.... I mean, she sees him all the time.Right? ;-) She was wavering a bit in front of us too...but she was off to one side so I could see her hubby juuuuuust fine, most of the time...once he got out of the interview cul-de-sac, he was alllll ours! Nice views the whole time (even if it was his backside at times...didn't mind that one bit!). I enjoyed having Livia stand there to my right talking to Salman Rushdie...was a bit surreal.

Evelyn)LOL I can still remember the screams :"He's here"...."He's here". Magic (Mari)And, possibly more premiere magic on the way. Oh God, I hope so. This sounds like it was such a *great* time. Can't wait for the opportunity for my first ODB sighting as well as meeting other drooleurs en masse. Was worried when I read a premiere date of 12/24 a while back...Don't know about anyone else but leaving hearth and home on that date in search of ODB would probably be the end of my family's patience for my 'condition'. (Evelyn)Livia was right in front of me. Grrrrr. One would think.... I mean, she sees him all the time.Right? ;-)

Sorry about the double post. Hit 'enter' too quickly...thoughts of *ODB in the flesh* causing irregular body movements. (Evelyn)Livia was right in front of me. Grrrrr. One would think.... I mean, she sees him all the time.Right? ;-) Sheesh!! Of all the nerve...

Wow! So many Colin goodies..... been away too long! Boss, you are my "Angel in America" for sure. Loved all the new pics plus your NY fun. (Evelyn)Livia was right in front of me Grrrrr. What, in two continents honey? ;-))

*Slinking in and whispering..* (Mari) I remember turning to the entrance and since he towers above most others, seeing that dark hair, big smile and flash of dimples. One of those rare times when we're in the right place at the right time, the stars align and the moon is in the seventh house!;-). Amen to that! When I first saw the picture I thought, "So it wasn't just a dream!" It was surreal Tress! I plan on learning how to use a sextant to make sure all those same forces of nature occur for us all when the next opportunity arises and will read "How to charm the unsmiling Vinnie's in your life that keep you from what you want" and will dance naked with trees in on the new moon in damp swamp forests if only we get to do it again!!

(Maria) ...will dance naked with trees in on the new moon in damp swamp forests And now, thanks to ebay, have actually basis for mental picture of Maria in ya-ya sisterhood garb doing dance to dimple gods! (He *did* look amazing in your picture!)

Maria, you took the words right off of my keyboard. Very surreal. Even the memories are surreal. Someone on this board said once that it would be that way and that he is even more amazing in person, and boy were they right. If I didn't have the autograph and the pictures I'd be pretty sure it was just a dream. So I take it there's still no backer for Trauma in the U.S.? I really am in the mood for another NY premier after all this reminiscing... As for the Nanny thing, do you think maybe he's been taking career advice from Michael Cain? If they ask, he does? I'm not thrilled either, but to play devil's advocate, I can understand wanting to work with ET. And since he is a dad, it's not unreasonable to want to do some kid movies. At least it's not all he's doing. Maybe this will be good networking. It really could be worse...

(Leslie) Was worried when I read a premiere date of 12/24 a while back...Don't know about anyone else but leaving hearth and home on that date in search of ODB... That was the original *release* date. The premieres, most times, are 1-2 weeks prior to release. Sometimes just a few days. You wouldn't catch anyone in the industry doing premieres that close to Xmas. (Maria) will read "How to charm the unsmiling Vinnie's in your life that keep you from what you want"will read "How to charm the unsmiling Vinnie's in your life that keep you from what you want" ROTF! And I'll read "101 Direct Questions You Always Wanted to Ask Mike's About Afterparties, Weren't Afraid to Ask, and How to Determine the Veracity of the Answers," or "The Art of the Premiere: From Red Carpet to Afterparty." ;-D Just wanted to point out to those that weren't at the NY LA premiere, it was such a *huge* event, with so many stars and top press, because it was the *World* premiere of a high profile project for one of the top studios. A premiere for Trauma would most likely be a very small affair. Maybe only still photographers and no or just one minor TV outlet. Depends really on who picks it up and how much they want to put behind it. (Meg) Maybe this will be good networking. Sundance = Networking ;-) or an old SAT-type question: Sundance is to networking, As Colin is to _______. A. Filming a big budget movie B. Hanging out with the wife and kids C. Waiting for a great project to fall into his lap or chasing projects with fair potential D. Not E. All of the above ;-)

(Dorine)or an old SAT-type question: You forgot those other choices, B&C, C&D, B&D, or B,C,&D... (Dorine)"The Art of the Premiere: From Red Carpet to Afterparty One can only hope the next Afterparty is in large hotel not pvt. club...makes acting like you're supposed to be there a lot easier, I think;-) (Barb)He *did* look amazing in your picture!) Yes he did, didn't he. Love that backwards glance. Other than what has already been said about the magic of that night,(absolutely wonderful memories) I think the fondest memeory of ODB that I have of our time in the tent is that look of an almost increduluous nature on his face. I truly think he was totally stunned by the whole experience-especially because of number of other "big names" that were there. I love looking at all the wonderful pictures that everyone has shared. Thanks, ladies. I'm hoping with that half-full glass that T isn't being dumped and maybe it will open here, first? Yeah, I know...no buyer no show;-(

Is there any word on whether he's likely to show at the British Academy Awards on Sunday? I think, given the number of nominations that GWAPE received, that he would, but maybe now that TEOR is finished, he's off on his long overdue holiday;-)

(Janet) Is there any word on whether he's likely to show at the British Academy Awards on Sunday? You are talking about the BAFTAs? I heard from a friend in the UK that he would not...don't know where she heard the info though. :-( Pity...he looks so good in a tux, I'm in favor of getting him in one just for the thrill of it, even better if he's at an award show (means I get to see pictures!).

At IMDb *today*! That makes it current, right? I couldn't get the picture of the DVD cover as it was a mzz file, whatever that is. Just glad to see it there:-) IMDb Movie of the Day: Over the past few years, Nick Hornby's novels have suddenly become all the rage in movie land, with filmmakers itching to translate the authenticity of his main characters into popular success. Hornby's first novel-turned-movie, Fever Pitch, centers on a familiarly hapless but lovable guy working to admit changes into his already comfortable life, but somehow never had the commercial luck of its successors. Here, he offers us the story of Paul (Colin Firth) circa 1989, a scattered but basically good guy who makes a living as an English teacher, but whose real passion is a complete and utter devotion to the Arsenal football team. A definite precursor to the stories that would follow, Paul's obsession with football is not all that different than Rob and his music in High Fidelity. Similarly, the flashbacks to Paul's youth, where he first attended matches with his father as a way of bonding after his parents divorced, to the present day scenes where Paul escorts one of his pupils to his first match, feature t e same awkwardly wonderful texture later captured by Will and Marcus in About a Boy. And, like both of those films, the appearance of an interesting woman scrambles Paul's heretofore-content existence completely. When the very grown-up fellow teacher Sarah (Ruth Gemmell) enters Paul's life, the true evolution begins, as he tries to include her in the joy of his football-saturated lifestyle, and she tries to understand exactly why an underachieving team of eleven men kicking a ball around can mean so much to anyone. - Heather Campbell (more) (Movie of the Day Archive)

(Maria)I plan on learning how to use a sextant to make sure all those same forces of nature occur for us all when the next opportunity arises and will read "How to charm the unsmiling Vinnie's in your life that keep you from what you want" and will dance naked with trees in on the new moon in damp swamp forests if only we get to do it again!! Barb)have actually basis for mental picture of Maria in ya-ya sisterhood garb doing dance to dimple gods! Hmm . .besides the dancing . .think we should burn a tatty chair as a sacrifice, you know, to just seal the deal . . Cannot wait till TEOR premiere to see all of you girls . .very excited . .will start stocking up on Chardonnay, Milk Tray and salmon pinwheels ASAP! (Dorine)"The Art of the Premiere: From Red Carpet to Afterparty." Read it? Dorine, admit it . .you wrote the book on getting into Premiere parties;) (Mari)and the moon is in the seventh house!;-). (Bee)Ok, now I can't get *The Age of Aquarius* out of my mind...... And visions of ODB dancing about w/ the GWAPE wig . .there's HAIR for you;) (**singing ".. .harmony and understanding . . . sympathy and trust abounding . .No more falsehood and derisions, golden living dreams of visions, mystic crystal revelations, and the mind's true liberations . . ." Bee - IMDb Movie of the Day! Horray . .FP is my all time fav!:)

Does anybody know if Colin will attend this years bafta's? Is it worth going there ?

back from hell, and ready to go again (vanfair via karen) Additonal credits: Colin Firth's hair styled with Clinique Hair Care Serum. His face moisturized with Creme de la Mer Daily Moisturizer; also on his face, Laura Mercier Translucent Powder, on his lips, Creme de la Mer Lip Balm what about the brand of toilet paper used on set ? come on, vanity fair ! we are missing some crucial bits of info here ! re: the new york 'drool party' business & possible TEOR premieres : enough already !!!! we, hermits in the woods, are not amused (but in fact quite jealous). hey maria ! looking good ! close your mouth though dear, your drooling shows (just kidding)... (in a weird mood : just caught randy newman onstage, ahahaha, love him !)

Village set to steal the scenes in blockbuster By Vince Soodin OSCAR-WINNER Emma Thompson could shoot a British-made blockbuster in one of Chiltern's smallest villages. The acclaimed actress is set to star in the fantasy film Nanny McPhee, shooting the movie in Penn Street, Amersham, while heart-throb Colin Firth could also be cast. Ms Thompson has also adapted the screenplay from the Nurse Mathilda series, written by Christianna Brand. A spokesman for Ms Thompson's agency Hamilton Hodell said she was looking forward to the role. He said: "Ms Thompson is very excited about this she has been working on the script for quite a while." "They are still casting the rest of the film. It will have a largely British cast. The desire is that it will be another successful film with the makers of Love Actually making it." Working Title Films, also behind blockbusters Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill, is producing the movie and applied to Chiltern District Council to film at Shingle Mere Meadow, opposite Penn House, home of Earl Howe. The plot follows a magical nanny and the seven worst children in the world with Firth rumoured to be in talks to play the father of the children, while the film will be directed by Kirk Jones, who made Waking Ned. A set with up to 20 buildings and a fake road would be constructed if the council give Working Title the green light. The Hamilton Hodell spokesman added: "The proposal is for work to begin in March or April, but as yet nothing is set in stone." Working Title believes the set will take three months to construct with filming set to take another three months. In its application to Chiltern district planning officers the film company says the land will be returned to its former state after filming has finished. The company believes the Penn Houses site "provides an attractive village setting" and will "not adversely affect the appearance or character of the green belt or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty". http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/localnews/display.var.458701.0.village_set_to_steal_the_scenes_in_blockbuster.php

For those who might want to check out the set (if Karen's proverbial boat keeps sinking), Amersham is on the end of the Met Line tube (and is a mere 10 or 15 miles from my house, nicely). It's not like it's an inaccessible small town or anything. Thanks for the info Maria, if it comes in handy!

(Tress)I heard from a friend in the UK that he would not I guess I shouldn't be surprised at that, after all GWAPE has only 10 BAFTA noms.;-) Sheesh! You'd think he'd be a presenter, at least?? I hope that info is wrong. He should be there, IMO. Thanks, Maria

Emma- If ODB does choose to pursue this likely dreadful role, there will be some consolation knowing that a fellow drooleurs is in close proximity to act as an 'embedded agent'. Are you game?

Here's a cute tidbit selecting *the* kiss between Bridget and Mark in BJD as #8 of the top 20 screen kisses of all time. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/content_objectid=13937349_method=full_siteid=89488_headline=-YOU-MUST-REMEMBER-KISS-name_page.html

The April 27th date for the UK release of Trauma has been confirmed as correct, as least for now. (Dorine) A premiere for Trauma would most likely be a very small affair. Maybe only still photographers and no or just one minor TV outlet. Absolutely. Lest anyone forget, the LA premiere for GWAPE was nearly a private affair; no press hoopla at all. The distributor wouldn't even give out the location. Sundance is to networking, As Colin is to _______. LOL! Reminds me of another quiz Mari once did for L'dum. ;-) (Janet) Is there any word on whether he's likely to show at the British Academy Awards on Sunday? Unless you're a publicity-seeking-hound type actor, you don't attend awards shows for which you haven't been nominated. (Hmmm, do I have enough negatives to cancel each out??) Sheesh! Colin doesn't even go to ones he should (Emmys, SAG for best ensemble) "Supporting a film" isn't a consideration nor necessary; the votes are in and why put yourself in a position for people to say "Shame you weren't nominated." (Beedee) At IMDb *today*! That makes it current, right? Wrong. It isn't News about Colin, is it? Thanks for the location info, Maria. Hopefully, it won't be necessary for anyone to have to go the end of the Metropolitan Line.

(Karen) The April 27th date for the UK release of Trauma has been confirmed April or August?

(Karen) Unless you're a publicity-seeking-hound type actor, you don't attend awards shows for which you haven't been nominated. (Hmmm, do I have enough negatives to cancel each out??) Sheesh! Colin doesn't even go to ones he should (Emmys, SAG for best ensemble) "Supporting a film" isn't a consideration nor necessary; Plus, if the producers don't ask you, you don't go. Unless a someone you know is going and they give you an extra ticket. They are looking for ratings drivers. That's why the BAFTA's have had an influx of high profile Hollywood stars in recent years.

Ooops, sorry. I meant the August 27th date.

Ooops, sorry.I meant the August 27th date. You would....I was off to make plane reservations. (Janet) Is there any word on whether he's likely to show at the British Academy Awards on Sunday? If I were he, I wouldn't go. If they didn't have the dignity to nominate him, why should he go for nothin'. Voting is over by then.

**tiptoeing in and whispering** Boss, thought you should know . . .don't get upset, b/c I just saw Hollywood Reporter (Janurary 10 - 16, 2004) A "new" and international listing in the Films in Preperation section Pg. 38, left hand column, top of the page Nanny McPhee (Family/Comedy) (Start April) Shooting in London, England; Working Title (UK)/Three Strange Angels, Oxford House, 76 Oxford Street., London, England, W1N 9FD; Cast Emma Thompson, Colin Firth; Prd., Lindsay Doran, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner; Dir., Kirk Jones; Scr., Emma Thompson; US Distrb, MGM Now it's in the Hollywood reporter . .these trades keep posting this as fact . . ***runs out, ducking from the flying NMcP voodoo doll***

Thanks, Kimberly, I hadn't checked the online database today (would've been updated yesterday) though I did last week. This is the same info Variety had. Wonder why MGM is the US distrib since Working Title is owned by Universal? In some of the older material about the project (dated what two years ago?), MGM was listed, but there hadn't been any mention of Working Title then. I suppose it could be a joint studio effort: two studios sharing the cost. Plan to put that NMcP voodoo doll under the tires of my car and go back and forth a few times.

Re: MGM connection. Lindsay Doran (McPhooey producer) used to be head of United Artists studio, which is owned by MGM. When MGM spun UA off into an subsidiary, LD stayed with MGM as an independent producer. She also produced Emma's Sense & Sensibility, so they must be buds. Interestingly enough, she also produced Meg T's Leaving Normal. What an incestuous business. I got this from the imdb bio; and look what's showing up as her latest production, with our very own Ozzie Nelson listed as the dad: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0233386/

(Karen)Plan to put that NMcP voodoo doll under the tires of my car and go back and forth a few times. Save the tires. I don't think it's going to work. Maybe a magic wand would help. Where's HP when you need him;-) (Mari)I got this from the imdb bio; and look what's showing up as her latest production, with our very own Ozzie Nelson listed as the dad Let me guess;-)

IMDB had McPhooey before, but some Firth zealot rushed to submit his name. Wonder if same zealot who jumped the gun with TDW will get it deleted.

There's a big differenc between actors and movie stars. Colin, I believe, considers himself an actor, not a movie star. He'd rather be a character actor than a leading man, and whether he's the supporting actor or the star of the movie is not as important as the quality of the production. It seems to me that Nanny McPhee is going to be a quality production. If he as a supporting actor adds to the quality and the prestige of the production, what's wrong with that? I greatly admired David Tomlinson's contribution as the father in Mary Poppins. I love star and scriptwriter Emma Thompson, who, you may remember, won Oscars for both acting AND writing. Possible director Kirk Jones' Waking Ned Devine was a wonderfully quirky and entertaining film. The producers of Nanny McPhee have a stellar track record. I hardly think the production deserves a sinking ship. I have no qualms about Colin being in Nanny McPhee, and what father wouldn't like to be in a movie that his own kids can cherish? I'm sure he can personally relate to the role with his own experiences with nannies and the naughtiness every child occassionally exhibits. I don't consider such a role as a step down, but a step out. Mixed up with roles in such adult-oriented films as Bridget Jones, GWAPE and Trauma, Nanny McPhee would just add to his versatility as an actor.

(Karen) Plan to put that NMcP voodoo doll under the tires of my car and go back and forth a few times. Ohhhh....that's what we used to do to hackey sacks to get them all broken in and supple.....might backfire on you. Turn voodoo doll into adored poppet. I'm only concerned, now, about Nanny M because I have heard the books are not that good. Wonder if they were something that Emma read as a child and enjoyed and that is why she is adapting them? Surely there are other children's books out there...still, I have faith in her as a screenwriter. She's done well in the past.....but......okay, okay...will just think of Hunk Daddy.....with seven....er....twenty...whatever....kids. Like a nice HD/Johannes blend. Wonder if he can wear the wig and the leather pants? Hmmmm.....better yet, that blue suit and hold a paint brush....mmmmm.......still not feeling well. Will go have a lie down and ponder the possibilities. ;-)

(Katty) I greatly admired David Tomlinson's contribution as the father in Mary Poppins. [....] The producers of Nanny McPhee have a stellar track record. I hardly think the production deserves a sinking ship. But unfortunately there are few who remember who was in Mary Poppins other than Julie Andrews. In fact I'd hazard a guess and say virtually no one. The subsidiary roles in a movie like this are inconsequential and can be played by any actor old enough to be the father of this many kids. It's just not a career move and I think that's the disappointing part of his involvement - if he becomes involved. And as far as the ship goes - well this role will not enhance his career at all and there is no standing still. It's upward and onward or backwards in an acting career at his level.

(dancing happily) I just got my "Vanity Fair" in the mailbox. "He Who Must" has actually made the yearly "Hollywood Issue". You all probably already know all about this, though, so if I'm being my typical redundant self, then please overlook it. (huggles) ~jeanie

(KarenR)Ooops, sorry. I meant the August 27th date. I received this email today from Little Bird: **Hi Janet, I'm afraid no date as of yet has been set for Trauma. Keep an eye on the Internet Movie Data Base - www.imdb.com or our own website www.littlebird.ie , details will be posted on both sites. Best, Jessica Hilliard.** I wish they'd make up their minds:-(((

(Katty) I greatly admired David Tomlinson's contribution as the father in Mary Poppins. Who? (Janet) I wish they'd make up their minds:-((( Little Bird is done with the film; it has nothing to do with distribution in the UK. Warner Bros (UK) says Aug 27th - at least for now - and that's what it is. (Carol) The subsidiary roles in a movie like this are inconsequential and can be played by any actor old enough to be the father of this many kids...And as far as the ship goes - well this role will not enhance his career at all and there is no standing still. It's upward and onward or backwards in an acting career at his level. Exactly. Given his commitments (i.e., needs for time off), I'd prefer he use his allocated work time better. He shows a real pattern: quantity over quality. He doesn't seem to realize that, if he works on higher quality projects (with hot or award-winning directors), his asking price has the potential to go higher, which would enable him to work less. A lot of running in place and going nowhere IMO.

*la-dee-daaaa* anyone needs one of those ????

Sophie - Ouch!!!! . .But I have to say too funny . .but should the doll be of the NMcP character as opposed to our dearest one?;)

(Sophie) anyone needs one of those ???? LOL! Yes, I can't seem to find my usual one. Boy are those teeth ugly! But Kim has a point. The doll should be named "Nanny." *boogga booga*

(Karen) Plan to put that NMcP voodoo doll under the tires of my car and go back and forth a few times. Ah, shades of Mr. Bill and Sluggo. ;-) I've missed them. He doesn't seem to realize that, if he works on higher quality projects (with hot or award-winning directors), his asking price has the potential to go higher, which would enable him to work less. Completely agree with this part....if he works on higher quality projects (with hot or award-winning directors), his asking price has the potential to go higher, which would enable him to work less....I don't believe for a second he doesn't realize that after being in this business 20 yrs. There are a # of credible scenarios here. I'll state the obvious... 1. Said directors don't seek him out (for whatever reason-irrelevant for my purposes). 2. He doesn't seek out said directors/projects (for whatever reason, I won't bother to speculate). 3. He is rejected (for whatever reason), no matter who initiated. 4. He rejects projects considered quality (Sylvia, anyone? Good riddance if he did.) 3. He, himself, indicated poor judgement on his part (at the Burns Q&A). Now, I thought GWAPE and Trauma were very good choices. LA, was good, too, as far as working with Richard Curtis (any director/writer hotter in Britain at the moment?). I don't think TIOBE was an inherently bad choice. I mean it was Oscar Wilde! And an update wasn't out of line, it had potential. It was unfortunate that OP tinkered with it so much. It had it's flaws, but I still enjoyed it for the most part. Granted Trauma may not have (or get) a US distributor, at least imminently, but I still find it a gutsy and worthy choice. I'm sorry there aren't more of you who can weigh in on that subject. Just because a movie gets a distributor, doesn't mean it gets released (look at HS for the most part). Even projects with big and well respected names get sat on (set on?). Was reading an article recently about all the stuff that Miramax buys, then lets languish in a vault for years. (I realize some of you are well aware of this last part. Am speaking to global audience not so familiar, too).

(Dorine) I don't believe for a second he doesn't realize that after being in this business 20 yrs. ...and is unwilling to do anything about it. He's a polyester shirt kind of guy, instead of silk. Sorry, don't have a list. ;-)

(Karen) Sorry, don't have a list. ;-) Oh, you're no fun. ;-D He's a polyester shirt kind of guy Is that with or without socks with sandals? ;-)

More on the Nanny McPhee front. This source states ODB's participation is not a done deal at this point. Perhaps the voodoo doll and incantations (Ooga Booga) are having some effect? http://www.empireonline.co.uk/site/news/newsstory.asp?news_id=15587 Thompson on Trelawney Exclusive: Emma Thompson on Potter, Lemony Snicket and Nanny McPhee 12 February 2004 One of the best things about the Harry Potter franchise is surely the fact that the perfect people have been cast in every role, no matter how much screen time they get. Continuing this tradition, Emma Thompson's role as Divination Professor Sybil Trelawney in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban should see the batty seer come to life with all the quirks and neuroses ascribed to her literary counterpart faithfully replicated on screen. " She was so much fun to play," Thompson told us. "I decided that, since she was someone who saw into the future, she had to be someone who couldn�t see anything at all in the present. Like where she was going, her clothing, anything. I decided to dress her slightly differently, and had wonderful co-operation from my director and designer and everything." However, Potter is not the only children�s film on Emma�s slate. She is also playing the title role in Nanny McPhee , her self-penned adaptation of the Nurse Matilda series by Christina Brand. Thompson plays a governess who uses magic to quell seven extremely naughty children, with Colin Firth in talks to play their father. Shooting starts on 1 April in London � surely the perfect date for any film with an element of comedy. Thompson also scotched the rumours connecting her to Lemony Snicket�s A Series of Unfortunate Events . This adaptation of the dreadful adventures of the wretched Baudelaire orphans stars Jim Carrey and Meryl Streep, and should be the sort of children�s film Tim Burton would make if he were a manic depressive. Thompson, however will not be joining that particular children's tale . "They did ask me about the Judge, but I said that I don�t think I can do that, because I�m just doing my own kid�s film. People would get confused because I�ve just done Harry Potter, and children get fed up too."

Who do that voo-doo that you do?! Booga Booga! U.K. pic biz faces coin collapse Industry lobbyists seek transitional funding plan By ADAM DAWTREY Variety BERLIN -- After the British government effectively delivered the death sentence Tuesday to two of the U.K.'s most important film funds, British movie industryites spent Wednesday preparing their case for a stay of execution. Industry lobbyists will meet government officials before the end of this week to plead for transitional arrangements that would allow the Inside Track and First Choice funds to honor their production finance commitments before they are shut. The government's shock announcement of an immediate change in its tax rules has imperiled the financing of a slew of major movies in pre-production. Projects that were expecting to receive a third of their budgets from either Inside Track or First Choice include "The Constant Gardener," directed by Fernando Meirelles for Focus Features; James Ivory's "The White Countess," backed by Sony Pictures Classics; the Miramax/DreamWorks project "Tulip Fever," directed by John Madden; Working Title's "Nanny McPfee," starring Emma Thompson; "The Libertine," featuring Johnny Depp; Nick Willing's "River King," toplining Ed Burns; and Julien Temple's "The Golden Man." Unless the government puts transitional arrangements in place, all of these projects will be forced to scramble for alternative financing and could face postponement or collapse. Inside Track alone has about $200 million worth of productions under negotiation, but talks have been suspended pending clarification of the government's position. However, movies already in production, such as Ridley Scott's "Kingdom of Heaven" and Paul Anderson's "Alien vs. Predator," appear to be protected from the devastating effects of the tax rule change. The Inland Revenue, the government's tax collection arm, has closed the loophole that allowed Ingenious Media's Inside Track fund and Grosvenor Park's First Choice to claim production costs as tax losses. Both funds launched in the last tax year, using generally agreed accounting principles, or GAAP, rather than the U.K.'s film-specific Section 48 tax break. In the past year, Inside Track has co-financed Richard Loncraine's "Wimbledon" for Working Title, Mira Nair's "Vanity Fair" for Focus and Gurinder Chadha's "Bride and Prejudice" and Danny Boyle's "Millions" for Pathe. First Choice has backed smaller indie pics such as Istvan Szabo's "Being Julia," Richard Jobson's "The Purifiers" and the remake of Dutch movie "All Stars." Funds using Section 48 have not been caught by the rule change, although in future they will have to show their investors are actively involved in filmmaking, spending at least 10 hours a week on the business. It's thought the rule change will also cause major problems for the P&A funds recently launched by Invicta and Scotts Atlantic to bankroll the U.S. and U.K. release costs of selected movies from Sony and Warner.

(Mari) Who do that voo-doo that you do?! Booga Booga! Unless the government puts transitional arrangements in place, all of these projects will be forced to scramble for alternative financing and could face postponement or collapse. I guess you do.......;-))

(Karen)He's a polyester shirt kind of guy (Dorine)Is that with or without socks with sandals? ;-) Or short socks....with oxfords. "Unless the government puts transitional arrangements in place, all of these projects will be forced to scramble for alternative financing and could face postponement or collapse. *snort* Perish the thought that private monies fund movies...instead of taxpayers.

(Kimberly) ...but should the doll be of the NMcP character as opposed to our dearest one?;) Right you are, that would be better. Hey, Nanny McPhooey Brigade, cheer up! Try to think Sound of music. That didn't turn out too bad, did it? Actually, Cptn. Von Trapp was the kind of bamboo-stick-lodged-in-his-rear, laugh-and-humourless but-quite-handsome-and-elegant sort of character Colin would've done very well. Who knows, this may not be as bad as it seems. I'm very interested in how this one will turn out. I wasn't here when Colin signed up for WAGW, but I suspect not everyone was happy about that one either. And look what happened, it's a favourite among many fans. Cross your fingers and see what happens. Maybe there's no need for the voodoo doll after all.

(Kimberly) ...but should the doll be of the NMcP character as opposed to our dearest one?;) (Ildi)Right you are, that would be better. Let me tell you . .when playing with the powers that be . .it's best to be very specific ..Don't want to do any damage to Colin . . Personally I'd rather like to make a success doll for him . .pin on The Dead Wait, TEOR . .and other nice stuff dealing with creative growth, career stimulation, etc . . . .or good wishes jar of some sort . . . perhaps will send him Reiki/positive energy, maybe that will help . . (Ildi)Hey, Nanny McPhooey Brigade, cheer up! Must say, I don't mind the NMcP possibility, I just would like to see him in another drama, got just a taste in GWAPE . .want something for him more in the way of a meaty role (leading or supporting, though would prefer leading, of course), like Conspiracy . .which I thought he was fantastic in. . . rom coms/comedies/family films are nice, light fare and hey , don't get me wrong I own and like WAGW. . . .but I guess as an actor as well as a fan, I want to see him in something rather challenging . . .

(Ildi) Try to think Sound of music. That didn't turn out too bad, did it? Unless there's a love affair between Nanny McPhee and Mr Brown (the father), then IMO it's not worth his limited time. As to WAGW, he's a central character and the relationship with his daughter was key. Folks, we're talking Cat in the Hat material here, and Colin's not the cat; he's the parent who leaves his kids at home. Man! All this encouraging news (still hasn't signed) and the dried-up funding is making me giddy. Bring it on!!! ;-)))

(Kimberly) . .but I guess as an actor as well as a fan, I want to see him in something rather challenging . . . LOL. Me too, so no wonder I have no love for BJD and TEOR. Another role he could've phoned in. But it's money, money, money. I understand. (Karen) Folks, we're talking Cat in the Hat material here,... LOL! Please don't make me want to make a voodoo doll too, let me just stick my head in the sand. What I don't know doesn't hurt. ;-) BTW: Is there a love affair between NM and Mr. Brown? Has anyone read the darn thing? (Karen) ...and Colin's not the cat; he's the parent who leaves his kids at home. Too bad, I'd love to hear him purring...;-)

Another interview for GWAPE: http://www.virgin.net/movies/interviews/colinfirth.html Colin Firth interview Love is in the air... Last time we saw Colin Firth he was falling for his Portuguese maid in Love Actually. His latest film, Girl With A Pearl Earring, finds him playing the dutch artist, Johannes Vermeer, who claims he was inspired to paint by a forbidden desire for his naive young housemaid (Scarlett Johansson). We quizzed the British actor on art, life and wigs... VN: What attracted you to the film in the first place? CF: "It was refreshing. It takes itself seriously, which is not a popular position in most films - it is safer to have your tongue in cheek these days. Not a lot big happens on the surface; it's a minimal, finely focused drama that must be made interesting by the characters. It's an exploration of how powerful a relationship can be..." VN: Not much is known about Vermeer. Was it hard putting flesh on his bones? CF: "The secret was in the mystery. Basically what you have in terms of historical understanding is mystery, and what Tracy Chevalier wrote in the original novel was also mystery. I was perpetuating that interpretation; in some ways it was a balancing act between fleshing him out and not revealing too much. We weren't trying to do Amadeus with this character, and I think preserving the enigma of the figure was something that had to be handled quite delicately. I felt that ultimately I was the final frontier in keeping that going, through all the various stages of interpretation." VN: So much of your love for Scarlett's character is left unsaid. Did you ever feel you might be doing too little? CF: "I think I speak for a lot of actors when I say I love doing less. Dialogue is often very limiting, particularly if it's anything other than excellent. Mediocre dialogue is utterly crippling; brilliant dialogue is a free ride; but no dialogue is a very liberating and inspiring thing to do, as long as you've got the confidence that your director will look at what you're doing. There's nothing more dispiriting than having a lot of ideas about what your fantastic performance is going to be when no one's at the other end of the camera." VN: So it was vital you had an understanding with your director, Peter Webber... CF: "I've got this complex view of this woman and I'm going to have to do it all with my eyes; it is entirely mutually dependent and symbiotic. We wouldn't have been able to do any of it if we hadn't known Peter was going after that. There were times when there were only two words being said but the camera would be turning for a very long time, and you were going to have to fill that. It gave us all an added responsibility." VN: It sounds like quite an intense collaboration. CF: "Working with a crew is a huge collaborative effort. Everyone arrives on set in the morning and the challenge of the day is to give life to the written word. But you have to be prepared to change the ideas you brought with you that morning, in order to keep the energy and carry the room. If you are in tune, you can feel that moment - it's palpable." VN: Did you learn to paint for the film? CF: "I've played around, but anything I could do with a paintbrush would be utterly irrelevant to anything that would be useful to Peter or the film. In the end, as long as you can point your paintbrush in a straight line and not look too closely at what you're doing, I think it's perfectly adequate. And besides, even if I had considerable skills, I don't know how long it would take me to apply them towards creating a Vermeer." VN: You have a splendid mane of hair in the film. How did that come about? CF: "When you read a script like this and accept the part, you know a wig awaits you. It was an alarming prospect, and had it been anyone other than [make-up designer] Jenny Shircore, who is fairly well known for being brilliant, it would have been the kiss of death. My fear was that the rest of the world would react to my wig the way that Scarlett did. There I am doing what I think is my best sexy, smouldering look and she's standing there sniggering!" By Neil Smith

(Ildi) BTW: Is there a love affair between NM and Mr. Brown? Has anyone read the darn thing? Let's not start rumors. I was just kidding around. I have read the book. It is dire material unless you are 4 years old. Each chapter is devoted to the children learning a lesson (e.g., saying please, not running away, not to gobble their food, shut doors, won't get up in the morning, etc.). The parents have next to no role in the book. They are the clueless and don't know how to deal with their children; it seems they only know how to make them. Anyway, I digress. ;-) Emma would have to beef up the father's role and the stories themselves. This would definitely be IMO a "phoner-iner." :-(

(Karen) He's a polyester shirt kind of guy (Dorine) Is that with or without socks with sandals? ;-) Am most confused.....I thought ODB was an Armani t-shirt, Chuck Taylor sort of guy...;-) (Ildi) I wasn't here when Colin signed up for WAGW, but I suspect not everyone was happy about that one either. And look what happened, it's a favourite among many fans. Cross your fingers and see what happens. Maybe there's no need for the voodoo doll after all. I have a hard time getting my knickers in a twist before I actually see something. Something that often sounds fantastic on paper (Sylvia) turns to crap and something that is pretty awful sounding (WAGW) turns out to be alright. I'll wait to see it before I freak out completely. Honestly, I was getting a bit nervous about nothing being lined up after TEOR (in the back of my head, I think..."he's working this hard so that he can retire to Umbria and raise more beautiful babies!!", so when I hear that he has a project even lined up, I get a bit excited (nearly died when he said TDW was "precipitious")). I just feel better knowing he's not off to cobble. ;-) (Kimberly) Must say, I don't mind the NMcP possibility, I just would like to see him in another drama, got just a taste in GWAPE . .want something for him more in the way of a meaty role (leading or supporting, though would prefer leading, of course), like Conspiracy . . IMO, ODB is getting the wrong message! Trauma is brilliant. But no one is touching it. It was, as Dorine said earlier, a very bold choice. He is in, pretty much, every frame of that film and not phoning it in. He has some of the most intense scenes I've ever seen him do and yet.....no interest. Yet WAGW, TEOR, LA, BJD all get released and seen. Now he has a potentially high profile project with Nanny (ET won an Oscar for S&S adaptation, that had to have been a draw...as well as working with a friend) which will surely get some press. I can't pretend to know how he choses projects, but I can see reasons for this one.....

Sorry for double post..... (Karen) They are the clueless and don't know how to deal with their children; it seems they only know how to make them. LOL...wait....are we talking about GWAPE or Nanny now? ;-)

(Tress) I'll wait to see it before I freak out completely. If it looks like Cat in the Hat, smells like Cat in the Hat, walks like Cat in the Hat, then... I was getting a bit nervous about nothing being lined up after TEOR (in the back of my head, I think..."he's working this hard so that he can retire to Umbria... Not me. I'd rather he "work smarter." If that means take a break, wait for the good roles, then fine. Trauma is brilliant. But no one is touching it....He is in, pretty much, every frame of that film and not phoning it in. He has some of the most intense scenes I've ever seen him do and yet.....no interest. That's OK. I'd rather he do 10 Traumas than one NMcP (exact ratio not scientifically derived). Someone is bound to eventually notice a high calibre dramatic performance, which could lead to important leading roles, movies about *his* lead character. I'm often reminded of the story that Cate Blanchett was cast in Elizabeth, based on someone seeing her in Oscar & Lucinda, which went nowhere and one that hardly anybody ever saw. Now he has a potentially high profile project with Nanny Eowww! I wouldn't characterize it as such. More like, a little kiddie flick from England. I hope no one is expecting Colin to get any nearer to an Oscar, Inside the Actors Studio or even Charlie Rose, working on films like this. I'm taking names for next time there is carping about "why doesn't Colin get noticed..." ;-) Admin: Please don't get the wrong idea. People are free to like or dislike Colin in any role he chooses. That's what makes this board very different from other Firth group. And people are free to voice their personal opinions, but not attack other Drool participants for expressing those views. (back to me) But frankly, these career/choice discussions seem so pointless. They change no one's opinions.

a little kiddie flick from England. *cough cough* Excuse me boss. Less of this kiddie flick from "the back of beyond!. Some of us regard England as the centre of the Universe ;-)

Whatever. :-( I've stuck a fork in myself. I'm done.

(Tress)I just feel better knowing he's not off to cobble. ;-) Perhaps he should . .start making his own line of oxfords . . .:) Plenty of actors do some sort of merchandising;) (Tress)Trauma is brilliant. Dang, forgot about Trauma . .but I guess since I haven't been lucky enough to see it yet, it slipped my mind . . .though from all that you and Dorine and Sandi have spoken about it, it sounds like a film role I envision him doing . .substantial, you know;)It's just that he's an extremely talented actor and I'd like to see him showcase that talent, whether the film is a blockbuster or not (personally I think a lot of those Hollywood blockbusters are devoid of substance, IMO) . .as Karen mentioned, the more he does that type of work, the more will be offered to him . . if that's what he wants . .and when it all boils down to it, he just has to ask himself, what does he want . . . Just rambling . .sorry . .

Taking your cue from Ricky Gervais' Golden Globe speech there Allison ;-)) And so say all of us ( ' cept we are more than outnumbered here!)

(Dorine)He rejects projects considered quality (Sylvia, anyone? Good riddance if he did.) I'm glad, in hindsight, that he didn't do Sylvia--If it was his choice not to do it. (remember the refusal to read for the part/new director stories) But, IMO, he may have made the right choice for the wrong reasons-I think he took one look at the steamy love scenes in that script and took off faster than a jack rabbit. Didn't GP bring Chris Martin in for a private screening, before the premiere, because she was afraid of his reaction to those scenes? I'd love to say he made a brilliant choice because he knew it would die, but I don't think so. I should also make clear that I don't consider steamy love scenes as wrong or right. If CF is uncomfortable doing them-it's his choice. I'd love to help him change his mind;-)