Ok, Kenneth! I love everything I've ever seen this man in! Well, I wasn't too fond of Frankenstein, although I did appreciate the bare-chested scenes! ;-) I'm sure we'll mention other performances as we progress, but I want to just mention Dead Again. This was the first Kenneth movie that I really did some drooling over! He was utterly charming and winning as the PI, and incredibly tortured and overtly sexual as Strauss in the flashback scenes. Two completely different characters both wonderfully realized.

Cheryl, I too loved DEAD AGAIN. It was the first movie I had seen after the birth of my daughter and I had to beg my mother to babysit. And beg my friend to see it. I had just seen Henry V, and totally fell in love with KB. Before RG before CF there was KB. I was so heartbroken when I heard that ET was separating from him, I was so shocked but happy because he's single. And to think he was in BOSTON just one month ago. He loves it here

I recently watched A Month in the Country to see CF and was surprised to also find Kenneth Branagh! Unfortunately, he doesn't do it for me. CF did and does but that's for the CF drool.

I too love Kenneth but not for drool purposes (please forgive this sacriledge). I just enjoy his intelligence, wit and humor. 'Much Ado About Nothing' was great! Like Laura, I think I was as upset about the break up of his marriage as he was. I just loved them together because they aer such excellent actors and smart people.

I loved A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY. All the actors were wonderful, I was very shocked when I saw KB in it. Kenneth Branagh to me can take on any role, he is very versatile. I particularly love his Shakespeare. I just taped Othello off of Showtime last nite. I've seen it 3x's.

Wouldn't it be great if Kenneth, who appeared on the Rosie show, could (and would) convince Colin to do the same? 'Tis my hope. . . . . (sorry for the cross-over drooling)

Meggin; no apology needed. I believe that in the present company it may even be encouraged!

I wish I could watch Rosie. But, alas, Poor Yorick, I knew him when.... oops sorry, just a little peeved my Hamlet got deleted. Anyway, I work when its on.

You could tape Rosie Laura.

Actually, Roar, I think Henry just moved the topic to the more general favorite non-Austen movies, in the interest of topic non-proliferation.

I first saw Kenneth in Henry V and was bowled over by the movie! What a remarkable talent. He was not particularily "droolable" in that film, but I made it a point to remember his name and began to drool in earnest in his next movie Dead Again, and the rest is Drooling History! I am drawn to his obvious talent, but also to his humor and intellegence...I absolutely love the scene from Much Ado About Nothing when as Benedick he is overhearing that Beatrice loves him...so, so funny!

Has the parallel of the couples in P&P and Much Ado ever struck you? The uncomplicated lovers, who allow the doubts and interference of other opinions to affect their fate, and the smarter couple, who are almost too clever, and have to learn to let their emotions have expression, as well as the intellect.

Isnt great what he does with that folding chair ? numerous essays and falls from it and for her. Probably the movie I most enjoyed, so much light so bright, manificient rendition. Loved Othello but quite another mood, Henri V wonderful expecially his speach to rally the troups to battle and he tender pledge of love to his soon to be queen. They "meshed" so well ;) Intelligence, wit and humour are very appealing and lot more long lasting than some in-your-face sex-appeal. Give me a man who knows how to woo a woman, ohh baby...

Mari, How interesting :)

'I first saw Kenneth in Henry V and was bowled over by the movie! What a remarkable talent. He was not particularily "droolable" in that film...' - Cheryl I did think that the speech Ken makes as Henry to the French princess asking her to marry him was very romantic, though...

Mari: I did think that the speech Ken makes as Henry to the French princess asking her to marry him was very romantic, though... Oh yes! Very sweet, very charming!

Have any of you seen Hamlet? It hasn't come here yet and I'm dying to see it! Tell me all about it!

Not yet, but first on my list.

Hello!! But I SAW HAMLET, but noone said anything. I said it was the best thing to happen in Boston, MA in a long time. And that KB has been in Boston for the past two months, gone now. But. Anyway. I'm leaving for the weekend. Oh yeah, it was AWESOME, AWESOME!!!11

Kenneth Branagh's acting abilities are truly amazing and they are certainly "in your face" in Hamlet. He can barely breath without your being aware of it given the extremely tight close-ups. However, I don't think of Branagh as drooling material. It's as though he is too clean cut or possibly too blond. It seems a hint of wickedness or potential wickedness under control is a key factor. Branagh has a respected talented brother image.

I too thought that Henry V was KB at his most droolable. Sorry to hear that He & ET have not been able to keep it together. I liked the thought of 2 intelligent equal partners able to keep a relationship going among the craziness of anybody's career.

Here's a great page dedicated to Mr. Branagh and it's Midwinter's Tale : http://www.movienet.com/movienet/sonycl/midwinter/misc/branagh.html Check the magnificient interactive site at : http://hamlet-movie.com/cmp/netscape.html

I saw Branagh a few years back doing the plays Midsummer and Lear in Chicago. I was sitting in the third row center for Lear, in which at one point Branagh was wearing nothing more than a loin-cloth! For Dead Again fans: did anyone else notice that his prison number was 29101415, which if you take to be a date is 29 October 1415--Saint Crispin's day and the date of the Battle of Agincourt.

That's clever, Ann. BTW I'm using quotes from Henry V in Little Fitz!

Re prison #--very cool, Ann! Such a clever man! Still no Hamlet in my town! I'm beginning to get desparate!

Make that Oct 25! (Oct 29 is my brother's B-day, Oct 25 is St. Crispins day)

"Isnt great what he does with that folding chair ?" I have to say that that scene in Much Ado is my favorite. Especially when he says "She, love me? Why?????????" I too was broken up by their divorce. Mutual infidelities I heard. Anyone know the specifics?

Andrea: Anyone know the specifics? I'm not sure that I want to know...I like them both so much, I don't want to hear about the hurtful things they may have sone to each other...reality can be such a bitch, you know? and I get enough reality every day! ;-)

I get enough reality every day! ;-) // I'm with you there, Cheryl. Let's just leave it behind and throw ourselves into the pond of drooling and addiction.

Pond of drooling. That should be the name of this conference.

That which you call a pond, by any other name would be as wet...

I like the comment about his being too blond?!

RE: specifics on the KB and ET split up. I read three rumours (none of which I would like to believe) in fairly reputable magazines (not tabloids). One rumour said ET told him she liked women better. Another said they both admitted to each other they preferred members of the same sex. The third said she had an affair with the actor who played Willoughby in S&S I can't believe any of that! I love KB in everything, and can't wait to find four hours to see Hamlet! My favorites are Much Ado---adorable and made me laugh, and Frankenstein--didn't much like the movie, especially the gory parts, but was definitely drooling over KB!

Since I believe Thompson and Greg Wise (Willoughby) are still an item, you might have to accept that last reason.

I, too, love Much Ado, though not for KB. On DENZEL comes much more to mind!

Obviously, I meant One Denzel, not on Denzel, tho' that could be an interesting Freudian

Cindy, you are right! Denzel is every bit as much of a reason as KB to watch Much Ado. By the way, how come there's no drool conference about Denzel, or did I miss something?

]how come there's no drool conference about Denzel? Ditto.

]how come there's no drool conference about Denzel? ]Ditto. There is now. (Your wish is my command)

I will never in my life believe that they both prefer the same sex. First of all Ann is right ET is still with Greg Wise and KB is now with Helena Bonham Carter. I will never understand why people make up such nasty rumours. Its disgusting.

I agree that those rumours are disgusting and I don't believe them either. Has he been with Helena Bonham Carter since Frankenstein?

] I will never understand why people make up such nasty rumours. Way too much time on their hands and nothing else to do ;)

I found a wonderful sight for KB on the BBC Education page here are a couple of pics Branagh in wonderful 70 mm drool baby double drool

I cannot believe Hamlet is not in my town yet! Insupportable!

Oh Cheryl is it playing in another nearby town, believe me it's worth the trip, I was just telling Myretta how looking at Branagh and is slim-trim I immediately thought of how much you would appreciate it ;)

Thank you for thinking of me Johanna! I just found out that Hamlet will open here tomorrow! Yeah! :-)

I must say that KB, no matter what the personal life is still a babe. A babe by any other name, would still smell as sweet. Cheryl, not wet pictures of KB??????

Andrea: Cheryl, not wet pictures of KB?????? Alas, no...shall have to remedy that, he was pretty WET in Frankenstein!

Cheryl, I didn't see Frankenstein, but the bathing scene at the beginning of Much Ado is not bad either. Just don't see enough of him. It is also not a very erotic scene. Very playful.

Well, I have finally seen Hamlet! I was a little concerned that Ihad built up my expectations too high, but I they were certainly fulfilled! The cinematography was amazing! The vast, wide shots of the wedding reception, Fortinbras' army descending upon Denmark... and then the intimate, hand-held camera work that put you right into the scene, breath-taking! Kenneth was wonderful, THE Hamlet! I can never say how much I loved his performance, so it may be best not to try! But...Wow! Yes, Johanne, he looked very, very, very good. I found a picture of the fencing scene with Laertes for you all. If you have not been to see this movie, GO!

Here's another one I couldn't resist posting!

ok. Last one, I promise! "Alas poor Yorrick! I knew him Horatio." ;-)

How in the world was this movie passed by re: Oscar nomination (or more then a few...)

So glad you liked it, Cheryl, have to see it again I'm afraid, yes definitely a masterpiece and will be appreciated more and more with numerous viewing

I am desperately trying to find another 6 hour block of time (when I include driving time) to see this again. An amazing experience!

Has anyone read where he and Helena are expecting a baby this fall? I tried to surf back and post it here for you all, but I couldn't find it again.

Hamlet was truly an awesome experience--I've seen it twice and can't imagine cutting a single piece. I simply can't understand its lack of recognition and can't wait for the tape.

Elaine, you're exactly right. It wasn't just a movie, it was an experience. When I got home from seeing it, I had to talk, immediately, to someone who had seen it too and had been through what I had and go obsess over details (and T Shirts!). (Thanks Sister Myretta!) I can't wait to see it again in the theater..it will not be a good on the TV.

Cheryl all I can say is YIPEE!!!!!!!!! I am so glad you liked it. Ken Branagh is the most amazing actor there is on the right side of the Atlantic. I have not heard about HBC having a baby, but keep us posted! I would definitely see it again, if there are any Boston people who would like a field trip to Kendall Sq theater and would like to go, email anytime. we could make a day of it and have a bite to eat after. Sounds like fun. Did you guys just think the costumes were INCREDIBLE!!!

Laura: Did you guys just think the costumes were INCREDIBLE!!! Fabulous! I loved KB's opening suit--everyone is celebrating the wedding, looking very festive, and there he is, all in black, the picture of stoic mourning. But my sister and I both agreed that his best outfit is in the fencing scene, the white sleeveless T-Shirt, the black pants, the suspenders...*sigh*

And that's where I was thinking of you Cheryl...:)

At first I cringed when I saw the blonde hair, but it did grow on me. I also really saw the comedy in this play too. I had only seen the Mel Gibson version once, but I've read the play several times. And the one scene that always gets me in the movie and play. Is the one when he is explaining who is mother and stepfather are. The scenes with Polonius were great. And when he is running away from the crowd I believe its after he has killed Polonius going thru all those doors without a misstep. The mi rors, Julie Christie, Sir Derek, even Kate Winslet, (who sang again, beautiful voice BTW) were perfect. Did you catch the end credits thanking the Tanning Co. everyone got a big laugh out of that one. Oh and before I forget PATRICK DOYLE's music is absolutely brilliant. I find myself looking specifically at the credits to see who has done the music. You cannot leave the theater after the movie is over you have to stay to LISTEN TO THE MUSIC!!!

Johanne! And that's where I was thinking of you Cheryl...:) Ah ma cher Johanne, you know me too well! ;-) Blenheim looked wonderful, loved the great hall and all the mirrors and the side rooms...and what an interesting and innovative way to do the "To be" soliquoy! And just how did they do that camera shot that brought on the intermission? Iknow special effects, and all that, but it was amazing! I've got to see this again! ;-)

Ok, I've done some research and found some more fab Hamlet pics. I have been unsuccessful in my main seaarch...the undershirt and suspenders fencing scene...;-) If anyone finds that let me know! IN the meantime... (to be)

and this one... yes, I like him with sharp pointy things...;-)

Oh my, my. More, Cheryl, more!

I'm not sure if Johanne did this one earlier, but it bears repeating if she did. ;-) Love that black mourning ensemble...

I saw a copy of the play Hamlet in Barnes Ignoble the other day. Branagh was on the cover, but the picture was from when he played the roll many years ago. He was sitting on the floor holding Ophelia in his lap. Ophelia was played by Sophie Thompson a.k.a. Miss Bates from Emma2.

Miss Bates as Ophelia? The mind boggles...

Alright, a couple more I found today. Searching for the undershirt picture is turning into a bit of an obsession for me (I know you're all shocked to find that I am prone to such a thing!) Have not found it yet, but I know that it must be out there! Until then...what is Hamlet without the skull? ;-)

I really liked this Horatio as well, someone told me that he played Edmund in the old BBC Mansfield Park? (H&H)

yes, I have been a busy bee...I found this interview with Kenneth about Hamlet for those interested. http://www.brandeis.edu/students/st931200/branagh.html Also found out that Kenneth will be a presenter at the Oscars...but will he wear the undershirt? ;-)

I heard someone saying during the intermission that they didn't understand what period the movie was supposed to be taking place in (oldish looking costumes with other more modern elements). What a limited mind she must have! It was out of time and trancending time. Why tie the story down into one historical time frame? Let it soar abve it all!

Ann: It was out of time and trancending time. Why tie the story down into one historical time frame? Let it soar abve it all! Beautifully put Ann dear!

I gather the period is meant to be early- mid Victorian I just saw this last night and it was fantastic. I was fascinated that the little program leaflet had photos of all the well-known (to US audiences) in tiny roles like Billy Chrystal (who was good), Jack Lemmon (who was awful), Charlton Heston etc, with no photos of the actors who played Horatio, Laertes (WHO is this guy? he was in the Midwinters Tale, and Truly Madly Deeply and I think he's gorgeous), or Richard Briers as Polonius. Ah well, accomodating your audience I suppose. I was blown away by KB's performance. What an effort to direct and act in something like this when there is so much text to learn, and Hamlet is on in nearly every scene. I expected that he would be a little selfindulgent or self important, but except for one or two short bits (eg being carried off at the end) it was really impressive and I got so engrossed in him that I cried at the end, when he was talking with Horatio about how he would die if his time had come. I thought the Ophelia/Hamlet stuff was good, though unorthodox - I think I finally understood that he really did love her. I had a dream last night that he has written a second biography. Does anyone know if he has, or if there are any good recent biographies of him available. I read Beginning years ago.

Michael Maloney is an old friend and confidante of KB. He was in Othello, Midwinters Tale, Henry V. They have been working together for the best part of 15 years. Cheryl I'm searching hi and lo for that picture you are craving if I find it what do I get?

Close?

Oh Laura! Very close indeed! If only he were turned around! Thank you for your efforts, dear, they are most appreciated. Myretta has been looking as well, but with no success. I did find this one that I like very much. It's such an incongruous sight to see him sitting up in the coffin and laughing with Billy Crystal! Such a cutie! *sigh*

re:#72 Kenneth will be a presenter at the Oscars...but will he wear the undershirt? ;-) and, Cheryl, will he have a sharp, pointy thing? ;)

Cindy: re:#72 Kenneth will be a presenter at the Oscars...but will he wear the undershirt? ;-) and, Cheryl, will he have a sharp, pointy thing? ooh, ooh! I hope so! ;-)

Well, you would not believe,or maybe you would! how many hours I have spent trying to track down this full-frontal undershirt picture! It is not to be found, Laura got as close as we're going to get until it comes out on video and someone takes a snappy of it. Oh well. In the meantime, I did find some more droolable pics that I shall post from time to time, to see us through this crisis!

Does he have a tad bit of a Sutherland look about him? Every time I see I picture of him begin to resolved on my monitor I think it's Donald or Kiefer, never sure which.

Oh Amy Donald or Keifer??!! That is insupportable. KB is definitely CUTER than either of those two.

Yeah, Amy,I can see a bit of Sutherland in there withthe blond hair, but I much prefer the resolved features of Kenneth. ;-)

Amy, it's only the blond hair that makes him look like Donald or Keifer - real KB is a lot cuter than either of those!!;-)

Oh, I agree. The Sutherlands have not become stars due their looks, that is for sure. I do like their voices. But isn't there something besides the hair? What makes me always think of them?

Amy -- I agree with you, I have been reminded of the Sutherlands as well. Is it the eyes, do you think? (As well as the blonde hair, of course.)

Yes the eyes

Sorry for the repeat, but Johanne's comment made me do it! ;-)

Thanks Cheryl, yes definitely the eyes, especially when the pictures unfolds

Cheryl, I spend about an hour in B&N today perusing the Hamlet book. It has a notated script which is really excellent - Branaghish comments on what people are thinking, feeling etc, that helps in understanding the text. Also a day by day shooting diary with witty recounts of on-set occurences (although I noticed that the bedroom scenes were not mentioned...) and PHOTOS. Including at least 3 of the bare armed fencing (bulging biceps and all...)

Kate: Including at least 3 of the bare armed fencing (bulging biceps and all...) Oh Kate! I am so glad I made you a part of the family last night! ;-) Myretta, did you hear? There are undershirt pics! *sigh* Laura said she saw this book, but didn't mention the UNDERSHIRT pictures! Teasing girl! ;-) I'll have to fit a trip to B&N into my schedule tomorrow...;-)

Cheryl, just a reminder from last night. HE'S MINE! ;) I hope you find the undershirt pic!

Now Andrea, check the back messages in this topic, half of them are mine, ergo HE'S MINE!!! Buhwahahahaha!!!!! ;-) (right, like he's sitting around somewhere waiting for us to decide who be belongs to...well...just in case...HE'S MINE!!!!)

Cheryl-One can hope, can't one!?!? ;-)

Ilove the expression on his face, the anger, sadness, numbness, steely determination...so many emotions there.

Thanks so much Cheryl, could'nt do without :) Isn't it the perfect movie !

I am in deep mourning! I was to see Hamlet again today, but it is not showing in my town anymore! It was only here for 4 weeks! And now is gone. Granted this is Las Vegas, not known for it's cultural acumen, but still! i am quite put out! So, I must talk about it. Shall we really discuss the film, and not just drool? Is that allowed here? ;-) What about the relationship with Ophelia? I always wondered if they had "done the deed" and now I know that at least Kenneth believes they have! ;-) I was never sure if Hamlet truly loved her, but it was very obvious in the "Get thee to a nunnery" scene, how much he cared for her. It was made clear that Hamlet knew they were being overheard and so had public, cruel words to Ophelia and then private, tender whispered words as well. Ophelia must have been very confused... I really like the use of the mirrored doors in this scene, with Claudius and Polonius looking on, and especially in the "To be or not to be" soliquoy. Anyone else? ;-)

Cheryl It's a pleasure to discuss it with you!! I felt I understood the Hamlet/Ophelia relationship a lot better after seeing this: so many productions don't show anything except the point where he is rejecting her - I finally understood that he really loved her. He destroyed her family. and her. how awful. One scene I found so sad - at the end when Hamlet is sitting with Horatio before he goes to fight Laertes: he talks about the days of a sparrow, and you basically know that he is going to die, and that he knows and accepts that he is going to die. I cried. Will that do for the moment? How do you like the book?