(Karen) People are free to like or dislike Colin in any role he chooses. But that's where I can't get too worked up.....I can't make up my mind until I actually see it. I just get excited to hear he's working. And, as always, I think to myself....it can't get worse than L'dum (okay, it could, but we are talking Emma Thompson and not Mike Binder in this case). Dorine also mentioned that he said at the Burns Q&A that he admits to making some missteps. I don't think he's that good at choosing parts (his taste in choosing a script is a bit like his taste in music....sorta all over the place with no recurring theme). He's done alright so far, he's 'jobbing' ;-)....

Agree wholeheartedly that I'd love to see more of the intense dramatic Colin now that I've been a fan for a long time and have a better knowledge of his wide range and talent. But let's not disparage the lighter romantic fare completely. It's how many of us were baptised into the 'Church of Colin'. P&P, BJD, and WAGW were the vehicles in which many people first took notice because of his ability to blow the socks off a romantic role. IMO these roles attract a lot of attention initially and are the impetus to delve further into his filmography and see just what he's truly capable of. I think of them as sort of a 'back door approach' to increasing his profile amongst mainstream audiences...to say nothing of 'paying the bills for a jobbing actor. If he doesn't continue to make the films that draw easy attention, I fear he may fall off the radar completely while awaiting those meatier roles. Anybody see Ralph Fiennes or Jeremy Irons recently?? Besides, if Colin made films as infrequently as those two, wha ever would drooleurs have to keep these boards alive with? Case in point...I'm laid up for a few days and can assure you when I'm seeking diversions with which to entertain myself, replaying some of his 'swoon films' will be at the top of my list of choices.

I think Ralph has been doing theater most recently, a noble venture, IMO. Also, he is set to star in John LeCarre's the Constant Gardener for director Fernando Mereilles (Oscar nommed for City of God). He's also set to do a Merchant-Ivory film with Vanessa Redgrave and Natasha R. Then he's on tap to do a film for Neil LaBute. Last year, he had Spider out, which was one of the strongest performances I've seen in recent years. Director was David Cronenberg. No flies on Rafe--his projects are class all the way. The importance of working with first-rate directors cannot be overstated, IMO.

Last summer he was in:"Brand" by Henrik Ibsen. Opened at The Swan Theatre in Stratford and went on to the West End. Recently in Viet-Nam, Rafe is a Good Will Ambassador for UNICEF. Also it was reported that Actor Ralph Fiennes is to be a judge for the prestigious Whitbread Book Prize. Fiennes will join broadcaster Joan Bakewell who will chair the judging panel to find the book of the year. Sorry boss, I know this belongs on Rafe's board#40, but some people don't go there.

I know this belongs on Rafe's board#40, but some people don't go there. And they should, if they are going to try to use him as an example or to try to support their arguments. Back to what this board is for... A Trauma update of litttle or no real value ;-) It is still being screened for potential distributors, but thus far doesn't have a US one.

(Karen) A Trauma update of litttle or no real value ;-) It is still being screened for potential distributors, but thus far doesn't have a US one. Thanks Karen...I guess, it is still being screened, so that is a good thing (they haven't given up).

The Arizona Republic -- The final lines of a review of a new version of Pride and Prejudice produced by the Mormons: "...A better way to combine the church and Jane Austen? Rent the Colin Firth version of Pride and Prejudice and read the Book of Mormon during the slow bits." http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/preview/articles/0213pride13-CR.html

The Ohio Beacon Journal -- Unlucky in love -- For Valentine's Day and Friday the 13th, 13 unlucky movie lovers: � William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) in Shakespeare in Love -- So let me get this right. Shakespeare has a way with words and whispers them quite ably to Viola (Gwyneth Paltrow), a woman in the queen's court; makes mad, passionate love to her; and watches helplessly as she sails off to the New World with some aristocratic weasel (Colin Firth) who's looking for a woman only to serve as a mommy to his future offspring? Love stinks. More here: http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/7944394.htm

Can't recall if this has already been posted . . But the GWAPE soundtrack will be available on Amazon on Feb 17th (you can order it now as an import . .a bit more expensive, if you can't wait . .or order from the offical site . .but of course via Amazon helps out Drool!!!)) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0001FVEU4/qid=1076725268/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-1851586-9552815?v=glance&s=music

If ordered via this kind of link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0001FVEU4/spring-20 Thanks, Kimberly, for letting everyone know. I'll update the boutique page.

A place Sophie might want to check out, from today's Times: Mr Gorgeous, sorry I mean Colin Firth, has been spotted at the frightfully posh Hotel Beauvallon at St Maxim on the C�te d�Azur. He relaxed by the pool with his wife Livia Giuggioli, then the couple hopped into a boat at the hotel�s private jetty for the eight-minute journey to St Tropez. A Follow That Star mole said: �He likes it here because no one bothers him. In London people keep asking for autographs.� The Beauvallon is 90 years old in April and has played host to the likes of Colette, F. Scott Fitzgerald (who is rumoured to have written Tender is the Night here) and John F. Kennedy, who liked to drink pink champagne on the hotel�s pink and white marble terrace. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,71-999825,00.html

Mr Gorgeous, sorry I mean Colin Firth, has been spotted at the frightfully posh Hotel Beauvallon at St Maxim on the C�te d�Azur. Wow, that was one quick getaway since he was filming in London on Tuesday.

"Abercrombie & Kent (0845 0700612, www.abercrombiekent.co.uk ) is offering Times readers a special birthday break at the Beauvallon for �545pp. The price, based on two sharing, includes three nights in a Mountain Room, flights from London and car hire. Even with the $2./UKP that's a good price for such a frightfully posh hotel. Of course, Mountain Room might be overlooking the garbage dump. Me thinks they have an ocean view. *sigh*

(Linda) Wow, that was one quick getaway since he was filming in London on Tuesday. Sorry! I didn't mean to imply he was there now. This was from the Travel section and several other locations were mentioned in the column.

Not too shabby....

(Evelyn) Not too shabby.... Indeed! Can you just imagine?? Cocktails by the pool!

And looking out on the balcony from your hotel room....after....:-))))))))))))

(Evelyn)And looking out on the balcony from your hotel room....after....:-)))))))))))) After...wot? ***sigh*** did this have to come up on Valentine's Day? Gets in the way of my own fantasies;-) Great view, but the funky slippers have to go.

frightfully posh Hotel Beauvallon at St Maxim on the C�te d�Azur. Sounds wonderfully relaxing and romantic . . . And looks beautiful . .My DH and I have been thinking about going to Europe for a trip . .this may be a weeee bit expensive . . (Tress)Cocktails by the pool! That would be a martini please, shaken not stirred . .mushimoko style;)

(Karen)Sorry! I didn't mean to imply he was there now You're right, he wouldn't have been. They get winter there too, and it was in the '40s there yesterday. Ain't nobody lounging by the pool then. So why isn't he going to the BAFTAs when people who didn't even make a movie last year are going and even presenting! He has two films with noms.

(Mari) So why isn't he going to the BAFTAs when people who didn't even make a movie last year are going and even presenting! I'm sticking to the scary hair theory. Scarlett may not have found a new hairdresser in London yet.....;-)

Nope, doesn't look like she's found one;-).

(Mari) So why isn't he going to the BAFTAs when people who didn't even make a movie last year are going and even presenting! He has two films with noms. The two films have noms but he doesn't, so why would he bother? From what I've seen he doesn't like these award ceremonies much, so if his presence is not 'required' he'll sure give it a pass. It would've surprised me if I heard he was going to be there. I'd remain on vacation if I were him. Having a fun getaway with a gorgeous wife sure beats parading around for the TV cameras. I simply see no reason for him to be there.

(Ildi) The two films have noms but he doesn't, so why would he bother? And why would they want him?

The producers pick who attends (besides the nominees). Either they asked and he said no (possible), or they didn't ask. Perhaps they got all the A-listers they needed and had room for. I don't know how many the venue holds, but after nominees, presenters, sponsors, and BAFTA VIP's plus guests, they may not have had room. I read the Oscars are hard pressed for room now that they moved to the smaller Kodak Theater. All manner of VIP's and names begging for tix they can't get.

(Dorine) Perhaps they got all the A-listers they needed and had room for. When did Judy Parfitt get on the A-list? ;-) Naw, I'd say he declined.

When did Judy Parfitt get on the A-list? ;-) She's a nominee surely? Best supporting actress?

Has there been a list given of who is attending? Or has it been reported in the media he is definitely not making an appearance?

(Karen) When did Judy Parfitt get on the A-list? ;-) (Allison) She's a nominee surely? Best supporting actress? Ding, ding, ding!!! Give this woman a prize! She is indeed nom'd.

Remember when he and Livia went before? Camera just loved Mrs. Firth, kept alighting on her seat at every opportunity! Also caught ODB wiping tear away for John Thaw's death. Maybe he doesn't want to get caught emotionally inflagrante again ;-) Still shame on him for not brightening up a dull February day. Then again maybe he's lying low , lots of "Mr Darcy seeks his Elizabeth." (Telegraph) type headlines due to Regency House Party etc They broadcast a snippet from P&P on radio on Friday with ODB. Might be expected by press to turn up tux less in wet white shirt no less.

Maybe he's just saving his energy for the parties later. ;-) Who knows, maybe he'll go to the show under the radar.

(Dorine)Maybe he's just saving his energy for the parties later. ;-) Hmmm . .who could we get to sponsor a Trauma screening???? . . . A tequila distributor perhaps? . .there's always a yummy bug floating in the bottom of those bottles . . .

Bringing this over from Odds & Ends; these are the non-nominated people who are presenting: Pedro Almodovar, Lord Attenborough, Helena Bonham Carter, Billy Boyd, Mackenzie Crook, Jason Isaacs, Val Kilmer, LL Cool J, Thandie Newton, Clive Owen, Joely Richardson, Miranda Richardson, Dougray Scott, Alicia Silverstone, Patrick Stewart, Jon Voight, and Olivia Williams. Colin brings more glamour to the party than most of these people. Also from Odds & Ends: "Scarlett will arrive with the Elemental people and be photographed on the red carpet with them. She will then sit on a table with the Path� lot.'' Even that deal was apparently only made possible by another factor being removed from the equation. "Scarlett got on very well with Colin Firth when they were doing Girl with a Pearl Earring together," adds my source. "If he'd come along to the Baftas, I rather think that Elemental wouldn't have had a look-in, but he's decided to give it a miss." Read the last part: he declined. I just can't figure out why.

"If he'd come along to the Baftas, I rather think that Elemental wouldn't have had a look-in, but he's decided to give it a miss." He may have, am curious, too. Maybe someone didn't want a certain someone to sit next to another certain someone. ;-) But you know how the press or someone's PR peep will say someone declined rather than they weren't asked, too. Doesn't sound too nice to say no one asked you to the Big Show. Saves face. You know how that game is played. But I agree, I'd much rather not see Alicia Silverstone or Thandie Newton. Also, have no idea who Mackenzie Crook is. Someone big in the UK, I imagine.

Hee hee Mari, methinks the real reason he can't be there is that he has tickets for today's match in Rome. It's England v Italy this afternoon , the 6 Nations Rugby! Not sure which side he will be shouting for, but maybe he will join with all us Celts and cry "Viva Italia" ;-)

Mackenzie Crook is from the GG winning series "The Office" and was in "Pirates of the Caribbean" too. He's not in ODB'S league!

Maybe ODB's just tired. He's done his job 'pimping' GWAPE, now he's done. Had his pic in all the papers with martini and blonde and that was it.....it is still doing well....he's not nommed.....maybe he just feels like he'd rather hang out than get dressed up in tux and photographed and interviewed.....and have to listen to Scarlett talk about herself and his Fabio wig (must get old doing the same tale over and over....). Maybe he'll party with the players later....or he could be off to Italy for the rugby match. ;-)

(Allison) She's a nominee surely? Best supporting actress? Hrumph! Knew I should've checked the slate before I typed and picked out a less likely candidate for my example. ;-)

(Tress) Had his pic in all the papers with martini and blonde... Hmmmm, maybe you're on to something here....;-D See ya after the show!

We just had an item on BBC radio about BAFTAS and all the screaming fans waiting for stars to arrive, sounded deafening! Mentioned SJ and RZ but not you know who. Enjoy your US coverage ladies BTW Is Joan Rivers over?

Hey who was it that said SJ's hair would keep ODB away? Checkout THAT Lippie ladies, enough to keep any self respecting artist at home! http://movies.yahoo.com/news/main go to Baftas and click on slideshow. There's also a scary pic of "Nanny Mcphee" too.

Over to O&E for Bafta play by plays and post-game recap. ;-)

Thanks for the subtle hint ;-)

Well England beat Italy by 50 points to a handful, maybe he's celebrating..... shame tho' when lots of his co-stars are present tonite. He would have made a great presenter, I agree. RZ, LL,and SJ, when's he going to have another year of opportunity like this again? Still he's even more of a family man than when he and Livia were there last time, maybe that's the reason pure and simple.

he declined. I just can't figure out why. From the various panning shots shown of the audience, it looks as though every seat is taken. Perhaps he wasn't invited?

Glad to say that altho' ODB isn't there he got a mention in Stephen Fry's (more and more a Harvey lookylikey!) opening speech. It was a joke about the use of the colon in film titles and he said that maybe "Maybe if he's not too busy, the title role will be played by Colon Firth." Did get a laugh. Lots of clips of Colin in best Brit film section in LA and GWAPE. Can't imagine he will have a year like this again, for a while.

sorry, it would be me forgetting to close the tags (Lizza)Lots of clips of Colin in best Brit film section in LA and GWAPE. Can't imagine he will have a year like this again, for a while. It's been loads of fun, and I was thrilled to see him in the clips and a mention in SF's monologue as well. Lots of Hugh, too.

(Lizza)"Maybe if he's not too busy, the title role will be played by Colon Firth." Did get a laugh. Hey Lizza! That was a cute line. See, if he attended they could have panned to him at that point and he'd have had to laugh.;-) We have a show coming on at 7 (in about a half hour) called Red Carpet, followed by a repeat of the BAFTA ceremony, so am hoping it's BAFTA red carpet. Will join you all at Odds & Ends for post mortem and fashion police-style commentary.;- Tress, LOL at your side-by-side of SJ and Bob's Big Boy!

(Bethan) Still he's even more of a family man than when he and Livia were there last time, maybe that's the reason pure and simple. Jude Law has him beat by a kid or 2 (without a wife) and he's there. ;-)

(Dorine)Jude Law has him beat by a kid or 2 (without a wife) and he's there. ;-) Maybe that's why he's without a wife;-)

Also not there: Hugh Grant. I did not watch the whole thing through but did anyone see Ewan McG for the Big Fish? Those are just 2 who spring to mind. It seemed to me that only nominees and presenters were there. Okay he might have been asked to present but that is another issue. I am happy to criticise him when I think he is not putting enough effort into his career but not this time.

Sent to me by Maura, a very cute column from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Two words can stop a post-Valentine's massacre Sunday, February 15, 2004 Yesterday being Valentine's Day, I think I can say one thing with assurance: Many of you men screwed it up again big-time. You're asking yourself that annual Feb. 15 question: How do I make this up to her? Boys, as your full-service columnist, I'm here to help. Two words: Chick flick. Trick your one-and-only into thinking you're a sensitive guy. Take her to see "Girl with a Pearl Earring." Just listen to this testimonial from Steve Hansen, program director at KDKA radio, who said this as the credits rolled at the Manor Theatre: "That wasn't like watching paint dry. That was watching paint dry." Hansen and I had accompanied our wives to this movie for the same reason all husbands watch chick flicks: the hope that points gained here may be redeemed later. This one was about a 17th-century Dutch painter who falls in love with his maid and -- parents, please keep your children from this -- pierces her ear! Yes, this event, now as common as a Saturday afternoon at the mall, was the climactic scene. If the symbolism had been any heavier, the screen would have fallen. "I was probably awake for a good 50 minutes," Hansen said later. "So I know the movie was about a guy who never smiled, and I think he had a wife, and, apparently, he painted." I must be evolving or something because I liked this movie. The cinematography was as deft as the painter from Delft and, though it could have used a gondola chase, it held me to the end. For one thing, it had the captivating Scarlett Johansson. She played essentially the same role she did in the best movie I've seen in awhile, "Lost in Translation." A young woman without fame enchants a famous guy for a short time and then they part, enriched by their passionately chaste encounter. Classic chick-flick stuff. "Earring" also had Colin Firth as the brooding painter, Jan Vermeer. Men, if you go to this movie, be sure to say you were intrigued by Firth's performance. Use that word -- in-TREEGED -- and give it kind of a Thurston Howell III flourish. Women think this guy is as deep as the Mon. Hansen asked me after the movie what was up with the lead actor "having one face the entire movie," but he doesn't know the half of it. Firth has made more money brooding than Jason Kendall. He has worn his troubled, introspective face pretty much his whole career. I've seen Firth brood in "Pride and Prejudice," in "Bridget Jones' Diary" and in "The English Patient." Most of his time on screen, Firth looks so downcast he could pass for a Penguins fan, but he gets away with it because he always plays an aristocrat, artist or spy, and those guys are always perceived as thinking deep thoughts, even if they're just wondering what's for lunch. My wife loves that hound dog look, except when I wear it. I sometimes think that if I listened to Pirates games while wearing jodhpurs, I could look like Firth, but then what if someone came to the door? Anyway, I hope I've helped you guys out there. I'm also hoping that for the sequel, "Girl Gets A Necklace To Go With Her Earring," Hollywood meets men halfway. Get Vin Diesel to take on Firth in a gondola chase to the death. Last man brooding wins. http://www.postgazette.com/columnists/20040215briancolp1.asp

My wife loves that hound dog look, except when I wear it. LOL! How insightful! Must fess up to same;-)

Firth looks so downcast he could pass for a Penguins fan . . . Hansen asked me what was up with the lead actor "having one face the entire movie," but he doesn't know the half of it. Firth has made more money brooding than Jason Kendall Oh, too funny. Particularly loved all the references to the downtrodden status of Pittsburgh sports fans. Thanks, Karen and Maura, for a good laugh.

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...Men, if you go to this movie, be sure to say you were intrigued by Firth's performance. Use that word -- in-TREEGED -- and give it kind of a Thurston Howell III flourish. Women think this guy is as deep as the Mon. I sometimes think that if I listened to Pirates games while wearing jodhpurs, I could look like Firth, but then what if someone came to the door? LOL, but that is one very CF educated DH;-) Thanks, Karen.

And he's about to be even more. Says he'll rent FP now. ;-)

GWAPE moved up a few notches. Weekend box office estimates: Girl with a Pearl Earring $1,130,000 weekend; $3,021 per screen average; $7,430,000 cumulative

Thanks, Karen. I loved the article. LMAO. Had my DH read it - even he wound up LOL. His favorite line was.... "I was probably awake for a good 50 minutes," Hansen said later. "So I know the movie was about a guy who never smiled, and I think he had a wife, and, apparently, he painted." I haven't thoroughly won him over though...he thought FP was the pits and promptly fell asleep on it. Now if only CF would do a baseball flick...

Karen, loved the article. I sometimes think that if I listened to Pirates games while wearing jodhpurs, I could look like Firth, but then what if someone came to the door? I'll have to mention this to my DH and tell him not to worry about the door;-) I'm also hoping that for the sequel, "Girl Gets A Necklace To Go With Her Earring," Hollywood meets men half way. This could be the way Colin gets to fulfill his wish to do a shootem up type movie;-)

Great article, Karen . .must send it to my DH . .he still has not watched GWAPE with me . .tried to talk him into it b/c SJ is in the film (he liked LIT) . .but says if SJ doesn't show up in her jollyhose, he isn't sitting through the picture . .*sigh* Thanks for the great play by play on the awards show on O&E & here girls!

Here's what Fred MacMurray is up to now: http://www.naeurope.co.uk/en/story.htx?nr=300002082 On sale starting February 22. Yes, it's an old picture. No, I've never seen this mag in the U.S. (Just anticipating the questions;-)

OMG! How hysterical! Too bad he couldn't be on the cover of, say, a Redbook or similar. ;-) According to the mag's site it can be purchased "thoughout the country in all good independant newsagent's including Tesco, WHSmith and Sainsbury's for just �2.99!" and it looks as though Liam Neeson has already been featured, though he hasn't made the cover.

Oh my, Mari, as long as he doesn't plan on doing Geritol commercials anytime in the near future... I have complete faith that one (if not many) of the talented drooleurs will get their hands on this article as soon as it's available. Maybe it will have some nice new pics as well? I actually liked the cover photo very much. Although something tells me that that's not exactly what he (and Livia) look like when the baby is colicking and the three year old is simultaneously taking some crayons to the new wallpaper. Perhaps this is more like it...

I've spoken with the editor of this daddy mag and it is not sold in the US. So ladies, off to Tesco you go.

The Scotsman has this on the new mag: Bi-monthly from the March � April 2004 Issue. (On the news stands on The 22nd February. As the only Dad Mag on the news stands � copy sales far exceeded targets and now FQ reaches over 350,000 young, happening dads per issue. This issue sees an exclusive interview with Bridget Jones star Colin Firth on the trials and tribulations of parenthood plus an in depth article on father � Son relationship Footie�s favourite Lampard Jnr & Snr!! (Chelsea FC) http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=2542279

Voodoo Schmoodoo. I knew we should have stuck with the candles.;-) Tax fund cut may wilt 'Tulip' Inside Track was to put up a third of pic's $45 mil budget By ADAM DAWTREY VARIETY LONDON -- Crew working on pre-productionpre-production for John MaddenJohn Madden's "Tulip Fever" have been told the project could shuttershutter at the end of this week, unless the producers get a positive signal from the British government about the status of its tax financing deal. "Tulip Fever," starring Jude LawJude Law and Keira KnightleyKeira Knightley, is co-financed by DreamWorks and Miramax with tax fund Inside Track putting up a third of the $45 million budget. But the government's shock announcement Feb. 10 of a sudden change in tax law forced the immediate suspension of Inside Track, along with rival tax fund First Choice. That left around 25 upcoming movies, indie and studio-funded alike, with a gaping hole in their budgets. Hardest hit were the half dozen projects, including "Tulip Fever," already into full pre-production. Industry lobbyists are pleading with the Inland Revenue, the government's tax collection arm, for urgent confirmation of whether Inside Track and First Choice will honor their commitments to these imperiled projects, where significant pre-production coincoin has already been spent. "Tulip Fever" producer Alison Owen gave her crew a week's notice Friday, and says that unless she gets the greenlightgreenlight from the Inland Revenue by today she will either have to find alternative financing or shut the pic down. "Tulip Fever" is due to start principal photography April 23. The strike cost is understood to be in the region of $6 million. The other projects also deep into pre-production include Regis Wargnier's $28 million "Man to Man," which started shooting today; The Libertine," starring Johnny DeppJohnny Depp, due to shoot Monday; Nick Willing's "River King," scheduled for early March; Gaby Dellal's $7 million "On a Clear Day," set to shoot April 5; and Fernando MeirellesFernando Meirelles' "The Constant Gardener," scheduled for the end of April. The producers of "The Libertine""The Libertine" insist they will go ahead with their shoot, whether or not their tax equity deal from First Choice stands. But they may push the start date back a week to give extra time for re-financing. One pic that appears to have escaped unscathed is Working Title's "Nanny McPfee," starring Emma ThompsonEmma Thompson. Pic is also set for production in April, and was in negotiations for co-financing from Inside Track. But Universal had already agreed to fully finance the movie with or without the tax deal, and so it is going ahead regardless. Date in print: Wed., Feb. 18, 2004, Los Angeles

(Mari-Variety) One pic that appears to have escaped unscathed is Working Title's "Nanny McPfee," starring Emma Thompson. I bet ET's had a near breakdown over this one. I can't imagine how crushing it can be to have one's project fall apart for financial (or any other) reason. I really didn't wish it for her. What if Colin took the part for her? Let's say she wanted her movie made, and thought that if Colin was aboard it would help a lot getting financing and finding a distributor once the movie is made. So she asked him to do it for her, after all it is a smallish part (I presume) and it would take up very little of his time. So he shrugged and said sure, why not? I can squeeze it in before I go on vacation. Again. :-) Okay, this is just idle speculation, but is it improbable?

(Ildi)So he shrugged and said sure, why not? I can squeeze it in before I go on vacation. Again. :-) You mean it may simply be a *cameo*? Happy thought indeed...:-))

Okay, this is just idle speculation, but is it improbable? Very.

One pic that appears to have escaped unscathed is Working Title's "Nanny McPfee," With hindsight, this would be logical based on ET's comments on Sunday. She announced to the the universe (at least some people's center of the universe ;-)))) that she was doing this film, while Stephen Fry was jabbing at the tax credit decision and its impact on British film.

(BeeDee) You mean it may simply be a *cameo*? You wish! LOL! No, I mean a relatively small part. I'm just grinding the gears here, trying to figure out why he picked this particular part. I'll never know of course, but it's fun to speculate, no matter how pointless.

Cute aside, I got an email from a woman, commenting on the coincidence of her son meeting Colin (while he was filming) and having his picture taken with him and then finding out he'll be in NMcPhee, when that was her maiden name. I steered her to the most recent batch of location pictures and she confirmed that was her son in the picture.

Moon's timing is so incredibly bad. :-( I've been told where Colin will be in Rome tomorrow with Peter Webber.

Ildi's comments sound perfectly reasonable to me.

There are a few new pictures at this Italian film website: http://film.spettacolo.virgilio.it/cinema/photogallery.php?film=26087

Great find Karen, they are great! Thank you! So will you tell us where Colin is today in Rome? Or you just wanted to tease us all? ;-)

Thanks. This is my favorite.... Awww! A hard day's work.... Peter Webber's already cute, but like the beard..... This is one of my favorite scenes....when she walks across the room, it looks like she's walking through a painting of the studio. Guess the film stock and lighting made it look like that. It strikes me every time. And did anyone else notice in the commercials, this snippet of the scene was reversed? Van R was on his left, not his right and they were facing the other way? Different shot or reversed film? Maybe will check out trailer online sometime.

Che bell'uomo! http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=gls====52164&nbc1=1

And I have the pics up (or most of htem here): http://www.firth.com/gwape_romepc1.html

Oh . .Mari, Karen, thanks for the pics . . . Wonder what a reporter asked when they took this pic:)

Oh my goodness, look at all that hair! Trying to resist the styling too. :-) I don't think I've ever seen such I-partied-all-night or the-baby-didn't-let-me-sleep look on Colin's face in such close up before. My fave is the last one. Mari, Karen, thank you!

I love this one for the innocent expression ...And this one because there are dozens of ringlets and curls all over the place-especially on the right and over the forehead. Reminds me of the look as he sips his wine at the book launch after introducing and teasing Bridget as having played naked in his pool. Actually, I love most of them. Thanks Karen for the quick turnaround, and Mari for finding them.

Mari and Karen, I love all of them. Even the ones with the strange facial expressions! - And those curls!

An article ("I like Vermeer")with quotes from the press conference here: http://www.cinematografo.it/it/1205268.html Nothing really new from what I've translated, except Webber saying he was influenced by Jacques Rivette's film La Belle Noiseuse (not getting caught up in the cliches of making a movie about an artist) and then Colin adds: 'E' be the much most instructive one than whichever lesson of pittura" adds Firth. In order to prepare itself for the part, the actor has not followed no course, but he has studied to along the works of Vermeer. "a lot fascinated Me to hold in hand the paint-brush, to play with the colors, but what to more it pressed me it was to succeed to pick the particular relationship that Vermeer had with the light, the way in which succeeded to capture it and to transfer it on the burlap. I wanted that through me the public learned to know this personage still wrapped in one driven in aura of mistero." There's also a photo gallery of a some TEOR location pics at that site; nothing new either.

[If anyone would like to do some translating, please contact me.] Firth: 'Ho cercato la luce di Vermeer' Colin Firth a Roma E� stato negli abiti shakespeariani di Lord Wessex in �Shakespeare in love�, in quelli di inizio secolo per l�'Ernesto' di Wilde. Ora Colin Firth torna nei panni del grande maestro fiammingo Johannes Vermeer ne La ragazza con l�orecchino di perla da domani nei cinema. Tratto dal bestseller di Tracy Chevalier (oltre due milioni di copie nel mondo), il film di Peter Webber, montatore e regista di documentari, racconta la storia del mistero che sta dietro ad uno dei capolavori della pittura fiamminga, �La ragazza con l�orecchino di perla. L�autrice e la sceneggiatrice (l�adattamento per il cinema � di Olivia Hetreed) immaginano una storia di passione platonica e artistica tra Vermeer e la sua domestica, Griet, che diventa presto la sua fonte di ispirazione, provocando in casa gelosie e tensioni. Abbiamo incontrato Colin Firth-Johannes Vermeer. L�intervista Come si � preparato al ruolo del pittore Vermeer? Prepararmi per il ruolo di Vermeer � stato un esercizio interessante, perch� l�aspetto pi� significativo di questo personaggio per me era il mistero che lo avvolgeva. Volevo arrivare al cuore del mistero, anche se avevo il dubbio che, se lo avessi colto fino in fondo, il suo fascino sarebbe diminuito. Ha dipinto dei quadri eccezionali che ovviamente io non sarei mai stato in grado di realizzare, ma ci� che mi ha divertito di pi� � stato lavorare con i materiali. E� stato come recarsi in un mercato di spezie o entrare nel negozio di un gioielliere, colori e sostanze straordinarie che non occorre essere un maestro per apprezzare. Che rapporto ha con la pittura, ha preso lezioni di disegno? Non credo che fosse importante apprendere la tecnica di Vermeer, innanzitutto perch� non ne sarei stato capace, ma anche perch� non credo che fosse il mio compito. Per me era pi� importante comunicare il suo modo di vedere, il suo modo di cogliere la luce e come la catturava nei suoi quadri, Vermeer non schizzava le sue figure, ma disegnava direttamente sulla tela. Nonostante questo, si � mai sentito pittore durante la lavorazione del film? Assolutamente no. Come attore sono abituato a calarmi nei panni di un personaggio e in questo caso ho cercato veramente di entrare nel mondo del pittore. Questo per� � avvenuto nel suo modo di vedere la realt� pi� che nel suo modo di tenere in mano il pennello. Non so dipingere come Vermeer, non sono capace neppure a dipingere come uno studente di una scuola d�arte, c�� poco da fare. Quello che potevo fare � stato avvicinarmi al suo mondo, dopo mesi in cui ero ossessionato da Vermeer ho avuto l�esperienza di entrare nel suo atelier, ricostruito dalla scenografa e cos� vedere quella stanza, la luce che entra da sinistra come nella maggior parte dei suoi quadri, e vedere Scarlett che si muove e si comporta come avrebbe fatto Griet, tutto questo � stato per me un�importante fonte di ispirazione. Vedete, in fondo interpretare un bravo pittore o un pessimo artista in realt� per un attore non cambia, certo che se ti devi calare nei panni di un artista che ami le cose sono pi� facili. Ha appena finito di girare il seguito de �Il diario di Bridget Jones�: nel libro, la protagonista incontra a Roma proprio lei, Colin Firth. Come avete risolto questo problema? Il sequel � un adattamento molto libero dal romanzo, abbiamo fatto un po� come volevamo. Per quella scena in cui io avrei dovuto interpretare me stesso, abbiamo risolto il problema eliminando del tutto la scena Chiara Ugolini 19-02-2004 http://www.kataweb.it/cinema/detail_articolo.jsp?idContent=267519 LIT version: Firth: ' I have tried the light of Vermeer' Colin Firth to Rome E� state in the shakespeariani dresses of Lord Wessex in �Shakespeare in love�, in those of beginning century for l�' Ernesto' di Wilde. Hour Colin Firth returns in the cloth of great master fiammingo Johannes Vermeer from there the girl with l�orecchino of pearl from tomorrow in the cinemas. Feature from the bestseller of Tracy Chevalier (beyond two million copies in the world), the film of Peter Webber, documentary assembler and director, tells the history of the mystery that is behind to one of the capolavori of the painting fiamminga, �La girl with l�orecchino of pearl. L�autrice and the sceneggiatrice (l�adattamento for the cinema is of Olivia Hetreed) imagines a history of platonic and artistic passion between Vermeer and its domestic servant, Griet, that it soon becomes its source of inspiration, provoking in house jealousies and tensions. We have met Colin Firth-Johannes Vermeer. L�intervista How it has been prepared for the role of Vermeer painter? To prepare me for the role of Vermeer has been an interesting exercise, because l�aspetto more meaningful than this personage for me it was the mystery that wrapped it. I wanted to arrive to the heart of the mystery, even if had the doubt that, if you had picked it until in bottom, its fascination would be diminished. It has painted of the exceptional pictures that I never would obviously not have been in a position to realizing, but that that has amused to me more has been to work with the materials. E� state like oing in a spezie market or entering in the store of gioielliere, colors and extraordinary substances that is not necessary to be a master in order to appreciate. Which relationship has with the painting, has taken design lessons? Not creed that was important to learn the technique of Vermeer, in the first place because of I would not have been able, but also because not creed that was my task. For me it was more important to communicate its way to see, its way to pick the light and like it captured it in its pictures, Vermeer not schizzava its figures, but it designed directly on the burlap. Although this, never has felt painter during the working of the film? Absolutely not. As actor is accustomed to decrease to me in the cloth of a personage and this case I have tried truly to enter in the world of the painter. This but has happened in its way to more see the truth than in its way to hold in hand the paint-brush. I do not know to paint like Vermeer, are not able not to paint as one student of one school d�arte, c�� little to make. What I could make has been to approach me its world, after months in which I was obsessed from Vermeer I have had l�esperienza to enter in its atelier, reconstructed from the scenografa and therefore to see that room, the light that enters from left like in the greater part of the its pictures, and to see Scarlett that it moves and involves as it would have made Griet, all this has been for me un�importante source of inspiration. You see, in bottom to interpret Bravo painter or pessimo an artist in truths for an actor does not change, sure that if you must yourself be decreased in the cloth of an artist who loves the things are easier. It has as soon as ended to turn the per diem continuation de �Il of Bridget Jones�: in the book, the protagonist meets to Rome just she, Colin Firth. How you have resolved this problem? The sequel free one from the novel is an adaptation much, has made a po� as we wanted. For that scene in which I would have had to interpret same me, we have resolved the problem having eliminated of the all scene.

If this doesn't work, click the article link above to see picture from the press conference. Not as good as the others.

I'm with all you curlfriends;-) I love the longer length he's sporting lately! Trauma will be screened at the American Film Market in Santa Monica on February 27 and 29. I know this is primarily for potential distributors, but some films allow the public in. If anyone in the L.A. area is interested in giving it a shot, here are the screening details and links for more info: http://www.afma.com/afm/att_sche_title.asp?StartName=S

Thanks for the pics!! LOVE the hair, the longer length, as well!! Little piece on the left trying to break out. Love the longer sideburnsthe . He's got the Paris Hilton head tilt pose down, too. ;-) Fingers and toes crossed for Trauma. They should hire the Droolers who've seen it to go out (and down) there to talk it up. ;-)

Thanks Karen for the translation. I can just hear him do that Italian. Mari good news, I hope, about Trauma screening. Wish I could do more with the details than just wish I could be there. The stills on that site link posted by Karen are really sharp and beautiful.

Got another one! Intervista a Peter Webber e Colin Firth Presentato oggi a Roma La ragazza con l'orecchino di perla, atteso film sul maestro olandese del 1600, Johannes Vermeer. Il film, candidato a tre premi Oscar per la scenografia, la fotografia ed i costumi, � il fedele adattamento cinematografico dell�omonimo libro di successo di Tracy Chevalier. La storia si ispira al bellissimo, omonimo quadro del pittore fiammingo Johannes Vermeer, sulla cui opera aleggia cos� tanto mistero che la scrittrice ne ha fornito una personale e fantasiosa ricreazione. E� proprio il mistero della creazione e dell�ispirazione, pi� che l�usuale biografia artistica, il motivo principale della pellicola diretta dall�esordiente Peter Webber ed interpretata da Colin Firth (nei panni del maestro olandese) e dalla stupenda Scarlett Johansson, giovane domestica e musa del pittore. La possibilit� di conoscere ulteriori dettagli sulla pellicola, ci � stata fornita dall�incontro con il regista esordiente Webber e con l�interprete principale. Mr. Webber ha incontrato difficolt� particolari nell�adattare un libro molto incentrato sugli stati d�animo e nella scelta degli attori? Ogni progetto inizialmente pu� spaventarti e crearti quella tipica sensazione da salto nel buio. Fortunatamente per�, l�aspetto fortemente visivo del romanzo, mi ha permesso di lavorare senza particolari difficolt�. Si tratta di una scrittura molto cinematografica che mi ha favorito anche nell�obiettivo di rimanere fedele allo spirito del libro. Per quanto riguarda il casting, � stato fatto scegliendo gli interpreti in modo individuale, sperando poi di riuscire a creare sul set l�alchimia necessaria. Il film penso sia la testimonianza pi� chiara della riuscita del tutto. Mr. Firth, che preparazione ha dovuto seguire per interpretare un ruolo cos� impegnativo? Sono partito dalla consapevolezza che la cosa pi� importante del personaggio fosse il mistero, quindi ho usato il metodo pi� usuale per un attore e cio� l�immedesimazione. Per fare questo ho creduto necessario addentrarmi all�interno della sua ammaliante pittura per svelarne i misteri e il suo approccio nei confronti della luce. La cosa pi� importante, secondo me, era comunicare al pubblico come il maestro vedeva la luce ed i suoi soggetti invece di puntare all�aspetto tecnico del dipingere. Per fare questo sono stato facilitato di molto dall�eccellente lavoro effettuato dal regista, dallo scenografo e dal direttore della fotografia che hanno costruito un mondo nel quale potevo sentirmi realmente Vermeer, imitarne il linguaggio corporeo. Qual � il suo rapporto con la pittura? Si � sentito pi� pittore o pi� attore? Amo la pittura, anche se non so assolutamente dipingere. Ho fatto pure una scuola per pittori, ma i miei dipinti sono molto vicini a quelli di un bambino. Decisamente quindi sono pi� attore che pittore, anche se la mia specifica passione per Vermeer mi ha di certo aiutato. Mr. Webber, la cosa che colpisce pi� di questo film � la bellezza della fotografia, come avete adoperato la luce per costruire il mondo di Vermeer? In questi casi, la cosa pi� difficile � comprendere cosa si vuole visivamente ottenere. Parlando con il direttore della fotografia, abbiamo capito che la cosa pi� importante era osservare e abbiamo visto libri e libri di storia dell�arte. Edoardo � un mago. Con pochi elementi � riuscito a fornirci la luce adeguata, mantenendo anche una gran libert� di movimento per gli attori. A questo proposito, l�atmosfera eterea e rarefatta del film, quasi irreale non ha portato ad apprezzare pi� l�aspetto formale del film piuttosto che la recitazione, seppur ottima. Pu� essere una chiave di lettura, per analizzare le nomination all�Oscar del film, tutte e tre di tipo tecnico? Premesso che sono entusiasta dai premi e le nomination che il film sta ricevendo, � probabile che la recitazione pacata e sottile dei protagonisti li penalizzi per premiazioni dove si predilege una recitazione enfatica e sopra le righe. Io comunque sono soddisfattissimo della recitazione. Volevo assolutamente che gli interpreti non mettessero al centro il loro ego, ma che entrassero a stretto contatto con il mondo rappresentato mediante un approccio minimalista. Per riuscire nell�intento, ho elencato una lista di gesti visivamente da evitare, in modo da non cadere nel classico approccio epico-tragico sulla vita di un artista. E� indubbio, per�, che nel far questo, mi ha facilitato la scelta di un pittore con una vita molto poco conosciuta; tutto questo sarebbe stato impossibile se avessi fatto un film su Van Gogh, Bacon o Picasso. Autore: Adriano Aiello - Data: 19-02-04 http://cinema.castlerock.it/article.php/id=494 LIT version: Introduced today to Rome the girl with orecchino of pearl, attended the film on the Dutch master of 1600, Johannes Vermeer. The film, candidate to three prizes Oscar for the scenografia, the photography and the customs, is the faithful cinematographic adaptation of omonimo the book of succeeding of Tracy Chevalier. The history is inspired to the beautifulst one, omonimo picture of painter fiammingo Johannes Vermeer, on whose work flutters therefore much mystery that the scrittrice of it has supplied one personal and fantasiosa recreation. E' just the mystery of the creation and the inspiration, more than the usual artistic biography, the main reason of the film directed from the esordiente Peter Webber and interpreted from Colin Firth (in the cloth of the Dutch master) and from the wonderful Scarlett Johansson, domestic young person and musa of the painter. The possibility to know ulterior details on the film, us has been supplied from the encounter with the esordiente director Webber and the main interpret r. Mr. Webber has met particular difficulties in adapting a book a lot centralized on the states of mind and in the choice of the actors? Every plan initially can scare to you and create that typical feeling to you from jump in the buio. Fortunately but, the strongly visual aspect of the novel, has allowed me to work without particular difficulties. Draft of a writing much cinematographic one that has me favorite also in the objective to remain faithful to the spirit of the book. As far as the casting, it has been made choosing the interpreters in way characterizes them, hoping then to succeed to create on the set the necessary alchemy. The film task is the clearer testimony of the resolution of all. Mr. Firth, than preparation it has had to follow in order to interpret a impegnativo role therefore? They have left from the knowledge that the more important thing of the personage was the mystery, therefore I have used the more usual method for an actor and that is the immedesimazione. In order to make this I have believed necessary to penetrate me to the inside of its charming painting in order to reveal of the mysteries and its approach in the comparisons of the light. The more important thing, second me, was to communicate to the public one like the master saw the light and its subjects instead heading for the technical aspect of painting. In order to make this they have been facilitated much from the excellent job carried out from the director, from the scenografo and from the director of the photography who has constructed a world in which I could feel really Vermeer, to imitate of the corporeo language. Which is its relationship with the painting? Has felt themselves more painter or more actor? I love the painting, even if I absolutely do not know to paint. I have made also a school for painters, but my paintings are many neighbors to those of a child. Decidedly therefore they are more actor who painter, even if my specific passion for Vermeer me of sure has helped. Mr. Webber, the thing that it hits more than this film is the beauty of the photography, like has used the light in order to construct the world of Vermeer? In these cases, the more difficult thing is to comprise what is wanted visually to be obtained. Speaking with the director of the photography, we have understood that the thing more important was to observe and have seen books and history books of the art. Edoardo is a wizard. With little elements it is successful to supply the adapted light to us, maintaining also one great freedom of movement for the actors. To this purpose, the eterea and rarefied atmosphere of the film, nearly irreale has not carried to appreciate more the formal aspect of the film rather than the recitazione, seppur optimal. Can be one reading key, in order to analyze the nomination to the Oscar of the film, all and three of technical type? Premised that they are enthusiastic from the prizes and the nomination that the film is receiving, it is probable that the recitazione soothed and thin of the protagonists penalizes them for premiazioni where predilege one emphatic recitazione and over the lines. I however am most satisfied of the recitazione. I wanted absolutely that the interpreters did not put to the center their ego, but that they entered to tightened contact with the world represented by means of a minimalista approach. In order to succeed in the attempt, I have listed one list of gestures visually to avoid, so as to not to fall in the classic epico-tragic approach on the life of an artist. Certain E', but, than in making this, me has facilitated the choice of a painter with one little known life a lot; all this would have been impossible if you had made a film on Van Gogh, Bacon or Picasso.

This is the FQ mag interview. Disappointing; entire thing is cut and paste from old articles. Dad Actually Feb 19 2004 Joan Folland, The Western Mail Wales He's one of the biggest acting stars in Britain, and now making a splash in Hollywood. But, as The Western Mail continues its Children's Week, Joan Folland discovered Colin Firth's first priority is his family MAYBE it's his aristocratic air or even his piercing steely glare but, for some reason, Colin Firth has gained a reputation as an actor who plays hardened bachelors, virtually unattached and most assuredly childless guys. First there was Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, then Jack in The Importance of Being Earnest, not to mention football-mad and emotionally stunted Paul in Fever Pitch. Later this year, Firth will further confirm this reputation when he reprises his role of aloof singleton Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. What makes this typecasting quite so ironic is that, unlike so many Hollywood stars, Firth puts family first. From the moment he fell in love with his leading lady, Meg Tilly, on the set of Valmont at the end of the 1980s, Colin Firth has embraced his relationships with passionate fervour. After swiftly marrying, they moved to the wilderness of British Columbia where they had a son, Will. There, they spent five years together, living practically as recluses in a region where the woods were so thick there was very little light and at times it snowed so hard they couldn't even go out for a walk. Eventually the seclusion grew too much for Firth and they spilt up, but nevertheless remained on good terms, "because everyone has been patient and mature about it," he says. Will has effectively shaped Firth's career ever since. Thanks to the rhythms of the American school year, and the need to spend three months of the year with Will near Los Angeles, Firth doesn't do much theatre. When he has Will in the summer holidays, they go to Umbria, ruling out those British films shot on location at the height of July and August. "My son is triple national," he says proudly. "My son is born Canadian, took American citizenship quite recently, but he's also English. "Because of the complications of my life, any free time goes to him. I fly to see him (in California) whenever I have a moment. That's the only place where I really hang out." But in 1995, Firth met Livia Guiggioli, a former production coordinator and now a documentary producer whom he met on the set of TV mini-series Nostramo in Colombia. Nick Hornby, a friend of Firth's since Fever Pitch, describes her as a joke-perfect, "PhD, beautiful in that sultry Italian way, funny and vivacious". She is also, he says, "very good for Firth, because she's absolutely not in any thrall to him". She "affects to be completely mystified" by the cult of Mr Darcy that captivated so many female viewers following his sultry, sodden shirt-wearing performance in Pride and Prejudice. They married in 1997 and had a son, Luca, who is now two years old. The birth of Luca, Firth says, has changed the nature of his relationship with his wife. "I don't want to get too specific with my actual relationship, but I think that it deepens things. I almost can't remember what it was like before." Becoming a father has, Firth admits, completely changed him. "It surprised me enormously because I associated it with tedium, old age, comfort and death. And it couldn't be less like that. It was both times an invigorating, frightening upheaval. It's the most unpredictably wild thing that ever happened to me. I didn't think babies were about that." In a typical self-effacing way, and perhaps with a hint of Firth's very dry sense of humour, he adds that becoming a father has forced him to tackle his own petulance. "The whole business of becoming a dad put me up against my limitations the way I never thought possible; gave me a different picture of the person I thought I was. There was much more in me that I liked and didn't like. "You can't just do what you want. You can't call your agent when they make a fuss and make life inconvenient for you. It's all on their terms and their schedule and you can't sleep when you want and you can't be impatient when you want to be." As a rule, Firth and the mothers of his two children have decided his sons won't be allowed to watch their father's work in their younger years. "We decided not to do that. When he (Will) was very young I didn't want it to be confusing, to see me in strange situations, and to have to explain the difference between reality and fiction. It's not everybody that sees his or her father on a screen, or on the television. And I wanted him to feel relatively normal. "Of course he has seen things now. He's been on an aeroplane when they have shown something. You can't control that situation. It is a bit freaky. I wasn't there at the time. He was about three and stood up and shouted, 'That's my daddy!'." Marrying an Italian has also given the actor's life an unexpected boost. "Italy has become a big part of my life now," he enthuses. "I love it. It's a huge blessing. I sort of married a whole family and a whole country. "And learning Italian is a huge bonus that came at the time, that I didn't expect. I thought I was doomed to be unilingual for the rest of my life, like most Englishmen." Despite his love of Italy and the family ties there, Firth remains a Londoner, and his half-Italian son will be raised in London. Hampshire-born Firth explains his enthusiasm for the British capital. "London is international, it escapes any sort of provinciality. It is endlessly varied. There is a street near me, in Islington, which is a very small street. It dates back to about 1750, and in this very small street - I can remember it exactly - it starts with an Italian restaurant, a button shop, a hat shop, an antique tool shop, a taxidermist, a puppet theatre, a pub, an Italian deli...London is very much like that. Also, there's humour in the air and people are interesting. It's constantly surprising." It's become expected that our best actors are eventually enticed over to Hollywood, many of them succumbing to career-numbing block busters. But Firth has only dabbled across the pond. He's not easily tempted. "Hollywood hasn't aggressively pursued me. Neither have I aggressively pursued Hollywood. So it's a mixture of both. I think England has served me very well. I like living in London for the reasons I gave. I have absolutely no intentions of cutting those ties. There is absolutely no reason to do so. Certainly not so that I can have a swimming pool and palm tree." But he has been enticed into that very Hollywood of phenomena, a movie sequel - a first for Firth. He was in London at the end of 2003 as Mark Darcy, co-starring again with Ren e Zellweger. "I think everyone feels exactly the same about the sequel. It's worth doing if it's brilliant. Otherwise you're going to sequel purgatory really," says Firth. But Bridget Jones' won't be Firth's only big screen appearance this year. As well as having recently co-starred with Hugh Grant in Love Actually, he plays painter Johannes Vermeer in the critically-acclaimed Girl With A Pearl Earring. Following the release of Hope Springs earlier in 2003, it seems he's had a busy year, but Firth, unlike most actors, comes clean. "It's funny, sometimes you create that impression but you only have to do two (films) a year to have it seem really busy. I tend to find people say I've been busy if they notice the projects and actually my output has been has been exactly the same. "It just depends how many of them flop and how many rise to the surface. Every so often you will do something that will put more attention on you and I guess Bridget Jones was one." Firth remains a self-confessed member of the "work just pays the bills" club. Regardless of his professional success, his priorities will always stay the same. "It's been a juggle, ever since children came into it," he says. "I would choose not to take the job that means eight months in Honduras if I can do a job which is here. "There's a way in which children take the pressure off the work," he concludes. "Suddenly it's not that important." This interview can be seen in this month's FQ Magazine

Thanks, Mari. I can't believe they'd do a cut-and-paste job on a cover story...but it is soooooo familiar. Even has that old chestnut about the "button shop." ;-) As a rule, Firth and the mothers of his two children have decided his sons won't be allowed to watch their father's work in their younger years. So when are L&M gonna watch McPhoey? When they're 15 or 16? Yeah, right. Out the window with the argument of "making a film his children can watch." Wanna try again? LOL! Firth remains a self-confessed member of the "work just pays the bills" club. Exactly the kind of actor that's invited onto Inside the Actors Studio or Charlie Rose. *snort*

Thanks for all the great pictures. Especially liked that last one at the press conference. Just love the hair and that flirty expression.

Firth and the mothers of his two children I think they forgot somebody. ;-)

"Trauma will be screened at the American Film Market in Santa Monica on February 27 and 29" Time for your candles, Bee Dee. This is a "last -chance- dance". Thanks to all for the lovely pics. That Dad's Mag interview is wierd. Bet they pinched the stuff from firth.com But they forgot to add the "great Shakespearean actor" bit;-)