Hangover? Indeed he does!

You aren't normally allowed to do your own make-up when fashion or film shooting, surely we experts do know that... In addition, his formal photos often look retouched. There are at least two interviews in which he half-jokingly admits to being a bit funny about his pale eyebrows... (Silly boy... :-)) Ann, too much airbrushing I'm sorry to say. Try lightening the shadow: removing it completely gives an unnatural result. Hangover? How about tiredness after a busy night...?

(Arami) Hangover? How about tiredness after a busy night...? Whatever it was, I hope he had a good time ;-D

Perhaps he was working in a theatre. Or at a late night shoot ;-P

(Arami) Perhaps he was working in a theatre. Or at a late night shoot ;-P Or maybe he just got lucky ;-p

SLOW Called Handmade Films in London. Marketing Director (Juliette) says SLOW will not be screened at the Edinburgh Film Festival. Sorry, Heide :-( Asked me to call back in a few weeks for report on Venice or Toronto. They sounded optimistic; like they're anticipating a positive response. Maybe that's just my reading. ( I'm an eternal optimist, you understand.) Hey, with this guy...you gotta be :-)

I'm all for optimism, Evelyn! Keep up the good work! On make-up....I like him as natural as possible , but post-Darcy, he always seems to be dark. According to the synopsis of SIL in the CF Projects, it looks as though he's going to be dark again in SIL ("dark and cruel") . Wessex is definitely the "baddie" role, but it sounds a strong role (not a cameo!) which moves the plot forward, and there are sword fights. And he does seem to get GP in the end, courtesy of Queen Elizabeth. Doesn't sound much like history though....Belinda and Edgar?! Anyway, something to look forward to....and it is guaranteed to reach the screen!

("dark and cruel") Can't help but must think of Alan Rickman's Sheriff of Nottingham - delightful baddie, and he stole the film. :-)

(Nan) Or maybe he just got lucky ;-p Lucky?!?!?!? You think he needs to get lucky?!?!?! ;-P (Bethan post-Darcy, he always seems to be dark. Not always. He was natural in Nostromo, at his own wedding, at the FP prremiere in London. (Renate) Alan Rickman's Sheriff of Nottingham Or Alan Rickman's stage Valmont... A slightly different slant, agreed, but still dark and cruel...

Can't help but must think of Alan Rickman's Sheriff of Nottingham - delightful baddie, and he stole the film. :-) Ditto! (Although Nan may not agree!) Goodies can be, well,er, slightly boring. Particularly the case in Rob Roy.....I was less than riveted by Liam Neeson and Jessica Lange, but thought that John Hurt and Tim Roth (although Not A Nice Person) stole the show. I have to admit that in the closing supposed to be deeply moving scenes when Rob is lumbering through the heather towards the embrace of his long suffering wife, I felt bored and switched over to another channel. I rather like a baddie, especially if e suffers! And I think that it's in CF's interests to be as versatile as possible. If audiences didn't recognise him in TEP, what will they make of Wessex?

(Bethan) If audiences didn't recognise him in TEP, what will they make of Wessex? Take heart, he will be wearing tights. We would recognize those legs anywhere! ;-D

When I see a man in tights, the last thing I look at are his legs!

LOL! That's the spirit!

Renate, are you into Art? FOR ALL OF YOU: would you like to come to Art? We have a gallery for our own art, and that of our kids there, one for your best photos, and it's all turning into great fun. And the background is . . . well. . . a little bright.

(Riette)When I see a man in tights, the last thing I look at are his legs! Wish it were the case. *sigh* Unfortunately, in this role, he'll likely be wearing those pouffy pants (which must have a name). Anyway, we have devoted many a scholarly hour discussing unsaid area. Excellent Snappy over at 34. ;-)

Aren't thouse pouffy pants called 'Bloomers'? Anyway, I won't let them distract me from the issues IN hand.

Not bloomers: perhaps canions (breeches worn underneath trunk hose), or Venetians (baggy breeches fastened below the knee), with more "pouffy" varietes called galligaskins, gascoynes or slops... Anyway, where's that Art, Riette?

Go to your conference list, and just scroll down until you find 'Art'. I know it used to be pretty boring - I never went either - but Terry and Wer have helped me turn it quite colourful, and we already have some pictures there with lots more to come. Do come, will you?

Re Men in Tights. Elizabethan costume is reputed to be one of the most difficult costumes (for men ) to wear, without looking rather ridiculous. Height, a good leg, and a certain masculine swagger are essential. I don't think CF will have a problem! Re My comment on CF appearing in blockbusters (transported from board 98 so as not to disrupt the AMITC discussion). I think someone made the point that there certainly are some good blockbusters (although most are less than inspiring). I suppose I don't EVER want to see him in Lost in Space, but the occasional fullblooded virile role in something like Mask of Zorro woudn't go amiss! I'd actually be quite keen to see him playing a youngish Sherlock Holmes. In the early novels Holmes is very much the actio man - swordsman and pugilist - and he even has a sense of humour (and an unrequited love)! Someone should write a decent screenplay!

There was a rumour of Hollywood wanting him precisely for that role about two years ago, wasn't there? Perhaps the screenplay was crap.

Bethan, my Michelin Guide of Britain mentions that Winchester was once the capital of Wessex and of England in medieval times. I am not an English history scholar, by any means.;( though an anglophile.) I just thought the connection of CF portraying the Earl of Wessex in SIL is interesting since he originally comes from the Winchester area. AmI correct in both premises?

Evelyn, you're quite right. Winchester was the capital of Wessex and England...so there is a connection. Sherlock Holmes....I rather hope Hollywood revives the idea. I think it could be a good role (and I'd like to see him again in a top hat!), but a lot would depend on the screenplay. You never know........it's been a long time since Basil Rathbone! (I'm discounting TV versions)

As Sherlock Holmes goes - I rather enjoyed the Miss Marple series.

Colin Firth has a tremendous range, but I think I don't want to see him as Miss Marple. :-p

Why not? You know . .. . Miss Marple working under cover, disguised as Sherlock Holmes . . .

Entirely too quiet ladies!! ;-p Colin at the 96 Baftas: Thanks, Evelyn :-)

Thanks, Nan! Work is always so much better when I see your snappies first!

FYI gentle readers, in the interest of posterity I asked Nan to pull some of my past posts. I'd be happy to tell more stories of Valmont, making of movies, etc. if you want, and especially the scenes I saw being shot via email or here or 98, whatever seems appropriate. The old posts live on anyway because they were quoted in responses, but I needn't be nasty about the Frears production and and its stars _forever_. I just wanted you all to know how directly it killed a far more sensitive movie and I was very sad about that.

Marvellous, Nan! I really love the second shot (just before he didn't win the Best Actor award!)

(Bethan) I really love the second shot (just before he didn't win the Best Actor award!) He was robbed! Grrrr...

That pretty little face on his left, the one you cut across so savagely in the second pic... that's the then Miss G., now Mrs F...

I'd be happy to tell more stories of Valmont, making of movies, etc. if you want, and especially the scenes I saw being shot via email or here or 98, whatever seems appropriate. Whatever you decide, please let us all know in advance, so we can make appropriate arrangements. I wouldn't want to miss one word :-)

(Nan) Colin at the 96 Baftas: First picture... the gentleman on Livia's left is John Ehle, JE's father and next to him was Jennifer.( A bizarre seating arrangement!!) Did the camera cut Jennifer out on that shot , Nan? Actually,I think the pic is backwards, because Jennifer was on the aisle.

(CherylE) FYI gentle readers, in the interest of posterity I asked Nan to pull some of my past posts. *sigh* yes, she did. I still think removing 12 interesting posts is excessive, but I will do whatever you ask...they're your posts. I'd be happy to tell more stories of Valmont, making of movies, etc. if you want, and especially the scenes I saw being shot via email or here or 98, whatever seems appropriate. Cheryl, honey...I'm confused. You want me to remove all your posts which contain information about Valmont and then you're going to continue the conversation on the boards? This doesn't make sense to me. Am I misunderstanding you? (Arami) That pretty little face on his left, the one you cut across so savagely in the second pic... that's the then Miss G., now Mrs F... Hey, it wasn't me! Got nothing against Livia (well, except being enormously jealous of her being in the right place at the right time ;-p). Blame the cameraman..he cut her off. (Evelyn) Did the camera cut Jennifer out on that shot , Nan? Actually,I think the pic is backwards, because Jennifer was on the aisle. No, the picture isn't backwards--again, it was the cameraman's fault your honor, I swear! ;-D Got some good ones of Jennifer for you, babe ;-)

Bizarre seating arrangement I'm not sure how else they could have sat...Jennifer next to Livia might have looked odd, and if CF had sat to Livia's right and JE had sat to the right of her dad, then CF would have been sitting between Livia and Jennifer! Difficult to get the placement right! Although arguably if they are all on friendly terms, it doesn't matter! Some non news. Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, made by Handmade Films about 6 months before SLOW, is opening in the UK only in a couple of weeks after being premiered at the Edinburgh Festival. So Handmade Films are making it to the Big Screen! And on blockbusters....I must admit that when I first read a couple of years ago that RF had landed the high profile role of John Steed in The Avengers, I thought "Huh!" as I would have quite liked to see CF do it (whether CF would have wanted to take the part is another matter!) But having read the reviews...OUCH!!!! OUCH!!!! Obviously not one of the "good" blockbusters! Basically, it's been panned in the UK as one of the worst movies ever made, if not the worst, with acting to match. I saw a clip and t just looked embarrassingly silly and wooden. So perhaps CF is wise to go for the smaller budget productions, even if we do have to wait ages to see them!

On the same BAFTA tape, do you have a snappy of Colin watching Jeremy Irons and resting his chin on his hand? I love that shot! Thanks, Nan!

(Passionata) do you have a snappy of Colin watching Jeremy Irons and resting his chin on his hand? Not yet, but I will :-)

Bizarre seating arrangement at BAFTA 98 (Bethan) I'm not sure how else they could have sat.. Hey Bethan,...that was a big theatre....the four of them didn't have to sit in the same row in such close proximity.....! I did read that CF leaned over to congratulate Jennifer when she won, but it's not on this tape. Yes, they are friends :-.) Re: The Avengers. Poor Rafe is getting plummeted here too....NY Times said "...re: RF and Uma Thurman ......" I've seen more chemistry between a couple of soggy tea bags....."Later, re: RF..."he has the savior faire of a waiter grinding pepper in your salad..." Poor choice, Rafe.

BAFTA 96 is an offering of the Jennifer Ehle Lending Library. It is in NTSC only. It has the complete show. (Also JE on the Rosie O'Donnell show (6 minutes). That was the year that P&P was also nominated for Best TV series and shockingly lost to some dull number about a politician and his wife. BTW if you wish to borrow it, pl. email me at: eboake@tanet.net. The Spring email by my name does not work.And I won't change it for fear of throwing the whole system off like in July!

(Evelyn)that was a big theatre....the four of them didn't have to sit in the same row in such close proximity.....! People attending awards ceremonies like Baftas are usually seated together in accordance with their connection to a relevant project - so Mr Firth and guest, and Miss Ehle and guest, had to sit together as representing P&P.

Re: seating at BAFTA 96 - Mr Firth and guest, and Miss Ehle and guest, had to sit together as representing P&P. Later, in the film it shows Simon Langton, Andrew Davies and others obviously representing P&P in another part of the theatre.

(Evelyn) Later, in the film it shows Simon Langton, Andrew Davies and others obviously representing P&P in another part of the theatre. Maybe the separate the actors from the crew?

(nan)... information about Valmont and then you're going to continue the conversation on the boards? ... Info isn't the problem, it's posterity. As I said in my email, my opinions have been shared with this particular group and I think that's sufficient. Facts will still be bandied about, I'm sure, and I'm willing to continue to provide all I can. But information about me personally, and about the Frears production, doesn't need to hang around. BTW I appreciate you're doing this :-)

Simon Langton and Andrew Davies would be in the production section. Don't ask me why separate from the actors, but that was the obvious aim.

Simon Langton and Andrew Davies would be in the production section. Don't ask me why separate from the actors, but that was the obvious aim (Nan) Maybe the separate the actors from the crew? Alright,...... alright ......already. So the seating wasn't bizarre......it was * brilliant*......... Happy ? :-) ( I'm in a mea- culpa- mood .....it's quite fashionable these days.....) :-)

So the seating wasn't bizarre......it was * brilliant*......... Happy ? :-) Oh, no...I still think the seating must have been uncomfortable for all parties (regardless of the friendship). I was just suggesting that it might be common practice to separate the actors from the production people.

I would very much like to hear Cheryle's comments on the Film Industry...in general and specifically......on any board in which it would be suitable. I find the subject fascinating. I apprecitate her willingness to put out the effort....we'll be richer for it. ;-)

RE MLSF Just an update. I rang Enigma Films again today, on the remote possibility that MLSF would be shown at the Edinburgh Festival (well, it is set in Scotland (and part funded by the Scottish Arts Council)). I spoke to David Puttnam's secretary and she said that MLSF would not be shown. I asked if there were any plans to show it anywhere else, and she said "no" and added that it had already had a couple of previews.(Where, when, I wonder) I asked about release dates and she asked me to ring EnigmaMoss (Hugh H dson's office). I rang the number and got an answerphone. EnigmaMoss is now EnigmaAfrica (HH is making a movie in Africa with Kim Basinger) and so presumably MLSF is completely done and dusted. The answerphone message asked me to ring another number which I didn't hear properly. At this point, dear readers, I gave up! Then I found another number which I'd scribbled down from the last time I phoned Enigma. I phoned this nummber and to my great embarassment got back to David Puttnam's secretary AGAIN! Boy, I must have seemed persistent!! I'm giving up on this and will just wait until MLSF opens in the UK sometime in the distant future!! Am slightly disappointed from the promotion point of view because I do think that exposure at festivals helps to build up a "buzz" of expectation. And I've yet to read a single snippet about MLSF. All in good time from Miramax, I hope!!

Just another slow news day From the Fall Movie Preview issue of Entertainment Weekly: Coming in December (Dec. 25): Shakespeare in Love Starring J Finnes, G Paltrow, B Affleck, G Rush, Colin Firth, J Dench, S Callow, T Wilkinson "It was back in 1990 that Universal first fell for the story of a young, frustrated Shakespeare and the lovely woman who helps free Willy of writer's block. "It has all of the anguish of being young and doubting yourself and your career, and it just happens to be Shakespeare," says Rush, who plays the manager of the Rose Theatre. Trouble was, dream pairings like Julia Roberts and Daniel Day-Lewis, or Winona Ryder and Kenneth Branagh, failed to materialized. But as fast as you can say turnaround, Miramax s apped it up. Fiennes and Paltrow won the leads. Mrs. Brown's Madden took the helm, but not too much of a high road. "There's nothing remotely academic about this film," he days. "it's about first love." So ladies, do we all know what we're doing on Christmas day? Another odd thing, just saw the trailer for "Elizabeth" and J Finnes and G Rush are both in it. Talk about type casting. Another far fetched connection Just saw Parent Trap with N Richardson, "There She Goes" by the La's was the first song on the soundtrack, the same as Fever Pitch...

Fiennes and Paltrow won the leads Dream pairings I'm developing into a nasty sour grapes person here, but if ever there was a candidate for a romantic lead it's CF! Joe F has got three romantic leads this year in major movies, from absolutely nowhere. And CF? He's taller, broader, more masculine, much better looking, and he was Mr Darcy, but still.........I'll see SIL, but I hope that first love proves to be soppy and I'll root for the baddy! But if it's all JF/GP I cast my eyes to the heavens and leave in sheer frustration! Fifth billing?

And continuing in sour grapes vein (it's that blasted "fifth billing" AGAIN!), I'm becoming rather dubious about the "dream pairing" casting for the "Hollywood version" of Bridget Jones. If BJ is a British actress (and she should be), I wouldn't be surprised if an American actor was cast for MD. (Who is Colin Firth?) "Dream pairings" in Hollywood terms aren't both Brits. Can someone sweeten my grapes for me?

(Bethan) If BJ is a British actress (and she should be), I wouldn't be surprised if an American actor was cast for MD. That's why I have maintained that CF has a better chance of MD if BJ is an American actress. (Don't shoot me....I'm saying this for a "cause") However, after SIL and MLSF and possibly SLOW he might not get a "Who is Colin Firth" reaction. Dream pairings sometimes are Brits: Anthony Hopkins & Emma Thompson, RF and Kristin Scott-Thomas, Helena Bonham-Carter and Linus Roche, the recent Dangerous Beauty duo...Rufus Sewell and Catherine McCormack. Feeling better...Bethan? We all have those kind of low days!

I'm changing my life's philosophy and trying to learn to accept what I can't change!! And, (deep breath!) I'm thinking positively. And I'm going to WAIT PATIENTLY for MLSF. And I will sit through the entire length of SIL and not throw popcorn at JFiennes. And CF will play Mark Darcy. There Y'are. Can be done! My Bad Mood was induced by my total failure to get any positive information. I also phoned Handmade Films (on a bit of a roll!), but I think Evelyn manages this much better than I do. Basically, I just asked if SLOW is showing at Edinburgh. Answer "no". Then I asked if it would be showing anywhere (meaning festivals) but the girl explained that it would get a distributor and be released. I said (the voice of doom and gloom!)"Ah, but a lot of British films just disappear and we never see them". Reply "This one won't (disappear). You'll definitely see it". Polite thanks from me. End of report (unsatisfactory!)

I hope someone taped" Entertainment Tonight". By the time they said " and now some previews from GP's new movie" and I bolted for the tape and VCR... There He was.....sporting a mustache and goatee....looking gorgeous in costume. Of course, they featured William Shakespeare played by JF and Ben Affleck who apparently plays an actor at the Globe. Several scenes were shown , but the one that featured Colin , had the narrator explaining that...." GP, married to the Earl of Wessex, played by Colin Firth (I would have known that voice anywhere), falls in love with Wm Shakespeare." The scene also featured GP and Judi Dench. They announced that SIL would be in theatres in December.... Good News....they are starting publicity on it Now!! :-) Looks like a Winner!

There He was.....sporting a mustache and goatee....looking gorgeous in costume. Would that be the Earl of Wessex? Oh, why must they cover that lovely chin? Well, we'll just have to concentrate on the legs.

Unfortunately, we were down here in Gary's flat checking this damn page when DB was on ET *GRRRRRRRRRRR* Karen and I are going to cry in our beer now:( Evelyn you taped it??????? Perchance? We do love you btw:)!!!!

ET is rerun at 3:00am in my area (Delaware Valley). Thanks for the info! Will set timer and keep my fingers crossed.

Hot damn, how I love a man with a goatee! ;-D

A rare sighting of the elusive Mr F. Well done Evelyn! Long/short hair? Dark/blonde? Short bloomers and tights? Breeches and boots? Moustache and goatee.......is he recognisable? or has he again changed into someone completely different!

Just seen the snappies of Wessex. Why on earth does Gwyneth leave him for young Master Will?

Bless Meluchie ....she has posted at the Circle of Friends website the Snappies from SIL from last night's ET. Go to: http://www.grin.net/~meluchie/index1.html (Bethan) Why on earth does Gwyneth leave him for young Master Will? It does seem unrealistic to leave the handsome Earl of Wessex for young scrawny Will.....once again Colin has a wife cheating on him.!!

(bethan)Moustache and goatee.......is he recognisable? Indeed, although I, unlike Nan, would gladly pass the goatee :-( Anyway, bless Meluchie for posting those snappies, and Evelyn for letting us know about it!

Think he looks just mahhhhvalous!! (and I don't usually like him with facial hair). Did you catch the drop pearl earring he is wearing? What a stud! ;-D Wish there had been a long shot so we could ogle those long thin legs of his. Next time. We're going to have to keep a close eye on ET. They've likely filmed quite a bit on the set and will broadcast it in small snippets until the full press promotional activities start up in November. Can hardly wait.

He will never be anything but devastatingly handsome to me, whatever the image, but I do wish he had some other look on his face. One of my least favorites is that wingeful one he gets whenever he seems not to get his way. Perhaps that is why his mustache appeared out of proportion. I also objected to its obscuring his most delicious mouth. How could they??? But, I am being picky as only a devotee can be, and I am most thankful to Evelyn (via Stephanie) for letting me know he was to be on ET early enough for me to catch it on the early showing, and to Meluchie for putting the Snappies on the Net from which I have saved my very own copies. Thank you all!

(Karen) Wish there had been a long shot so we could ogle those long thin legs of his. Thighs, Karen....thighs!!! And as to his goatee.....boo hiss....it hides his dimples. But then, perhaps they were trying to make him less handsome than Will Shakespeare.....(Joe Fiennes.....gag...gag...)

I don't know he looks itchy with that garb on. I think I need to scratch him to ease the itchiness:) hee hee. I, too, can come up with good ones. Flight was fine Karen. Although, I almost missed it:)

(Evelyn) And as to his goatee.....boo hiss....it hides his dimples. Funny, I hadn't even considered that :-/ What a choice to make...dimples or goatee, dimples or goatee...hmmm... I'll have to go with the goatee. Aside from the naughty, pirate-y look it gives a fellow, there's nothing like some good beard-burn to make me feel like I've had a successful night ;-p (I'm in a wicked mood today ;-D)

(Nan)Dimples or goatee) Look at the picture again...I don't think it covers his dimples! I hope the part allows for some smiling. He looks kinda grumpy...but cute. Beard burn from him would be a trivial price to pay! My only hope is that he acts JF under the table and steals the show! (fingers crossed)

Hmmmm.... Beard burn, sounds quite scandalous:) hee hee. But yeah, I too, could deal w/ it:)

I hope the part allows for some smiling. He looks kinda grumpy.. .but cute. I don't think the Earl of Wessex was a smiley kind of guy....and perhaps the goatee suits the role....sinister...after all, he did attempt a coup and was executed. My only hope is that he acts JF under the table and steals the show! (fingers crossed) CF is known for not hogging the scenes and upstaging other actors. However, if JF does not play his role adequately..... :-) Did you get ETon tape , Sofie? Wasn't Will sort of a jerk in it? This is billed as a comedy, however.

No Evelyn I didn't. Damn TIMERS! HATE THEM! AAAHHHHH! I should have had my 11 year old son set it. Live and burn. I have a thing for cute jerks though. Why would they cast someone as good looking as CF in the role unless they wanted Wessex to have some appeal?

(Sofie) I have a thing for cute jerks though. Why would they cast someone as good looking as CF in the role unless they wanted Wessex to have some appeal? Reference to jerk was JF as Will Shakespeare in the ET tape. I agree as to casting CF for appeal.....No one could fathom why Katherine left Geoffrey for The Count.... :-( BTW... Big Relief: Have viewed SIL pics again....dimples will not be hidden by goatee....Happy, Nan? :-)

Big Relief: Have viewed SIL pics again....dimples will not be hidden by goatee....Happy, Nan? :-) We can all breathe a big *sigh* of relief! ;-D

Having looked at the SIL snappies I want to see this before Dec. Why so long. I hope that he gets enough notice for this in the U. S. that we will get to see more of his films. Such as MLSF and TSLOW. I love Fever Pitch and am still hoping it will be released here,but not much chance. He looks gorgeous in SIL Snappies

I just received the Sept. issue of US "Premiere" and there is a small write-up on SIL. Since we're low on CF news, I'll give you a gist. Warning: they do not mentions CF (grrrrr) If you get Premiere Mag skip this thread. If you read it at a newstand it is on p. 61. Here goes: Shakespeare in Love The Pitch: Struggling with writer's block, William Shakespeare (JF) is pressured by a debt-ridden theater owner (GR) to produce a hit. During auditions for his work in progress, "Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter, the bard falls for an actress (GP) who becomes the inspiration for his most famous love story. The Big Picture: Written by playwright Tom Stoppard and Marc Norman the screenplay inspired Miramax's notoriously parsimonious brothers Weinstein to shell out a reported $4.5 M. Even so, SIL's path from script to screen was never smooth. Daniel Day-Lewis rejected the lead in 1992; Julia Roberts followed him and the project came screeching to a halt, even while sets were being consstructed. Fiennes signed on and GP filled Robert's shoes as the inspiration for Juliet. Continued.....

"Gwyneth brings a lot of class to a cast of basically English character-actor rat bags," jokes Rush (with notable exception of GP's real-life beau, Ben Affleck who appears in a supporting role) Director John Madden was keen to ensure that this romantic comedy not descend into stodgy costume drama. "Art house is what you would think with the word Shakespeare flying around, " he says. "It's actually very modern and funny." In that spirit, cast members brainstormed such alternative titles as "Good Will Humpi g" and "The Full Monologue. "We think of Shakespeare in reverential tones, but this is set before he hits it big" says Rush. "He 's looking for a muse, for inspiration. Shakespeare can't get it up, basically." (Miramax, December) I did not add anything to the article. The story sounds a little different....where does Earl of Essex come in if Viola is an actress? Also sounds like they had a lot of fun filming this :-) Who knows? It might even be a "rumpy-pumpy"!! :-)

Evelyn, if you look at Murph's site she has a complete synopsis of what happens to Colin's character and how he fits in based on the screen play. Although we're not sure if they will follow the screen play closely--because in the original screen play Viola was named Belinda.

Sorry Evelyn I meant movie script (the exact words used by the individual who wrote it) not screen play.

"Gwyneth brings a lot of class to a cast of basically English character-actor rat bags" Gee thanks Geoffrey!:-) I just can't make out what the storyline of SIL is going to be, or what role the Earl of Wessex plays. All the summaries/descriptions seem so different! And if GP is married to him, how can he be a baddie....more an injured husband whose wife runs off to go on the stage. And why does Viola fall for Will, who sounds like a nerd.(Impotent?)Maybe she likes a challenge! I give up!! Positive thoughts...it sounds as though it's a comedy, it will get a lot of promotion and media coverage, and (perhaps because of the timing of the release) maybe some Oscar attention...Best Costumes?) And then maybe MLSF, in which CF is the bona fide lead, will get released, on the back of recognition for SIL. Here's hoping!!

Re: SIL (Bethan) perhaps it will get some Oscar attention...Best Costumes?) Good possibility. Sandy Powell costume designer received an '98 Oscar nomination for "Wings of the Dove". Did not win, but went on to win a BAFTA 98 for the same film. :-) MLSF, in which CF is the bona fide lead, will get released, on the back of recognition for SIL Both are produced by Miramax, so it makes sense to capitalize on the strength of the more bankable film. :-) ( Jana) because in the original screen play Viola was named Belinda. Was SIL originally a play? Tom Stoppard is a prominent play writer.

Outta here, italics.

(Evelyn) Was SIL originally a play? Tom Stoppard is a prominent play writer. I think the original screenplay referred to is the one by Marc Norman. Stoppard appears to have a done a complete overhaul, yet Norman will continue to receive a co-billing. (Bethan) And then maybe MLSF, in which CF is the bona fide lead, will get released, on the back of recognition for SIL. Quite right. I think I read the PR for SiL and after Colin's name it said "of TEP and the soon-to-be released MLSF." So they are already using it.

Losing the plot I thought I'd got the hang of Wessex's role in SIL until I saw the snappies. I could see how a dashing baddie out to win Viola by foul means or fair would fit in, but a humiliated husband.....I'm puzzled? Does Viola dress up as a boy and run off to join the players. It's public knowledge that she's obsessed with the theatre. Surely the first thing rich powerful hubbie would do is find her and drag her back (to spend the rest of her days locked up in a nunnery! Anne Boleyn was beheaded for less!) And if sh and Will were having a fling, then hubbie would run him through with a sword. I know it's a romantic comedy but it's difficult to see how a dishonoured husband fits in. If it's all about first love, presumably we're not even supposed to feel sympathy for the Earl. But how can he be the villain of the piece, and how can Viola (in a time when women had no freedom) flaunt her husband so. Very puzzling. Has anyone got any ideas? ATA Positively my last word! (Still not seen it) I saw (at Dolores' website)extracts from Laura Jones' original screenplay. It would seem that what CF signed up for and what made the final cut are completely different. All the scenes/dialogue that would have made Jess a fuller, more sympathetic character have been dropped/edited out. Presumably in the interests of the all powerful sisterhood, although the balance of the movie must have been destroyed by the weakness of the male roles. Can't the poor man sue.. for undeservedly bad critical reviews at least! How could he make any impact when he wasn't allowed the opportunity? Surely, he drew the short straw here!

Re: Plot of the Film SIL: Bethan, read the plot as presented on Murph's website. .(An awesome project, BTW) Apparently, Viola's daillance with Will occurs prior to her marriage to Robert Devereux....at least in the screenplay. The storyline seems to be loosely connected to the authentic facts. (Of course the whole event has never been documented) Anyway, we are all going to "Love It'!

Re: Plot of Film Keep in mind the synopsis posted at Murph's website is from the Marc Norman screenplay. It's been completely redone by Tom Stoppard. Too bad that screenplay service that Renate posted withdrew SiL. Maybe they had an old version as well. Some of the press releases coming out of Miramax are providing decent bits of info. (Bethan) then hubbie would run him through with a sword. We do know there is a swordfight, although we don't know who the participants are. As Evelyn says, regardless, we are going to *love* it.

A beautiful new intro to our area, Nan. Thanks!

I just signed the birthday card for C. Did anybody else?

Where is it, Cheryl, that I may sign it too?

Evelyn, Give Handmade Films a huge rocket from me! I just checked the Toronto Film Festival site which list all the 300 films showing.......and guess what, SLOW isn't there! The other two movies still on Handmade's books, The Man with Rain in His Shoes and Sweety Barratt, are both showing. If they can get two, why not the third? I could do better, for goodness sake. I give up on this. I can understand it not making the smaller Venice festival, but surely when there are THREE HUNDRED films, many of which ar quite obscure, it should be possible...!! How can it get a distributor if they can't even get a screening! GRINDING OF TEETH!

(gi)Where is it, Cheryl, that I may sign it too? http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/4144/birthday.html I think the cutoff is Sept. 8. It looks like one of the major sites, so I'm sure ya'll have seen it. (I've just caught up to them.) Probably even know the name of it's owner (Delores? Murph? Menuchie? Such a club.) It's also interesting to me that a great many of the things I read correspond with my impressions of C years ago. Example: TEP got away from him as an actor, and "I won't let it happen again." Although to a certain extent the script required his character to be pushed aside, there are many ways to arrive at the same place.

I meant to say, such a club :-)!!! (got interrupted and accidently posted before I was ready) Re reading all of your comments and the comments on the other sites, I'm glad my perceptions weren't out of left field vis-a-vis those of you who have been following much more closely, is what I meant.

(gi)Where is it, Cheryl, that I may sign it too? http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/4144/birthday.html I think the cutoff is Sept. 8. It looks like one of the major sites, so I'm sure ya'll have seen it. (I've just caught up to them.) Probably even know the name of it's owner (Delores? Murph? Menuchie? Such a club.) It's also interesting to me that a great many of the things I read correspond with my impressions of C years ago. Example: TEP got away from him as an actor, and "I won't let it happen again." Although to a certain extent the script required his character to be pushed aside, there are many ways to arrive at the same place.

I meant to say, such a club :-)!!! (got interrupted and accidently posted before I was ready) Re reading all of your comments and the comments on the other sites, I'm glad my perceptions weren't out of left field vis-a-vis those of you who have been following much more closely, is what I meant.

Cheryle, thank you for all your insights. I've been away all summer and was not able to do so before. Ladies what great sights greet my return--you are too good! I did not see SLOW listed in the list of films to be included in the Venice Film Festival when I read the "Corriere della Sera" last week in Italy. The Toronto Film Festival is very important though( my friends in the industry never miss it. I would guess that Colin may make an appearance himself (get your plane tickets now!!!). Great news about his next starring role: a thriller!

Moon Dreams, What thriller are you talking about?

Colin is back on the ballot! Poll for favorite male actors ( http://www.celebrity1000.com/actors.html ) They took him off a month or so ago, but just put him back on. (Though when I just went to vote, the page was broken and not working. I'm sure they'll fix it soon). They also took Reese Witherspoon off the list, for which I'm sure she is grateful!

Is that the same charming site that accused us of "stuffing the ballot box" the last time? You'll have to tell me because, after their obnoxiously juvenile and sarcastic answer to Kate, I swore I wouldn't visit that site again. However, if it is a different place, please do tell...so I can vote ;-)

Is that the same charming site that accused us of "stuffing the ballot box" the last time? } Yes, I think it is, but I'm not sure. That's why I am surprised they put Colin back on. But I also visit a Highlander site, and they've been doing lots of ballot stuffing for Adrian Paul and Peter Wingfield, too. What does a web site expect from an on-line poll! I remember "People" had one a while back where Mitch Peleggi (Assistant Director Skinner) outscored David Duchovny (Mulder.) Yeah, right. That was a natural result!

(Passionata) What thriller are you talking about? The Marked Man, I read about it in Spring but I can not remember where, can anyone help? Checked on-line Yahoo Italia for the list of films at the Venice Fim Festival and SLOW is not listed.